Chapter 3 Spiral Knights

“Now,” Kevin announced, “I had never imagined so many people boarding this spaceship until I witness them cramped up like sardines in there.”

          Creston merely chuckled at that remark as he brought Gordon and Kevin along the corridor, where all the training halls were located. Apparently, every single one of them was packed and fully loaded with newly recruited trainees.  Some were seated neatly listening to their lecture, some were scurrying around, wildly swinging their swords. If the doors are all open, you could be convinced that you are in a middle of a busy beehive.

          “Of course they are!” Gordon said, “Every citizen from this entire spaceship is inside. What do you expect?”

          “Everyone except the three of us, technically.” Kevin stuck out his tongue at Gordon.

          “Hey! One more word and I’m gonna shove you in there.”

          “That is if you can even dare to do it before my dad.”

          “Wha-?”

          “Alright guys, take it easy now.” Creston interrupted, “I know this new order may seem a little outrageous, but I believe you know how much it really matters to you, and to everyone else.”

          Gordon heaved out a sigh, and turned back to Creston. “Speaking of that Spiral Order, I wonder why it’s named like that. Why don’t they give it a nicer and more sophisticated name?” Gordon asked, “Something like, umm, ‘Ascended’?”

          “I think it’s kinda random,” Kevin suggested, “like how they simply throw in another similar name… The Prism Order, as far as I can recall from many other funny ones.”

          “Yes, the Prism Order was just one of the many orders,” Creston answered, “there were the Cyan Order, The Diamond Order, The Sapphire Order…”

          “Alright I think I get it now.” Gordon stopped his trainer before he could begin a history lesson. Somehow he’s just not fond of them. He remembered sleeping through many history lessons, and then being filed a complaint by the tutor. He just can’t help it; those boring stuff never seem to tuck in nicely in his mind.

          “Since you mentioned it,” Kevin said rather anxiously, “I have a crazy idea tingling in my mind. Wanna hear it?”

          “What is it?” Gordon inquired again.

          “If we are all knights under the Spiral Order,” Kevin told them, “I guess we can call ourselves as…” He made sure he paused for a few seconds before he continued, “the Spiral Knights.” He spread out his fingers like he was trying to conjure something out of thin air.

          Kevin quickly glanced at Gordon and Creston, anticipating for any acknowledgements… only to see Gordon giving him a blank stare like he had suffered from amnesia.

          “What? Isn’t it brilliant?”

          “Well, if that’s the case, I’m glad we’re not living at the times of the Cyan Order, or I have to dress myself light-blue and wear a sign that says: I’m glad to be a Cyan Knight!”

          “Now, would you like me to shove you in there instead?” Kevin pointed at a room ahead. On its door was a sign inscribed with the words: Trap Room.

          “Well that is if you even dare to do it before your dad,” Gordon shot back.

          “Hey, you-!”

          “Now, now guys,” Creston nudged them, “you don’t want the other trainers to complain about all the commotion you’ll make, yes?”

          “No, sir.” the boys said in unison.

          “That’s better,” Creston stopped in front of the entrance to another training hall. “Ah, here we are. We’ll have our lessons here for today. Oh wait, I almost forgot. I want to tell you guys about something… two of them, actually.”

           “Good news or bad news?” Gordon and Kevin asked.

          Creston bit his lip, a habit Gordon noticed whenever he was hesitating, “Well… one is good for sure.”

          “What’s the good news?” asked Kevin.

          “Anytime from today onwards, the Alpha Squad will conduct a qualification test for candidates joining the team. If you pass, you may get your first and very own complete Cobalt gear as a reward.”

          “Really?” Gordon and Kevin were so overjoyed, they cheered and leaped like merry, little children!  The Cobalt armour was only handed out exceptionally to those who can proceed one step closer to the rank of an Alpha Squad member. Strutting around gloriously with a full Cobalt armour would be like a dream come true.

          “Don’t get too excited though,” Creston cut in before the boys manage a group hug with him, “if you fail, you would be disqualified and have to start your training all over again until the next test comes. Besides, they need to make some preparations beforehand, hence the test would only take place after a week, or even a month. So be patient.”

          “Yes, sir!” Gordon beamed at him, “Oh, and what’s the second news?”

          “You mean bad news.” Kevin corrected.

          “Well, not exactly. Can’t say so myself.” Creston stepped forward and pressed the open switch. Something behind the walls whirred softly like a sigh before the door slid open. As Creston stepped into the hall, he gestured for the boys to follow him.

          “I think it’s better to see it yourselves.” Creston tried to smile. Did he bite his lip again? Gordon thought. Maybe he imagined it, or did he?

          Gordon sensed something wrong was happening, and his instinct told him not to enter that training hall. But his curiosity was pulling him so hard that he found it hard to resist. He decided to take a look inside, thinking that everything will reveal itself once he sees what’s inside.

          Just a peek, he thought, a little would be enough. It wouldn’t hurt, right?

Chapter 2 A New Order

Creston had never seen the captain so upset before, not even in the worst hours. Everyone knew that he was calm in mind, and he had had a plan for any situations presented to him, good or bad. Even if the captain worried about something, it would probably be his concern for the safety of his people. Besides, he never stopped giving the best to everyone on board the spaceship. Well, who didn’t know the captain as the compassionate leader of Skylark? For better or for worse, surely everyone can depend on him!
          But for now, it’s definitely the worse.

          The only clue Creston know of was that one of the lieutenants of the Alpha Squad came back from an expedition a moment ago, headed straight to the captain’s cabin, and an announcement is made for an urgent meeting to be commenced. Everyone, including the citizens was to stop everything they’re doing and gather at the Main Deck immediately. When the place was crowded and bustling with people, only then Creston recalled that Gordon and Kevin were practising in the training hall.

          Well, what could he do then, other than to scramble quickly ‒ or rather embarrassingly among the officers eyeing at him ‒ and call them out? As he reached for the door, it slid open by itself, triggered by the emergency alarm system; right on time.

          He managed to shake them awake from their dreamy state (it often happened to people being interrupted when they’re in the middle of their training in the Virtual Training Hall) and shooed them gently down the corridor. It took no time for them to reach Skylark’s biggest hall ‒ the Main Deck.

          This huge place was meant to function as a venue for a wide range of purposes, including forums and duelling competitions, even performances and wild parties. The public can gain access to it at any time; in fact it was directly connected to all the living quarters. No wonder it was nicknamed “The Mother Room” by Kevin.

          Gordon, too, had given it a nickname ‒ “The Hall of Heroes”. The reason was a grand occasion, officially known as the Knighting Ceremony will always be conducted at the Main Deck. Once a knight is ready to join the Alpha Squad, he will be on the platform, where everyone can look at him. There, he will be knighted as member of the Alpha Squad by the captain himself. His name and title will be written by hand along with all other officers. Gordon had seen this ceremony many times, and Creston lost count of how many times Gordon told him about his dream of being there, kneeling before the captain and say the sacred oath.

          Imagine how much he wanted to stand on that very platform and be granted the title of an Alpha Squad officer, before the eyes of every single living soul in Skylark!

          Imagine how proud…

          “Everyone, please calm down!” The booming loudspeaker interrupted Creston’s thoughts.

          It seemed that the crowd was in a state of confusion, being called to come to the Main Deck all of a sudden. Loud, indistinct chatter was heard bouncing across the hall from thousands upon thousands of people. The highly-ranked officers and soldiers could be seen under the platform, wearing their usual uniform armour. Even they can’t stop themselves from mumbling to each other, arguing about what really happened. Say, the squadron team seems to have a lot less members than usual, Creston noted. There used to be five hundred men! Or did he imagine it just now? He tried to scan through the team, roughly working the numbers in his mind.

          “Please! I need your attention!” It turned out that the loudspeaker was from the same lieutenant who reported to the captain earlier. “Be silent for a while!”

          Out of the blue, someone from the crowd yelled, “Well then, do you know exactly why we’re here?”

          “Well…” the lieutenant fell short of words, hesitating for an answer. Everyone continued their busy discussions, and the bustling noise of chatter returned.

          The panicking tones and irritated talk seemed to be never-ending, until the loudspeaker boomed with another voice.

          “Silence, everyone!”

          Everyone recognized the voice and halted their conversations. One by one, the crowd became quiet. All eyes were then turned to the captain standing on the platform.

          The captain wore a grim and mournful look in contrary to his usual warm grin, which reminded Creston of the terrible incident which took place in their home planet. He will never forget the expression of that face, and so will the rest of Skylark’s dwellers, he wagered. He wished he could do something, anything at all, to bring that brilliant smile back again. Skylark may have to stop her flight if she needed to carry that infinite weight of her captain’s heavy heart.

          The captain stool a little straighter and began his speech, “First of all, I sincerely apologize for the sudden call to gather for this meeting, and I’m dreadfully sorry for any inconvenience caused. But I had hastily formed an extremely important order that involves everyone here in this hall. So, I do not wish to delay my announcement and deliver it to all of you as soon as possible.

          The captain glanced around to see that everyone was paying attention. Quite satisfied, he continued, “As all of us know, after our home planet became uninhabitable, we are in a constant for a planet that provides a proper place for us to stay peacefully. Unfortunately, according to the reports from the scouts of the Alpha Squad, none can be spotted. I had previously thought all the expeditions made are in vain and almost considered to give up.

          “But a few days ago, a quick scan of a stray planet revealed a population of an unknown life form living in there. I quickly ordered Lieutenant Giles over here to bring an army with him to travel to the planet, in an attempt to negotiate with their leader. Of course, we are not at all certain of the risks we’re taking. We may have to fight if we need to. But what other choice did we have? This could be our only chance!

          “So, meanwhile, I waited for reports from the expedition team, but to no avail. Finally, after a long wait, Lieutenant Giles came knocking on my cabin door. I expected some good news from him, but what he reported extinguished all the hope in me.” The captain seemed to hold back before he continued his next statement, “The army I sent, of three hundred men, was almost wiped out completely.”

          At this, the captain paused again, and some of the audience gasped in astonishment. Good Skylark, three hundred! That’s worth two years of training!

          “According to the lieutenant’s report,” the captain resumed, “no sentries or structures of any sort were seen during and after the landing. The team started to build a camp there and decided to continue their journey on the next day. All of a sudden, they were ambushed and attacked by a hostile army. Our expedition team was greatly outnumbered. Many men sacrificed themselves in the fight and died, many more were captured. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Giles and a few men ‒ three of them, to be exact ‒ managed to escape in time. However, we cannot deny that this incident had been a great loss.”

          The words plunged into Creston’s heart like a bright, hot dagger freshly shaped from an anvil. In Skylark history, no one had ever heard of the woeful words of “sacrificed”, or “died”, or “a great loss”. This would be the first, and it would be a painful memory permanently etched into the minds of every citizen. Irreplaceable talents and valiant spirits and unfinished dreams, all gone for ever.

          “Now, The Alpha Squad has comparatively very few members left. It will take a ridiculously long time of qualifying and training to recover to the previous number. I’m aware that this will paralyze our future efforts of searching inhabitable planets, protecting the spaceship… in fact, almost everything.

          “Yet, all is not lost. As stated earlier, I planned a solution in the form of a new order, which will be called the Spiral Order. Still, the previous military order will not be completely ignored; the Alpha Squad is here to stay. Instead, this new order will be… how should I put this? ‒ it applies to all dwellers of Skylark, which includes all my fellow citizens.

          Creston thought he didn’t hear it right. The citizens? All of them?

          The captain continued, “This is the way it works: all of you will be trained to use weapons diligently and participate in simple tasks and missions. It will apply to everyone, old or young, man or woman, of every occupation. Everyone will be fighters, defenders, the knights and soldiers of the Spiral Order. Please bear in mind that this is not to replace the lost members of the Alpha Squad. It is far more accurate to be said as a rebuilding of a new army. If this plan works, we would acquire a much stronger force, capable of accomplishing great feats the squadron team alone would be unable to do so.” The captain cleared his throat, “Now, any questions?”

          “Captain,” a figure in the crowd, who seems to be an officer, raised his hand, “would the Alpha Squad still recruit anymore candidates?”

          That seemed to made Gordon and Kevin jump, Creston observed. He turned his attention back to the captain, waiting for a reply.

          “As usual,” the captain remarked quickly, “anyone who demonstrates exceptional skills will be welcomed anytime.”

          The boys were instantly relieved, which somehow gave the same effect to Creston too.

          “Anyone else?” the captain asked once more.

          Another hand shot out, “Can we withdraw ourselves from this order? If so, will we be punished?”

          “Well, I want to remind you that the Spiral Order will not force anyone to honour it unwillingly. It is made for the best of us all. Remember, the entire spaceship depends on your decision. So, I urge all of you to consider it thoughtfully.”

          The audience, aware of how important the situation was, remained silent. Doubtlessly, the captain made a bold move, and he played his very last card. If it’s not a winning one, Skylark would be done for. But as hard as tough luck, the decision to say “yes” is almost like taking a leap of faith into the unknown. Everyone waited for each other, like how people sometimes wish upon the lucky stars of the night sky to signal a sign of approval.

          “Would you solemnly agree to be part of the Spiral Order?” the captain spoke up.

          Now, don’t ask me how it happened, but all of a sudden, one single thought crossed every conscious mind under the platform, as if they really witnessed those stars winked a speck of light at them: we can only save ourselves now, and it’s all up to us.

          And at that moment, all the lowly citizens made their choice, the choice that opened a gateway to a new world. A whole new level of adventure awaited, like the unexplored seas waiting for a good old sailor to pay a visit. Who knows what surprises were standing right there knocking on the door?

Chapter 1 Skylark and the Knights

The Skylark, the magnificent spaceship had been cruising from the day it was built, never stopping even once ever since. Powered by an amazing device, the tearium core, it can travel a great distance without any additional fuel. This enabled the dwellers of Skylark to go far beyond their home planet, venturing to other planets and moons and even the neighboring galaxies. Nonetheless, many still preferred to stay at where they belong.

          Unfortunately, a horrible plague came out of nowhere, and many lives were at risk (until now, I do not know what kind of threat had happened then; apparently everyone had forgotten about it too). Everyone had no choice, so they were forced to depart from their homes and into the spaceship.

          Skylark was their home ever since.

          Many living quarters were built in the spaceship to comprehend the great population of passengers aboard. The squadron unit of Skylark, the Alpha Squad had made numerous efforts to scout other planets, in search of a proper living condition. Hence, countless officers were seen in space shuttles flying in and out of Skylark with the duty in their hands. When the journey is too lengthy and troublesome, the whole squadron travelled in the spaceship along with all other citizens instead.

          Now, you shouldn’t even think that it is easy to be qualified as a member of the Alpha Squad. After all, they are the most elite group of fighters and adventurers available in Skylark. One has to be able to display impressive qualities and endure tough tests, not to mention passing them with flying colors. Most importantly, an Alpha Squad officer has to bear all the hope of Skylark and the tasks that draw the fate between life and death.

          Nevertheless, this didn’t stop the young knight-candidates from giving their best shot…

“The aliens are coming close. They’re surrounding us!” Gordon latched out his training sword, “and they’re armed with Mk III Shock Pellets!”

          “No worries mate,” Kevin said, grinning casually, “their petty guns are no match for my Super Blaster!” He twirled his handgun, preparing for his next shot.

          “Wait a sec,” Gordon interrupted, “you’ll only get your own Super Blaster after passing the Secondary Handgun Test.” He shot a look at Kevin’s handgun, “And that’s your regular proto training handgun!”

          “Hey, can I at least pretend?”

          It was another day in the Virtual Training Hall, one of the best facilities the Skylark has to offer. Gordon and Kevin had grown up together in this training hall, and their passion towards weaponry grew each and every day. Their rapid development of skills and interest led to an early (and surprising) invitation to join the knight-candidates, a title before being an Alpha Squad officer. Of course, they said yes immediately.

          The training hall became their favorite hangout ever since. Undeniably, it’s strictly for training purposes only, but who says you can’t have fun while slashing at enemies?

          “Alright let’s not waste time,” Gordon turned back to face the approaching enemies, “they just keep coming, we’re outnumbered now. What do you reckon?”

          Kevin stepped back a few paces, “It that’s the case… we run!” He charged forward and fired at a couple of aliens, knocking them back. “Race you to the flag!”

          “Hey! You know I can’t do it alone!” Gordon ran frantically behind Kevin, his sword tucked away safely at his belt. Well, he had considered his good buddy as his own brother, but he never said he will tolerate his ill manner of leaving teammates behind.

          Gordon caught up quickly without much effort, racing along right beside Kevin.

         “Right, I forgot. You’re a fast runner,” Kevin smiled, “but don’t forget that I have a quick aim!”

          Kevin, already poised with his gun, fired multiple shots at the incoming aliens, knocking them off clean. He reloaded quickly in a blur and preceded his aim as quickly as before.

          “Look, you missed one!” Gordon drew out his blade and sliced an enemy who was charging at them. “Admit that, boomer!”

          “No I didn’t! It just somehow… passed right through!” Kevin said the word as though if it’s the most innocent word ever in the entire vocabulary available.

          “Mind your head!” Gordon yelled and swung his sword swiftly. Kevin ducked right on cue, and the blade struck another foe.

          “Thanks, Gordon. You’re the man!” Kevin let out a cheer. “I see that you’re in good shape!”

          Gordon snorted, “Just promise me that you won’t blame the system whenever you miss.”

          “Well, I-”

          Just then, out of thin air, several menacing aliens appeared right ahead at the path, blocking their way. The enemies were heavily-armed, each carrying a blade that seemed to glow with surging electricity.

          “Uh, now’s obviously not the time to celebrate,” Gordon slowed down and gripped his sword tighter. The system seemed to have a habit of tricking the trainees, unwilling to let them get their share of victory easily.

          Kevin stopped on his track and inspected the obstacle ahead. “Seems like they won’t shake us off that quickly, huh?”

          Gordon nodded in agreement, “now, on my signal, we’ll make our move.”

          Kevin nodded back.

          “Ready? One, two, three! Chaaarge!”

          “For victory!”

          The knights ran forward as the aliens let out their own battle cry. Gordon made a powerful thrust against one foe, then slashed straight at another target. The second enemy was caught off-guard and fell to the ground, howling in pain. Kevin used the distraction to take aim at an attacking enemy, then shot right at its arm. The critical shot injured its target, and the alien dropped his own weapon.

          “Look out, behind you!” Kevin shouted before engaging an enemy, who was lunging straight at Gordon.

          Gordon held up his shield and blocked the attack on time. He dodged quickly to evade another swipe, and he thought he heard the buzzing sound of electricity coursing through the sharp ends of the enemy’s sword. If Kevin didn’t warn him soon enough, he might be toasted by that dangerous current. “Careful Kevin! That blade can deliver a nasty shock!”

          Kevin reloaded and fired again, but the alien was quick on its feet. It rolled past the incoming bullets and prepared for a counter-attack.

          “Oh no you don’t!” Gordon lunged back, positioning the tip of his blade at the alien’s body. He landed a heavy blow on it and delivered a final swipe, sending it to the air. It fell down with a thud, and its head slumped down to the ground.

          “Finally, the path is cleared.” Gordon regarded as the last opponent vanished.

          “Don’t be satisfied yet,” Kevin sprinted past Gordon, “the race is still on!”

          Unwilling to be left behind once again, Gordon raced ahead.

          The duo ran up the path, dodging around pits and huge rocks without a single notion of slowing down. Gordon had been amazed at how the virtual system processor made the lively creatures move and attack, even get hit by swords and bullets. But he was even more dumbfounded by how the terrain was manipulated out of solid ground, how realistic they looked from different angles. He might one day sign up as a technician, just to inspect the construction of this beauty. But for now, he has business to attend to.

          The path winds up on a hill, and on the summit a flagpole stood firmly on the ground. A red flag on it swayed gently, like a welcoming hand to the first knight who gets hold of it. Gordon knew right away he would be that knight after he zoomed past Kevin, who was starting to pant.

          “Tired already?” Gordon snickered, “told you I’ll still win!”

          Gordon stepped ahead, his hand reaching for the flag. Once he grabs hold of it, it shall be a proof that Gordon can be as great as any knight. He can even be qualified early to sit his first test. He was so close to the finishing line.

          Then everything disappeared.

          The landscape around them started to morph. The hill melted away like wax, and the flag vanished out of view. The ground below them felt harder and more solidified. All of a sudden, bright light took over the surrounding darkness. Before they even realized it, they were in a confined, square room.

          The training hall’s system must have shut down, Gordon thought. But who did it? It can’t simply turn itself off. Unless…

          Gordon held up his hand to block the blinding light and stared hard at the entrance. The door was open, and an officer was standing by it.

          “Dad?” Kevin exclaimed.

          Kevin’s father, Sir Creston had been their trainer, and he would monitor their training sessions and make sure nothing was messed up. He would let the boys use the Virtual Training Hall sometimes, but still, he gladly allowed them to have as much fun as they wanted. Occasionally, he have to get inside and call them out in the middle of a virtual brawl when it’s past bedtime (or when their mothers were simply not happy with the long hour they occupied themselves in there).

          But this time, Sir Creston looked like he meant business. Serious business.

          “Sorry guys, I hate to spoil the fun,” the officer apologized briefly, “but the system is down, and I have to call you out.”

          “Sir, did you mean that you didn’t turn it off?” Gordon asked, feeling a little uneasy.

          “No, I didn’t”

          “Then, something… happened?”

          “Yes. The captain calls for an emergency meeting at the Main Deck. Do hurry yourselves there. Why are you still standing here? Get going now! Everybody’s waiting for you, for Skylark’s sake!”

Prologue

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away… Oh, I shouldn’t even put it this way.

          No, of course not. In fact it’s about something more than dashing heroes and damsels in distress (if there was even a damsel at all). It’s more than ferocious monsters guarding mysterious treasures and hidden secrets in deep, dark dungeons. It’s more than just heading to duels and earning the ultimate prize. It’s more than just finding trustworthy companions and getting them to follow you wherever you wish to go.

          I assure you, it’s so much more than that.

          Many failed to realize this, and they blankly followed anything that seemed to suit them best. In the end, it was too late to realize that all came to a dead end.

          I tremble to imagine such a thing happening to my fellow ones, both loved and held dear by me, including anyone who reads this in the future. But at the same time, I’m proud of all the accomplishments we made, the glory which emerged from the finest, golden moments we had altogether.

          So, I decided to take some time off, write everything down and simply hope for the best.

          Now, to start off a tale, you must begin with a tragedy…

Intro

This story I post here, entitled "The Destiny Within" is written based on the game called Spiral Knights. This story is meant to be read by the gamers themselves and anyone else who doesn't play the game, so feel free to look at it :)

If you wanna take a look at the game, here it is:

http://www.spiralknights.com/

The story can also be found here:
http://forums.spiralknights.com/en/node/41194