The throne room was quiet, it was very late now. The hand of Nyx blanketed the night sky in a cascade of burning, colorful, stars. Upon the golden throne Keenio sat, listening to Princess Selene Silver of Elfame.

The princess of the Fae had a contract for the Xentidos, a request. From the look on Keenio's face, it was very important.

"I see..." Keenio spoke, "so darkness has reached the fae? Is there anything you can tell me about these, 'demons', what did they look like, what do they want, I need to know everything.."

"King Keenio..." Selene bowed, "please will you help me people?"

Keenio looked to Elizabeth, she was standing next to him, and so was Veronica. Elizabeth was Selene's friend, so he didn't want to turn Selene away. However, Keenio needed this information, Xentidos always needed to know as many details as possible. Keenio didn't want to take a job, not without knowing everything he could.

"I just need to know everything you can tell me.." he huffed, "I need to know what to expect."

"As I told you," Selene frowned, "all I know is that they are big, and have strange abilities. And they lead smaller, minions I think is the word in the common tongue.."

"So at least we know it can't be trolls or leprechauns, or mutated spiders...." Keenio scratched his bare chin, "and since it's Avalon, we know we don't have to deal with gryphons or chimeras..."

Selene looked at Keenio with confusion, she didn't know what creatures he was talking about about. She had never even heard of a chimera, let alone leprechauns.

"What are Lepre colns? What's a chimera?"

"It doesn't matter, that's not what we are dealing with..." Keenio responded, "see with that little information alone you eliminated hundreds of possibilities, can you describe anything? Any distinct features or anything like that?"

Selene stood there, concentrating on the details, she didn't know what she could call them. There were many words that the fae use, but translating stuff from Fae to the common tongue was always difficult for her.

"Selene, we can't help you if you don't tell us everything," Elizabeth spoke, "what do you think caused the demons to be more aggressive?"

"The witness said that the demons first plagued them, when he and his lover went into an abandoned cabin" Selene answered, "he said that they were just looking for a good time.."

"So the victims disturbed an abandoned cabin, is there anything you can tell me about it?"

"We have no records of that cabin," Selene answered, "the locals said that a dark fairy used to live there.."

"I see.." Keenio spoke, "and you said whatever creatures lurk there are large and powerful right?"

"Yes"

"And you said that those creatures lead smaller groups too? "

"Yes..."

"And they wiped out a large number of farms right?"

"Yes..."

"Is that all you know?"

"Yes."

"Well... Shit..." Keenio gasped, "I guess you really do need help.."

"Oh by the GODS, will you help us or not?!"

"Hold on, there's just one thing I don't understand.."

"And what's that?"

"Why does your Queen Annaleece not give this job to one of our branches on Avalon, why come to me directly?"

"She did.." Selene answered, " and after we told the Branch master all our details, do you know what he said?"

"What?"

"That this mission required an X rank group, and so he told us to go directly to you,"

"Hmm," Keenio looked to Elizabeth for advice, "what do you think Elizabeth?"

"Keenio, they need help.." Elizabeth broke her silence, "this could be a litch King, or even Ahriman, we can't leave the fae to deal with this, clearly even Fae Magic can't stop it, so they need a professional."

He sat there on his throne, locked in a deep thought. And he knew that Selene was offering the proper amount for such a job. He could haggle for more, and he knew that she would be willing to pay anything. This indeed was a serious matter. But Selene was offering to little for this mission. Keenio knew this job would take a team to get the job done. And it would definitely be a team of X-Rank members.

"Hmm, I have made my decision..." Keenio stood up, "I will take some companions and deal with this mission directly. But you'll have to wait."

"King Keenio, it took me a year just to get here, by the time we would get to Elfame," Selene frowned, "my people may already be wiped out.."

"In the past three years, I have been working with a team of Xentidos members to delve deeper into the Atlantean Technology, as such, we have learned many things, including a faster mode of transportation."

"So it is true? The Xentidos have Atlantean technology?"

"Yes, infact, we do, and we use it to power everything we own."

"So we can leave immediately?"

"We will leave after the ball, I won't miss it this year.."

Keenio looked at Veronica, who has been silent this whole time.

"But that's 3 days from now, in that time, so much can happen..."

"It will be fine, trust me.."

"But.."

"You're welcome to stay here as an honored guest, you can stay here in one of the guest rooms.."

"How long will it take to return to Avalon?"

"It'll take 3 days before it's ready.." Keenio answered, "but we have a way to get to any of our branches almost immediately.."

"You're kidding right?"

"No I'm not..." He paused, so Selene could collect her thoughts and listen, "see, the Xentidos have been protecting and researching many ancient artifacts, especially those from Atlantis.. we've picked up and studied many of their technology..."

Keenio explained to Selene that, mostly thanks to Theseus, they have recovered many technologies. Theseus would always be searching for ancient relics, and he had a peculiar affinity for finding Atlantean technology. On his travels, Theseus would team up with one, two, and sometimes up to four Xentidos members. He would ask Keenio for the funds and allowances for his expositions. After he would bring enough probable cause to sway Keenio of course.

And Keenio would usually be willing to fund the whole expedition. Keenio even explained to Selene, that he only ever denied Theseus funds once, and three days later, after Theseus brought more information, Keenio funded it anyhow.

"So why does the Xentidos seek out so many artifacts?"

"Some of the technology would disrupt the balance amongst the city states.." he explained, "and some artifacts are just too dangerous to risk falling into enemy hands, especially if something fell into Ahriman 's hands."

"Ahriman? The primordial? I thought Deimos killed him?"

"I wish he did..." Elizabeth spoke, remembering how they encountered him, "but, Keenio and I know first hand that he has returned..."

"..but, shouldn't all the cities and kingdoms know? Ahriman is to dangerous to hide his return form.."

"You would think that..." Veronica broke her silence next, "but, after what happened 5 years ago, and telling Athens about Ahriman, the entire city panicked, and now, Athens is almost a dead city..."

"I see... So humans haven't evolved after all..."

"There is nothing wrong with us humans..." Keenio frowned, "the humans of Xenthos are more similar to your fae than you realize.. the only difference is, we can't live for 20000 years..."

"But Keenio, you're.."

"Shut it.." Keenio silenced her with a glare, "I don't care what you think, I am just as human as my companions here before you.."

Knowing that she over stretched her words, Selene withdrew into herself. She really wanted to tell him something, but, it was obvious that there was no convincing him otherwise. So she bowed in respect, then stood back up.

"Forgive me Keenio..." She looked into his blue eyes, "..I meant nothing by it..."

"Now, let's discuss this reward, this does sound like an X ranked mission.." Keenio spoke, "but, I refuse to send anyone from my organization to deal with a threat like this, unless I am sure they will be compensated handsomely for such a contract... I will request 150 gold, 25 silver, and 37 bronze... All coins."

"Isn't that a little much king? I thought the Xentidos were heroes.."

"None of us are heroes princess..." Keenio responded, "the members of the Xentidos are the best there is at solving problems, and so, we are pricier than other mercenaries..."

"What if, we give you 450 fae slaves?"

"No, we do not deal in slavery..."

"What kind of kingdom doesn't have slaves?"

"Slaves escape their masters to seek us out. I have seen what masters do to their property, it does not abide our Xentidos Laws at all.."

"What if, I offer myself as marriage to a high ranking general?"

"No, that would be the same as slavery in the eyes of the Xentidos..."

Selena thought hard on his words, she didn't have the coin to pay the price Keenio was offering, and he didn't accept slaves. So what could she offer? She needed the help of the Xentidos, and she was willing to do anything for it. No matter what.

"Hmm, you don't accept slaves, or marriage as a price, and I don't have the coin." She kept thinking, "give me a minute here, I'll think of something..."

Keenio could see she really needed help, he was willing to help her, but, he had to follow Xentidos law. He didn't want to break any traditions. He could also tell, by looking into her eyes, there was something in the Fae's possession, that he and Theseus both knew they had. A relic of untold value, that he needed to obtain, not for selfish reasons, but just so Ahriman couldn't obtain them. Keenio knew Selene had it on her. That was going to be the true prize he wanted. And it was hidden beneath her black cloak. He caught a glimpse of it as she lifted her hands up to remove her hood.

"What if... I give you..." She thought harder, "...you said that the Xentidos hunt down artifacts and technology yes?"

Keenio said nothing, and online nodded once.

"What if I give you something I know you don't have here.."

"Which is?"

She reached into her cloak, showing her sash that wrapped around her waist, on her belt was a bag, it looked heavy, but small, this was the object Keenio needed, inside that leather pouch.

She pulled the pouch form her belt, and untied its knot. She reached into the small bag, and pulled out something shimmering, shining, a circular disc of some kind. This was the artifact Keenio wanted.

"What if I offer you this, and all the gold I have on me right now?" She spoke presnring the disc to him.

It was a beautiful disc, shining gold, with a trident head marked upon it. It had writing, written in the circular language that was native to the writings of Atlanteans. Keenio understood the text perfectly, it said 'Deimos, the Shining light in the Darkness''
'
K

eenio knew that was what he needed, it was a special key of some kinds, mentioned allot in Deimos's stories. There was no doubt in it. The artifact the Fairy had, was the Key to the Vault of Deimos. A place that was said to house all of Deimos's armor, weapons, and Grimoires, magic books that held magic spells and rituals.

Out of all the artifacts of Deimos's legends, Keenio always sought Deimos's Grimoire, it was said that his contained all the knowledge the gods and goddesses gave him, on his quest for knowledge. It was said to confirm all 18 of Odin's spell charms, and all 9 of Odin's spell songs. It's said that Deimos's Grimoire also contained many secrets that many Celestials his about all the cosmic energy in the world, and how to harness it. It was that Grimoire, that Keenio always desired.

"Do you know what that is Selene Silver? Do you know what you hold in your hands right now?"

"Yes.. this is the Key to the Vault of Deimos, and back in Avalon, we even have the map detailing where the vault is." Selene looked focused, "I will give you this key now, if you agree to help my people, and when the job is complete, not only will we give you 200 pounds of our Silverite ore, we will also give you 4 of our trunks filled with coins and jewels."

Keenio looked to Elizabeth, and then to Veronica, "I was going to accept as soon as you showed me the keystone, but I wasn't expecting you to hold the map to it as well.." Keenio scratched his chin, "and we could use the Silverite, but instead of 4 chests, the Xentidos will only take 1 chest, the Silverite, map, and key together is worth 3 chests alone.."

"So you will take the contract?"

"Not only that, but I myself will go, with only 2 of my companions."

"And who will be your companions?"

"I still have to give it some thought, but, I'll decide before we leave."

"Oh, Keenio thank you!!" She sighed in relief as she dropped to her knees, "thank you so much, our-... I mean... My mother, will be so pleased to hear that... Seriously li-..lord Keenio, I can't thank you enough..."

Keenio said nothing, even though he hated seeing her grovel at his feet, he understood that this was just fae customs. They truly were a strange race. But yet, he felt some kind of connection with their people. It reminded him of the loyalty people showed Stilphius. Only if felt slightly stranger still.

"Just stand Selene Silver.." Keenio huffed, "we don't share these customs here."

"Oh.." she looked up and him, then stood, "forgive me, this place is a bit strange myself, even compared to the other kingdoms I've come across on the mainland."

"Yes, we have a different way of life here, in Xenthos, we stand as equals... No matter what rank or status..even race doesn't matter here.."

She looked at Zalpa, and tilted her head slightly, confused with the customs of Xenthos. She had learned so many strange truths since she left her home.

In Avalon, the women hold higher standing than men, and men were lesser.

When she got to the mainland of Pangea, she found that Men held higher standing than women. That was strange to her.

Yet, now standing in Xenthos, before the king, she found something stranger. She couldn't wrap her head around it.

Here in Xenthos,
it didn't matter, there was so many equal rights that she couldn't understand at all.

Here in Xenthos,
Gender nor race mattered. It went against everything she thought about the world. This was the strongest thing she witnessed.

"Forgive me Keenio.." she smiled, breaking her thoughts, "I see things, I've never seen anywhere in this world."

"I had that same reaction when I came here," Veronica laughed, "now I see why you guys picked on me for so long."

Selene, Keenio, Veronica, and Elizabeth stood there for a moment, and then Keenio spoke.

"Elizabeth, make sure Selene gets a golden card, and show her to her guest room. Make her feel at home and show her around Xenthos while I set up the device, in three days we will go to our branch in Avalon." He paused, "make Selene comfortable. I'll send for you when we are ready, okay?.."

"No problem Keenio," she nodded, "I'll keep her near me at all times.."

"Thank you.."

When Keenio gave the signal, Elizabeth exited the throne room with Selene, leaving Keenio and Veronica alone atlast. However Keenio remained silent, as if thinking, long and hard about the contract.

"..Keenio..." She finally broke the silence, "...who do you plan on bringing to Avalon?*

"Well, I definitely need Elizabeth and Theseus... But, that wind be enough..." He sighed, "there's so much we still od t know about this mission.,"

"I can come with you too if you'd like.."

"No, I need someone I can trust, who is strong and skilled." He continued, "and Veronica, I trust you more than anyone else to lead while I am away..."

"So you're leaving me behind again? I thought you were over that Keenio!!" She was frustrated, "what if something happens to you, who will lead then?!"

Keenio stood there with a feeling of uncertainty. He looked into her Violet eyes and all he could think about was their past together. Veronica's words reminded him of the pain they had endured.

When he was taken from her, at the age of 9 they took him, and he left her behind. He left her behind in Sparta. And again when they went to rescue Theseus and Akida. He promised himself after they slew Lemos, that he would never leave her behind again.

"..Veronica ....."

He sighed, his mind filled with those memories. Every time he looked into her purple eyes, a feeling of disappointment filled his mind. Disappointed directed not at her nor anyone else. No, the disappointment was in himself.

"..Veronica .... I..."

He searched deep withing himself. He didn't want to leave Veronica behind, not again. She wasn't the same weak princess he reunited with all those years ago, she now showed skill that was on par with him and Elizabeth. She proved it on every mission he went on with her.

Veronica was now a Warrior Princess, in his eyes. It's that strength that made him suggest leaving her in charge in the first place. He needed her at the Palace, not just to oversee all the diplomatic solutions, he didn't want to leave her behind because she was weak.

No, Keenio needed Veronica to stay in Xenthos because of one single reason. And one reason alone. He finally had his answer, he was ready to tell her.

She looked into his sapphire blue eyes, waiting for an answer.

"..Keenio ..." Her voice was sincere, "..Keenio are you okay?"

Keenio nodded.

"Yes, I am fine..." He kissed her lips, "Veronica, I'm not leaving you behind, but you shouldn't come with me to Avalon..."

"Why?" She was frustrated, her face drawn to a bitter pout.

"Because, I need you to protect Xenthos," he paused, "without me, Elizabeth, and Theseus here, Xenthos will be volnerable, and I need someone I trust, who is strong enough to defend my home, and you are more than strong enough to fill that role."

His words were sincere, there was no falsehood behind those eyes. Veronica knew it, after all, her Violet eyes had many abilities, she had the ability to see the honest truth of a person, no matter how good they lie. Violet eyes is all that remains of the old gods and goddesses, it was proof that their blood still ran in the veins of their descendant.

"..Keenio . . I.. understand.." her pout turned into sincerity, "..you really think I've grown that strong?"

She was still using the power of her eyes. As powerful as this one talent was, it was still undeveloped, this was but a tiny fragment of its abiities.

"Yes..." He answered, caught in the gaze of her eyes, "..without a doubt. I've felt this, ever since that mission you took with Elizabeth, months ago."

"But Keenio, I've never used that power since.."

"It doesn't matter," he nodded, "it's because of you that you both came home safely that day."

Keenio still allowed himself to be under those Violet Eyes' power. He willingly allowed her to learn into his soul, so she knew he wasn't lying.

"I believe you Keenio .." she gave a sweet sigh, "I could also tell that you willingly let me eyes use their ability.."

Veronica knew form the start that he allowed her to use her eyes on him. Keenio's mind is too strong for her eyes to work on him, and Keenio's mind wasn't the only strong mind either.

The Xentidos are full of strong minded races, their intense training made them the ultimate warriors, the ultimate assassins. They each train their bodies as well as their minds. Because a strong mind meant that magic wouldn't be as effective against them. The Xentidos were truly set apart from any other kingdom on Pangea.

Yet, Keenio's mind always seemed stronger, he had a mind string enough to rival even the best mages in the land, like Zalpa.

"You're always so honest to me Keenio.." her frown went to a smile, "you're the greatest."

She then stopped using the power of her eyes, like herm jne just turned off the switch to use them.

"Thank you . Veronica. .." he smiled, "but I have no reason to lie to you.."

They stood there in the throne room for a moment, locked in the tender hug of each other. Keenio always allowed himself 1 moment of quiet every day, and this was that moment today.

"It's getting late.." Keenio answered, breaking away their hug, "we should probably see Theseus at the bar."

"Yeah, no doubt he wants to tell us of another gossip" she giggled, "plus, he'd go crazy if he found out you hadn't eaten yet.."

"I'm not," his belly grumbled, "hungry.."

Veronica laughed in response to the grumblings. She teased him, and then kissed him.

"..well..." He spoke unevenly, in a soft emotionless smirk, "I guess..you're right.."

"Of course I'm right, I'm your girlfriend remember?" She teased him, "I'm always right.."

Keenio huffed, and shook his head mockingly, then together they walked out of the throne room. And Keenio was ready to eat.

It was late in the evening now, just after midnight. It was right after the final wave of the night cleared out. It was the time that the bard stopped singing for the night, and all that remained was the passed out drunks, lonely people, and late night visitors. The hall was quiet, and mostly empty.

Theseus was cleaning an iron tankard with a towel. He seemed to be lost in his own world of cleaning and thinking. Questioning why he chooses to work at the bar so late. He didn't even notice that Veronica and Keenio were sitting down on one of the bar stools. Theseus didn't notice anything until~

~grumble~

~grumble~

Just then, Theseus turned his attention to Keenio.

"Damn it Keenio,!!" Theseus scolded, "did you forget to eat again?!"

He poured some ale in a wooden flagon and handed it to Keenio.

"You know that you need to eat more than just a handful of berries once a day..."

"By the Elder One!!" Keenio exclaimed, "when did you become Stilphius!"

Theseus said nothing in response, smiling ever slightly.

"If I was Stilphius I would use the Spirit Burst, and slam my fist into your stomach for every time you forget to eat!!"

Veronica was surprised at those words, and Keenio looked unamused. He gave a raw look of disgust at Theseus, as if he could have just left that little detail out of his mouth.

"Did Stilphius really do that,?"

"No, but Lemos did when I trained with him growing up.." Keenio answered, "but all it did was make me want to eat less..."

"Don't forget, when Stilphius would find out, you ate less, he shouted so much," he smiled, "you could hear Stilphius shout from past the first gate if he was yelling at Keenio.."

Veronica looked at Keenio with mischievous intent.

"Sounds like Keenio was always stubborn," she laughed, "some things don't ever change."

Keenio, Theseus, and Veronica sat there by the bar, talking and enjoying each other's company. The tavern floor was all but empty now. It was late past midnight, and Veronica was tired and returned to her chambers for the night, but not before kissing Keenio.

"You know Keenio .." Theseus huffed, "you're really lucky to have a girl like Veronica..."

"..yeah.. she is an amazing girl.."

"What I mean is, I wish I could find someone like you did." He explained,  drying one of his Steel Tankards, "Ever since you and Veronica got together, you seem to be more cautious and careful... You're not as reckless..."

"..Reckless?" Keenio mocked, "I've never been reckless in my entire life.."

Theseus looked at Keenio, and crossed his arms in a aggravated demener. He then shook his head in disbelief and scoffed.

"Do I really need to give you a list?" Theseus picked back, "You and I both know, that isn't true.."

Keenio gave a small smirk, and he even chuckled a bit.

"You're right...." Keenio huffed, ".. I haven't been as reckless. At one time I just focused on getting the job done, regardless of the consequence." He thought about her for a moment, "but now, well, I guess, she gives me a reason to come home...."

"By the Ra's name!!" Theseus teased, "Keenio, have you gotten soft?"

"No.. I haven't gotten soft.." Keenio responded with an aggravated, embarrassed tone, "..I just, found a new reason to fight..."

Theseus said nothing. There were no words that needed to be said. Theseus was happy for his best friend. It got him thinking about another one of his closest friends. The look in Keenio's eyes and the out of character words he spoke, reminded him about Balthazar.

"Keenio..." Theseus gave a serious tone, "..Keep Veronica safe..."

Keenio looked confused,  it seemed out of character for Theseus.

"..Of course I will.." Keenio assured him, "everything alright buddy?"

The blank stare he gave back to Keenio, it was as if he were relieving nightmares in his mind. Like he was dreaming with his eyes open, and facing a kind of hell he couldn't escape.

"Hey..." Keenio nudged his shoulder, "are you okay pal? Did you drink too much?"

"...yeah..." Theseus finally spoke, "..I just was thinking about home.. before I was a member of the Xentidos.."

"Hey... Is something on your mind Theseus?" Keenio was considered, "wanna talk about it?"

Theseus snapped out of his mood, pushing those memories back down. After he did, he seemed back to normal.

"..don't worry," Theseus smiled, "I'm fine.."

Keenio wasn't convinced, but he could see through Theseus's fake smile. He didn't want to pry. Keenio knew that if Theseus felt he needed to confide in him, he would. So, he just nodded in agreement.

"Okay, well, I think it's time to call it a night.." be yawned, "see to tomorrow."

"..see you tomorrow.." Theseus nodded, "thank you Keenio..."

"For what?"

"Being a good friend.."

Keenio retired up the stairs for the night, and Theseus was now alone on his thoughts.  He cleaned up the bar, and wiped the tables down, then he swept the entire floor before going jo the other case of stairs himself.

The palace was beautiful during the day, but at night, alone in the dark, Theseus felt cold chills. The palace looked so creepy, and lonely at night. The candles would light themselves, only adding to the creepy demener of the halls.

He keeps growing down his hall, the wood floorboards creeked, beneath his feet.

He passed 4 empty doorways, and finally arrived in his room. He always felt happiest in his room.

His desk was loaded with a scrolls, books, and tablets. How walls had paintings and framed maps. His bed lay at the corner of his room, near his fireplace, next to it, aligned against the wall, was 3 statues he unearthed on his last mission. At the door of his bed sat his ornate treasure chest. And on the wall mount above his bed was his weapon rack, which held his favorite bow, his long sword, and his daggers, all of them he found and dug up on his missions.

He had an armor rack too, and a wardrobe where he kept his clothes.

Theseus had plenty of gold to by himself his own place in the city, but his room was so spacious here at the palace. He had everything he needed.

He took off his leather armor, and wore only his pants and tunic. He then leaned back in his bed, and started at his ceiling. Allowing himself to think about his life in Thebes, his friend Balthazar, and of his life now, and how it compared to his life back then.