Evening.
The hall buzzed with a diverse crowd, engaged in lively conversations, sipping their drinks, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new king. Amidst the chatter, a sudden fanfare of trumpets echoed through the hall, silencing everyone and clearing a path. Stepping into the grandeur of the hall was Adonis, the reigning king and Ryan's grandfather. He made his way toward the majestic throne, where he was greeted by Jacob.
"You're looking quite impressive, Jacob," Adonis complimented, admiring the knightly attire worn by his loyal companion, settling himself upon the throne for the final time.
"Thank you, your Highness," Jack responded softly, bowing his head with a touch of reverence. "We can discuss the morning situation at a later time," Adonis stated, and Jacob couldn't help but gulp nervously in response. After a while, Ryan entered the scene. Clad in a sharp white suit, his hair slicked back, he exuded a captivating aura that left the young girls in the room blushing at the mere sight of him.
Jacob beamed with pride as he watched Ryan. They had been friends for years, practically brothers, and now Ryan was ascending to the throne. It was a momentous occasion, and Jacob couldn't contain his happiness.
As Ryan approached the throne, he knelt down before it. Adonis, the towering figure who held the sword, rose to his feet. With great reverence, he placed the blade just above Ryan's shoulder.
"I, King Adison Bloodstorm, hereby declare you, Ryan Bloodstorm, the new King of Blood," Adonis proclaimed, his voice carrying authority. Swiftly, he moved the sword from one shoulder to the other, passing it to Ryan, who remained in his humble position. Adonis then removed the crown from his own head and gently set it upon Ryan's.
"To the new King of Blood!" Adison exclaimed, raising his hands in celebration. Ryan stood tall, turning to face the crowd that erupted in applause and cheers, proclaiming him as their rightful ruler - the King of Blood.
Ryan's smile widened as he glanced at Jacob, his grandfather stepping aside. Jacob bowed before him, then positioned himself in front of Ryan, taking the blade and gracefully kneeling while extending the sword to him. The room fell silent as Jack began to speak, addressing Ryan with respect. "Your Highness," Jacob began, his voice carrying a solemn tone. "I, Jacob Marly, pledge my unwavering allegiance and loyalty to you, my liege, Ryan Bloodstorm, ruler of these lands. I vow to uphold the noble ideals that unite us as one."
Ryan's smile remained, his gaze meeting Jacob's unwaveringly. He accepted the sword from Jacob, emulating the same ceremonial gesture his grandfather had bestowed upon him, thus officially appointing Jacob as his knight.
Suddenly a loud crash was heard and people started screaming . There was an attack outside the palace and many people lost their lives. After a long fight, intruders were captured and dragged away by guards, some of them killed. As Ryan prepared to deliver the final blow to the last intruder, the unexpected words escaped the assailant's lips, "A greeting from Soul, my king." The intruder took his own life, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
Ryan's heart pounded in his chest, his mind reeling from the revelation. Though relieved that the immediate danger had passed, an indescribable unease settled over him, refusing to dissipate. Scanning the vast room, he noticed a gathering crowd of people. As his eyes darted through the sea of faces, a wave of horror crashed over him. Jack laid against the wall, impaled by a sword. Panic surged through Ryan's veins, and he raced towards Jacob, dropping to his knees beside him.
"H-Hey, buddy, stay with me, alright? Can you hear me?!" Ryan pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation. "Jacob! Jack!" Jack's eyelids fluttered, fighting to stay open as his strength ebbed away. With a feeble grasp, he weakly clutched Ryan's hand.
"Come on, you can't cry on your big day" said Jack as he smiled. "You are eighteen..after all…"His hand was slowly losing his grip.
"Jacky come on, you will be okay.. You will be fine, you must be, quickly call the doctor!" Tears were now streaming down Ryans cheek.
Jacob let go of Ryan's hand and grabbed his face, wiping the hot tears with his thumb. Ryan grabbed his hand. Their
eyes locked in a moment of desperation.
"I need you," Ryan whispered, his voice trembling.
"I love you, Ryan," Jack said, his words filled with unwavering sincerity.
"I love you too, Jacky," Ryan replied, his voice choking with a sob. "Please don't leave me.."
"Can't do buddy..." Jack smiled faintly as his grip on Ryan's face weakened.
"No, no, no, Jack, Jacob!" Ryan cried out, clutching Jack's lifeless face. He pressed their foreheads together, tears cascading down his cheeks, realizing that the warmth was slowly fading away. Jacob had sacrificed his life to protect his loved ones.
Ryan's head shot up, his eyes filled with a mix of fury and sorrow. With a burst of raw emotion, he exclaimed, "No more peace! We can't just stand by and watch as our people, our family, and our friends are taken from us. The Soul tribe has infiltrated our kingdom, snuffing out the lives of those we hold dear. My grandfather's pursuit of peace meant nothing to them. They took my parents, and now they've taken my brother. They've spilled the blood of our people in a war that wasn't even ours..." His words lingered in the air, a heavy silence following.
"We are the Blood tribe, coursing with the fire of revenge in our veins," Ryan continued, his voice growing stronger. "I won't allow them to walk all over us and do as they please. This war they initiated, this war they wanted—it ends now. As their king, I don't seek the blood of my people, but the blood of my enemies. We will fight back and take our vengeance!" With conviction, he raised his sword high into the air.
The people around him stood in awe and disbelief, witnessing the transformation of an 18-year-old boy into a resolute leader. Without hesitation, fists clenched and swords raised, they joined in solidarity. "King of Blood!" they shouted, their voices resounding through the night.
Adonis, observing his grandson's display of strength, couldn't help but feel pride welling up within him. He smiled, silently noting, "Just like his mother," before making his way back to the palace.
News of that fateful night swiftly spread throughout the kingdom, reaching even the distant realms beyond the waters. And thus, a new chapter in their story unfolded. This was the beginning of it all.