The Three Heroes: Chapter One

Chapter One: Wax Wings

Several years has passed since the fall of the council, the world has been plunged into chaos, war far across the corners of the world against the Radesen Empire. The Empire was slowly but surely winning, and if things do not change then all shall fall under their heel. Hidden in the Mystic Forests held a small village, which housed a group of rebels that fights against any Radesen troops they see roaming their land. This is where our first hero began. Upon the dirt road through the forest, a Radesen caravan was slowly riding the trail carrying essentials such as food and drink, heading down their way to a nearby location. As the wind blew from the trees, a quick zip of an arrow suddenly pierced through their carrier's throat, killing the beast at an instant. Alarmed, the Radesen soldiers quickly drew out their weapons to defend the wagon. But as they drew out their blades, another set of arrows was shot out from the trees and pierced through their armor, killing them. With the last Radesen soldier taken down, the attackers jumped down from the trees and began looting the caravan. One of the attackers was that of a blue hedgehog, with eyes of emerald green, and a heart of a great warrior. This was our hero, Anfang.

"So, what do we got this time Vance?" Anfang asked one of his team. "Same old, same old. Three baskets of red apples, two barrels of whiskey, salted meats, and some other good. My guess this will last us another week." Vance replied. "Not much, but as long as it ain't in the hand of those Radesen, the better. Alright team, half of you start hiding the bodies in a ditch somewhere, take whatever they have in their pockets that may seem essential to have for our village. Meanwhile me and the rest will take the supplies back. If you see any Radesen patrols, don't engage unless spotted." Anfang ordered. By his command, the rebels began their duties as Anfang and half of his team returns to the village with their bounty. The village was small but had an abundance of families and friends, it was a peaceful village in such dark times.

As Anfang places the last of the food in the village warehouse, he returns home to find his wife Eve reading to their child Lily. Anfang smiled and said "I'm home everybody." Lily looked and smiled in glee, jumping off of Eve's lap and run towards him, having Anfang grab and raise her up with her laughing in joy. "How's my little bugger doing?" Anfang said as he nuzzles Lily. "It was great daddy, momma let me go outside and play hide and go seek with my friends. I was the best hider just like you." Lily smiled. "Really now? Perhaps I might bring you along in the next raid? Think you can handle a few bad guys with me?" Anfang chuckled. Eve gets up and asked "Speaking of which, how was the raid dear?" "Eh, we only got a few supplies. Vance says that it'll last us another week, hopefully." Anfang replied putting Lily down.

Eve sighed and responded "Well at least that's something, we're lucky enough that there was even a caravan traveling through here." "Yeah, I'm surprised that the Empire hasn't done anything about it?" Anfang wondered. "You think they know what's happening here? What if they decide to come here and destroy the village?" Eve worried. Anfang took her hand and said "It's going to be alright darling, we just have to keep pulling through until we can find a way to relocate everyone to a more safer place. For now, this village is way too hidden for the Empire to find us, and if they do I will lead you and Lily to safety. I promise." Eve smiled and kissed Anfang on the cheek. "You're so sweet you know that?" Eve giggled. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Anfang went to the door and answered to see it was one of his team members.

"Ravi, what brings you here?" Anfang asked. "Sorry for the interruption Anfang, but Vance asked you to come to the tavern as soon as you can. He said it's something urgent." Ravi answered. "Is there a problem, something happened with the Radesen?" "He didn't say, he just told me to deliver the message to you as well as the others. Says he'll tell the rest of what he got to say once everyone's in the tavern." Ravi said before leaving to tell the others. Anfang sighed and said "Well, guess I got to see what Vance got to say. I'll be right back everyone." Anfang said before kissing Eve and Lily goodbye and heading into the tavern.

The tavern was filled with most of the rebels in town, drinking and eating what was once stolen by the hands of the Radesen Empire. Anfang looked around to find where Vance was sitting and took his place near him. "Ah, there you are Anfang. Glad to see you've arived." Vance smiled after taking a sip of his drink. "Ravi told me you got something to say, something the matter?" Anfang asked. "Oh no, nothing at all. Everything is just fine, well...not exactly. As you know, things aren't going to well around here on supplies. Our food is running low, our water supply is nearly tapped out, our weapons are now not up to shape and we're running low on arrows. We cant keep relying on encountering Radesen caravans and expect a fortune of supplies." Vance pointed out. "Then what do you suggest, go up to the Emperor and ask politely?" Anfang replied.

"Joke all you want Anfang, but here's a little something I just recently discovered." Vance said as he pulls out a map and placed it on the table. "About a week ago, I sent in a small recon team to scout the forest for any Radesen patrols or whatever for any potential threats to the village. What they found was absolutely shocking. Just west from here following the trail and then heading north, there's a Radesen Weapon Production Factory. In it is an entire storage vault filled to the brim with supplies. Recon says that they have enough food to last us for three months!" "Three months!? Are you sure about this?" "Absolutely, and in this past week I've been thinking and planning. And with the caravan we've attacked just recently, we're thinking on robbing the place."

"Are you insane, it's bad enough we're taking a risk in robbing their caravans, but stealing from their factory is like walking into a lion's den covered in meat!" Anfang said. "I know the risks, and believe me if things were different I wouldn't even suggest it. But we got no other option, if we continue the course we're on we're going to run out of food eventually, and who knows when will the next caravan will come through the route? Me and the boys have thought this through, and with your help we believe we can pull this off." Vance told him. "I don't know...it all seems too risky. Anything can go wrong if we're not careful, and the Radesen tends to keep a good grudge." Anfang said concerned.

"Look, here's the plan. With the carriage and the suits of armor we got from the Radesen in our last raid, we can ride up to their front door in disguise, while those who are going to load up the caravan will be hidden inside. Once we've reached inside, we sneak into the vault, get as much supplies as we can and get out without them noticing. It's full proof, so long as we don't break our cover. So how about it, think you can handle the raid of all raids here?" Vance smiled a bit. Anfang thought on it for a short while, thinking of the repercussions, the plan, the positives and the negatives until finally he responded "Alright, we do it by tonight. Get the caravan and my disguise ready, we'll be eating like kings tonight." "Here, here! To the glory of the King, death to the Emperor!" Vance cheered with his drink held up high, having the rest of the tavern cheer with him.

Later that night, far off from the village. Anfang and Vance scouted near the facility to see how much security they are dealing with. The facility was filled with Radesen soldiers, all well armed for battle, having no alternate routes to enter or exit besides the main gate. "Seems pretty tight here Vance, there's enough soldiers to take on an entire city, with enough weapons to do that twice over." "We got it all handled Anfang, just play the part well and we'll do just find. Just keep your cool, and hope your Radesian speak haven't rusted all these years." "Yeah, lets hope to that." said Anfang as they return to the checkpoint where both the caravan and their disguises are waiting. "Is everyone set in there?" Anfang said hitting the side of the caravan. "We're all good in here sir, just give us the call and we'll be ready to spring into action." The rebels replied inside the caravan. Anfang and Vance, disguised as Radesen soldiers hopped on and began to ride to the facility.

They slowly made their way through the trail, heading closer to the front gate until they were stopped by a Radesen soldier guarding the entrance. "State your reason being here soldier." The Radesen guard ordered. "We're here to drop off some supplies, Emperor's orders." Vance replied. "We didn't call for a resupply? You must be mixed up, hold on what's your Legion number?" The Radesen guard asked. "Are you questioning the Emperor's personal orders? Maybe we should head on back and tell him the reasoning why we didn't deliver the extra shipment. I'm sure he would be glad to hear all about you not letting us in." Anfang responded. "N-now wait just a second there, lets not be too hasty." said the Radesen guard. "Who am I to question his majesty, Emperor Neon Blacklight of all people. Alright, you two can go through and while you're at it head down to the mess hall and get yourself something to drink, it's on me." said the Radesen guard as he gave the signal to the others to open the gates.

Anfang and Vance head on inside the facility, making sure not to make any sudden moments that would attract unwanted attention. After looking around, Vance spotted where the vault was and they head on inside. The vault was filled with vasts amount of food and barrels upon barrels of drink and alcohol as well as crates of Radesen crafted weaponry. "Whoa, look at all this stuff. This can literally feed and entire army!" Anfang said in surprise. "Yeah, three months? More like a whole years worth of supplies! We've hit the jackpot boys! Lets loot them up!" Vance said hitting the side of the caravan, signalling the rebels to exit and start filling the caravan with as much as they can carry with them.

With the caravan stuffed, Anfang, Vance, and the rebels managed to sneak out of the facility and return to the village with their great bounty. With all of the supplies they've taken, the entire village celebrated in joy. Throughout the night, under the midnight sky and around a great bonfire, the people of the village danced and drank the night away, and over the days after their success all was well, until one terrible night as Anfang was asleep in bed with his wife until all of a sudden a sound of an explosion was heard outside of their window. Jumping up from the tremendous sound, Anfang quickly rushed to the window to see what was going on outside, only to see fire arising from the other side of the village and the sounds of panicked screams could be heard. "Anfang, what's going on!?" Eve said nervously.

"Eve, get Lily and hide! I need to see what's going on!" Anfang said, rushing outside with sword at hand. He ran to where the source of the explosion was coming from, passing by few of the villagers running the opposite direction. Anfang managed to stop one of them and asked "What's going on, where is my team?" "He's here, by the gods he's here!" The villager panicked. "Who's here?" "The Emperor, he's killing everyone! Run while you still can!" The villager managed to get free from Anfangs grasp and continues to run away. Anfang was in shock and disbelief, he continued to run to the source as he began to see the torn and slain bodies of his team. And beyond where he stood, his eyes widened in fear.

Before him, stood none other than Emperor Neon Blacklight himself, holding Vance up high with his sword lunged deep into his stomach. Neon then tossed Vance's body aside and set his eyes onto Anfang's. "So, I'm guessing you're the one who has been stealing from me boy?" Neon said as he swung his sword, leaving a small trail of blood and wiping the blackened blade clean. Anfang growled and stood his grounds, holding onto his sword tightly and gets himself ready for anything that was to be thrown at him. "Not much for words are you, pity. I would've enjoyed making your last words upon your tombstone." Neon said before lunging towards Anfang and swings at him.

Anfang quickly reacts and deflects his blow, but Neon kept up with a flurry of swings all while one arm was behind his back. Though Anfang continued his best to block his attacks, he felt as though Neon has been playing with him the whole duration of the fight and could hardly keep up. As Anfang continued to block, he missed and managed to get his arm cut by the tip of Neon's blade. He grunted in pain and backed away from Neon. The cut was deep and was gratefully painful, but Anfang kept his grip tight onto his sword and lunged back at Neon. Neon managed to deflect and lock their blades together to meet face to face. "I must say, for a rebel you sure have some skill with a blade. It's been a while since I've meet someone with such tenacity." Neon smirked.

"You haven't seen nothing yet." Anfang growled as he managed to slip his sword free and swung at him, but Neon dodged and countered it by back handing him to the ground and lunged his sword strait at him, having Anfang to quickly roll to the side to evade the attack and get back up on his feet. Anfang lunged for him one more time, till suddenly Neon grabbed Anfangs sword. Leaving slight sparks out from his hand as Anfang's blade slide across Neon's chainmail gauntlets. "I'm beginning to grow tired of this game here, boy." Neon said as he flicked his wrist and snapped Anfang's sword in half and kicked him across the field of the burning village.

Anfang tumbled across the field until until he finally stopped, laying there gasping in pain as he slowly tried to get back up. Then as he tries to get back up, he heard a familiar voice from a distance, he looked to see his daughter Lily running towards him with his wife Eve chasing after her. "No, stay back! Get away from he-" Till suddenly, a blast of fire erupted, killing Eve and sending Lily flying from the blast and tumbling near Anfang was. Anfang shouted for Eve and Lily's name and painfully got up and rushed to his daughter, holding her close. "So, are these your friends or your family? I believe family considering." Anfang quickly turned his head to see Neon standing a yard away from where Anfang was knelling. "You...you bastard! You killed my wife!" Anfang said in grief and anger, grabbing on to his broken blade.

"For your sake, I suggest you take this chance to run. Otherwise, things might get even worse from here." Neon replied. "Not till I kill you first!" Anfang shouted, lunging towards Neon with his shattered sword. Neon sighed and at the right moment, he swung his sword upwards, disarming Anfang and cut open his left eye. Anfang tumbled onto the ground and shouted in pain. His one eye now permanently blind, as for his other now blinded by blood. He couldn't see a thing, the pain was unbearable, but not as unbearable as what was to come next. As Anfang laid there, he soon heard the screams of his daughter, only to be cut off by sheer deafening silence.

He grew silent, not believing what he had just heard, fearing the worse as he was soon kicked to the side and onto his back as a blade was lunged into his shoulder. Anfang screamed in pain as the blade felt it was to sever his arm off. He then felt a piece of cloth wipe across his one eye from the blood. Only to see Neon knelling on top of him. "You know, after all of this, I was going to kill you. I was going to drag your lifeless body to my city of New Xectros and mount your corpse at the main gate with your entrails on full display for the birds to feed. But you know, I think this is well suited enough." said Neon as he quickly pulled his sword out from Anfang's shoulder, having Anfang to wince in pain and near the edge of passing out. "You....you're going to spare me? Why..." Anfang panted.

"What's better than to kill every person of a small village, than to leave one alive with the haunting memories of what just happened." Neon replied putting his sword away. "You sick bastard..." "Am I know, just to let you know boy that it was you who caused all of this. I would've cared less about the caravans, but to steal from one of my facilities is like personally stealing from me, and I don't take kindly to those who steals from me." Neon said as he placed his boot onto Anfang's chest and slowly started to press down, applying pressure to his broken ribs as Anfang was gasping in pain. "So if you survive this, just remember that for the rest of your life, every day as you are reminded of the scars I have given you, just remember that this is all your fault." Neon said as he applied more pressure onto Anfang's ribs, causing him to slowly passout from the sheer pain.

And so marks the milestone of our first hero, a hero who lost all who he loved, who risked everything and lost everything. If he is to survive such tragedy, he will forever be reminded of the failures that he has caused to himself, for the deaths of all who he loved. But this is not the end, for there is another hero to this story, a hero found and raised in a place unexpected for one to help face off the Radesen Empire. The Second Hero, Frieden.