Months after Ketill's liberation, Edwin Skycross unveiled a gaming cafe named Sky-arcade, aiming to bridge the deep-rooted divide between predators and prey, a legacy of their history with predators as masters and prey as slaves. This initiative quickly turned Sky-arcade into a citywide phenomenon, drawing diverse crowds into the virtual realms of cooperation and competition. Edwin believed in the power of gaming to foster unity and understanding among the city's divided inhabitants.
However, Edwin's aspirations faced a dark shadow in the form of Sir Peter Hagenbach, a knight notorious for his war crimes against the prey population. Despite Sir John Arundel's incarceration, a looming threat persisted with Sir Peter at large, feared for his unforgiving stance towards the prey and his rumored plotting to disrupt the city's fragile peace.
One evening, as a storm brewed outside, Sir Peter Hagenbach confronted Edwin in the now-quiet Sky-arcade. Revealing himself with a sinister smirk, Sir Peter mocked the idea of harmony between predators and prey, proudly admitting his past atrocities and dismissing the notion of change. Edwin, though inwardly shaken, stood firm against Sir Peter's menacing presence, advocating for peace and unity beyond the primal instinct of dominance.
To Edwin's surprise, Sir Peter's visit was not merely to intimidate but to divulge a critical piece of information: a plot to free Sir John Arundel, orchestrated by loyalists hidden within the city. Sir Peter, seeking leverage for his own safety, proposed a trade of this information for leniency in his inevitable capture.
Edwin, grappling with the moral complexity of negotiating with a known criminal, recognized the potential to avert a disaster that could unravel the progress made since Ketill's liberation. He said “I’m not forgiving you for the crimes against us but” Edwin paused reflectively. "I understand the weight of your sins, Sir Peter, and I cannot simply brush them aside," Edwin's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "But if what you say is true, and Sir John Arundel's freedom threatens the peace we've worked so hard to build, then perhaps there is a chance for redemption in preventing that chaos."
Sir Peter's eyes gleamed with a mix of surprise and something akin to respect. He had expected condemnation, hatred even, but Edwin's measured response caught him off guard.
"Make no mistake, Sir Peter," Edwin continued, his tone softer now, tinged with a steely resolve. "Your crimes will not be forgotten. But if aiding in stopping this plot is truly your intention, then I am willing to listen."
A flicker of relief passed through Sir Peter's hardened features before he masked it with his usual cold facade. "I have information on the whereabouts of the loyalists and their plan," he admitted gruffly. Edwin studied Sir Peter's expression, searching for any hint of deceit as the storm outside mirrored the turmoil within the gaming cafe. With a deep breath, Edwin nodded slowly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"Tell me everything you know," Edwin said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. Sir Peter hesitated for a moment, weighing his next words carefully before divulging the intricate details of the loyalists' plan to free Sir John Arundel.
Sir Peter being the coward he is spoke. “While I enjoyed murdering and raping your kind, I do not wish to die for it, so what do I get for the help?” he asked
Edwin's jaw tightened at the callous reminder of Sir Peter's atrocities, but he maintained his composure, knowing that the delicate balance of the city's peace hinged on this pivotal moment. With a measured tone, Edwin replied, "Your assistance in thwarting this plot will be taken into consideration when the time comes for justice to be served. I cannot promise your absolution, Sir Peter, but I can offer a chance at redemption through cooperation."
Sir Peter's expression darkened at the mention of justice, a flicker of defiance sparking in his eyes before he grudgingly nodded. "Very well," he grumbled, recognizing that his options were limited in the face of impending consequences.
Edwin Skycross seeing an opportunity said “You will work closely for me, at this arcade to prevent Sir John from getting free, You will be known as Piers.”
Piers was not thrilled with the name change, but he reluctantly agreed to Edwin's terms. He had his reputation and freedom to consider, after all. As the storm raged on outside, the unlikely duo began working together to gather information on the loyalists' plan and infiltrate their ranks.
The next day Piers was severing as a manager of the Sky-arcade, a rabbit ran up to him and said that the salad he served him wasn’t fresh or flavorful.
Piers looked down at the rabbit, trying to maintain his composure despite the insult to his culinary skills. "Manager or not," he said, a hint of resentment in his voice, "I can't make salads taste good if you don't tell me what you want in them." The rabbit sniffed, as if offended by the notion that it didn't know what it wanted. "Well, I don't want to sound picky, but I just want it to taste...fresh, you know?" Piers nodded, understanding the implicit criticism. "I'll take that into consideration," he said, trying to mask his irritation. "Maybe you could provide some suggestions for me to work with?" The rabbit hesitated for a moment, as if weighing its words carefully. "Well, I suppose I do like a bit of lettuce, some carrots, and maybe some peppers too." Piers raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound too difficult, now does it?" he said, trying to inject a bit of humor into the situation.
The rabbit seemed to appreciate the light-hearted attempt at diffusing the situation, and grudgingly admitted, "Alright, you win. Just make sure the food is fresh and I promise not to complain." Piers smiled, relieved that the conflict had been resolved without further tension. "Consider it done," he said, glancing towards the kitchen.
As Piers turned to head back to the kitchen, a familiar face caught his eye. It was Sir John Arundel, standing at the entrance of Sky-arcade, his gaze fixed on Piers with a mixture of surprise and recognition. Piers felt a cold shiver run down his spine at the sight of the knight he had once served under, his past crimes resurfacing in his mind.
Sir John approached Piers with cautious curiosity, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Pardon me, but have we met before?" Piers hesitated for a moment, grappling with the decision to reveal his true identity to the man he had once followed without question. After a tense pause, he spoke in a measured tone, "My name is not Piers. It is Sir Peter Hagenbach."
Sir John's eyes widened in recognition and disbelief as he processed the revelation. "Sir Peter... I thought you were dead," he breathed, his expression a mix of astonishment.
“Piers” “Piers” Said Edwin. “You zoned out.” “Is something wrong?”
Piers blinked, the weight of his past and his present conflicting duties pressing down on him like a heavy mantle. "I'm fine," he said, the words feeling hollow even to his own ears. "Just a momentary lapse in concentration." Edwin studied him for a beat longer before nodding, seemingly satisfied with the response.
Sir Peter's questioned, composed himself and turned to face Edwin once more. Thinking to himself. “Of course he’s not here, at least he shouldn’t.”
As Piers gathered his thoughts, Sir John's presence loomed large in the arcade, casting a shadow over the fragile alliance between Edwin and Sir Peter. The tension in the air was palpable as the past and present collided in a tangled web of alliances and suspicions.
Edwin, ever perceptive, noted the shift in Piers' demeanor and decided to address the elephant in the room. "Sir Peter," he began, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife, "it seems there is more to your story than meets the eye. Care to enlighten us on your history with Sir John Arundel?"
Sir Peter's jaw clenched at the mention of his past connection to Sir John, a flicker of defiance lighting up his eyes before he schooled his features into a mask of indifference. "Sir John and I have a complicated history," he admitted cryptically, choosing his words carefully. "But that is a chapter best left in the past."
Edwin regarded him with a skeptical eye, but he could sense the weight of the secrets Sir Peter was keeping. "Very well," he said, feigning nonchalance. "For now, focus on the task at hand. We have little time to stop the loyalists' plan, and you have a chance to prove your worth as an ally."
Piers, although still haunted by his past, nodded in agreement, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. As the storm outside raged on, so too did the internal conflict within Piers, torn between his loyalty to Edwin and the demons of his past.
With the newfound understanding between the unlikely duo, Piers and Edwin resumed their mission to gather intelligence and infiltrate the loyalists' ranks. The storm outside seemed to mirror the turmoil within the city, as the future hung in the balance and the fate of the kingdom rested on the fragile alliance between the former master and formal slave.
The two of them, Edwin and Piers, continued their undercover work at the Sky-arcade, blending in with the guests and staff. They spent countless hours observing the patrons who frequented the establishment, noting their behaviors, habits, and patterns. Edwin, ever the strategist, took meticulous notes and drew elaborate diagrams on the back of his arcade game receipts.
One day, Piers noticed a peculiar rabbit who was partially good at his favorite game. As Piers observed the rabbit, he couldn't help but notice that he seemed to have a knack for winning. The rabbit didn't make any grand gestures or display any unusual behavior; he was simply skillful in his gameplay. Piers watched in fascination as the rabbit won round after round, his confidence growing with each victory.
Seeing the rabbit's success, he couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to this ordinary-looking rabbit. Perhaps it was a spy for the loyalists, or a pawn in a larger plot that had yet to be uncovered. But as Piers continued to watch the rabbit play, he began to notice something else about him: he seemed to possess a certain grace and poise that set it apart from the other patrons.
Intrigued by this observation, Piers approached the rabbit after a particularly impressive round of play. "Excuse me, but I couldn't help noticing your exceptional skills at this game. Do you have any particular strategies or techniques you'd like to share with me?"
The rabbit looked up from the game, his eyes bright with a mix of surprise and caution. "Well, I suppose I could teach you a thing or two. But remember, it's not about the game itself – it's about the mindset you bring to it."
With that, the rabbit proceeded to give Piers a series of tips and tricks that he had gleaned from years of playing. Piers listened intently, taking notes on the rabbit's strategies and applying them to his own gameplay. As he continued to observe and interact with the rabbit, he began to feel a sense of kinship with him, as if they were both part of a larger, secret network.
As their connection deepened, Piers began to suspect that the rabbit was not just a skilled player, but a fellow rebel. He decided to approach Edwin and share his theory, hoping to gain his support in uncovering the rabbit's true identity and allegiance.
Edwin listened intently as Piers laid out his suspicions, his interest piqued by the idea of a potential ally within the Sky-arcade. "Intriguing," he said, stroking his chin. "The more allies we have, the better our chances of success."
Piers nodded in agreement, his mind racing with possibilities. "But tread carefully," Edwin cautioned. "We cannot risk revealing ourselves to the wrong person. Let us gather more information first, and proceed only when we are sure of his loyalty."
Together, Piers and Edwin continued their covert operations, each day bringing them closer to unraveling the loyalist's plan. As they played at the arcade, the two of them exchanged glances and whispered theories, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. It was a delicate dance, navigating the loyalty of those around them, but they were determined to see this through to the end.
One day, as they sat in a dimly lit corner, playing a game of poker, a commotion erupted at the entrance of the Sky-arcade. Guards rushed in, their weapons drawn, and chaos ensued. In the midst of it all, the rabbit stood frozen, his eyes wide with fear.
Edwin and Piers exchanged worried glances, their hearts pounding in their chests. As the guards descended upon the rabbit, Piers felt a rush of anger and resolve. He knew they couldn't let this happen – not without knowing who this rabbit really was.
With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Piers leapt to his feet, diving towards the rabbit and shielding him from the guards' advances. "No!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the arcade.
The guards, caught off guard by Piers' sudden protection, hesitated for a moment before regaining their composure. "What do you think you're doing, Sir Peter Hagenbach?" one guard sneered, his eyes cold and unyielding.
Piers, still standing protectively over the rabbit, took a deep breath and replied, "I'm protecting an ally. Someone who has proven their worth and loyalty to our cause."
Edwin, ever the strategist, chimed in, "Indeed, Sergeant. It seems our unassuming friend here may have more to offer than meets the eye."
The lead guard, clearly annoyed by Edwin's interference, said, "If you have any information about the loyalists' plan, then come forward and share it with us. Otherwise, we'll take this rabbit into custody."
Piers, sensing a delicate balance being struck, took a step back and said, "We have no information to share at this time. But if you bring the rabbit to Edwin and me, we will ensure his safety."
The lead guard hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing his options. Finally, he nodded and ordered the other guards to escort the rabbit to Edwin and Piers' side.
With the rabbit in their custody, Piers and Edwin led him to a quiet corner of the arcade, far away from the prying eyes of the guards. "Who are you?" Piers demanded, his voice low and fierce. "And what do you know about the loyalists' plan?"
The rabbit, taken aback by Piers' accusatory tone, hesitated for a moment before responding. "You're mistaken, Edwin and Piers," he said, his voice calm and measured. "I am simply a humble rabbit who enjoys playing games and passing the time at the Sky-arcade. I have no knowledge of any loyalist's plans."
Piers and Edwin exchanged glances, their suspicions now replaced by confusion. Had they misjudged the rabbit's intentions? Or was there something else at play here?
"Well, whoever you are," Edwin said, his voice still low and dangerous, "you've earned our protection for now. But don't think for a moment that we'll let you off the hook if we find out you're lying to us."
The rabbit nodded, his eyes dry but grateful. "I understand. I will do my best to stay out of trouble and help you both in any way that I can."
As the rabbit joined Edwin and Piers, they spent hours talking, learning about each other and sharing their experiences in the ever-changing political landscape of their kingdom. They spoke of the turbulent times they lived in, and how they had come to dedicate themselves to the cause of freedom and peace.
The rabbit, it seemed, had his own story to tell. He spoke of a time when he had been part of a group of rebels, working tirelessly to overthrow the loyalists and bring about a new age of prosperity and justice. But one day, they had been caught and his group had been scattered, with many of his comrades either captured or killed.
The rabbit had managed to escape, but was now living in hiding, keeping a low profile and waiting for the right opportunity to strike. He had made it his mission to learn as much as he could about the loyalists' plans, hoping to use that knowledge to aid in the rebellion.
Edwin recounts a story about how he tried to repeal slavery. The rabbit introducing himself as Jake questions what happened. Edwin tells Jake the nobles have a scale to count votes and each noble gets a special coin to weigh the scale, Edwin sighs saying Sir Peter and most nobles weighed the scale to no on ending prey slavery.
Jake listened intently to Edwin's tale, his eyes widening with a mix of horror and determination. "That is despicable," he exclaimed, his voice filled with righteous anger. "To manipulate the very foundation of democracy for personal gain... it sickens me."
Edwin nodded solemnly, the weight of his failed attempt at reform settling heavily on his shoulders. "It is a cruel reality we live in, where power and greed often triumph over justice and compassion," he admitted, his gaze distant with memories of past battles fought and lost.
Edwin smirks at Sir Peter’s situation. “What so funny?” Sir Peter asks. “How’s it feel to be a slave now?” said Edwin.
Sir Peter's eyes widened in shock, the realization hitting him like a gut punch. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Edwin and Jake were laughing at his expense, it seemed.
"You mean to tell me," Sir Peter began, his voice shaking with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, "that the scales have been tipped for so long that now, I find myself in the position of a slave, while you two still hold power?"
Edwin chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Exactly, Sir Peter. It's quite the twist of fate, isn't it?"
Jake nodded in agreement, his own gaze sympathetic. “Remember you’re working for leniency because, you’re a major dick.” Edwin said.
Sir Peter scoffed, his pride injured by their words. "I assure you both, I am no slave. My power and influence may have waned, but I am far from being powerless."
Edwin raised an eyebrow. "And how do you plan on proving that, Sir Peter?"
Jake chimed in, "Indeed, what is your next move in this game of cat and mouse? And most importantly, how do you plan on bringing down the loyalists once and for all?"
Sir Peter's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing with determination. "I will reveal their Unmasking at the right time. Until then, I will gather all the information I can, and build alliances with those who share our cause. I will use my influence to turn the tide against the loyalists and restore justice to our kingdom."
Edwin and Jake exchanged glances, their skepticism apparent. They knew all too well Sir Peter didn’t have the best intentions. “We still won the war, we can win again if needed.” Replied Edwin
Jake nodded "You're right, Edwin. We've faced impossible odds before and come out victorious. We can do it again."
Sir Peter smirked, knowing that they underestimated him. "You'll see," he said, his voice low and ominous. "I'm playing a long game, and the pieces are falling into place. When the time is right, I'll make my move, and it will be the one that turning the tide of the rebellion once and for all."
Edwin and Jake looked at each other, unsure of what to make of Sir Peter's words.
But they knew one thing for certain, they would not back down from the fight. They had come too far and sacrificed too much to give up now. They had to continue to the bitter end, no matter what the cost.
The next day Edwin went to his brother’s house to discuss the loyalists issue.
Alex Skycross greets his brother with open arms. Near by Sir Peter smirks “I forgot you were adopted by ferrets.”
"That's enough, Peter," Alex said coldly, his eyes narrowing at the insult. "We're all grown-ups here, and we have no time for your petty squabbles. What brings you to my home today?"
Edwin stepped forward, his gaze determined. "I've come to discuss the loyalists' plan, Alex. We need your help to gather information and find a way to take them down."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "I thought we were done with all that rebel nonsense. I had hoped you'd moved on from it by now."
Edwin shook his head. "It's not like that, Alex. This is more important than anything we've ever faced. The loyalists are planning something big, and we need to stop them."
Sir Peter scoffed. "And what, exactly, is this grand plan you speak of? I would love to hear the details.
Alex looked at his brother “Must be big if you’ve teamed up with …Him.”
Edwin's eyes flickered to Jake, a subtle nod of acknowledgment passing between them. "We can't reveal everything just yet, Alex," he said, his voice firm. "But we know they're planning something major, something that could lead to the complete destruction of our kingdom. We have to stop them, for the sake of everyone."
Alex's expression softened, his concern for his people clear in his eyes. "Of course, you're right," he agreed. "I'll do everything in my power to help you, even if that means putting my own life at risk. I'll gather intel, talk to people, and see what I can uncover. We'll face this threat together."
Sir Peter's smirk deepened. "What processed a noble to get a slave as a brother, did no one play with you at school?”
Edwin shot a warning glare at Sir Peter, his patience wearing thin with the noble's taunts. "Enough, Sir Peter. Alex is my brother, and he has proven time and time again his loyalty to our cause. We don't have time for your childish games."
Alex stood tall, his stance unwavering in the face of Sir Peter's jeers. "I may not have the same upbringing as you, Sir Peter, but I stand with my brother and the rebels in fighting for justice and freedom. Mock me all you want, but my commitment to this cause is unwavering."
Sir Peter's smile faltered slightly at Alex's unwavering resolve. He realized that despite his attempts to sow discord among them, the bond between the rebels was stronger than he had anticipated.
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Sir Peter turned on his heel and left the room without another word, his pride wounded by the united front presented by Edwin, Alex, and Jake.
