The day before Jace summons, Drako had inform Jericho of the behavior from Jace he walked into upon his arrival, and also the decision Jace made about going to Warmark himself and how king Leohart was in his sights, Jericho then changed the Intel he needed Drako to pass on to Jace, now keeping the fact he is back hidden, which Drako did perfectly…
"so what's the plan now Jericho, Jace going himself changes everything, the threat levels didn't just increase ten folds, but am sure the army of Lost he will attack with will be unimaginable" William started with a panicked expression… "William's right, this is now a national threat level situation, not sure we will be avoiding casualties, we will need a lot of help, we should inform father and have them cancel the audience and also get king Leohart out of there" Erica suggested, they went silent for a moment as they were all thinking… "{what am I going to do… Jace must have found out Warmark was responsible for our deaths three and a half years ago… that evil god, toying with my brother (grinding his teeth) I will make him pay… that was a good suggestion from Erica but, it's too late for that now, I haven't told them the latest Intel I received from Drako yet… hmmm… it's no use, I'll have to face off against Jace and leave the others to slowly evacuate the city, that way I can keep them out of danger} (Jericho thought)... listen all of you, (they all turned their attention to Jericho)… Erica had a good suggestion but it's too late for that, with the addition of Jace going to Warmark himself, he also cut short the days leading to the attack (panic ran through their faces)… he will be at Warmark as soon as next week"... "oh no… this is bad, this is really bad… it's to late to evacuate the king and the people at this point… what should we do" William, Erica and Alice stated with worry… "do not fret, I can handle it… I will meet Jace and the general right before they make it to the nation, but am sure he will still try sending the Lost he will be with forward, passing through the vast cities in Warmark and destroying it along the way in other to get to the royal capital where uncle Leo is, which is at the center of the nation, if I remember correctly… I will just have to stop them before they make it there or before they get too deep into the nation… I will face Jace and the general alone… while you Erica, Alice and Sir William will all lead the knights and also the help we will get from Warmark, to slowly evacuate the people, getting them to safety… I will do my best to stop them before they gets to the capital or destroys the cities they pass through" Jericho concluded sharing his plan… "that's madness Jericho, you can't face Jace and a grand general all by yourself… you might be strong but he has had more time and experience using his abilities than you do, plus facing someone like Jace and a grand general at once?!… l-l-It's just incredibly stupid" Erica stated disagreeing with Jericho's choices, Jericho though she had a point but to him there was no any other choice, cause he was the only one currently at Jace level, and the only one that has any chance of holding him off, and he was also very worried about the strength of those general after facing Drako himself, he feels it will be too dangerous to let anyone other than himself face those two… "I know that Erica, but that's the best case now, no one stands a chance against Jace except me, and am not sure how that general will be in terms of strength, if he turns out to be as powerful as Drako was, I have to be the one to face him… I can't risk them getting past me, you guys will get hurt if any one of them do… (sigh) I know if I get hurt or lost in battle it will be detrimental for the world… I know you all need me, and I promise I will protect all of you and also save the world" Jericho stated trying to explain the situation to Erica but also misunderstanding some few things… "you really think am this worried cause the fate of the world is also on your shoulders!?… seriously Jericho, is that really what you think when I…we, worry about you... well let me tell you something, in case you've forgotten I am the commander of the prestigious holy knights… I did not get that title cause I am the princess and heir of the kingdom… I worked so hard, I bled for the position am at now, no one trusted or believed in me, I had to work so hard to prove everyone wrong… so thank you but I don't need you protecting me Mr. god, I can take care of myself… and thanks to you teaching me about soul energy, I know I can protect my nation more effectively now… so Jericho I do not care what you think, I am going to be helping you against Jace too and you can't change my mind… (walking off, but stopped mid way)… and also, the world isn't just on your shoulders, it isn't just your responsibility… it fall on all of us, and we will also work hard to save it" said Erica as she stormed off to the other side of the training field, leaving Alice, William and Jericho all taken aback, cause it was out of character seeing Erica get so worked up… "hey… what was that about… did I say anything to upset her, I don't think that out burst was mainly because of our task at Warmark" said a confused Jericho staring at Erica at the far side of the training field… "honestly (sigh)… you know Jericho, for an extremely kind person, you can be very inconsiderate sometimes… (Jericho blinked in confusion)… you know you are not a tool right, everything doesn't have to rest on just you, to us you are much more than a sub god or a hero… you are a trusted friend and comrade, if we lost you we won't be hurt cause the world will be in more trouble, we will be hurt cause we lost a true friend and comrade… stop seeing yourself as a tool Jericho, you have friends, learn to trust and rely on us some more (patting his back) think about that" William stated with a warm smile toward Jericho, the words of William traveled deep within Jericho and a wave of realization dawned on him, he turned his gaze up looking at the direction of Erica… "thank you Sir. William" Jericho responded with a smile then began making his way towards Erica… "hey J-Jericho… are you sure you will be fine talking to the commander now?… have you truly figured out why she is upset?" Alice called out as Jericho walked… "I might be an idiot Alice, but am not that far gone" Jericho responded gazing back at Alice with a smile, she returned it with a nod of approval… "(sigh) truly, it's like am stuck babysitting" said William with a light laugh to himself.
"hey, Erica are you alright?" Jericho asked as he approach her… "yes, if you will please excuse me, I have something am trying to prefect, I would like to be alone in other to concentrate" Erica replied feeling bashful… "on come on Erica, am sure whatever you are trying to learn I can be of help at least a little" Jericho responded with a huge smile, seeing that Erica had no choice but to give up with a sigh she accepted.. "do as you please"… "great (heavy sigh)… so what are you working on fearless commander?" Jericho asked trying to ease into a conversation with her… "well… I want to try managing my soul energy output, so my sword can at least hold up four rounds of me using my soul energy, so far with holding back and only using 25% of my full power, I manage to make three moves before the sword shatters from the pressure, but the strikes I produce isn't nearly as powerful as the one I used during our mock battle… at this rate it's pretty useless (tears slowly rolling down her eyes)… no wonder you can't trust me to watch your back, am sorry Jericho" Erica sadly stated turning her gaze to the floor with tears in her eyes… "hey that's not true… I trust you so much words can't describe it, (she looked up at him)… am so sorry about how I gave you the wrong idea with the plan I came up with… and also… how I misunderstood your feelings… it's just (sigh) thinking back to when I died three and a half years ago, how helpless and powerless I felt then, not being able to protect my father much-less myself, leaving my people alone and… Jace… which ended up turning him into what he is now, cause he was emotionally vulnerable which that god took advantage of (sigh)… to be honest thinking about all that, and not wanting to lose everything all over again, I make my decisions based on my past experiences… Erica, please believe me, it's not that I do not trust you, I honestly really do, it's just… I am terrified, I do not want to make a mistake that will lead to me losing everyone I care about all over again… Sir. William, Alice and you… (she stared at Jericho with a sad expression after finally understanding his point of view)… I do not want to go thought such pain anymore… I don't want to be alone… that's why I was pushing all my energy in making sure I keep you all out of any dangerous situation, in a way it's for me to atone for my past weakness and inability to protect those precious to me, I want to make sure I protect you guys now" Jericho stated poring out all his emotions to Erica… "oh Jericho" she said taking a hold of his hands… "but, you are right, you are not someone I need to keep out of danger, as a knight it's insulting to your pride, but also as a future ruler, am really sorry Erica… on that note I have a request (she looked at Jericho with a bright and loving gaze as she asked what he wanted with little tears in her eyes)… commander of the holy knights and founder of the Elite Holy Knight, Erica Von Righteous… please do me the honor of fighting by my side" said Jericho with a serious tone and a hand stretched to her, Erica couldn't help but smile as she wipes her face with her sleeves… "sure, i will fight by your side" she replied as she takes his hand... "thank you" .
"well, it looks like they made up" said William as he stared at their direction with a smile, Alice nods with a smile of her own… "honestly… just like children" William adds with a huge sigh, Alice laughed.
"I have to now work hard and figure this problem out, so I can be of use to you, having a weapon that isn't steady enough to handle the blessing known as soul energy is really frustrating, we really need to get that material soon (sigh) sometimes I wish I was born to the up coming generation, so I can manipulate it willingly as you can… {wait no way, if I was then I would miss out on knowing Jericho (shakes her head profusely)… I will always be thankful I was part of his generation}" Erica through with a smile while turning red…. "no don't say that, that would mean I wouldn't have met someone as amazingly incredible as you, well at least till you have become an adult, and I honestly couldn't wait that long (Erica whole body went numb as she became so red that it was practically visible)… hey Erica are you alright" Jericho asked with a worried tone… "y-yes, I am (nervous laugh) there you go again Mr. Smooth tongue, girls really have to be careful around you, your tongue alone might get them pregnant, exhibitionist" said Erica while hitting Jericho repeatedly on his back as she continued her nervous laugh… "I don't even understand how that is utterly possible… but at this point I do not care I just want the hitting to stop… and I thought we cleared the exhibitionist thing already" Jericho complained with a huge sigh.
"looks like Jericho said something too embarrassing to the commander" said Alice observing them… "he sure did" William replied… "looks like she is now hitting him to cover up her embarrassment" she added… "(sigh) she sure is" William replied an exasperated expression.
"anyway Erica, don't you think you are going about this the wrong way" Jericho said rubbing his back… "what do you mean?" she replied confused… "I do not think you really need to rely solely on your inferno ability…. yes it's very powerful and can help you stand toe to toe with any of Jace people if properly mastered, but that isn't really everything about you… think about it, before you were able to use soul energy you were the strongest knight, not just in Righteous but the entire human continent, maybe beyond… still are… your skills with the sword is unmatched, even without a sword your martial arts is already at the master level…you did become a commander without the use of soul energy remember, you shouldn't over think it, instead work with what you have and see your ability as your trump card… be patient in refining it and perfecting it, do not rush the process… you don't have do hold off to make your sword last longer in a fight, you can go all out when you are really sure of your victory, or you just want a distraction to create a better chance of winning… you are strong Erica don't lose that confidence you have" Jericho concluded with a smile, Erica stared at him with a lot of respect in her eyes, she then smiled and looked away, Jericho blinked several times in confusion with the reaction he got from her… "honestly, I am the commander here you exhibitionist" Erica said in a whisper to herself with a smile… "what was that, I didn't quite catch what you said" Jericho asked confused and also cause he didn't hear what she said… "I didn't say a thing, it not knightly to be curious you know… (smiled)… let's head back to the others and draw out a better plan this time" Erica said moving pass Jericho as she made her way to Alice and William… "okay?…. (sigh) but am not a knight tho, even so, am not sure that statement is true… well whatever" he whispered to himself as he followed just behind Erica.
At the kingdom of Warmark, his majesty king Leohart had summoned his court and instructed them of the arrival of both Emperor Riko and King Gustavious, asking them to make preparations…. he called back his most trusted court members to inform them of the parts he left out from the others… this private summons included two of his four children…
The first princess and heir to the kingdom, princess DIAMOND LILLIAN VON WARMARK… the second princess also known as the Golden Mind, princess CLOVER TIO VON WARMARK, and of course the youngest whom are also twins, starting from the oldest by just 3minutes princess SPADE STELLA VON WARMARK and the last and only boy of his household prince ACE ALEXIS VON WARMARK.
The twins were left out of the private summons of course being the youngest at only ten (10) years old… the people present were, the prime minster of Warmark and younger brother of king Leohart, Grand Duke KONRAD VON WARMARK… the head of his Royal guard, SIRIUS OSBORNE… the commander of the slingers and also the son of Duke Konrad, VETRA VON WARMARK and lastly both princesses Diamond and Clover.
At the kings private study, all five of them sat at a round table, with a huge detailed map of the world engraved on it, the king sat above them all, with his brother and prime minster standing beside him… "good of you all finding time in your very busy schedule to answer my summons in such short notice, especially after I just finished addressing you all just a while ago" said the king with a commanding voice that echoed across the whole room, they all bowed in response, while Clover looked up at her father and smiled… "hey big sis Dia… haven't you noticed some improvements in father's mood since he got back from his secret meeting with the other rulers of the three great powers" Clover asked her sister in a whisper… "indeed I have… am just so glad… the lost of his friend king Richard, and his son the saint prince of Menssai really took a lot out of him… am so happy father is feeling better now" ... "but what about you Clover… you lost your fiancee to be in that war, you always said father was the only person you ever admired but when you met him, he became the second person in your eyes… according to you, for a twelve year old at that time he really surprised and impressed you with his sense of reasoning and unique qualities… didn't his lost affect you in anyway or are you just keeping it all in?" Princess Diamond asked with a whisper, but the question brought back fun memories for Clover of when she was ten years old which was the first time she met Jericho, he was twelve at that time of their first meeting, she sat in silence for awhile before the voice of her father got her attention again… "what am about to share with you all this day should never leave you lips for any reason, not even to your family and friends, at least for now… if this gets out without my permission or without the consent of the person involved, whom ever is responsible will be severely punished (the room atmosphere grow tense as everyone became worried as to what this information might be that got the king to make sure a declaration)… now then, the main reason both kings are making their way here was because of my request… well Emperor Riko is coming also because he was just as curious as I was, as for king Gustavious I asked him to… at my last private meeting with the other kings, I got an Intel that is still very shocking even at this very moment to me… the saint prince of Menssai, Jericho Von Menssai is still alive and well" ….… as the words left his lips it was like everyone that got the news instantly found it difficult to breathe with how shocked they were, princess Clover jolted out of her sit, slamming her hands on the table as she couldn't believe what she just heard, her heart beat increased, as a sweat ran down her face… "f-father… this isn't in jest right… is J-Jericho truly alive?" Clover asked in a nervous but thankful tone… "according to his majesty king Gustavious, he is alive and currently residing at his castle, I myself still find in unbelievable, and that was the request I made, I asked king Gustavious to let me see him, which he agreed, and also king Riko decided to come himself, also to confirm with his own eyes as I wanted… that is the main reason for the summons" king Leohart concluded… Clover placed both her hands on her chest, as a huge wave of relief washed over her, but she tried not to show that much emotions on the outside, but her sister felt the pure joy coming from Clover which she couldn't help but smile at.
King Leohart went on to inform them of Jericho's circumstances, and the fact he can also use the strange abilities his Brother Jace can, and also the other Intel he got about the world changing, as the new generation will all be able to use same abilities that has plagued them for so long… hearing the king talk, they all started to understand why he was so serious about no one breathing a word about it to anyone outside this room, but of course there were concerns with the arrival of Jericho that was still a possibility… "your majesty… even if it's true Prince Jericho is alive and well, do you think it's wise to let him come here, or even to have an audience with you" Sirius asked with concern, thinking about the fact there were responsible for the death of his father, tho unknowingly…. "sir Osborne is right your highness, how sure are we that he isn't working with his brother… he would definitely still be hurt by now and want nothing but revenge, just as his brother does… if he is indeed alive as they say, we cannot trust the likes of him" Vetra argued with his gaze falling on Clover from time to time… "hmmm… you all made valid points, however, this is something I have to do to finally receive closure… if Jericho wants vengeance I will not stop him, I took away his family, and he trusted me so much as I and his father was very close as you all were aware of, put yourselves in his shoes… I do not care for the dangers of my decision, I just want to see Jericho" the king responded… "but your majesty that wasn't your fault, we didn't even know what truly happened, you can't just-"... "hold your tongue Vetra… do not question your king's decision… it is clear you do not know who Jericho Von Menssai is, am sure you will soon enough" she said interrupting Vetra's trail of though… "{I myself do not truly know him, but for someone to command such trust and respect from a man like my father, and also my sister Clover whom doesn't like getting attached to people for any reason that wouldn't benefit her visions and goals, he must be truly someone of integrity… I must say I myself is curious about him}" Princess Diamond thought to herself with a smile, as she kept an eye on Clover whom was still sitting still, trying to hide her happiness, she wasn't even paying attention to what they were saying anymore, as the thought of Jericho still being alive kept resonating in her head as she smiles on the inside …
Vetra got sour as he was interrupted by princess Diamond, mostly because she was taking a stranger's side over his, and looking at how Clover has been acting since she got the news he was alive made him instantly disliked Jericho… "as you command your majesty, but please may I make a selfish request… just for my satisfaction, may I be permitted to stand by your side when the time comes for you to address him" Sirius requested truly worried for his king's safety… "as you wish Sirius, you may be by my side, if that would put your mind at ease" the king accepted with no reservations…. "of course… thank you your highness" Sirius replied with a bow and a sigh of huge relief… "father… you said something about the next generation having the ability to control something called soul energy?… how true is that Intel and where was it gathered from, if you don't mind me asking" princess Diamond asked truly curious about that the most… "of course, Jericho brought the Intel to king Gustavious, and I was told he knew because anyone that can manipulate soul energy, can also sense it from others who are able to as well… he sensed it on some few children during his travels, some strong while some were weak, but he gathered it was only a matter of time before they too start showing signs of soul energy… he also said he only gave that Intel for the sake of the children, so we won't be blindsided by it and think there were cursed or sick when they start coming out… that is also another reason for the summons… the other kings and myself are planning to discuss the measures we can take in other to train and protect them when that time comes" king Leohart concluded his explanation, Clover then burst out of her sit again screaming "of course!!"… which took everyone present by surprise… "are you alright princess Clover?" the king asked with concern, Clover finally realized she was standing and everyone was staring, she got embarrassed and slowly sat back down… "y-yes father, please forgive me (nervous smile)… I just had a break through with something I was currently working on that was giving me trouble a little… please carry on (she gave a forced smile)… {I see that might just be it… soul energy, it just might be what I was missing (an accomplished smile)… things are getting exciting for me too, first the news about Jericho now this, today has truly been a great day}" she thought as she was smiling hard on the inside but managing to keep a straight face on the outside… "anyway… as I stated before we started the meeting, no one should breath a word of this for now, I hope am understood (they all nod with a bow) excellent, you may all take your leave now and make preparation" said the king, then one after the other they all exited the room…
"brother, do you think Jericho would ever forgive me, I don't care if he wants revenge or not, I just want the opportunity to express how truly remorseful I am for the death of his father… and my best friend… am I being selfish?" king Leohart asked his brother the prime minister with a worried and said tone… "Leo, you've carried this cross all on your own for so long, having the chance to finally be rid of it doesn't make you selfish in anyway… no matter the out come, am sure the weight will finally be lifted from your tired shoulders my brother" said Konrad trying to lift his brother spirits… "what about wanting him to forgive me… is that a selfish request?" ... "of course not, the bond you shared with the Menssais is not something that can be easily forgotten… just as you do my brother, am sure Jericho also wants this closure, so have faith at least for the bond and trust you both shared" Konrad replied with a hand on his brother's shoulder… "(sigh) thank you Konrad… i truly hope you are right" he said with a smile, Konrad returned a warm smile of his own with a nod.