King of Nero Sleeth "Kaine" Mythue vs Zethelos Dragon God of Chaos
"I'm just going to take a look down there" said a Neroan slave driver to one of his co-workers as he prepared to descend the shaft. Ancient burial grounds such as this would typically contain treasures of untold value for those who got there first, and with the King out on a trip, a golden opportunity presented itself.
"Relax Dominick, if I find anything of value, I'll split the earning's from selllin' it with you and the rest of the boys."
Slowly, the lone slave driver began to descend into the seemingly endless chasm below. A quarter mile down, he'd finally reached what appeared to be the bottom; a flat, dusty surface, no graves in sight. "Well that's disappointing..." the disgruntled man mumbled as he detached his harness from the rope. Taking a single step forward, the ground softly crackling, light vibrations tickling his feet. With a gasp, he lunged for the rope, but alas, he was too late. The ground beneath him gave way. A rush of stale air; tainted with the lingering stench of death, exploded upward, reverberating through the tunnels leading to the chamber.
Somehow, the slave driver managed to grab onto something as he fell. Nervously, he looked around the newly opened area. Around him, were massive chains, covered in faded, ancient runes. There were thousands of them.
But they were all broken…
Every.
Single
One.
The man screamed as he realized that this was no burial ground...
It was a PRISON.
Above, torches all about the city of Nero began to flicker, not constantly, but every so often. Slowly, an eerie, almost unnatural, yet ever-so-subtle chill crept into the air, the perverse feeling growing stronger with each passing moment….
It was quietly busy on the streets. The darkness kept at bay by the light from high above the city and the flickering flames set around the dark corridors. People found nothing to be amiss and continued about their day. The gates opening to allow the return of the King of Nero. His path was kept guarded by many shadow elites sitting like gargoyles above the buildings that lined the streets.
The smell made all take back their progressing steps into the mouth of the void. None were able to move beyond their sight and guards around the entrance of this secret underground construction were able to sense the presence of something ancient and foul. "We should prepare for the worst." One spoke in confidence. His partner not too wary. "Ancient tombs always have rotted pests that make its walls a home." They both looked towards the entrance they kept at their backs. They were inside a building within Nero's lower domestic homes.
The building merely hid a deep canal. Those within its depths could only hold fast as their senses would be stung with the smell. "Light the fires!" And so they were, dozens of them. Their commander was a tall and slender man who kept a hat on despite his horn piercing through them. His eyes almost glowed in the dark. He lit a cigar. "These chains..." He said. As if eyes broke through the dark. "Something is free now." The other miners looked to him in shock. Their size growing smaller as they edged toward the exit. "If you try to leave those guards are going to guarantee you don't make it out of here. Best keep pressing on.." The torch in his hand waved forward in the lead.
Stepping into the darkness..
A sinister laugh echoed from the darkness as a sudden gust extinguished all fires within the tunnel. A heavy chill swept over all as a deep ethereal voice echoed in the minds of all in the tunnel, ”The likes of you? Free ME? From a prison made from the sacrifice of countless children of Seraph? Laughable!” the voice broke into a disturbingly mad fit of laughter, before turning deathly silent. ”You’ve merely interrupted my nap…. And now…. I’m a bit HUNGRY.”
The souls of every living thing in the tunnel were suddenly ripped from their corporeal forms, and dragged into the abyss. Cold, lifeless shapes littered the floor of the cavern, there was only one survivor. "Blech. Soul qualilty really isn't what it used to be... Tastes dreadful.... ohoho. Is one still alive? It would appear as though I've gotten quite weak over the millennia. No matter. I can easily fix that...." the voice muttered as a giant claw reached for the surviving commander from the depths of the abyss.
The commander's eyes beheld the darkness moving for him, illuminated by the flames of the fallen. He gritted his teeth and reached his right hand inside his left coat. "I'm not one to snack on asshole." He leaped backwards, effortlessly flipping several meters back. Not far enough to be out of reach entirely. But enough to evade what the dragon thought was just another mining slave. "My shadow skills are unmatched..." He began to speak as he was midair. His landing was met with an unnatural crater from his legs hitting the stone ground. "The power of my blow knows no equal!" He placed his hands on the ground and a white aura surrounded him briefly, his hair raising. He then vanished in a blur of light.
Chuckling at the defiant display of such an ant, it was time for the dragon to find some REAL food. Souls of the weak were comparable to stale breadcrumbs. He wanted... No he NEEDED more souls; POWERFUL souls. More importantly, he needed to find his precious little investment. Oh how excited he was to check on its growth!
But food came first.
A colossal roar shook the city; issuing a challenge to those who protect it. Bursting forth from beneath the earth, a dragon the size of a small castle, scattering massive shards of earth, splinters of wood, and other kinds of debris all over the streets of Nero. A twisted, flaming grin formed across the monster's face as it eyed the feast laid out before it.
The Dragon
Debris fell from high above. Near to the halfway point that led to the great ceiling above. Pieces of stone fell on homes and caused immediate injury or worse to the residents below. This being its lower district the poorest members of this city were harmed. Their simple market streets buried in clouds from the hurtling boulders wake of destruction. It was a sight to behold from the upper districts. A dark beast rising from the grave and trampling on their city like it was its play thing. The windows shattered. People screamed in terror as they tried to flee. The gates were soon filled with people trying to escape and the upper districts found their ranks swelling with the low class.
A new conflict had arisen from the depths. Just as the King of Nero was stepping into his chambers, having just arrived from Vrondi he was seldom prepared for an attack. He was soon briefed on what was happening exactly.
"When delving into a tomb found below the city a Dragon was awakened." He was simply told. He scoffed. "That's IT? I suppose it HAS been a while since I've last slain a dragon. Something that brutish king of Fotia would be salivating for by now. I will show him how it's done..." Stepping from his throne and down the fresh red carpet was the King. Soon followed by shadow elites of various origin and of independent caliber, save for when called by the King. Armored from head to toe and wielding his scythe the King stepped into the gaping maw of the gateway of darkness.
Emerging from the embracing tunnel of shadow mist and having it vanish behind him after doing so made the King look like another soldier filing into the ranks of Nero's defenders. He stood before the wreckage and rubble. Beneath the terrible roar of the hungry dragon. In the middle of a line of Nero's guards and soldiers. The Elites at his back and his scythe held in one hand. He held a gentle smile on his lips. His aura combined with his army of at least fifty visible soldiers. More filed into the surrounding area. Evacuating injured and forming a line around the battle field. A gaping hole in the ground disallowing most to go directly beneath the flying behemoth. Yet chains were thrown form the shadows. Over a hundred of them flew to the Dragon, attempting to wrap around its body and pull it down with the other world awaiting on the other side. The chains emerging from the infinite depths of the void each chain thrower conjured, to bind the beast with strength beyond their own.
"Wall it in."
At his command magical barriers of sound and darkness were formed in a box like formation around the damaged lower district. Visible to the naked eye and created from over a hundred soldiers. The remaining ones would run up the chains. Elites leading this charge. Gracefully stepping up the chains like tight ropes with weapons amplified with shadow and poison. As they made their way high above arrows shot from all angles came flying at the Dragon from below. Massive arrows meant to slay their most common foe, Basilisks, now used for general Dragon slaying. Launched from giant crossbows with multiples on each and their tips shining purple from the deep magical poison enchanted onto its surface. Sleeth stood above all of this with his Elites yet to budge. His smile and demeanor remained undaunted. It was clear to him now. He had been wanting something to do beyond politics ever since leaving for Vrondi and this, though distasteful, was a matter far more exhilarating.
"If you serve Nuxta I'll have you tell him how wise it was for him to save the best for last..."
Yes. Good. The little ants were trying so hard to protect themselves. Oh how adorable! In the millenia that had passed, it would seem that the arrogance and zeal of mere cattle had come to know no bounds. From tunnel of shadow mist emerged heavily armed warriors, their souls far stronger than anything else this pitiful excuse for a city had to offer. They looked truly…. DELICIOUS. But let them have their moment, for souls that experience hope, only to have it ripped away in their final moments tasted far better than normal. Over a hundred more troops joined the stronger ants in their ‘assault’. Chains bourne of magic and darkness reached out from the abyss helplessly wrapped around the dragon’s body. Though he could tear through such petty bindings with ease, he allowed them to engulf him as tiny warriors rushed toward his hulking form, followed by a volley of massive arrows…
From the ground, it would seem as if the day had most nearly been won by the efforts of the Neronian troops. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Mere inches from their mark, the entire volley of dragon-slaying arrows was swept away by a spontaneous gust of wind. To the dragon, this was the equivalent of flicking away an insect. A vile sound; horrible enough to make even the bravest of souls soil themselves filled the air. The dragon’s amused laugh echoed throughout the streets, a powerful feeling of dread fell over all who heard it. This wasn’t a fight, it was a GAME; the monster was merely toying with it’s food.
With a violent jerk, nearly seventy of the city’s defenders became pale and lifeless, their very life essence robbed from their bodies. Those who didn’t fall immediately faced another consequence, a crushing pain constricting their chests as they collapsed to the ground, many fainting from the sheer feeling overtaking them. Troops fortunate enough to be furthest from the dragon would feel a slight pressure on their being as they felt a sizable amount of their strength evaporate in response to the dragon’s might. Only Sleeth and his hand-picked elites would remain unaffected, only detecting a trace amount of the otherworldly pressure brushing over them. ”Is that all? I expected something more… SATISFYING. the dragon tauntingly huffed as it looked directly at the King of Nero, a mad grin spreading across it’s terrifying face. Moving slowly forward as if to challenge the elite troops, the beast tore through the chains like wet paper mache, they were clearly inconsequential to this monster.
Could it truly be stopped?
It’s slow approach was accompanied by a sudden, otherworldly cold that invaded the air. The typically temperate city dropping to freezing temperatures. If that wasn’t unsettling enough on it’s own, even more disturbing was that any non-magical temperature reading devices would detect any difference, any form of magical device intended for communication, navigation, or temperature reading would be driven haywire, typically ceasing function altogether. The otherworldly cold seemed to defy all reason, piercing all means of clothing and armor, creeping its way deep into the bones of all that felt it, the only physical sign of the cold’s existence being the foggy breath of the living.
"Tch.."
His royal lips sucked in air and spat as if a vile taste had passed between his prestigious lips which have only graced the meals of the finest chefs Nero had to offer. Indeed a bad taste was more than just bad to a King. It was a symbol of his Kingdom. As he watched with distaste his appointed soldiers remained unmoved around his front. His arms crossed he tapped his foot impatiently. Finally, he raised his hand in a waving gesture. "Disappointing... I will have to see to the training of the new legion.. And have the ones who trained these current weaklings before me be put to rest." He was met with a Nero noble. His royal attire was adorned with what appeared as superfluous flower decorations. Large red and pink roses and ebony skin with glowing yellow eyes. He calmly bowed. "Certainly sire and should I have the families of the fallen be notified?" He asked with a sober smile. Sleeth sighed. "It cannot be avoided..."
Sleeth uncrossed his arms and stepped forward. "Don't disappoint me. I'm going to go have some fun now." Sleeth looked up defiantly at the roaring dragon who so arrogantly tore through his city. Long ago the previous kings and queens of this place had slain Basilisks and beasts of terrible power. Mounting their heads upon the walls of the castle. Sleeth smirked as he thought of the location this dragon's head would be placed. He could sense its souls essence seeped in absolute chaos and vigorous eternity within. Sleeth brought his right hand forward and then waved it to his right. His soldiers vanished into their owns shadows like wells of oil. "Is my weapon ready?" Sleeth asked while watching the Dragon feed on the essence of his soldiers. The man behind him bowed once more before speaking.
"Yes your highness."
As Nero’s mightiest warriors began their assault on the massive beast, they would find that their attacks prompted no response from the monster, at least until Sleeth made his attack. The moment he made his swing, a massive torrent of searing flame and light ravaged the inside of the barrier, it’s sound so incredible, the breaking of the sound barrier was barely audible. Nobu; stealthiest of the elites, had made a grave error that compromised his stealth, foolishly drawing the essence of the beast. Now, a large, draconic hand shot toward the assassin’s back with incredible speed, reaching to claim Nobu’s soul.
The Dragon's Descendant form
"Oi oi.." Muttered the invisible warrior. "I've been caught so easy.." He said with disappointment in his tone. With a narrow avoidance he slipped by the strike coming from behind him. Pieces of his armor breaking and flying as invisible debris. Before they could even land he was already sliding into a ditch formed from all the chaos. Escaping into its shadows like a well of water. His voice echoing as it faded away. "Until next time!" Right before the Dragon lord could pursue and providing a bare distraction as the cocky black dragon knight soared in, his fists cackling with dark energy only known to the chaotic beings that conjure it from the infinite essence of cosmic magic. A warping of a simple theory, the absence of light, now a weapon of chaos. He plunged his two fists at the Dragon lord. "FIGHT ME!!!" He roared. With a sigh, the Dragon Lord ducked under the knight's strike, plunging his fist into the fool's abdomen as he dodged to the side. The hand itself seemed to phase through the knight's very being, tearing out a piece of his very life essence as it retracted from his body, the black armor now sporting a sizable dent. With a grunt of agony the knight was knocked back several meters. But as he was fading out a new shadow approached. The King himself. His scythe was as clear as the air it parted.
A twisted smile formed on the Dragon's face as a blinding explosion of fire and light concealed him from view. In a flash, chaotic energy ripped and tore through the barrier beneath the feet of the Twilight Mage, creating a hole just large enough for a certain hand to fit through. In an instant, a vice grip crushed the Mage's ankle, as he was violently yanked through his own barrier, the poor seraphs life being drained with each passing moment of contact. The mage was taken by surprise. Their feet being wiped from under. The barrier keeping all matters contained was now shattering like glass. However. Vanishing within a concealment of his own cloak Sleeth reemerged before the great arm that held his valuable ally. "Unhand." His scythe swung at the arm.
”Of course little ant, in fact, I was just finished with him.” the Dragon responded as he released the man; who had already begun to look like a husk. Shooting back, the scythe sliced off about half of the Dragon's hand , but the ancient lord wasn't done yet. "How disgraceful, I seem to have gotten slower over the years..... I'm going to grab a quick snack...” he coldly muttered as he looked at his hand in disappointment.
With a burst of flame, the Dragon raced for the upper district.
"Oh not so fast." A cut in reality. A warped gash of darkness formed by one of the knights. His master of the blade clearly being deep in dimensional darkness. The Dragon would be headed towards it. Around the dragon formed a barrier of burning light, taking the shape of a spearhead. Within the construct a pale, blue energy; seething with chaos, built within as the dragon's approach quickened. He flew into the dimension the gash closing fast behind him. He was now in a dimension of darkness. No longer in the city it would seem. The knight held his sheathe triumphantly as the darkness would attempt to rip the dragon apart.
Yet, as the dark dug away at the radiant barrier, the pale glow within only seemed to build as the construct jerked to a stop. With the sound of shattering glass, the barrier gave way; from it burst an explosion of a pale blue flame long forgotten by this world, driving back the darkness. In it's center the dragon chuckled, would his foe come to face him? Eagerly, he scanned the void with his myraid of senses-- souls such as these could do little to hide from the likes of him. The sound of footsteps echoed in the Dragons ears. It sounded far and close. Though he floated aimlessly here the king who stepped before him stood firm. "Who are you?" He asked. Grasping his helmet and lifting it off. Revealing his face. He then dropped it into The void. It began to float. Gravity having no effect here.
With a twisted grin the dragon spoke, ”Your strength is impressive little king..... Very well, you have earned the honor of knowing my identity..... I ̢̣͚̞̰̞̺̹A͍͢M͉̣͎̺̦͜ ̼̠̝Z͇̹̦̘Ẹ͕̞̯̜͢T̥͙̯̯́H͔̞͙̗͘E͎L̴̩̬͙̬O̬̠̦̼͠S,̨̣̹̖͍ ͚̟̙͖̟͔͘ͅD͙̞E̯̠̻V̙͚̺̠͢O̘̠̘̼͙̥͈͢U̟͙̗R͘Ę̭͚͖̘͙͔̹R͖͍̠̺͍͡ ̜̗̗͜O̴̭̦̱͙͎F͇͢ L̞E̻͎̰G̺̲͕̻̹̝̬͢I̹͕̭̯̫̼O̺̣̼̜͚Ṇ̤͔͠S̡,̣͙̳ ҉͈̼̬͇͉G̱̰͈̤͖͞ͅǪ͙̣D̤͉̥͓̙̹ ̪̥̼̬O̫̙͔̗̟̩̭F͉͈ͅ ̹̯͞ŚO̫Ụ͓͚L̫̟͖̩̝͚̗S̺,̹ ̶̮͉F͉͉̹̳̜̫̗Ò̭̟͇̝̗U͇͖ͅR͡Ṱ͍̫̱͚͙H͍̣͇͕̗̟̻́ ̩̗̰̯̯̦̣B̜̗̤͇̕O̼͉R͈̯̬̲͖̕Ǹ̙ ҉̤̪̺̱O͔͙̖̬̦̠F̴͓͔̬͓͈ ̧͔̟̮̯͍T̟̬͕̦H̖͇̦̜̞̝̘E ̖̺̭͓̖G̣͓̤͔̳͡O̶̜͚̳̭̙̣D͚̗͔̭ͅ-̼̗̰̣̱͍K̴̩I͇̙͙̝͞N̷̠͉̖̺̦̦G҉͚͖͖͍͕̰ ̩̥H͉̬̭͈̣̳̀ͅIM̴̺͈͇S̲̟̳̜̙ḘL͉̙̫̰F̢͙͔̮̲̪͙ͅ!” his words; steeped in chaos, seemed to twist the very fabric of reality.
King of Nero Unmasked
Sleeths eyes were emmiting a brilliance kin to the fire in ones soul. Though he resigned himself to the dark. He did not seem to be waned by his foes mass of aura. "The God King? You mean that old Dragon defeated by the so called first seraphim?" He chuckled. "Are you now a lapdog for Nuxta? One of the seraphim's own children?"
"Watch your tongue mortal." Zethelos spat as his eyes glowed with rage, ”Had I not been imprisoned by legions of Seraphim, that battle would have gone VERY differently...... Nuxta is still alive you say? And you think me to be his servant!?!?! How....... LAUGHABLE." the ancient dragon sighed as he began to calm down, even so much as to chuckle at the idea he would submit to anyone.
Within the ominously dead silent infinite void of dark. Where no being or material resides. Zethelos and Sleeth Kaine Mythue, the Monarch of darkness and blood. Having failed an attempt to bring the head of the leader of the Therosi left a sour taste in his mind. That is to say he was itching for a release. Stirred from his crimson bath by his foe he was prepared to destroy a few arrogant followers of Nuxta. But finding his foe to be a unique. Not aligned to any current powers. Within the embrace of the dark, where no others could witness them, he felt open enough to laugh at his fate. To him his foe was a beast, when compared to how the descended civilizations handles themselves today. A relic perfect for the taking. He believed it to be a dragon whose knowledge of who descended of today are and what they can do would be limited. Limited enough even to be... He let out a more recognizable laugh. "Foolish enough to face me. The Pinnacle of my kind." He sighed with relief. Fully confident now he released his aura. A show for the beast to sense. His soul, a ripe juicy meal if it could have it. One that sang with a rivaled capacity of the seraphim of old. The ones responsible for this dragons current endangered status.
For a moment the ancient god froze, almost as if unsure of how to respond to such a brash display...... He could tell that the king was powerful from the first moment they met...... But this..... THIS caught his attention. A deep bellow of a laugh welled up from inside him; not in arrogance, but as if met with a pleasant surprise. "Pinnicle you say? Your aura is strong child, but I have faced many far stronger than you." Zethelos declared as his laugh died down; his attitude becoming much more serious as he went on, "However, that was centuries ago-- and I am far from what I once was.... Nonetheless, I cannot imagine a greater bout to debut my return to this world! COME THEN! IMPRESS ME, AND I MAY JUST LET YOU LIVE!!!" Zethelos roared with zeal; a grand smile across his face.
At this moment; heavily contrast to the aura of Sleeth, the dragon's oppressive energies began to recede, coalescing around the old god's body. Very little of the dragon's might could now be felt by the king of Nero, yet the void surrounding him seemed to begin to warp and shift, as if reality itself was beginning to distort.
"Kings Domain!" He shouted in reply. His spell being released and his aura being felt wash over the infinite void. The distortion of their realm began to hasten. A swirl of shadow spinning around them until it formed into thousands of giant spears, twenty feet long each. Sleeth's eyes glared at Zethelos. A feint glow came from them, a strange focused aura was summoned from them.
Sleeth could make out the vibrations of Zethelos's draconic heartbeat. With his left hand he clasped his fist. Forming through the vibrations was an illusion spell from deep within the dragon. The world around them would be moving in to crush him, which in this darkness would be plausible. But it was a lie. Instead Sleeth prepared his scythe in his right hand while the spears began to be released in a constant barrage towards Zethelos whose blood is under the eyes of the king. His Mythue bloodline was known for their ability to freeze their foes blood in place by merely looking at them. It proved to be the highest of the eye traits for combat in the Nayu bloodlines. One that proved effective when this young king was forced to combat other trained royals and prospects for the title of king of Nero. Sleeth vanished while the barrage was unleashed. He covered himself in darkness, erased his sound, and began to assault Zethelos's hearing with sounds of laughter from all over. It would only be a second until he was on Zethelos to strike.
Though unaware that it was an illusion, the walls of darkness closing in upon him concerned the dragon lord little, the fact that his opponent could freeze his blood however, was quite interesting indeed. However was quite troublesome when paired with the incoming onslaught of dark spears. Slowly, the primal chaos that tightly wrapped Zethelos began to expand, forming a sphere of primal chaos around the ancient dragon. Upon contact, spears would be torn apart by the chaotic energies, leaving the dragon unscathed. Though his blood was frozen, Zethelos began to move, albeit very slowly, not giving away that he was tracking Sleeth's every move. Despite being the 'pinnicle' of his kind, the king of Nero had made a crucial error; he had neglected to conceal both his smell, and the aura of his soul. The ancient god of souls was ready to strike the moment Sleeth came in to strike, it was merely a matter of time.
With sheer essence of power Zethelos fought back as a statue. With his immense chaotic power being thrown everywhere the descendant fighting him could only part it with his blade and with divine darkness. Continuous bombardments of light and destructive concoctions were dashed to pieces and cast aside by the King of shadow. It was the best the Dragon foe could do to escape his blade. Even returning the devoured souls to life to fight in his stead was hardly enough. Only by burning away the realm with a chaotic spell did the dragon realize how wicked the King's essence was. His darkness from within was blacker than what was outside and shielded him from the destruction. But futile was the King's efforts, the dragon's power was immense and attaining a clean blow was actively thwarted. This was a high stakes battle unlike any other. Surely Nuxta was not stronger than this?
Their battle continued until one moment. Blood was sent flying as the tail of the dragon was sent flying into the rendered dimensional void of darkness with ripples of chaotic realms opened and scattered around. Some with fire, some with lighting, all chaotic and created by the dragon. The death of the dragon's attempts to avoid the blade and soon the death of the dragon itself was marked by this success of the king. If not for his efforts in improving his speed as he gradually made more and more attempts he would never had caught the beast's most vulnerable body part. The tail was no more and the curse of the blade began to settle into the Dragon. The soul began to leave the body and in that moment the King relaxed his eyes. In a final desperate move the Dragon was freed and able to deliver a bite to the King's left arm. Ripping it off in one solid crunch.
The King fell back into the darkness. His eyes merely widened at the result of this battle. But he kept his eyes on the Dragon up until it was completely dead. Observing as the soul of the beast began to leave its body, despite having feasted on some of the King's soul from that last bite. However the soul of the beast was full of chaotic aura and engulfed its body in an eternal flame keeping Sleeth from getting closer. He wrapped his wound with a solid shadow, though droplets of blood still floated around him from both him and the Dragon. Sleeth still gripped his scythe, prepared to cut even the dragons soul in two. But before he could two giant black wings covered the dragon's burning body.
Your place is not to die here. You've yet to see what beauty I will bring to this world.
The form of Nuxta lifted up from over the Dragon. Long black hair flowing infinitely in the void. He stood as a giant before Sleeth and the Dragon. But non threatening. As if he were only observing.
"Here I thought this had nothing to do with you. No matter." The King, though injured, prepared to cut down both Nuxta and the Dragon.
Your place is to serve the ones you descend from.
With a lifted hand Sleeth was blown back. He was hurtled back to his Kingdom falling from first the abyss and then plummeting from the air above.
Rewards for reading!! (Love x Death x Chaos)
Black Helmet (Steel/Dark) - A metallic helmet made of Basilisk hide. (Reduces Basilisk ability ER by -10)
Rewards for Reading!!
x2 Bloodline Ability Cost Removal
Love x Death x Chaos (Lila x Anui Story)
The morning light shined bright. Bright enough to shine over the city of Nero. People were already filling the streets. The city was rather vibrant despite its mysterious visage. The buildings were made of different sized stone slabs and decorated their triangular rooftops with gargoyles. The air around the market was misty and was rolling from out of waterfall by the castle. A different atmosphere it seemed to have yet it breathed fresh air from the depths into the city keeping the humidity at bay. A cool breeze met the citizens as they kept to their duties. Keeping the economy running through open trade and fresh water flowing down their constructed river banks. Nero Guards, noticeable through their all black garb and white eyes, remained in the shadows, vigilant in their observation of the laws the royals have bestowed on all.
The walls that kept the castle entrance blocked was lined with gargoyles of its own. Petrified warriors and other important figures who dared face against the Nero Kingdom. Their mastery of the Basilisks were of legend. Now deep within the halls of the kingdom was a young Nayu named Lila. It took all morning but a scratching was made on her door. Though it was locked it was cracked open by a sniffing excited creature. Soon the door was opened and a young dragon can chirping towards Lila. Standing at the door was the Nayu servant who was working for the Aion. He looked somber as he laid eyes on Lila whose pet was returned to her. "I kept it safe for you. I'd hate to see it be torn apart for being connected with the Aion." He shook his head. "I suppose your turn on the Aion means you will be against me as well. This may be the last time you see me, if that's the case." He said. Keeping the door in his palm as he was stood halfway inside and out the door.
Laying down in the stone bed, Lila could still hear Anui's last words echoing on her mind and the place where he kissed her burned on her skin. They were her only company on that cold and eerie bedroom. Chains were hanging down from the walls and ceiling, making it look more like a prison cell or a dungeon than a bedroom. Despite having a lot of questions, Lila knew far too well that no one would come answer her. She was already used to be treated like that. Even though it was decorated to look like a bedroom, it was still a cell, a cage...
"We will see each other again very soon. Believe in me." She heard Anui's voice on her head, a comforting reminder that she had someone dear to protect and who would protect her.
"...The Moriarty bloodline has been wiped out by the Aion not too long ago..." Dextra's voice echoed on her mind, almost as an answer to Lila remembering Anui. Her family was wiped out... by the Aion. She already suspected it, but hearing that coming from another Nayu...
Was she not good enough? Did Anui's mother not approve her? Was that the... right decision...? To simply let herself be captured without even saying a word? The old Lila would never find herself in such a vulnerable position. Without her weapon, being captured without even doing or saying anything... She could try to escape but then what? She wouldn't dare to abandon Anui and even if she did... Where would she go?
With all those thoughts haunting her mind, Lila had no choice but to lay down and wait. While the dim lit room and the eerie atmosphere didn't affect Lila at all, the cold, being without Anui to warm her, not able to see his smile, his gentle touch... Those things only made the night even harder for her.
The Next Morning...
The morning came to Lila with a freezing cold sensation running through her body as the young Nayu girl curled herself due to the cold. As she woke up though, she heard a strange sound coming from the door. It was almost like if there was something scratching at the door. A few seconds later, the door was cracked open and a familiar snout appeared followed by a body and wings. It was Virais, whom was separated from Lila before she went to the ball. The small dragonling ran towards Lila, chirping happily and excitedly, making her open a small, discreet smile as it jumped on the bed.
Gently caressing him, Lila looked at the dragonling, who laid down nearby her after jumping around her for a while.
"So many things happened in just one day..." Lila mumbled as she caressed the dragonling.
But Virais wasn't the only one who came to pay her a little visit. The Nayu servant, the same one who took her to the ball, who was working for the Aion was there too. Even though she didn't held any resentment towards the servant, she knew that she was probably his enemy after all that, and his words couldn't be more clear about it.
"You have my gratitude for keeping him safe." Lila said to the servant, after hearing his harsh words.
"The Aion killed my family. They took away everything I could have. A family, a home... I was created as a weapon, a monster... used as a tool to slaughter my own kind." Lila said to the servant, the anger on her voice only barely noticeable.
"I don't want to see the Aion in my life never again. If they do anything to me, my Anui or to ruin my life once more, they will have to face the monster that they created themselves." She continued, with a firm voice. Even though the Nayu servant was kind to her since she met him, she didn't know him. She couldn't say he wasn't responsible for what happened with her family.
"Thanks for everything, but it would be better for you to leave, lest you want to be caught." Lila said, looking to the Nayu servant. She was grateful to him for taking care of Virais, bringing him back o her and helping her before the ball with the dress & everything. She didn't want to hurt him as he probably had nothing to do with what happened to her family, but she wanted him to know how serious she was.
Lila was left alone after the servant left. Closing the door behind and locking it once again. It would be another hour or so before Lila would hear the door open again. This time Nero guards with drawn blades and a crossbow would come in. "Come." They motioned. She would be led and Virais would be put on a iron chain and locked within the room. She would come down a dark narrow hall until a large opened door was to her left. Fire kept the stone walls warm within the room and a council of elder Nero royals sat in rows that elevated higher and higher. All looking down at Lila as she was brought to the middle to stand on a elevated stone platform. The ground was stained with red in various places. "Lila.. Moriarty." A voice echoed from an unknown source around the room. All the eyes of the royals had a piercing hint of varying colors. But most notably was Anui's who sat in the middle of the rows. Looking directly at Lila. "You are under trial for the accused murder of dozens of Nero royals whilst under the banner of the Aion. You are also accused of manipulating a royal with intent to extort. How will you plead?"
Anui sat next to his mother. Whom had smirk on her face. "Her blood will flow today."
As the day went on the Nero slaves were digging continually in the mines beneath the kingdom. Soon they hit something unbreakable. Once clearing it they witnessed a doorway that led straight downward. Lives were lost once it was pried open. But none that were not free labor. It took a moment but excavators were able to get within. Ropes, clamps, and little shadow spells and were able to step into the darkness and uncover an ancient site. Something similar to a burial ground, symbols carved around its walls. It led deep and grew massive. The pillars within reach high above. Large enough to fit something giant within. The news soon met the royals were who heading such adventures. "Good. The King will be here soon. Here's to progress." They tapped glasses filled with red liquid and drank it gayly.
The servant's words left a bitter taste on Lila's mouth as he simply left, locking the door behind him. She knew it was unavoidable. If she wanted to have her own life, if she wanted to change how her life was until now, she would have to make enemies. But still... It was a difficult situation to deal with, since the servant was kind to her when they met.
"At least I'm not alone anymore..." Lila said with a sad tone, gently caressing Virais, who was on the bed nearby her.
Virais himself didn't know what was happening. He didn't know why Lila was on that dusty, dark room or why they were locked there, but he could feel the sadness within Lila's voice. Unfortunately, the only thing he could do for her was trying to comfort her with his presence.
Nudging Lila's hands with his snout, he walked closer to her, resting his head on Lila's lap as he laid down on the bed nearby her. But that calmness, that comfort Virais presence brought to Lila wouldn't last for much longer...
One hour later, the door opened once more. But this time, instead of the Nayu servant from before, the ones who came for her were Nero soldiers, with their blades drawn and with crossbows on their hands. After chaining Virais to one of the stone walls on that room, they turned to Lila, finally speaking with her. Their only word to Lila was for her to go with them. Lila herself didn't have much choice. Even though she wanted Virais to be with her, it was improbable that they would hear her, especially as they had their weapons drawn as they came closer to her.
Leading her through a dark, narrow hall, Lila knew that there was something wrong... Why would they escort her like that, with weapons drawn, like a prisoner? Her thoughts would only be confirmed after she arrived on her destination. Behind big doors, Lila was led by the soldiers inside a big hall, where many Nayu elders sat on rows of chairs, one higher than another, all of them looking straight towards Lila, watching every movement she made. Amongst them, Lila could see Anui, sitting besides his mother, who had a wicked smirk on her face.
After a few moments of silence, the elders spoke to Lila.
"You are under trial for the accused murder of dozens of Nero royals whilst under the banner of the Aion. You are also accused of manipulating a royal with intent to extort. How will you plead?" they said, making Lila look around with a confused expression for a moment before her blood started to boil.
Why were they doing that to her? She was with Anui the entire time, she didn't lift a finger on that night that the Aion came... She wasn't even notified that something like that would happen...
If that wasn't enough, she heard Dextra's voice, under a wicked smirk, saying her blood would flow that night.
With her emotions going wild on her mind, she could only look at Anui, who was simply sitting there besides his mother, in silence, without saying anything. Why wasn't he saying anything? He knew what happened... He saw everything, he was with her...
"Anui... Tell them what happened. I was with you the entire night..." Lila said, with a mix of confusion and anger on her eyes.
"I... I didn't lift a finger that night... Why...?" Lila said, looking down for a brief moment, before looking to Anui once more. This time, her eyes were hard and cold. Was she wrong in believing him? Why... Was she really not allowed to be happy? Was her only allowed to be a weapon, a tool her entire life? Why was all that happening to her.
"SAY SOMETHING!" Lila shouted, looking to Anui.
"Please... Say something..." She said once more as tears rolled down her face. Her vision was blurred due to the tears, her skin, red and hot with anger... Her tears felt like they were made of flames as they rolled down her face, a painful reminder of how foolish she was, of how naïve she was... Everything that would happen that moment onwards was only her fault... Her fault for believing she could be happy... Her fault for believing she would be accepted by others... Her own fault for trusting others...
Dark thoughts flooded her mind, almost like there was a small voice on the back of her head, mocking her for being such an idiot. While what was happening, the situation that moment was as clear as ice, Lila still didn't want to believe... She still had hopes Anui would say something... He loved her... right? He said he loved her... He promised he would stay with her...
"You... promised... me..." Lila mumbled to herself, biting her lower lip making a drop of blood roll down her chin.
Anui could hardly stand to look at Lila. Yet his gaze was cold and emotionless. Years of training to suppress his emotions has led to this facade of uncaring. Though it not being his intent to watch the tears fall from Lila without a word spoken. Only the elders had power here. He was merely here to observe, since he was directly involved. Even this though was likely planned by his mother. He began to wonder. To display his silence to her. To display his obedience to the courts and how little power his love for the young Nayu girl was in their presence. Yes indeed love is fragile. She thought. Crossing her legs to her tears and folding her arms she could only shake her head at the utterly raw display of affection. For most Nayu within Nero such public displays were met with music and poetry. Not vulgar and ugly as they believed it were.
But Anui did not think so. He grimaced a little. His hand gripping his chest. A discomfort he was not used to. Could hardly bare. A wound he felt that cut deep. His mother's hand gripping his to comfort him. But he lashed out in a gentleman's manner. Grasping her hand with his free one and slowly removing it as if a unwanted advance had been made. Unable to fully contain these new emotions he lowered his mothers hand away from his with a grip that was a tad too firm. This made her eyes go remain frozen in mental shock.
"Silence girl!" An elder shouted. "If you won't defend yourself then this will be short. Guards take he-!"
As they spoke the ground beneath them all began shaking. Even more so the castle was rattling. All could feel the presence of a tremendous force vibrating their city to life. Dust and small portions form the ceiling began to fall. Those within the room looked around in panic. But Anui swiftly stood to his full height and leaped from his position above Lila and landed before her. His coat, decorated with several dozen sets of black feathers, danced in the air as he swooped down. Embracing Lila and enveloping her in his wing like coat.
"I'm sorry.. But we must go." He looked up briefly to see the guards helping the royals escape. But his mother was soon before the two of them. "She is to be placed in a cell!" Anui bore his fangs to this. Venom drops as crimson as blood were on their tips. "I wish to have a council with the King!"
The earthquake continued. Yet Anui and his mother's convictions remained strong.
It was only the guards who remained that directed them to safety and took their minds off of their bitter conflict. Anui quickly summoned a portal of darkness beneath him and Lila. He was falling with her in the void. Finally appearing at the Castle's peaks. Outside of it but near an open balcony. High above they were to observe the destruction occurring below. Anui was in shock and awe of it. But he immediately gritted his teeth after. "I have to help defend my kingdom.." He said. Stepping down onto the balcony. They were in a armory room. But a private one so it seemed. A bed and mirror inside for sleeping and grooming. It had Anui's smell all around it. He took off his coat and grabbed a suite of light armor, placing the gauntlets on first.
"No. I will be fighting to. To defend OUR kingdom Lila." He spoke softy. Applying the proper knots to the threads that held the armor firmly in place.
Lila fell on her knees as she looked to Anui's expression. Cold, emotionless, side by side with his mother, whom still has that wicked smirk on her face. Even if Lila wanted to say anything. In shock, her throat was dry and she didn't have strength to stand up as she looked down to the ground. But instead of crying and breaking down, her tears stopped flowing. There was something wrong with all that...
Since when she became so dependent on someone? She loved Anui but... That wasn't who she was... Was she trying to run away from her true self? It didn't matter how much she tried, she couldn't make her body forget the reflexes of an assassin, she couldn't clean her hands from the blood she had already spilled... Love... Love made her fragile, weak, useless... broken... Love and all those other unnecessary emotions were the ones who put her in that situation, kneeling down in a pitiful state... She wouldn't let her newly discovered emotions blindly guide her anymore...
Fortunately, just as the Nayu elder was about to order the guards to take her, and Lila in return was getting ready to fight back, the very ground beneath them started shaking uncontrollably. Panic almost immediately followed on the hall where Lila was. Even though she thought she could use that confusion to escape, it was undeniable that that shaking wasn't just an earthquake... There was a tremendous force coming from below them... Something was making the ground shake like that...
But just as Lila was ready to run, a familiar voice interrupted her. Leaping above the others with a beautiful cloak made of black feathers, Anui landed before Lila.
"I'm sorry.. But we must go." Anui said, looking to the guards, who were helping the other royals to escape. Anui's mother followed him, shortly after appearing in front of them, saying that Lila should be in a cell. Lila gave a step back, wary about what exactly did Anui want with her, even though his mother's presence there already gave Lila a few ideas about what they wanted. But before she could think about it, but Anui's reaction immediately proved her wrong. Baring his fangs towards his own mother, Lila felt his arms embracing her and enveloping her in his coat.
Even if Lila was a warrior, an assassin, she was powerless when Anui embraced her. Love was a really scary thing. Beautiful, but scary... She couldn't help but to think... Love was no different from chains and shackles... The scariest part about all that was that people would happily use those chains and shackles voluntarily. And Lila... wasn't different. She couldn't help but feel happy and relieved when she felt Anui embracing her as he shouted towards his mother that he wanted to have an audience with the king. Even though she was a bit irritated with Anui, she couldn't help but let out a discreet smile as he sank through the shadow portal summoned by Anui.
Arriving at the castle's peaks, Anui and Lila observed the destruction and chaos going on below them. Looking at Anui's face, she could understand a bit why he was in shock seeing that but herself didn't feel much about that. Should she be feeling equally in shock? That wasn't her city... Those weren't her allies... Those weren't her family. Her family was only Anui.
Lila silently followed Anui to the private armory, watching as he took of his coat and wore a suit of light armor. His words sounded a bit ironic to Lila... How could she consider that 'her' kingdom? The only one who wanted her was Anui. Not even his mother wanted Lila. Rejected by her own race and betrayed by the Aion, the only place in the world for Lila seemed to be besides Anui.
"I'm sorry for... everything. I've not been a reliable companion until now, have I?" Lila said, looking down for a bit.
"My mind is still... So many things happened, so many new emotions, so many things to deal with in only two days... I know it must have been difficult to deal with me this time, but I... I'm learning how to control these emotions." Lila said, looking to Anui.
"I am still irritated by what happened... But the promise I made wont change. I am your blade and yours alone. For you, I would kill as many as it's necessary." she said looking at him, clearly irritated by him saying nothing when she called for him.
"Let me do the one thing I know how to do well, Anui. Let me fight by your side." Lila said, looking to him with a serious stare. She wanted to keep him safe, but that would also help her to clear her mind, to learn how to control all those emotions and to deal with all the changes on her life and herself.
The shouting and screaming could be heard throughout Nero's capital center. It was loud enough to be heard throughout the city. Even close to the cities entrances and outer tunnels that led to the cryptic castle where high atop it highest peak stood two figures. Anui had beckoned Lila to fully clad herself in armor. He himself was fully clad in fitted light armor. His coat still hanging from his shoulders and swaying in the high breeze. With Lila by his side he peered into the chaos below and made out the center of it all. "There." He said simply. The plan he detailed before they climbed this high was to position themselves someplace to be seen. "In that way we can be recognized together, saving lives, risking our lives, and our love, for the people." He held her hand. "Lets go, our people are waiting for us to save them."
The battle that waged between the king of Nero and the terrible dragon did not concern him more than solidifying Lila as a rightful member of the Nero royalty, of the elite upper class that was only given such a privilege through birth and blood. With her blood taken from her she was left no choice but to earn her position next to Anui. A challenge he felt she was destined to do. Their shadows leaping from the castle tops and soaring into the chaos.
The shouting, screaming and the tremors, Lila could feel them all. But unlike before, she wasn't fighting merely because she was ordered. She was fighting because she wanted to. She was fighting not only for Nero and other Nayus just like her, she was fighting for Anui, her beloved. As he appeared in front of her, fully clad in light armor, Lila couldn't help but to look at him for a few seconds. Even though she couldn't see his face under his helmet, she couldn't help but to admire his figure. Standing next to him as he pointed towards where they would go while wearing a beautiful armor with a crowned helmet, she felt that she could maybe be more than just Anui's lover. Seeing herself standing besides her beloved, whom himself was clad in a mighty armor, hearing him saying that not his people needed him, but their people needed them, made Lila feel not like an outcast. They were Nayus, just like her. Those were her people as well.
Blushing a bit, Lila shook her head, sending those thoughts away. Was she really worth of being a... queen? Could she, a person who knew only how to kill, be able to protect not only her beloved, but his kingdom as well? As she heard the cries coming from down below, Lila couldn't help but to think that if she simply let that continue, how many lovers would be separated, how many families destroyed, how many Nayu children would end up alone in the world... Just like Lila herself was before she met Anui...
"I... Is it ok for me to see them as my people? Am I really fit to be a good queen not just for you, but for them as well?" Lila asked, looking to herself as she stood next to Anui. She still wasn't accustomed in seeing herself wearing such a... majestic and regal looking armor.
But the second she looked at Anui after making those questions, hearing such determination in his voice made Lila stop doubting herself. She couldn't doubt herself. After all, Anui didn't. She could feel in his voice, on his eyes that he trusted her with all his heart, he really believed that she could do it.
"You believe in me with all your heart. I promise I won't disappoint you." she said, looking to him, almost as if she was looking directly to his eyes through the helmet. For the first time, Lila didn't try to hide herself and pass by unannounced. For the first time in her life, Lila was proud of being herself, of being together with Anui. As she jumped from the castle tops, soaring into the chaos below together with her beloved, Lila didn't try to hide herself in the shadows, instead holding her head high to face others as she was. For the first time in her life, Lila didn't look like a monster, an assassin or a rejected outcast... Instead.... she was looking like a Queen.
A woman collapsing with her child was unaware of the hurtling debris that headed her way. The large debris from the obliterated lower city block hailed over the capitals lower center. Where the masses were heaviest. The crash of these large pieces sprang up clouds of dust. Once it cleared Anui was visible holding the woman and her child. It was when they came into the fray he declared his plan of action to Lila. For them to split up and save whoever they could. All this while the massive dragon soared above. Fighting the army of Nero and absorbing their souls. It was a terrifying sight to see so many bodies dropping for simply getting near the creature. Anui let the woman down after conjuring with his own spell a armored knight made of a dark aura. It held the woman and her child tight and darted off to safety. Anui took the time to conjure two more of these knights and ran through the streets. Seeing buildings close to crumbling from being bombarded by stones and other materials. To stains of blood from the injured or the dead.
Anui came to a stop when his foot stepped on the blood of an injured Nayu man. A shard of glass in his arm and a head injury. With his knights he began to help clear these people, and as quickly as possible. He ran up the buildings wall and leaped to a pole, vaulting to the window and climbing to the rooftop. He scanned the streets from above to see where Lila was. Debris still falling around them from the battle above.
The second Anui and Lila reached the town they ran to do what they had planned: save everyone they could. One might complain that they would be more helpful fighting against the threat, but what they were doing should be the real priority. When weighting between killing an intruder and saving their people, the answer should be obvious. As Anui went to help a mother and it's child, Lila continued running, scanning for anyone who needed her help. After a brief second though, her eyes stopped in two small children, a boy and a girl, who were crying while trying to run away from the danger by themselves. The boy, even though was afraid and crying, refused to let go of the small girl's hand as they continued to run.
Getting near them, Lila knelt down near the two children.
"It is too dangerous here. Follow me, I will protect you." she said, with a kind and calm voice, trying to calm down both of them.
"Th-The others..." The boy said, trying the best he could to stop crying.
"The Ophanage!" The girl said, still crying as she pointed towards a building about to collapse.
Alone Lila couldn't protect those two and save the rest of the children at the same time. Without much time to think, Lila quickly looked around to see where Anui was. She immediately saw him, on top of a pole looking to more people to help. The second she looked to him, their eyes met. It was already enough for Lila, she knew he would understand what she wanted.
"You two don't stop running. Go towards that man over there, he will keep you safe." Lila said, pointing to Anui, standing up and looking to Anui once more before she ran towards the crumbling building.
Dashing as fast as she could, Lila finally got inside the building. There she found five other kids, crying and paralyzed with fear. In front of them, there was an adult Nayu woman, probably someone who worked in the orphanage. Much to Lila's dismay, she was already dead. Crushed by a huge stone that came from a hole in the ceiling.
Two by Two, Lila took the children outside as delicately as she could without losing much time. When there was only one child left though, Lila heard a rumbling noise. The building was finally giving in. In just the blink of an eye, Lila dashed inside, grabbing the remaining child in her arms and dashing outside again. The second she stepped out of the building, everything came down after them. Kneeling down and embracing all of them, she used her own body and armor, albeit small, to protect them from the debris from the falling building behind them.
Anui was watching with an anxious heart. Watching his Lila dart inside the building kept him on edge. If it weren't for those standing around, uncaring or unable to move as she did, Anui wouldn't have risked this harm on her. But she needed to prove herself in front of their people. To them she would be a heroine. It was only when she ran out safely with two children did he leap into action. Lila unfortunately had to take a few strikes to the back from handful sized stones. But after she endured those a larger piece, an entire floor, threatened to fall on her. That was when he came. His blade swinging swiftly upward and back within his neutral stance, as if knowing their safety was assured. It split like an invisible barrier were around them. Debris blowing around them a ten foot high cloud of dust. Once it cleared Anui stood behind Lila as she held the two children. Onlookers sighed with audible relief. Anui turned to Lila, with the dust clearing he removed his helmet. He motioned for her to do the same. "Run, they will take you to safety." Anui told the children. But he let Lila have her moment with them before they would be off. He then turned to look up at the battle in the sky.
"It looks like hell is taking over this place. Lila. Steel you soul or you may lose it."
The Dragon above flying and taking souls changed form and clashed with more of those chosen to be under the King's command in battle. Anui looked to Lila with worry in his eyes. He was wary of his power, and her power, being far too weak to take part in such a grand scale battle. But he tightened his fist. "I do not believe our kingdom will fall here. Instead. This may be a wake up call we all needed. Feeding on Seraphim fed to us by the Therosi. A vile organization." He sighed. "I see now the power we may need to move this world..."
The impact from the debris had a heavy impact on Lila's back, but she was able to endure them thanks to the armor given to her by Anui. When she thought the kids were safe though, an entire floor threatened to fall right on top of Lila. She didn't have enough time to react, especially since she was hugging the kids and her scythe was on her back. Closing her eyes, she could only hope to endure it, both for her and her own child's sake and for the kids she was protecting. Luckily, she wasn't alone. Not anymore. She had Anui by her side to protect her. Leaping forward, he slashed upwards and back with a neutral stance, creating something almost like an invisible barrier around Lila, protecting her and the kids.
The children were crying, hugging Lila. Even though Lila's own body was so delicate and small compared to someone like Anui, the kids still felt safe around her. It certainly wasn't something Lila was used to. Normally, no one would ever feel safe around her. It wasn't only the two children as well, but even the onlookers were holding her breath during all that and got visibly happy and relieved after it happened. Those new sensations felt... different to her. To be relied upon, to have other people feel safe around her and be happy with her presence. It was different, but good.
"Are you two unharmed? You should run, it's getting more and more dangerous." Lila said, with a very discreet smile to the two kids.
Looking to her, still with tears on their eyes, they silently nodded, while looking to her still in silence, almost as if asking if she was going to go with them.
"Go to safety... I need to stay..." she said, as she gently pushed the two children.
After it was done, Anui spoke, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict. When Lila looked up, she realized that it was on a completely different scale. The dragon above them, just like Anui mentioned, seemed to be something that came straight out from tales. Fighting against the king and his chosen warriors, the beast still continue to consume souls and leave a path of destruction where it passed. Not only the dragon's power, but the king's power was almost as frightening as the dragon himself.
"Many things need to change if we want a better place for us and our people." Lila said, after she heard Anui.
"But change has a price, just like everything in this world. We might need to spill blood and take cruel and ruthless actions." she continued, with a dark tone. As she looked to Anui though, it was clear on her eyes that she was more than prepared for that.
"As long as you're by my side, I'll be your queen, your blade and your loved one." she said, with a smile towards Anui as she stood up, looking to his eyes.
"I'm not opposed to shedding blood for what is right for me and my people. But I want to steer this black half of the world into greater directions." He stared at the sky through the giant hole that let in what little outer world light came in from above. The sky was darkening and the stars were faintly visible. A shadow summon approached them while holding Anui's helmet. "I desire to make you a Queen. But for now what you say may come to pass. But I wish to avoid bloodshed among our own.." He sighed. Things were rather complicated and he knew it. Yet the simplest thing was Lila and her love for him. He smiled and grabbed her hand, watching her reaction as he leaned down to place a kiss to her lips. Their embrace surrounded by clearing rubble and corpses of fallen soldiers scattered about. "I understand what we need to do. We mus-" A loud boom could be heard in the sky.
Hurtling out of a bright dimension ripple that vanished as fast as it came was the King of Nero. Yet he was clearly injured and not entirely in control of his trajectory. Blood trailed behind him as he flew. Soon being surrounded by shadow soldiers who safely grabbed him and took him down. Anui looked with wide eyes at the shocking moment. The almighty King was injured. "Come. We need to see this.. The King seems injured." He did not let go of her hand and stepped with her to go see the King. Many others were crowded around the King who landed in the higher up districts near the main castle. There Soldiers made a protective circle. Yet the blood on the ground he laid in was clearly his. "What do you make of this.. Lila?" Anui asked as they stood on the top of a building watching from below with a perfect view. The king had lost his left arm and was stopping the bleeding. Also his mask was damaged, none knew his face except for close family.
She could see in his eyes and hear on his tone of voice that things from now on would just get more complicated. While her objective was the same as Anui's, she wasn't as naïve to think that she could attain them without some drastic measures. If it was necessary, she would use her scythe to cut away the rotting part of Nero...
"I... I've already killed many people... Including other Nayus..." Lila remembered, looking down.
"I don't want to see more innocent blood on my hands bu-" Lila began to say, but was interrupted as Anui leaned towards her, gently taking her hands and kissing her, immediately making her stop speaking. After all, how could she discuss with such a good argument? No matter how complicated things could get, there was one simple thing that would never change no matter what. Their love for each other.
The same wasn't true for the current situation though... When Lila thought things couldn't get worse and more chaotic, a loud boom interrupted their kiss. Out of a strange dimension ripple, the king of Nero came out, obviously wounded as he plummeted to the ground. What made things even worse was that it wasn't just any soldier... That one was the king. One of the most powerful beings in all Nero and he had lost against something. Anui's expression was enough to make Lila understand how grave that was.
Immediately going to the top of another building to better see what was happening, it finally became clear how bad the king was wounded. Laying in a pool of his own blood, struggling to stop the bleeding, amongst all the other wounds, maybe the most striking one was that he had lost his entire arm.
"I can only hope that whatever it was that he was fighting against is in a worse state than he is rignt now..." Lila muttered, looking to Anui.
"If not... Nero might be in serious danger..." Lila said, with a dark tone on her voice as she she unconsciously tightened her grip around Anui's hand. She knew exactly how bad things could get and she didn't want to lose Anui again or the only place she could call home.
"I believe you are right about that." Anui said to Lila as they continued to watch what was happening. Soon the King and the other royals were back within the halls of the King's castle. It was late at night but there was still ongoing discussion on Lila's circumstance. Earlier Anui had declared his protection of Lila. Though he could have been subdued with enough effort with the current damage to the city and the loss of many soldiers there was no effort put to separating and conspiring against Lila. Anui's mother bit her nails in anger but knew she could only bide her time now to get back at Lila. For now Lila and Anui shared a room, they were declared married in the eyes of some of the other royals who were closer to Anui. This was enough for now for Lila to be near Anui and treated as a royal.
Lounge Room
Within the room Anui stood in a cool breeze blew in. The higher districts were closer to the hole that gave the city it's moonlight. Being closer to said hole high above the city gave more wind. Anui enjoyed the cool air by the window he had open. He could look out and see the outside courtyards that led to different wings of the castle where many other royals lived. Candles were lit above and a fireplace was set. But Anui merely watched the moonlit courtyard thinking quietly. His armor long removed and put away. His coat hung on the wall and his sleek all black silk hugged his skin. Long sleeves and black leggings that covered his feet. He had a bottle of blood elixir on the table and tea cups. The bedroom was only a few steps away.
Bedroom
"Lila. Can I show you something." Anui turned to her. She was dressed in her own change of attire provided by the servants He walked opposite of their bedroom to another room. He opened the door. Inside was a bed, a toy chest and a few other things a child would enjoy. "I think the future of this kingdom is best left in the hands of the next generation. We will strive to give this future a better kingdom." He placed a hand on Lila's flat belly. Caressing it slowly as he hugged her.
Child Room
After such a chaotic event, things regarding Lila and Anui didn't seem to be a priority right now. Their efforts were focused on the damage the city had suffered and the wounded king. It looked like that Lila and Anui would have a brief moment to rest regarding that matter. Deep down inside though, Lila knew it wouldn't last long as Anui's mother didn't even try to hide her anger and dissatisfaction regarding the royal council's decision to postpone Lila's judgement. At least for now, Lila and Anui could be together and for the first time, Lila was being treated like a royal.
The lounge they encountered themselves was nothing short of spectacular. Indeed fitting of royalty, something which Lila still wasn't used. Just a few steps away there was their bedroom, which didn't fall short regarding luxury and decoration to the lounge itself. The atmosphere both on the lounge and the bedroom were cozy and comfortable... Not only due to the fireplace, the candles or anything, but mostly because Anui was there with her.
Standing beside Anui in silence, Lila simply enjoyed the cold breeze together with her beloved. After such a chaotic day, they deserved some time for themselves. She knew that such tranquil and calm times like that would be even rarer from now on. She had to enjoy it as much as she could.
The armor they wore previously was not on their body anymore, giving place to comfortable and light clothes. Anui was wearing simple, yet beautiful clothes made of silk and black pants. The light fabric gently hugged his skin, revealing a beautiful body. Lila in the other hand, was wearing a beautiful midnight blue nightdress with long sleeves. Albeit it was a simple dress, being nowhere close to the dress she wore back when she first met Anui, it still had a certain charm to it. The silk gently hugged Lila's skin, coupled with a cut that was made to show her womanly figure and curves. It was certainly a thing that Lila wasn't used to wear. She couldn't say it was uncomfortable, on the contraire, it was indeed really comfortable, it just wasn't something she had used before. Still, if she was going to be Anui's wife and his queen, she would want to look pretty for him. It was just a small thing she could do for him.
After a few minutes of silence, Anui turned to Lila, saying he wanted to show something to her and asking her to follow him. As he headed towards a closed door, Lila quietly followed him with a curious expression, but she wasn't prepared for what she was going to see next. The moment he opened his door, showing a bed, a toy chest and other things a child would enjoy, Lila's only reaction was slowly covering her mouth with her hands as tears started to come out from her eyes.
Anui's voice was gentle as he caressed Lila's still flat belly, gently hugging her. Not knowing what to say, Lila could simply hug him back, tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks as she heard Anui talking about the future and their child.
After so many chaotic events, after passing through so many things she finally realized that she was going to be a mother. She had completely forgotten that given the situation both herself and Anui encountered themselves but upon seeing that room, neatly and carefully prepared for their child, she finally realized that she was indeed going to be a mother. A torrent of feelings were passing through Lila's mind right now. She was afraid and uncertain as she didn't know if she was going to be a good mother but she was also happy beyond words, knowing that it was both hers and Anui's child. A living proof of their love. The mix of emotions on Lila's face, especially the happiness she was feeling was clear as she tightly hugged Anui, still crying.
"Thank you, Anui... For everything." Lila said, still with teary eyes and a shaky voice as she looked up to Anui, with a warm and kind smile towards him.
Anui smiled back to her, a rare sight to see for him and Lila. The breeze made the blinds dance and the fires on the candles go out. It was time for bed. They would figure out the fate of Nero in the morning.