129.) The Mission and the Unexpected Meeting.

Well, we finally got a glimpse into the lives of those who are not stuck in the middle of the efforts for the coming civil war. Or at least most of the children who have parents putting their lives on the line for the prosperity and peace this clan richly deserves. Mind you that it just so happens that most of these children are known individuals that passed their Challenge Day with flying colors. Marking their first steps into the true life of Gods, Goddesses and the like. With a new mission being given to these young Gods and Goddesses. It was high time they finally kicked it into high gear in the same fashion as our young brethren, Morpheus, Kenny and the crew of Young STRIFE.

Currently, three days had gone by at this point. Leaving our young Godlings to tend to their supply collecting during their weekend. They went out to visit another business district. But it was one that was tenured around objects and creations based around combat and military tactical missions. Perfect for the type of mission their superiors had ready for them. They only had a few hours left before it was to be given. So the haste in their movements was quite high as they turned to mere shadows leaping through the business park like ninjas through the leaves. They were all highly determined to get their first mission underway and complete with the highest level of success possible. No casualties to be had in their group. We follow Lancelin Jr. and Lancelot Jr. as they go forth into a Weaponry Blacksmith store. Hoping to find ideal weapons for them and their battle types. Not only for this mission, but ones they'll lean on and hone all the way into their greater years in the future passing millenia.

Lancelot: "Let's get this done my man. I want to get out of these black sweat-suits and into our official Xeno Knights gear."

Lancelot walks into the store ahead of Lancelin.

Lancelin: "Alright, alright there, uncle Lance. Let's go in and find ME something interesting."

He follows Lancelot into the store.

Lancelot: "Get YOU a weapon? How humorous of you, nephew of mine."

Shopkeep: "Well hello there! Welcome in, welcome in my two lovely weapon seekers!"

They wave the two boys over to the counter in this all black room.

Both: "Wooooah!!"

They waltzed on over and were astounded by the weapons that began appearing on the wall behind the Clerk. Hammers of all shapes and sizes, dual-edged swords of every length with katanas and ninja stars. Guns of every type made their way on the walls and cases found around them within the shop. There were axes, helberds, and spears lined up on the ceiling and second floor. They even had clothing racks with weaponized gear towards the entrance of the store and the far right side of the place. Damn place even had daggers, brass knuckles, chains with different ball types at their ends, maces, bows and even…

Lancelin: "Fockin Nunchuks!?! You lot have nunchuks here!?"

He brightened up and broke his cool demeanor. Bouncing up and down as he looked at the many Nunchuk types they had to offer.

Shopkeep: "Ah-haa, it's been quite some time since I've met a person who likes the art of Nunchaku! You have quite the eye, but is that going to be your choice for your weapon type, hmm?"

The big, burly man scratches his scraggly beard as he smirks at his two aspiring customers.

Lancelot: "Hmph (Nunchaku eh?) *grin* I say you go for it Lancelin. It'd be a great fit to your innate fighting style."

He pats his Nephew on the back just before pulling his hood over his head. Then rubbing the top of his dome vigorously in a playful manner.

Lancelin: "Oi, mate. Cut that out you buzzard!"

He pushes his uncle off of him.

Lancelot: "Ah, don't be such a twerp Lancy. Get the darn Nunchucks made to suit you. The shopkeep will analyze your essence in order to do so. We're in good hands here with Sir Haggarts, a Blacksmith from Gahwardia."

Lancelin: "I knew his essence felt mighty odd. Nice to fully make your acquaintance my good sir. And he's right… I will be going with Nunchaku!" *Grin*

Haggarts: "Good, glad to hear from yee on this grand day of days. Now then… what's say yee, young warrior?"

Lancelin: "Yeah, what's ya choice, bruv?"

Lancelot: "Ah, that's simple for me. Sign me up for a dual bladed staff, please and thank you."

Haggarts: "Huh… quite the manners on you two compared to Mackey, Sammy and Maeli… those crude twits. Lovely children, but just awful attitudes sometimes. Ah, from the looks on your faces… ye get h'what I'm puttin' out, right?"

Lancelin: "Yeah… those three are a handful."

Lancelot: "Tch… tell me about it."

He rolls his eyes after hearing Haggarts' words.

???: "Awwwe, do be diligent to be more kind to your peers. They're not that insufferable. Tehe!" *Grin*

Lancelot: "Hm? (It's her!?)"

Lancelin: "Woah… it's you!"

A young lady approaches from behind them upon entering the shop. She was wearing leggings with the cosmos splattered on them, similar to what Tailee, Meilee and Sonya were wearing when Diablos and Angelos first met them. Eh ehm, Chapter five by the way. Anywaaaaays, she wore a black crop top with the Black Sol insignia on her right bosom. The insignia for Devojinns, the Dark Clan and her home Clan. She oddly enough, had on glasses with her curly, black locks put into a neat ponytail. Her diamond encrusted, black choker stood out the most as she waltzed right up to our boys.

???: "How's it going, Lancelin, Sir Lancelot."

She bowed to the both of them before patting Lancelin on the shoulder. Then even going as far as to lean on him as she stared at the blades on the wall.

Lancelin: "Woah, Nubia? You here getting some weapons made too?"

Nubia: "Yep, but I'll wait until you two are done. You can see my choice on our mission later. Coo?"

Lancelot: "Hmph… seems all introverts are quite the characters when they open up. She your new interest Lancelin?"

Lancelin: *Blush* "U-Uncle Lancelot could you not! Gooosh, it be your own family."

Nubia: "Hehe, that's actually quite funny. But that'd be impossible, we all have the same grandmother. Well… great grandmother for Lancelin over here."

Lancelot: "H'wait…"

Lancelin and Lancelot: "WHAT!?"

Haggarts: "Oof… awkwaaard."

He turns to pretend as if he was cleaning a blade. Only to find it needed actual cleaning… heh, figures.

Nubia: "Hmph, I won't simply reveal her name… buuuut my mother is also one of the children of Xenophia. Just as your father and grandfather are."

Lancelot: "That's quite the surprise. I had forgotten that I have cousins and kin over in Devojinns. Good to finally meet one officially. You even have our family crests, the True Black Star."

Nubia: "Righteo, but that's something we can speak more on later. Seems Haggarts has already begun to analyze you two."

Lancelot and Lancelin turn around to see the beaming Red Eyes of Haggarts. Staring directly into the scope that was inscribed into the pupils. Twisting and turning as they zoom in to further see the very essence within the body's Essence System. Upon finishing, he gives the boy's a thumbs up, staring at Nubia who winked at him to show she had already made her choice. With that being done and no one else in the store, he decided to give a live presentation of his skills for the three to see.

Haggarts: "Alright you wee little ones, allow the Giant Dwarf, Haggarts to show ya his stuff. Forge, To me!" *CLAP*

He clapped his palms together as if to pray, forcing the room to shift. Bring about his blacksmithing table and set while trading out his cashier stand and back area where the blades could be found behind him. The three were completely captivated already.

Nubia: "Now this is good stuff. All of the Dwarves found in all Civilizations in the known omniverse are spectacular at what they do. I should mention that this guy is merely an avatar of the actual Haggarts. He's elsewhere within this clan."

Lancelin: "Woah… does that mean you're even bigger than this!?"

Lancelot: "What a ridiculous amount of girth, my good sir."

Haggarts: "Ah… I see the little Devojinnian is well versed in her knowledge. And ai, I do get bigger boys, much… bigger. *Smirk* Now let's get down to smithin'!"

All three: "YEAH!"

As they bear witness to the masterful work of Haggarts the Gahwardian Blacksmith. We look over at Ellie, Drake and Luke taking a stroll towards a clothing Shop where they can bind your essence and make the perfect battle outfit to go with power set. One could see quite the amount of excitement on their faces. Just like the others, they too had on tracksuits that went with the school's purple, gold and silver pattern. The colors of the illustrious academy. They waltz in only to find the likes of Billard Jr and Loraina, the childhood best friends. Billard being an Autherien while Loraina was from Dante's house. Making her an Azrufel house member. They were busy buying matching armor sets to go on the mission with.

Luke: "Yo, you two wankahs. How has today been for ya?"

Billard: "Luke, Drake and little ol' Ellie. We've been doing pretty good today. Any luck on finding the gear most suited for you and this mission?"

Luke: "Oh hell yeah, we were able to get some nice weapons, ailment removers, potions and now we're here to get some nice threads for the upcoming mission.

Drake: "Yes indeed, I'm taking the Sorcerer's route so I came to get me a nice enchanted, magician's robe. It has to go nicely with my Illuma House gauntlets and greaves bruv!"

He showed off two charms, one of some white, golden trimmed gauntlets while the other was of his greaves. They were also of the same colors. He smiled cheerfully at the others as he held them up next to his face.

Ellie: "Indeed, I also wish to grab some basic gear in the style of a fur coat, breast armor, some nice leggings and a set of heel-style greaves."

Loraina: "Nice indeed everyone. But we ought hurry it along, we're supposed to be ready for the mission when it's assigned and not a moment later."

She walked speedily over to the counter to purchase her Armour.

Billard: "Dammit all, she's right." *Fwip*

Everyone put a little pep in their step while doing their final rounds of shopping. Making sure to be quick and efficient in their attempts to get ready and set to go for the mission. With Lancelot and Lancelin getting their weapons forged, they head off to rendezvous with the others and head for the school. Behind them was Nubia unexpectedly, seeing as they thought her weapons would take longer to create. But they could only guess that this was not the case.

The team quickly makes their way to the school using the all too useful wormhole system. Getting into their dorms rather quickly in order to change and get ready.

An hour shoots by like a rocket, and Shaddus has sounded his private horn that only their team can hear. Signaling the scheduled meeting for briefing on their mission. They were to head to the main auditorium to meet with Shaddus and Hera'lou. Both were sitting at the center of this coliseum-style auditorium. Looking onward as the students enter in as a small group.

Hera'lou: "Welcome in, welcome in to you all."

Students: "Hello Madame Hera'lou-"

Hera'lou: "Cut the shit! You maggots are to take a seat and listen closely to Shaddus' instructions. This mission will be starting far sooner than you'd all anticipated!"

Students: "RIGHT!"

Maeli: "Hm… now it feels like home again." *Sigh*

Mackey: "I know sis, but let's just get this thing started. It'll be our first time outside of the clan. I'm sooo damn excited!!"

Shaddus waltzed in front of the group and glared at them all with a look that gave off killing intent. It was the perfect move to set the tone of the missions they were receiving today.

Shaddus: "I can tell you're all of a stupendous nature when it comes to getting a mission. But allow me to change that, seeing as you could all easily die on this mission. Get me?"

His words caused the entire room to fall silent, not even a flinch of the muscle and skin to be had.

Drake: "Pffft… come on now, obviously the bloke has to be kidding, right? … Right!?"

Maeli: "No."

Sammy: "Of course not… after all."

Mackey: "We three already fight in the Rebel Army. And trust… our lives have been in danger and on the line with our own people as the culprits behind the acts. Of course happenings outside the clan would be of equal danger. Use your heads, mates."

Shaddus: "Hmph, good… your words will decide something grand for what's to be said later, just before you're sent off."

Hera'lou: "Indeed, allow me to get my country flare on for this one. You maggots are to head to the independent Empire within the Clan's sector of this Quadrant. The illustrious civilization that gained its independence from our clan many eons ago. The grand civilization known as Illustrod. It's there that all of you will be tasked to investigate the spread of corruption within the darn place. We have people there waiting for you all to assist you in your efforts."

Shaddus: "You are to find out if there is a source there seeing as we have one here. If one doesn't exist or can't be found, return home immediately. But…"

Hera'lou: "If y'all are lucky enough to find the source… call for us so we may exterminate them or it. Understood?"

Luke: "Woah… this truly is the real deal."

Ellie: "Indeed, so everyone had best be on their 'A' game. We don't need any casualties occurring while already going through the worst of it here."

Lancelin: "I couldn't agree more!"

Shaddus: "Good to see most of you are of sound mind when it comes to hearing such news. Now that leads us to assigning the three leads for this group. Hera… if you will."

He encourages his co-captain to inform the children on those who will lead them into victory.

Hera'lou: "With pleasure sir Shaddus. Eh-ehm… the Vice captain that will serve under the two captains was chosen to be Sammy Lyster. While our two leads will be none other than Maeli Aurorin."

Mackey: (Obvious Choices, now who's the other lead?)

Lancelin: (Hmm…)"

Hera'lou: "And Miss Nubia Beel. Those will be your three leads for this mission, understood?"

Mackey: "Woah… h"what!?"

Billard: "How could an exchange student be the leader? Yeah, it's true she's a prodigy… but how!?"

Loraina: "It is a bit unprecedented, honestly."

Hera'lou: "Are we supposed to care, darlin'? Y'all are acting like a bunch of snakes without their rattlers right now! Get ya asses in high gear and understand that you WILL follow her commands as you would Maeli and Sammy's. Now hush!" *STOMP*

She smashes the ground beneath her.

Shaddus: "I hope her words were received clearly here. With that being said, no more complaining. This is the big leagues now, so act accordingly you worthless scum!"

Lancelot: "Heh… you all acted like children, so you get treated accordingly. My lil' cousin will do just fine."

Nubia: "Cheh, thanks cousin Lancelot. Now then… Sir Shaddus, Madame Hera'lou. Are we to leave now?"

Hera'lou and Shaddus pause suddenly. Their faces had the looks of someone looking directly at their arch nemesis. They glared at one another, nodding their heads before glaring back at their students.

Luke: "They look pissed…"

Lancelin: "Seriously pissed…"

Shaddus: "Hehe… leaving? Oh, no, no no. You're not leaving here… noooo."

Hera'lou: "You'll be getting ejected out of this damn place right fucking now! *SMACK* Yeeeee-HAAW y'all and good luck!"

She smacks a red button on the desk they brought with them. It ejects the kids out of the auditorium and into personal portals leading to just outside of the Clan. Placing them in the perfect position to go straight for the Empire in question.

Maliik: "Hm?" *Glare*

Shiishii: "What's wrong, brotha Maliik?"

Dante: "Worried about the team that just went out?"

Shiishii: "Hm?"

He looked over at Dante in confusion.

Maliik: "Yeah… we all got kin on that team and we just sent them to ensure our corruption hasn't spread to those with old ties to us."

Aurorin: "Mhm…"

Shiishii: "Oh… no need to worry about that then. Gaia looked into the near future to see what would happen. With what was seen, we decided to send them some help. A few more people who needed to get out and stretch their wings, ya know?"

Maliik: "Heh… is that so? Nice, good man… good fucking man!" *Reach*

Shiishii: "Hahahaaa, damn right, brotha!" *Tap*

The team went flying through a group of solar systems that were between them and the universe over as they casted out of this galaxy. Speeding up as they prepare to exit the universe. Lancelot, Maeli, Sammy, Billard and Loraina were all well organized as they flew past the many Galaxies in their gigantic, projected forms. The others were of a different nature though. Ellie and Luke were a little slow and timid as they did the minimum and merely kept up with the group. But then we had people like Lancelin, Mackey, Drake and Nubia who were enjoying their flight in their original, human-sized forms. Dashing through the stars as they danced and frolicked about.

Lancelin: "This is what I've been fockin' waiting for, yeah? This excitement as I get a feel for the cosmos themselves."

He leapt over a Meteor before grabbing hold of Nubia's hand and getting tossed through an asteroid that was shaped like a donut.

"Wooo Hoooo!!!" He yelled as he leapt forward as fearless as can be. Turning around to see his friends laughing about as Lancelot and the others smirked at their enjoyment.

Lancelot: "Heh… amateurs."

Maeli: "Yeah… everyone of 'em besides that Nubia girl. She's quite the skilled young Goddess."

???: "I agree with that."

Sammy: "Hrnh!?"

Lancelin had now found himself and Nubia skating across a star before he leapt off into the distant cosmos. Charging a gear of light to use a boost for mass acceleration. Turning into a mere line, drawing what looked like calligraphy as he flew ahead of his peers. Though… to his surprise, there was another who did similar to what he had done. A boy dressed in an all black, norse-style, hunter's suit. His spiked up white hair danced as he looked and locked eyes with Lancelin. Glaring at him as he caught wind of something foul, easy to tell from the cringing face he made before stopping.

???: "Who the hell are you, kid?!"

Lancelin: "I should be asking you that, "kid". But I'm Lancelin Beel, and you?"

Sammy: "Woah… he's Morpheus Senkozen! The focking Gate of Strife!"

Sammy parked next to Lancelin. With Maeli and what looked to be Fong right beside her.

???: "Yo, Morphy… you good my guy. This kid giving you trouble?"

Lancelin: "Again with the damn Kid thing? Just who the hell are you people, mates?"

Morpheus: "All good Ken, big dawg. And for your information, we're known as Young Strife. Me and my six friends here were sent to assist you all. But… I didn't know that y'all had someone like you amongst them."

Kenny: "Like him?"

Amera: "What does that even mean, Morphy, babe?"

Amera pulled up to the left of Morpheus as Kenny stood to his right. Ellie, Drake and Luke were joined by Zelibus and Clarence. While Zoshen and Ju'Mosi joined Mackey, Billard and the rest.

Nubia: "Hm… I can easily see why you can sense it as well. Three are here with you, Morpheus of Strife."

Morpheus: "Nubia of Strife, the third gen… your mother is my substitute so I know you well. It's good to see you, but seeing as you smell like him… you must be family. So tell me… why does your family seem to be hiding a Stuliathan within himself?!"

Lancelin: "Tch!"

The Mission has officially begun for our mighty youths of the Light Clan. Their goal is to find the source of corruption within an ally Empire. In a strange and unexpected meeting with Young Strife, we find out Lancelin harbored quite the shocking secret. What will come of this as Civil War rapidly approaches.

Next Chapter: In the Face of

Certain Doom.