"So what's the whole deal with this 'prophecy' stuff, anyway? You gonna give some details on that?" Solomon asked as everyone would be making their way across the half-ring, aiming for one of the castles closest to Stoken, one in Ivory and Obsidian, with a set of flags that fly across the turrets.
"Put simply, A curse was placed on us ever since my Dad tried to go after a forbidden Artifact nestled in the far reaches of the world. A vial from the Fountain of Youth, specifically. Anyone who drinks it from the vial would be granted immortality, and to an extent, anyone that lives within the drinker. Of course, someone cursed the vial and made sure that, while one is immortal, havoc runs free to everyone else that exists around them. This extends down to their descendants, where, and I quote 'Black with White, Yin with Yang. He who destroys, and She who Creates. Two fish, two hearts. One beats for the other. If either falls, both will have their eternal slumber,'" Envy's words, deadpan his voice may be, were enough to show he was taking it seriously.
"In English terms?"
"Basically, me and Tsukiya here are eternally locked. One of us dies? The Apocalypse comes in."
"...HOW!?"
"Think of it like one of those world-altering wars, except in the literal primordial sense. Norse has Ragnarok. Greeks got the Titanomachy, The ones with Demons and Angels like your friends get the usual Apocalypse. Ours, however, is dubbed as 'the Black Eclipse.' An event said to end every Magi in existence, both present and future."
The kids can't help but be disturbed and alarmed at such a statement, looking amongst one another in trying to understand what Jesta did here to trigger such an event. "And you're saying it happens if EITHER of you die??"
"Waow! Pretty much! It's scary, for sure, but nothing my Dad can't handle! He can take that Apocalypse by the neck and strangle it!" Tsukiya's positivity was infectious, slightly relieving the kids, but more than not was disturbed by the potential threat he unleashed. As they traveled, the group would be able to notice two people coming in their direction. A Caravan behind them, dragging along what looked to be goods. "Ooh! Traders! Can we get some snackies first? Pretty please?" She'd ask, hopping around like a rabbit to Envy. Despite the man's attempt, Harvard immediately jumped at the opportunity.
"Screw it! I'm down for a snack! I wonder if they got cookies there!" He'd be quick on getting a head start, followed by Zazel racing after, and Tsukiya following in pursuit.
"H-hey! Don't rush out like that!" Solomon attested, with him and the others trying to catch up. As everyone got closer, the two cloaked figures would be quick on providing such meals, letting them chow down if need be.
"Those all will be two hundred gold pieces. Any of you got a name we can bill?" One of the figures asked, a thick, rough accent made as he'd try to write down who is willing to pay.
Tsukiya, despite stuffing her face with a few muffins, would nod. "Mhm! Mhm! Tshukeah Chiffshlide!"
"TSUKIYA!? What's the princess doing here of all places? With riffraff no less?!"
"EH!? WHO YOU CALLING RIFFRAFF!?" Harvard was trigger happy upon hearing such words, nearly casting a spell, before being tackled by Solomon and Zazel, hoping to defuse the situation if it came up.
"Never mind him. He's still getting used to working with the Royals in Calibren. I am a bit concerned, however, with the fact that He is here..." The other figure, his voice more calm and wise, would speak, pointing his finger at Envy, donning a ring around it.
"None taken, dude. We just got treated after nearly kicking the bucket on each other. We just want to get back home, is all..."
"Ahh, you're dropping off Tsukiya first. Understan-" The second figure would have his cloak tugged as he'd hear in the first's whispers. "What? Now? Did you not heard from-. . . I mean, yes, they're fine, but that doesn't mean-. . . Ugh, fine, if it means improving your magic, so be it." The group would tilt their head a bit in confusion, as the man would explain himself. "Apologies. One of my associates wishes to try and spar with the Princess of Calibren. If you do not wish to conduct such actions, I would understand-"
"Waow, Waow! He wants me? Okay, I can take the challenge!" Tsukiya, peppy as she was, would make her way to the side, a massive amount of space made, as Envy would push the children away. The boys would be a bit excited in seeing a potential match unfold, one where they won't need to worry about any potential dangers elsewhere. "Alright! I'm in position! Sixth Hunter for the Sons of Man, Tsukiya Cliffside!"
As soon as she gave the command, the figure immediately uncloaked himself. The first donning a wide, bamboo hat, its rim riddled with talismans. Furthermore, four more talismans are on his head, one of which was covering his face like a mask, two covering his ears, and one on the back. The man donned a traditional black and grey Duan-Da with patterns of hands riddled across the fabric. Steel gloves and Steel shoes covered his hands and feet, as well as a holder on his shoulder. Finally, such Talismans all share a similar Hanzi: 仙. "YAHOO! FINALLY, A CHANCE TO SHINE! Elite Bounty Hunter for the Sons of Man! Rank 2! Ji-mon Shoka!"
The second merely let down his hood, showcasing his medium, silver hair, similar towards Solomon's. What was most peculiar, however, was that the second he opened his eyes, his iris housed the Monster Seal itself, his pupils hidden within it. Despite his aged face, he seemed to be youthful, making the boys question how on earth did he implanted that Seal in him. "Elite Bounty Hunter for the Sons of Man. Rank 1. Cupid Itanos. Charmed, I'm sure." The man made a courteous bow as he'd step back. "Now, Ji-mon. Remember what I taught you about-"
"Yeah, yeah! I know!" Ji-Mon's talisman would bend slightly, indicating a smile, as he'd be quick on snapping his fingers and causing the Caravan to shift, as well as taking something out of his sleeve and lighting it. An Artifact that the boys would never thought would be seen again.
The Black Candle.