Dark clouds loomed over the Kingdom of Blood, casting a somber shadow upon its inhabitants. Tears fell from the sky, mingling with the grief of those who mourned their fallen loved ones.
Amidst the collective anguish and solitude, Ryan stood, his heart heavy with sorrow. The phrase "Rest in peace" echoed in his mind as a mournful mantra. As the rain began to pour, the crowds dispersed one by one, seeking solace in the warmth of their homes. But Ryan remained, a solitary figure, his head bowed in profound guilt. He couldn't shake the feeling of failure, knowing he couldn't save his own brother.
Deep sadness enveloped Ryan, intertwining with his growing anger towards those responsible for the tragic loss. That fateful night had claimed the lives of not just faceless individuals, but cherished members of families—mothers, fathers, sisters, and... brothers. Standing there, drenched by the torrential downpour, Ryan resisted the urging of the guards to seek shelter. He yearned to spend a few more moments with his cherished friend, his beloved brother who had always teased him, brought smiles to his face, and provided comfort during his darkest hours.
Eight years ago
"Come on, Ry! We don't want to be late," Jack urged, his words falling on deaf ears as Ryan remained silent, visibly upset. Jack turned back and noticed his friend, tears streaming down his face, causing him to panic and rush over to Ryan's side.
"Hey, what's wrong, Ry? You can tell me," Jack said, mustering a smile as he embraced Ryan, hoping to provide comfort.
Ryan hugged back tightly, his tears staining Jack's shirt. "I can't... I just can't, Jacky," Ryan managed to say between sobs. Jack already knew what was bothering Ryan, so he let out a sigh and put on a sincere smile.
"I'll always be by your side, alright? So don't be afraid. Besides, you're a crown prince. Who in the world would dare to ruin your birthday, not event he snobs can? And even if someone did," Jack let go of Ryan and clenched his fists together, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, "I'll take care of them."
Ryan, still on the ground, suddenly burst out laughing, unable to contain his amusement. Jack smiled warmly, relieved to see his friend happy again, and gently wiped away Ryan's tear stains.
"Don't forget, Ryan, I'll always be by your side," Jacob reassured, gently patting Ryan's back. Ryan embraced Jacob even tighter, Jack's smile grew wider as he rested his head on Ryan's.
.
.
Day by day, as the sun rose and set, Ryan found himself trapped in a peculiar state of familiarity and change. Sleep avoided him, and his appetite subsided. The room he occupied, shrouded in darkness, offered no solace. Even the few rays of light that managed to sneak through the partially drawn curtains failed to dispel the looming gloom. It was as if he were ensnared, desperately seeking an escape route that simply did not exist.
Ryan had made countless attempts to break free, each one ending in futility. His body stayed in that room for days, but his mind was on that beautiful lime grass where he used to play with Jacob as a kid.
A faint sound reverberated through the desolate room, jolting Ryan back to the harsh reality he had been avoiding. Wearily, he mustered the energy to respond. "Go away," his words escaped, devoid of any conviction or purpose.
"Ryan... Please come out. You've been in there for two weeks now," his grandfather's voice reached him, but Ryan felt incapable of heeding the plea.
After a prolonged silence, Adonis spoke again, his tone composed. "As you wish, but at least have something to eat." He prepared to depart, the weighty door ready to be opened. However, he paused and added, "You know, that day when Jacob died, you swore to avenge your people... your brother. You made a promise that Soul would pay for it. Yet, look at you now. In this state, what can you possibly achieve? You might as well give up." With those words, he left, aware of the purpose behind his seemingly harsh remarks. Ryan needed to grasp that he couldn't cling to the past, but he also couldn't forget it. The Kingdom of Blood relied on its king, and the king needed his people.
The heavy doors creaked open, allowing a beam of light to pierce the dim room. Ryan blinked, adjusting his eyes to the sudden brightness. Unbeknownst to him, a presence lingered in the shadows.
"You look like hell, Your Highness," a voice echoed through the nearly deserted hallway.
Startled, Ryan turned his head towards the source of the sound. Before him stood a tall figure, slightly shorter than himself, bathed in the radiant glow that emphasized the gleam of his armor.
"A guard?" Ryan's surprise seeped into his voice.
The man bowed respectfully and met Ryan's gaze once more. "Your Highness," he addressed him.
Ryan's annoyance seeped into his words as he demanded, "State your purpose here."
The man hesitated, knowing that any further words might incur Ryan's wrath. However, he couldn't deceive his highness. "I am your guard, Your Highness," he replied, lowering his head.
"My what? By whose authority?" Ryan's frustration fueled his words.
"The former King Adonis, Your Highness," the man revealed, his voice tinged with solemnity.
Ryan's gaze hardened, and he pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. He had no desire for another guard, but he couldn't bring himself to defy his grandfather's wishes. Reluctantly, he acquiesced to the situation.
"Come in," Ryan reluctantly relented, his exhaustion overriding his desire to argue. The man obediently stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Ryan wearily sank into the sofa and poured himself a drink, seeking solace in the familiar burn of alcohol.
As they both settled down, Ryan inquired, "What's your name?"
"I'm Dario, Your Highness," the man replied, a nervous bead of sweat tracing its way down his forehead. Ryan was notorious for his short temper and disdain for individuals lacking confidence.
"Dario, huh? Drop the formalities, they're irritating," Ryan asserted, his impatience evident.
"With all due respect, I can't do that, sir," Dario bowed slightly, careful not to anger Ryan. His mind raced, realizing that any misstep could have severe consequences. Ryan rolled his eyes, "then 'sir' will do."
"As you wish, sir," Dario responded, mentally berating himself for nearly slipping and addressing Ryan as 'your highness.' He feared the repercussions, contemplating the safety of his own life.
Ryan brushed off the awkward moment, muttering to himself, "Alright, go to my grandfather and inform him that I have made a decision. The old man's words always carry weight." Dario stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.
"Are you deaf? Go!" Ryan's impatience flared, prompting Dario to jump up and hastily exit the room.
"What a guy," Ryan concluded his monologue, taking a sip of whisky.
.
Dario's POV
'He is really scary, I will be surprised if I get to live a week with him.' Lost in his thoughts, Dario accidentally collided with the door, causing a sharp pain in his forehead. In frustration, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Ah, damn it!"
To his surprise, the door swung open abruptly, revealing Adonis emerging from the room. Recognizing Dario, Adonis called out, "Dario?"
Dario swiftly raised his head, locking eyes with the former king. Reacting quickly, he straightened himself and bowed respectfully. "I apologize, Your Majesty! His Highness has made a decision."
"It's alright, young one. Don't worry. Wait... His Highness? Are you referring to Ryan?" Adonis questioned, his confusion evident.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dario replied, feeling perplexed by Adonis' reaction.
He had initially thought his words were falling on deaf ears. "That damn stubborn brat" he muttered under his breath. He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing, "I want you to support him. The road to seeking revenge will be arduous, and he'll need someone by his side, someone who understands what he's going through. You understand what I'm saying?"
Dario simply shook his head in disagreement. Adonis placed his hands on Dario's shoulders, trying to convey the importance of the situation. "Be his friend, his support... his brother," he urged.
With that, Adonis departed, leaving a bewildered Dario standing there, unable to comprehend the request. 'Me? His friend? His brother? He'd probably kill me before I even had a chance to pat his shoulder. Well, I suppose I can give it a shot.'
Dario found himself once again facing that imposing, weighty door. He hesitated for a moment, contemplating the potential consequences. "How bad could this be.. Right? "