SHADOWLANDZ SEASON ONE

35 years after The Prequel Chapters

Disciple Rin sat amongst other leaders from different areas of the Northern section of the Shadowlandz, greeting each one warmly. "Long time no see, my friend," he said to Disciple Kion. "How have you been?" Kion replied, "Looking good as always, Rin. My travels have been long and treacherous, but we're here now, thanks be to God."Rin then turned to Lady Vena and asked, "How have things been near New Hampshire?" She replied, "All has been well, thanks for asking. A lot of freeloaders have been coming to the walls, but my husband is there, making sure all goes well."Next, Rin greeted Leader Zeke and asked, "How have things been in Maine?" Zeke replied, "A lot of beasts have been arriving as of late, off the oceans. We've been dealing with the problems, though. There have been reports of a Cursed causing trouble on the waters near us. I'll look more into that when we arrive back home."

With the greetings done, Rin invited everyone to take a seat at the roundtable. "So, we're here to discuss the second Spirit Trials, as you all know. Have you all received word from the other tribes on how they are planning out things for the spirit trials?"

Disciple Kion replied, "I've gotten word from the Broken Coast. Lady Hela will be there with her son and the young boy Sol. She'll be at the Spirit Trials in six months."

Lady Vena added, "I have gotten word from Master Adon of the Sun-Kissed Landz. He will be attending, alongside his two sons.

"What word have we received from Master Ark?" Disciple Rin asked.Disciple Kion replied,Not sure of that man's decisions.

Rin summarized, "So, all is going according to plan. All the tribes will meet up for the Spirit Trials." Zeke raised a concern, "Now, how can we assure that things won't happen like the previous Spirit Trials? I remember when Master Ezon did the first one, we were met with tragedy and the invasion of New Babylon."Lady Vena replied, "I wasn't there at the first Spirit Trials, but I'm quite sure God will protect us all. Plus, this new generation is a lot more capable than we were back then. Most of the current Masters weren't even older than twenty at the time. Things are a lot different now, and I know demons would be no threat."

Disciple Kion countered, "That's not how it works, Lady Vena. Demons progress just as we do, and so do the Cursed. Not to mention the government is being run by Natas. You can never underestimate them. When they invaded, we were just learning about our Anointings and gifts. Rin and I had just become disciples, but we lacked the knowledge of how to use our power. The attack was sudden, and even though we were prepared, I don't think we were ready for what we witnessed. If it wasn't for Ezon, we would all be dead."Rin added, "Yes, Kion speaks the truth. It was a terrible day, but it also created what we now stand for. All the tribes, all the Masters, the leaders, and you all as advisors - everything stemmed from that day. But enough about safety precautions. We also have the Four appearing for extra protection."

Zeke asked, "I went over the requirements for this year's trials, and I couldn't help but notice that they seem very strict. Are these orders from Master Ezon, correct?"Kyon replied, "According to Master Rouke, yes.

Rin responded, "It's quite a feat to hope that these young children can master their Anointings in just six months. Just learning that their power is based on using scriptural words is the only way to activate many of their Anointings. Here at Northern Edge, we have a young boy named Khayjin and a young lady named Zeyta. The boy has the Anointing of Samson, and the girl has the Anointing of Deborah. They have a long way to go, but Master Rouke is working with them as we speak. Everything seems set in place for the Spirit Trials. This young generation is the key to our future, and we must hope they can accomplish what Master Ezon trusts them to do."Kion asked, "Has there been any word from Master Ezon since the Great War?"

Rin replied, "Only through letters or word of mouth. We know he's alive, but it's just a matter of what he's doing. All he told us was that there was another war that had to be dealt with, but it wasn't finished. Before he left, he gave half his Anointing to Master Rouke, making him the new leader in command. Rouke has had a hard time being responsible with this duty but he's improved year by year."

The discussion continued, with the leaders sharing their thoughts and concerns about the upcoming Spirit Trials. Rin concluded, "Enough on the safety precautions. Let us eat and talk more of your journeys and ventures. A lot must be discussed."....

The scene then switches to Master Rouke with his pupils, Khayjin and Zeyta, as they continued training.

"Come on, Khayjin, we have to continue to practice," Rouke says. "I'm exhausted, plus I already did the move 200 times," Khayjin replies. "You can't slack in the Spirit trials, you know this.""We have to be prepared for everything. And this move shows control over your Anointing," Rouke emphasizes.

Kari suggests, "How about we try the mental test with him? Give him a little break?" Rouke responds, "Forget the mental; he needs to learn control of the physical." Kari counters, "Master Rouke, the trials are much more than just strength; it's about knowledge as well, typical men." Khayjin is asked, "How many tribes are there in the Shadowlandz?" Khayjin replies, "Three... no, four, because another one was made as of last year." Kari says, "Hmm, okay, I guess that's correct." Then asks, "Who are the leaders?" Khayjin responds, "Umm... Adon of Sunshine Land, ummm... Hela of Broken Coast, Rouke of the Northern Edge, and Ark leads Vedba City?"Rouke sighs, "Oooo, Lord, he's gonna fail the knowledge part." Kari reassures, "Don't worry, he's just exhausted." Just then, Zeyta walks in and says, "No, he's not; he's just stupid."

Khayjin reacts, "Hey, stop being so rude, Zeyta!" Zeyta retorts, "I'll answer the questions, Lady Kari." And correctly answers, "Master Adon of Sun-Kissed Lands, Master Hela of Broken Coast, Master Ark of VeSka City, and Master Rouke of Northern Edge."Kari praises, "Very good, Zeyta; you have been studying very well." Zeyta taunts, "Not really; it's just Khayjin is stupid." Khayjin jumps at Zeyta, "Shut up, you idiot, always making fun of me!"

Rouke intervenes, "That's enough! We have the Spirit Trials in six months at New Babylon.

We don't have time to joke or play. Do you both even know how pivotal this is?"

Zeta: "Sorry, Master Rouke. I need to refocus. But to answer your question about the importance of the Spirit Trials, I know the history very well. You leaders have done one ceremony so far. It's about you all praying together, sharing goods, and trades. Celebrating together as more people come to Christ."

Rouke: "Very well said, Zeyta. It's even deeper than that, though. By doing our trades with all the other villages and doing the Spirit Trials, it strengthens our bonds. It makes our faith and spirits stronger. For the ten-day celebration, we're allowed to pray, fast, and fellowship. But in order for all to go well, you two must pass the Spirit Trials. They have made things tougher than normal. Kari, read the requirements please."

Kari: "Okay, here's the Spirit Trials chart: 1. Everyone must pass the discernment test. 2. Everyone must know the ten scriptures required. 3. Everyone must know all the lore of Shadowlandz - the tribes, leaders, areas on the map. 4. Everyone must show control of their Anointing."Rouke: "See, this is why I'm tough on you both. We only have six months." Gavon walks in. Rouke says, "What's the report?"

Gavon: "Well, there's been word of some free...walkers camping right outside the walls towards New Hampshire Lady Vena's people have been watching them, but I think it's more serious than they think. I'd say it's about two hours from here."Rouke: "Well, we can just leave them alone. Have Tega send them some food. If they're looking to follow God, they're more than welcome to come in and fellowship."

Gavon: "Well, here's the problem...rumor is they're being led by a... Cursed."

Rouke sighs, "We don't have time for this right now. I have to train these two. Kari replies. "That demon's up to no good again. Must be passing around more curses..

Rouke: "As I Anoint people, Genjo curses others. This is not good. That Demon King is always at work."

Gavon: "I'll go talk with them tomorrow. See what they want. Maybe the Cursed is seeking redemption?Rouke: "I don't know, but you can take 100 men with you. I have to focus on getting these two ready for the exams. By the way, bring Tega just in case things get out of hand."Khayjin: "Let me go with Uncle Gavon. I'd love to help give out food."Rouke: "No, you will not be going. Last time I gave you a mission, you set a forest on fire."Khayjin: "Come onnnnn, I thought that was a good signal."

Zeyta: "Shut up, fool. We gotta train." (smacks his head)

Khayjin: "Owwwwww, come on. I just wanna help."

Gavon: "Yeah, not yet, buddy. You're too reckless for a meet and greet. Maybe next time."Rouke: "Thanks, Gavon. Okay, you two, back to training. Did you tell Tega to move the villagers as I asked him?" "Already done." Gavon replies. Rouke follows behind Gavon, "Any word from Master Ezon? I didn't want to ask in front of the kids."Gavon: "No, other than he'll be at the Spirit Trials. Nothing new."Rouke: "Okay keep me informed. I know the northern leaders will be expecting me to have more info on Master Ezon...."

Zeyta: "The outsiders... Why are they here? There are so many other locations. Why come to this tribe?"

Rouke: "I don't know, but that's our business to handle, not you kids. I have a challenge for both of you, Khayjin and Zeyta."

Both: "What is it?"

Rouke: "I want you to both attack each other head-on."

Both: "What?! Whaaaaat?"

Kari: "Rouke, what are you doing? You know they're not..."

Rouke: "It's okay, I need to see something. This will speed up the training process."

Khayjin: "I'm not attacking Zeyta. She's like my older sister."

Rouke: "I know, but there's a plan I have. I must see something."

Zeyta: "Don't matter to me. I'll knock him clear out."

Khayjin: "Heyyyyy, this isn't fair."

Rouke: "Up until this point, you both have trained against me, some test dummies, others rookies. But I want to see how you would handle yourselves in real combat."

Khayjin: "This is family. I can't hit her."

Zeyta: "I'll attack you till you attack back."

Khayjin: Shocked, "You're really going to do this?"

Rouke: "Use your Anointings."

Kari: "Master Rouke, are you sure they should do this? It's dangerous."

Rouke: "Yes, this is my plan..."

The scene is now Khayjin and Zeyta staring at each other. Some villagers see and start watching. The crowd grows to about eighty villagers. Zeyta says under her breath, "Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hand, Annooooo Deborah" (Anno=short for Anointing) A huge blue light goes over Zeyta, and two blueish swords slowly approach her hands. She grabs them, and the blue aura fades away.

She charges straight to Khayjin and swings. Khayjin barely dodges. "Yoooooo, what are you doing?"Zeyta: "Fight back, or you will die. Orders were to go serious."Khayjin: "I'm not hitting a lady. Come onnnn."

Rouke: "Zeyta, use your first Sm1 (spirit move) on him."

Zeyta: Shocked. "OK?!" (She goes into a sumo stance.)

Kari: "Noooo, Rouke, this is too much. Stop the fight."

Rouke: ...

Zeyta: "Sorry, Khayjin. Gotta follow Master's commands... Sm1 Blue Scythe." (She inhales a deep breath, and the wind starts blowing backwards, surrounding her. The crowd is in awe.)Khayjin: "Seriously, Zeyta??? OK." Zeyta yells, "Blue Scytheeeeeee!" (Two huge blue slashes fly towards Khayjin.)Khayjin: "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet - Anno Samson!" (Khayjin punches the air right before the two slashes hit him, and it completely disperses the two blue waves.) Everyone is shocked.

Rouke: "Everyone, brace yourselves."

Kari: "What's happening?"

Everyone: NERVOUS

All of a sudden, everyone hears a light whistle, like a train incoming. Behind Khayjin, you can see buildings starting to explode through the village.

Khayjin thinking, "Oooo noooo it's happening again." Everyone is scared.

Villager 1: "Everything is exploding!"

Villager2: "No, the children."

Rouke jumps in front of Zeyta and says, "Anno Samuel-Sm3 chambers embrace..."

Everything turns white for two seconds, then flashes back to regular reality. Everyone is relieved.

Kari: "What happened?"

Rouke: "I trapped his move in an outer body realm. It should be released in the sky... now." (BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM) A huge explosion happens in the sky. Everyone is shocked.

Rouke sighs.

Kari: "Was that all from Khayjin punching?"

Rouke: "YES this is what I needed to witness. He's able to punch so hard it creates an aftershock that's after the initial punch."

Zeyta: "That could have hit me?"

Rouke: "Yes, and everyone else could have been wiped out. I wanted to see if a mere punch could dispel your entire attack."

Zeyta: "How did he do that?"

Khayjin walks toward Zeyta. "Sorry, Zey, you tried to kill me." He reaches his hand out. Zeyta smacks his hand. "You could have killed us all." She walks away.

Khayjin: "You tried to kill me." Villagers all walk home. "I'm disappointed. This is why I didn't want to use my Anointing."

Rouke: "No, it's my fault for making you fight. But that one punch you did just reached speeds of subsonic. That was incredible."

Khayjin: "What's that?"

Rouke: "Well, there's subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic. You're pretty much at the first level. We just have to figure out how to control the speed behind your fist."

Khayjin: "I don't want to learn. Look at the village. I destroyed a whole four blocks."

Rouke: "Don't worry, that's an easy rebuild. Nobody was hurt. I had Tega move everyone to the upper hill."

Khayjin: "I'm relieved"

Rouke: "We'll, work on things. Come on kid. I want to try something else."

End of Chapter

Thanks for reading the first official chapter of Shadowlandz! Hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter will be released next week. Stay tuned and get ready for the Spirit Trials ARC.