Twin Kings

Arata and Ryouma followed Eamon and Eva to a part of the Institute that Arata had never been before. They approached a large archway with a gate and what looked like guards at the entrance. Eamon walked over to the guards and showed them a card and a key, as did Eva.

"I am bringing these two Juniors in with me to my room."

The guards looked over Arata and Ryouma before nodding and letting them through. Arata was stunned to see how grand this place was. Ryouma gasped as he realized where they were.

"This is Central Dorm! Where those that have a reserved seat in the Inner Court reside."

Ryouma was quickly understanding that these siblings were definitely big shots and powerhouses. Especially with how Arata was treating them. He noticed that Arata hadn't been phased by Ryouma's words. Instead he just obediently followed behind the two siblings. They went inside a large building and walked up the beautifully carved stairs. They walked down the lavishly ornamented hallways towards Eamon's room. Arata inwardly chuckled at the extreme difference between the interior here and the interior at the South Dorm.

They finally reached Eamon's room and they all entered behind Eamon.

"Come in and take a seat."

Eamon's room was large and extremely clean. He had a simple layout and there didn't seem to be anything personal at all. Like it was a brand new room. There were two couches facing each other with a small table between them. Arata and Ryouma went to one couch while Eamon went to the other and sat down. Eva went to the side to make them all tea.

Eamon sat there patiently, clearly waiting for Eva, so Arata and Ryouma also sat quietly. Once she was finished, Eva served them all tea and they all began to drink. Eamon looked over to Ryouma with a grin before turning back to Arata.

"He is quite new to the Sato Clan, correct? So he probably doesn't know who I am."

Arata smiled.

"That is correct. I must apologize for losing my cool, I almost revealed everything in public."

Eamon chuckled.

"There is no need to be so uptight. I hear from my Father that you are quite a free spirit. I didn't expect you to be so strong though. Although, having you hidden for so long, Lord Azrail clearly had his reasons."

Arata shook his head.

"I wouldn't dare to say I am strong before you. Plus, I think it is quite ironic for you to say that my Father is hiding me when the two of you are this Kingdom's biggest hidden secret."

Eamon laughed at this.

"That is true. The pot calling the kettle black."

The two boys laughed. Eva and Ryouma stayed silent. Ryouma was still completely clueless to what was going on. Eamon turned to look at Ryouma.

"Do you by chance know the reason the Ise Clan and the Sato Clan came to be?"

Ryouma paused for a moment before shaking his head. Eamon nodded.

"Well, that is because no one is supposed to know. It is a well guarded secret that involves the founding of the Kingdom itself."

Eamon turned to Eva and nodded. Eva made gestures with her hands and different marks around the room lit up and glowed brightly. A wave of Energy washed over the room which made Ryouma feel strange. He noticed that Arata, Eamon and Eva were seemingly unaffected. Arata turned to Ryouma.

"A barrier to prevent external forces from listening in."

Eamon nodded.

"We obviously need precautions to be in place."

Eva lowered her hands and nodded.

"The room is now secure."

At this, Arata instantly moved from the couch and was on his knee on the ground.

"Arata Sato greets Master Eamon and Eva from the Melchior Family."

Ryouma was stunned by what Arata was doing. But then paused in shock. Did he just say the Melchior Family? As in the Royal Family, Melchior? Eamon nodded at Arata before seeing the shock in Ryouma's face. He nodded as he saw through Ryouma's face.

"Yes and no. We are the same Melchior Family you are thinking of but also not."

Ryouma panicked and clumsily fell off the couch and scrambled to kneel like Arata. Eamon chuckled.

"Please sit on the couch normally. It is easier to talk to you both that way."

Arata got up slowly before obediently sitting back on the couch. Ryouma copied Arata's movements. Eamon then looked back at Ryouma.

"So, we were talking about the origins of the Sato and Ise Clan. But to know their origins, you must first learn about the Twin Kings."

Ryouma had a curious look.

"Twin Kings?"

Eamon nodded.

"When the Kingdom of Kakuso was founded and created, the Kingdom was formed by two brothers, the Twin Kings. They were fair and just. They both had differing views and opinions on how the Kingdom needed to be run, but they would always come to a compromise, choosing to accept both view points and work towards the best solution."

Arata continued.

"As time went on, the Twin Kings developed their leadership and found that there were aspects of leading a Kingdom that a King couldn't do but needed to. The types of things that needed to be done but a King with his status and glory wouldn't be able to do without tarnishing his name. Tarnishing the crown."

Eamon looked out the window.

"The brothers came to a decision on what must be done. They needed to have two sides of leading a Kingdom. One in the light, that gives people hope and joy."

Arata looked at Eamon.

"And one in the darkness, that fights and leads the people from the shadows."

Ryouma saw a strange look of pain within Arata's eyes. Eamon turned to the two of them with a slight smile.

"So the brothers took on the two sides of leading. One from the dark and one in the light. The youngest brother became the King to the people. His descendants then became what we all know as the Royal Family that leads the Kingdom of Kakuso."

Arata sighed.

"The older brother retreated to the shadows. Doing the deeds in the dark that the Kingdom needed done, but was best if the people didn't know about. His descendants would dedicate their lives to fighting and giving their all for a people that will never know they exist. The warriors in the shadows."

Eamon and Arata looked at each other in the eye and a mutual understanding seemed to pass between them. Eamon smiled as he looked back at Ryouma.

"As I'm sure you have guessed, my sister and I are descendants of the older brother. The King in the Dark. So our identity is hidden to the general public. But as I said, we were going to talk about the origins of the Sato and Ise Clans."

Arata nodded.

"The Twin Kings each had a Protector that guarded them at all times. They were also the King's closest friends. When the Twin King's came to the decision to part, the two Protectors were ordered to build Clan's. These Clan's would reflect the nature of the decision the King made and keep the balance going for future generations."

Ryouma nodded in understanding.

"The two Protectors were the founders of the Sato and Ise Clan."

Arata and Eamon nodded. Ryouma fell into deep thought as he began to process what he had just learnt. So there were actually two Royal Families that fought for and led the Kingdom from two different angles. And the Sato Clan and the Ise Clan were the weapons that the Royal Families used. He was understanding more and more how important his role as a Shadowguard was now, since he served Arata, and Arata would serve Eamon.

Arata then continued.

"I don't think Akari knows about this yet as only the head of the Ise Clan is allowed to know. But the Sato Clan is different as we directly serve the King in the Dark. His position to us has more significance and importance than the King in the Light."

Eamon nodded.

"Akari is the Daughter of Lord Akimitsu, correct? She is a truly bright student. Her power was clear during the tournament today."

Arata nodded. He then looked at Eamon.

"You asked us to be in your team. We obviously accept as I can't think of any one else I would rather serve under, but would it be wise for the Young Master to bring attention to himself?"

Eamon replied to Arata with a smile.

"I understand what you are saying, although I am to lay low in terms of my identity, I also can't allow myself to be looked down upon by others."

At this Arata's eyes went serious.

"No one will look down on you as long as I am alive."

Eamon and Ryouma were stunned by the sudden fierceness from Arata. Eamon laughed.

"Father said that you would be quite defensive when it came to us. Don't get aggressive so quickly. I am just saying that I still need to make a mark here before I leave. As my ancestors have done. And my name may be hidden, but I still carry the Melchior name with me, and I can't bring shame upon it."

Arata nodded firmly.

"Understood. As my ancestors have always done, I will support you and give my all."

Eamon nodded.

"Thank you, Arata. If you don't mind, would you allow me to see your strength?"

Arata nodded as he stood.

"Of course, Master Eamon."

Arata was about to cultivate his Energy when Eamon stopped him.

"No need for that, I can just see myself."

Eamon blinked and his pupils turned white again as he looked at Arata. He felt Eamon's eyes pierce him completely. He felt his soul shake as well. Arata realized what this was as he went wide eyed.

"Y-You have the Truth Bloodline!?"

Eamon seemed to ignore him as he looked within Arata. He went about scanning Arata before frowning.

"And who might you be?"

Arata seemed to be confused by the question. Then he heard a familiar voice in his head.

"So you can see me, young one. The Truth Bloodline really is something amazing."

Eamon grinned.

"I do not wish to intrude on you, Senior. I was just surprised to see such a presence within Arata. I can see you but not clearly. You have strong fate ties that my Truth won't allow me to see through. But I can see that you are not a bad person with ill intentions."

King chuckled in Arata's head.

"Indeed, I have a strong tie to Young Arata. My identity is...special. Now is not the best time to discuss that."

Eamon nodded.

"I agree. I will keep what I know to myself."

Ryouma was completely confused as he just saw Eamon talking to himself. But Arata was in awe. He could actually hear King's voice and was able to communicate with him. Arata was certain that Eamon was someone that he would grow a lot being under. He also felt that maybe Eamon could help him figure out who King was and what his purpose for being within Arata was.

Eamon blinked as his eyes turned back to normal.

"After the competition, we will discuss more about this. You both have the battle segment of the competitions, so we will leave things here for today. Good luck for tomorrow, although I doubt the two of you need it."

Arata and Ryouma finished their tea and said their goodbyes before leaving. Eamon turned to Eva who had a questioning look on her face. Eamon smiled.

"I think Father and Lord Azrail were right. Arata is going to change everything. He may be the key."

The siblings nodded at each other. Eamon rubbed his hands together as he grinned widely.

"Let's get to work, sis."