Michael Hikaru likes to keep himself mostly, thought he does like company. His best (and only) friend shared the same history as he did, they both arrived on the shore. On the same day, as well. So one may call it fate that they should be friends. He has a few other friends, but more of schoolmates then friends. Michael spends most of his time trying to figure out who or what he is.

In school, he passes every test without another thought. He can breeze through every assignment he's given, he even helps others with their work and makes it easier for them to understand.

Michael's favorite spot to sit and think, is the very spot they found him. Michael looked at the waves rolling in-and-out of the bay, his thick spiky black hair waving in the breeze. His knees tucked to his chest, he had the beach to himself and he felt sad... A single tear drop trickled down his cheek, "Why am I crying?" he thought to himself. He let himself travel to days long past:

James Hikaru, the king of Arcadia, though frail and weak, everyone loves him. "My Lord, James!" A knight in a full suit of armor saluted by putting his arm at a ninety degree angle against his breast. Putting your hand in a fist, and placing it over your breast is the way this country salutes.

Arcadia is a rich kingdom. This kingdom, unlike most, doesn't have a castle-town. There's the castle, which looks white in the distance and illuminates most of the kingdom with the lighthouse in the center of the tallest peak. This isn't a lighthouse on a bay for ships, but it's a lighthouse that holds a source of light as a beacon of hope. Behind the castle is a lake and with the lake a moat is formed around the castle. The castle is on a hill above the town. There is a path from the drawbridge to the town, but it's hardly used.

But back to the lighthouse, with knights on a twenty-four hour watch, and archers patrolling the upper tiers of the castle, that light source prevents burgling.

The drawbridge isn't directly in front of the portcullis like most castles either, in fact the courtyard starts after the drawbridge. The courtyard is is the garden, though that should be in the back, but that's where the lake is, so the garden is in the front of the castle. Trees are lined in a road fashion to the portcullis.

That is why Arcadia is odd. It should've been built elsewhere, but inside the Arcadian territory the castle is in the exact center.

The City of Arcadia down the hill was built well, though the castle walls don't surround it for protection, but a tower that houses some of the knights are strategically placed at both the entrance and the exit. The City of Arcadia is of course the capital, and the largest city in Arcadia. The other notable cities are Tojiri, that rests at foot of the mountain pass to the north known as the Palace of Legends, though it's not really a palace it's in a mountain that was sealed by the Dwarves, and even further that is the Frozen Isles where terrible creatures made of ice lurk. Orak is the last well known city of Arcadia that's almost outside of the territory and next to the Archen Wastes, a massive dessert that was once Old Arcadia (but that's only in legends). There are some other notable cities and towns, but those are the most common. But nowadays it's a a sea of sand that buried a civilization. Some savages built camps in the desert and attack everyone and everything for a meal.

The City of Arcadia has what every major city has; houses, shops, restaurants, and unfortunately suburbs (but which city doesn't have a poor community). At the center of town is a fountain with a statue that is under construction as a center piece. Some of the houses have gardens, and others have miscellaneous play-things for their children.

"At ease."

"Sir!" he put his arm down, "It seems as if Chaos is coming. He has razed the boarder cities and their people have fled to our gates for shelter."

James walked to the balcony of his chamber, "Damn it all! I'm a useless king who can't even pick up a sword and defend my people!"

"You're not useless sire!"

"But as king I must make a stand." James sighed and gazed at the land.

Chaos also known as Clythe Alexander Vankchos II, but to his friends he goes by Van Clemmons or his nickname Chaos. He is the ruler of Mephisto, which is now an ashland; No crops, no livestock, all of the rivers are boiling lava and volcanoes as far as the eye can see. It was once a prosperous land in the beginning when the first Hikaru ruled, but that was many centuries ago. James Hikaru is the ninth.

Adam Hikaru was a valiant warrior, and well respected. Before the first great war he hid many artifacts that together would make you near invincible. But after hiding the artifacts he was bested in combat and was forever lost in history books. But some say that he still lived on. With that story they say that he had amnesia and became a new person altogether.

Below the balcony was the courtyard where knights practiced swordplay, bits of garden patches that have been abused by knights not being careful, and from the courtyard led to the castle walls with a wooden drawbridge. Separated from the city of Arcadia was a mote and more walls. The castle has a major flaw in it's defenses by being built next to a lake almost the size of the sea. It makes it easy for a sneak attack. The city has no walls protecting it. In times of war the denizens are allowed free roam of the castle except for some restricted areas such as the knight's quarters and the royal chambers. But everywhere else is open to public.

"How much time do we have?" James asked.

"About two days."

"Warn all of the townsfolk and get them inside. Fortify all of our defenses and make sure everyone is prepared for battle. If any of the citizens wants to battle, equip them. We need all of the help we can get if we're going to win this war!"

"What about calling back our troops from the north and east?"

"We need them there to keep an eye out for consorters or allies of Chaos."

James ran through the castle and into the armory, "Suit me up."

"But sir!" The captain of the Arcadia Knights beckoned, "In your condition you can barely lift a blade."

"I know that! But as a king I must do all I can to defend this fair kingdom."

"Take your wife and run away."

"I'll send her away myself. But I'll stay and fight."

"Captain Garth of the Arcadia Dragoons would disagree."

"No! He'd see my side and do all he could to see my path through."

"It's a shame that while on vacation he and all of the dragoons vanished." The Captain removed his helmet in honor and prayed that he was safe. After a moment of silence, "I'll suit you up in our lightest but study armor."

"Thank you."

Garth Adams, though he was a Dragoon he loved machines. He made airships from normal boats and made them fly. He made Arcadia into an exploration kingdom. They're the only kingdom that can sail the skies. It was rumored that Chaos encountered Garth and and sent him away with some magic making a whole kingdom disappear off of the map.

Though most kingdoms saw that airships as a sign of war. But it was supposed to be meant to explore new nations and make peace. Arcadia is a peaceful nation; Their goal is for world peace. But I guess since Chaos wanted more land, he could use that technology.

James marched in to the battlefield avoiding everyone. He went on the hill where Xalamont, in a dark leather coat, and Chaos, all in gold armor, waited for him, "I come here on behalf of peace. Please leave this kingdom."

Xalamont is truly a man of mystery, his origins are unknown and age. Though he has an uncanny resemblance to a Hikaru, but Chaos uses that to his advantgage so that he, Xalamont, can go in-and-out of Arcadia undetected. His only feature that is unique is his amethyst eyes. Most Hikaru's have green or blue, but Xalamont has amethyst. That's why if he is on a mission can only infiltrate at night, or his cover would be blown by his eyes.

Chaos laughed, "And what makes you think that we'll comply?" He continued to laugh for a while. He coughed and collected himself, "Surrender peacefully and sign your kingdom over to me!"

"I can offer you food if you back down and leave."

Chaos laughed even harder, "I'd rather take where the grass is greener."

Xalamont teleported to Joanne's chambers disguised as James. He stood there silently in remorse. She seemed as if she was going to give birth at any moment. Samuel and Jude already left the kingdom in safety.

Samuel was sent in a rocket to live with a close family friend in a far off planet, and Jude went to James' cousin in a small outlet kingdom hidden in the mountains. It's technically part of Arcadia, but it is it's own nation.

Samuel has cyan colored hair and bright blue eyes. Jude has light brown hair, and light blue eyes that almost look gray.

The school bell rang and Michael ran to the school. There his only friend awaited him on the steps, "You better hurry. You know how much the headmaster hates you." Tim has light orange hair, but looks like a dark yellow, green eyes and is average all around. Tim and Michael grew up together and call it fate, but they had the same upbringing.

"He only hates me because his daughter fell in love with me. I going on a date with her tonight."

Footsteps approached them and the headmaster pulled on their ears, "Skipping class are we?" The headmaster is very stout looking. He has balding hair and he has dark brown eyes.

"No sir." Michael saluted in a mocking manner.

"You are not to be late again. In fact, you have to sleep in the nurses office tonight! You will not go to your dorm, and no free periods."

Michael put his hand down, "Yes sir." he moaned.

"Now, go to class. The both of you!" as they ran down the corridor and out of earshot, "I wish we could whip children these days. That's how I was raised. The teacher took her ruler and whacked our hands if we went out of line. That's how it should be these days! This is a private university after all."

The day went by as it normally did, Michael knew all of the answers. He's the top of his class and has perfect marks. The headmaster is the only one who doesn't like him. He could fall asleep and still pass every test. The only thing he looks forward to is seeing the headmaster's daughter, Cynthia Hartwell, fencing and his piano lessons. Michael grinned when it came to lunch.

"Micheal!" Cynthia tapped on his shoulders. She has long ruby hair and green eyes, she almost looked like a princess today. Since she was the headmaster's daughter she was allowed to be out of uniform, that may be the only reason she caught Michael's eye, "So, are you still taking me out?"
Michael continued to poke his food, "Your father won't let me."

She began to laugh, "That never stopped you before! You promised to take me to that documentary of Levitz Lovequist's journal; of this mysterious war that nobody remembers."

"I did promise, but... Well, we'll see."

The nurse owed Michael a favor so she let him sneak out her window to meet with Cynthia. The movie played...

Chaos appeared just as he did a fortnight ago with Xalamont at his side. James ran into the battlefield with more courage and strength, "This time you won't retreat due to sunlight."

Chaos laughed, "Having an army of the dead, they tread under the moonlight and their cloak is the stars."

"Who'd you rip that line off of?"

"Some bumbling bard. Now," He unsheathed his sword which was also made of gold, "en garde!"

"Come at me!" James parried his blow.

Xalamont teleported as he did previously to Joanne's chamber. There she was cradling a baby boy, "Michael Hikaru. Why did you have to be born in a time of war. I may not be your mother for long."

"Joanne, my queen." Xalamont kneeled as himself, "Send him out to sea. I want you to go as well."

"Why are you here?" Joanne screamed.

"To warn you. This castle will soon be on fire, Chaos' soldiers are going to storm any minute."

"Is this true?" There was panic behind her eyes.

"Every word."

"Then I must go..." She began to weep.

"I've prepared a boat for you."

Joanne and Xalamont ran down the hall and headed for the boat, "Why are you helping me?"

"Because, Joanne Elizabeth -"

"General Xalamont has been found!"

"Just go!" Xalamont shouted, "I've spared your life. Don't let this attempt go in vain!" He kicked the boat sending them soaring on the sea, "So, what do you all want me for?"

"Chaos needs you. He's been wounded by James."

"Take me to him." As he approached Chaos, the castle turned into a red hue, then caught on fire.

"Look James, your kingdom has fallen. Arcadia is no more!"

"Arcadia isn't an object, Arcadia is a feeling, it's in everyone's hearts."

Doctor Sid Ulasa watched the flames dance with his replicated humans, they were to be the newest soldiers; heartless beings who only know how to follow orders, but he gave one an experimental heart to have a conscience. Luke was given the genetic makings of a ninja and Alistair was giving the makings of a barbarian. Their eyes looked empty, and soulless, "Go to your father now. Watch the fireworks. I have things to do back at the castle." It sounded as if Sid was crying for the loss of Arcadia.

"So, my puppets are done? Luke! Alistair!Bind him and throw him in the wagon. We're leaving after this barbeque!" Chaos laughed. James was knocked out when he was tossed in the wagon from Alistair.

The wagon rocked James awake, as he looked out the open flap and saw the kingdom on fire. Tears trickled down his cheek, he would never see the light of day or his family again.

Joanne washed ashore with Michael in her arms. She lay breathless as he began to cry...

The theater was illuminated by Michael's crystal around his neck. He ran out of the theater, he knew the rest of the tale. His upbringing was a sad one, he was an alien to the world. Michael slammed himself against the building in sadness, "Why?" was all he could say. He slid down the building in a slump, crying.

Cynthia walked out of the building, "It was only a movie. You don't have to get emotional about it."

"They, my mother and sister, found me on the beach I always sit at. They found me with a dead woman. That was a documentary of my birth. A message from the writer; 'Come home, I will welcome you with open arms'. That is the meaning. It was meant for me!"

"I think it's a random happenstance. Let's just go back to the school."

Michael sighed, "You're probably right. I do over think everything."

As Michael headed to class the next day, the headmaster pulled him aside, "Come with me. Some agents are looking for you."

Michael gulped, and followed behind. Cowering in his mind, what did he do? Maybe it has something to do with his crystal illuminating the theater. Michael slowly walked into his office, like most agent groups a man and a woman in black suits, but the woman had a skirt, "Nathaniel Grays and this is -"

"Clarice Raine."

"It's a pleasure." Michael stuttered.

"We are charged with taking Michael to our headquarters. There he'll remain for a good sum of his days." Nathaniel said like a robot.

"What's his crime?"

"He has knowledge and we need him."

"I have a name you know? And I am standing here." Michael crossed his arms and sat down.

"You're sounding to strict, Nathaniel. Well, we're on a tight schedule. So we'll be leaving now." She winked at Michael.

Nathaniel started to walk out the door, followed by Michael who was still grouchy, then Clarice. At Michael's favorite beach there was a man smoking next to a weird looking boat, "So, this is him then?" he tossed his cigarette aside, "The name's Garth." Garth has a pompadour hairstyle and his hair is gray. He looks to be in his fifties, "Well, what're you waitin' for? Get on the ship!" As they began to sail Garth smiled, "Watch this." He pulled a lever and the began to rise into the sky. "This is an airship."

As they approached a castle, Michael's crystals illuminated as it did in the theater. He whispered a name like he knew it his whole life, "Arcadia." He felt like he was finally home. Clarice approached him, "Our science department would love to examine your crystal. Any relic of the Hikaru family would be our top priority to know everything on your origin."

"I thought it was just an ordinary crystal until I saw that documentary." Michael sighed, "So, since I'm king I need a queen right?"

"That's up to you."

"So, I was thinking." he paused to put his thoughts into words, "As Tim and I saw you, we thought you were a new teacher. As you walked a slight breeze lifted your skirt." Clarice blushed, "You have a cute butt." Clarice kept smiling, but the hand that Michael didn't see (her left, his right) became a fist and she punched Michael with such force that he nearly slid to the helm.

"What's going on over here?" Nathaniel rushed towards the scene.

"Our young king is a pervert. He tried to sweet talk me into being queen on a guilt trip that he saw my undergarments."

"He did, did he?" I'm jealous... "Well, it's a good thing that we're about to land."