The Chosen Four stepped out of Ness's house at sunrise the following morning. Without saying a word, Paula, Jeff and Poo solemnly nodded to Ness who began to concentrate. The group began to slowly spin in place. The spinning began to increase in intensity until the Chosen Four were nothing more than a blur that promptly teleported away.

The four reappeared at Dalaam. Ness's eyes began to adjust from the temporary dementia caused by Teleport and he prepared himself for the usual sight of Dalaam's golden palace. He gasped as he looked to see that he was still ten feet from the landmass of Dalaam. Slowly, horribly, he felt himself begin to fall. He looked around to see Jeff, Paula and Poo falling with him. Desperately he reached out for Paula's hand and grasped it. He concentrated and shot forward using Teleport. At an incredible speed he flew at Poo and grabbed his hand who, moments before disappearing with Ness and Paula, grabbed Jeff's hand.

The four landed in Ness's backyard in a confused pile. Ness was the first to stand up, "Poo, Did you grab Jeff?"

Poo sat up and wearily stated, "Yes, you cut it a little close though."

Ness smiled a little, "Well, I was counting on the fact that you're fast enough to grab him."

Poo let slip a rare smile and Jeff raised one hand into the air and gave a thumbs up. Paula got up and hugged Ness quickly before quietly sitting down again. She hadn't spoken much since the incident in Twoson a few days ago. Ness had tried to convince her to stay behind and rest, but she had only replied, "We're called the Chosen Four for a reason. Besides, mom and dad wouldn't have wanted me to mope around and sit idly by while innocent people need help."

Jeff sat up finally and glared at Ness, "What happened up there? How could you have missed Dalaam?"

"I dunno!" Ness replied annoyed, "That's never happened to me before! I'm just as confused as you are!"

Poo spoke up, "It was a psychic shield. It intercepted us as we came in and sent us back into the air. It must be around the whole island. Nothing will be able to get in there now; I fear that whatever we set out to stop this morning has already been set into motion."

Jeff looked at the ground sullenly, "Then we're too late. But who could have set up a shield that big?"

Paula's face contorted with anger and pure hatred as she spat one name, "Cain."

Ness looked down and spoke quietly, "Yeah, that would make sense; he probably joined up with whoever's causing all of this trouble in Dalaam. That would explain where he disappeared to so quickly."

Jeff spoke again, "I have the feeling that whoever is behind this also gave Cain his powers. He didn't break out of prison until after this whole mess with Dalaam started."

Ness slammed his fist onto the ground angrily, "And we're still stuck a step behind whatever's going on! I wanted to stop this today!" He hit the ground again while Paula sat in silence.

After a long silence, Poo spoke, "I believe that the best course of action is to wait until our unseen opponent makes his move. It pains me to do nothing, but we appear to have no other option. Besides, I must tell you about Koga."

Ness and the others looked at him, with the events at Twoson Koga's apparent past with Poo had almost completely slipped from their minds.

Poo continued, "He was, is perhaps still, my friend and the true ruler of Dalaam."

The others all gasped in surprise at this. Jeff opened his mouth to say something but Poo interrupted him, "I will explain it all, but first let us go inside and sit down, it is a long tale."

--------------

In Ness's living room Jeff, Ness, and Paula sat on a couch facing Poo, seated in an armchair.

Poo let out a sigh and began to speak, "Some of this tale has been told to me by others while some of it I witnessed myself. To begin, let us go back some eighteen years ago to the Dalaam Palace..."

-------------

Late one night in the Dalaam Palace sat King Leo and his sons. He was forty years old with long salt and pepper hair and slat gray eyes that were unusual for a Dalaameese man. He wore a crimson robe and on his head was the magnificent jade crown of the Dalaam Royal Family. On the throne beside him sat his fourteen year old son, Prince Halibur, dressed in a blue robe, his hair in the traditional ponytail. Sitting in Halibur's lap was the king's youngest son, Koga, only two years old. And finally, in a small crib in a private room lay the king's one year old daughter, Kara.

Before the king and his sons at this moment lay Renault, the king's advisor. He wore a regal suit of armor colored in splotches of blue and emerald. Behind him flowed a brilliant emerald cape and in his arms was a tiny newborn boy.

After a moment, Renault spoke, "Your majesty, this child's mother died giving birth to this boy this evening."

The king gazed at Renault for a moment before speaking, "I see, and who was this woman?"

"Her name was Rose Miyako she was a loyal servant in this palace for ten years."

"And what do you intend to do with this child?"

"He has no living relatives sire, and I've always wanted a son so I th-"

Leo glared at him sharply and spoke sternly, "And you intended to adopt him as your own and allow a servant's child into the royal court of Dalaam?!"

Renault returned Leo's sharp glare, "Yes m'lord. Do I have your permission?"

Leo glared at him a moment longer and then broke into a broad, friendly grin and finally a warm and musical laugh, "Of course you do old friend! You've always been such a kind person. I'll gladly welcome the boy into the castle! What is the little fellow's name?"

Renault smiled as he said, "Before she died, Rose said that his name was Poo."

"A fine name! He shall be treated as if he were of royal blood. I shall have his room prepared right next to yours Renault. Now," said the king as he arose from his throne, "it is getting late and I believe we would all like to go to bed, I will have a servant bring a crib to your room at once Renault. Enjoy fatherhood."

Renault stood up and gave a small bow, "Thank you Leo."

Minutes later, Renault walked into his dimly lit bedroom and placed Poo into the small crib that the servant had left. He looked down at the sleeping infant and smiled, "You're going to be someone very important one day my son. I can tell already."

---------------------------------

Three years passed. Poo was accepted into Dalaam royalty just as King Leo had promised and the kingdom was at peace, until one fateful night.

Leo and Renault stood in the dimly lit throne room late one night. Leo stood with his hands clasped behind his back, facing one of Dalaam's most important royal relics. It was a magnificent scythe mounted on the wall behind the throne. Its handle was made of a durable but light metal and its blade was made of the strongest steel. On the broad side of the blade was engraved the royal seal of Dalaam's royal family. It was the Scythe of Kings. Centuries ago the Sword of Kings was lost in a great battle and the Scythe was crafted to replace it.

After a few moments more of silence, the king spoke, "You said that you wanted to talk to me Renault, it's already late so let's hear it already old friend."

Renault cleared his throat nervously, "Leo, I've been thinking recently and I think that Dalaam should begin to modernize."

The king thought for a moment before replying in a friendly tone, "We've had this conversation before Renault, the answer is still no."

"But why not? The people should not be forced to continue living in such conditions when there exists the things that will make their lives easier! Better ways to prepare food, better medicine and better conditions of living!"

The king was sterner now, "We have always lived this way Renault. With that technology also comes weaponry and murder and greed. The surface dwellers have had more wars in a decade than we've had in a century. Besides, our doctors are well trained in both the physical and psychic methods of healing."

"But that doesn't change the fact that the overall standard of living is much poorer compared to other countries such as Eagleland!"

"My people seem content as they are."

Renault began to show signs of anger, "Of course they are because you haven't given them a chance to experience anything other than what they have now!"

The king finally turned from the scythe and to his advisor, "Renault I have always valued your advice and your friendship but on this matter I'm afraid that my word is final!"

"I will not sit idly by while the people are forced to live in run down shacks because their king is too caught up in tradition to care about them! As long as your blood line is allowed to rule then the people will continue to live in poverty!"

Silence fell between the two men. Finally, King Leo spoke calmly, "Renault, how long have you been in my service?"

"Twenty one years Leo."

"Ah yes, since the very beginning. That's a long time..." Leo turned and gazed once again at the Scythe of Kings.

"Yeah. All good things must come to an end right?"

"Right."

Renault turned his back on the king and started to walk out the door when the kings voice stopped him, "What do you intend to do old friend?"

"Whatever it takes to see to it that this travesty against the people will no longer continue."

Leo nodded, "I understand, I'm sorry that it had to turn out this way, may you live a long, healthy life."

"You're not going to try and stop me from leaving? you know that I intend to overthrow you right?"

Leo nodded and smiled, "I just don't have it in me to put my best friend in jail."

Renault sighed, "Your judgment is clouded by your emotions. You and I are so alike. Oh, one more thing, please take care of my son for me, take care of Poo. It's much safer for him here."

"Understood, he'll become like my third son."

With that, Renault left the throne room and then left Dalaam for five years.

---------------------------

"Announcing the return of Prince Halibur!" Shouted the stocky man that stood by the door of the throne room. It had been two years since Renault had returned to the kingdom of Dalaam and began to take over the tiny country's land territory by force.

Prince Halibur, dressed in gleaming blue armor, strode through the doors and approached his father's throne. He gave a swift bow and spoke, "Father, Renault's forces have taken half of the land territory and are trying to advance further. Fortunately General Agraj and I were able to cut off his troops with our own."

Just outside the throne room's closed doors stood two young boys. Koga, now twelve, had his ear against the doors and was desperately trying to listen to his brother's report while Poo, now ten, stood next to him eagerly.

"Koga, what are they saying?" Poo whispered.

"Shh! I can't hear it if you're talking!"

Suddenly a small voice spoke from behind them, "Hey, didn't father tell you two to stop eavesdropping?"

The two boys jumped and turned to see the small figure of Kara standing a few feet away. Koga quickly tried to cover up his disobedience, "Erm, we weren't listening in Kara! Honest! We were just, um..."

"Cleaning the doors!" Interrupted Poo with a pathetic excuse for a lie.

Kara only sighed, "You know father doesn't want us to have any involvement in the war! I don't want you guys involved in any way"

Koga looked at his younger sister for a moment before speaking, "I'm sorry Kara I-"

At this moment, the huge doors behind them groaned open and out came Halibur and King Leo himself. To all three of the children's' surprise, the king was dressed in full crimson battle armor and on his back was strapped the Scythe of Kings.

Halibur looked down at his three younger siblings and scowled, "Were you little twits eavesdropping again?"

Leo stepped forward and spoke, "Now, now Halibur, it's all right." He knelt down and looked at his children eye to eye, "I'm sorry children, but I've got to go with Halibur now. We have Renault's troops cornered and Halibur thinks that we can defeat them here and now."

Kara spoke up, "But father, why do you have to go?"

"It is the sworn duty of the king to see all matters involving the people through to the end. Do not worry my children, I love you all."

-----------------------------

In Dalaam's ground territory there is a valley surrounded by steep hills that level out at the valley's basin to form a large, flat, field. It was in this field that the forces of both Renault and Dalaam were gathering.

General Agraj stood in front of his troops and surveyed his surroundings with an approving nod, "Perfect. This is a very fitting setting for the end of a war."

Renault's army was an odd assortment of traditional Dalaameese weapons and modern day technology. Many men held swords and spears while others held pistols and machine guns. Scattered among the many horses were a few run down jeeps. It was in one of these jeeps that Renault sat next to a non-Dalaameese man who was dressed in a flowery t-shirt and shorts, wearing sandals and a pair of cheap sunglasses.

Renault glanced at him, "The battle is going to start soon. It is very likely that this will be the end, thank you for your services in this war Eddie."

Eddie grinned, "Hey boss, it's what you pay me for man."

Renault chuckled, "Even so, your skill in battle is amazing."

Eddie gave a smile that tried its best to look modest but failed miserably, "They don't call Red Eddie the best in the biz for kicks and giggles baby!" Eddie gave a thumbs up and looked ahead, "Well it looks like that king guy's ready for action. Ciao!" Eddie grabbed two big silver six shooters from the back seat and leap energetically from the car.

Renault looked at Leo's lined up forces and sighed, "Why did it have to come to this?"

------------------------------

King Leo and Halibur had arrived and now stood next to General Agraj as they faced the remainder of Dalaam's army. The king raised his scythe into the air, "You have all fought well and for a noble cause. You men have all made me honored to be your king. Today will be the end of this civil war, may we ride into glory!"

The army cheered. Agraj gave the signal to charge. Renault's army prepared themselves for the oncoming wave of soldiers. The end of an age had begun.

------------------------------

Twenty minutes into the battle and Dalaam was winning. Three of Renault's seven machine gun mounted jeeps had been destroyed by a few skilled soldiers' blades. The few men with machine guns were at a constant standstill with the elite Dalaam soldiers able to deflect the bullets. Renault rode in his jeep positioned at the machine gun blasting away advancing troops while his driver swerved to avoid abandoned horses and dead men. Ten yards away sat Leo on his horse, he saw Renault's jeep and kicked his horse into action. He cut a path through the battle until he was positioned directly in front of the oncoming jeep.

Renault saw him and turned his gun on him as the driver accelerated to a ramming speed. Leo made a swift movement with his hand and threw a knife that popped the front driver's side tire, sending the jeep into a fishtail swerve. The machine gun fired and killed Leo's horse, sending him to the ground. As he rolled out from under the horse, Leo looked up to see that the jeep was still swerving his way. He drew his scythe and stood facing the vehicle like a statue. At the last second Leo dove to the side and made one precise slash at the jeeps hood. Renault leap out of the jeep just as the engine exploded. He landed a few feet away from the wreck and stood facing Leo.

Without a word, Renault drew his sword and charged.

Elsewhere, Halibur was cutting his way through the rebel forces with his katana toward where his father and Renault were fighting. Renault's forces knew a losing battle when they saw one and quickly allowed the young prince to pass through the crowd. Eddie saw Halibur nearing the dueling men and fired a warning shot at the prince's feet. Halibur stopped.

"Whoa there buddy," began Eddie as he calmly aimed his guns at Halibur's head, "let's just chill for a second 'kay?"

"Let me through and I won't hurt you."

"Sorry man but the contract I signed with Mr. Renault over there says I'm supposed to protect him. Now don't take offense to this, but you look like the kind of guy that could really do some damage if left alone."

Halibut smiled, "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Without another word, he sheathed his katana and charged. Eddie smiled lazily and opened fire on the prince. In what seemed like one move, Halibur stopped, unsheathed his sword and deflected the oncoming bullets. Eddie's grin faded as he heard the familiar clicks indicating that his gun chambers were empty. Halibur resumed his charge as Eddie frantically tried to reload his left gun. He'd only put in one bullet before the angry young prince was upon him. Eddie raised his gun to defend himself. The last thing that he saw was Halibur's blade cutting through the barrel and rushing toward his face.

While Eddie and Halibur were having their duel, Renault and Leo were already well into theirs. The old king swung his scythe at Renault, who defended with a sideways block with his heavy broadsword. Leo quickly spun and jabbed Renault in the stomach with the butt of the scythe handle. Renault stumbled back and saw Leo spin around and swing his scythe at his head. He ducked and quickly jabbed at the warrior king. Leo jumped back just in time and immediately bounced back at his old friend, spinning the scythe above his head like a helicopter blade. With a mighty swing, Leo embedded the blade into the ground where Renault had stood only moments ago. Leo looked to his left just in time to see Renault land a few feet away from where he originally jumped. With a heave, Renault flung his sword through the air at Leo. Unable to pull the Scythe of Kings out of the ground in time, he was forced to leap away from his weapon. Renault's sword kept going and embedded itself into a nearby rock. The two men stared at each other for a moment.

Renault charged at Leo suddenly and punched him in his right cheek. As Leo spun to the ground he kicked Renault in the right side of his face. The two opponents got up wearily and charged each other again. Leo leap up at the last second and kicked Renault in the chest. Renault coughed and grabbed Leo's leg. He spun him around in an upwards arch and then slammed him back into the ground. The old king immediately got up again and punched Renault in the stomach hard enough to be felt through his armor. As he doubled over Renault head butted Leo and sent him to his knees. Seeing his opportunity, Renault ran past him and grabbed his sword out of the stone, turned around, and pointed it at Leo's neck. They both froze.

After a few moments, Renault finally spoke, "Surrender."

Leo only smiled weakly, "Look around you old friend. My army has already begun to turn your forces back. Dalaam will win."

Renault looked around; he saw that it was true. He swallowed hard, "Please Leo, surrender. Don't make me do this. Don't force me to kill you."

Leo sighed, "I'm not forcing you to do anything. You don't have to kill me just because you beat me in our duel. You can always surrender if you do not like the current situation."

Renault scoffed, "And if I surrender, what then? Just a few days of prison and then execution?!"

"That is what the law dictates in regard to high treason."

"Then change the law! You're the king!"

"That would be an abuse of power. I'm sorry."

"I don't suppose that you'll let me run away will you?"

"No, I'm sorry; if I let you run then I'd have to abdicate the throne out of shame. As king I must fulfill my duty to my country."

"I understand. Let's finish it."

Leo visibly relaxed, "Yes, I'm ready."

"Everything I've done was for the good of Dalaam..."

"As did I. Old friend."

Tears began to stream down Renaults face. With one swift strike it was done.

Halibur, having just finished off Eddie, looked up and saw it happen. Renault's sword swing, his father's slow fall to the ground. The tears were full force on Renault's face now. He dropped his sword and backed away from the body as if in total disbelief of what he'd just done.

Halibur's vision turned red. He barreled toward Renault screaming and howling unintelligibly. Renault looked up at the oncoming king with an expression of complete sorrow. With one final look at Leo's body he teleported away just as Halibur reached him. The king fell on his knees and crawled toward his father. He let out a wail that was sounded more animal than human.

----------------------------------

One year passed. General Agraj had rounded up the last of the rebel forces, with the exception of Renault himself, and Halibur had sadly taken on the position of king. So far he was a terrible leader. Consumed by grief and vengeance, the boy placed his throne room deep into the castle and isolated himself from all but his family, even his own advisors were not allowed to enter. The duty of leading the kingdom fell upon Koga, Kara, and the new advisor to the throne, Rowan.

Kara, Koga, and Poo were seated in a semi-circle at the base of the point of Mu facing the Star Master.

"And remember," concluded the ageless man, "it is only through our ancestors that we are able to achieve enlightenment. That is one of the founding principles of Mu."

The three children stood up and bowed to him. It was a bright sunny day, the men and women in the streets on the way back to the palace bowed to them politely; the people knew who really ran their country.

"Poo, when I become king, I'm going to appoint you as my advisor!" Stated Koga suddenly.

Poo blushed slightly, "Oh really? Thanks, but I'm no good at politics, I do not think that I could ever properly help run a country."

Kara slapped Poo on the back, "Quit being so modest! You're better at making decisions that he is!" She pointed her thumb at Koga.

Koga playfully shoved Kara, "At least I can make a decision. You take an hour to decide how you want to wear your hair in the morning!"

Kara smiled and opened her mouth to return the playful insult when Poo interrupted the two, "Great Ancestors..."

Koga and Kara looked at him, "What is it?"

"Halibur, he's left his chambers."

The brother and sister looked toward the castle and saw Halibur standing in the doorway talking to General Agraj.

The three crept closer to the golden doors of the castle and caught the tail end of Agraj's sentence, "...vise you to remain here."

Halibur quickly reached out and slapped the general in the side of the face, "You dare advise me to do anything?! You forget your place Agraj! I'm going and you WILL NOT stop me!"

Agraj tried his best to keep his anger under control, "Then I insist that you take an escort with you my liege! It's for your own protection!"

"I don't need your protection! Where were you when my father was being killed? You are clearly incapable of protecting anyone!"

Agraj's eyes narrowed, "Where was I? Where were you?!"

Halibur's eyes flashed and his nostrils flared, he let out a scram and kicked Agraj in the stomach, "How dare you!" he kicked again, "How dare you!"

Agraj was curled up on the ground now gasping for breath. Halibur wound his leg back for another kick. The king didn't notice Koga until he had punched him in the right cheek.

Halibur staggered back and stared at Koga in shock. Kara and Poo were next to him and had their fists risen in case he tried a retaliatory blow.

Koga reprimanded him as a parent does a child, "What do you think that you are doing?"

"You heard what he said to me!"

"I don't care! You insulted him first; honorable men do not treat other people like this!"

Halibur took a step forward, "What would you know about honor you little idiot!"

Koga ignored him, "What is it that Agraj doesn't want you to do that is so horrible?"

Halibur's eyes narrowed, "Renault. They found where he is hiding."

Koga's look of defiance faded, "What?"

"They found Renault. I am going to go and kill him."

Despite his better judgment, Agraj stood up weakly and spoke, "And again I must protest! The man is far too powerful for you! Let us come with you and we can arrest him together!"

Halibur drew back his hand again but glanced at his younger siblings and thought better of it, "I don't care what you think I should do. This is personal."

Poo spoke up, "I agree with Agraj, Renault is much too dangerous for you to handle alone!"

"You shut your mouth! What do you know anyways?! You're not even of noble blood!"

Koga glared at his older brother, "Stop it Halibur!"

Halibur walked to Poo and grabbed him by the shoulders, "That's right! We told you that you were adopted into this family but we never told you that your mother was just a pitiable servant girl!"

Poo's eyes widened with shock. Despite this, Halibur continued, "And do you know that Renault was your original adopted father? But apparently he didn't love you enough to stick around!"

Kara shrieked at him, "Stop now!"

Halibur let go of Poo and turned on her, "You shut up! It's your fault that mother died! If you hadn't been born then maybe she'd still be around!"

Koga jumped on him. He drove him to the ground and repeatedly struck him in the head. After the initial shock wore off, Halibur grabbed his younger brother and threw him off. He stood up and wiped off his bloody lip.

"I'm leaving now. I'm going to go avenge father. If any of you four are still here when I return, I'll have you all executed."

Without another word, he teleported to Renault's cave.

---------------------

The year since he'd killed his best friend had not been good to Renault. His once noble face was now cracked and unshaven. The cave that he lived in was rodent infested and had a few puddles of standing water. As a result, Renault had developed a hacking cough.

He sat cross-legged, eyes closed, near the cave's entrance. He was waiting. He knew that the Dalaam soldiers had found his cave and he was preparing for their return. He wasn't preparing to fight them; he was preparing to give himself up. He was tired of hiding.

There was the familiar "crack" of someone finishing a teleport. He opened his eyes to see Halibur standing in the cave entrance, smiling. The boy drew his sword.

"Hello Traitor, I'm here to kill you."

Renault sighed, "I'd rather you arrest me first."

"Why's that? Afraid of Hell?"

Renault coughed and shook his head, "No, no. I just want to be taken back to Dalaam. I want to see my country one last time before I die."

Halibur snarled, leaped over to the sitting man and kicked him. He then bent down, picked him up, and threw him out of the cave. Renault tried to stand but collapsed again in a coughing fit.

Halibur tried to kick him again but Renault grabbed his foot and pulled him down, causing him to drop his sword. The young man quickly recovered, grabbed his opponents arm and threw him into the cave's outside wall. Renault slid into a sitting position. Halibur picked up his sword and walked toward him, smiling.

Renault looked past Halibur's head and could just barley make out the shape of Dalaam floating in the distance. In his minds eye he saw the palace. He saw Leo sitting on his throne with his wife standing beside him.

Tears began to run down the fallen noble's face, "I'm so sorry old friend."

Halibur swung his sword.

The last thing that Renault saw was his son.

Halibur cleaned off his sword blade and spat on the body. He turned to go but was confronted by an old man in ragged clothing with a beard that reached his knees.

"Star Master what are yo-" He was cut off by a swift punch that sent him into the ground. Halibur looked up at his old mentor, shocked.

Star Master spoke with a voice filled with anger, "You fool! Did you think that I would not see what you have done?"

"What business is it of yours?"

"I have watched over the royal line for generations! Have you forgotten that I am the guardian of the royal house? Did you not think that I would be watching you? I have seen the way you have handled both your enemies and your own family. This manner is unfit for one of my former pupils, let alone a king! I hereby deem you unfit to rule. Your title has been revoked."

Halibur was up at once, hand on his sword hilt, "How dare you speak to your king that way!"

Halibur began to pull his sword out of his scabbard but was too slow. In the blink of an eye the Star Master open palm struck his chest and sent him flying back into the cave. Without seeming to move, Star Master appeared in front of Halibur before he could even tell what had happened. The ex-king quickly swung his sword at his former master but only sliced through air as his target leaped back a few feet.

Halibur stood up and pointed to the body of Renault just outside the cave, "Why do you rebuke me? I killed a traitor!"

Star Master shook his head, "What that noble man did was what he thought was best for his country. What he did may not have been the best course of action, but he was a good and honorable man nonetheless and he deserved a better death than this. Your father understood that."

Halibur snarled and screamed in rage. He held out his hands in front of him and they began to glow white.

Realizing what Halibur was about to do, Star Master began to plead with him, "Wait! Stop! Not in here! It's too dangerous!"

Halibur laughed, "Yes that's it! Beg for mercy! Grovel before your king!"

With a deafening roar Halibur's blast of Starstorm Omega flew from his hands and directly toward the ageless figure. Star Master sighed and quickly disappeared in a puff of smoke. The blast hit the cave wall that was behind him instead. The cave began to rumble and huge chunks of the ceiling began to give way. Halibur looked around at the collapsing cave and laughed a madman's laugh as it all came crumbling down around him.

------------------------------

One week since the death of Halibur had passed. Star Master had told them all that had happened and the country was plunged into mourning over such a tragedy. In accordance with Dalaam custom, Koga was in line as the next king, although he would still have the title of prince until he became of age. It was the night before the cerimony that would give Koga the political powers of a king and he was sitting on his bed wide awake with Kara seated next to him.

There was a knock on the door and Poo entered, "You said that you wanted to see me your majesty?"

"Please don't call me that."

Kara looked up at Poo; it was obvious that she had been crying, "Poo, we're leaving."

Poo's eyes widened with surprise and then he looked at the floor sadly, "Please don't."

Koga sighed, "I don't want this responsibility yet Poo. I'm no good at making decisions."

"Stop talking like that! You will make a great leader and you know it!"

Koga and Kara were silent for a moment. Suddenly, Koga spoke, "I'm afraid. After what happened to father and Halibur, I'm afraid of what might happen to Kara and me."

Poo considered this for a moment, "I understand Koga. Kara, you feel the same way?"

Kara nodded, "Koga's all that I've got left."

"When are you going?"

Koga stood up, "Now. We just wanted to tell you first."

Poo suddenly got an idea, "Wait here one second!"

He quietly left the room for a moment. When he returned he was holding the Scythe of Kings. He handed it to Koga, "Take this, it belongs to you."

Koga smiled and hugged his friend, "Goodbye Poo."

"Goodbye."

Kara did the same and then the two siblings left the room and the country.

-----------------

Ness, Paula, and Jeff sat around Poo as if in a trance as he completed his story, "The following morning, the rest of the country discovered that they were gone. Star Master didn't seem too surprised. Very soon afterwards he appointed me as the next heir to the throne, saying that I was a Chosen One. And so, my training for the battle against Giygas began."

He fell silent. No one spoke for five minutes. Finally, Paula spoke, "Poo, I had no idea."

Jeff took off his glasses and began cleaning them on his shirt, "I remember reading about a civil war in Dalaam a few years back, but I never imagined..."

Ness took off his hat and rubbed his head, "The Koga in that story doesn't sound like the type that would side with whoever staged your death."

Poo shook his head, "He's not that kind of person. I think that someone has Kara."

Jeff nodded, "Yes that would make sense."

Ness looked out the window, "If that's the case, then we'll have to find a way to help him."

"If I could only get him alone and talk too him, I may be able to help him find a way out of this."

Ness stood up and stretched, "Well I guess that until we get an opportunity to do that, we'll just have to stay here until our mysterious new king in Dalaam makes his move."

Suddenly, there was a frantic yet familiar knocking on the door. Ness walked over to it and barley opened it before Picky Minch burst into the room.

He turned to Ness, "Have you been watching the news?"

The four collectively shook their heads. Picky grabbed the remote and turned on Ness's television. A newswoman stood in front of the Threed Hotel.

"...for half and hour. The police now believe that there are six criminals and five hostages. The police have been trying to negotiate, but only one response comes back. 'Bring us the Chosen Four.'"