The Chronicles The Lux Umbra War

JOURNEY TO EXILE

T

his is a tale that hails from the dark. A chronicling of these people known as the Champions of Darkness. How fate would cast these heroes out as villains trying to snuff out the radiance of light. A world to be subjugated by the light that people sought for warmth and protection. If these so-called villains are not able to stop the plan that the Goddess of Light herself has set in motion, then the world may already be lost. But let me tell you the beginning of this tale, how the journey to exile began 20 years prior to their rise against the light. It all started with the Guardians of Light marching through a ferocious snowstorm in the northern continent seeking out the being known as the Dark Messenger, to lay one final judgment to mark the end of their journey.

The blistering cold of the wind, having felt like the cold was cutting through them like knives, a man of cool natural light skin color, a rough black beard, a scar across his face with dark brown eyes, clad in golden armor with a legendary golden sword and shield emerges from the thick of the snowstorm, now being able to see what appears to be a small ruin up ahead. He whistles letting the other three know something is ahead. A woman, with light, silky skin color looking smooth to the touch, sky blue colored eyes with long black hair over her shoulders reaching down to her waist, wearing white robes emerges from the snowstorm next to the man gripping tightly onto her wooden staff that resembles an ancient tree, staff. Next a man with rose beige colored skin, eyes colored of bright green grass, with light brown hair, wearing black robes emerges, holding a long wand in his hand with a pointy, khaki colored hat, and finally a woman, with ivory skin color, ruby colored eyes, and long silky black hair that shines easily off of light in a scarlet red cloak with white trimmings, black boots and a red cavalier hat with a white feather with a thrusting sword and a red gem firmly placed between the hilt and blade. The man in golden armor speaks to his group He must be at the ruins up ahead. the others nod in agreement and start walking up the snow-covered stairs to the small ruin up ahead. In front of them lies a dark stone pedestal. The man in golden armor touches the pedestal and a glyph appears activating ley lines around the small ruins, the four walk to the middle as the small lit green circle platform appears under them and brings the four down to the lower levels. The small platform reaches the bottom and the four step off in a dark room. Fires around them light up the way, revealing a path forward to them. The four start gradually walking slowly as they start hearing whispering and seeing shadow figures not their own at the corner of their eyes. Don’t listen to the whispering, they take hold of your mind and force us to fight each other. the woman in white robes exclaimed worriedly. The four make it to a small narrow corridor. They squeeze through and make it to the other side to see this person completely covered from head to toe in jet black robes, a hood that conceals his face. The Dark Messenger looks at them for a moment and speaks to them with a dark foreboding voice. So, thou seeketh mine own end? Doth thou knoweth of thee Goddess of Light’s plan to subjugate thy world? the four stare at the robed speaker. The man in golden armor steps forward and speaks What do you mean to say foul creature of the dark? The Goddess of Light is all things benevolent! I will not have her name sullied so! the Dark Messenger lets out an eerie laugh followed by a quick statement. FOOL! Are thou so blindeth by Light’s embrace that thee cannot perceiveth her plan? If thou refuseth to see her foul plan, then I shall showeth thee. The Dark Messenger quickly puts up his arm, his hand facing the four and unleashes a dark haze to envelop the four Guardians of Light. They find themselves floating in darkness as the ground starts to form underneath their feet. The man in golden armor looks at the other three and feels relieved to see that they are still there and well. Where are we? the man in golden armor asks with a quizzical look on his face. Seems like we are in a magic sphere. Maybe a magic temporal bubble? He means to show us something, that we can count on. the black robed magician replies confidently. The four look forward as they see something start to take shape. Before them they start to see a clouded image start to gain clarity as they can start making out what is happening in the vision. A voice emanates with an echoing boom that shakes the four to the very bone. Thou shalt see thine Light’s evil. and the vision starts showing them of what is to happen, what appears to be Angels cutting people down with pure white eerie coloring rising from their bodies, motionless on the ground. Entire villages and cities burning. At the end of this village, the Goddess of Light with big bright radiant wings, bright platinum colored hair, laughing maniacally as she watches the world burn. The vision ends and the four find themselves back in the same room with the robed mysterious man. What doth thou think of future’s plight? Doth thou still wisheth to strike me down? The four standing there not sure what to make of what just happened. The man in golden armor looks directly at the robed man. Tell me something. The man in golden armor pauses for a moment to ponder and gather his thoughts and continues. What becomes of us? The robed man looked away for a moment as if to hide pain in his face that cannot be seen. He looks back at the man in golden armor and speaks with a heavy tone in his voice.

Thy becometh thralls of Chrystallyn Lightbringer and carry her bidding. The four stare in dismay of what the robed man had just spoken. They all look at each other. The man in golden armor speaks first. Surely this cannot be true! he said worriedly as he made a distressed face. Well surely even you may have noticed how different the light feels as of recent. the woman in red said concerned. True, but how far in the future does this even take place? There is no way of truly knowing. the woman in white robes said as she strokes her chin pondering what may be really going on. For all we know this all could be lies! We may have to strike this man down after all. the pointy hat magician said. The man in golden armor nods in agreement. They all turn to face the black robed man as they all-ready their weapons for a fight.

The black robed man looks at them irritated and yells out enough for the ruins to shake. FOOLS! Thou hath decideth to side with evil! Are thou not thee protectors of this world?! the man clad in golden armor yells back We are protectors of this world and its radiant light! and the man in golden armor charges the black robed magician. The black robed magician raises his hand and lets out a large fireball, hurling it towards the Dark Messenger, causing an explosion, the ruins start to shake violently as rubble starts to fall and slam into the ground. The man in golden armor flies back as the surrounding area is set ablaze. DAMN the golden armored man yelled. The pointy hat magician uses ice magic in an attempt to put out the fire but to no avail did he succeed. The white robed woman uses air magic and snuffs the fire out almost immediately. The woman in red sets her thrusting sword on fire and charges the Dark Messenger as the man in golden armor gets back up and charges in after her. The Dark Messenger swings his arm out creating a black sphere and brings it down upon the woman in red forcing her to the ground as he puts out his other hand to let out a burst of air magic throwing the man in golden armor back once more. The woman in red yells. I feel like I am being crushed! HELP! The woman in white robes slams her staff into the ground causing a gust of wind to throw the Dark Messenger onto his back. The pointy hat magician points his wand out and shoots lightning, electrocuting the black robed man. The sphere holding the woman in red down disappears. She quickly gets back up with the man in golden armor and they both jump thrusting their swords directly into the black robed man’s chest. Victory thy may hath achieved but ephemeral it will be… the black robed man said with his dying breath. His body slowly vanishes into black haze rising into the air. The four now gathered close together sigh out of relief, as they sheath their weapons and use magic to have their wand and staff stick to their backs and make their way back to the small circle platform to go back to the surface. Having reached the surface, they encounter another strange man. One with a black hood over his head unable to see his face, as if it were just black haze, with a connected cape reaching down to the bottom of his feet, able to conceal his whole body. You four are fools! You have any idea what you have sided with? He spoke angrily towards them. The man in golden armor steps forward ready for a fight, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Say another word and I shall cut you down where you stand! he yelled back gritting his teeth waiting for him to make the first move. The new mysterious man laughs and replies to the man unable to take him seriously. You do not even know who I am. I am the God of Darkness known as Samhain Void bringer. If I wanted you dead, you would be so. The four take a step back, the man in the golden armor whispering to himself damn as he takes his hand off the hilt. What do you want from us? the woman in red asked. Samhain looks at her directly and says with a serious tone in his voice. I need you prepared for the worse. Goddess of Light has a sinister plan to throw the balance between light and dark here on this world in favor of light. The vision you saw was all true. The four look at each other in dismay once more. They look back at the Samhain and the man in golden armor asks with concern. Are we truly to become thralls of the light to bring harm to the very world we swore to protect? Samhain looks at him for a moment and then replies with a serious tone in his voice. Yes, but we must needs set a path for young heroes to become the Champions of Darkness to restore the balance. Though their path may prove to be arduous. The four looks at each other and then back at Samhain and nod in agreement. What would you have us do? the man in golden armor asks. Samhain simply smiles in relief, believing that there may be hope for the future to come yet.

TWENTY YEARS LATER…

A

young boy no more than 16 years of age, bright colored skin, teal-colored eyes, and jet-black hair that reaches down to his eyes, wakes up yawning in bed as the sun is rising in the early morning. The young boy hears a voice coming through the window, hey! Solace, are you up? Solace looks out the window and sees a young girl with blonde hair that reaches down to her back, green eyes and fair white skin. Solace opens the window and replies, of course I’m up Hope. What are you doing here so early? Solace asks groggily. Come on, sleepy head! We found something interesting! Hope replies excitedly. Solace rubs his eyes and looks back at Hope smiling from ear to ear excited. Solace lets out a sarcastic sigh and says, Fine, give me a few minutes. Solace closes the window as Hope jumps up and down unable to contain her excitement. Solace gets dressed in a black leather overcoat running low, ending right above his ankles and black pants and black boots. Solace grabs his standard steel sword from his closet and heads out to meet up with Hope. Come on Solace! Hope yells out as Solace walks up next to her. They started walking out of the small bustling village and into the forest. Solace looks at Hope as they are making their way through the forest. What is this thing you are so excited about Hope? Hope looks at Solace with a big smile and says We believe we found some kind of secret entrance! A cave never before seen! Solace looks at Hope with a quizzical look. Don’t tell me that this cave just popped up out of nowhere. Solace said jokingly. It may as well have! Hope replies quickly. Solace raises his left eyebrow as his interest is piqued.

Solace and Hope emerge from a large set of bushes, to see a young boy in dark green robes and a khaki cape, he has brown hair and brown eyes with bright skin as if he keeps himself locked inside all day. Oh, hey guys! Took you both long enough! the boy yells out. Hope lets out a giggle and replies happily Oh yeah Fate? Where’s Serenity? She should be here too! Hope and Solace walk next to Fate, stop, and wait for him to answer. Well, Serenity kind of scouted ahead. She said she was feeling a kind of dark presence. Fate relays to Hope and Solace. Solace ponders a bit and replies This better not be another fright joke. Solace says almost regretting coming this far. Hope looks at Solace and says cheerfully don’t worry Solace, it’ll be fine. Solace smirks and replies, That is what they usually say when something terrible is about to happen. But come on, let us start heading into this place. Solace said, preparing himself for Serenity’s possible joke. The three-start making their way with Fate leading the way. The three come to a clearing with many trees blocking the light from the sun, and before them stands a cave with an entrance so dark, they can’t see any further than a few steps in. A girl wearing a green bandanna, white and green shirt split diagonally white on top and green on bottom, and green pants with black short boots, monolid eyes, with shiny black hair reaching down to her lower back, and fair light skin, emerges from the deep shadowed cave entrance. I see you decided to finally show up, Solace. she said in a mix of joking and mocking toned voice, confusing Solace. Solace smirks and replies Wasn’t sure if our short-stacks girl was going to pull another prank. As Serenity walks up next to Solace and lightly pats Solace on the shoulder. Oh, come now, don’t be too hard on me, Solace. Serenity said playfully. Solace, with a half-smile, is nodding no. He stops and looks at everyone as they look at him. Well, it seems like we are going in! Solace yells as his voice echoes through the cave. He turns around and starts to head in as the other three follow behind him. Hope waves her hand, and a ball of light appears above the group to give them some visibility.

Strange… it seems the deeper we go, the dimmer the magic light gets. Solace said with a concerned tone in his voice. Serenity nods and replies with a low toned voice yeah, I couldn’t get very far, even with night magic to allow me to see in the dark. The four continue to venture deeper into the unknown dark, and as the four continue onwards, they start to hear whispering that is gradually getting louder with each step they take. I don’t know guys, I'm pretty worried. Since when does the dark have foreboding whispers? Fate said, his voice cracking with worry. I don’t know but stop worrying so much. Does you no good. Serenity replied coldly. Fate frowns at her cold reply, looking to the side, peering into the darkness that never seems to end. The four start to try and feel their way through, until Solace raises his hand and yells for everyone to stop. The four stop, Hope looking around to try and see her friends. Uh, guys! The whispering is getting pretty loud. I can’t see you or anything at all! Hope yells out, trying to get herself heard by the others. The whispering getting louder, sounding like something is getting closer. Solace desperately looking around to try and see anything at all. Maybe this was not such a good idea? Solace yells to everyone. The four of them suddenly being lifted up from the ground, being turned around as if to face something. The four are suddenly being thrusted forward into a pit, landing on something that feels soft. They now feel like they are being pulled under, struggling to get out, to get back on top. They look up now being able to see, as if moonlight was shining down on the area. What in the seven hells is going on?! Fate yells panicking, flailing around to try and keep himself above. A hooded cloaked being, standing at the edge, unable to see any face, as if the body is made of black haze. H-help us! Serenity yells out, scared out of her mind. Fate and Serenity are completely consumed by the darkness around them, engulfing Hope next, Solace looks over at Hope. Don’t worry Solace, everything will be fine. Hope says looking pale as a ghost as she gets engulfed. Solace looks back up at the mysterious hooded being, as his face goes under, trying to reach out, the darkness swirling around his hand, pulling him under. The mysterious hooded being, after waiting a little bit, raises his hand up, raising the darkness as far up as the ceiling of the cave. Embrace the darkness. The mysterious being said in a dark crackling voice. The mysterious being throws his hand to the side forcing the darkness to disperse, changing the entire room into what looks like the starry night sky. With little light orbs floating around. The mysterious hooded being makes a fist with his left hand and yells out Awaken! My Champions of Darkness! The four floating in the air, opening their eyes, slowly landing onto their feet, looking directly at the mysterious hooded being. W-what did you do to us?! Solace exclaimed. The Mysterious being looks at them as he floats down to the ground to meet them at their level. All I have done is turn you into Champions of the Dark. The Mysterious being replies with a dark foreboding voice. Serenity starts walking towards the mysterious being, with emanating anger. Solace puts his hand up to stop her, and continues, But why us? What makes us so special? Solace asks, putting his hand down. You four have been chosen by a great power you do not yet recognize. Hearts pure and true to conviction, you will be this world’s last hope. The Mysterious being replied, taking a few steps closer. The four, weary, take some back. And please, pray tell, what does this mean for us? Hope asks worriedly. The Mysterious being cackles a little bit and replies, Your path will be fraught with darkness. The world will cast you out as villains, the world will hunt you down like animals, all part of the Goddess of Light’s sinister plan. The four, looking shocked, unable to believe a single word he has said. Solace steps forward Lies! That can’t be! Solace exclaims. If you will not believe me now, then you will see for yourself. The Mysterious being replies by putting his hand up, the four youths, now Champions of the Dark, are whisked away to the entrance of the cave. The four looked at each other, worried. What should we do? Fate asks, shaking a bit. They all ponder a bit. Should we tell someone from the village about this? Hope asks curiously, fear clearly still in her voice. No, we can’t get them involved for a number of reasons. Solace replies still pondering, still shaken by what happened. Then what? What is it that we can do? Serenity asks, becoming slightly impatient, as to wanting some kind of answers. First, we must keep our calm. The only people who may even begin to understand our plight would be the heroes we look up to. Solace replies looking at everyone seriously. You don’t mean the Guardians of Light, do you Solace? Fate asks. Solace nods yes, confirming Fate’s question. But what if they too, try to strike us down like that mystery guy in the cave was saying? Serenity asks. For all our sakes, let us hope not. But they have shown reason before with their opposites. Solace replies, unsure of the certainty in his own plan. But first, we should say something to our families and friends, like we are going on an adventure, we are coming of age anyways, so leaving the village for our growth and proof of adulthood is normal, so we can come back later at some point, our families will be waiting for us, hopefully proud of us on our return. Serenity said, thinking to herself that she hopes to bring honor to her family. Solace nods in agreement, and they start making their way back home to the village. The four, now with their quest, make their way back to the village to say their goodbyes. As they make it back to the entrance they are greeted by another youth, blonde hair, blue eyes, bright white skin. He approaches them, You guys have been gone a while huh. There were some people getting worried, I told them that you were fine, that you were on some fun little adventure through the woods. Glad to see I was right, haha. He said laughing nervously. Solace pats his shoulder, Worry not friend, we merely got lost in our cave exploration. Solace replies smiling. Yeah of course. Could you let the others know we have returned? So that they do not worry too much. Solace requested. The kid nods Of course, you can always count on me! and he runs off to let some of the villagers know of their return. Solace turns around to face everyone. We meet up here in the morning, alright everyone? The four nod in agreement. They split up to go back to their families, for one final moment with them.

SOLACE…

S

olace walks up to the door, grabs the handle, hesitating to open the door. He lets go to take one last look around the village, watching people go about their day like they normally would. I think I may actually miss this place. Solace says to himself quietly. Solace turns back around and opens the door to enter his home. Is that you Solace? his mom asks as she comes around the corner to see him. Oh, Solace I was worried about you! Been gone for so long. How was your little expedition? Solace looks at his mom and then looks to the side. Funny, we actually ended up getting lost for a time, but we managed to get back out. Kind of embarrassing. Solace looking to the side, putting on an act to look embarrassed rubbing the back of his head. Solace’s mom walks up to him and hugs him. It’s alright, the important thing is to learn from your mistakes. Solace’s mom gets back up to go sit back down on the chair at the table. Mom, you know where dad is? Solace asks while walking into the living room. He should be coming back soon from the hunt. His mom replied. Solace nods and walks out to the backyard. He looks at the dummy and a wooden sword sitting next to it. Solace picks up the wooden sword with his left hand, swings it around a little bit, and then starts practicing his swordsmanship on the dummy. Swinging the sword and hitting the dummy extra hard. Solace starts thinking to himself, ‘Why… Why us? What is this great power we do not recognize yet? What is going on with this Champions of the Dark? Will we truly become the world’s villains? To have the world see us as evil?’ Solace dips down a little bit, spins, swinging the sword in a spiral motion, cutting the dummy across the middle leaving a mark. Solace gets back up and continues. ‘I wonder how the Guardians of Light felt being chosen. Were they nervous? Perhaps even scared that they would not live up to that legendary name, the Protectors of Light?’ Solace grips the wooden sword with both hands, jumps, while in mid-air he raises the sword above his head, letting out a scream, striking the dummy on the head, Solace quickly gets back up and jumps back a little bit. Wielding the sword in just his left hand again, he spins the sword a little bit, and charges, striking the dummy so hard the wooden sword breaks in half. ‘But still, I have a few friends that are like family to me. Especially Hope. We will take this challenge head on. We will show them that dark is not evil or to be feared… we must.’ Solace falls on his butt sweating a little bit looking at the setting sun. Well, what do we have here? Solace quickly gets up and spins around to face who spoke to him just now. Dad? You are back! Solace said, surprised. Of course, I am! A successful hunt at that! the dad replies laughing. Come son, let’s go back inside. The father motions to Solace walking back inside. The mom, preparing dinner, looks at the dad and Solace coming back in. Dinner will be ready shortly you two. The mom yells out. The dad sits on the couch and motions over for Solace to do the same. Solace also sits on the couch looking at his dad straight in his eyes. Now tell me son, what bothers you? You broke the training sword after all hahaha. the dad asks Solace. Yeah, sorry about that. Solace replies looking downwards as if in shame. Don’t be sorry about that Solace! The dad replied laughing. It’s a good thing, it shows how far you’ve come, but also shows there is something bothering you. The dad said comforting Solace, patting him on the head, messing up his hair. Solace fixes his hair a little bit and looks back at him. Look, dad, me, and my friends… we want to go out… to the capital to prove ourselves. To see the world, and make a name for us, so we would have to leave the village for a long time. Solace replies, in emotional turmoil, unable to speak the full truth to his dad. Is that it? the dad asks tilting his head. Solace nods. We would leave tomorrow, early in the morning. Solace said clenching his teeth to hide what he is truly feeling. The dad gets up and looks at Solace. Come with me son The dad said with such a calm expression towards Solace. The both of them walk out back to a shed. The dad grabs keys from his pocket and unlocks the door. The dad opens the door, and they both walk in. Son… there is something I want to give you. Well, when the time called for it, and this is that time now. Amazing how much you have grown Solace. The dad said with a tear rolling down his right cheek. The dad grabs a long box. And places it on a table. Opens the box and inside lays a sheathed sword. The hilt is darker than night itself, the scabbard being of the same color. This sword has been in our family for many millennia. Our family lineage goes back to that of the first world catastrophe. This dark blade who banished a monster from beyond the stars. A monster that transcends both the light and dark. Solace picks up the blade, looking at the black hilt with silver outlining, on top are three silver arrows on both sides pointing diagonally downwards. Solace unsheathes the blade a little bit. Solace looks surprised, The blade is black. I have never seen such a sword before. Solace said, surprised. The dad chuckles. This is the legendary sword known as Lucien Shadow, who belonged to the legendary hero of the first catastrophe. Been passed down the family line since. Solace looking shocked beyond words. And now the blade belongs to you. I know that no matter what, you will bring honor to our family name. I will always be proud of you son; you will always be my pride and joy. the dad said with more tears rolling down his cheeks. Now come, let's go back inside and not keep the mom waiting unless we want to incur her wrath. The dad said laughing. The two head back out, the dad locks the shed, and now heading back inside the home.

HOPE…

H

ope, now back at home, enters and closes the door behind her. Makes her way into a bedroom, to see her mom bedridden. Sick and coughing up a storm. The mom looks over at Hope and smiles. My dear daughter, you have returned. How are you? the mom said smiling, happy to see Hope back home. Oh mom, I’m always fine, I just worry about you. Hope replied while sitting down next to her mom. Mom, I have some pretty big news. Hope trying to hide her emotions. My dear Hope, what troubles you so? The mom asked worried. Hope closes her eyes for a moment, catching her breath and taking a moment to gather her thoughts. She opens her eyes and looks at her mom, I must leave the village for a while, I am not sure when I will be back. But I am going to master this healing magic, so that I can cure this sickness you have. Hope said with much emotion in her voice, putting