Difference between revisions of "The Legend of Samuel Mason"

Revision as of 20:28, 7 June 2020

Premature, the quelling shall place,
The final stand, of the mortal race.

Subjects of Quinta, one will unite,
Hands of purity, stained with night.

Fall of the gods, the rise of man,
Child of War's final stand.

- Rolah's prophecy on Blackflame's fate

"The Legend of Samuel Mason" serves as a direct sequel to The Chronicles of Croft and focuses on humanity's final stand against The Aspects, who have decided to reign judgement in full force following the defeat of Mogul, the Aspect of Sin.

The series centres on the perspective of Samuel "The Blackflame" Mason, as he fights alongside his friends and family against an impossible genocidal threat known as The Cleansing that sent the future of Junon's son into apocalypse.

After fully regaining the memories of his past life as Decen, the Paladin of War, Sam discovers that the actions of Adam Gareth has caused the invasion to happen prematurely. This also implies that Adam's actions have caused a ripple effect, which may lead to a possibly different future. However, despite the shred of hope, Sam is haunted by the chilling prophecy that was given to him by Rolah, The Paladin of Hope, that foresees his inevitable demise in the final battle.

Chapter 1

"Sam! Sam Sam Sam Sam Sam!" Bridget grabbed my sleeve as we walked down the District. Bridget wanted me to buy her a new bear, ever since the last one went up in flames (long story). "I want that one!"

We went up to a counter, with Bridget holding my hand. It felt pretty awkward, but definitely not as awkward from when I still looked like my old self, my caucasian self before I merged with Decen. At least now it didn't look like she was my little sister/daughter anymore.

You guys probably have a lot of questions, like who the hell is this guy? Who's Decen? Why do you have a little 8 year old girl clinging onto you getting you to buy her stuffed animals?

My name is Samuel Mason, and I am a reincarnation of a powerful warrior race known as the Paladins. Who I was in the past was a Paladin named Decen, who represented War. As a reincarnation, I'm capable of something called a soul link, which links my soul with other beings, allowing me to draw their power. I'm currently soul linked with Bridget, who is a ghost (I'm not kidding), and Connor Shel, who served Decen as his "Sentry". I use Sentry's powers in the form of "Darkfire", which are the flames of the underworld. Ooooh! Scary huh? It's okay, I'm a really friendly person once you get to know me!

We continued walking, as Bridget dissipated into my consciousness along with Sentry. Sentry's voice boomed in the corner of my mind.

"We need to find intel on the Subjects of Quinta."

I knew that. It was part of the prophecy, the one that I still hadn't told anyone yet. What was I even supposed to say to them? That I was going to die? I couldn't burden them with that knowledge. Everybody was training so hard to prepare for the Aspects. Calliope made a really inspiring speech to everybody, but even she knew our chances were grim as it was.

Telling them I would never make it would squish whatever hopes they had left.

I looked up at the night sky, which was decorated with the lights of a newly restored District. Calliope had really outdone herself, giving the slums a complete makeover. Ever since she was free from the Corruption, she had decided to use whatever political power she had left to restore Croft and return to the Age of Light. While many people understood what she had gone through, there were still a lot of people who couldn't forgive her for what she had done, even if the person who was acting in her place was Mogul all along.

I sighed. "I got no clue where they are, Connor. Even Merrow doesn't know. And Decen doesn't have a recollection of these guys either."

Sentry grunted. "Perhaps Amana Cross may have an idea. She may not know where they are, but she might be able to come up with a plan."

He was right. Amana was the smartest person I knew. With Jason and Amana by my side, we would be able to find these Subjects in no time. But if they were really subjects of Quinta... they would have to be even stronger than the conduits who used her realms. I fought Aaron, and he pretty much gave me a run for my money as Form 4. If these guys were even stronger than Aaron...

"I'm hungry..." Bridget groaned.
"You just ate!"
"Saaaaaam can we go home?"

I guess we were heading back to Corinth. Even though it was Bridget's idea of coming here in the first place. Sentry manifested himself from my consciousness, in all his samurai badassery.

"I still haven't really figured it out completely... but Lady Rivenlight has given me a few pointers."

Sentry slashed in the air with one of his katanas, creating a portal. I didn't like our chances of survival, but it was okay. If I got severed in two, I could just regenerate. Hopefully...

I was just about to step into the portal when suddenly, something caught me in the corner of my eye. I turned around. I was just about to make the appearance of a young man, probably 18 years of age, who had slipped back into the shadows. But he was watching me. I didn't know who he was, but I felt uncomfortable. Everything in my body told me to pursue him, and that he was dangerous.

Sentry probably read my mind. "Pursuing him is unwise. We should return to Corinth."

I shook my head. "No, this guy is bad news. I don't like it. What if he harms the people here? I have to give the chase man."

"I don't recommend it, but as you wish."

The portal closed, as Sentry returned to my consciousness. I put on Wheeler's goggles, and activated Hunter's Eye. Everything around me became darker but sharper, like the contrast setting on a display being dialed to max. I could make the outline of the man as he zipped around the buildings with incredible agility. He was definitely not a human or a mage.

I ran into the alley and gave chase.

Chapter 2

The kid was incredibly agile. He bounded building after building with flawless dexterity, each foot planted strategically so as to allow leverage to the next foothold. I was not going to be able to keep up using Sentry's agility.

I concentrated, Darkfire surging through my body as I assumed Form 1. Black and blue flaming jets erupted from the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet as I blasted forward.

The kid bounded through building after building on the rooftops while I soared above. Despite having the aerial advantage, the kid was outpacing me. I concentrated more of my flame for propulsion.

Something about this guy made me uncomfortable. But I had to find out why he was spying on me. Maybe he was working for some kind of hidden organization? Maybe he just had a weird fetish for me? Regardless, I had to pursue this guy before he got away.

Suddenly, the guy disappeared into an abandoned building. It looked like some kind of abandoned shop. I shot into the building and landed. Hunter's eye couldn't make out the silhouette anymore, meaning he must have found a way to mask his presence from even Sentry's sight. This was... not possible.

"Sentry, you seeing this? He disappeared."
"Tread carefully, Mason. The fact that he has escaped my eye means he might have other tricks up his sleeve."

Right on queue, a knife appeared from the shadows. I dodged, spinning the blade along the palm of my hand and redirecting it back to the attacker. Doma Martial Arts boys. The art of elegance, efficiency, and deadliness.

If the place was abandoned, it meant I was free to use my powers a bit more liberally. I opened my hand, and blasted a wide burst of flame at the source of the knife throw. The darkness lit up with blue as I saw the brief outline of the kid as he slipped past the blast, throwing more knives at my direction.

I raised my arm, which manifested Sentry's samurai armour, blocking the knives. Now was my chance. I leapt forward, grabbing the kid by the collar and slamming him to the ground. But the kid suddenly dissipated into smoke. The smoke circled me as it continued to fire blades in my direction. So this guy wasn't throwing knives at me. It was... part of him? Gross...

I knelt down, and spun in a circle, firing flames from my palms to create a wide mini-tornado of Darkfire. The heat of the flame damaged the smoke cloud, and the kid re materialized, hitting the ground.

I had to keep him from going up in smoke again.

"Sentry, keep him from smoking up!"

Suddenly, Sentry materialized, slamming the kid into the ground once more, his katanas to his throat. A bit too much, but okay.

"Try to dissipate. The next time you materialize, you won't have your head." Sentry hissed from behind his mask.

I knelt down in front of the kid. He looked young, with blonde curly hair, but his face... it was covered in scars. It was kind of nerve wrecking.

"Who are you? Why are you spying on me?"

The kid looked at me with a crazed smile.

"Blackflame, the child of war. You strive to become great, like your past self, but you will never become strong enough. Your kind shall perish, and soon, our true lords shall regain their rightful place in the cosmos."

I felt uneasy. "You didn't answer my question, pal. Who the hell are you?"

Sentry tightened the blades around his neck, but instead of being scared, the kid's crazy smile only intensified.

The next thing that kid said. It chilled me straight to the bone.

"I am Nezar, Apostle of Deimos.

"The Prime Aspect of Fate."

The Cleansing was starting early.

Chapter 3

"So the date of the Cleansing has been pushed earlier." Lazarus muttered. All of us were grouped together in the planning room. Darkstar and Kyrael alongside her advisors.

Kyrael crossed her arms. "This doesn't look too good. We need to figure out how to get the Warpgate finished soon. I thought the Cleansing wouldn't happen until years later?"

Adam clenched his fists and struck the table. "Damn it! I must have interfered with the timeline too much. I ended up causing the Cleansing to happen earlier. I came back to prevent it! How could I let this happen!"

Junon put her arm around his shoulders. None of us said anything. The kid had it real rough. Never knew his mom, abused by his dad, lost his uncle and his sister, to go out of his way to travel back in time just to make it worse.

But at the same time, I knew exactly why it had changed. I looked at Amana, who gave me a look of caution. She knew too.

Adam went back in time and introduced himself to his mom and dad and all of us. He ended up skewing the timeline by interfering with the past. But at the same time, why wouldn't he? He had the chance of a lifetime that not many people had. He got to meet his parents, after years of living in torment. What kind of child would turn that down?

Junon looked her future kid in the eye. "Adam, nothing is set in stone. It just means we have to work that much harder. The chances of us surviving are only zero if we give up. I'm not going to leave you alone again, I promise."

Adam's panicked expression softened, but he still didn't look too convinced.

Junon turned to Lazarus. "We got you your item for the Warpgate, what else do you need?" Lazarus began to list off a bunch of things that he needed. Needless to say, they were all magical items that were heavily guarded, or from some kind of magical place. The Warpgate idea essentially planned to use some crazy spatial and reality magic to trap the Aspects into their own dimension. It was a far stretch, but since Lazarus, Paladin Hark, and Trill were working on it together, I had total faith in them.

Kyrael nodded. "Good, so Squad Junon, you know what you're expected to work on then?" Junon and Adam nodded. I was happy for her, honestly. She had her own squad and family to take care of. Back when she was in Darkstar (well she technically still is), she always struggled with trying to fit in with the rest of us, since she was unpowered. Even after receiving the Achilles Boost, she still felt more comfortable with Maven and the others. They really grew on her.

Kyrael then turned to Jason and Amana. "I take it training for you two have yielded results?" Jason grunted. "We went to the Underworld, and have managed to grow stronger, but I doubt it's enough. I'm planning on seeking council with the inhabitants there, hopefully we can add to our numbers."

Amana turned to me. "Speaking of results, I'm guessing Sam's got the most out of his little adventure."

Everybody turned to me. It felt pretty uncomfortable, but I could see why they would think that. I was literally a different person. Merged with Decen, my powers were increased drastically.

"Yeah. I'm planning on searching for a few people to aid in our cause, but I'll need help."

I explained my situation with locating the Subjects of Quinta, and what Rolah had told me. If we could unite the power of each Subject of Quinta, their power, combined with Darkstar, the Inquisition, Street Angels, and the Conduits of Quinta would be enough to pose a threat. The Subjects of Quinta themselves were powerful enough to surpass Quinta herself, so if we added them along with our ranks...

The meeting concluded as we left the planning room. I had told Amana I wanted to talk to her to discuss my plan to locate these Subjects. Well really, I just wanted to ask her to come up with one for me. I honestly had no idea where to start.

"Hey, you wanted to see me?" Amana was waiting in one of the castle conference rooms in the library. She sat down across from me. I couldn't help stare at her forearm, which was still deformed from taking the force of Corrupted Calliope's strike head on ages ago.

She caught me staring and I quickly looked away. Amana laughed. "You don't have to pretend you're not looking at my arm, Sam. I know it looks pretty gross but whatever. Serves me right for thinking I could take a hit like that head on."

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, well um. I wanted to see you because I was thinking you could help me come up with a place to start looking for these Subjects of Quinta."

Amana raised an eyebrow. "You mean you don't even know where to start?" My face turned bright red. "Hey! Look the idea is great, I just don't know how to set it to motion. Once I get the start it will be so much easier."

Amana chuckled. "I'm messing with you Sam. I can definitely help you out. Jason's been pretty preoccupied with training in the Underworld. I never found myself being too productive down there anyway. If you want, I can come with you on your journey."

I stared at her. "Wait for real? You're going to come along? That's awesome!"

Amana picked up a book and began studying the cover. "Well, you were never trusted to go alone in a mission anyway. Merrow's busy training in the Formation isn't she?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

Amana and I left the castle and walked across the Fortress, watching as everybody went about their tasks and training. I watched as Junon tried to show her boyfriend how to aim his repulser properly.

"Not too far out! The recoil will bust up your shoulder."
"Baby I know how to fire a repulser, I built this thing remember?"

CHOOM!

"Ow! Son of a-"
"Nice."

Amana smirked. "Those two are perfect for each other." I chuckled. "Yeah, well, Mavus is one of a kind for sure." We kept walking. Amana put her hand around her deformed forearm, massaging it.

"So... I was thinking."
"What's up?"

She looked hesitant for some reason. "Since Jason is your remnant, he must have a similar personality to you right?" I thought about it. What was Jason like? If I was to describe him in a sentence, I would probably say he was a lot like a burnt marshmallow. Hard on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside. Me on the other hand, I was like a burnt marshmallow with the burnt part cut off. Soft on the outside, soft on the inside. I was a complete beta.

"I wouldn't go that far... Jason and I are pretty different."

Amana continued massaging her arm. "But theoretically, if you're Decen's reincarnate, and Jason is Decen's remnant, you both came from the same place right?"
"I guess..."
"Then you two might think the same way about... about..."

I raised my eyebrow. "About what?"

Amana looked at me with her orange eyes. "Well, I was just thinking. With Junon being a mother at her age. I'm 27, and so is Jason. I was-"

My eyes went wide. "Whoa hold up. I'm not the man for the job Amana. I don't know jack shit about kids."

Amana rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant. I'm saying that I'm not ready for one. It just feels too sudden. With Jason... I don't know how he feels. Since you and him are connected, I was just wondering if you've ever considered it. Maybe that would mean he has considered it too..."

I was at a loss of words. "The fu- no! Of course not! Can you imagine me with a kid? I can barely put up with Bridget, having a kid will actually break me."

"Hey!" Bridget's voice squeaked in my mind.

Amana looked relieved. "Thank god. It's just weird talking to him about it. I don't know. I just feel more comfortable having these conversations with you."

"Great." I grumbled.

We continued walking. Amana saw me sneak a peek at her forearm again. Shoot me. I couldn't help it. It looked so freaking out of place with the rest of her appearance! She was like a 9 walking around with some bent up forearm. You can't blame me for staring at it.

"I really ought to fix the sleeves to this thing." Amana played with the loose strands from the jacket that had left her forearm exposed. She never wore anything other than that jacket by the way. It was a gift to her from Jason. Real sweet. Whenever she wasn't wearing it, it was because she had it cleaned and hung to dry. It was either being worn or being cleaned. Never put away.

"Yeah well, I guess I can kind of relate. I got my arm ripped off remember? Even when I regenerated it, it hasn't been the same."

Amana smirked. "Well, at least it doesn't look deformed."

I chuckled. "But it definitely doesn't give any good memorie-"

Suddenly I collapsed. The image of Calliope torturing me. I looked down and saw my tortured body in the Capita. My arm missing, my body horrendously scarred. The clock that I stared at for a year straight.

"Sam! What's wrong?" Amana cried. She ran up to me and grabbed my shoulders as I slipped into a panic attack. My memory from my year of imprisonment replaying on loop in my mind. I screamed in fear as a huge green light from Maven's Planet Buster Beam ripped me apart.

Chapter 4

I regained my composure as the visions faded. Just a bout of PTSD. I've been having them once in a while ever since the Corruption left my body.

"I'm fine... just had a little episode is all." I got to my feet.

"Sam I don't think this is fine. You went through a lot. I wish there was something I could do for you."
"You don't have to do that for me, Amana. Really. I think it's just something I have to learn to move on from."

Amana's concerned expression made me feel bad. I was definitely not fine. That year of imprisonment was the worst year of my life and broke me internally. The images of the Capita was horrifying, and seeing my body like that. I never felt so scared in my life.

I closed my eyes and sensed Sentry was holding Bridget, keeping her from seeing my episode.

"So what's the plan?"

Amana and I sat down on one of the benches. "The Subjects of Quinta, you've said that you don't know how to locate them, but you know about them as Decen. You mind giving me a refresher? Who is Quinta? Who are these Subjects? How are they different from normal Conduits like you and Aaron?"

I took a deep breath. I may have merged with Decen, regaining my old memories, but for some reason, I still didn't see myself as that Paladin. I still felt like me. There were occasions where I would accept the fact that he and I were one and the same, but at the end of the day, if someone were to ask me to introduce myself, "Decen" would not be the first answer I would turn to.

I told Amana all about Quinta from what I remembered. From when we were taught the Paladin Code. My time as The Paladin of War. Quinta was the Prime Aspect of Ascension, one of the most powerful Aspects in existence due to her inherent ability to ascend and evolve. To control her power, she created five realms, each realm representing a certain portion of her power, her strengths, qualities. Each realm essentially served as a source for her power. Those who could tap into the realms were known as the Conduits of Quinta. Initially, there were five conduits, who were later named the Subjects of Quinta. Each subject was a master of each realm. Over time, those who Quinta deemed worthy were given the privilege to wield the power from the realms.

At some point, the other Aspects saw Quinta's subjects as a threat. Because together, when banded as one force, the subjects surpassed even their queen. The Aspects staged a coup to take down Quinta and trap each subject into their respective realms.

What happened afterward was that Quinta was slain by Mogul, who assumed the place of Prime Aspect. Each subject segregated themselves, going into self isolation from grief over the death of their Queen. To this day, no one knows where they are, but some have speculated they had remained in their realms. Never to be seen again.

By the time I finished my story, the sky was already turning dark. Amana's orange eyes looked like they were glowing.

"These Subjects... they're like the rulers of the realms. While conduits are those who serve it basically."

I nodded. "We need to find these Subjects and convince them to help."

Amana looked troubled. "I don't think it will be that easy. For one thing, we'll need to find a way into the realms. I know it's easy for you to enter the Restoration Force. But the other realms? I know Aaron can go into the Power Force. But that's just two of the five. Aaron doesn't seem like the convincing type either."

"So basically we need to find a way to enter these realms ourselves."

"Yeah."

We sat in silence, watching as several hunting parties returned from their journey. Amana looked at me and studied my face.

"Sam?"
"Yeah?"
"You've changed."
"Um... yeah I know. That's kind of how it works."
"That's not what I meant."

I stared at her. "What do you mean?"

She looked away. "You've accepted your past as Decen, merged with him. Even your appearance is no longer the same, and sometimes the way you talk, it's almost like you're a completely different person.

"I know it sounds wrong, but. Whenever it happens, it makes me think that the Samuel Mason I knew, Darkstar's Samuel Mason is gone."

I stared at my regenerated hand. The birthmark that I had on my hand was now gone, replaced by a new body. Even though I still had all my memories, it felt like I would never return to who I was. She had a point. Everything was so different now. Before I knew about my origins, I always saw Jason as my mentor. He was the big brother everybody needed, and he was my hero. Yeah it sounds lame, but he was just so badass. I remembered when I used to get frustrated because I couldn't do anything. Before the Darkfire, when I would be expected to "hold off the little guys" while Tob and Jason did everything.

Now whenever I think of Jason, I see him as a remnant. My remnant. I don't know what to think of him anymore. I still respect him for everything. But he was me. A portion of me. How could things ever go back to the way they were before?

"Sam?"

I looked at Amana. She hadn't changed one bit. Her long flowing hair, streaked silver at the ends. Her warm and approachable personality. She was like the big sister I never had, and come to think of it, she was to Samuel Mason, as Merrow was to Decen.

Amana's radiating orange eyes filled me with a sense of warmth. "I'm sorry, it was wrong of me to say these things."

"It's cool. You're right, I'm no longer the same guy you knew."

"And that's okay."

I stared at her. "What?"

"I'm saying it's okay. You may look different, and your memories may have returned. But I will always remember you as Samuel Mason. Our Blackflame. But the choice is yours, I don't mind if you want to live your life as Decen, or Samuel, or anybody. I'll respect your decision and walk by your side."

I smiled. "I've spent a good deal of my new life as Blackflame. Then I'll call myself Blackflame. My past life as Decen is just what it is. The past. Who I am now, is Samuel Mason. Let's keep it that way."

Amana wrapped me in a hug. I'd never really been in many hugs before, so being in one never felt too great. But when it came to Amana, it felt natural.

Child of War who's soul be reaped.. The prophecy rang in my head. Amana had lost me once to the Corruption. How could I tell her I wasn't going to make it out of this final war alive? How could I do something so cruel?

Chapter 5

"Celestia" I said.

Amana looked at me at the breakfast table alongside Dennis and Tob. We were the only ones here today because everybody else was off training or questing.

"Who is she? Was she a friend of yours?" Amana asked.

I shook my head. "Not exactly, but she was one of my friend's guardians. She was Jonna's Guardian after she was slain. Celestia was one of a kind in that she was able to transport beings to different places, even dimensions. If we get her help, we might be able to go to the other energy realms. And even if we can't she might have some knowledge as to where we can find someone who knows more about Quinta."

Amana pursed her lips. "Do you know where she is?"

"That's the problem." Tob replied. He stuffed the entire breakfast sandwich into his mouth, then gulped it down. "Celestia isn't in this universe. Lazarus and I checked."

Amana's eyes narrowed. "Which universe is she in exactly?"

Tob and I exchanged looks. "Ours."

The next day, Amana and I packed our bags and were ready to head out to the dimensional gate that Lazarus and Calliope made together. Lazarus gave me a nod while Amana called Jason.

"Hey John, I'm going to be heading to another universe with Sam, be safe for me, okay?"
Jason smiled. "Ditto. Keep my 'master' from doing stupid stuff. I won't be around to pull him out of danger, I trust you'll be able to handle him."
Amana laughed. "I love you."
"Love you too. Talk soon."

Calliope gave me a nod of encouragement. "Good luck. Let us know when you can return, and we will warp you back. Be careful!"

Amana and I walked through the portal, and everything became warped as we were sent hurtling to our own dimension. The dimension where it all started, where Darkstar was first created. Samuel's home. My home.