I'm not bleeding, but everything... Everything hurts. Leon winced, clutching the arm that had regrown from the embers. He spat out a trace of blood, enduring the stinging sensation as his teeth grew back, pricking his gums like delicate razor blades. His friends stood before him, a mix of awe and fear painted on their faces, while his eyes shimmered with a mesmerizing crimson. His body trembled, every fiber burning and aching in protest.

Get used to it, Diablos said.

King Malik snapped his fingers and the soldiers walked up to Richard and Ed. They unlocked the shackles on their wrists and ankles. "Leon! How did you- How the-?" Richard was stammering, something that normally never occurred.

Ed was speechless, merely moving to his side. He sniffed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I-I thought you were going to die," he croaked, swallowing back another sob.

The soldiers lifted Katie who was still bound by the heavy black chains, carrying her on their shoulders. She gave Leon one last look of thanks, tears still falling down her cheeks. The king addressed Leon, his arms resting on the throne's armrests. "I acknowledge you are in fact a novice. Would you deny this claim?”

Leon’s eyes widened at the word ‘novice’. “What? How dare- How could- Ugh, yes… sir? King? How am I supposed to address him?” He looked to Hime helplessly.

She giggled into her palm at how he fumbled. Collecting herself, she replied, “You may call him Malik, Leon. You are among friends here.”

The king coughed into his forearm, clearing his throat. “ A poor display of battle would be unacceptable. You have but one month to sharpen your skills," he stated, his jet-black armor gleaming under the sun. His gaze shifted toward Hime.

"You are all dismissed. See to it they are given proper lodging, Hime. The boy may stay in the castle, but his friends will need to find an inn. Make it clear that they are our esteemed guests, deserving utmost comfort during their visit," Malik commanded.

His subjects dispersed from the room altogether, casting Leon and his friends a few glances. Hime bowed to her father, her gaze shifting to Leon. With a wave of his cloak, the king and queen disappeared in a spiral of flame leaving nothing but dust.

“Has he ever heard of walking out the door like a normal person, or is he always this flashy?” Richard asked, staring at the spot they left from.

“Tis a simple spell for my family. A flex of power is rather common in these parts,” Hime responded, turning to them. She lowered her eyes, her lip quivering. “Are you alright, Leon? Please do not think ill of my father. Mother and I wished to intervene, truly, but-”

Leon sighed. “Hime, it's fine.”

“It is not fine! You just suffered a great deal at our expense!” she protested, taking a step closer. “This is not how duels are fought here. We take pride in our honor! I do not know what has come over him…”

A thought came over Leon at that moment. “Well, your kingdom is a part in the fight against Death and Tartarus aren’t you?”

Hime paused, and then nodded. “It is what founded this kingdom into what it’s become today.”

“Do you expect anyone from Tartarus or anyone evil or vile to fight fairly? Honourably?” Leon asked, crossing his arms.

She froze, meeting his gaze. “Even after you’d lost so much blood… You could understand his meaning through all of that?”

Leon chuckled darkly. “Hey, look, I’m not thanking your dad for letting me get turned into a human paint can. My blood’s probably gonna stain this rug for weeks! …I also understood things won’t always have a pretty story the moment I accepted Diablos lives in my body. My life is meant to be complicated it seems.”

She smiled at that. “You and I both. I did not wish for things to ever go this far… Surely you could use some rest or treatment? At least, something to eat?”

Leon exchanged glances with his friends, and then looked at her. "Is it alright if I visit Katie in the dungeons first? There are things I need to ask her.”

She sighed irritably. "I’ll allow it… but answer me this, Leon. What is driving you so far for her? Do you have any idea how cruel the angel that resides within her can be?" Hime asked, narrowing her eyes. “A peaceful life with Jalaiya is impossible, much less a relationship. Do you know anything of Armageddon and how that came to pass?”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Armageddon? Judgement Day?” Ed asked, making her look at him.

“It was one of the worst days in history. When the world was nearly ripped apart in the war between Diablos and Jalaiya. Choosing to be with Katie threatens a repeat of that with every passing second you are together!”

He shook his head, frowning. "...There are things I still need to know. Things I can’t live without understanding. Katie and I share history with memories that have been blocked from my mind.”

“Blocked memories? What do you mean?”

“...It’s a lot to explain. All I know is I don’t want things to end. Despite not remembering what we had, I know I still care about her.”

“Would you still feel quite so chivalrous if she killed you in your sleep? It won’t end with blissful peace, Leon.” Hime leaned in to grip his arm, and the fear in her crimson eyes sent chills down his spine. “You will wake up screaming. Begging for an end she will never grant you. You will see things you were never meant to see. Hear words you were never meant to hear. Centuries of agony and yet only less than a minute of your hell has been endured. Mercy isn’t a word that exists to Jalaiya, I hope you realize that.”

“ I don't know anything about Jalaiya. She might be my enemy, but Death is the one trying to destroy everything. I don’t care about Diablos or Jalaiya’s feuds. They’re just a means to an end.”

Bold words, boy. Care not to regret that choice when things don’t go as planned, Diablos warned.

Leon groaned. No shit.

She opened her mouth to retort, but then cursed under her breath. "Blast it all. This isn’t how our first meeting was supposed to be…”

Leon sighed. “We could always restart tomorrow? Get a proper chance to have a day of not being at each other’s throats.”

At that, she looked stunned. But then her shoulders slumped, and she groaned. “There's nothing preventing you from seeing her. Just remember, Leon. I warned you. I hope you’ll take those words into consideration. As for the rest of you, are you going to accompany him to visit the infamous sky pigeon, or shall I guide you to a place of food and rest?"

Before his friends could interject, Leon said, "You guys should go ahead. I'll meet you wherever you go after I’m done." He winced as he stepped forward, his legs nearly giving out. Standing was challenging alone after the beatdown he'd taken, let alone moving. There wasn’t any intense pain, but soreness and fatigue had definitely settled in.

Richard clicked his teeth and said, "You really need to talk to her now? You look like shit man, it's amazing you're even still conscious after that beating."

"I won’t be long. I just can’t stand to leave things unsettled," Leon said. "Our last conversation didn’t… Didn’t end well. I just need to talk to her again and then I’ll get some rest."

After enduring further protests, Hime led Leon's friends to the dining hall, leaving him behind. It was a slow, miserable climb down the castle. Leon clung to the railing for support, fighting against dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. His eyes flickered, threatening to close at any moment, while he cursed the intrusive sunlight that beamed through the windows, attacking him with its brightness.

It was when Leon finally reached the bottom that he collided with a solid, metallic obstruction, causing him to stumble and fall against the stairs. Gazing up, he saw a familiar figure looming over him—a knight named Toras. Through his helmet, Toras's piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into Leon's very soul as he drawled out, "Oh, if it isn't the little host? Apologies for the tumble." He extended a hand.

Grimacing, Leon rubbed his head. "No worries. I should've paid more attention," he said, taking it. As he was lifted to his feet, Leon couldn't help but notice the immense size difference between himself and the towering knight. Despite being encased in chainmail and heavy armor plates, Toras possessed a powerful, imposing physique that dwarfed Leon.

As Leon prepared to continue on his way, Toras said, "Congratulations on the victory. I doubt many would have overtaken Kirkland so easily, though it is to be expected from someone like you. What's the rush?"

"I need to see Katie. When you say someone like me, you mean a host, right?" he replied without looking back, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. His eyes widened when Toras suddenly grabbed his arm and draped it over his shoulder.

"The dungeons are quite a ways when you're in such a miserable state. I shall assist you to the entrance at the very least," Toras said, pulling him down the hall. “Why you’d want to visit the girl who tortured me is something I’ll never understand, but I won’t question your choices.”

Leon shot him a dirty look at those words. Before he could protest, Toras had already wrapped his arm around his neck and started leading him down a flight of stairs. "T-thanks, I guess.”

He wasn't one to normally ask for help, nor did he like to ask. I guess I'm too tired to fight him off, even if I wanted to. The chills running down his spine were running rampant being next to this knight however. This guy is definitely not an ordinary monster. Is he a demon too?

Most likely. Do not allow yourself to grow careless, Diablos said.

As they made the descent, he asked, “Why are you helping me if she hurt you? Trying to make nice with your tormentor?”

A cold chuckle came from Toras’s lips. “I’m smart enough to know the girl doesn’t have the heart to do something so vile of her own volition. One does not become First Knight of the Lioness Kingdom without knowing the dangers of the great legends. The names and feats of Jalaiya and Diablos are known to all. Bearing her ill will serves me no real purpose.”

It sounded genuine, but Leon couldn’t help but feel there was a dark undertone to that statement. For the time being, he chose to avoid questioning it.

The journey proceeded in silence, the lengthening minutes stretching into an unspoken void. Eventually, they arrived at a dim passageway near the castle entrance. "If you follow the stairs, you'll reach the dungeon in no time. Don't hesitate to come to me, should you need assistance again," Toras stated, releasing his grip on Leon. The coldness in his eyes sent shivers down Leon's spine

"Got it," Leon replied, making his way down the stairs. It was only when he was out of Toras's sight that the knight removed his helmet. With slicked-back red hair, a scar slashing across his face, and a perpetual scowl, Toras allowed himself a devious smile.

“Don't disappoint me now. My master has great expectations of you. As do I,” he whispered to himself, his anticipation palpable.