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A month earlier, the evening of the day before the fated duel and Tartarus's attack...
In the desolate depths of the dungeons, a chill filled the air. Katie sat huddled against the cold stone wall of her cell, desperately trying to warm her freezing hands. The sound of heavy footsteps reverberated through the dimly lit corridors, causing the guards to snap to attention. King Malik and Queen Agatha entered the dungeons, adorned in their customary gold and crimson attire.
Surprised by their unexpected presence, the knight Mathews saluted and greeted them. "Sir, we weren't expecting you! How can we be of service?" he asked respectfully.
Malik smiled warmly, gesturing for Mathews and the other knights to leave. "We seek an audience with our guest. Please ensure that we aren't being overheard. This may take some time."
The knights bowed and expressed their gratitude before obediently making their way to the dungeon entrance. As the heavy doors closed, Malik and Agatha approached Katie's cell, their expressions filled with a mix of concern and regret. Katie looked at them coldly "What do you want?" she asked, her voice laced with bitterness as she rose to her feet.
The king and queen exchanged glances. "Katie, you have every reason to be angry with us, but please understand that we have a kingdom to uphold. It was not easy for either of us to accuse you, much less have you hunted. The evidence we have been given pointed to you being the culprit, or so we thought..." Agatha said, her voice trailing as she left room for Malik to finish.
Malik nodded, saying, "We believe we have a traitor in our midst. This duel would be the perfect stage for them to take advantage of us all. It is in our belief that Death is involved personally this time. If the worst is to be assumed, it can only mean the end of our kingdom if we do not proceed cautiously."
Katie's eyes narrowed, her voice cutting through the air. "If that's the case then just set me free. You know I didn't do it. You didn't even give me a chance to speak for myself when you were so willing to cut my head off."
A heavy silence hung in the air as Malik let out a sigh, realizing the gravity of their actions. "We acted hastily, dear girl. We acted based on the information we had at the time. If hosts of Jalaiya or Diablos can roam freely, killing without consequence, it would plunge our people into constant fear," the king explained, his brows furrowing with remorse. "We were rash in how harshly we treated you, and for that I apologize. You have always aided us in our time of need, and we shan't forget that. When this ordeal is over, we will ensure to properly compensate you for everything."
Crossing her arms, Katie let out a frustrated groan. "...What do you need me to do then? Play the prisoner?"
The king and queen nodded in unison. "Whoever wins, the traitor will likely make their move while Diablos's host and my daughter are at their weakest. Until then, we will go on as if nothing has changed and spring a counterattack of our own," Agatha explained.
A loud growl came from Katie's stomach, making them all flinch. She turned away, frowning. "At least get me a warm meal and we'll call it even... I'd rather not go to my fated day on an empty stomach," she asked, hugging herself.
Malik and Agatha smiled, their expressions softening. "Of course. We'll have a meal prepared for you right away," the queen assured her.
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Moments after Leon stormed away from Toras in the courtyard that day, his frustration and anger still hung heavy in the air. He entered the main hall, his footsteps echoing off the grand marble floor. As he approached, he saw the king and queen standing tall and regal by the entrance of the dungeons.
Their expressions were stern, yet tinged with concern. A knight walked past them, his face hidden beneath a helmet as he carried a large food tray covered with a metal lid. The clinking of cutlery and the delicious aroma of what seemed like steak and potatoes filled the hall.
Leon, prepared to go up to his room and ignore them entirely, was halted in his tracks when Malik's commanding voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Boy. We would have a word before your duel."
Leon froze on the staircase, his shoulders slumping in resignation. He turned to face them, his eyes filled with weariness. "I'm about to fight your daughter tomorrow, and you want to talk? You're not trying to trick me into spilling my secrets, are you?"
Malik's gaze narrowed, his piercing eyes fixed on Leon. "I would never. We have other matters to discuss. Come with us. I'd rather we did not have an audience." His voice carried a hint of fatigue, a weariness that seemed to have settled in over time, which Leon couldn't help but notice.
Reluctantly, Leon followed them to their library. The room exuded an air of elegance and refinement, with its silver accents and towering bookcases that stretched up to the ceiling. The gray marble floor reflected the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers overhead. Moonlight filtered through the cloudy night sky, casting a gentle glow upon the crimson drapes that adorned the windows.
The torches lining the walls and pillars flickered, casting dancing shadows that added an air of mystique to the room. It was a space that seemed both enchanting and intimidating.
As they walked deeper into the library, Leon's arms crossed over his chest in a defensive stance. "I hope you didn't drag me here for a popcorn reading session. I do have a long day tomorrow," he protested, his voice laced with irritation.
"Patience wasn't Diablos's strong suit either. You share that much at the least," Malik replied, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. He reached out and pulled a book from a particular shelf, causing it to swing open like a hidden door with a loud pop. "Come along now, we have much to discuss."
Walking into the hidden room, Leon felt a lump form in his throat as the entrance closed behind him. The space was cozy, with only three seats and a small shelf of books beside them.
A tea kettle stood on a nearby table, accompanied by a box of various flavors. With a snap of Malik's fingers, the torches lining the walls burst to life, illuminating the room in a warm glow. Agatha, the queen, gracefully moved to prepare the tea, her movements precise and practiced.
"Please, take a seat." Malik offered, his voice softer now.
As rebellious as I'm feeling, it probably wouldn't be a good idea to be snarky at a time like this. What the hell do these people want? Leon thought irritably, sitting in the far seat.
Diablos groaned. He was always a pain, even back when I had my own body. Some things never change.
Leon's eyes widened. "So you knew Diablos before he was sealed inside of me? Do you know what happened to him? How old are you? "
Malik laughed at that. "Too old as some would say. A couple years shy of several hundred centuries. I have begun to lose count myself if I'm being entirely honest, and yes I knew Diablos back when he was a young, rebellious demon not unlike yourself."
"You are five thousand and twenty seven in August, my dear." Agatha, who had finished preparing the tea, joined them, handing a cup to Malik and another to Leon. Her eyes held a warmth that Leon found unsettling, given their troubled past. "Katie is a spitting image of Jalaiya, back in her happier years," she added, her voice filled with a mix of fondness and sadness.
Leon's frown deepened. "What happened to them?"
Malik and Agatha exchanged glances, a shared sorrow passing between them. Agatha took a seat beside her husband. "They were our greatest pride... the world's heroes against Death's war on all of life," Malik began, his voice carrying a weight of melancholy. "I helped raised them both in these very halls long before I met my dear Agatha. At first, they faced rejection from their fellow demons and angels, but they grew to be accepted and became powerful, prideful creatures. More powerful than any, except for Death himself."
Malik placed his tea on the nightstand beside him. "He can hear us now, can't he boy? Diablos."
Surprised, Leon nodded. "He can hear everything. Bit of a pain actually."
The king and queen both chuckled at that. Their warmth was a little unsettling to Leon, given the last time he spoke to them was when they'd tried to execute Katie. They must've thought of that themselves as their smiles turned to frowns.
"I'm sure that you harbor resentment towards us, but understand we have our reasons for doing things this way," Agatha said, leaning back in her chair. "We still worship and respect Diablos and Jalaiya for the battles they fought for us, but the last time their powers went unchecked, our world as we know it was nearly destroyed."
Malik picked up parchments sewn together like an ancient book beside him and offered it. Leon stood up to take it, looking at it. The title read Armeggeddon: the Day Legends Died. He sat back in his chair and started reading. It spoke of how Diablos and Jalaiya for reasons unknown, turned on each other. They clashed in violent battles that took place all over the world.
The war between them nearly destroyed the very world they fought to protect until someone destroyed their bodies. The day would forever be known throughout history as Armeggeddon.
"When we learned that the angel had destroyed Hime's unit, we had been aware of her losing control of the one she carries, Jalaiya. Jalaiya was not known to be a merciful angel, and to have her and Death loose in the world would destroy us all. The people had to know we have them both under control or we'd have widespread panic on our hands. That is exactly what Death wants," Malik explained as Leon handed back the text.
Leon narrowed his eyes. "If you're worried about that, why haven't you killed us both?"
"That is not our wish. We wish for their souls to be put at peace and for Death to be destroyed once and for all," Agatha responded, crossing her legs. "In order for that to happen, we need your cooperation, Leon."
At first, Leon opened his mouth to bark out a harsh argument. To denounce them for the way they'd treated Katie and him when they first arrived. They already knew who we were... they've known Katie even longer. They wanted to see what I would do if they tried to kill her, Leon thought. "You were testing me when we first arrived, weren't you?"
Malik nodded. "If you had died facing Kirkland, I fear you wouldn't last long in this cruel world. This is not a place to be coddled and given kindness from nothing. You cannot be allowed to trust everyone blindly, boy. We value strength and pride, not sadness and misery. We will lose everything if we are not prepared as will you. I wish that things could be done without blood and pain being the only lesson to offer, but time is not on our side. Time is against us, and Death is moving relentlessly. Our methods may not align with your ideals, but we have no choice."
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
After a moment of silence, Leon chuckled. "A little late to be crying about it now. The way I'm feeling now, Death can bring it whenever he wants. Hope you didn't have high hopes for tomorrow either, because I'm going to win."
Malik's smile widened, a glimmer of pride shining in his weary eyes. "We shall see. Hime has been training vigorously for your duel. I expect great things from you both."
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Present day........
Dark clouds loomed overhead, their heavy burden spilling tears upon the grieving kingdom. People, clad in somber black attire, ventured beyond the fortified walls, umbrellas shielding them from the relentless downpour. A sea of mourners walked in unity, their sorrow palpable in every step, every hushed conversation. Above them, a swirling flock of crows circled, their melancholic caws adding a haunting soundtrack to the mournful procession.
Katie stood before the mirror, donning her black dress, the weight of the occasion settling upon her shoulders. Uncharacteristically silent, she left without disturbing Leon, who stirred in his sleep. The journey through town was long and arduous, rain pouring harder with each passing moment. Ed and Richard, her companions, joined her amidst the crowd, their whispers barely audible amidst the mournful atmosphere.
"Why are we going to this guy's funeral? Didn't he want to kill us?" Richard whispered to Ed, who shrugged.
"Free food, I guess, I don't know. Technically, he wanted to kill Katie... wait, that's not much better, actually," Ed responded, scratching his chin. "At least Leon doesn't have to walk in this rain. God, I hate this shit."
"King Lioness wasn't always like this..." Katie muttered quietly, making them both jump. "Be more mindful when you whisper. If the wrong person hears you, it won't be pretty."
Richard scoffed. "Weren't you in jail for a month? How are you so forgiving?"
She gave a weak smile. "I do have history with these people. Not all of them are like that pompous princess."
Ahead, in the forefront of the procession, Hime sneezed, her delicate figure battling against the elements. "Blasted weather... I swear someone out there is talking about me. I hope it's my sweet Leon, calling for me from his bedside," she muttered, a flicker of melancholic amusement in her voice. Her thoughts shifted to the weight of the speech she would soon deliver, the weight of her father's legacy bearing down upon her. Her smile faded, and her gaze turned hopelessly skyward, lost amidst the swirling, cloud-filled expanse.
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Boy, how long do you plan to lay there. I am growing tired of all this lying around. Get up.
It was the endless void that Leon always returned to within his sleep. Above him was the vast, starless sky, towered with the massive ancient archway. Leon was laid out, perched on top of the glassy surface of the lake. Diablos stood over him, his expression stern and impatient.
Dead flowers surrounded them, the stems penetrating and growing into the lake's dark abyss. Leon felt a hand smack him in the face, and his eyes shot open. Diablos smacked him again with the back of his hand. Get up. Don't make me repeat it again.
Leon threw a sleepy punch at Diablos, who caught it. Well, it's about time, Diablos grumbled.
Ever heard of knocking? Where the hell is that bus driver that crashed into me? Leon muttered, snatching his hand back and rising to his feet.
Bus driver? What are you on about? Diablos snapped, crossing his arms. What happened a month ago? That putrid angel still lives, so obviously, you both survived Death's attack.
That angel liv- Katie's alive. Where am I? Leon turned and twisted, causing ripples in the lake beneath his feet. His eyes widened in confusion as he looked back at Diablos. Why am I here? Shouldn't I have woken up? You said a whole month has passed?
You've been stuck in a bed this whole time within the castle. I recovered shortly after what I can only assume was your victory over the knight. I bet that pathetic Jalaiya is foaming at the teeth at being turned into a sideshow. Good work, Diablos said, giving a sadistic grin.
Even in his mind, any type of smile that could form on his demon counterpart's face gave Leon the worst kind of chills. Am I dreaming, or was that genuine praise coming out of your mouth? Leon asked, scratching the back of his head.
You finally did something worth noting, boy. That doesn't mean the world will magically become a safe place. Our powers have increased vastly, but it does not guarantee our safety. I'm more than sure that angel's forces are already conspiring against us, Diablos grumbled, turning his back to gaze into the dark fog surrounding them in the distance.
Leon frowned. Katie would never do that. She spent an entire month in a cell just trying to save my friends, even though she doesn't know them at all. She didn't have to surrender to Hime that day if she was as conniving and heartless as you believe. Richard and Ed would be dead in the ground, and we would've ended up fighting to the death or worse.
Don't be a fool. It matters little whether the girl's intentions are pure or what actions she takes. There are forces at work that go beyond her, whether it be the one who resides within her body, or her family. Just being with her every second puts us at risk. You saw a small taste of what Death was capable of. Does surrounding us with enemies sound like your bright idea of staying alive? You saw what Death did to your friends. He could use the angel any time he wishes... none can escape it, Diablos warned, growling.
A laugh came out of Leon, causing Diablos to turn to him. Have you finally cracked, boy?
Not at all. If Death controls any of them again, I'll just smack them out of it like the first time. Aren't you supposed to be the strongest demon? Are you afraid of losing to them? Leon inquired, smirking at the way smokes emitted from Diablos's body.
I do not fear boy. Knowing your limits is how you stay alive in this world. Do not speak as if you know what you're doing. You won out of sheer luck, Diablos retorted.
Leon sighed. Running away would be the easy thing to do. Go alone and train as you're suggesting until we're strong enough to take on anyone. If I wanted to live like that, I wouldn't have wasted my time staying in this kingdom. That isn't my style. That being said, I've made up my mind. You already know that.
Their eyes met at that moment. Leon's cool brown versus the hateful crimson of Diablos, and yet in a sense, the coldness between them didn't seem as bad as it was before. If you're going to go down that path, I'm going to work you to the bone. We can't afford to lose to anyone ever again.
Leon grinned, nudging his shoulder. First of all, we won. We'd be dead if we lost. And why would we? Who the hell do you think I am?
A fool, clearly, Diablos retorted, smacking his hand away.
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Against the relentless assault of the oncoming storm, the red, black, and golden flags of the Lioness Kingdom defiantly fluttered, borne aloft by the steadfast knights who trailed the casket of the late King Malik. Following in their wake, Hime and her grief-stricken family were accompanied by a somber multitude of subjects. It was as though the very heavens wept, crows and ravens swarming above in a mournful dance.
The path to the burial ground stretched out before them, a long and arduous journey through the drenched and windswept landscape. Glistening tombstones, made of a rare black stone, stood scattered amidst the meticulously trimmed fields of grass.
Stone paths, newly paved, crisscrossed the expanse, directing mourners to their final destinations. The air reverberated with the mournful symphony of howling winds and anguished cries, creating an atmosphere heavy with grief and loss.
Atlas and Luna, the bereaved twins, silently wept, their tears mingling with the rain, as they clung to each other, finding solace in shared sorrow. Their eldest brother, Kruger, bore a silent scowl upon his face, his countenance reflecting the weight of his unspoken pain. Beside them, Hime walked in a solemn silence, her steps heavy with the burden of loss, while she struggled to blink back her own tears, mirroring her mother's resilience.
Katie, Ed, and Richard followed closely behind the royal family, their hushed whispers swallowed by the overwhelming presence of the grieving crowd.
Words failed them, their voices silenced amidst the collective despair that shrouded the procession. With measured steps, the mourners advanced toward the dug grave at the farthest reaches of the graveyard. As the knights, emanating a profound respect, lowered the casket into its final resting place, Queen Agatha and Hime positioned themselves at the edge, facing the sea of mourners.
Agatha raised a finger to her throat, her voice resounding louder than the howling winds, as she began her address with a tender timbre.
"People of the Lioness Kingdom, today is a day of immeasurable sorrow as we bid farewell to our beloved Malik Lioness. In the face of the Tartarus invasion, we fought with valor, aided by Leon and Katie, who bear within them the souls of Diablos and Jalaiya, vanquishing the traitorous Toras. Their brave friends helped us fight even when we had brought them to our kingdom in chains, and for that we will always honor them. I shall utter my final words to my beloved husband, and extend an invitation to all who wish to speak in his honor..."
Agatha turned her gaze toward the casket, clasping her hands together in a silent prayer, her eyes squeezed shut, as she wrestled with the weight of her emotions.
"Five thousand years is a mere whisper, my love. Never did I imagine we would be parted in such a manner. If only I had remained steadfast by your side..."
Her voice trailed off, bitter sobs caught in her throat, her children gathering around her, their hands pressed gently against her trembling back. Summoning strength, she forced a wistful smile and concluded, "I yearn for the day we shall reunite, my dear Malik. We shall endeavor to honor your memory. I love you. Rest well, my love."
Next, the grieving twins stepped forward. ""I'm... I'm gonna miss you so much, Father," Atlas choked out, his young voice quivering with raw anguish. His small frame shook with the weight of his sorrow, his shoulders hunched. Tears streamed down his face, unchecked and unashamed, as he gazed down into the abyss of the grave. "How... how are we supposed to... to find our way in this world without you?"
Luna, his twin sister, stood beside him, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling. "Father... who will guide us now? What... what will we...?" Her words broke into heart-wrenching sobs, her delicate form shuddering with each gasp for air. She fell to her knees in the mud, held closely by Atlas as they cried together.
Kruger kneeled to hug them close, gritting his teeth. "I'll take care of them, father. ...D-don't worry about a thing. Your lessons have kept us alive this long. We won't let them be in vain."
Behind him, Hime's wide eyes darted around, her head spinning with a whirlwind of emotions. The rain intensified, transforming into a merciless onslaught, soaking everyone to the bone. "Father... Even to the end you fought for my dream. There isn't a creature on this Earth who could... who could..."
The memories of the king's execution replayed in her mind. Of the throne and her kingdom stained in blood. The sight of Leon so powerful standing over her in the arena to bedridden, covered in blood and unawaking.
Toras's sadistic laughter made a requiem of misery in her ears as thunder struck in the distance. Overwhelmed, she trembled, her lips quivering as she struggled to find her voice.
"I... I can't..." the words were hardly a whisper as Hime's lips trembled. She jumped as she as a comforting hand extending to grasp her own. Turning to face Katie, Hime locked eyes with her, and in that shared connection, Katie began to sing, her voice resonating with raw emotion. And in that moment, Hime's suppressed sadness erupted like a tempest, cascading forth, mingling with the pouring rain, as the heavens wept in unison with their grieving souls.
"Borne aloft by gentle winds,
Oh the bird journeys on,
As yonder horizon gleams
The deep blue of the sky,
Now it yields to the sea,
As waves sway us into dreams.
The buds burst into bloom,
And they sing all the while,
The wheel of life turns anew.
The light that guards us guides us through darkest night,
Its smile bright as sun blazes through.
If you'd just close your eyes,
You'd see that there are sights
That though day follows night,
Still they fade from view
And in most every one, you're there, and that is why for me..."
As Katie's voice wove its enchanting tapestry of hope and resilience, a transformation began to take place. The somber air that had enveloped the burial grounds seemed to dissipate, giving way to a glimmer of light that pierced through the dark clouds. The Queen, no longer able to contain her pain, held her children even closer, finding solace in their shared embrace as Katie's ethereal melody washed over them.
Spellbound, the entire gathering stood in rapt silence, their hearts stirring with a renewed sense of purpose. And as the crowd listened, their collective sorrow momentarily forgotten, a hush fell upon them. The notes of Katie's song carried their burdens away, and the weight of grief lifted, if only for a fleeting moment.
"...All these days of strife,
All these long days,
They'll be worth it one day,
'Cause others will join the fight!
So make a song to remember,
A song for us all,
Tell the world that we did it right~
We'll call it 'Onward Into the light!"
As the final notes of Katie's song hung in the air, bursts of vibrant flames shot skyward, their brilliance piercing the darkness. The clouds reluctantly gave way, revealing a breathtakingly blue sky illuminated by the warm embrace of the sun. All eyes turned upward, following the fiery display, but it was the sight of Leon standing behind Katie that truly captured their hearts.
"Leon?" Richard uttered in disbelief, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes widening with a mixture of astonishment and joy.
"Leon!" Katie exclaimed, her voice filled with sheer happiness as she leaped into his awaiting arms.
The collective pain that had gripped the kingdom was shattered in that moment of reunion, replaced by an overwhelming surge of elation. Cheers erupted, reverberating through the burial grounds, as Leon's friends, Hime's family, and the entire kingdom joined in a joyous chorus, their voices echoing triumphantly.
He twirled Katie in his arms, their laughter mingling with the jubilant shouts around them. In an instant, the scene transformed from one of mourning to a celebration of life and unity. The weight of their grief had been momentarily set aside, replaced by a renewed hope and the promise of brighter days ahead.
As the resounding cheer reached its crescendo, the kingdom stood as one, their spirits uplifted, chanting Leon's name. In this bittersweet moment, the world froze around Leon and Katie as their surroundings in their eyes turned to darkness. His crimson red eyes stared into the violent yellow of hers, as Diablos and Jalaiya gaze upon each other for the first time in centuries.
Your hell is only beginning, their voices echoed in their minds, ringing the gong of their plight against Death.
- End of Part 1-