At the peak of an unknown mountain, veiled by smoke and clouds, stood a colossal black palace—hidden from the world. Within its cold halls, in the shadowed depths of the meeting chamber, Jake sat alone. Silent. Still.
His expression was unreadable as he stared into space, lost in thought.
A lone elf entered the room and bowed respectfully.
"Sir, Oliver has returned successfully from his mission," the elf reported.
Jake didn't respond. The elf, sensing the mood, quietly exited.
Moments later, footsteps echoed.
Oliver entered.
His entire body was soaked in blood,
his brown hair matted, brown eyes emotionless. As always, he wore his signature black gloves. The elf who had guided him stepped in front of him.
"Master Jake has call you," the elf said.
"I'll go," Oliver replied, his voice calm, "after I change."
He made his way to the palace's steaming hot pool. Without hesitation, he stripped off his bloodied clothes and sank into the water, letting the heat ease his muscles. He closed his eyes—Aelira's image flashed in his mind.
That battle...
She nearly defeated me.
Unforgivable...
Back in the meeting room, Jake scowled. His patience was wearing thin.
"Why is it taking so long? It's been over an hour," he said sharply. "What is Oliver doing? Call him—now."
"Yes, sir," the elf said and quickly left.
The elf entered the hot pool chamber. Oliver was sleeping, half-submerged in the steaming water. The elf stepped closer and gently shook his shoulder.
"Sir, it's time—"
Oliver's eyes snapped open, filled with fury.
"Go away," he growled.
Then without warning—BAM!
He punched the elf.
The blow exploded with such force that the elf's body shattered into pieces—just a clone.
Back in the meeting room, another elf calmly addressed Jake.
"Sir, Oliver is... still resting in the pool. He just destroyed one of my clones."
This elf, had an ability—the power to create multiple identical clones, which managed and ran most of the palace's daily operations.
Jake narrowed his eyes. "And the other members?"
"They're arriving shortly," the elf replied.
Moments later, Oliver finally entered the room. Now clean and dressed in a sharp black coat, he silently sat down to Jake's left.
Jake looked around the chamber, sensing the others nearby.
"Once all members are here," Jake said coldly, "we begin the meeting."
Just outside the palace gates, Kol arrived.
As always, his presence radiated raw power—and barely-contained rage.
An elf stepped forward to welcome him. "Welcome back, Sir Ko—"
CRACK!
Without hesitation, Kol slammed his fist into the elf's face.
The clone shattered on impact.
In the meeting room, Jake sat quietly as another elf approached.
"Sir, Kol has arrived," the elf said, bowing.
Kol entered a moment later and took his place to Jake's right, arms crossed, silent but intense.
Jake didn't bother turning. "Where is Kai?"
Kol grunted. "No idea. He called Joe earlier, said something… and then just disappeared."
Right then, the chamber door opened again.
Kai strolled in—smiling, relaxed, and full of confidence.
An elf stood at the entrance to greet him.
"Welcome, Co-Captain Kai," the elf said politely.
Kai paused, raising an eyebrow. "Why's a clone welcoming me? Where's the real you hiding?"
The elf gave a tired sigh. "Well… Oliver and Kol already killed me today. I assumed you'd do the same. So I sent a clone."
Kai chuckled. "Tch… only weaklings do things without reason. I'd never kill you unless I had reason."
The elf gave a half-hearted bow. "Then next time, I'll come in my original body."
"Good. Now, where's everyone?" Kai asked.
"They're waiting in the meeting room," the elf replied.
Kai entered the room.
As he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.
Everyone turned toward him—but no one spoke. The silence was thick.
He made his way to the far end of the long table and took a seat—directly opposite Jake.
Now the seating made everything clear.
Oliver sat at Jake's left. Kol sat at his right. Both were close to him—loyal and obedient, following their captain's commands without question.
But Kai?
He sat on the other side. Alone. Confident. Equal in presence—perhaps even more powerful.
His position across from Jake wasn't just a seat.
It was a statement.
He may be the co-captain… but he doesn't accept Jake as his leader.
Jake's cold gaze shifted toward Kai.
"Why are you late?"
Kai shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "I was busy… handling my own work."
Jake narrowed his eyes, but before he could reply, Oliver spoke.
"There were many. It took time to find."
Jake turned to him sharply. "And what about the boy—Kian? You couldn't catch him either?"
"Joe went after him," Kol cut in. "He'll bring him back."
Jake's expression darkened.
"Joe is dead."
The room fell silent.
"That girl couldn't have done it," Jake continued. "Someone… stronger than Joe was there."
He clenched his fist.
"Find whoever it was—and eliminate them. As for the boy, I want him alive."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "I still don't think the boy is what we're looking for."
Jake ignored him and turned to Oliver. "How many did you find?"
"9,000," Oliver replied without hesitation.
"And you, Kol?"
"5,000."
Jake finally looked at Kai. "You?"
Kai smirked. "Five. No, wait… four."
Jake's voice sharpened. "You only found three people in 30 years"
"We've spent thirty years on this mission," Jake said coldly. "And you act like you don't care."
Kai shot back, "Then tell me—what did you do? How many did you find?"
Jake's voice was flat. "That's not my role."
Kai gave a mocking smile. "Oh, right. I almost forgot—you've never found even one yourself."
Jake's eyes burned with restrained fury.
"I want that boy found. Oliver, Kol—I'm counting on you. You're the only ones I can trust. Don't disappoint me."
With that, Jake stood. "The meeting is over."
Kai rose first and walked out silently, his expression unreadable. Kol and Oliver followed behind, wordless.
Jake remained seated, the chamber empty now except for the echo of footsteps fading down the hall.
Then, almost to himself, he muttered:
"…Kai. We may have to replace him. He'll be a problem for the mission."
Back to Kian's Story
The bus was packed, every seat taken. I had no choice but to stand.
"I've got a bad feeling… I think some big trouble's coming," I muttered.