______Ten Years Later_____
The sky was still dark with no moon or stars. The days and nights were always filled with darkness. The black thick mist blocked out the sun and turned the days to endless nights. It had been so for ten years. It began the day Nazareth 'The King of Dragons' broke his shield after thousands of years being locked up in the bottom of mountain Fehrer.
Nazareth's freedom brought about the destruction and mayhem of every city in every country. Ten years ago, he tried to destroy Harland and it's citizens, but King Marcus sacrificed himself to give his people time to escape to the underground city of L'Markieth.
Years go by since that day, as hope seem wither and the darkness feel like an eternity but The citizen of Harland never give up their hope, because they have faith for the Lucient heirs, they know they will come back, someday - somehow.
So they are waiting and waiting for the young king and the beloved princess to return and eventually take them back home.
On this day, five men stood at the top of the roof of the ruined Cestine Castle preparing to face Nazareth one last time. The new king of Harland, King Lucas, and his companions, the Archknights, faced the dragon. There was no more running or hiding as they already considered this to be their last battle.
Nazareth roared like thunder in the storm. His dark scales glistening under the midnight sky. His wings spread majestically as it covered the night sky. He bared his big sharp fangs and his paws covered with enormous claws as he stood on the blackened roof taunting anyone who dared to go against him.
"This is the time...." King Lucas said calmly without any fear or worry on his face. He only had determination.
"is it me or that that damn Lizard looks bigger than the last time?" Fargo crossed his arms in front of his muscular chest.
"Looks like somebody might have forgotten his diet…" Fredhart joked.
They suddenly all laughed. The dragon did look bigger than the last time they saw it. However, none of them were scared or worried. They knew this was where the road would lead them, as citizens and ArchKnights of Harland. This was what they were meant to do. It was what they swore to do.
"Let's make it simple guys!" Fargo said while swinging his sword. "Attack that Beast hard and fast!"
"LET'S DO THIS!" Clift smirked next to him.
They all jump and aimed their weapon at Nazareth simultaneously as they circled the beast. They Launched their guns and arrows at the mighty beast. Throwing more magical bombs while casting spells to hold the Dragon while the king used his God Sword to attack the dragon's heart.
Nazareth roared loudly and hard. His roar threw those who were too close to the beast but they did not back out. They attacked again with everything they had.
"Jay, are you okay?" Fredhard shouted anxiously.
"I'm fine, just throw me close to that bastard. I'm gonna blow him away!" Jay yelled impatiently.
Fredhart grabbed his arms and with an earth-shattering scream threw him towards the beast.
Jay released his giant bazooka and aimed it to the dragon's chest as he screamed, "EAT THIS YOU DAMN LIZARD…!"
'BOOOOOM!!!!!'
The dragon roared with anger and used his fire breath to blow towards Clift. Lucky for him, Lucas was close to him and easily used his shield magic to protect him. He shouted, "Watch yourself!"
"Thanks, my King!" Clift responded in jest.
While they fought furiously, there was someone watching them from afar. A lady with black wings behind her back. Although she looked calm, there was a trace of worry in her eyes. She wanted to join the fight, but it was not her time yet. She had to wait… just a little bit more...
Nazareth used his wings to blow them away. Lucas cast a shield to protect them before he called the power of the Seven Gods to him. Seven white glowing figures rose behind him and attack the dragon swiftly like a hard wind. Nazareth was thrown in agony. He could only make thunderous roars.
Lucas raised his hand to gather the Seven God Swords and joined them into one big sword. The power of gods accumulated in his right hand and he aimed to the dragon's chest. Lucas made a final scream as he thrust his sword into Nazareth.
"This is for my people and my father!"
Nazareth roared loudly knowing his end was near. A white ray of light struck Nazareth's chest leaving a giant hole where his heart was supposed to be. The great dragon fell from the sky and his body turned to black dust. Silence ensued as they all stared at the black dust of the dragon that destroyed their homeland. However, they soon realized that their job was not yet done.
The dragon might be gone but darkness still remained. They needed to close the gate between their world and the outland, a place where Nazareth and his minion came from.
"I will close the gate. This is my only duty," Lucas said with a determined look.
The ArchKnights silently thought this might be their last time seeing their king. They had been through so much together for many decades. He never just a prince or a king to them. He was a friend… a comrade and a brother… Serving him was more than a duty or obligation.
It was a privilege and an honor to walk with him. Unfortunately, this is the furthest they could accompany him... from here on he must walk alone as they're king, the Last King of Harland.
"We will hold up!" Fargo said. "Do what you need to do, you're majesty!" He nodded his head. This was also the first time he called him 'You're Majesty'.
"Farewell, you're majesty..." Fredhart gave him a respectful bow and the others followed suit. There was nothing more to be said. They could only give him one last bow as the last Lucient King.
King Lucas nodded his head firmly. This was the last time for him to see his comrades and brothers. He watched their faces one by one as the memories from their childhood until that moment flashed through his mind.
Lucas felt grateful to have them as family. Fighting with them was an honor. The only one missing was his sister. He wished he could see her one last time.
Lucas held his tears and walked back to the Cestine Castle leaving the others to face the beast's horde charging towards them.
The lady who watched them as they fought was none other than Princess Lorient, King Lucas's twin sister. She saw her brother leave his friends as they fought against the beast hordes. It was their last fight as they fulfilled their duty as the ArchKnights. Their power was depleted after the long battles with Nazareth. Their chance of surviving this battle was slim.
"Girsha, it's our time now!" Princess Lorient said with a tranquil smile but received no response. Her black wings spread on her back and with one jump, she flew like a cannonball.
Fargo and the others who already lost a lot of their mana and potions were at their end. They looked exhausted but they had to hold on for their king and the kingdom. They would not abandon their position no matter what. They were willing to die there if needed.
Fredhart was the first one to see something flying toward them. The wings seemed familiar to him. Two questioned swirled in his mind 'Isn't that...? But why are her wings black?'
"Princess Lorient?" Fredhart gasped. Everyone else who was fighting turned their head towards her unconsciously. A white shield that looked like transparent wings protect them when the beast tried to attack them. This was the Lucient shield. The same kind of shield Lucas used to create.
"LORIENT!" Cliff screamed in disbelief. Excitement and relief filled him. She had returned. The long-lost princess had returned. Their long-lost little sister had returned.
Lorient smile at them in response. She closed her eyes and cast a spell. A white light glowed from her chest and burst forth into purple orbs. The orbs flowed toward each ArchKnight. Their power suddenly returned and the scars and pain from the previous fight disappeared. They were surprised by the change but soon remembered that this was her 'Gift'. She possessed the power of healing.
"You guys hold the fort. I will save the king!" She did not wait for any response as she flew away without explaining anything. She didn't have much time left before Lucas fulfilled the prophecy. She needs to stop him. No... She needs to replace him!
Lucas had already gone through the secret door behind the throne seat. There was a big cave inside with a stalactite roof dripping with water. The big pillars were full of moss showing that the place had been there for thousands of years.
The ruined floor was covered with wild grass which fed off the dripping water. The place was similar to the place he received his gift from the gods. It was also the same place he got the Prophecy.
"The king has to pay the great gift in exchange for saving the world." This was the first sentence he heard from the ancient god who bestowed him with the first gift. The king was given seven gifts from seven ancient gods. It was hard on him as every gift was bestowed to him. However, the prophecy became clearer as he received each gift.
He soon understood why it was only a male descendant who could receive the gift of power. The gift was too strong and dreadful and only the male body could handle it. It was the reason why there was no female heir. Lucas felt relieved when he discovered this. He couldn't imagine Lory experiencing the same thing he did. He almost gave up many times. He only persevered because of his friends, Lory, and his late father. They brought him this far.
He moved closer. Only his footstep and water drops from the ceiling could be heard… Everything was damp and dark in the room. He could smell the moss everywhere. The place was more like a cave with a lot of big old pillars covered with moss and the stalactite roof.
A few torches illuminate the room casting a thick shadow across the eerie room. Lucas walked slowly as he cautiously observed his surround. He needed to be alert, careful of anything that might come his way. He finally reached the center of the room. A stage encircled with weird marks by ancient runes. "I'll be damn…" He had seen the same runes when he got the gift from the ancient god of Lucient.
He ran around the world to receive the gift, only for him to come back to where it all started in order to end everything. His birthplace would soon become his grave. Lucas chuckled 'God' really knew how to play a cruel joke.
Lucas moved to the center of the stage. He took a deep breath before he closed his eyes. He called forth all his gifts as a blue light illuminates his body. Suddenly, the figure of an ancient god of Lucient emerged from inside his body.
The sounds of wind surrounded the cave. Figures with white wings on their back donning silver armor appeared. Each one of them held a sword in their hand. One by one they flew around him, closing in before suddenly thrusting through his body. Every thrust gave him excruciating pain. He felt like he was burning from within while being torn apart at the same time.
He tried to withstand the pain he felt within his skin as a visible scar gradually appeared from his eyes running through his chest and arm. A deep blue cracked glow like a light bulb arose on the surface of his skin. His purple eyes shore brighter than ever as the seven swords merged into one single giant silver sword.
From the handle to the tip of the sword everything was silver covered with a purple light around it. Lucas flew and grabbed the big sword. His body glowed even more with purple light. He looked down at the stage that glowed in the same purple color. He held his breath as he knew what he must do.
"It's time… at last…" He clenches his sword with determined eyes. This is what he was born to do. Everything that happened from the day he was born led him to this moment. He was ready.
He releases one final scream of pain and relief for fulfilling his destiny. He pierced the sword to the center stage towards the ground… but before his sword touched the ground someone stopped his hand.
"What the…"
A startled Lucas looked towards a woman wearing blue tattered hunter apparel. Her face was similar to his. She smiled at him and said softly, "It's not yet you're time..."
"Lo…. Lo...ry!" Lucas gasped. Her hand stopped his. Lucas took in the face that looked like his. The dark hair and purple eyes. He last saw her two years ago. Her wings… why were her wings black? What had happened to her? Before he could fully comprehend the situation, He saw her smile. It was the cheeky smile she gave when she planning to create mischief. The same smile she gave when she was about to do something bad.
"I take you're 'Gift' now…" She said with a big grin on her face.
"WHAT…!" The bright purple color from Lucas gradually dimmed as it transferred to Lorient. A wave of bright purple glow and the wind merged and surround them. Lucas was shocked and horrified by the situation. He knew something horrendous was about to happen.
"No! No…Lory! What are you doing?" He shouted to stop her. He tried to pull his hand from Lorient but it was all futile. "Lory… Stop! It will kill you!" He warned her anxiously, but she smiled calmly as she closed her eyes.
Lorient opened her eye with a smile, looked at Lucas deeply, and said, "I Know…"
'If God wanted the King to pay, I will gladly pay for the King'
Lorient released her hands from Lucas and a gust of wind threw Lucas away from the stage. His strength was almost gone yet he tried to stand up.
"LORRYYY….!" He screamed desperately but Lory was already in trance. He floated above the stage. The seven-figure gods appeared once again but they thrust their sword viciously at her one by one this time around.
The white figures thrust her alternately. It was a punishment for the one who dared to rob the King Gift. Whatever Lucas felt before was nothing compared to what she was going through. It was worse a hundred times. She felt excruciating pain like she was being torn into a hundred pieces while being burnt alive yet she couldn't even scream.
" LORRRYY!!! " Lucas tried to get closer to her but a gust of wind pushed him back.
A blue crack emerged on her skin as it had on Lucas before. However, the crack seemed a lot wider and more severe this time around. She looked like she was going to explode anytime soon.
She almost lost conscious but Lucas screaming clear her mind. She knew she was at her limits. There was no more time left, her body could not hold on any longer. 'This is it… the end has come... she succeeded.' She quickly raised the God Sword and pierced it through the ground at the same time as Lucas Screamed at the top of his lungs.
"NO NOO… NOOOOOOO!!!!"
The God Sword pierced through the ground with an earth-shattering sound. The wind swirl harder than ever. Suddenly, a pillar of purple light pierced through the sky like a rocket ship making a booming sound. Lucas was thrown back even farther than before. He tumbled and fell back like a broken kite in the sky. His body only stopped tumbling when he hit one of the pillars. Everything became quiet…
Lucas lay face-down. He almost couldn't feel his body. The aches were killing him, but he still remembered Lorient. He forced his eyes open as he gritted his teeth to swallow the pain. He needed to stay awake! When he managed to open his eyes everything looks blurry. He could only see the smoke and dust.
"Lory... Lo… ry." Lucas whispered as he tried to look for his sister's figure. He tottered carelessly, but he could not see anything. It was only after the smoke and dust subsided that he was able to see Lorient kneeling and holding the sword. Lucas dragged his numb legs towards Lorient. The cracked blue scar still appeared all over her body and her beautiful face. Lucas knelt in front of Lorient with helpless looks.
"Why… Lory?" His words choked in his throat.
Lorient's eyes fluttered slowly. She opened them and looked at Lucas. Gladness filled her when saw her brother was unharmed. This is what she's fought to die for. She smiled, "You were destined to save the world… but I... I was destined to save you."
"But. It is my duty as a king," he refuted.
"It is also my duty… as you're big sister," She insisted.
"You only older by five minutes." Lucas smiled and sobbed at the same time.
Lorient chuckled causing the crack on her body to shine brightly. "Be a good King... for both of us…." Her body suddenly burst into a thousand purple lights like a million fireflies.
Lucas tried to hold his sister, but his hands only grasped her necklace. It was his cheap present he got for her from an arcade, but she never took it off.
"NO… NO... NO... LORY" Lucas gripped the necklace in his hand desperately. His heart ached. He felt hollow inside. It hurt more than any gift he ever received. It was like his heart was ripped from his own body. He could barely breathe. He felt like half of him was dead. He opened his mouth and screamed… so loudly… so helplessly... so desperately.
___________________________________
The sky became clearer and the sun rose like it used to. All the shadow beast fell back. Some tried to hide from the light while some turned into dust.
The ArchKnights were the only ones left standing. The fight was over and they could not believe they finally won. They thought they will follow the King into the abyss and were willing to do so without hesitation. A piercing scream shocked them. They looked at each other before running to the source of the sounds. They found Lucas alive but he was weeping like a little child while clenching his fist. They were stunned. They had not seen him cry for a very long time.
"Where is Lory?" Someone finally asked anxiously. A bad premonition befell them. They looked around as they tried to find their beloved princess. She was not around. Even her corpse was gone. It was as if she was never there. They turned to each other with horror.
They should have known. God was never merciful towards them, everything had it cost and Harland had paid a great price for it's Glory.
Jay shook his head, "No, it can't be...I don't believe it!"
No one dared to answer him. Fargo roared with anger. He punched the wall beside him until it broke into smithereens. Fredhard couldn't make a sound. His gaze looked so empty. The little girl who used to eat his cakes with a bright smiled was gone. He would never see his naughty princess and beloved little sister again.
Cliff looked down with disbelief. Tears filled his eyes and slowly fell on his cheeks for the first time in his life as he mourned.
They had saved the world. They won the war, but they also lost... their loss was too great, too much to bear...
______________________
___A long time ago when they were children, Lorient said to Lucas____
"Do you know?"
"What"
"Twins are born from one soul but split up to become two"
"Really…?"
"Duh... of course. It is real. If not, how come I feel hurt when you get hurt, and you hurt when I get hurt too?"
"Huh… so it is like that… no wonder hide and seek is no fun with you. I always can find you."
"Fufufu~…well, it's a twin thing you know."
"That's no fun Lory, we can't play hide and seek anymore…."
"Is That so~…"