Preview to the Kali Arc of The Legacy

Chapter ??? : Struggling against Fate

Ryder/Kai’s POV

The battle between Kai and Kali had come to an end and silence had fallen in the ruins. Jasmine and Alex anxiously waited until the dust cleared to see the outcome of the battle. 

Jasmine: Do you think Kai won?

Alex (staring intently at the battle): ... 

There was no definite answer. Both of them knew Kai had been outmatched through the battle yet the final move determined the victor. Soon, the dust cleared and two figures could be seen. Alex and Jasmine approached cautiously, waiting to hear a response. As they got closer they could hear a familiar voice.

Kai: H-How…

Giving Kai an appraising look, Kali remained silent for a moment before answering his confusion.

Kali (licking her lips): Honey, you are too inexperienced to defeat me, your final attack had given me enough time to condense my destructive magic and channel it at the weakest point of your defenses. You are certainly strong, but your inexperience proved to be fatal.

Rather than giving her the satisfaction of witnessing his pitiful state, he let out a light chuckle.

Kai (coughs out blood): You say that, but look at yourself. You’re hardly in a state to chastise me.

Indeed, Kali had sustained considerable wounds in this battle, the worst coming from their final clash. The exchange had nearly drained all of her magical power, and only through sheer will was she able to stand victoriously.

Kali (nodding in agreement): That is true, I was careless to underestimate you, but I promise there won’t be a next time. After all…

Kali dramatically paused, a mocking smile disguising her true intentions.

Kali: I’ve decided to make you mine.

Kai: What do you-

Kali gives him no time to answer, as her tongue instantly passed through his lips. Despite his surprise, Kai realized that he was rapidly losing his strength. After several seconds, their lips part and she gives a flirtatious smile.

Kali: After witnessing your prodigal prowess, I have decided to make you my disciple. (Pauses) I have also sensed something interesting lurking in your body. A destructive yet feminine force, struggling to release itself. Is there something you would like to tell me…

Kai (whispering): I...I don’t know what you’re talking about…

Kai tried to deny it, but he knew the truth, that the blood running through his veins was of the Seven Royals, the girls destined to fight alongside the hero and save the planet from the Void and the corrupt Gods seeking to undermine the current balance of power. Yet he refused to tell Kali any of this, so he pretended to be unaware of his lineage.

Kali (flashes knowing glance): I know you’re lying, but I’ll find out in time. You’re mine now. (Gives a brief pause) But first I need you to realize your past is gone.

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Having recovered, she placed Kai on the ground and began to approach his friends. “Run! Run as fast as you can!” Kai wanted to shout to his friends, yet he was far too weak at the moment. He could only watch in horror as Kali walked towards his friends.

Kai (still whispering): No please! I’ll be your student, just let them go! I’ll do whatever you want!

Taking notice of his desperation, Kali slowly turned, giving him a warm smile. However, her cold eyes told a different story. Kai continued to desperately crawl towards Jasmine and Alex, yet he knew his effort was for naught. Finally, Kali menacingly stood in front of his friends.

Kali: You two are Kai’s friends, correct? Any last words?

The two smiled wryly, saddened by their inability to help Kai and the knowledge that their deaths will become a painful burden for him. But instead of expressing their despair, they stared back at Kali with honor and pride.

Alex: Kai has given us so much, he offered us friendship, strength, and happiness. I’m unhappy that I cannot do the same, instead, all I can say is be strong and never change.

Jasmine (tears silently streaming down her face): Kai, Alex is right, you’ve done so much for us and… (struggles to say the last part) I just wanted to say I love-

Jasmine coughs up blood as Kali’s hands instantly pass through their hearts.

Kai: NO!!!

Kai only stared in disbelief, seeing the life quickly exit their eyes and their bodies falling limp. Then mechanically, Kai continued to crawl towards his friends, his eyes bawling from pain and self-loathing. Reaching the bodies of his deceased friends, he desperately checked for a pulse, hoping to find even the slightest hint of life, Yet there was nothing, not even the slightest sound could be heard.

Kai (lip trembling): They’re gone...GONE!

Tears continued to fall as Kai gripped the two as tightly as he could. Meanwhile, Kali glanced pitifully at Kai while she wiped the blood off her hands.

Kali (slightly remorseful): I’m sorry, but this was necessary, had I kept them alive they would become a liability. I needed absolute-

She was interrupted by an insane laugh that flooded the air. It was Kai, whose pain had shattered his mind, bringing him near the brink of madness. As he hysterically laughed, a torrent of magic suddenly appeared and began swarming Kai. Kali could only watch in terror as the magic thickened forming large strands surrounding his body. She suddenly took a step back and began to brace herself.

Kali [Is he falling into depravity?]

Kali was correct, the death of his friends coupled with the loneliness and despair of his past had pushed Kai beyond the edge. Yet as the madness grew, the magic suddenly exploded and flowed into Kai. While Kai absorbed the magic, the madness in his eyes abruptly vanished, fading into a thin glint. After it vanished, Kai opened his eyes and broke the ominous silence.

Kai: I may be broken but...I still have my principles.

Kai hesitantly lets go of his friends and stood up, staring menacingly at Kali. 

Kai: Release!

The absorbed magic suddenly surrounded his body. Kali watched in terrible curiosity as horns grew out of Kai’s forehead and a tail as black as lacquer popped out of his tailbone. As the changes stopped, Kai’s nails and teeth were longer and sharpened, his eyes a subtle violent, and his black lightened until it became a vibrant silver. At the same time, Kali was able to regain her composure and observed his transformation. She then gave Kai an appraising glance.

Kali (smiling): You’re a demon huh, no wonder your magic felt so familiar. It doesn’t matter, I can tell your body can’t withstand that large amount magic. If you stay in that form too long, your human body will corrode. If you embraced the power within you, it wouldn’t be an issue.

Kai only gives a depreciating smile in return, before he responds.

Kai: And surrender to Fate? That’s ridiculous! I’ll fight her to the end! No one decides my fate other than me.  I’ll fight to the very end so that I can die peacefully knowing that I’ve avenged my friends. Prepare yourself, Kali!

Kali (sighs in disappointment): Must we fight? I’d rather not kill someone so good-looking and with so much potential. 

Kai doesn’t respond and their mana begins to violently circulate throughout their body. Each wait attentively to see which one will make the first strike. Suddenly, Kai disappears and in the blink of an eye is in front of Kali. The first move was made, and the gears of Fate began to move once again, pushing Kai closer to the battle that would determine his fate.

End of the Preview

AN: So make sure to comment below. After all, this is my first attempt at writing a story so I’m sure there are errors I’m not noticing. All criticisms will be accepted as I’m sure my writing style has faults and inconsistencies. Also, I’m sure readers are confused by the lack of context but this is a scene that’s around a third into the story so much of the context and lore of the story will be explained in the beginning. Not sure for when the next upload will be as I want to plan this out and make a structured format. Anyways that’s it, so thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed it!