The Midnight Sun: Part One

"The Moon that became the Sun"

I said get up, Sun! As the twilight breeze swirled around the trees and over the land, one could hear the evening hoppers start to sing. Feeling this change around him, Sun wiped the sweat off his face as he began to speak, y'know old man, you can take it easy on me now and then. I am your son after all CHOP! One does not speak to their teacher in such a demanding tone. How many times have I told you? Our words carry more than just sound, Sun. Words carry our will and our bond. So call me Sensei, father, and or if it pleases you, the greatest Knight that ever lived. Ah yes, that has a lovely ring to it, doesn't it? Sun squinted his eyes for a moment before saying Ya, ya, ya, you're only the greatest knight for now old man! "CHOP!" owowowow alright alrrrright Sun said as he feverishly rubbed the top of his head. Why do you always gotta chop my head old man Sensei? One day I will surpass you, and become the greatest knight in this kingdom, no! THE WORLD has ever seen! You just wait and see! Sun yelled & howled as he changed fighting stances, OUUUUUUAA CHOP! lighting field ha! AIJAAAA! ..HA! said Sun's father as he looked beyond their home, and out into the distant hex fields. Taking in the natural splendor, Sun's father chuckled to himself as he patted his son's head. Well, you are my son after all.

One day you will inherit more than just my name, but my duty, and my grimoire. Well, a grimoire that is, but first you must learn to balance the power that lies within you. Without that balance, you are nothing more than wasted potential. There is a destiny that awaits you, and one day you will understand the importance of what I'm teaching you. More importantly, you will harness the will, and the power to shape your destiny. A path only you can walk. You will learn to bend destiny as you continue to push past your limits. Never hold yourself back, no matter what happens. Do you understand me, Sun? Strive for greatness, and master the power within you. Only then will lightning strike. Seeming a little shocked, Sun blurted out, Wait wait, WHAT?! A grimoire? Why can't I inherit your grimoire? "CHOP!" No more questions my son. Sun rolled his eyes, and said C'MONNN, how do you expect me to focus after saying something so mysterious like that?! Impatient, Sun wriggled his arms out in front of him, This isn't the lion king old man! Look, I don't wanna know, I gotta know old man. Um.. errr.. please Sensei! His father's gaze wandered towards the horizon as he said, You take after your mother. Clever, yet always so stubborn, but alas, she is my- "CHOP!". As Sun looked behind his father who suddenly fell to one knee-trembling with fear. The air around them grew warm as they felt a tremendous amount of mana surround them, and for a moment everything fell silent. Sun was struck with fear as he heard his mother yell "WHAT WAS THAT MIDNIGHT, MY LOVE?" and before Midnight could answer she chopped him again! OWOWOWOW, did I say stubborn?? My love, my light, I meant to say wise and ever so beautiful. Midnight said with a shaky grin. Sun's mother uttered Hmph with one arm on her hip, and the other still on Midnight's shoulder. Remember these moments too, my boy. As your father knows, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, now does it? As she glared at her husband before smiling at Sun. Without hesitation, Sun laughed as he watched his mother turn around and continue to scold his father.

As their voices started to fade, so did Sun's laughter. He realized that he was not truly there, but here, now, in the present. Sun could feel his memory slipping from his grasp as he started to come to. His sight started blurring into view, and he could only ask himself, why now.. his eyes squinted open as his steps rocked from side to side. He could see he was in trouble. Focus! ..there it was again. The old man has always been there in the back of my mind. As Sun shook the words out of his head, and almost lost his footing while raising his arms to defend himself. The sounds of people chattering began to fill the air as his head began throbbing with pain again. Mugs clinked together while men cheered all around him, and laughed as the tavern bard sent his music dancing around thee Ol' Thorns Nest, a haven of sorts. Here at this pub one could find almost anything if you knew where to look, and or who to ask.

Men shouted for the fight to continue as Sun turned his attention to the matter at hand. He shrugged his shoulders back and forth and cracked his neck before taking in a deep breath and focusing his senses. Dodge left, right, duck left, step back, and possibly kick his chest. Dramatic, but effective Sun thought, but what ensued surprised everyone, well almost everyone. On the second level of the pub right above the fighting, was a well-built man leaning against the railing, cheering as ale ran down his fiery beard. You're do'n great lad! Keep it go'n he shouted as he looked down on Sun. As he grabbed the pub maiden passing next to him he introduced himself. I'm Whizk, and you are? Oh my, my, as smooth as you may think that was, especially with that think Irish accent, I can indeed say, not yours as she shrugged his arm off her. Look, don't take this personally, but I'm not fond of drunken men from this town. Seeing this as a playful challenge, Whizk said, Ohhh I see las, so drunk men from another town then, ey? Unfazed by this, the maiden said Noo, no, that's not what I meant. Anyways that's none of your business. So unless you have some coin, and or want another drink I'll be on my way. Looking past Whizk she said hey, isn't that your friend down there? Whizk whipped around to get a better eye on the fight. Oh, Sun you mean?? Ehh a friend, a pain in the arse, what's the difference las? A bit surprised by his answer she said Well you might want to help him because he's about to get knocked back into a dream he won't wake up from. Before Whizk could say something clever, she left to help another thorn in her side. Wiping the beer off his mouth Whizk thought to himself, Hm, you don't know him as I do. He'll never give up.. well unless he's distracted that is. Jokingly Whizk yelled, Man Sun! A cockblocking fella you are. Ye're not even up here, and ye still managed to scare em off. Well, I guess I've got nothing to worry about since you will be winning this money once ye lose to that big fella. HA! he bellowed as he slammed his mug on the railing. I need to fight next! meanwhile, Sun dropped his arms to his side... Smirking as he did so. Man the old man would give me a chop for doing this. Oh well he thought as he yelled come at me you ogar looking poor excuse of a challenge!

Noticeably frustrated upon hearing that, Sun's opponent yelled Ohhh that's rich coming from you! He spat on the ground in front of Sun, and said You call yourself a warrior, or what was it again? Oh ya, the greatest knight that ever lived ladies and gentlemen. Ha! What nonsense, you're more like a drunken asshole! Your father died a disgrace, and you're lower than a peasants pig rolling in the mud. A moment passed before he asked what's with the smirk? Sun answered, Woah, Woah, Woah.. you can't fault me for my greatest quality now, can ya? Do you know what your greatest fault is though? WHAT? yelled the man. From one pig to another, it's your inability to shut up. You talk too much.. among other things that are as Sun pointed to his belly. Infuriated at the jab at his unsavory appearance, the man yelled ENOUGH! as he charged Sun. Before he could land a blow Sun sidestepped, deflecting his opponent's right hook while simultaneously jumping up and landing a devastating kick to the side of the man's face. Striking his temple, and crushing the right side of his jaw. The man is known as "T'oar The Bear" landed face-first into the mud. The tavern fell silent, and as Sun looked upon his defeated foe, he simply said, I guess you were the pig in the mud all along. A slight chuckle leaped from his lips as turned around to leave, but not before bumping right into a man even bigger than the one laying on the ground behind him. Sounding like a creature the man growled, and in a deep tone, the man said that was a cheap shot. While looking up, Sun began to size the mammoth in front of him. Well, that's a point of perspective you see, but before he could finish his sentence he was thrown onto the mud next to the man he had just defeated. As the giant took a step forward, Whizk downed the rest of his ale and jumped from the second level. Winking at the maiden right before smashing his mug onto the head of the giant who had just manhandled his friend. The giant groaned as he stumbled for a moment, knocking over the teller who was about to hand out the winnings. At that very same moment, Whizk landed, and seized that opportunity to grab some of the money from the teller's hands, and threw the rest into the air. He then ran past the giant and the swarm of men who almost all at once leaped after the bills that were floating around their heads. Whizk grabbed the back of Sun's shirt lifting him as he ran forward, once a pig always a pig, Aye laddie?! Now run unless you want to be eaten by that giant oaf of a boar!

As they pushed past the crowd that grew increasingly hostile with each moment... Sun sensed mana that he hadn't felt since he was a kid... Scanning the faces as he ran out of the Thorns Nest he thought for a moment that he might've seen his mother, but that couldn't be true. She died a long time ago, but now is not the time to dwell on the unknown he thought. As the childhood friends continued to make a run for it, they jumped over a little cobblestone bridge nearby, and down an alley underneath the bridge. Once they reached the end, they walked up the stairs onto the path that would lead them home.

Out of breath, Whizk gasped out Phew! that was a close one, huh lad? Y'know Whizk, I had that handled back there said Sun. Sure ye did, just as I'm sure we made out with a bot load of loot! What do you mean man? Well, you see... I bet that you'd lose, but luckily I saw my chance to knock two doves with one stone, or in this case, one big ol' oaf. Saved you didn't I? Reckon I was due some cash for my services. Ha, man you're a trip chuckled Sun. Can I ask you something all-wise one? Curious, Whizk eyed Sun out of the corner of his eye as he counted his pex & coin. Look here, that's gonna cost ye extra lad. Both of them laughed for a good while, and as their laughter died down, Sun repeated his question to Whizk. Alright, you, ask away, and I shall answer in kind. For a brief moment, Sun hesitated, but then asked what do you think about destiny? ..Destiny?? Do you mean like the band from the old world? No, no, no, you know what I mean.. do you think there's a calling for all of us that determines who we are in life? Whizk thought for a moment before he spoke. Honestly, I've got no clue. I may be a magical genius, but the truth is even I don't know who we're meant to be. I mean look at me. I'm not even married and I'm raising two little beasties. For a moment they were silent as they continued to walk down the path ahead of them. They were almost to the clearing they called the hole in the wall from where they could see their homes near the border of trees that surrounded their small Town.

I'll leave you with this, luck, and laziness go hand in hand. The same could be said about destiny, right? The choices you make throughout your life will determine the man you'll become. It's a fickle dance, but I've never been very good at the foxtrot anyways. More of a headbanger myself, y'know. The point is, it's your choice. Ya, that makes sense Whizk. Well of course it does. Now that'll be five coins laddie. Ha, keep dreaming Whizk now that you reminded me, how much money did we make out with? Oh, what's this we business? I did all the work, and you think you're owed some of my loot now ey, no way. Alas, wait till I tell ye, perhaps a wee bit more than I initially thought. How much Whisk?? Alright, alright, wind your neck in, maybe around 500 pex. Shocked, and in slight disbelief, Sun asked how the hell did you manage to take that without getting us killed?? Simple, a little bit of luck, and a bit of laziness on your part. See, didn't I tell ya? They go hand in hand. Alright well, I'm getting at least half of those winnings. Don't get ahead of yourself lad. I'll have to consider that seeing how I did the heavy lifting. Pex is hard to come by these days. Sarcastically, Whizk said Oh to have lived when dollars were the form of currency. Free trade was always better anyways! Sun laughed before saying I think you just like the free part of that statement more than anything. I don't disagree Whizk said before pulling a heart-shaped locket out of his pocket. Before I forget, here you go Sun. Grabbing the locket from Whizk's hand, Sun looked down at it and remembered how he felt that mana earlier while fleeing the Thorns Nest. Before he could say anything, Whizk laughed, and asked Ye missing the mud already, huh little piggy?

As the two friends laughed and argued over how to split their Pex while continuing their walk, Sun felt mana so intense that he stopped right in his tracks. Whizk could sense something was off in the air as well as he too stopped laughing. Hey man, do you feel that? asked Sun. Ya, ya I do, and it's coming from down there. As Sun turned towards the direction Whizk was looking at, they were both struck with a wave of dread as they saw a thick cloud of smoke rising from the direction their homes stood. Whizk did not hesitate and started bounding down the hill towards his home. Not far behind Sun was about to run after him when he felt that familiar mana again. Except for this time as he scanned his surroundings, and all he could see was a fox. A fox that seemed not to notice him at first, but then it looked directly at him, almost as if it knew him, and for a moment something seemed so familiar, but before Sun could place what it was the fox ran into the woods, and down the path that led to his home. What am I doing! Snap out of it, and run! As he ran down the hill to their homes he thought Man I hope I get there in time. Whizk, I'm right behind you man! By the time Sun reached the foot of the house all, he could see was a thick cloud of smoke surrounding Whizk's cottage, and flames tearing through his friend's home like a wild dragon. Sun thought that couldn't be since a dragon hadn't been seen since the fall of the old world. Whizk! where are you?! Em! Kids?! Nobody responded, and as Sun grabbed his communicator he thought he saw one of the kids run into the woods nearby. Maybe Whizk got them out in time and took them away from the fire.

Sprinting towards the tree line where he saw one of the kids enter, he realized his house was also burning from the inside. Desperately, Sun shouted How can this be... Damn it! what is happening?! Where are Whizk and his family! WHIZK! Alright calm down, think, think, think man. He's gotta be in the woods. Sun ran into the woods yelling out for his friend and was met by one of Whizk's dogs, Kubo. He barked and howled when he saw me, good boy! thank god you made it out too. Where's your dad?? Take me to pops boy! C'mon boy, let's go! and before he could say another word Kubo took off towards the light path that connected their homes through the forest. He lost sight of Kubo, but he could hear him. He followed the sounds and managed to finally catch up, and to Sun's relief, he found Whizk's little niece waiting. She appeared to have minor injuries but seemed alright overall. Thank the old gods! You guys made it out alright. Em got up and hugged Sun. Em cried out with relief, Thank you for coming to save us! We barely made it out before the flames closed in on us. We were on our way to your place when we heard Uncle. So we ran back, and he told us to wait here. He ran back to find our dogs, but it looks like one found you. Ya, I thought I saw your little brother running this way, not more than a few minutes ago? Where is he?? He didn't listen and ran after our Uncle of course. Flynn must still be with Uncle looking for Sarge.

Alright good, then he's safe. Sun looked at Em before saying I'm happy you're safe, but I've gotta run to my house and save what I can. There's something there I cannot lose. Stay here with Kubo, and don't move! Tell Whizk I'll meet you guys back here in 20 minutes! Scared, Em yelled please don't go, Uncle Sun! Please don't! Sun grabbed Em by her shoulders and said everything is going to be okay. Your uncle will be back soon, and I'll be right behind him. Reaching into his shirt he pulled off his heart-shaped locket and put it around Ems's neck. This was my mother's, and it always kept me safe. This will protect you as it did me. I want you to hold onto it until I get back, alright? Em trembled at the thought of being left alone again but believed in the words she was hearing. Please be careful Uncle Sun! Please come back to us. Sun shouted I'll be back soon as he ran off towards his house.

Please don't be ruined... All I can think about is that damn book. Out of all the things that I have, why is that the only possession I can't bear to lose besides my mother's locket. I inherited that black grimoire ages ago from god only knows where, but what I know for certain is this book does absolutely nothing. Some Knight I turned out to be, but regardless of where I stand, I'll never give up! That book is all I have left of you, old man. It must hold the keys to my true destiny. I will become the greatest Knight! Sun yelled as he kicked his door down. Smoke immediately engulfed him, and as he coughed and could barely breathe. Ripping off a piece of his shirt he covered his mouth and face with it as he made his way towards his father's study. Where is it? Where did he leave it?? Man! I should've read that damn will again. Think...THINK! Oh ya, he did use to say that destiny was like a double-edged sword. Father always did have a way with words. Beneath his father's double-edged staff sword was a box that contained Sun's grimoire. As he quickly opened it he thought to himself, it's not damaged, thank god! Wait why are there two books? The old man's grimoire is here too... I thought it was lost to me when... You know what, it doesn't matter. I gotta get out of here! The fire began to unleash a fury that started breaking down pieces of the ceiling as the fire waved over the walls around him. Something was off about these flames he thought... it's almost like these flames are starting to clear a path for me to get out. As he ran he thought, I guess Whizk was right, a little luck huh. He continued to sprint towards the entrance, dodging left and out of the way from the falling debris from the ceiling. The fire began to roar behind him and suddenly increased its speed almost as if it were chasing him. With haste, Sun sprinted and dove out of the entrance before the fire reached him.

Before Sun could stand up he was hit in the back of his head knocking him out. Everything went black as the world around him fell silent. Moments later he started to come to but could only hear Em yelling UNCLE SUN! WAKE UP! Sun moaned with pain as he tried to breathe, but all he could do was spit out blood as he looked up. His heart sank with fear when he saw what was in front of him. Moon Knights stood across from him holding a tied-down Whizk on his knees. Em, and her brother Flynn was standing, but being held by two of the knights. It was then that Sun realized his hands were bound behind him, and that he couldn't move either. Two more of the Moon Knights were holding him up by his arms. Sun stayed calm, and took in everything around him, but stopped when he felt a dark presence sitting on a boulder nearby. The figure seemed to notice the gaze that was cast on him and shut the grimoire he was holding and jumped down from where he sat. As he emerged from the shadow of the bolder, the darkness never left him as he made his way across the yard. It was clear to Sun that he was no ordinary Moon Knight.

You there, yes, you. Tell me where it is, and I'll be merciful. Sun thought to himself, I don't know what he's looking for, but I need to buy time. Whatever you're looking for, it is not here. If it was then it was lost with everything else in the fire. You have yourself to thank for that. Slightly amused by this, The Knight said What I seek cannot be burned, smashed, or destroyed by mortal hands. As he walked closer he motioned for the Moon Knights to hold Sun steady. Let me get a better look at you. Ah, so this is the moon that became the sun. Confused Sun asked What do you mean? Never mind that The king has asked me to personally bring you back, alive. That does not apply to the children. Before another word was said Whizk broke free from his restraints and used the ropes that were still tied to one of his hands to choke the Knight to his left. He broke the Knight's neck and dodged a swift sword strike from the Knight that charged from the right. As this was happening the unknown Man raised his hand to stop the other Moon Knights from attacking, and with a malicious smile on his face, he said, Let them go on. Whizk kicked the left leg out from under the Knight while grabbing the Knight's right wrist, flipping him over and taking the sword from the Knight as he fell. He put the sword to the Knight's throat, and yelled yield! To this the Unknown Man said we don't yield. Not a single one of our wants or needs is greater than the Order, and our mission. Kill him, or I'll kill you. Time seemed to slow down as Whisk looked down into the eyes of the knight staring back up at him from under his boot. The knight was scared, and he could tell this moment would live in their memories forever. He was just a young lad and was shaking, unprepared for a moment like this. After one last glance at the young Knight, Whizk raised his sword and said go ahead and try, but if I best you then the children go free. Both children yelled NO UNCLE WHISK, PLEASE DON'T FIGHT. Em sobbed as she said we can't lose you too.

All the Unknown man did was smile, and in a moment it was over. Without hesitation, he darted straight at Whizk. Caught off guard by his speed Whizk raised his arms and swung his sword to defend himself... but missed. All the hit was a shadow of the man who suddenly appeared right behind him. Whizk found it hard to breathe as he looked down to see a sword sticking out of his lower abdomen. He was only able to mutter out a few words before he fell to the ground. How did you... As Sun and the children began to yell, The unknown man whipped the blood off his sword with a single strike to the right. Droplets of blood hit the children's faces making them still with fear. He then took a moment to stare towards Sun before speaking. Now that I have your attention, My name is Shadow, Shadow Moon. I am one of Seven Shadow Knights that make up the Kings guard. I'm here to retrieve the locket, and to bring you home. Your grimoire was an unexpected discovery and will be mine from here on out. Everything else here is in the way. Sun yelled I don't have what you are looking for! Take the grimoires, and leave.

Em looked at Sun and took the heart-shaped locket out from under her shirt because an amber aura started to emit from it. The aura felt warm in her hands, and she suddenly knew what to do. Sun's eyes darted towards Em as he tried to nod to put it away. Shadow noticed this, and said Ahh, right under my nose. Now be a good girl, and hand me the locket. Em resiliently shook her head and held the locket tightly to her chest. Shadow repeated hand it over now as he walked to her. As Shadow reached for the girl Whisk grabbed his boot, and could only say stop before Shadow kicked his face sending him onto his back unable to continue moving. Tears ran down Flynn's face as he sat helplessly. As shadow turned back around he froze in steps. There before him stood the fox from earlier. The fox held the ground between him and Em. Sheathing his sword he said So this is where you've been all this time. I knew you were still aliv- The fox suddenly lunged at Shadow biting him in the arm, and at that same moment Em threw the locket towards Sun. He had been unable to move the entire time. Helpless as he watched his closest friend fall. Shadow threw the fox at Em knocking her over. He then turned towards Sun and began to sprint at an inhuman speed. Becoming one with his shadow he reached out for the locket. Suddenly the locket levitated while spinning as it emitted an amber color so bright that it blinded everyone for a moment as the light erupted from it.

At this moment Sun watched his mother appear from the light. She was wonderful and as beautiful as he remembered. Tears escaped Sun's eyes as he watched her take a few steps towards him. She gently touched Sun's cheek, wiping the tears and soot from his face, and said my how you've endured, and carried this pain with you all this time. It's time to let go, my son. How is this possible? I thought you died that day. Another tear ran down Sun's face before she told him to listen closely. My power will now be your power, and it will overtake you. You will only be able to control the transference for a couple of minutes before your body gives out. You're not ready, but I'll always be with you, Sun. I believe in you, and above all I love you... Sun said please, don't go! Suddenly the light was gone as quick as it appeared, and the locket was now laying on the ground motionless and empty. Shadow noticing a change stopped in his tracks as he yelled what did you just do?! Sensing the air around him change he ordered his men to all attack at once. As everything else around them fell silent the debris around his home started to shake. Sun felt power like he never did before, and as it spread through his body he was overcome with it. His veins turned a bright green as the power surged through him like roots taking hold. His eyes rolled back as they turned black & green, and in a fraction of a minute, he broke free from the ropes sending the Knights around him flying into the air. As all of Shadow's men descended on Sun he stuck his arms out freezing everyone around him in slow motion. All the knights looked around at each other with fear knowing they could not move. Sun turned his empty gaze onto Shadow as he stretched one hand out at him and clenched his fist. This caused Shadow pain as he coughed out blood. He could do nothing as he watched the grimoire in his satchel get ripped free from being pulled by Sun's power. Shadow managed to break free from the force gripping him in place, but before he could react Sun flicked his right hand at a tree sending Shadow flying onto it. Shadow yelled with pain as he grabbed the broken branch sticking out from his shoulder that impaled him only seconds ago. As he spat blood all over his armor he broke the branch sending him to the ground. As he landed on his feet a portal opened up behind Shadow, and he yelled you are the King of Kings son, and you will come to me one way or another! This took Sun by surprise, making him hesitate which gave Shadow a brief moment to use his dark energy to pull Whizk to him. In a moment Shadow grabbed Whizk as he maliciously smiled again before disappearing through the portal. For a moment Sun looked at Whizk when he reached out with one arm whispering something before he too was sucked into the portal.

The portal closed as Em & Flynn cried out for their uncle. Helpless to do anything Sun shouted words he did not understand. Was he reciting an incantation he thought? He could not stop himself though, and as he continued this all the debris on the ground began to swirl around them while fiercely piercing all the knights. Sun raised his arms above his head, and as he did so the knights started to levitate off the ground. Unable to control himself he stared helplessly at the kids as they shouted for him to stop. Suddenly a wave of energy erupted from Sun sending all the Moon Knights flying high into the air as the remains of his home behind him were blown away. Overcome with rage and confusion Sun felt helpless to save his friend as he stumbled forward towards where the portal was.. slowly blacking out as the knights came crashing down to their deaths all around him. The last sight Sun saw before he fainted was the kids running towards him with the fox at their side.

To be Continued...