"Your demise nears."

He ignites his hands with blue flames, and he places them both on the massive door in front of him. "Not even the shield of Aegis can stop me. I will not be toyed with any longer."

A smoke flares up from the door. The intense heat melts the gate, and the snow dissipates around him. Nature dared not come close to him for they feared him. Those with power are feared while those who do not have it cower in fear of the strong. 

The mysterious person under the cloak has succeeded in making an improvised entrance for himself in the form of a small burnt crevice that still seeps with smoke as the snow dissolves upon it. 

He enters the darkness of the cave, his intentions are unknown, but will soon come to light. 

Walking aimlessly without a light to guide him, he enters further into the cavern and ignites his hand once more to illuminate his surroundings.

A majestic tomb of some sort where statues of various people unknown to him are placed orderly across the hall. All of the statues are designed carefully making them look real even if they are just in display. Boulders of every size are strewn everywhere. It seems that this place was left behind years ago, maybe even more. Intricate floor tiles are in pieces, well made pillars that hold up the chamber and desecrated. 

He inhales the musky, but fresh air that has made its way inside. The snow has had no effect on him for he is guided by his flames, staving off the very forces of nature. He then begins to look around.

What catches his attention the most is the three passageways that present themselves in front of him. All of them are mysterious passages that contain no hint of its contents. The only way to find out is to brave the dark, and move forward.

He looks around the entirety of the cavern to admire its grandeur despite it being in ruins. Statues, intricate designs, wide tomb. "Has this place been ransacked before? Everything is in ruins, left to rot for all eternity, but it has stood the test of time so far."

He approaches the different cave landmarks that are of interest to him, inspecting their every detail as one specific clue might lead him to his ultimate goal, but nothing of importance.

He then proceeds to where the three dark passageways are. Shining the light overhead, he sees images on top of all three of the entrances. The one on his left is a dark silhouette of a man wearing a mask that has a crooked smile, something similar to death is what he thought at first. 

The one on the center is an empty scale. Just like libra... "What might this mean?"  

Next, and lastly is the one on his right. The same image as the one on the left, but the person has no silhouette. Both are facing the scale of which they hold out one hand towards it. The ruin images are faded, but he managed to identify it through the use of his eyes that glow yellow in the darkness of the caverns.

Truth be told, i could have just used my eyes instead of illuminating the cavern with my flame, but which ever comes first. It doesn't really matter does it?

In the past year i have trained myself intensively like never before. I made no reason not to train. I harnessed this power so i could understand it, and use it whenever i needed to. Figuring out how was one thing, trying to make it all work is another, but successful in the end, i have begun to understand this power, but not where it came from and why i have it. Might it be that Marchosias's powers still linger inside of me? 

"Heh, it can't be. He's never spoken ever since. I didn't forget him, i just ignored his presence. He is not there anymore i suppose. Just like everyone else I've met. All gone."

Rumors have lead me here. They say a great power of the past still lingers here in the form of a long lost story passed down by the old generation. None have been successful in trying to locate it, but finally i have... It took me months to find this, scouring every part of the country in a matter of weeks, months. Who knows, it might not be here anyway. 

I return my attention to the three symbols. "Maybe the one on the left symbolizes death, and the one on the right symbolizes life... But what of the scale? It must mean something. Or maybe my thinking has its flaws."

What could it mean? I dare not enter one of them without being sure that it leads somewhere. One might be my death, while the other leads me to it... It can't be that easy can it? No, it's not. I think I've figured it out.

If i get trapped i might as well destroy the tomb at the cost of the power i am searching for being lost in the ruins. 

The cloaked person takes the passageway on the center, the one with the scales. As he stares off into  the darkness, the person feels an eerie atmosphere to it. "No going back. I've lost too much to be able to come here. I'll do whatever it takes."

he trudges forward, his footsteps echo through the passageway. The narrow hall is lit up by blue flames where strange inscriptions are laid everywhere in a language that is unknown to me. I ignore them nonetheless. They might contain secrets of which i need to know about, but i can't spare any more time. I have an ambition that i wish to fulfill. 

After a long walk, he finally emerges. A large chamber where a mysterious beam of light shines down on an altar. The sound of water droplets falling into a small puddle can be heard from a distance. A giant statue is behind it, overlooking the entire chamber like a guard for all eternity. 

Numerous stairs are in front of him, then comes a archway that stretches all the way until the altar. That is what i can see with my eyes. The flames might not me enough to illuminate everything, not unless in want to burn the entire place down. 

I begin walking towards it hoping that whatever i am searching for lies there somewhere.

I feel a presence nearby, but i don't see anyone despite my enhanced sight that could see through the darkest of places. Ignoring it, i continue forward. 

The altar is just a plain slab of stone yet a light from above beams down on it. i slowly place my hand on the altar, and suddenly my heart throbs with pain, again, and again. 

I back away quickly and clutch my heart with my hand. "What was that?" 

"You have awakened me... Our hearts resonated. You will be a suitable vessel for me."

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

I the voice of what seems like a disembodied entity. It speaks with a voice so deep that it might reach hell at some point. I feel myself growing weaker just by listening to it.

The voice calls out "You are no ordinary being... You may be one who can surpasses me, but you show no promise as of yet... Who are you?"

I don't intend on responding to its questions. I draw my sword and assess my surroundings... I don't see anything, or anyone. 

It speaks out again "You possess a coveted power. So much potential, yet not awakened. Might this be your weakness?"

"Cease! i don't want to hear anymore out of you. Are you the one named Kokabiel?" I ask out to it. 

"Indeed i am... You seek my power do you not? It is all written in your heart. I've read everything, but i do not know what you don't know... Pained by your own weakness you become desperate in your search for a safeguard. Am i correct?"

It read my... Heart? If this is truly the fabled Kokabiel, fallen nephilim, son of the gods, exiled from the heavens and sealed because of it's tremendous power that once threatened the existence of the very universe... Then reading hearts, or your memories is nothing to him. It might even be natural.

I answer back, although fazed. I speak with a being with near limitless strength. I must be careful on how i tread this water. The stories I've heard are that Kokabiel is famous for the death of the entire universe in the far past. "Then you know why i came here as well don't you?"

"Yes... I can see the darkness in your heart. It seeks for vengeance. It bleeds for power. The stories surrounding me are true. I can give you that power, at a price of course." 

The story that he speaks of is about the near extinction of the world. when the first humans came to existence, they numbered up to 5 billion. Flourishing into various great empires at the beginning, they worshiped the gods up above and scorned the daemons down below. 

Kokabiel thought that humans were mere playthings. He took countless of lives just for his own amusement. He took their souls because the gods imbued them with it, without souls, or the breath of the gods. They would not live.

The gods that created the first humans had enough of Kokabiels act, and thus they tried to subdue him and seal him. It all lead to a war against one fallen god. With dark wings, and feathers of pure lament surrounds him, he fought the gods in a battle that destroyed various mountains, sunk continents, killed many of the humans. 

One exiled god against five. Ylur did not participate for he could finish him off in a heartbeat, so he let the gods handle their own creation. Kokabiel was the son of the human creators. Regin and Calidon, the mother and father of the humans amassed the great army both in heaven and on earth to battle their offspring.  Lead by minor gods, they battled for millenniums.

In the climax of the battle, Kokabiel harvested the souls of every human being on the universe. Many different worlds and civilizations died instantly. Calidon and Regin where utterly annihilated. He killed his own mother and father in cold blood. It would have sealed the fate of the world, but not until Ylur finally took notice of this. 

The two faced off, but it was a one-sided battle. With a snap of his finger, Ylur took Kokabiel's soul and sealed it. With another snap of his finger, the humans of every world regained their lives, and so did the various gods that had died. He gave Kokabiel's souls to the very humans that he toyed with, and had them seal it in a place that is to be forbidden for anyone to enter. An eden on earth. 

Kokabiel speaks out to me. "I see that the humans passed down the story quite well. Every detail is correct."

I interrupt it "Except they left out the detail of you becoming weak. Ylur, the god of gods, stripped you of your power. Thus you are weak."

"Correct. In order to assure that nothing similar will ever happen again, he sealed me before going to sleep. How lax of him."

"I came here to take your power. I will harness it, and soon i will be able to accomplish what I've vied for years ago."

Kokabiel stays silent for a while, but then speaks once more with a voice that has it's interest piqued. "You seek power from one who has been weakened. I cannot offer you the strength i once had, but i can offer you power nonetheless."

A small sphere of a dark purple color appears from the beam of light. It levitates inches from the altar. The voice of the nephilim calls out once more. "This is my soul. Take it, and we will conquer your demons, your wishes and ambitions will be fulfilled. Nothing will stand against you any longer."

I think about the offer very carefully, and finally i ask him. "What will you require as an exchange? This devious offer is something that cannot be easily taken. The power that threatened the universe all for the taking, and for no exchange whatsoever."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Nothing... I do not require anymore payment. Your cause had me inspired to aid you. In turn i want to see you truly wield my power. That is the only exchange i require."

I stare intently at the sphere in front of me. Ultimately i reach out to it, and grasp it with my hand. I bring it close and feel the beat of the sphere and my heart resonate. Is it... calling out? I open my hand to take one more look as i hesitate taking this power. Suddenly, as i open my hand, the sphere flies into my mouth. It forced its way in!

The beat becomes stronger and stronger with each pulse. I fall down on the grown and writhe in pain as i clutch my chest with both hands. "Argh! What is this! Why does it pain me?" His own heart beats despite him being the owner of the body. HE feels the very air constricting him and his entire body.  

I remembered in the chaos... 'I will harness your power as my own.'

His eyes open, they glow a clear glint of yellow in the dimly lit cavern. In strong deep voice, it tries to subdue the nephilim, trying to take control of the young person. "Yield feeble weakling! Lest you intend for me to devour your soul and end your pitiful existence!"

The pain stops. I breathe in and out. What had i just done? How did it stop? All i know is i used my own power to try and subdue it, and i succeeded somewhat.

Kokabiel speaks in a low tone, similar to that of a terrified being. "It seems that you truly are no ordinary being. Very well.I will help you without anything in return."

The person stands and is illuminated by the light. It is revealed that he is only a child of a certain age. His gold hair slowly sways with the soft wind that blows through the chasms of the lair. His voice echoes, facing the only source of light in this dark grave he exclaims with a low voice. "Then my goal here is complete. Next is harnessing your power. Then... Hell."

As the child celebrates in triumph, the devious nephilim plans his next move from within his new host's body. (You will be my new pawn whether you like it or not. You are a rare vessel. If i control you, then not even Ylur can stand a chance against us. It will only be a matter of time now...)

The child exits with his newfound power in tow. Under the dim light is his darkened expression. It is the face of some not to be trifled with. 

He first makes his way to the nearest place that he could rest and possibly train his new power. 

The small town of Ivir is the one that he chooses. North of the country, governed by the king of Rhodovierre, it stands on the very border of the north next to the neighboring country. Snow covers the land as far as the eye can see. Trees are adorned with snow as they hang on the branches of the leaves. From a distance you could hear the hustle and bustle of the people trying to make a living in these harsh climates. 

The cloaked child heads for the outskirts instead of the inn. Unable to hold the curiosity of finding out Kokabiel's limits, he tests it on the wildlife there. 

An elk prances about the snow, unaware that it is the prey of a curious child. From under the cover of the bushes, he hides. The snow makes it hard to breathe. He shivers under the leaves, but instead focuses on the task at hand. Trying to rub his hands instead of drawing fire, he successfully gives himself some warmth, and that is more than enough.

The elk closes in. It tries to find fallen fruits along the snow, but he is interrupted by 5 men wearing rugged clothing and dirty faces. They brandish their silver blades. "What do we have here?"

They disturb the child in his trial. The elk takes notice, and runs away. 

The child stands, his back is still turned to them. His turns to them with a glare that could kill. It seems that all emotions other than anger sadness have left him. It wold look like he is being manipulated by a being stronger than him. He exhales into the wind. His breath is pure white as the snow. 

kokabiel speaks to his host in a deep eerie voice that only the two of them can hear. ("Use them... My power will aid you. Put your hand in front of them, and they will follow your every bidding. Like puppets on a string.")

"Cough up all your gold now!" The man rages as tries to intimidate the child, who looks unimpressed. 

"No... I have a much better idea." He closes his eyes, and then opens them once more with a renewed glow. He merges his own power with kokabiel's. 

Igniting his hands with the blue flame, he burns them all. The men had no time to react, nor scream. five of them writhe on the ground in pain. They try their best to keep rolling on the snow to douse the flame, but it has proved futile. 

You would think that all but their ashes would remain, but instead they rise once more. Their appearances have changed. Their faces are hidden in the shadows of their helmets, and all you can see are the visages in their yellow glowing eyes. Now clad in dark armor formed from thin air, they have become menacing soldiers that follow the command of one man.

"You will be my foundation. My army that will accompany me in my campaign through hell. Wait for me Samael... I will build an army fit to save you, and destroy the remains of hell. No daemon will control my fate any longer. Will i be able to save anyone with this power?"

"That is only one of the near limitless things i can offer you my pawn... Now we prepare..." The voice of the nephilim dissipates, and all that is left is the child alone with his small group of soldiers birthed from the dark.

"Come... Let us begin."

~And soon 3 years of peace have passed~

The day of the marriage has come. Prince Gram has turned 16, and is now eligible to marry and ascend the throne.

Frelasien is crowded with people from all over the country, all want to be witnesses to the auspicious occasion. It is being held in Atlas-Azure. The sun shines brightly overhead. People shout in joy, and celebrate as this marriage will be the foundation of which will strengthen the country. The chants could be heard around the city "The rightful king is Kal-Ardonia," And so on and so forth.

The ones most nervous are preparing for their vows. Prince Gram wears a traditional white gown that is worn by the king of Ardrasthrur. being groomed by the finest of people in the country, he looks stiff and unprepared. In the years that have passed, he has forged somewhat of a relationship with both princesses. Through his best efforts he has managed to ge them to open up, but then came the stories about Fafnir, their beloved.

The queens to be are prepared on the altar. They are accompanied by their family. Princess Juliette wears a beautiful white gown. Adorned with many pieces of jewelry, she stands out as many people have already described her to be beautiful, and possibly would put older women to shame.

Princess Charlotte also stands out. She wears a white gown similar to Princess Juliette. There is nothing much to compare with their differences for they are made to be similar. 

The Church is filled with people. There are even some who brave the stampede of the crowds outside.   

King Lazarus and King Nerian stand side by side with their princesses. "The ceremony is about to begin! please... A moment of silence for the coming of prince Gram Kal-Ardonia!"

The people bow their heads in his coming. The new king to-be of the forged kingdom. He strides confidently as rehearsed. Now he waits in front of the priest that awaits the coming of the princesses.

Both walk down the aisle while the people watch with smiles on their faces. The two princesses have their faces down on the ground. Might they be sad, or might this be part of the ceremony. They finally reach Their prince, and he takes both their delicate hands in his. Together they stand in front of the podium for a proper union.

As he ceremony is taking place, a group soldiers lead by a familiar face can be seen running about. Trying their best to get through the crowd with urgency.  Their metal armor clanks about the streets making the townspeople curious. 

"Make way people make way, this is urgent. I know i wouldn't want my own wedding to be interrupted like this, but please cooperate."

Meanwhile in the chapel. The climax of the union is to come. The priest speaks with his hands raised in front of the many people who will now witness the change that this country has awaited. 

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in sight of Ylur, and in the face of his company, to join together this man and women in divine matrimony; which is an honorable estate. If any man can show just cause , why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."

The elder priest looks around and sees the people content with the ceremony so far. No one will object to this. He continues.

"Then i shall say to the man, Gram Kal-Ardonia. Wilt thou have this woman to be thy lawfully wedded wife, to live together after Ylur's ordinance in the estate of divine matrimony?"

"I Do."

The priest repeats the same sentence for princess Charlotte. Gram responds... "I Do."

Finally, the priest asks the two princesses, and together they will both answer in resonance in order to seal the bonds of eternal matrimony. 

"Will you accept the hand of Gram Kal-Ardonia in marriage be it it in sickness or in health. To forever support each other?"

But before they can both answer, the church is then stormed by soldiers. The people gasp as the they fill the isles in search for someone.

King Lazarus speaks. "Fiol! What is the meaning of this?"

"Sorry to interrupt you on this auspicious occasion, but there's something much more of interest that needs to be addressed."

The hall becomes silent as they listen in on the conversation. Even the betrothed stay silent as they look to King Lazarus's general direction. 

"What is wrong?" Asks Gram

King lazarus reads the parchment and passes it on to King Nerian. 

King Lazarus responds to Gram and the rest of the people in attendance. "The kingdom of Rhodovierre lies in ruins... It has been burned down to the ground. A mad explosion of blue flames erupted in the center of the city. The entire land has become scorched, hell on earth."

A gasp of people is heard, then comes the murmurs and the talk among each other, but King Lazarus is not finished. Nerian drops the letter in shock, ad he looks at Charlotte. 

"Rhodovierre has been burned down to the ground in blue flames. An army emerged from its ruins, and is currently marching towards us. Death knights commanded by one who allegedly possesses the blue flames."

Princess Charlotte puts both hands on her mouth as she hears blue flames. Princess Juliette drops to her knees, and prince Gram's expression turns serious. 

~To be continued