Chapter 1: The Dawning of Dusk

Through dappled light and shrouded fields,

In wooded green without freezing chill,

A palace of the earth the forest yields,

Glorifying but peace and endless goodwill.

:o:-:o:-:o:-:o:-:o:

There was a time when the Unknown was a beautiful place. The sun's rays beamed down upon a lively landscape, filled with lush woodlands dotted with populated cities that provided nearly everything for their residents. Clear water ran through streams, filing canals and rivers that carried trade between towns. Villages were almost always open to anyone, considering that they were friendly, which consequently led to a happy diversity of people and a bonded society that held no wrong. Not in the Queen's eyes, at least.

The female ruler held firmly to the policy of helping others, the sweetest and best show of generosity she could offer. Coexisting in a world where everyone had a say took away a huge portion of monarchical power, though there was still enough influence to contain unruliness. Her movements were forever in favor of peace and harmony and their subjects admired her judgement because of it. Their. The Queen and King's.

He hoped that she would never forget that.

o-o-o-o-o

Hooves trotting against the ground pulled the King out of his reflection, the light-brown hair from uptop his crowned head swaying with every lurch of the royal carriage. His elegantly-clothed shoulders sagged when he released a long breath. Although only in his middle ages, the man felt old beyond belief, his face starting to wrinkle with senescence and the toll of stressing over a kingdom. Even so, his heart burned with a fiery passion for the Unknown, one that could never be suppressed. He just had a different way of showing it.

"Are you feeling alright?"

The King's gaze swung over to the seat opposite from him, where a pretty woman in a commoner's dress was sitting. Her rosey hair was pulled into a bun and a gleaming crown perched superior to it all, the only obvious indication that she was of noble position. Her pink lips pursed in loving concern.

"Yes," the male responded softly, turning his head to look out the carriage's window once more. The earthen palace that he and his wife lived in could be seen fading in the distance, a wooden and stone structure decorated ornately with flowering vegetation. All year long, the plants were at their peak, meaning that there was hardly a worry of crop failure or that flowers would wilt. Comfortable sprinkles came often enough to keep the land moist. Due to the atmosphere, having the Palace of the Unknown built like it naturally rose out of the ground wasn't a hard decision to make. Visitors usually commented their pleasure of the architecture, even when they were there on bad terms to ask the Queen for advice on personal matters. She always answered them with a "thank you" and a compromise. The King only watched.

"You know, Pottsfield has been preparing for their first harvest festival ever since Enoch arrived," the Queen pointed out in attempt to fill the silence. "We haven't visited in such a while, and now that the preparations are finished, we'll be sharing the start of a new tradition."

"I'm sure it will be an experience." The King left his comment at that, not taking his eyes off of the passing villages and forest.

Every person they went by was visibly content, living and playing around their dwellings. There were few beggars or homeless within their boundaries, for all that had misfortune and the courage to come seeking the Queen's attention received aid. Those in need were granted a generous sum of the royal treasury and sent away from the Palace of the Unknown with advice and an escort to the nearest town. This had been the royal practice for as long as the Queen's reign began; for who needed riches if they were not to use them? It was a sensible arrangement, although the King noticed that the help they gave only fed the greed of others. He could tell by the way they dramatized their distress and held disappointment in their eyes whenever they received as much as the previous.

The monarch knew better than to confront this by instinct alone, but each time he noticed increased reason not to pity for people in want. He begun to grow a disdain. If the Queen figured it out, she didn't say so.

The carriage finally came to a halt when they came upon the outer edges of Pottsfield, a small town with cheerful houses and a neat array of plantations. A group of costumed figures and turkeys stood grouped together by the road, all waving and calling greetings. Towering high above them all was a man made out of a kind of grass or leaf, his head a huge pumpkin that smiled down at them.

Amused, the Queen giggled. "Oh, isn't this special."

Once the coachman opened the door, they both got out of the royal carriage, their shoes meeting the same dirt path that commoners traveled on. Behind them, the driver started to tend to the horses. They would leave as soon as the equines were fit to return to the palace. Feeling settled, the King brushed his gloved hands over his robe, smoothing out the folds that came with prolonged sitting, and calmly followed his wife as she headed into the town. The civilians paraded around them.

"Welcome to Pottsfield, Your Majesty," said someone in vegetable attire. "I hope you'll enjoy the festival."

"Thank you," replied the King, moving along and listening to the merry ruckus everyone appeared to be making. Some of the villagers had instruments and were performing on the way to the town barn. A couple of black cats started dancing with the children. And the Queen.

The brown-haired man gave a soft smile that eventually faded away, whirling around to look out into the distancing forest. He was given the view of a strangely dressed male riding a dark steed instead, far beyond the crowd as not to disturb them but close enough to keep watch. The King's visage darkened while he stared at the peculiar individual before a fair hand tapped him on the shoulder. He turned his head to see the Queen flashing him a pearly grin.

"You'll miss out if you don't stay with us, dear," she advised, gently tugging on his arm. "Come to the barn. Enoch set up the most wonderful games for the young ones and I hear the food is delicious."

"I saw someone unfamiliar out there," the King warned, his brown moustache framing his frown. "I'm not certain that this town is safe."

The redhead gave a lighthearted shake of her head, her brilliant orbs darting back to the group. "Of course you saw somebody. Enoch is holding a grand party for the first time and we're finally here to join in on the fun. It's only the curiosity of the people that draws them near. Pottsfield is plenty safe."

"It's a necessity to tell Enoch about this if we're to stay," he insisted. "I don't intend to take any risks."

"You needn't fret so much," the Queen attempted, though her husband grasped her arm anyway and hurried off to meet the others in the barn.

The King didn't doubt that the coachman could take care of himself if there was danger — anyone who worked for royalty were required to train as basic guards, something that he demanded a necessity — but he wasn't sure how vulnerable the town's people would be. They didn't possess that kind of defense, having never been exposed to any real tribulation.

Speeding towards the center of town, the King cast a final, troubled glance at the spot where he had been looking, and seeing no one, continued down the street. A few festive villagers were waiting by the doors for them.

"Are you two alright, Your Majesties?" a lady asked, her head tilting.

"Where's Enoch?" the King interrupted the Queen before she could reply, urgency in his tone.

"He's with the children in the barn . . ."

The King nodded, dragging his wife into the shelter. He could hear the people outside commenting on his strangeness, though he kept silent about it. Inside, the party was very lively and musical, something that brought the Queen motive to laugh happily. She was almost always joyful.

"How nice," she said, waving to a group of farmers that were exchanging carved pumpkins. They waved back at her.

Pulling her along, the King passed a circle of young Pottsfielders that were singing and dancing around the tallest member of the population, heading for the far end of the room. It was where the elders were telling stories to children and animals. He supposed the targeted host was also there.

He was about to approach them when his wife stopped him with her hand. "Pardon, sweet, but I thought we were to talk to Enoch immediately."

"We are."

The Queen sheepishly smiled, as if her interrupting him was embarrassing. "He's over there." She pointed back at the ring of villagers that he had passed.

"Where?"

"In the center, leading the dance," the woman clarified, directing him to the collected company.

"You told me that Enoch was a cat." He looked up, taking in the huge and spindly figure that resembled a man more than a feline.

"Well, he is. He's in a costume like everyone else, though his is magical. He had it specially made for the harvest festival," she explained, the song ending as the dancers split apart to rejoin their families. The supposed Enoch came closer to them, having spotted the couple. His fake pumpkin head sported a large grin.

"Howdy, friends. Can I do you somethin'?" he said, voice thick with a rural twang. "I take that you're enjoyin' the harvest?"

"What I've seen was absolutely delightful," the Queen offered with a sweet smile.

"That does me well," Enoch bowed, his body bending in a way that shouldn't be possible had a human been inside. "And you, King?"

The male wasn't startled by the lack of formality in Enoch's speech, already used to it after traveling the Unknown with his wife. They made sure that the major figures in each town saw themselves as their equals, a useful tool in keeping peace in case of a revolt. As if anyone would try and start one. Apart from regulating the Unknown's significant happenings and taking charge in minor disputes, the royals never did much else. To interfere with peasant life was to put restrictions on people with the potential of rising up past them. It was usually a dangerous route to take and a factor to consider in the ageless act of ruling a kingdom as large as the Unknown, so they allowed municipal courts to exist and govern modest areas. The tactic of relevant equality between the royal family and the public has worked for as long as the King could remember.

"I have a report for you, Enoch of Pottsfield," he responded with a brief nod. "Before I arrived in this barn, I caught sight of an unidentified man on horseback near the town limits. He seemed intent on keeping watch but did not approach. I'm afraid for the wellbeing of your citizens and possessions and want to warn of a possible threat. Just because you're holding an event doesn't mean all visitors are friendly."

Enoch seemed to consider him for a moment, tipping his head and pressing his hands together. They were made of the same plant as the rest of his torso, which actually consisted of long leaves in strands that draped over whatever lay inside. Each had the ability to move freely at will, an astonishing feat of enchantment. Whoever was responsible for it had the King in utter perplexity and awe.

The disguised feline then dropped his limbs, responding, "You've got quite the thought there, haven't you? I'll make this simple. We can send y'all home again and close up the harvest festival if it looks mighty scary for the people. Or we can keep on and let 'em newcomers do their own deeds. This first party is what sets the future for us in Pottsfield. If it doesn't go well then no one'll wanna come back for a second."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" the Queen questioned. "It's only one civilian! I'm sure he means no harm. Even if he does do something, he shouldn't be enough close the festival for others!"

"Your man has good intentions," came the response. "If King here believes that there's a problem then we're bound to listen. I'd rather a town full of disappointment than of victims. The death of one highwayman at the collapse of St. Leonard's Bridge all that time ago does none to prove everyone else's innocence. We could easily have another hostile thief sittin' in wait."

"But if you do then you won't have anyone to live here! The resurrected need your guidence. You were sent here for a purpose."

"I was sent to uphold a village. It may be for the best that I care for their livin' and send 'em away. At least the ground's got strength."

"No, Enoch. I won't allow it. The people are happy. That's all that matters," the Queen said irrefutably. "The Unknown is supposed to be a place of comfort. A place where the only unknown is what terror is. I don't want anyone to be afraid. Not if they don't have to be."

The King stared at his wife, disbelief shining in his eyes. Does she really think the solution lies in naïvety? Our subjects are becoming less of themselves under this rule. With the knowledge that they can take what they want comes evil! These lands cannot protect the virtuous for long. The city judges can only decree so much, and even then they're unable of enforcing themselves. Sitting by will not do! How can she be so blind? An idea sparked in his mind, arriving fast as lightning.

"I'm supposin' that your mind can't be changed," Enoch gave in, moving to leave. "Have a wonderful —"

"Wait," the King ordered, lifting his arm in a gesture of dominance that he quickly lowered. "Who enchanted your suit?"

"Pardon?"

The brown-haired man expectantly repeated, "Who enchanted your costume? It is rather astonishing."

"A dandy pair livin' in the backwoods created this ol' thing, two magical sisters by the names of Adelaide and Whispers. I went on by their cottage whenever I came about the Unknown. Both of 'em had such skill with humans and animals alike. They made this costume to run off of the magic released from the earth when the fruits of harvest come in. It does me a plenty amazin' job. Can talk your language like a native," Enoch told him with a chuckle.

"Interesting . . ." the King acknowledged, mind sparking new ideas from kindled possibility. "These enchantresses that go by Adelaide and Whispers aren't far, yes?"

"If you can spare a couple hours then takin' the trip ain't gonna cost you nothin'. They stay somewhere easy to come by in those parts behind the Palace of the Unknown. Don't even need directions 'cept to go along the mountains. There's a valley that'll shortcut you all the way there faster than any other."

"I appreciate it. I may stop by to thank them for helping you sometime," he smiled, about to turn to rejoin his wife. That was when the doors of the barn slammed shut, engulfing the room in shadow.

Enoch whipped around to face the crowd by the entrance, alarm spiking the threads of his body like a cat's pelt on edge. The entire gathering fell to a hushed quiet; even the children stopped moving, a shuffle to hide in familiar arms all but accomplished.

The Queen joined her arm with her husband's, pressing herself against his side for security. The King took a step forward. His eyes narrowed to peer through the darkness.

"I see we've got a whole bunch of buddies here!" someone said gruffly, his cackle echoing in the space. "Let's make this fun and play a game, shall we?"

"A-a game?" a small girl perked up hopefully, her vegetable outfit bouncing on her tiny form.

"Yeah, this game is great," the voice responded. "Let's have everyone join in!"

A moment passing by like nothing, the source revealed himself to the King, standing near the center of the aggregation. It was the rider that was spotted outside, though now he noticed that the rider's horse was black in color, well-groomed and very strong. Looking closer, the brown-haired male could distinguish that he wore unfamiliar garb, his clothes like nothing the monarch had seen in the area before. The outfit appeared completely seamless and somehow managed to be more elaborate than his own royal dress in both design and style.

The man's calloused hands held a sack big enough to fit a month's worth of supply. I don't trust him.

"Who are you?" Enoch posed, his stance revealing a forced hospitality.

The King narrowed his observations to the sly smirk spreading across the man's rough features. It was unsettling.

"I'm the Highwayman," the rider smiled widely, opening the bag, "and if your town wants to have it nice then I'll be getting a harvest. How wonderful that will be!"

Time allotted for the shock to ebb off, enough for them to realize that the danger was real and unmistakable. There was a moment where the King was certain that Pottsfield's leader would protect them, act to retain what belonged to his people. Then, slowly, Enoch lowered his guard and looked darkly upon the Highwayman. A few children were whimpering in mourning. Hushed worries were exchanged in the background.

"Highwayman, you're offerin' a difficult bargain. I'll let you know Pottsfield needs our vegetables to have a festival," he explained. "Though if you're set then I can't try anythin', so long as you stay to your word."

"Good. And you'll keep yours to yourself. All of you. Or this entire town will have wished for silence," warned the man as he beckoned the villagers forward. "We wouldn't want anyone to regret letting a story slip, now would we?"

Agreeing murmurs rippled about the crowd, raising the hairs on the back of the King's neck. He grimaced when his wife gave a terse and sorrowful nod, Enoch retreating farther back to let the first couple of civilians place their labor's fruits into the Highwayman's bag. What? How can they allow this to happen? The King felt his blood start to boil, rage pooling into him at the sight of Pottsfield submitting to the criminal. Someone has to do something!

When more of the crop was handed over to the Highwayman, too willingly for the King's liking, his steed stepped forth with decisiveness, guided by the slap of prickly shoes on its flank. The robber brandished an entire set of teeth, his enormously wide grin splitting his visage in a way that shoved the King far off the edge of his patience. Pottsfield may have to pay for this, but I cannot stand by as this villain takes from my kingdom! It is unacceptable! The ruler of the Unknown barged ahead of his wife, breaking her hold on his arm and causing a gasp to escape her lips.

"Hm? What is this?" the Highwayman snarled, having already secured the bulging sack onto his horse. It had to have contained enough produce to wipe the festival's collection clean, foreshadowing famine for the blooming civilization.

"I am the King of the Unknown. I demand that you return what you have taken from the people of Pottsfield. Any action against us shall not go unpunished," the King warned.

Royal decree didn't seem to faze the Highwayman. To the ruler's irritation, he brushed it off as child's play, disrespectfully turning his animal around. His ride started to trot towards the exit.

"Halt! Do you hear me?" he snapped, outraged as the Queen covered her mouth to hide her distress, being completely useless in the dire situation while the other continued to ignore him. "Enoch! Everyone! Prevent him from leaving!"

Despite it all, no one moved except for the Highwayman and his stallion and not a soul dared stop him from pulling open the doors. The King frustratedly turned to Enoch, who had his gaze trained on the departing man. What is the meaning of this?

Then came the parting words, the Highwayman's grating voice carrying to even the back of the barn. "I find it funny that the Unknown couldn't do better in choosing its king after all this time. You are weak, a crowned coward like all the rest of them!" he roared, infuriating his target. "I'll enjoy my stash, Pottsfield! Happy harvest for me!"

Hooves were pounding away before the King could chase after him. His face was red and wrathful as he lashed out at the being in charge of the catastrophe.

"You disobeyed me!" he yelled. "You let a criminal out loose! You have put all of the Unknown in peril!"

Enoch waited out his venting before replying, "In all respect, I had to. Couldn't have had him do anythin' horrible to my town because we wanted to keep him here. It was not in my right. I'm sure you see that, King."

"Stop calling me that!" the robed man spat, seething. "I am your superior! You'll address me as the rest of the town! I will not have this disregard any longer!"

The Queen finally recovered from her dolent stupor, placing herself between the King and Enoch. Her red hair had become slightly frizzed from all of the tension and she looked to be about to cry, though not doing so. "Calm yourself, please. Enoch is our friend. He only wanted to help."

He looked down at his wife, his edginess dying away by her beseeching stare. His jaw, previously tight, relaxed gradually and he felt his heart rate slow. Seeming to accept that he had cooled down, she moved to stand beside him, a comfort to the King more than anything else.

"Allow me to apologize," Enoch started, bowing to prove his case. "If I offend—"

"That is unnecessary," he interrupted. "I'll have the proper actions taken to make sure the Highwayman does not return and will send someone to bring provisions to replace what was lost."

"Thank you. I'll let them know," he said. "Will you be leavin' with Her Majesty now that you've got a plan?"

"Queen is fine," she interjected, getting a nod in response.

"Yes, my wife and I must go. Take care of this town, Enoch," the King said, about to turn away. "Farewell."

"One more thing: I do not think spreading word to the other towns would be good. It is best that they worry none for their safety. Best wishes, friend," the Queen added sweetly.

"Goodbye," the costumed cat replied and waved a hundred arms, still smiling. "It might be a small effort, but wishes can always do plenty a kindness."

o-o-o-o-o

"We have made a promise I am not sure we can keep."

"Quiet, dear sister. You must give it a chance."

"Our talent lies in other areas. We have not dabbled in these arts before."

"Inexperience has never hindered your progress in the past. Why shall this be any different?" she countered with certainty, preparing the book that rested in front of her. "Besides, this is for the benefit of everyone."

Her kin did not respond, instead standing up to close the tidy wooden door to their shared cottage. She watched the young lady's expression as she lingered by the entrance, listening to the sounds of a horse's hooves beating swiftly away. Crickets chirped their songs beyond vision's reach, singing under the cover of darkened woodland. The air held the aura of change.

The younger sister waited until the older was seated at their table before opening up an empty journal that displayed a strange symbol on the cover. She dipped a black feather in ink, allowing the excess to drip back into the small bottle.

"The only reason I do this is because I believe his morals are strong," the elder sibling said. "Perhaps this will redeem itself in the future."

"For the Kingdom of the Unknown," she smiled in return. Her quill pen touched paper. "We begin."

Author's Note: (Because I won't be interrupting this story at all.)

After the long wait, I finally present to you all the first chapter of a ten-part special! :D This story is my take on the history of the Unknown and will fill in pretty much all of the gaps the show left out about the origins of our unknown characters. C; It's gonna be as true to canon as I can make it, but I'll be placing it in the same AU-like world as my other fic. (Don't worry, this can be read even if you haven't read my stuff before. But if you read it afterwards, you might enjoy it more. Maybe.) Perhaps I should give it a name. Like the Royal AU or something. Haha, that would make this fic an original!

Well, that aside, I can't even tell you all how excited I am to be sharing this story. It has been in the works for a long while and seeing it revealed publically is amazing. Thank you so much for reading and supporting my works so far. Without you all, none of this would have been possible. I have a lot in store for future chapters. A lot.

Credit for the cover image goes to Lokkerd on deviantArt! I did edit it a bit to fit the story, though. There is a link to the original in the comments.

Leave a review if you can! Every word drives me to work harder! Until the next chapter! (And for those who want to know, I'll be alternating updates with my other fic. Just to be fair. And full of muse.)