In a far away place distant from the others a higher being watched safely from the events on their throne alone of what were happening to the lower life forms that used to live, but are now nothing other than dead mindless walking corpses eating anything that moves or even breaths a single string of oxygen.
"Do you want me to get you some fresh wine, sir?" a human servant asked walking over as the being view of this higher up became more clearer the closer they approached until revealing it to be no one other than Talon himself, the man who made Nova and the rest of her siblings. He reached out his empty glass as more red wine was poured allowing the human to be dismissed, while two eager eleven year olds rushed inside have a mix of their parents DNA medium length puffy blonde hair and amber eyes both filled with life, wanting to explore the world that has been locked away from them for far too long.
"Father, father!" one of them exclaimed calling out to him as they approached the man's throne hand in hand reminding him of their mother.
"What is now boys? Can't you see that I'm busy? And stop hiding your wings, it's very disrespectful" Talon replied staring down at the wine he began to swish around around inside the glass distracting himself of the sight of what remains of his 'perfect' family. The boys brought out their black and white wings, as one was fully white and the other was fully black, making it impossible for anyone to tell the difference as they were both so identical.
"Don't worry father it won't take long, but we can finally use magic" one of the boys said stopping Talon as he slowly looked at his two remaining sons.
"Magic? What kind of magic, Jacob?" Talon asked intrigued as no one working here has any magical contributes or ancestors.
"Uh.. You probably won't like it as we have a mix of yours and mothers magic" the boy replied as the other twin remained silent being the only nervous one in the room.
"Alright then.. Entertain me" Talon instructed leaning completely back against his throne and waited as Jacob the confident twin began to whisper with the more nervous and shy twin named Lucas.
"We can do it, just like we practiced and do exactly what I do" Jacob whispered wanting to support his younger twin, but something within him wanted to hide Lucas away and save them the humiliation. Jacob stepped forward and began to concentrate to bring forth his magic until revealing a deep reddish colour similar to their father's, allowing Lucas to copy after his brother revealing to have a more positive light energy just like their mother. "See we can reveal out magic, but I am unsure of what mine can do?" he asked looking up at his father seeing the silence and intense stare that came from him, making the boy gulp while the other closed his eyes and remained calm ignoring everything that was happening around him, including the darkness that surrounded both his brother and father.
"It seems that you two truly are the best I've created, but how far will you two go to gain your title as king once I perish. However, only one shall rule and the other must fall. Now leave, I have some important things I need to be attending" Talon replied standing up from his throne dowing the wine he was finished stirring around in the glass, as guards escorted the boys out of his throne room giving him space and privacy once more. "This mess has gone on long enough, Ace. When do you think it's time to tell your little friend that his playtime is over. Everything must go back to normal or hell will surely rain upon us all" talking to himself as a shadow figure emerged from behind one of the pillars revealing the eldest son and his pitch black wings, staring at his so called father with only hate that filled his deep, cold, empty heart. "Why so upset son? Don't you have some kids to raise?" he asked glaring back at the man hearing a angered scoff come out of his mouth proving he wasn't just here to chat with him this time.
"You never cared about us! So why now, huh? WHY?! River is a walker because of your selfish decision to make her marry and wrinkly old pervert, but that's isn't even the best part. You hid away a sister you lied to me saying she had died at birth! And it turns out that she isn't even dead and has a human boyfriend now and friends who care about her. You did this to us not just Colton or anyone else, and he won't stop until you're dead along with everyone else in this fucked up family just because he wasn't good enough for you" Ace argued venting to his father about the wrongs and horribly selfish things he had done, but when hearing that Nova was still alive Talon dropped his glass as it shattered to the ground.
"She's alive.. We can still be saved! Where is she?" he frantically asked confusing Ace ignoring all of his problems he had to suffer and put up with these things going round killing all life that's living on this planet.
"Why do you care? You chased away my big brother because he was gay, and now you want to reunite with the ones you caused to run away? How much of sick twisted bastard are you?" Ace refused to let the subject go untalked as Talon was becoming restless grabbing the lads hair tugging him forward.
"If you want to keep your wings I suggest you tell me where you sister is.. I need her to put an end to this before I am led to no other choice than to kill The Black Dragons' leader myself" Talon threatened forcing Ace to submit to his father as he no longer had white angel wings anymore, but they had turned a dark grey and are beginning to lose their feathers unlike Ace's and the twins.
"Unhand him you demon!" a mid-deep male voice called out as a dagger shot past Talon's face forcing him to release Ace from his tightening grip and back up a few steps unsure of who this unfamiliar being is that has stepped foot into illegal grounds.
"My new friend here isn't like one of your many fans, but he does however have a few unfinished things to catch up on" Ace said and in a flash of lightning a human looking figure with pointy elfish-like ears appeared beside him, medium white curly hair and green eyes that stared deeply into Talon's eyes instantly remembering whos family tree this new face was apart of.
"Now that we're here, It's a pleasure to meet the murderer of my family. The name is Leaf and I'd love it if you don't try to kill me, trust me you can try, but all failed and died because they were the assassins you've hired to kill my entire clan. I've just come to return the favour that's all" Ace's friend was oddly cheerful and chuckling while explaining the history and endless pain Talon had caused to his people, but the king was having none of it and went in to take out the threat. And as expected Leaf was just too fast and easily dodged the king's attack and knocked him back into his throne with a huge crash, making the structure around him to break down and collapse trapping Talon underneath one of the hugely heavy pillars, seeing Leaf's feet stop right before him as he glanced up at the elf until he was quickly disposed off beheading the king allowing the head to roll down until it stopped in front of Ace who was disgusted by the sight kicked the head back over to Leaf.
"Get rid of the evidence or do you want to scare the boys?" Ace asked leaving Leaf to think for a moment, humming to himself until coming to a conclusion leaving the head for the boys to find and to him it could make them stronger warriors for what's to come. The two left in no hurry leaving the horrific sight to be seen by all especially the guards who had been killed by Leaf earlier prior from breaking in, turning them into walkers to test the twins to see if they're worthy enough to survive in such a dangerous world or become apart of it.
Back in the Haling Valley a week had past and life for the three was going soothingly without having to worry about fighting demon walkers or watching out for The Black Dragons twentyfourseven. And thanks to the help of Raphael he was managed to find out how far Nova was, she appeared to be almost four weeks through her pregnancy and everything seemed to be good with the baby.
Nova could be seen chilling on one of the open fields underneath a tree, with Michael laying his head on her lap facing towards her as the two peacefully napped together, bonding with not just themselves, but the unborn child as well. Diablo walks up casting a shadow over them therefore accidentally waking Nova up while Michael continued to nap.
"Diablo? Do you need something?" she asked gently rubbed her left eye as he crouched down making it easier for her to see him, making Diablo quickly look at Michael and then back at her.
"I was hoping to chat with Michael, but it appears he's busy. Can you tell him about an important tournament that'll be happening here in two months? He has to participate to help us figure out where he ranks with us since you're pregnant, and cannot compete" he replied giving her simple instructions even if Michael was halfway through nap with one of his eyes opened hearing the entire conversation. Diablo remained calm amongst the fearless Nova even if at times she can prove to be difficult to command depending on the situation in hand.
"Does he have to participate? And if he does he better not die or I'll be having your head" Nova replied giving him a verbal threat making Diablo nervously gulp seeing that look in her eyes proving she'll keep her word if anything were to happen to Michael.
"Y-yes he has to compete or you'll be seen as unprofitable and kicked out by our chief, but he doesn't have to die as long as he remembers to surrender once the fight starts turning gruesome. If he doesn't chose to do so then that is his fault not mine" Diablo explained making it clear that he cannot be blamed for Michael's downfall if he chooses to continue fighting, but Nova's cold stare made him stand back up. "I just hope it doesn't come to the conclusion that one of us has to bury his body, but if you were eligible to fight I would've allowed only you to compete. After all your skills and experience on the field is nothing compared to those in the arena. You would've made a fine champion" he added on one more time before leaving the two alone once more as she glanced down at Michael when Diablo walked far enough for her to speak.
"I know you're awake, and I think you know exactly how I'm feeling about this whole tournament thing" Nova said as he rolled over onto his back keeping his head rested on her lap looking up at her while some ray of light came through making Michael use his hand to cast a shadow over his face just to look at her.
"I know it's bad baby, but it's better than being kicked out when you're in such a vulnerable position to fight. And we both know it's going to take a lot to kill me, just don't kill anyone if i do get a bad hit.. Please?" Michael replied slightly begging her to not kill anyone especially the innocent one that live here to have a normal life than whatever is happening out there. Nova eyes glanced away as she let out a disappointed sigh, but he knew she was only trying to protect him. "I'm going to be fine" he added placing a hand against the side of her face as she turned back to him looking far worried than she was before, he could see the fear of losing him within her eyes. "Come here.." moving his other hand up pulling her into a kiss for a couple of seconds until Keith walked in on them in the worst time possible, freezing when their lips separated allowing Nova to spot the boy and returned back to usual cheery self.
"Am I interrupting something?" Keith confusingly asked unsure if he was or wasn't walking in on anything that could make the situation embarrassing. Michael looked over to his little brother waving him over wanting him to come over and join them.
"No, of course not. But I do have something interesting to tell you though" Michael lied not wanting the boy to worry about the stuff he has going on with Nova, as Keith headed over and sat down beside them as Michael sat up telling him about the tournament he was going to be apart of in two months time. The boy wasn't happy about it just like Nova, but what other choice has got? If he doesn't do it they'll be kicked out by their chief that runs the entire operation.
Michael spent most of his time training and practising all the way up to the final day left before the start of the tournament, Raphael came round and paid him a visit. The angel wasn't feeling as holy as he was from the first time they met, he was more intimidating which caused to Nova to sit up from the sofa keeping a close eye on this angel.
"I must wanted to check on the competition, but clearly there was no need" Raphael said in a sour tone glaring down at Michael who remained grounded refusing to be intimidated by another angel, learning from the last encounter he had with one.
"I'm not scared of your kind anymore, you should thank Armaros for that. I think you might've heard of him before" Michael replied mentioning the fallens name while he wasn't around striking some shock to the angel that this human knew someone of his kind. Nova remained staring at Raphael being the main one keeping him at bay, despite herself being exhausted and just a week before turning three months in her first trimester.
"Oh I have human. However I am not like him, I am better and stronger than he'll ever be and you should be afraid. As I don't need a silly little gun to win my battled in this world" Raphael answered wanting to prove that he was nothing like the one winged fallen or the others than walk amongst the Earth, being targeted and changed into deadly brainwashed demon walkers or angelic walkers when the demon geno isn't affecting their angelic DNA strings.
"What is your weapon then? A scythe?" Nova asked making the two look at her feeling the intense energy that flowed around her. Raphael was left silent not wanting to tell what his weapon was until the fight actual begins, but something within him was afraid of her confusing the angel on why her presence brings fear upon him along with that cold, fearless glare that could rip him apart in seconds if they were left alone.
"Just as a reminder, humans are rarely selected for the tournament, but having you instead of the girl participating isn't what I expected. Therefore I am greatly disappointed to have you as an opponent" Raphael turned his attention back to the Michael ignoring what could've been a true challenge, despite hearing about the many rumours Diablo heard about Nova's time out there fighting alongside The Red Dragons' leader Bailey. A woman well known around these parts, but a former champion that chose to leave losing her title just to create a path to her own future.
"Don't let my looks deceive you, mr angel, but you're not the only one who has been training" Michael said glancing over his shoulder at Nova as if she was the one that has been helping him practise for the potentially the hardest battle in his life. "And to warn you.. If you think about killing me, Nova won't be far behind to finish you off and we both know neither of us stands a chance against a woman filled with endless ambition" he whispered to Raphael warning him of was to come, but he doubt a pregnant woman would do anything to an angel in such a delicate state. Nova stood up and stretched her arms hearing a crack come from the joints until she stared at him again, remaining silent as that was the only warning he needed to remain in control of his emotions.
"I'm going to get something to eat. Do you want anything, Mikey?" Nova asked as she kept her back turned on them waiting for a response from the one person she trusted more than anything in this world. Michael took a minute not really feeling the need to eat at the moment.
"Not yet, but I do look forward for what you're making for supper" he replied as she went off into the kitchen to grab what she was craving despite feeling increasingly agitated with Raphael around, a feeling she hadn't felt for quite awhile.
However, the confrontation between Raphael and Michael soon came to an end when Diablo entered through the back door that connected with the kitchen ignoring the pregnant woman who was in no mood to talk.
"Cut it out or should I bang your heads together" Diablo called out causing them to glance over at the champion who looked between the two with just his eyes, feeling how tense Raphael was becoming when seeing his own friend interrupt their little chat. "And for you Raphael, do I have to remind you that a delicate and yet extremely dangerous woman lives underneath this roof" he added rather complementing Nova in his own way respecting her bravery to stand up to those who are clearly out of her league.
"And I'm currently in the mood to add another to my list.." Nova randomly blurted come up beside Diablo who nervously kept his eyes off her while hers glued onto Raphael, who was shocked to see his own friend fear a woman let alone an outsider he brought into their home.
"Woah, baby! Remember what you promised" Michael panicked rushing over to the upset pregnant in hopes to calm down the beast. She let out a huff hating it sometimes when he reminds her of stupid promises, like not fighting or killing the clearly dangerous angel that's mysteriously out there to hurt him in the arena.
"Yeah.. Whatever" she muttered allowing him to sigh with relief knowing that her threats were no joke, when one is made she is quick to get it over and done with. Nova sormed off and headed off upstairs leaving Michael to look between the two men he'll be going against in the tournament possibly tomorrow, if not the day after once they pass through the beginning rounds.
"I only came here to take Raphael back to the training grounds, go check of you woman and see if she can keep herself back until the last strike.. That's if you even make it that far" Diablo said seeing that she was no longer around to stop them from saying stuff that could potentially get their throats ripped out. Michael turned to look at the stairs that led up to the second floor of their home which they shared with Keith, who still hasn't come home for the past five hours.
After the two left Michael headed upstairs to their bedroom seeing Nova laid on her side above the sheets on the bed, he closed the door and locked it after himself as he walked over to his side and crawled laying on his back beside her.
"What do you want?" she asked in a rather grumpy tone refusing to look at him, but Michael refused to have her remain mad at anyone and wrapped his arms around Nova pulling her back into his chest.
"Come on, we both know that's not how you truly feel~" he whispered into her ear as she looked at him over her shoulder and away feeling embarrassed that Michael already knew so much about her. Pulled in closer Nova felt his hands move down and stop at the growing baby bump that could be coming out more and more as the days go by. "I just didn't want you to get yourself hurt or under anymore stress with ya know... The tournament that's starting tomorrow" he added relaxing his head next to hers embracing to what he would think to be his last moments before the tournament comes and gets him killed.
"I know, but I'm not going to let you die.. I made a promise to Keith awhile back after you told him about participating" Nova replied placing her hands on top of his making it aware that death wasn't going to happen, not while she's on watch.
"I guess I can't stop you, can I? Just don't get yourself hurt, I refuse to forgive myself if anything bad happened to you because of me" Michael said feeling bad for being part of this big event, but he had no other choice or they'll be kicked out to the demon walker and Black Dragons again. No one will be saving them if that happened, not even Bailey or Armaros would be able to help them now.
"Lucky bastard, be glad I love you or I won't be showing my face at all to that stupid tournament" she replied sounding more cocky with her words as he chuckled before giving her a few kisses on the neck giving some loving, grateful to have such a wonderful woman so dedicated to put herself in danger for the ones she cares about. Will Michael actually survive this tournament or will he die if he continues to follow through with these peoples weird games?