Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 7

"Brother" Elana said tearfully as she hugged him. "My- My daughter!" shouted Eden as she dropped her rapier and went over to her only daughter. "You came?" she said tearfully, Elana laughed and told her mom, "*chuckles* mother, I was here for a few days. Not in the capital per say. But staying with the knights at Vigil's Keep" she said. Eden laughed and said to her child, "Ah the knights were hospitable" she said.

As everyone was recovering Ocato and a few heavily armored palace guards came into the room. As he walked forward, he partially looked at the corpse of one assassin before realizing the family symbol, "Dammit" he said as he rushed over to the body. "Ocato, do you know this symbol?" said Vorador, "Ha! More like use to know. This clan symbol belonged to an old family. Use to be loyal to the kingdom before being deemed as traitors by the court" said Ocato as he explained things to Vorador.

"Is the threat over?" said Elana as she overheard the conversation, "No it isn't" said her brother as he walked over. "We need to talk. Again" said Ethan. Meanwhile, the wounded are treated and order has been restored to the palace. The city itself has been placed on high alert by the guards.

"What do you mean, you won't accept ruler-ship of capital lands?!" said a shocked young boy king. Eden herself was shocked by her son's demand. "We want these lands as sphere of influence. Not as actually territory. The Owari region is our home" said Ethan firmly on his choice. Eden smiled for a little bit, but was proud of her son. Ocato realized what he meant by his demand. "*laughs* We accept" said Ocato.

The Oda clan thanked the Imperial Court and then departed from the capital. The people waved goodbye to their saviors and they marched home to Owari. "So is this what you want? My son?" said his mother, Ethan chuckled and said, "My dear mother, what do you want? Constant warfare? or peace?". Eden laughed at her son's question, and she responded "That is a trick question" she said.

After many days of marching. The Oda family finally came home to Owari. As days passed by, The Oda army, trained, recruited, posted, maintained. They were prepared for anything, it was until a nice spring day that a messenger from the north came. "Lord Saito understands you have a son without a wife?" the messenger said in fear, knowing Eden's reputation. "Yes. Yes I do have a son, he is twenty-one this year. And is now ready for marriage" Eden stated. "Ah I see, please excuse me, My lord Saito's adopted daughter is also the same age. Can she request an audience with the young lord" said the messenger once more, Eden stood up, the messenger coward in fear thinking something offended her. "She can see him during the concubine ceremony" Eden stated once more as well. The messenger was happy and he departed.

"The Viper? Are you trying to get me killed at a young age?" Ethan said as he entered the room. "Did you hear everything?" Eden stated frankly. "Yes. Yes I did, maybe you want to prepare my coffin" said a frustrated Ethan. "It will be good for the family" Eden said as she was confidant in this marriage idea. "Fine" said Ethan as he kowtow for his mother and left the room. All the while Eden was sitting alone. In her room as it becomes dimly lit and the sunset for the next day.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 6

Present Day.....

"Mother!" shouted her son as he greets her. "Ah. My son!, glory shall be yours for this mighty deed" she said as she hug him tightly. "It has been.....too long" she said, "I miss my children" she said with a tear coming down her eye. "Ah don't worry about us mother. You taught us everything" Ethan said with a smile for joy to see his mother again. "Where's Elana?" Vorador said as he looked around for her. "My daughter. She is away at the academy. She won't be returning anytime soon. But she does send her love to us from half way across the world" Eden said as the three began walking towards the palace.

"It has been indeed this long!" shouted Ocato with happiness. Ocato greets the Oda's and Vorador with a low tone. "Ethan. Eden. *low voice* Vorador" he said, Vorador laughed and patted him on the shoulder saying, "See. I told you one of these days it will happen. But you refuse to believe such things". The group began to feel uncomfortable for a minute or so. It was really an awkward silent moment. For you see, Vorador predicted that the Oda's will enter the capital. And claim regency. But Ocato believe this act will have Takeda and Uesugi marching from their territories in earnest. Luckily Ocato's prediction was wrong.

The city remained intact. While the palace took damage during the assault. "The traitorous eunuchs scramble to the hills. They won't return anytime soon" said an officer as he gave his report before leaving, as the group entered the main hall of the palace. "Before we go in further, It is manners of this household that we show our gratitude" said Ocato. The three nodded in agreement and proceed to meet the king of these lands. "Ah! The Oda clan, we thank you for saving this kingdom from our own political infrastructure" the young boy king said as he drank lilac wine. The three kowtow in humble grace, and said in unison, "We thank you. Thy majesty of Drangleic". The young boy king stood up and said, "We shall have a grand ceremony for the saviors of this kingdom. I shall appoint Eden Oda. The head of the Oda clan. As regent. I expect the most from you within this station".

Evening came.

The Oda officers and generals, the young boy king. Everyone, was celebrating during the evening in the gardens of the palace. "Next up. It's the young king's favorite play" said the host of the evening's event. Everyone clapped as the play began, During the play Ethan was curious as to why Takeda and Uesugi would be trouble, so he asked Vorador "*Ahem* why Takeda and Uesugi? Vorador?" he said as he leaned over to him, Vorador gave a brief scoff and said to Ethan, "Because. The other houses won't dare budge. Only Takeda and Uesugi would take high interest in his majesty's safety" he said, As the play ended and everyone gave a clap. The host came on stage and announced the finale act. "For tonight's finale. We present to you the most beautiful dancers from the four corners of this empire" the host said once more as he departed from the stage. The dancers appeared, very beautiful and majestic, all wearing ivory cloth, with jewelry and makeup you won't find here in the capital.

As the dance went on. And as everyone was relaxing, a young officer came into the room. "Psst. Commander" he said, Ethan got up and left to see what is up. "What is it?" he asked, the young officer whispered, "You were right". the young officer departed, Ethan stood there for a brief moment of silence when suddenly, "Assassins!" shouted the palace workers! "Everyone scatter!" the garden was then an instance war zone once again. The assassin's were fast. While the Oda were plenty, ability seemed to be on the enemies side, "Dammit!" shouted Maeda, "Their too many!" shouted another, "Kill Eden Oda!" shouted the assassin commander. As he lunged forward only to instantly be killed by Vorador, "Hmph! Pathetic dogs!" he bellowed. Eden Oda found herself surrounded. Not only that but in a sea of fire, "Come" said Eden with a cold look. Two assassins lunged forward, one was instantly killed, the other was blinded by her cape as Eden struck the other assassin down.

Meanwhile, Ethan Oda also held his own but was severely outnumbered. "Will you give me? The Demon King a good death?" he shouted. The assassins came forward and one by one they were struck down, however one assassin managed to wrapped his sword in chains and then outmaneuver around Ethan to pin him for the kill. As the assassins sprang on him, a woman shouted. "Brother! No!" the woman instantly killed the assassins. The danger was over, Ethan recovered as he looked up, it was a familiar face. This face was suppose to be at an academy way across the world. It was his sister. Elana Oda".

Lore: Drangleic Barbarians

No rules. No Order. Only destruction.

Short Description:

Before the Warring States Era in Drangleic. The barbarian menace was a huge problem. History sadly cannot give an exact time and date as to when this menace occurred across the land. But it was deadly as it was terrifying for the common folk.

History:

The Barbarian horde was spotted by the government during it's early days. Whether or not this was unintentional is left to be seen. Some say the government wanted to act like the heroes still. And so they paid particular factions to rise up in rebellion. Others say it's the church's practices that cause the people to sway against the country. This origin story has many choices and no real point of starting origin. In a matter of days, weeks, months and years. The horde went from just a mere tens of thousands to over a hundred-thousands. The horde itself was divided into three columns each led by the Barbarian King's three sons. While the main army was the real elite of warriors. They went on and pillage and destroy much of the country. Despite the best of efforts. The people were suffering and without a proper leader to lead Drangleic's armies into battle all was lost.

Downfall:

Eventually, Three Great Noble Houses. Formed a coalition that was not only well-equipped but their supply line was endless. These houses were Oda, Takeda, and Uesugi. Despite the fears and issues of this alliance. Soon, the barbarian king lost his sons. One was killed in battle, the other died to disease, and the last son was killed by his own men. He led one final raid upon a fortified village, the village was destroyed by due to the harsh winters they couldn't move out in time before the coalition forces surrounded them. The barbarian king despite losing supplies and his men were suffering, soon his army abandoned him in just a matter of hours to about a few days. His vast army dwindled from a hundred thousand to twenty-five thousand, being outmatched by an army of elite soldiers in total of eighty thousand.

On a red and spring day. The king made his last stand. His family is all but gone. A few days prior his wife, disappeared, no trace of her. His sons died through malice or through Heaven's deceitful ways. The man was brave, his soldiers made a valiant last stand. Taking arrow shots left and right and being stabbed multiple times through the gut. By the afternoon the menace was over.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 5

Eden Oda and her forces marched onward. Seeking out the Barbarian King. For many months now his forces have been causing too much trouble for the kingdom. At first, the kingdom gave them land to settle on, so long as they stopped pillaging and murdering. But of course, that didn't last. The king eventually demanded tribute, and the kingdom outright refuse. And so, the Barbarian King use the people's distraught and lack of faith in their own government as his weapon. And soon, his army went from just a merely five-hundred followers to thirty-thousand in just a matter of a few days it then became a hundred-thousand.

How the barbarian king can command such a vast army and lack on resources is hard to say. "If this army grows any larger, the kingdom's forces will be outnumbered" said Vorador as he pans over a map he is surveying. He usually reads maps or drinks wine when doing such things. Outside Montross gives orders to a scout patrol. "I want you to sweep the area. Use the eagle to communicate, should you find yourself in a deadly situation" said Montross as he handed an eagle to a scout. "Yes sire!" said the lead scout, afterwards the scouting party left. Meanwhile, Eden Oda after a long day's march, decided to relax herself. After countless patrols, helping about. Maintaining morale, etc. The woman was tired, you can see the sleeping bags under her eyes. "Ugh, I am tired *yawn*" she said. Eden disrobed and decided to take a short hot bath. Afterwards she put on her night gown and proceeded to sleep. "There must be a way" said Vorador, "How to beat an army of rabble" as Vorador said to himself as he paces back and forth in his tent. It was then an idea struck. "Takeda and Uesugi".

Vorador slammed his fist on his table in excitement, and then rushed towards Eden's tent. "Lady Oda! Lady Oda!" shouted Vorador with glee. "*groans* what is it? I am trying to get some sleep" said a frustrated Eden as she yawned and stretch her arms. "Hear me out" said Vorador, Eden sighed and said to him, "Alright. You got five minutes, then I am going back to bed" said Eden. Vorador began telling her his idea. "A dragon in the snowy north, In the east, the summer breeze spawns fire with four legs as it roars high, and in the south phoenix-dragon, soars high to the heavens and caws upon high". Eden scoffed at his idea and said, "A poet now are we? You wake me up to tell me a poem?" she said to Vorador, "*Hmph! Men*" she said as she went back to sleep. Vorador disappointed by her response said to himself, "Surely she knows what I was talking about?" he said as he left her tent for shut eyes.

The next day during a war council, Eden announced her plans. "We are going to ally with Takeda and Uesugi" she boldly stated. The whole war council was silence whether this was out of fear for not liking the idea was yet to be known. The history between these three clans was mighty. Sure Takeda and Uesugi disliked each other, and for reasons of course, but mostly it was the respect for Eden and her capabilities as a leader amongst men in a man's political and militaristic world. "That won't happen. Those two are enemies for life!" shouted one general. "If we win the war, whose to say they won't take advantage of our tired forces" shouted another, soon the war council turned into an argument of bickering imbeciles. Montross didn't like the idea, Ocato was aghast by the thought of it, and Vorador didn't anticipate just how bad things will get. After a few minutes of bickering and arguing Eden slammed her fist and yelled "SILENCE!".

The room became quiet once more. "We will ally ourselves with the Dragon of Echigo and the Tiger of Kai, Do not worry Montross our military is mighty, I have study their ways and know how to fight them on evened ground. Ocato, you are worried about the political issue. Three great houses? Seizing glory in a time where the government needs a hero?! This is not the time to discuss such things. This is an age of chaos and war. Lives are being lost. Families utterly destroyed, and yet we sit back and watch as these barbarian hordes destroy our beloved country. Well I say, No more! Enough is Enough!". The war-council became quiet and shook their heads in agreement.

Eden smiled and said, "Good. If you don't like the idea. Then leave! Go back home while we seize the glory!" she said once more before dismissing the council. She then ordered messengers to be sent to Kai and Echigo. The fate of the land was now in the hands of the three Great Noble Houses of Drangleic.

Lore: Slavery in Drangelic

"The true driving force of Drangleic. A sad and disgusting history".

History always tells us. That the common man, helped build the kingdom to heights we have seen today. However, the truth is more dark.

In the Beginning

It is hard to describe when slavery first began in Drangleic's history. No real time date has been established. Apparently the Council of Lyons see slaves as a means to not only keep the rich in line, but also drive the nation even faster in terms of growth and internal expansion.

The System

Slavery works in two ways:

The first is servants. Men and women from random barbarian camps across a young Drangelic kingdom. Who are either kitchen staff members, maids and butlers, or garden workers. In some cases they are sex slaves as well. Pleasing the heads of these rich families or pleasing their children. They get paid very little, and their living conditions are horrible. If the servants are out of line they get whipped and get thrown into the dungeons for a whole week without food. Some descend into madness which results in their deaths or they die of starvation.

The second is the so-called "slavery working class". They work the mines, the lumber mills, building, maintaining, no matter the weather condition or the season they are the "first line" of defense sort of speak in maintaining the "youthful look" of the kingdom. They get paid next to nothing and if they try to escape or get out of line. They will be executed right on the spot, and if they have a family. There families will be completely eradicated from the face of the earth.

Fighting Against the machine

There has been no slave rebellion. Which is kind of odd, considering the amount of reports on the harsh conditions these poor people have to face. Some formed underground movements, while others choose to except their life until death or release of service, which is rarely often.

You can say some sabotage is involved. On random occasions. Usually a granary is set on fire, or an animal pen is let loose. Some times the slaves even help out the enemy. But even then it was dangerous to cross your master. Especially with a lot to lose in the end.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 4

It was dawn. And the sun was red, blood was spilled the night before. It was the blood of traitors, and old pervy men. Soldier's with the Oda insignia marched right on through the main gate. Meanwhile, outside the city gates, Eden reflected on just how far her family has come. "It has been this long?" she said to herself.

Many years ago. Before she became one of the Trinity Generals as most people call Takeda, Oda, and Uesugi. She was just a normal clan figurehead, representing her family. And it's interests. She had no husband, despite rumors and speculations. She was twenty-five years old when she first began her ambitions. Usually a woman of her age, would have to rise from the bottom and to the top she goes. She was in a man's world. Trying to prove to the man, that if a man can climb to the top, so can a woman. Soon female commanders, like Sophia Dryden, Morrigian Lafayette, the list goes on and on.

Eden Oda was on her horse, staring into the horizon, while looking above she sees her eagle, returning from scouting the region. "So, it's that simple". she said, as she smirks at the situation. "I would need to split the army into three, the cavalry would charge down the center, while my infantry flanks the enemy" she said to herself in a thinking state of mind, she then heard a haughty laugh behind her, It was a young Vorador, "What about the archers?" he said to her, Eden unfazed at the situation said to him in reply, "The archers will be useless it will be a foggy state soon" she said in a firm stance. Vorador was impressed by her response.

"Solider. Tell Montross, to take the infantry and proceed as planned" she commanded, the solider bowed and head off to rely the orders. Vorador and Eden smiled at each other, acknowledging just how far Eden has come. "Soon the world will remember your name" he said to her. Eden laughed and said, "I hope so. I am doing it for family and country after all" she unsheathed her rapier weapon while saying this, after giving the orders her forces slowing descended the mountains.

During this period. The barbarian issue became a huge problem for the economy, the constant invasion of trade routes, pillaging villages, the constant defense measures of these strategic areas. Important thing is, the country was in a minor debt crisis. If they can take out the Barbarian King. Then the problem will be over. Heck, they might get some new soldiers while they are at it."You'd really think this will be over soon?" said Vorador. Eden looked at him with a grim look and stated frankly, "The barbarian problem. Yes. The chaos, no." she said. the army in a matter of seconds collided at the barbarian main camp, just below the summit."Attack! Take the women, and child hostage!" commanded Eden. the Oda forces heavily outmatched the barbarians in terms of numbers and equipment, soon the camp fell. Everyone else except the men were spared and sent into slavery.

As Eden and Vorador survey the camp, two generals arrived to greet them. It was Montross and Ocato. Who at the time was a general in the armies of Drangleic before becoming a Chancellor of the courts. "Ah Madame Oda" said Ocato with resounding polite courtesy, "Commander Oda" Montross said to her while bowing in respect. "*sigh* Ocato. Montross. Report!" said Eden as she cleaned her weapon. "The Barbarian King isn't here" said Ocato, "We have scouted for miles. This isn't the main camp. It was diversion" said Montross.

Eden scoffed at first, and then laughed maniacally and said aloud, "Is that so?" as she turned towards her generals and smiled. She mounted her horse and told everyone to report back to their camp. "Oh and one more thing. Burn this camp to the ground" she commanded. By the end of the day, the camp itself was completely gone.

Dark Reign Blog News Update!

So it seems my latest attempt at my Dark Reign series is going quite well. Here is how thing are going to go.

Like what did with my earlier attempt. I will go up to 15 chapters. For this one anyways i plan to do two more stories plus an Origin's story. Yes a revision or a "Revamp" as you can call it or whatever to the "Eden Chronicles" since i believe that title is only referring to her adventures and not her actual life.

This is a medieval fantasy series by the way. I decided realism and fantasy was kind of hard for me to brainstorm any juicy more stories so i abandoned it.

I will be doing revisions to my character bios. And eventually i will post everything all in one blog post so that way you can view all the characters and what not. I am still brainstorming on how that is going to work out. That includes a lore one blog as well.

Other than that. Stay tune for more!

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 3

Vorador was surrounded by a vast ocean of soldiers. He can't escape. "Damn" he said to himself, However after a brief moment of silence he heard a familiar voice, "Vorador? Is that you?" said a young man on horseback.

And to Vorador's amazement he was greeted by a familiar face. As Vorador recalls: "His armor was sliver but mixed with black. Not only that but his cape was blood red with a white but familiar flower in the center,  his face was "young" however his talent and foresight was greater. This was Eden's son. Ethan Oda".

The two greeted each other and went inside the camp. "So the king is dead? And the land is on the brink of another civil war. Tell me, Master Vorador. How many times does this country have to be plunged into chaos for their to be peace?" said Ethan, Vorador gave a humble laugh and said, "When there are no more people left" he stated, as the two laughed and raise their glasses.

However the conversation soon turn into a more serious one. "Why are you here Ethan? Should you be back at home?" said Vorador curious as to Ethan's current position. "*chuckles* Oh, I am waiting for mother. For you see, i just came back from the council. Oh yes, They were quite displeased with the idea of a royal house taking the throne and dismissed me. However, Chancellor Ocato reassured me that we have every right to march right on in. Just not now" as Ethan drank is ale. Vorador gasped and was shock at Ethan's wise nature. "Amazing. When you were just a boy, you were called the Fool of Owari, and now you have reached heights that even your mother will be impressed" said Vorador as he nervously drank his ale. Ethan groan at the comment and said, "Not enough it would seem. We have to wait till nightfall. Palace troops and city guards loyal to Ocato without question will open the gates. I bet right now Owari is technically being abandoned right now. Only militia forces are guarding the region".

Vorador knowing Eden all to well. Would do the same thing Ethan suggested. "I would agree with you. But i feel your mother is going to handle this situation differently". Vorador said, Ethan scoffed and responded back, "She's on her way right now?" said Ethan in a curious manner. After a brief moment of silence, Matsuda, Ethan's bodyguard and messenger came in and reported. "Takeda and Uesugi are mobilizing". Vorador in complete shock, while Ethan dropped his cup, slowly turned to Matsuda, you can clearly see his face was white as snow. "Wha? WHAT?!" said Ethan. Matsuda not daring to look up, also stated. "They will be here in a few days", Matsuda after delivering his report, exited out the tent and looked towards Vorador. "You and I have a lot of planning to do".

Vorador nodded in agreement. "That we do" he said as they both sat down and started to construct the battle plans for the night battle.

*Evening came*

Ethan and Vorador got on their battle gear. Mounted their respective horses and gave the orders, "No one is attacking any single building or person. We must casually marched towards the palace. If they send troops to fight us, let them come! We are many and they are few, puny. And weak" said Ethan as he relay his orders, "Men with me! Forward Unto Dawn!" commanded Ethan as he drew his sword and his men started to charge the city walls. In a matter of seconds the gate opened and the troops 'casually' marched their way towards the palace walls. However, some of the loyalist to the true king, were waiting, "Archers! Fire!" shouted the head council member. Archers then suddenly poured rain of arrows on Ethan's forces from the high walls. "Dammit. Archers! retaliated! Fire!" shouted Ethan. Since the Oda's archers were better, they were able to make good hits.

"Soldiers climb the walls!" shouted Vorador, ladders appeared out of the shadows along with crossbow men, more deadlier weapons means more coffins to fill up. Troops from both sides were taking hits, and wounds. Till the Head Eunuch shouted, "Enough! If we keep fighting like this, we will end up being slaves to the Takeda or Uesugi, or any noble house that dares set foot here!" Realizing the battle was lost, the head eunuch committed suicide by jumping off the high wall and landing to his death. Ethan approached his corpses and spat on it saying, "old fool".

The palace gates then opened, and the Oda forces entered the palace walls. New banners were place and troops were replace with more durable ones. Meanwhile on the outskirts of the city. Eden's forces arrived, "The capital, it's lighted up like the night sky!" said one of her generals. Eden closed her eyes and thought of just who might be doing this, "*mediating* Ethan". She then opened her eyes and looked towards her troops, "Soldiers with me! My son is having all the fun!" The soldiers cheered in unison and later on marched right on in. The people of the city rejoiced, knowing that a new day has dawn.

"Commander Oda!" shouted Matsuda repeatedly. Ethan sheathed his sword and told Vorador, "Find Ocato, and the Figurehead have them brought the main hall. Alive". he stated in strict terms, Vorador and a few of his troops departed. He then looked on to Matsuda's frantic response, "Yes? What is it?" said Ethan. Matsuda got on one knee and told his commander. "Your Mother is here".

Ethan smiled and said to him, "Is that so?".

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 2

Eden gazed upon the sunset. As everyone including her, went home to their respective territories. During her carriage ride home she pondered about the future even more now than before. Her family is most important to her, as well as the clan itself.

"Milady? Is everything alright?" said Vorador as he gazes over to her, "It's alright. I'm just thinking" she said, Vorador being a Seer and all. Knew exactly what she was thinking, "Ah the throne. Such a poetic fantasy, try something smaller" he said, Eden laughed but then scoffed at his remark stating, "At some point Vorador the king will die, And another civil war will happen. I must be at the forefront of this war or else i will have to wait even further. Even now Takeda, and Uesugi and all of these other houses are planning for it. They just don't want to act".

Vorador was impressed by her tactful response and stated, "Even spiders have to wait my dear" he boldly stated, Eden upset at his remark stated in a candid manner, "Soon this spider will be hungry". She then turned her head towards the window once more, gazing upon the scenery as her entourage returned home.

A few days later

"*pants* Lady Oda! *pants* Lady Oda!" shouted a messenger as he runs in the halls of her castle. "Lady Od-" before he can respond he was greeted by her, in her nightgown. "Solider, do you know what time it is? I am in need of my beauty sleep. Vorador can help you out". Before she went back into bed and slam the doors on the messenger a cackling laugh can be heard, "*laughs* Ah if i had a few coins for every time you say that" said Vorador smiling as he greeted his leader. "*groans* C'mon Vorador what is so damn important at seven in the morning?!" said Eden as she rubbed her forehead, trying not to choke someone, "The king is dead" said Vorador, Eden suddenly composed herself, "Wait. What?" she said in shock, "A hunting accident, the hunters were hunting a deer until a mountain lion came out of nowhere and attacked the hunting group, most of them were dead, except for the king, however he was gravely injured and was sent back to the capital post haste at night to avoid panic" said Vorador as he walked back and forth slowly while stating these things to Eden.

Eden slammed her fist on the door and said the messenger, "Solider, get the generals into the hall. Now!" commanded Eden. The messenger bowed and left to gather the generals. Vorador was concerned however, 'Milady your son is returning today. Do you really want to start now" he said in a concerned tone, Eden not paying attention got on her royal armor and told Vorador, "Just leave the gates opened" as she left for the halls. Vorador stood there alone and told himself, "I bet Ethan is already at our main military camp right now". 

Eden entered the Great Hall of her castle. She sees her generals and advisers including Vorador. "We have some grave news. The king is dead. Killed in an unfortunate hunting accident. Let us pray for his soul" she stated in a now quiet hall. After prayer, the questions began. "Lady Oda, what shall we do now?" said one commander, "We should prepare to march on the capital immediately before it's too late" said another, "What?! No! We are too far away from the capital. My lady we would have to take province after province with such lighting speed, by the time we are at the gates our morale will be all but spent as well as our food supplies" said an adviser. "What?! No! My lady give me ten thou" said another general, "Ten? Give me all of them!" said another commander. 

Soon the hall began to turn into a pissing match as she gazes into the masses as it will take only one idiot to cause fighting in the hall. She slammed her fist, stood up and yelled with all of her might. "SILENCE!" she yelled, as you can still hear the echo for a brief few seconds. "What we will do is send envoys first, Vorador will go to the Council and propose a legitimate way to get to what I want. If we start marching the whole nation will see what is truly going on. And we can't have that!" she said as she turned and sat back on her chair. The generals and advisers bowed and in unison shouted, "You are most wise Lady Oda" they stated. Vorador bowed and then head for the capital with all speed.

However when he got near the capital limits he saw a military camp with no flag. "Great. Bandits" he said realizing he is without any troops to protect him, he approached slowly, figuring he can slip pass them and dart off with lighting speed. Soon the alarm was raised and troops on horseback appeared as well as archers from the battlements of the camp. "Damn" Vorador said as he surrounded by a vast ocean of troops.

Lore: Drangleic Monarchy

"For Dragon's Dawn"

The Drangleic Monarchy. This monarchy seen many kings and queens come and gone, each one build the kingdom to heights unimaginable. For either better or worst, the kingdom today stands to the test of time for the ego of man was greater than divine righteousness

The First Dynasty

This dynasty was ruled by a King and Queen. The King's name was "King Hector" and his Queen was named "Queen Rowan". Together they founded the kingdom, through military campaigns, and diplomacy with the other feudal lords. Once they united the land, peace came. And for a time this was all well.

During their rule. They founded the Holy Church, and the Council of Lyons. Not only that but reduce taxes and ensured every man, woman, and child, including elders and the sick was well provided for. Soon the people in the country gave the title "Hector the Just" for his benevolence towards the people.

However there was a darker side to this tale, Queen Rowan couldn't foster a child, each child ended in birth complications and eventually Hector went from "Hector the Just" to "Hector the Mad" he soon became a cruel tyrant. Taking other men's wives and trying to foster children and soon he did. However, the church at the time saw this as illegitimacy and declared his children bastards. Seeing this as a betrayal he killed all head cardinal members of the church, soon after this he fell ill and died young at the age of 32. Queen Rowan stricken with grief tried to hid the events that transpired from the public eye but was soon founded out. People turned against their queen. And in the end the Queen hung herself, naked, with slash marks all over her body, some say it was suicide others say it was murder. No one really knows to this day.

Once their deaths were found out, the remaining sons and daughters of the king fought for control of the throne, and soon the nobles who pledge loyalty to the thrown decided to rebel against the crown and thus the first civil war began. For a time there was no end in sight, the kingdom became a lifeless shell, crops wouldn't grow, and the people were desperate for a savior. At the end of 5 years of bloodshed, the kingdom found a ruler once again.

The Second Dynasty "Golden Age"

The second king of Drangleic was "King William" before the death of the king and queen. The couple used their handmaiden to foster a child, and to keep their affair a secret they were secretly taken out of the castle to a far away land. Once word reached about the disaster that is plugging his homeland, he fostered one thousand warships and twenty-five thousand of the best troops he can find. And sailed towards the old capital Havenholm. Without a proper royal army to do battle against the invader, William entered the capital and declared himself king. At first no one will bow before their new king, but after through some "persuasion" all the remaining nobles swear fealty towards the king. He married a beautiful woman, and ended up fostering five children, he reorganize the government system to a much more fairer and easy way to get things done. And soon the kingdom found prosperity once again.

William ordered the construction of the arena. And every spring, summer, fall, and winter games would be held there from gladiator fights to chariot racing, to public executions, the economy was booming. However a persistent problem remain, it was the eunuch class. During his rule, a powerful eunuch faction came to power, after blackmail and villainous acts. Soon the eunuch class took power from the crown and they now rule the land. The king and queen tried desperately to take back power but on the eve of their third anniversary they were assassinated in their bed. Possibly on the orders of Head Eunuch, their children were killed or banished, or even sent to the church, where at this time was corrupted just like the government that now ruled this land.

Eventually without caring for the people. A large peasant faction rose up against the country. They called themselves "The Yellow Scarves" this was lead by a religious zealot and his brothers. In an attempt to stop this uprising, they ordered warlords across the land to take up arms and soon the Anti-Yellow Scarves alliance was born. This was led by the later future king, "Richard the Dragonheart" an ironic name for the man will become king.

For many months the rebellion saw no end. Till the death of their leader and his brothers, soon the rebellion ended as quickly as it came. However in the end the eunuch faction won as they retain control and not a single regional lord or commander was properly rewarded, suffice to say, no one really won the war.

The Third Dynasty- "Dragonheart Dynasty"

Third Dynasty started quietly overnight, no one saw it coming, not even the old minded eunuchs. Richard the Dragonheart didn't want the throne, but after countless victories both minor and small. The people saw a hero, this drove the eunuchs mad, but couldn't do nothing in turn as they would be the victims of a mass riot.

Instead they devise a plot. They will summon him to the capital and implicate him in a murder against the ruling figurehead. Who are just puppets to the political faction, however Richard saw through this and decide to go on with their scheme, but at the same time a vast legion of troops were marched ahead of him, and were already at the capital masquerading as common folk, till a signal was shown in the middle of the night.

When Richard arrived at the capital and was greeted by the nobles and what not, during the dinner session, the head eunuch without checking his ego told Richard about his plans to kill him, and in turn Richard knew that already to begin with. In a matter of moments the palace turned into a battlefield, eunuchs and palace attendants alike caught in a complete massacre, Not only did the palace guards refuse to help them, but they fled along with the ruling figurehead out of the palace with the royal guard.

Once the infighting was over, the figurehead was returned to the capital and commanded Richard to take the throne as rightful king. And sure enough he did. He ascended the throne and became the third ruling monarch of the kingdom in recorded history.

During Richard's rule he foster a daughter and only a daughter. As he saw the ambitions and power grabbing within men. He revised the educational system and granted women to be in the army. Not only that but he opened military academies all across the land to everyone who has the will and passion to serve their country. His rule was peaceful one, both inner and outer. He made peace with the neighboring kingdoms and brought the royal houses in line to avoid further power grabbing.

For about ten years the kingdom knew peace, until his death at the age of 56. His daughter ascended the throne and became Queen Regent till a proper ruler can be placed upon the throne.

The Fourth Dynasty "The Four Kings Era" "Dark Age"

Richard's daughter rule the land for quite sometime, she was able to keep the peace and the peace still existed till a vicious plague attacked and swept the land with a huge force. She was amongst the many victims, and soon the fourth civil war began. But this time it was the royal houses who wanted the throne, no more piety small nobles, bastard children, or usurpers, but the royal families themselves.

However the civil war dragged on longer than usual and the people were suffering and the church was powerless, and so the Council of Lyons during this period took action, they appointed four kings to rule the land. However each of these lords had very little interest in the state of the land but instead it was either their personal ambitions or intoxicating luxury. This in turn cause the people to rise up against them, they stormed the palace on New Years and sentence them to death on the spot.

Once these kings were dead however, there was no ruling nobility, sure there was the royal houses but since they were "blacklisted" by the council they weren't allow to be involve in political matters anymore, the Council of Lyons declared they will rule, until the time was right. Without a monarch for first time in centuries the kingdom fell into a dark age period.

 The Fifth Dynasty "Renaissance Era"

For many years the land was plagued with an uncertain future, the army became lazy, the borders were weak, barbarians were roaming and pillaging the countryside without any thought or hesitation. This all changed when, out of the blue the Council of Lyons declared the Royal Houses to be pardoned but on the conditions that no army will be raise against one another, that their own soldiers must in turn become the law enforcement of the land.

The Royal Houses agreed and once the land was brought under control once more a sudden boom of discovery and enlightenment swept through the land, a new way of thinking and technology was a sudden boom, the land hasn't been this pleasant in over many centuries since the first dynasty. Luckily during this period the church and the council agreed that the church themselves along with the acceptance by the council, they will appoint rulers from now on...together that sense of "church and state being separate" was now one, and to some degree not many people liked the idea. The people of the nation eventually accepted this.

Many months later they appointed "King Edward the wise" to the throne. He was an adviser to Richard the Dragonheart and an excellent people's person. Also a tactful general in battle. He saw the strength in not only his army but his generals as well, that if they are united under one mind on the field of battle they can go hell and back unscathed.

Therefore he anointed three grand generals from the royal house those families involved are: Oda, Takeda, and Uesugi. Not only to keep the other houses in line but to keep the country safe. And to this day if their king calls them, they will answer.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Chapter 1

Dawn broke out. The alliance was triumphant. Oda, Takeda, and Uesugi return to Vigil's keep. As they celebrate in victory. 

"Rejoice!" Eden Oda shouted to the many people in the Great Hall. "The barbarian rabble has been driven to near extinction!" the crowd cheered on, "On this day! We are finally free!" she yelled towards the masses. The crowd gave a huge uproar of applause and celebration. Everyone was celebrating, drinking, dancing, telling stories, discussing things. I mean the place was much alive that night. You can see the lights from the city. "Congratulations milady" said an old man as she approached Eden Oda, "Ah Chancellor Vorador! Thank you so much" she said as she shook his hand and gave a hug, "Ah my dear girl your parents will be proud of you!" he said, as he looked onward towards her many followers, "Incredible isn't? A female general claiming victory over a bunch of empty headed fools" Vorador said this as he looked towards Takeda and Uesugi, "Those two, you included. are great generals. Exalted among man. They will sing stories of you three for many ages to come" he said as he sipped his tea, Before Eden can respond to his statement, horns blew in the hall.

"Ladies and gentleman of Vigil's Keep! The King of Drangleic!" Everyone was in awe and bowed before their king, "Your majesty" said Oda, Takeda, and Uesugi in unison as they pay homage to their king. "Arise!" said the king, "Today this was a might victory, let the fallen be remember and let the heroes forever be remember for their countless sacrifice and heroic deeds". The king said this as he raise his cup, followed by everyone else and the king yelled, "The Dawn has come!" everyone then resumed their original activities during the festivities. "Eden can i speak with you privately?" said the king, "As you wish" she stated as they both departed for the ramparts.

"What does kingdom mean to you girl?" the King asked her in a candid manner, "Well your majesty, it means rule over your people. Govern them well, and maintain the peace and balance between the noble class and the classes below them" she said as they both walk across the ramparts. The king laughed and said, "Smart lass" he stated. "Come to the capital, and i will give you a taste of power. You are the Warden of the south. Wear that title proud!" he patted her shoulder and departed from her sight. Eden smiled and sat on the ground and said to herself, "Incredible".

Soon a messenger arrive on the scene, "Lady Oda!" shouted the man, "Yes. what is it?" said Eden as she got off the ground in earnest, "*pants* it's *pants* your son. He is returning in a few days" the man said, he bowed and departed to tend to his other duties. Eden was given the letter from her son, she opened it, and read it. After a few seconds she smiled, and realized she hasn't smiled like this for a long time.

Dark Reign -Rise to Power-: Prologue

It was a cold and snowy night, the snow falls as an army marches towards a village in the middle of the night. The army was then told to halt their march as one of their commanders approaches towards the front to inspect the disaster.

"My god" said the hooded man, as he surveys the village, the village itself was a massacre, townsfolk and guards alike, dead. As he looks onwards another man approaches a much more staunching figure, he waves his war fan as he grumbles at the situation, "humph, we march forty days and forty nights and we come upon...this?" his friend chuckled at his comment and told him, "Yes, hopefully the hunt will end tonight" he states as he ponders to himself, "Is that all you two can say about the situation?" both men looked behind them as they see the person in charge, it wasn't man, but a woman, her black hair, glimmering eyes, and jet black armor, the only symbol that is noticeable is on her cape it was an flower, "Ah lady Oda" the staunching man states as he gives a haughty laugh, "Lady Oda" said the hooded man as he bows, "Takeda. Uesugi." said Eden Oda as she begins observing the situation herself, "*sigh* Even in retreat these barbarian hordes can cause so much damage" once she was done observing she relay her orders, "Takeda you take the outer perimeter, Uesugi you take the inner sector of the village. Everyone! With me!". The army split into three sections, that is how they have been covering so much ground in the past month.

After the orders were given, the three generals departed from one another, Eden carefully observed her potential enemies, "Uesugi, he is a man of the people. Not only that but a religious fellow" she said to herself, she gazed over Takeda, "Ah the proud and mighty Takeda clan. A bunch of valley horseback riders, their cavalry will be an issue for me" as she ponders both of her opponents ironically, Takeda and Uesugi were doing the same thing. "Uesugi, my dear fellow. We have fought countless battles against each other. Ha! And for what? a scrap of neural land? And you. Eden Oda, a shrew politician, but a more diversify general. You are able to adjust to the battle situations as quick as the winds pass" Takeda says all of this as he waves his war fan and marching with his troops. Meanwhile Uesugi did the same thing, "My nemesis! You and I have quite a history, We both fought each other countless times and each time we fought it feels like a ballet performance. Ah, Eden Oda. The Snow White Queen, a cunning woman but a great general". Uesugi said to himself as well, as he ponders while patrolling his objective area.

An hour has passed and no sign of any life. Eden Oda frustrated and also sweating beneath her helmet, took it off and threw it on the ground, a solider asked her, "Why do you throw your helmet on the ground? It will only take an arrow shot to the face and you will be finished" the solider said, Eden laughed and turned her head towards the concerned solider and she said, "Helmets are for wimps, I tend to do better without my helmet as it gives me a much more clearer vision of the battlefield" she said, Eden laughed and continue waiting and pondering other matters that concern her.

Meanwhile, two solider of hers entered an abandoned house and was generally sweeping the area as they were commanded, "Clear" the solider said, but in a matter of seconds a barbarian solider rose up crashing through the pile of corpses and lunged at the two unsuspecting soldiers, after a moments of struggle however the soldiers manged to put down the dumb fool. "Ambush!" the solider screamed and in a matter of seconds the whole town came alive, barbarians and soldiers alike clashed against each other. "Hold the line!" shouted Eden as she gave command, "Takeda cavalry to me! Charge!" Takeda order his men to charge on through a crowd of barbarians, meanwhile Uesugi positioned his archers he brought along with him and order his men to take them out, "Fire men! Give my nemesis covering fire!" he gave the orders and let loose fire arrows, the town instantly became a war zone, Eden Oda and her troops marched right on in and supported Takeda who was struggling, Eden favored her rapier swords and a bow on horseback, when she saw Takeda struggle she let loose an arrow dead on center in the enemy's face.

After saving Takeda however she was ambushed from the rooftops and landed on the ground, She pulled out her two rapiers and attack her attackers, "C'mon! What's a matter scared of a woman!" she yelled, the barbarians rushed towards but was instantly cut down, she counter, riposte, and took out two barbarians that pinned her down while the third one was killed instantaneously as she threw a dagger towards the throat of her oncoming attacker. Soon the battle favored the alliance and soon the barbarians retreated to the forest.

"Victory! We have victory!" the alliance rejoiced but knew this was a small test for the much larger game afoot was to come. Soon the alliance returned to camp and the next steps lie ahead for only the leaders: Oda, Takeda, and Uesugi can truly see.

*Brainstorming* the "Original" ideal story for Dark Reign: Eden Chronicles (All chapters + Teaser)

Dark Reign: Eden Chronicles -Teaser-

Ethan Oda and his wife, who is pregnant with their first child were sitting in the royal palace as guest of the imperial court. A sudden tap on the door was heard, "Ah it must be him" Ethan said as he brushed up and be presentable. He then opened the door to none other than Vorador. "Ah master Vorador, please come in" said Ethan as he greeted his guest and showed him in. "I believe this is the boys hour, I will walk the gardens" said Serina as she slowly got up and departed the room. "It was nice seeing you again, Milady" said Vorador as he greeted Serina and said goodbye to her.

As soon as she left, the two began discussing things. "So you defeated Imagawa, the land now knows you are capable of something greater than beyond that title" Vorador said to Ethan as they both walked to the balcony. "Your point?" said Ethan as he leaned on the railing. "You are just like your mother" Vorador said as he patted Ethan's shoulder. As the two overlook the entire kingdom of Osea. Or at least the entire capital city. Ethan was puzzled by Vorador's strange behavior, "*chuckles* Listen Vorador, why are you REALLY here?" Ethan asked.

Vorador can see through Ethan's intentions so he responded, "What do you know about your mother?" he said. Ethan laughed and said, "Everything that she's told me" he said as he tries to take the situation seriously. "What if I told YOU everything about your mother?" said Vorador. With curiosity and the court session not held till Friday. Ethan told Vorador, "Alright Vorador. Tell me".

Vorador smiled and said, "Very well...."

"In a land where families rule"

"In a world of Vice and Sin"

"In a country of corruption, opportunity and power"

"A world full of mystery....and war"

 "In life of love..."

"....Vengeance, and justice"

"She will change the world. Forever"

 

Dark Reign: Eden Chronicles -Prologue-

 Vorador,

It has been several weeks now since I have arrived at the port city of Tristam. The people who fed me and gave me shelter informed me of the dangers of the roads to Al-Khali. Those roads were said to be occupied by strangers to these lands in search of....something. If I am correct these are the same people who came after me and my children. And if I am also correct the ruins of the great fortress of Al-Khali is occupied by these same people, or perhaps not?

However, I should be ever so lucky to suspect the latter. Ah Vorador for many years you taught me to honed my skills not as a warrior, not as a leader or a commander, heh not even as a mother. But a woman of volition to be strong for my children and for my country.

Vorador if  I were to die before my time, Leave everything to my son. I am just one of many heroic women who've come and gone and I shall be no different.

Sincerely,

Eden Oda, Imperial Majesty of Osea.


Eden's suspicions were true. Eden had to get out of the fortress of Al-Khali straight away. And retrieve a book that was held in the possession of the man named Barbarossa. After climbing the scaffolding for a short time, and found a way outside of the citadel of the fortress. Eden spotted an entourage of troops approaching carts that are dotted at the main gate. "Dammit, I have to get there before they leave" Eden said to herself as she slowly climbed down from the top of the citadels walls and onto the grassy ground as she made her way towards the main gates.

"HURRY!" said Barbarossa as he commanded his men to pack up with lighting speed, "We need to leave NOW!" he said. As everyone tried to hurry and please  their commanders request, a startled trooper ran screaming to his commander, "Commander! She- She's-" before he could say anything a dagger cut through his throat and injured a nearby Barbarossa, "Argh! KILL HER!" he commanded as he rode off on a cart. "Stop you can't escape!" shouted Eden as she cut her way through droves of enemy troops with such easy, in her old age she was still the best swordsman if not wiser this time around. She lept onto a string of rope that was seen dangling from a secondary cart that was following their leader. "*shrugs* C'mon Eden! Get those arms moving" Eden said to herself as she summons strengthen to get onto the cart, as she got up she can hear the two men screaming to each other, "DO YOU SEE HER?!" said the driver, Eden smiled and tapped the shoulder of the driver and said, "Excuse me boys, but this is mine now" she said to the two unsuspecting soldiers as she shot one point blank and shoved the other one off.

Barbarossa heard the shots and the screams, he turned around to see a frustrated Eden catching up to him at last, "DAMMIT!" he yelled, "YOU WILL DIE HERE ASSASSIN!" he yelled as he loosened up his speed to match hers, it then became a tug of war, or a tug of carts if you would call it. The two fought for space, after a while it seemed Eden got the upper hand, however as they came upon the village, Barbarossa regained speed, passed a security checkpoint and yelled to nearby archers, "NOW! NOW! KILL HER!" he yelled. The archers light up their arrow tips with fire and instantaneously destroyed the cart, with the help of a few place bombs.  "*screams*" yelled Eden as she flew off the side and onto a nearby cliff, "*heavy breathing* Thank you" she said to herself as she got up and inspect her situation, "Dang, *breathing* I'm getting to old for this" she chuckled as she made her way towards the village. And to Barbarossa.

 

Dark Reign: Eden's Chronicles -Chapter 1-

Eden arrived at the village, "ugh run down and abandoned is more like it" she said to herself, as she searches for Barbarossa in the village, hidden from the sentries who were put on high alert. As she moved from cover to cover, haystack and at sometimes going indoors and hiding in the crowds, she finally got a lead. "Hey did you see our proud commander?" murmured a drunken solider at the inn. "Yeah what of him?" the bartender asked. "Ha! *hic* I swear that man look like he was about to crap himself *hic* running from a WOMAN hahahaha *hic*. The bartender shook his head in despair as he told the poor man, "You shouldn't be talking about your commander like that! He must've feld to the outpost for a good reason, and not because of some woman.

Eden finally got her lead. She got up and left for the military outpost. Minutes later she founded the entrance to the outpost, "Good. No guards, but this seems too easy" she said in a puzzling state as she scan the scaffolding to her amazement no guards, not even a daily patrol. She rushed in the main gate but to her dismay it was a trap. "What?!" she yelled looking back as the gate shut sealed, Barbarossa appeared on top of a high building overlooking Eden, "Hahaha! Yes! Yes! I will have my revenge, men kill the assassin! Anything on her, is yours for the taking!" he yelled from above. As troops surround her she told the poor fools, "listen here, let me go and be spared. Otherwise, back off" she told them, they laugh and told her back, "You?! a poor old woman like you? Surely this is a joke" said a cocky solider as he approached her, once he grabbed her wrist, she immediately went to work, and made quick work of the troops, in a blind rage, Barbarossa without anything more to offer started to yell in an almost drunken rage. "You bitch! You Osean Bitch! You think you can come in to my country and do as you please?! You are sadly mistaken, "After i kill you, i will come after everything you hold cherish to your heart and kill them as well! Your children will be my slaves! Your household animals will be food in my belly! Your friends! your female friends will be sold as sex slaves, and your men will have their dicks cut off and fed to the dogs as they hang from a pit full of them!"

As he ranted and rage, Eden made quick work to get to the top of the building, "Killing me, won't stop them! I am one of many! And You! You are few!" he said, Eden got close and personal and stabbed him in the gut whispering in his ear, "You talk too much!" after he gotten stabbed, she started to interrogate him for answers, "Tell me, why are you here? What are you after behind those golden gates in the inner sanctum of the citadel?!" she ordered him, "SPEAK! And i promise your death will be swift" she said, Barbarossa laugh at her threats and told her, "My young Eden, do you think by killing me, will change anything?! *chuckles* my brothers will avenge my death, and you *coughing* you will be d- dead *dies*".

Eden got on one knee and observe the corpse, she notices a journal of sorts, "Hm? What's this?" she said in a interested tone, she opened the book to reveal names, locations, but most importantly how to get into the inner chambers of the great library. "Ah I see, so it looks like your brothers are in Neo-Constantinople".

After she got the information she needed, she departed with haste to the city of Neo-Constantinople. 

 

Dark Reign: Eden Chronicles -Chapter 2-

Eden sat in her room on the boat to Neo-Constantinople, she writes another missive to the Lord Chancellor.

"Vorador, You were right. The fortress of Al-Khali was infested with those bastards, I managed to kill their captain of the expedition but fail to yield any results from the expedition myself. Just more questions, rather than answers. I am on my way to Neo-Constantinople, how are my children? bah, I don't need to worry about that, they are in good hands. Take care of them Vorador; I will return as soon as I can".

A few hours later Eden woke up to noise outside the ships hull. She had arrive at her location, she walked onto the deck, tired, moaning and groaning. "Ugh my head, Last time I ever travel by sea" she said, a young man heard what she said and went over to her. "*laughs* I take it you don't like sea trips, milady?" he said with a smile, Eden leaned over the railing of the ship and said to the young man, "*laughs* Maybe when I was younger" she said. The two chatted for awhile, "So what brings you to my home?" said the young man. Curious, Eden asked him, "Your home?" she said, the man raised his arms towards the city and said to her, "Neo-Constantinople, the crossroad of the world!" he said with glamor and bedazzlement. She smiled and said to the man, "Thank you, I'm just a traveler. However, thank you for the conversation" Eden said as the boat docked, the two parted ways and she began walking away from the boat into new territory, "It has been too long, since I have seen the different cultures of the world" she said to herself as she walked around gazing at the market booths, and strange clothing. "Maybe you should study up on your history then?" a young brash man walked up behind her and greeted her, "You must be Eden, Welcome to my home. I am Malik, your tour guide" he said as he bowed with grace and greeted Eden. "Ah you must be my contact, Walk with me to headquarters" she said, the two began to walk towards her lodging, while exploring the city at the same time.

"I'm not a bit surprised, you would be here. Those damn idiots have been poisoning the minds of the people, here in this once great city" Malik said with anger as he looked around, seeing the poor and the desperate, corrupted officials making collections, guards beating up the innocent.  "Are you here for the names on that list" he pointed out to the piece of paper Eden was staring at. Eden nodded and said, "Yes I am, Do you know these people?" she said, Malik's face became pale and told her the exact truth, "Those men are part of the government of the city. Ah not only that but they are royal blood or have some connections to the royal family of these lands" he said trying not to upset Eden, knowing full well of her reputation with politics or getting involved at least. Eden sighed, and rubbed her forehead in frustration, and asked Malik, "Tell me Malik, Are you EXACTLY sure?". Malik replied back, "Yes".

Eden and Malik arrived at the underground headquarters entrance. "Underground?" Eden said with curiosity, Malik look at Eden with a smile and a sudden laughter, he then responded in a serious tone, "*sigh* Eden, the situation here is grim, there are these two factions fighting for control, the common and poor suffer. I wish we could do more, but everyday the attacks are almost recent or reoccurring. Please, Eden if you want the answers you seek. Help us, and you will get what you want". Malik finished as he entered the den. Eden soon followed inward.

"Gentleman, our guest has arrived" said Malik as he introduce Eden to the inner council. "These men represent the important aspects of the city, If they know anything, they will report it to me and i hand the troops the objectives". Eden look at the inner council, greeted them and sat with them. After the council meeting was adjourned Eden left for her personal quarters and slept.

Dark Reign: Eden Chronicles -Chapter 3-

The flames

Burning Crimson flames

It has always been foretold

It will always be.

Eden woke up early in the morning. Startled at the nightmare she had, "It's just a dream" she said, as she got up and started her day. She went into the den hall and discovered Malik was talking to an architect of sorts, "Malik, please understand. Even if i were to tell you. I- I could lose my head for this! You know how they are now" the old man said in a frighten state, Realizing Malik will not get his answers he let the old man go. "Sorry you have to see that" Malik said, as he walked over to his desk and sat down. Eden walked over and asked Malik, "What was that exactly?" she said, Malik told her, "It was about a fortress that man was ask to construct, I told him to give us an opening of sorts but sadly with the punishment laws in this country now. It's very hard to do business properly".

Malik sipped his cup of tea and smoked a cigarette. "Master!" shouted a messenger, he ran in bloodied up and battered, "What's happening?!" said a frantic Malik, "They are attacking!" the messenger said, "Dammit! Can we get a moments peace!" Malik ordered his men to fight, "You two take this man and see to his wounds. Eden come with me!" the two left for the outside.

When they both got outside the whole quarter was ablaze, troops were everywhere, commoners lie on the ground dead and motionless. "Damn you...." said Malik as he grasp his fists, withholding his anger. Realizing the dire of the situation, Eden rallied the commoners, or at least who was left and still able, "Now with me! With me!" shouted Eden, she charged head first into the fray and soon the rest follow including Malik. The fighting was one-sided at first but then the coin flipped again and this time favored Eden. "Drive them out of here!" she yelled. The commoners used everything that isn't bolted down or wasn't harmless to another human being. By dawn, the quarter was a mess, bodies were buried, wounded were tended to. Malik walked up to Eden and told her, "This. This is why we need you" he said in frustration as he walked away, Eden recuperating knew those words all to well.

"Vorador, the people of this city need hope. The government here is divided and on the verge of civil war. I rendezvous with your contact. Malik, a good man. if not lacking some wisdom. Heh, reminds me of me when i was younger and foolish in battle. Anyways, I will continue my search for the Al-Khali keys and hope this journey comes to a swift end".Eden arrived at the palace entrance or at least the outer sector. "So that is our only way in" she told herself, "Yes it is" said Malik who followed her, "Hm? Ah Malik, Tell me is there any other way we can get in there". Malik started to think about it, "The only way we can get in there is if we are invited those walls are too damn high, plus those archers and musket-men would take us out in a matter of minutes. But then there is the royal guards as well. All hand-pick veterans of the late King". Eden listen on as she scanned the area for any other possible routes. "Malik what if we just walked in?" Malik trying not to laugh aloud squatted down, and told Eden. "Listen Osean, *laughs* I don't know how you do it in your country, but i believe here it's called stupidity and suicidal" Eden starred back at Malik and told him, "If there is a way without bloodshed, because i can guarantee you if we take out one guard, and that one guard doesn't report in, the palace would be on high alert". Malik's face went from laughter to serious, as he knows she's right. "*sigh* the only way in is if we are invited in".

It was then a light-bulb struck, "Wait! You are royal blood? Why not just make a fake but legitimate invitation, and we can be the minstrels of the party?" Malik said to Eden as she also had the same, exact idea. The two laughed and smile and agreed with each other. So the plan was this: Malik and a group of his well-trained spies would kidnap or persuade to the actual minstrels to give up their clothes, meanwhile Eden using her royal authority would have her entering the party event without! having to be checked, since after all. Royalty has it's privileges.

Dark Reign: Eden Chronicles -Chapter 4-

The party was at night. And they were hunting all morning for the minstrels. Around noontime, they have what they were looking for. Eden herself managed to have Vorador pull some strings and have her as the guest of the Sultans' luxury ball. Despite his warnings of getting involved....

"Eden, I am glad you are doing well, and the children have missed you. The government knows very little of your actions as of late. And i tend to keep it that way. Anyways, This is a huge error on your part. There has to be another way! Getting involve with these people can have some serious implications in the near future. Take care of yourself Eden".

Eden read the letter and frown at Vorador's remark, "Hmph. Tell that to my son" she said as she curled up the piece of paper in a ball and threw it in the fireplace. Eden sat there as she finished her getting her things together for the evenings event. "We are ready, we will leave ahead of you. The carriage should be arriving soon" said Malik in his ghetto minstrel outfit, Eden trying not to laugh said to Malik, "Auditioning for the plays I take it?" Eden said to Malik as she patted his shoulders, Malik responded, "Ah go fuck yourself. I look ridiculous" the two parted ways as they reach their objectives.

Eden was wearing a beautiful velvet dress with a golden necklace, and exotic makeup only designed for the gods. She had wrist bands that were beautiful. It was made out of feathers and amethyst while both intertwined with each other. "God, I look ridiculous" she said, but she had to play the part of royalty. "Now welcoming, Eden Oda. Her Imperial Majesty of Osea" said the announcer. Eden facepalm and said to herself, "Good god man" the whole room was bedazzled by her presence including some of the faction leaders who showed up during the event. After getting settle in, the princes of the kingdom arrived, "Now welcoming. Prince Durak, Ferhat, and Akbayar". The three sons arrived outside the palace doors, and were greeted with humble gestures from the crowd. The Sultan arrived lastly, in his wheelchair and announced to his kingdom with everyone looking onward:

"Ladies and gentleman. I thank you for coming tonight! This. This is my last night for these events, I am growing old and the life of a sultan is too great for men. When i die, natural or by the hand of a poor beggar *laughs* my first son Prince Durak, will succeed me! and Ferhat and Akbayar will be heir apparent's when it's his time to retire. But now it's not the time for doubt, worry, or panic. Tonight! Is our night! So enjoy! To your hearts content".

After he gave his speech the Sultan retired to his quarters one final time. As everyone was enjoying themselves Eden was somewhere else. It was then a bright young man came up to her and asked her, "Imperial Majesty. You are full of surprises". It was Prince Suleiman, the bastard child to the Sultan or at least that is what the rumors say anyways. "Ah and you too, my liege" said Eden bowing in front of him, The two sat and had a pleasant conversation, After awhile a full clad armor man walked in with royal guards and went to Suleiman first, "My liege when need to go. Assassins are said to be coming here. Tonight. I bet it's from the religious faction". Prince Suleiman disgusted by his commanders rudeness was very frank to him, "Tarkan. Don't be rude. I am in the middle of a conversation and now you worry her. If these assassins are coming for me, let them come. The guards will handle them" Tarkan stun at his answer, it was then he notice something in him, "Ah. I see. Of course, I will have my troops remain here and be extra cautious to anyone....different".

Eden was shocked, "Bold. I would've done differently" she said as she ate her meal. Suleiman smiled and said to her, "Hence the reason YOUR assassins are here tonight? *laughs* extra bodyguards i take it?". Eden was frozen in time, she couldn't believe she was made. Yet, she was not reported the two finished their conversation and departed. "Incredible" she said to herself.

After awhile the minstrels started to play, and everyone was enjoying it. After a few minutes however, a strange rambling mad man arrived on the scene. "It's the end times! YOU ARE ALL GOING TO DIE! GOD HAS COMMAND IT!" he yelled. The commander, Tarkan. Order his men to arrest him but this was a diversion as people were paying respects to the three princes... *screams* *screams* *screams* "Oh my god! BROTHER! NO!" yelled Durak and Akbayar. Prince Ferhat, age 23 years old was stabbed multiple times in the gut as he fell onto the palace floor bleeding out to death. "Quick! Protect the princes!" said Eden, as she arrived on the scene in her original outfit she first came in with to the city. Malik and his men sprung from their outfits and began killing off the assassins. The royal guard also joined in, including Suleiman who hasn't seen a good fight in a long time. Durak and Akbayar however retreated within the palace and the Sultan was transported to the safe room.

After the last of the assassins has fallen, and Suleiman retreated within the palace as well, he told Eden, "Go! I can buy you enough time!" he said to her, as she left Tarkan managed to catch up to her, "Thank you milady, I need you to come to a meeting tomorrow".  He said to her, but before she could get an answer, he quickly fled back to his men to gather rank and inspect the disaster.

*Brainstorming* the "Original" ideal story for Dark Reign (All chapters)

Dark Reign: -Prologue-

It has been ten years now since the death and overthrow of the High King and Queen of Osea. The Council of Lyons is weak, and without any heir, the country plunged into civil war. Without neither side or just about anyone for that matter seem to gain any inch. However, this will all change when a southern Osea clan, the "Oda" rises to power, and soon they will reshape the world and perhaps change it for the better.

 A group of armed soldiers look onward towards a burning village, it was dark and snowy. It was the closing days of the winter season, instead of being home with their families and loved ones; the Oda clan's army was on the move, hot and heavy. Their purpose tonight? hunting bandits. "Hmph, we just missed the party it seems" a hooded figured said as he looked onward along with the rest of the troops, then another man came forward whose presence has earned the troops his respect. "Is this the horde's nature? Even in retreat they cause chaos". Silence then came forward it was until an eagle sound came from above and returned to it's master. "No bandits for the next hundred miles, something is not right here" said the scout leader. "I see, well we can do this now or wait for our commander to arrive" said the staunched man. "If she's even worried about this" the hooded man remark, not before the other man pulled out his sword and the edge of the blade was against his throat, "Don't speak to the commander that way, or your life will end here" said the man again as he looked onward with murderous intent, "Come on Montross, cut Tharn a break. At least, Vorador isn't with us otherwise you two will be at the back of the line just like all the others" said a tall figure with a gaunt look to him. "Ah it's you, Ocato isn't it? Huh, you look ill" said Montross with a snarky remark, "Please children can we please get on with it?" said Tharn as the three men looked towards the village again. Midnight struck, it was time to move.

"Tharn and Ocato you take the outer area of the village" said Montross as he commands the troops. "Seeking more favor now are we?" said Ocato. "Don't. try. it." Montross said to Ocato with the only warning he will ever get.

The troops then split up with their leaders as they do what they have been doing for the past several days. Search, move on. But this night, unlike the many other nights. This will be different. No survivors, just like the rest of the villages they have seen. The fires are still burning and the bodies are still warm, which means they are not far off.

Suddenly a loud banging sound was heard, "AMBUSH" shouted one of the soldiers. The barbarians were waiting for them, ambushing the Oda forces with such lighting speed, however with the better armor and equipment, the Oda forces turn the tide as quickly as the barbarians ambushed them. One of the soldiers Avenicci, founded himself outnumbered three to one. "Gods help me" he said, before an arrow went through is would be executioner, "Reinforcements!" shouted an Oda officer. A heavy cavalry arrived and began sweeping through  the village cutting all down their path that were hostile, one of them, was their lead rider who wore armor black as night, with a cape with an outer layer of black, with the Oda clan symbol painted in white, and the inner layer was blood red. She was the bravest and most vigil warrior, who showed excellent swordsmanship skills unlike any other on the battlefield.

"Take this!" shouted a barbarian warrior as a group of them unleash the ropes they brought with them and soon dismounted most the cavalry soldiers, including her. "Time to die!" shouted a fierce tribesman who lunged at her like a tiger, only to be instantly killed without any patience or form. Two more followed she took out her secondary sword and began countering every blow with such grace and agility, the first went down after his throat was cut, the second one was in no rush to die, he was hounding her like an animal, eventually subduing her into a couch position, but this was a ruse, she then block-counter not once but twice in a single set, then lunged her sword up the poor sods jaw until the sword itself pierce the eyeball. 

Noticing Avenicci was in danger she took out her bow, and shot it point blank as it went in and out clean of the barbarians skull, she then approach the frighten man, Avenicci recalls what he saw, "The woman showed no fear, an excellent fighter and leader, she saved me, I remember that look about her eyes were green and you can almost see the reflection of the world through her eyes, a frighting thought indeed". 

Soon the battle was favoring Oda, and the barbarian horde realizes this until they called the retreat back into the Dark Forest. It was a victory for the Oda that day. The woman in question who saved the poor Avenicci would become the Imperial Majesty of the nation, she was also nicknamed the "Snow White Queen" she has excellent political skills and battlefield skills unlikely seen in any other person before her name was Eden Oda.

Dark Reign: -Chapter 1-

The battle was over, a red dawn rises. Blood was indeed spilled this very night. The troops were celebrating, taking a rest and giving the bodies a proper burial. Montross soon approached Eden Oda's tent, not before getting his only warning as well. "Don't men knock anymore?" said Eden Oda as she was undressing herself, "Oh um I am sorry, commander" said Montross. Montross recalls the look of Eden Oda, "She has the form of a goddess on earth, her curves, her eyes, her breasts, she was the perfect woman in every sense of the word, however hahaha don't take my word for it. This is what men usually do when they see a hot woman. But seriously, you can really tell behind all that beauty, there is a cold heart that freezes both men and women alike. This woman was not to be messed with". 

"The barbarians passed Soldiers Peak, which means the defenses of that place is stretched thin as it is."  said a worry Montross as he inspects the battle map. "Humph, is that all you can see? the defenses part? have you not consider the political unsuitability of this nation's overall concern?" she asked this to Montross as she began bathing, washing the blood, and healing her battle wounds. "I don't-" it was then Montross realized, "I see, so long as the political engine was stalling, no amount of attention to national security is important, the whole world can end right now" as Montross pondered this. It was then a laughing noise can be heard, "Hahaha now can you see why Eden Oda is perfect for the Regency?" Montross turned around to see her most trusted adviser and soon would-be Lord Chancellor if the stars fall in his favor, "Vorador". The two men stared at each other for about a brief moment before Eden let out a harsh warning, "Start a fight in my tent, while I'm BATHING of all things and I swear you won't have any children to foster". The two men then regain their senses, Afterwards a messenger came by, "A letter for you, milady" said the young man. "So it finally has arrived, put the letter on my desk, and the two of you....OUT!" said Eden as she rose from her bath, and dressed herself in a beautiful gown.

She went over to the desk and began reading, it reads:

"Dear Eden,

As an accordance, the Council of Lyons would like to hear your case. Please arrive in the capital city of Angelholm".

The Council of Lyons after all this time has finally found the time to hear her case, she sighed and said, "Conclave, such a useless thing, especially during these times". She rose from her seat and asked Vorador to come in, "Yes? What is it?" said Vorador. She handed him the letter and told him, "What do you think?" said a curious Eden. A pondering Vorador then roam back and forth within the tent thinking of what the context of the message is really trying to say, after a brief silence Vorador came to a conclusion. "The Council of Lyons wants you and all of the lords to come and make a peace, but it's a lie, they are a bunch of horny eunuchs depraving every bit of this nation. They will assassinate you, at this meeting and put pretenders on the throne". Whatever Vorador said sparked a rage inside of Eden as she smashed her fist against the posting of the tent with such vigor, "Those bastards, I can somewhat tolerate the taxing but this? ha! They have the gall to call me out like this! In this fashion?! To what? ASSASSINATE me of all things? They got some guts, but lack a brain behind it!" after the yelling was done, Eden composed herself. She then asked Montross to come in, "Commander Montross, have the army ready to move a few hours after I leave for the capital. I will bring Matsuda along with me as protection", Montross obeyed and hurried the troops, "You are still going?!" said a shocked Vorador, Eden then turned to him and said in a chilling remark to his response, "Do not be afraid Vorador" she gave a smile that still gives him the creeps he always wondered, "Does the smile mean a good thing? a bad thing? or both?!" as Vorador pondered Eden left.

A carriage arrived, she and her bodyguard then entered said carriage as it rides off to the capital. Montross meanwhile began marching, slowly towards the capital following the carriage, while also having a few agents dispatched ahead of both parties to give Eden proper fighting equipment. 

What happens next will send off firestorms that will shake the very foundation of nation to it's core

Dark Reign: -Chapter 2-

Angelholm. Once this was the city of angels, now this is a city of vice and sin. If you want something done, pay off the right people.

The huge entourage of carriages entered the capital gates. People from all over the country. Has arrived to deal with the growing problem. From the north, the Uesugi clan, a religious and powerful clan, from the west the Mori, Shimazu, and Chosokabe the Banking Families. The east was the Hojo, Takeda, Imagawa clans, the clans of the Rising Sun. Also appearing from the far northern parts where the country ends with a cold harsh wasteland being overseeing by a huge fortress was the Wardens led by Sophia Dryden. Including a respected clan from the middle regions of the country, they were called the Saito clan, the head of the clan was a man named Isoruko, and along with him is his adopted daughter, Serana. While Eden was looking onward at the various factions, Matsuda made a  remark, "He has a beautiful daughter, at some point your son must consider a wife of his own" as he said this the only reaction he can see in Eden was nothing but blank and silence, "He is right, my son needs a wife and soon, but that's not the problem at the moment, all of these well respected clans are here, and if tensions are running high, the eunuchs wouldn't need to kill us off because we will do it for them" she firmly grasps her hand on the handlebar of the carriage.

After the meet and greets. The clans were sent to a lodge for the evening. As the clans talked and discussed how their lives have been. Only five people in that room, really knew what was going on, Dryden, Oda, Takeda, Uesugi, Saito. All of them came to the same unison conclusion"

"They aren't there to be happy and be merry, while we are peace talking here, their armies are marshaling at home". Eden was disgusted by the situation and then was asked for a private room. With no disturbance, the lodge keeper agreed and then began searching for the perfect room. She then left and following suit was Lord Saito and his daughter, the Takeda and Uesugi leaders looked onward and both remarked to each other. "That poor man is going to get his teeth knocked down his throat" said the masked man as he hovered his war fan back and forth, the other man wearing a hooded tunic calmly said, "Yep".

Isoruko followed Eden to her room, he then without any sense of danger pushed opened the door looked towards Eden Oda as she calmly sips her tea, "I understand you have a son?" said the cautious Isoruko for he to heard the legends of Eden Oda, just like all the other clans. Hence, the reason why she is dining alone...away from the other guests. "Yes....why?" said Eden as she put down her cup of tea and stare back at Isoruko. "My adopted daughter, Serina meet Eden Oda...the Snow White Queen of Osea".

Soon a well-groomed woman entered the room, wearing full makeup and all the works of a princess in training basically. Eden stood up and bowed, same fashion with Serana. "Greetings, Lady Oda". As soon as she said this Eden burst out laughing and stated, "My dear child, I am no lady. Well when politics are involved anyways". It was a joke and Serina fell for it, the presiding people in the room began laughing and soon, Eden wasn't lonely no more. "Matsuda, send my son a message tell him to meet us in the capital" Eden gave a sealed envelope to Matsuda and departed however Isoruko knew her intent and stopped Matsuda, "Ah my dear lad! Don't go through that door, exit through the window and out into the alleyways there is a sewer entrance that lead outside the city, here wear these clothes it will make you look less suspicious" Lord Saito gave Matsuda a commoners dress and he soon departed from the other exit. Eden was stunned for a brief moment before remarking to Isoruko, "Very well done. Then you know my intent". The two stare each other into the very souls of each other, examining, and testing each other. Isoruko smiled and nodded, "Let me be frank, these old parasites are here to kill us, I mean why else my sons are marching their troops right now? Unless your um Commander Montross is it? Is doing the same". Lighting then struck and the winds were blowing through the room. Eden was absolutely stun with his opinion.

Eden gave a cold heart laugh and said, "Let the games begin" as she gave a smile. Dawn rose over the capital.

-meanwhile-

Message for you my lord, Matsuda finally arrived at his destination, He then kowtow before the mysterious man, and then was asked to rise up, the only words that came from the man were, "Is that so?" as he walked slowly out the tent and staring at the distance. "Mother, I seriously hope you know what you are doing". The mysterious man in question was the Demon King of the Round Table. He and his band of knights from allover were finally called. His name was Ethan Oda and just like his mother when destiny calls him to action he too will change the world.....forever.

Dark Reign: -Chapter 3-

Today was the annual meeting, "The Council of Lyons" said Eden Oda. As she entered the room with all of the other lords, as they sat and waited, the ten eunuchs entered. "Good morning, Lords and Ladies" said the head eunuch, "Let us begin our discussion".

The doors sealed shut, and the meeting began. Elsewhere, the contingent forces of Ethan Oda, and the sons of Lord Saito were on their way, riding at furious speed. Meanwhile, Montross and the army finally arrived in the capital, secretly however so the eunuchs won't be so suspicious. "Please! Everyone! If we don't get through with these deal talks then we won't-" before the head eunuch could finish one of the minor lords stood up, "Are you kidding me? You are just fueling your own selfish desires and not for the namesake of the land!" as this minor lord spoken, outside troops were gathering from both sides. "Your liege, please sit down and let us talk about this" as the eunuch tried to reason with the hot-headed baron. An arrow rang out and instantly killed him. "You bastards!" shouted the lords in unison, "Death to the eunuchs!" shouted Takeda, "For the Gods, you must die!" shouted Uesugi. The lords and their bodyguards drew their swords and in a matter of minutes the Conclave turned into a bloodbath both eunuch faction member, palace servant, and anti-eunuch solider alike were being killed left and right.

Needlessly and no hold bars, the whole palace was on lockdown; it was clear no one will survive this...at least the eunuchs thought so anyways. Outside the palace walls both the Saito faction and Montross's army arrived, however instead of joining forces due to heated disputes accidentally both factions started to fight each other and the fighting ended up spilling into the palace. The regent, or ruling regent fled the capital along with his youngest brother by carriage. "Time to die you selfish bastards!" said Eden as she drew her sword, but before striking the blow she was countered, and then countered again. After both counters she swiftly killed her two opposing targets, as the head eunuch fled in paranoia, realizing the end was near he threw himself into a well thereby snapping his neck in the process instantly killing him.

"The head eunuch is dead!" shouted Lord Saito, "Secure the regent lord!" said another. However the capital turn into a den of chaos and rioting, "Put the city to peace first, title and land comes later!" shouted Eden. Her troops and the lords went out into the city to put it to peace. As the regent lords fled the scene the carriage driver stopped, "Huh?! Why have you stop! You fool! Keep going!" he shouted to the driver, however the driver was in a panic phase. The regent lord then popped his head out to see what was the matter. "*gasp*" said the regent lord as he looked onward towards a group of soldiers. It was Ethan Oda, and his knights, Before the regent lord could thank the young man, Ethan scoffed and said, "My, My, a royal bum so far from home? Tell me something my liege, did your whore ran out on you? cause you disease?" the soldiers began to laugh, and somewhat the driver. The point of his rude attitude was to see if the regent was really weak as they claim, and sadly his suspicions were true, "*sigh*, I am the Demon King of the Round Table, and these are my knights" said Ethan, as he dismounted and kowtow before the regent.

"Allow me to take you back to your home, properly" said Ethan, The regent lord without thinking as he always does accepted the offer and the knights rode in a vanguard formation around the carriage back to the capital, As they were marching an adviser that came along with the regent sighed at his decision, "Really your highness? Oda?! Do you not know their intent!" as he said this with a whisper, the regent lord shook his head and said, "Yes I do, however what can be done?" said the regent as a tear flown down his eye, knowing he traded his life of luxury with a life of servitude. As both men sat there in the carriage they pondered their fate in the hands of the Oda. They both came to the same scary conclusion:

"Ah the Oda family, an ambitious but thoughtful of the people, humph lies! They are nothing but wolves masking as butterflies, and she! Eden Oda! Is a spider....a spider, patiently spinning her web".

Dark Reign -Chapter 4-

Meanwhile in the capital, the various warlords have brought peace to the city. Luckily for them, no word got out of what transpired there, meaning they were safe from any invasions by foreign powers. "This is getting us nowhere" said Lord Mori has he sheathed his katana, "I agree" said Hojo, Eden Oda who came back after patrolling the southern district managed to hear some of what the other lords were saying. "There is nothing, we can do at this point. The only way we can restore order is by returning the Regent to the capital, since he and his brother escaped the fighting. They must be out in the countryside somewhere" said Eden as she glances at her so-called "allies" tensions were heating up, but now with the Regent gone and somewhere in the countryside; all it will take is a powder keg to go off and the civil war will resume once again.

It was then after a brief few moments of silence, the people outside the palace walls were cheering. "What's that ruckus?" said Lord Uesugi as all the other lords look towards the noises out the wall. When they opened the palace gates they were greeted by the Knights of the Round Table led by none other than Eden's son Ethan who founded the Regent. "Incredible" as a lord said to himself, he look towards the other lords and they were talking ill, "An Oda?! What do they know about politics?!", "The Fool of Owari is now the most respected man in the country?! the nerve!", Vorador who rode ahead of the knights walked up towards Eden, but she was frozen in time. He said to himself, "This could be bad news".

Once the carriage entourage stopped in front of the palace steps, the Regent stepped right out and glances all over the palace, "Desolation, Devastation" he said to himself trying not to work up the nerve to yell at these heavily armed feudal lords. "Where is Eden Oda?" said the Regent, Eden heard her name as she approached the Regent and kneel before him, "Welcome home your majesty" said Eden as she kowtow in signs of protocol and respect to the Supreme Regent of the land, but even the other lords were looking onward and they came to a similar if not the same conclusions, "I respect the Oda clan, they are good fighters, and good people regardless of sons or daughters, but I got to personally admit, I would throw up on the Regent's shoes".

Ethan dismounted from his horse along with his knights, he then gave orders. "Men, secure the palace, thoroughly!" he commanded, they got the orders and began securing the palace. The other lords all welcome back the Regent as they began walking towards the palace dining hall.

As Ethan looked onward, Lord Saito stepped forward and introduce himself. "My lord, I am-" before he can finish, Ethan said to him, "I know who you are, and your adopted daughter" said a franked toned Ethan as the walked up together, Lord Saito looked on puzzled, "My mother gave me the details in the message she sent me" said Ethan as he continued his walk, alone to the dinning hall. Serina the adopted daughter walked in, Saito however stood there alone as he finished is evaluation of the Oda clan. "Indeed, this family is destined for greatest".

Inside the dinning hall. The lords celebrated, for once again peace has been restored and everything was going along just fine. Eden was celebrating as well, in a long while she was always such a busy body, but today is a day for celebration. Her son, Ethan however was in the gardens away from the politics, he didn't really cared for them as much. "My lord?" said a mysterious woman, Ethan glanced over his shoulder and he saw Serina. "Ah Lady Anastasia" he said to her. "Hm?" said the woman. "Look I know your part of the spy ring within the Saito clan, Serina is just a codename. You are the Viper's spies, groomed like daughters". said a tactful Ethan as he sipped his tea, as he finished his statement..."Your real name is "Serina Nightingale".

Dark Reign -Chapter 5-

Lady Anastasia was stun, "Impressive Lord Oda". She said, Ethan after finishing his tea, got up and said, "Thank you, GUARDS!". He unsheathed his sword, and his knights appeared armed and ready, "Nightingales!" out of the shadows came these masked and trained assassin's bearing the Nightingale crest.

"I know about the order and their shady dealings" said Ethan as he pointed his sword towards the Ana. "I see". she said, only two words, tensions can easily turn into a fight at this point. Then Eden burst into the garden chambers. "What on earth is going on!" said Eden as she drew her sword, more men both Oda and eventually Saito came in to the garden chambers. "You two stop this nonsense" said Lord Saito, "Choose carefully" said Eden, as she took out her crossbow and aimed it dead on towards the head of the Saito clan.

"Enough!" said Vorador, as he came just in time, "We don't need this right now" said Vorador, after a couple of minutes the two groups burst out laughing, except for Ana and Ethan who were still deadlock against each other. "*laughs* So this is the point?" said Lord Saito, "A chance meeting between the most two respectable leaders and their mighty factions with the Lord Chancellor Vorador" said Saito as he laugh in a haughty manner. Eden realize what was going on as well, "*chuckles* I see, let us resume our formal business" said Eden as she sat down with Saito.

*Months later*

"Congratulations on the wedding, I am so happy for the both of you" said a wedding guest. It was the wedding of Ethan Oda and Ana Oda, but for all in purposes she was told to rename herself. During ht reception a guest walked up and asked,"Serina is that your name?" said a guest. "Yes" she said. She chosen the name due to avoidance of reprisal from enemies of the Nightingale order. "Congratulations" as the guest kissed her ring finger and bowed before the both of them.

Eden sat there and pondered her days when she was in the same similar position as her son.

A long time ago in the small city of Antioch, the young Eden Oda gets into trouble once again by her family. Eden Oda, 18, a senior in high school. Before her rise to power, she was just an average Osean citizen.

"Young Lady! Get in this instance!" shouted her dad who commanded her to appear before her parents. "Y-Yes papa?" said a frighten Eden who knew what was going to happen, Both the mom and the dad stared dead into her eyes before smiling and said, "We didn't know it was your birthday today!" said the mother, Eden blew a sigh of relief, and started to hug her parents. The dad was an aristocrat working for the state government, and her mother was a home-bound mother who can't find any work, but does tutoring and piano lessons on the side, earning her a decent income.

Before celebrating the door rang, "Hm?" said the puzzled dad as he walked towards the door, he opened it, and it was a young upstart Vorador who greeted Mr. Oda, "Ah it's a pleasure to meet you at last" said Vorador who showed a humble outward towards the situation. Delighted to see a former colleague he was allowed in. Mrs. Oda stood up and greeted Vorador, and then called for Eden to come and meet their family friend, "Eden this is our friend Vorador" said Mrs. Oda.

"H-Hello" said a nervous Eden. But before she can greet him properly Vorador burst out laughing, got on one knee and said, "Do not be afraid Eden". After a few minutes of talking the family sat down at the table and started to talk about the old days soon that topic of conversation turned political. "So will his royal highness do anything?" Mr. Oda said as he drank his beer. Vorador sipped his tea and said, "I'm afraid not, you know how things are" Mrs. Oda who didn't care much for politics just like her daughter overheard all of this as she washes the dishes. Trying to blot out the images from her head, As the two men were talking, Eden was sitting on the stairs overhearing the conversation.

Once Mrs. Oda left the room to take the clothes down from the clothes line outside, The two men got up shook hands and Vorador said, "Be ready to move tomorrow in earnest" he said as she don his hat and departed into the night, leaving Mr. Oda standing there alone. As Eden heard all of this from the stairways, crying to herself as she hugged her teddy bear.

 

Dark Reign -Chapter 6-

Eden sat there crying on the stairways hugging her teddy bear. She ran up to her room as she laid in the bed, trying to calm her tears and compose herself. As Mrs. Oda got in, she asked her husband. "Is everything alright Jonathan?" she grasped her husband from behind, hugging him. He turned around and look towards his darling wife and said, "Everything will be alright Victoria" he said, as he kissed her forehead.

*The next day*

Eden Oda was at school preparing to graduate from the school academy. Like her other days this was normal, nothing new...until now.

Two armed figures entered the room, they can almost pass up as gangsters. They were gangsters in actuality or at least in their minds concern citizens. One of the men took out a photo and asked the teacher, "Have you seen this girl?" he said, the teacher pointed towards Eden's direction. They were here for her.

She rushed out in a hurry trying to get away as the two men pursed her. "Wait! Stop!" shouted one of the men, She yelled back at them, "Go away! Leave me alone!" she ran with all speed, during her child days she was an excellent runner. However, this didn't last long as she stumbled upon a dead end. She looked around, trying to get away. "*Breathing Heavily* I-I got to get away" she said trying to catch breath, she notice a dumpster which, in all honesty didn't have a choice but to jump in and hide from the two men.

Then they showed up to the area, a few seconds later. "*catching breath* Sh-She went in here" said one of the men, lets take a look. The two men searched the area in earnest. Eden was sitting there, crying and having a very hard time to breath, she got her cell phone out and try calling her parents. "Mom, Dad *sobs* please pick up! *crying* I'm so scared. After a few minutes searching, one of the men said to the other guy, "Use the phone".

The other guy pulled out a phone and started to dial a number, Eden having no answer hanged up her phone, until it answered...loudly. "She's over there!" said the goon. The two rushed over the garbage dumpster as she sprang out only to be caught by the taller fellow who was with the slightly heavier man. "Now wait! HOLD IT!" shouted the man as he tried to calm her down, "Stop struggling! We are friends of your father!" said the heavier set fellow. Eden finally calmed down, and asked the two men.."Who are you! What do you want from me?!" she said. The two fellows introduce themselves, "I am Neri, and this is Tommasino".

Neri then spoke to her frankly as he got on his knee and took his hat off, "I'm sorry kid, but your parents are dead" it was then Eden started to cry, and got on her knees, "*Sobs* No! Mommy! Daddy!" she said. Tommasino said to the crying and fragile Eden, "Come with us kid, Your parents entrusted us to protect you".

Eden realizing she has no more family, she went with the two men.

Dark Reign -Chapter 7-

Eden arrived with Neri and Tommasino to the mansion compound outside the city of Angelholm, back then it wasn't called Angelholm it was called Haven. "Welcome to your new home kid" said Neri as he looked behind in the back of the car, Eden was sitting there, quietly gazing out into nothingness. "Poor kid" said Tommasino, Neri nodded in agreement, they both got out and one of the butlers opened the door, "Madam, I know this a lot to take in, come inside to the mansion and I will fetch you hot chocolate with marshmallows" said the butler, after a few seconds she finally got synched back into reality, she turned towards the men and got outside and into the house.

*Three years later*

Eden Oda now 21 years of age celebrated with her new family although it was awkward at first she came to accept them, the butler who helped her "grow up" in a sense, his name was Roger. She was in the master bedroom fit for a queen little did she know that this home will serve that purpose later on in life, "Madam Oda" said Roger as he peeled in the doorway, Eden was just siting there looking towards the window, "*sigh* You can't let go?" said Roger, Eden then said, "It is not about letting go Roger, The people who killed my parents are still out there. I want justice" said Eden as she stood up and started to lose control of herself and her emotions, "I don't care what it takes! If I have to order daily hits! Ruining peoples lives! I will do it! I want those people found and I want them DEAD!" she yelled as she threw a mirror that her mom gave when she was fifteen years old, It broke and shattered against the wall, she rushed towards the shattered mirror, trying to put the pieces back together. Roger rushed in and sat next to her as she started to cry again, "I can't do this Roger" said Eden, "I can't-" she hugged Roger as she drown out her tears, Roger look towards Neri and Tommasino, they nodded.

"Madam" said Roger, "We pledge to your parents to provide you everything you will need. And if this is what you want then so it shall be" Roger said this as he patted Eden's shoulder, stood her up, and cleaned her face up, and redid her makeup. Roger then walked her over to her "men" and told her, "Give the orders madam to these two fellows and they will start the search, before we do drastic measures" she was silent at first, but then gave the orders, "You know what to do" she said, the two men nodded and pledge themselves, "Madam, We will go to the ends of that godforsaken city and hunt those men down, we will not return until we do find them and bring justice" they both said.

She nodded and smile just a bit and said, "Good". The two men got in their car and began the search, As Eden looked outside the window seeing the car leaving the compound and left off towards Haven.

This is the point of her life that she has to accept the lost, and look towards opportunities for payback, while this isn't the Eden Oda readers knew in the earlier chapters, these chapters are providing framework for the eventually Snow White Queen character we will eventually see.

Dark Reign -Chapter 8-

Finally! after a few days of hunting all over the city, they founded the people responsible, It turns out it was some corrupt officials, working for the tyrannical government. "There is nothing we can do" said Tommasino, "After checking every option available to us" said Neri, he went on and finishing with these words, "We will have to resort to two options, car-bomb, kidnap and torture". Eden look over her options, now mind you this was a twenty-one year old girl out of Antioch, doesn't know the first thing about the Osean Cosa Nostra, but she, she managed to get the reigns in, in just a few short days too. This is a sign of her adaptability and foresight.

"Let's do all three options" said Eden, "Neri, you organize the car-bomb, talk to some of the mechanics loyal to my father" she said as she gave the orders to him, "Tommasino, kidnap the officials families, hide them in a barn outside the city limits bring a couple of your best men along with you" as Eden did the same with Tommasino, both men nodded in agreement and departed. She looked towards Dominic, a brash but eager learner. "Dominic, you will come with me, let us talk to the senator" she said, Dominic was a curious fellow as well, he asked her, "Why? He doesn-" before he could finish, Eden stared back at him, something fierce within her eyes, "He too is part of this scheme, he will pay as well, just like the rest of them" she said.

Neri went and did his work, and Tommasino the same. Eden receive the text from both men, on her cell phone. Eden was distraught, "Huh, no luck" she said, Dominic was about to ask her something when she and Dominic arrived at the senators office, until....

*EXPLOSION"

A bomb was planted in the senator's office, killing all that was near the blast radius, and sending the far flying towards the walls. Eden and Dominic barely survive the blast, "*coughs* wha-what happened?" said Dominic as he tried to gain balance, Eden got up and said, "Dammit!", she then deduced, "The person must be nearby" she said this to Dominic, he nodded and both rushed out looking towards the crowds of frighten people, fire-fighters, police, medics. It was then Dominic spotted someone in a jacket, "Look! Over there!" he shouted, Eden then saw the same man, "After him!" both pursed the man, running into traffic, between boxes, people, and objects, the chase while it was thrilling, it was dangerous. After an hour, all three got into a warehouse, Dominic being a bruiser rushed forward, but the strange man easily overcame him, Eden got out her rapier, it was a gift from Roger. "en-guard!" she shouted, the strange man then started to laugh and revaled himself, "Ah young Oda, you have much to learn" he said, "Only the senator was responsible, the corrupted officials are in my pocket, your men didn't have to be sent on that errand run".

It was none other than Vorador.

Dark Reign -Chapter 9-

*Months later*

Eden Oda, stepped down from being the head of an organized crime family. She entrusted everything to her dearest and oldest friend Tommasino, she enlisted in the Osean Military Academy to fight for her country. For you see,  On December 7th, a barbarian raiding party, the largest raiding party ever seen in recent history, pillaged and completed destroyed the city of Ayesleigh leaving no survivors. The kingdom was outraged at the gall of the mindless horde and every able man, woman, elder, and child even applied to the academy to defend and fight for their country, Eden saw this as an opportunity to show the world what she is capable of.

"My word!, so many here to enlist" she said, She gazes upon the horizon and sees the long lines of the enlisting, "excuse me, miss" a man said, "hm?" Eden turned around and notice this very handsome man, she kind of blushed, but just a little, she then asked the man, "Yes? What is it?" the man was startled by her beauty just to gaze out of it and continued asking his previous question, "Is this the line for recruitment?" Eden responded, "Yes, Yes it is, it might take a while" she said, "No worry, I got time" he said, Eden raised an eyebrow at the sarcastic remark, "Oh no madam! I didn't mean by that" the man said, "My name is Daniel...Daniel Cross" he shook her hand, and she said to him, "Eden. Eden Oda" she said as she turned around.

*Hours later*

"Name?" asked the officer in charge. "Eden. Eden Oda" she said, "Proceed to hanger 13" he said as he handed her a passport. "Name?" the officer asked Daniel. "Daniel. Daniel Cross" the officer said, "Very good, here take it" the officer did the same exact thing he did with Eden. He gave Daniel a military pass. "So what hanger Daniel?" she asked him, "13" he said, "What about you?" he asked Eden, To her astonishment she replied, "13 as well" she smiled and they both walked towards the hanger.

"Alright you maggots! Fall in line!" said the Sergeant. "You will address me as Sir! Not Madam! Not your Royal Highness! Not your mommy! Daddy! Uncle! Second Cousin! Next Door Neighbor! BUT SIR! DO YOU GET ME!" yelled the Sergeant. Everyone in unison said, "Sir! Yes Sir!" the head of nation then appeared on the monitor, "Welcome recruits to the Osean Military Academy, You will train, eat, sleep, work, do all the things we proud men, and women have been doing for many, many years now!" he said, the Captain then finished with this statement, "Today we have a common enemy! Fight! Keep fighting! Forward Unto Dawn!" the monitor was then reverted to the Osean Military Academy flag, and the theme song for the nation was playing in the background, you can hear it all over the academy grounds. It was then, the Headmaster appeared to greet everyone, "Alright everyone! Listen Up! Due to budget constraints we will have to have a singular dorm room shared by a male and female, I know! I know! But hey, I am not the guy who is in charge of this nation, If I was, this would've been a whole lot different, Proceed to look for your names; one at a time!" the headmaster then finished with a sarcastic but fair warning, "Oh one more thing! Guys, keep your dicks in your pants, ladies keep your breasts and vaginas tucked in!" he then donned his cap and entered the offices.

After the headmaster entered the offices, everyone proceeded to look for their names. Daniel and Eden were sharing a room, the thing was Daniel didn't have a computer or any connections like Eden has, So she was able to find the room without waiting in line. Daniel on the otherhand looked for his room, just like everyone else. "Ah this must be my room" he said, he opened the door to see Eden once again. "Eden?" he said, "*gasp* Da-Daniel!" she stuttered as turned around quickly to greet him, only for her gym back to do the greetings for him, "Ow!" she said as the gym back landed on her head. "Eden!" he rushed and helped her up, she thanked Daniel for the kind gesture.

Little did these two know, they will fall in love together, and share all the hardships and trials, eventually Daniel would disappear, leaving Eden pregnant, alone with her first child....Ethan Oda. But that was a story for another day. 

Dark Reign -Chapter 10-

*Four Years later, 1490, Eden Oda age 25*

"Hold the line!" shouted Eden Oda, Now a military commander of her own troops. She gazes upon the blood red sun as the barbarian horde rushes down from the mountain top, "Archers!" she shouted to them, giving the signal to attack. The archers light up their arrows with fire, then opened fire to decimate legions of barbarians, "Argh! fire!" shouted a barbarian solider, before having his head split open with an arrow.The first wave was weak of course, probing the defenses of the fortress.

But that didn't stop the second wave, Eden saw this, she ordered the troops, "Spears! Pikes! HOLD THE LINE!" she shouted, the troops who were armed with these weapons, got in front and went to town with the mindless rabble, lastly she gave the orders to the hound battalions, "Hound leaders! Unleash the dogs of war!" she shouted, the hound wranglers let loose their dogs and proceed to decimate the secondary legion, with the last and final legion appearing before them, she took out her rapier, kiss the hilt of it, and whisper to herself, "God, watch over me" she then shouted to the heavens, "FORWARD UNTO DAWN!" it was then the army she commanded began charging towards the horde at great speed, so great, by the time they collided against each other, it was like thunder and lighting, dancing together in a tango. Blood was everywhere, screams of mercy and pain, it was glorious! By the time afternoon hit, the fighting was still raging, the barbarians were outmatched. Then he appeared, the barbarian chieftain, he was big, swatting the troops like flies as he walked slowly over to Eden, who also witness this feat, she lunged at him with all of her might, but only managed to made a dent on his person. He then grabbed her, and threw her aside like a rag doll. Eden got up laughing as he approached her, and she said, "I fought bigger" she smiled as she took out her daggers and gave a swift kick to the jaw, as the poor chieftain fell on the floor hard. She lunged at him one more time, and proceed to stab him, several thousand times, not before calling out her archers for help, "Archers! Take him down! Take. Him Down!" the archers went from their secondary target to their primary and then shot off every arrow they have.

After a couple of thousand arrows dotted his entire back, he fell once more, not to get up again. The barbarian warriors saw this and retreated post haste. "Victory! We have victory!" she shouted to her troops as they cheer in unison, she smiled towards the horizon, thanking God and blessing her and her men on this day.

Eden Oda, made history. The first female military commander defeating the barbarian horde. When she returned to the capital of Haven. She was greeted with a heroine's welcome. Her life after all of  the good, the bad, and the ugly, she can finally smile once again.

Dark Reign -Chapter 11-

*Present Day*

Eden Oda, returned back to Owari along with her entire army, the lands were fertile with food, people, trade. It was paradise on Earth. "Our Home" Ethan said to his wife Serina. They both smile and proceed to enter the region with a parade and feasting made only for the gods. After a few days feasting and being merry. Eden Oda received word that she won the Regency. She was now the Royal Majesty of Osea, now at the age of 60, while she lost her beauty she gain foresight, precognition, and wisdom not seen in her earlier years. 

She left for the capital, stepping down as the Oda leader, giving the reigns of the clan to her son. She left him with some words of wisdom before departing, "My Son, you are special, You are born to do great things, Please take care of the clan, and the people whom you love" she teared up as she said this, kissed his forehead and departed for the capital. During her reign of only four years, she enacted reform policies, and many policies thereafter thereby changing the country forever. The people loved her, and they love her family.

However on November 30th, 1524 at the age of 65. Eden Oda, the Snow White Queen of Osea passed away in her library. The guards found her in the afternoon, after she didn't appear for a council meeting, the whole nation mourned for the lost of their queen. Meanwhile in Owari, things were quite different. Instead of mourning for his mother, Ethan Oda appeared with his contingent of knights, he got in, and instead of paying homage he threw the incense on the ground, everyone at the funeral, including those loyal to her, and not her son were aghast at the insolence by her only son. He boldly declared to the entire room, "By the will of the Heavens! I. Ethan Oda! Will unify the lands under Heaven!" he walked out, leaving everyone in the room stunned, including his sister who was also there at the funeral, "He's got guts" said a monk, "Humph! The Fool of Owari does it once again!" said a warrior. The room was split, some praised for his boldness, others were upset at his idiocy.

"Was that necessary brother?!" said a furious Elana Oda, "How dare you! She was our mother!" she said as she shoved him around, having him staring coldly back into her fiery eyes. "I did what was necessary! Don't you DARE! Question my judgement!" said a raged Ethan. As the two go at it, two men appeared from the shadows, outside of Elana's quarters "This is the usual?" said Tyler Maeda as he talked to another man named Kyle Shibata. Kyle Shibata said, "Yup, well back then it was because of the drinking, and the whoring around. now. This is quite different" the two men nodded, and sighed.

Things were different. Drastically different. And if Ethan doesn't keep a lid on things. Some questionable things might well be irreversible

Dark Reign -Chapter 12-

"We've got to do something mistress Oda" said a nobleman. "Hm? About my brother?" she said staring at him through her mirror as she combs her hair, "He is out of control!" another man said, "I know" she said as she finishes her hair, she rises up and sits in front of the grieving nobles of Owari. "Listen, my brother has the best intentions. Yes his actions at the funeral were unacceptable! But what am I suppose to do about it? I have little to no power, Only swordsman training, *chuckles* If you want to call it that. The main point is, I can't do nothing, all I can do is react and express my opinion". After she said this she left to she her brother off to greet an emissary from Mino. After she left the nobles started to cry in unison, next door however, officers Kyle Shibata and his lieutenants overheard this discussion, "You know what must be done commander!" the officer said to Kyle. Shibata nodded as they prepare to move.

*Meanwhile*

 "Ah! Lord Saito! Welcome to Owari" said Ethan as he greeted him, Lord Saito bowed and greeted him back, as they proceed into the main hall of the castle for a discussion. "Were you attempting to dishonor my generous hospitality?" said Ethan, as he glance at Lord Saito's outfit, the presiding people in the room, including the officer under Saito were laughing, Lord Saito grasp his fist in anger, not trying to lash out for the rude remark. "Forgive, But I needed to know, people call you the Fool of Owari" said Lord Saito. Ethan laughed and said to him, "My friend, those are fools without vision for the land" he said as the room fell silent. After a brief moment of silence the two parties continued to discuss matters of the land. "I want this to be a unison alliance between the two houses" Lord Saito said, "My Son and his Sons and many after that will continue to support the Oda clan even when my lands are given up to you after I am long gone" he said boldly aloud. The two then finished their meals and they were off to their usual business.

When Lord Saito's son heard about this he wasn't too please with said remark, "The nerve of father! I'M a SAITO to serve under this- this FOOL OF OWARI!" he was enraged as he threw a fit in his personal quarters. From then on out he too was plotting against the lord of Mino. Just like Shibata is doing with Ethan Oda.

*months later*

"My-My Lord!" said an Oda messenger as he frantically got to his lord, delivering some ill news. "Yes? What is it?" Ethan Oda said as he was overlooking a book he was reading. "Shi- Shibata has betrayed us and overran Kiyosu Castle" the messenger said, "What?" said a shock Ethan as he stood up, "Dammit Shibata! Is this what loyalty is?!" he said in anger as he smashed his fist against a wall. "Messenger, gather the troops. We are going hunting at dawn" he said. The messenger bowed and left the room. Serina, Ethan's wife went over and comfort him, "Dear husband, Shibata will be dealt with in time" she said, "I- I'm sorry" Ethan said as he calmed down and sat back down raising is hand and rubbing his forehead as he tries to process the current situation: "Imagawa in the east, traitors in the north! I am outnumbered five to one and if I don't put down the rebellion soon, my whole ambition will end here!" Ethan said to himself. Knowing the problems her husband face, she tried to think about other things. "My Lord" she said as she rises up and closes, locks the room, she turns around and undresses her evening gown. Maybe I could change your mind on other things" she went over to her husband, and the two made love together in the night. And at dawn, Ethan left, leaving a rose for his beloved.

Dark Reign -Chapter 13-

"YOU IDIOT!" Shouted Ethan Oda as his spear crosses path's with Shibata's spear in the thick of battle. "You are the one to talk!" said Kyle as he tries to outmaneuver his former lord. "You are a fool among fools! You need to open your eyes!" shouted Shibata in anger. Ethan completely dodged and counter his attack and instead disarmed Shibata completely in the heat of battle. "Kyle Shibata! You served under me during my mother's time? But now? Why not under me? Because I don't have vision for the land?! You are the one that needs to open his eyes and see the truth of things" shouted a frustrated Ethan, "Oh?! What's that? Ethan!" said an angry Shibata after being humiliated. "That the Oda! Was....BORN TO RULE!" Ethan said. Before the fight could continue the war horn blew and both parties retired for the evening.

However, Ethan unlike the hot-headed Kyle Shibata, planned a midnight raid, and the next morning the traitors were dealt with. Shibata was offered a chance to rethink his dire decision he made earlier. As he sits in his quarters in Kiyosu Castle, he said to himself, "Those men. That formation. Those- Those were real. Maybe, I have mistaken our lord for a Fool and something much greater than that". Shibata and his retainers pledge loyalty once again to the mighty Oda clan.

After the troops celebrated their victory. A dire messenger came from the north. "Lord Oda! Report from the north!" he said as he handed him a letter covered in blood. "Hm? What's this?" said a curious, and worried Ethan. The letter reads...

"Dear Ethan Oda,

Since the days of your mother, I have nothing but my utmost respect for your clan. While I questioned your tactics. You and your family was born to rule. Unlike mine. Which is about to end here. Take care of my adoptive daughter. She will need you before the end".

Regards,



Former lord of Mino"



Serina didn't took the news lightly as she starts to tear up and then fainted, "SERINA! guards! Get a doctor in here!" Ethan shouted, Instead Maeda, Shibata, and Toyotomi rushed into the room, "You three! Prepare to move out! NOW!" he commanded in earnest. The troops were ready, to make it at full speed, the majority of the reinforcements from the Oda clan were on horseback. "Don't die! Don't die Viper!" he said to himself over, and over again. However, when he got to the Mino border he notice a large troop formation, "What? So, your son was upset over the inheritance of the Mino lands in the foregone future! Damn fools!" he said in anger as all he could do but turn back in regret.

*Meanwhile*

 

"Attack! Kill them all!" shouted Lord Saito's son in anger, his armies were much larger than his father's, outmatch and outmaneuver with no escape. Inside the main keep as it begins to flame up, Lord Saito a remarkable swordsman vows to his traitors, "If I am to fall here, I will take you as many as I can with me....TO HELL!" He shouted as he fought off his attackers. It was then a former, but loyal former officer under Lord Saito appeared, shaken in fear for what he is about to do. "What? You? Look at you, you can barely hold your sword!" he said as he lowered his defense to be killed and stabbed ten times in the back, as he falls to the ground he yells to the heavens. "Lord Oda! These lands. Are.....yo- Yours! *collapses*" the mighty Viper of Mino....dead by the hands of his own son. Word spread like wildlife, and many of the lords were disgusted by the current events that transpired.

Ethan returned to Owari, As he returns and dismounts a frantic Serina rushes out and tries to get an answer out of her husband, "My father is- Is he?!?!" before she could say anything else. Ethan hugged Serina hard and kiss her forehead. "Shi- Shibata, Take her to our quarters" he said as he wandered off to the nearby temple to pray for peace for Lord Saito. As he walks off, he hears the screams of his wife as she collapses in a sheer emotional wreck. Ethan grasps his fists in anger and said to himself, "I promise, Serina. I will avenge your father. And take back Mino!" he said this to himself as he enters the temple and closes the door behind him to pray.

Now there is a legitimate concern, instead of traitors being in the north. A stronger more ready army is in the north, and to the east was Imagawa. And rumors have it, Lord Imagawa is about to prepare to march towards the capital soon.

Dark Reign -Chapter 14-

After Shibata's rebellion. Ethan knows the problems won't end there, for a few days he as kept all the verbal abuse by the Owari nobleman "contained" whether you are the servant, a messenger, a solider, or even his wife. You can tell, he was going to lose it and really do something he was going to regret. But if his mother taught him anything "patience is a virtue". Even when government officials are total assholes.

"Yes. Yes. I know. For the thousandth time I KNOW!" shouted Ethan to an adviser as they went over the situation in Owari. The heated air changed when his sister walked in to greet his brother. "Congratulations brother" said Elana as she bowed before her brother to say thanks. Ethan nodded and said, "Thank you, my dearest sister" said Ethan as he got up and asked her to walk with her.

As the two walk, they discussed the future for the clan, "My brother, Imagawa is to the south, That monster Saito is in the north. What are you going to do?" she asked him. Ethan then started to think about the overall situation in context. We need to defeat the Imagawa's first, secure an alliance with the Tokugawa clan, and march up north against Saito. From there we will march to the capital in earnest. Shocked at well thought out the plan was, she clapped and smiled, "Ah mother would be proud of you" she said as she giggled and laughed.

The two Oda children continued their walk until Ethan asked her a question, "Tell me dearest sister. Did you know about Shibata's rebellion?" he said as he grabbed her arm forcefully, in response she said, "No". Unconvinced he shoved her into a nearby room and held her up against a wall. "This is no time for games. We are at war, sister" Ethan said as he demanded an answer out of her. "I didn't know Shibata was going to rebel. Sure, I was upset with you after what you did at the funeral" she said in fright, "Brother. Please, I have no involvement whatsoever" she said, before he could ask more a messenger rushed in. The messenger pulled Ethan aside, letting go of his sister and asked for a report.

After the messenger delivered his report, Ethan called a war council. The news was dire.

"What could this be about?" asked Maeda. Shibata was there first and foremost, sitting and waiting for his lord. "I don't know. But it can't be good" he said as he wrapped is arms around. Akechi, Toyotomi, Nightingale came in as well. "So did I hear correctly, that Imagawa's forces are on the move?" said Akechi, the room was stunned by the recent news. Yoshiko Mori a veteran officer amongst the Oda clan also confirmed Akechi's suspicions, "Yes you are correct, Akechi. Washizu and Marune were both captured in under a day. The Imagawa's forces are large and well armed".

Ethan Oda, and his wife both walked in, along with Elana who was still shaken but it seems the heat between the two finally calmed down. "Yes. You are all correct" said Ethan Oda. "The Imagawa's are on the move and soon will be upon us. We have fought small battles, But this.. This will be different" said Ethan as he pranced around the room back and forth looking towards all of those who are in attendance. "Does anyone in this room have a suggestion on how to proceed?" said Ethan Oda asking for advice from his officers. An officer named Sado suggested, "My Lord. We could surrender to the Imagawa's, from there we will secretly build up our forces and then when the time is ripe. Launch a full scale rebellion against the Imagawa's", after he said this he bowed and sat back down, some of the attendees clapped and cheered in the room, while others didn't like that suggestion one bit. Kyle Shibata stood up and suggested something different, "My Lord we could fortify here. gather all the able who can fight, and all of our food reserves and make our stand here in the castle" after he made that suggestion he sat down, and same reaction but from various other people in the room who didn't like Sado's suggestion earlier, same similar situation as well, some people didn't like that suggestion one bit either.

Before Ethan made his decision, he decided to make double sure what he was up against, "Those who are in an agreement with Sado's plan go to the right side of the room, Those who agree with Shibata's suggestion to the opposite" as Ethan commanded the attendees, he slowly analyzes the situation. "So it's 50/50 no one will dare make that leap of faith towards one side or the other....interesting" however while he was thinking some of the attendees started to bicker and argue and started to fight amongst themselves. Ethan notices this, he stood up and gave the orders before the situation got worse. "QUIET!" said Commander Mori. The room fell silent as Ethan gave his orders....

"Imagawa has 40,000 men marching toward this place? I don't believe that. He 'only' has 25,000 soldiers. Yes, that is still too many. So, Sado, you want me to surrender. What if we do surrender? Will you get content with losing your life that way? Or what if we hold on like Kyle wants me to? What if we stay here in this castle, lock it up, and wait until the Imagawa's lose appetite and stop the siege and go home? We will be able to prolong our lives for five or ten days, and what we cannot defend will still be undefendable. We are at the bottom of the pit, you know. And our fate is interesting. Of course, the misery is too great, too. But this is how I see it: this is a chance in a lifetime. I can't afford to miss this. Do you really want to spend your entire lives praying for longevity? We were born in order to die! Whoever is with me, come to the battlefield tomorrow morning. Whoever is not, just stay wherever you are and watch me win it!"

Ethan then walked out of the room as everyone fell silent once more...Ethan Oda at an age of only 25 years old is about to make grand history on the stage of Okehazama. 

Dark Reign -Chapter 15-

Ethan Oda walked out of the room to prepare for the oncoming battle. Few in the castle supported him, still calling him a fool or a suicidal man. He slept for a few hours until a war-horn blew in the middle of the night. Ethan stood up and called his bodyguard Matsuda in to fetch his armor. When Matsuda left, he stood up and performed a famous dance that was in the tradition of the Oda family....the Atsumori.

As he performed, he utter the words.."Human life lasts only 50 years, Contrast human life with life of Geten, It is but a very dream and illusion. Once they are given life from god, there is no such thing don't perish. Unless we consider this a very seed of awakening, it is a grievous truth indeed". Before he truly finished the performance Matsuda returned and gave his armor to his lord, he was dismissed and told several officers to meet him outside the castle gates. Ethan donned his armor, and Serina handed him his sword. Serina like many others in the castle were doubtful, but she was still with her beloved in all of this. He grabbed his sword, tied it to his waste, donned his cape and before he left, he gave a passionate kiss to his wife.

Ethan saddled up in his horse, gave his orders to his troops and then departed from the castle. The Oda force was 1,500 troops strong. All elite and loyal to Ethan. They were also expert cavalry and well verse in the regions, as Ethan always trains his horsemen first and his foot soldiers second. Ethan arrived at the region around noon time, look up towards the heavens, he unsheathed his sword and gave his orders: "Hear my orders men! Our focus here today is...KILL! KILL YOSHIMOTO IMAGAWA!" his troops yelled in unison, and suddenly rained started to pour down from the very heavens above. "Mother..." he said to himself, "The heavens are with us men! To Victory!" he shrugged his horse to move and his troops followed.

Heaven was indeed on the side of the Oda. For you see, the Imagawa became fat, lazy, and arrogant after their recent victories, instead of surveying the region around them and get lookouts for every five miles or so. They instead sat, wine, women, and song. Instead of thinking about battle. Some of the generals warn their lord with caution, but fell on deaf ears, as their lord was too busy flirting with the courtesans he bought along. Without these key things in battle, as a general should be aware of. The Oda forces were able to move in the forest regions without getting spotted for miles on end until they have reached their destination.

The Oda forces rode fast and hard coming from two sides. "ODA! Th- The Oda are here!" shouted a drunk Imagawa soldier before his head was sliced off, the two forces collided. An Oda officer recounts what he saw in his lord on the field of battle, "Just like his mother, he moves with utmost speed and caution. Not only that. He was able to counter and re-counter every move the enemy made or was about to make. On the field of battle he was indeed a demon, and on the field of the politics he was wise and ere on the side of caution at all times".

The battle was clearly favoring the Oda. Soon Yoshimoto, in all of his arrogance came forth from the tent, half-naked and frighten. "Wha? What! Oda?! Here?! Ah men! attack! attack!" in a fruitless effort the much more demoralized Imagawa forces strikes back with what strength they have left. But the battle was already over. "You! You are Owari no Ōutsuke! (The Fool of Owari)" shouted Imagawa as he unsheathed his broken katana point towards the Demon King. "Come now, Imagawa! You are already lost!" shouted Ethan Oda as he stood in front of him, without anything to lose the fat slob gave one big yell and lunged forth towards Ethan Oda with all speed he had, " *screams* Time to-" before he could deliver the blow, he was struck in the neck by an arrow from afar. Ethan turned around to see it was his sister. After noticing the ill-fated wound, the pig got on his legs and gave his last words. "Argh! Struck down...by- by a mere woman!" as he yelled in agony his final words to Ethan Oda were, "I- I will see you in Hell". before Lord Imagawa perished.

Elana got down from her position and greeted her brother, she laughed and socked Ethan's arm as she always does, "Couldn't let you have all the glory, and next time. Don't do that again" said Elana. They both laughed and as they hugged each other and they both return to camp with the remaining Oda forces and all were glad hearted at the sounds of victory. From then on, word spread like wildfire, all across the country of Osea. It was all about the Oda clan defeating the Imagawa clan with a ten to one odds against the Oda clan. This is what Ethan needed. A victory to claim his right to rule the land under heaven. And so shall it be done.