Narrator's POV
In the dimly lit chamber, Kali's weary molten silver eyes fluttered open, unveiling a veil of exhaustion and pain. A sharp ache radiated through his body, most intense at his back, a hollow sensation consuming him—a sense of loss gnawing at his core. The Queen Antonia's chilling decree reverberated in his mind, haunting him with its cruel intent.
"Put this prisoner in a cell and find strong men to ensure his flesh is torn. If I don't see any sign of his defilement by tomorrow, I will burn this temple instead." The Queen's ominous words echoed in Kali's ears, tears clouding his vision as the magnitude of his agony mirrored the suspected defilement alluded to by the Queen.
A tempest of emotions swirled within Kali—a maelstrom of hatred, sorrow, and desolation. Attempting to rise, his body rebelled, a searing pain forcing him to kneel, his flesh a canvas of bitemarks and crimson marks, a violation that left him reeling. His resolve shattered as his once unscathed thighs bore the imprint of brutality, plunging him into a pit of despair.
With a bone-chilling scream of anguish and fury, Kali unleashed his torment, branded by a sense of violation and degradation that ravaged his very essence. Tears flowed freely as his fragile form sought solace, grappling with an overwhelming sense of defilement and helplessness. Every blow to the wooden floor echoed his agony, a manifestation of the profound loss of self in the face of unknown violation.
As he sobbed and questioned amidst his torment, saliva trailing from his lips, Kali's attempts to cleanse himself from the profound contamination left him wretched and tainted. The air thickened with his ragged breaths, his spirit engulfed in turmoil, contending with the harrowing realization of his abrupt descent into desecration.
"Why have you done this to me?" Kali's anguished plea resonated, punctuated by his desperate attempts to rid himself of the pervasive filth. In a crescendo of anguish and outrage, he vowed retribution, directing his wrath towards the instigator of his torment, his eyes alight with deep-seated fury and resolve.
The scene was a symphony of sorrow and devastation, a poignant portrayal of a shattered spirit enveloped in the aftershocks of violation and forsaken dignity. It was an abyss of anguish, where the loss of innocence and sanctity reverberated in Kali's shattered existence.
The decision not to restrain Kali with the Chain of the Divine proved to be the gravest mistake made by the Roekel Clan, triggering a dark and ominous aura emanating from Kali's awakened being. Meanwhile, within the Skyhill Temple, the disciples carried on with their routines, unaware of the looming crisis unfolding. Queen Antonia emerged from her chamber, her path crossing that of King Michael of Zephyrthorn.
Upon the passing of Queen Mother Ophelia, the Kingdom of Zephyrthorn had suffered a decline in power and influence, with its force waning due to the Air Gem rejecting the newly appointed Young King's authority. In contrast, Pyroterra rose to become the most feared and formidable kingdom in all of Celestria, with its disciples earning a reputation as the most potent cultivators in the realm, following closely behind the esteemed Roekel disciples.
"Here you are, King Michael of Zephyrthorn," Queen Antonia greeted cooly, offering no formal pleasantries as her gaze drifted to the Roekel disciples honing their skills.
Many former disciples of Zephyrthorn had departed for other kingdoms upon witnessing their homeland's decline. King Michael found himself in distress as only a handful of his most trusted companions and friends remained loyal, witnessing the once-mighty kingdom fall from grace. His reign, once revered as the kingdom's strongest, now stood as a shadow of its former glory, marking a stark and painful chapter in his rule.
"What brings you here? It would be in the best interest of your kingdom to return and seek a means to restore its former splendor. There are more important matters to attend to than playing here without a significant purpose," Queen Antonia admonished, voicing her sharp rebuke.
King Michael's heart sank further, restrained by the knowledge that any retaliation could imperil his people, his silence a testament to the stark reality of his kingdom's vulnerability. Meanwhile, a dark realization crept over the area, swiftly engulfed by an ominous shroud as dark clouds encroached upon the temple, casting a veil of darkness and foreboding over the once serene surroundings. The air turned frigid, laced with the scent of impending doom, freezing everyone in their tracks as the winds wailed with eerie lamentations, chilling their very souls.
Upon sensing the unnerving stillness and darkness descending, the Headmaster, accompanied by Eavan and Mark, emerged from their meeting room, observing the inexplicable quietude and tension that gripped the temple.
Eavan's mind raced with recognition as he felt the familiar energy pervading the space, a sense of familiarity that could only be attributed to one being—Kali.
In the heart of the encroaching darkness materialized a figure, his silver locks billowing in the tempestuous winds, scarlet robes fluttering majestically beneath him. With arms outstretched in a commanding stance, crimson orbs glowed with malevolent intent, radiating an aura of sinister power.
Curses filled the Headmaster's thoughts, his visage darkening as he registered the unfolding chaos and the catalyst behind it.
"How did he escape, you incompetent fools!" Queen Antonia's thunderous voice reverberated, stirring unease among the nearby Roekel Clan disciples, jolting them from their usual duties.
The scene teetered on the brink of turmoil and fierce confrontation, the tension thickening as darkness and danger loomed ominously within the sacred sanctuary of the Skyhill Temple.
With an intense glare of hatred, Queen Antonia fixed her gaze on the figure hovering in the air. Caden, who had been concealed, shared in the collective fear that gripped the environment, the atmosphere laden with an imminent sense of divine judgment.
"Eavan!" Mark's urgent call prompted Eavan to produce his sword from its sheath, summoning his spiritual power to propel the divine blade towards Kali. However, Kali effortlessly deflected the sword with a casual gesture, enveloping Eavan in a surge of crimson energy that propelled him a great distance away.
"Eavan!" Mark's horrified cry pierced the chaos.
"Attack the Rogue!" the Headmaster's decree spurred the Roekel disciples into action, initiating a flurry of spells and assaults against Kali.
Queen Antonia observed the escalating conflict, while King Michael was drawn to the hovering figure in the air, sensing a haunting familiarity in this Gifted individual resembling his deceased brother. As a barrage of arrows assailed Kali, he merely smirked, manipulating the projectiles with his energy before redirecting them back toward their origin.
The aftermath of Kali's retaliation reverberated through the air, the gruesome sounds of impact and the sight of fallen disciples immobilized on the ground a stark testament to the destructive power at play. Unsatisfied, Kali conjured a swirling orb of crackling crimson energy, unleashing a devastating explosion that razed structures and incapacitated those within its range.
In a calculated move, Mark unleashed the formidable Divine Wrath spell, a radiant onslaught of holy energy directed at Kali. The impact sent Kali spiraling uncontrollably through the air, his resilience fueled by a surge of malevolent energy, fueled not by Mana but deep-seated resentment.
Witnesses were stunned as Kali emerged unscathed from Mark's assault, his eyes widening in disbelief at the absence of harm inflicted. With a display of commanding force, Kali levitated a massive rock bearing the Roekel Clan's name, hurtling it toward a stunned Mark with unnerving ease, the impact resounding with thunderous force.
Relentless in his onslaught, Kali unleashed crimson orbs of energy, decimating everything in his path until the temple lay in ruins, its disciples strewn about in defeat. As Kali landed heavily, the earth quaked beneath him, a testament to his overwhelming power and resolve.
Meeting Queen Antonia's gaze with unwavering intensity, Kali began a deliberate advance, only to be intercepted by the Headmaster's sudden appearance. The tension crackled between them as accusations and challenges were exchanged, each word laced with venom and defiance.
"You ungrateful wench, I should have killed you when you first arrived!" The Headmaster spat with venom.
"And I shouldn't have saved this temple from being reduced to ashes by the dark beam," Kali retorted with equal hostility. The Headmaster's sarcastic laughter cut through the tension.
"What? Should I thank you for that?" The Headmaster remarked sarcastically.
"I didn't ask for gratitude," Kali replied coldly, igniting a fresh wave of anger in the Headmaster.
"Arguing with me serves no purpose. You are just a useless peasant who believes he is stronger than everyone," the Headmaster berated.
"I'm not engaging in an argument. I'm simply highlighting where you are mistaken," Kali stated, further fueling the Headmaster's fury, visible through his tense veins.
"You think you can defeat me?! I am the Headmaster of this esteemed Clan. I would never be a Headmaster if I couldn't handle challenges like you. Crushing you would be effortless!" The Headmaster roared in anger.
"I cannot decide what's more astonishing—your lack of self-awareness or your exceptional talent for self-deprecation," Kali coolly countered, his words cutting through the heated exchange.
As the verbal sparring intensified, the Headmaster's anger erupted into a powerful surge of energy, the ground trembling beneath the force of his aura. A flicker of hope arose among the injured disciples, shattered as Kali's mere whisper of command rendered the Headmaster powerless, sending a chill down the spines of all who bore witness.
"Kneel," Kali whispered, his voice carrying an intoxicating command that sent shivers down everyone's spines.
The scene unfolded with gripping intensity, a clash of wills and forces culminating in a climactic showdown of power and defiance, each moment teetering on the edge of fate and resolve.
"I will promised to the sky above, that I Kali would never and never will kneel to anyone, no matter who that person was, and let me tell you something Headmaster, I wouldn't crown myself as the Devilish Angel, Sovereign of Dark Cultivation if someone like you could defeat me," Kali explained coldly, lifting his palm as the Headmaster's body began to levitate.
A piercing scream escaped the Headmaster as he felt every fiber of his being being torn asunder, causing Kali to smirk with a sardonic gleam, consumed by the fervor of his anger. Abruptly halting his actions, Kali sensed a formidable presence behind him.
"Caden," Kali whispered, turning away without acknowledging the towering figure behind him, recognizing the unmistakable presence of Gorgonius.
"You summoned my Gift," Kali stated flatly, devoid of emotion.
"Stop this, Kali! You've gone too far!" Caden's voice wavered with tears glistening in his azure eyes.
"Have I gone too far?" Kali questioned incredulously.
"They took something precious from me, Caden! They stripped me of my dignity, defiled me with their base desires—I seek only to punish the one who commanded it!" Kali's voice brimmed with bitterness and resentment.
"But, Kali, you have taken lives as well. Were they the one who ordered to defile you?" Caden reasoned.
"It was their choice to restrain me. I merely acted in accordance with the justice that a victim seeks for the wrongs done to them," Kali replied coldly, his resolve unyielding.
"Kali, what you did is still wrong! You vowed never to succumb to darkness or malice, yet here you stand! You are proving that those like you deserve retribution!" Caden's words held a lament as he realized the weight of his remorse, too late to change the course he had set.
"People like me?" Kali echoed bitterly, his laughter laced with bitterness, sending an eerie chill through all who heard.
"Don't judge me on how I should respond! Do not condemn the oppressed for seeking justice and self-preservation!" Kali erupted with pent-up fury, unleashing his rage against the accusations.
Before Kali could continue, he was hurled a great distance by a searing burst of flame energy, eliciting a compliment from Queen Antonia for the timely distraction.
As Caden met Kali's gaze, his eyes mirrored hurt and betrayal.
"You too, Cay? You've betrayed me, just like Eavan," Kali's voice rang with a shattered tone.
"I am still part of the Roekel Clan, Kali. I pledged to stand by you if it served a greater purpose. But you have brought ruin to my home," Caden explained, tears streaming down his cheeks as he tried to stand firm, though his vulnerability was palpable.
"Now, I shall ensure you turn to ashes this very day!" Queen Antonia declared, summoning the Fire Gem and unleashing its wrath upon Kali.
"Ahhh!" Kali's agonized cry filled the air as he was engulfed in the merciless flames of the hell-fire conjured by the blazing Fire Gem, his screams echoing through the shattered Temple.
On the sidelines, King Michael watched in fear as Kali endured the searing flames, conflicted by a surge of familiar emotions and haunting visions that flickered through his mind.
=VISION=
"Kali?" A deep baritone voice echoed.
"Brother?" replied a figure with silver hair, not turning around.
The brothers presented a striking contrast, with Kali's silver locks and eyes juxtaposed against Michael's brown hair and blue eyes—a blend inherited from their mother and departed father. Kali's presence had puzzled many, as he exhibited no traditional royal Zephernian traits. However, Queen Ophelia had been reassured in a divine dream by the Goddess of Beauty that Kali was a cherished creation, bestowed as a divine gift. As per the Goddess's vision, his incomparable beauty was bestowed upon the family as a recognition of their virtuous deeds.
Embodying the Goddess's prophecy, Kali blossomed into an exceptional young man, surpassing all others in appearance. The palace knights remained vigilant, wary of any who might covet the alluring prince.
"Why are you still awake?" Michael queried.
"I can't sleep," Kali responded softly.
"You're overthinking again, aren't you?" the prince observed.
"Why can't I be as formidable as you, Brother? Why can't I?" Kali murmured, catching Michael off guard with the anguish in his tone.
"Kali?" Michael whispered, his concern palpable.
Another vivid surge of light flooded the scene, revealing another sequence where a figure with silver hair trained diligently on the Training Ground as a silent observer offered quiet encouragement—none other than his brother, Crown Prince Michael.
"One hour," Kali murmured to the wind. A resounding crack followed, Kali's figure alight once more in silver radiance before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
"You're making progress, Brother, truly," Michael praised the unconscious young man before gently cradling Kali in his arms, carrying him to the Healer for care. Another burst of white light heralded a new scene, "Please, Brother, let me be," Kali replied weakly, about to turn away when Michael firmly grasped his arm.
"No! Rest now; you need it!" Michael's anger flared.
"No! Let me be, Brother!" Kali protested.
"You fail to understand my resolve," Kali asserted.
"Then enlighten me!" Michael challenged.
"I aim to contribute to Zephyrthorn's advancement and aid the Celestrians—I strive to make a difference in the world, Brother!" Kali declared.
"Kali, mind your tone!" Michael's voice rose.
"No!" Kali shouted, his silver gaze downcast as he collapsed, caught by Michael before hitting the ground.
"Michael?" the Queen interjected with concern.
"Mother, Kali's determination is becoming excessive. We must intervene," Michael urged. As the Queen observed her youngest's frail form, an ear-splitting scream resounded, setting the scene for the impending tragedy wrought by the Rogue Vampires, conjuring a demon.
"I'll avenge my mother! I'll kill you!! Ahhh!" Kali's furious cry bore the weight of vengeance, directed at the malevolent figure cloaked in darkness, eerily resembling a demon.
"KALI!" Michael's anguished cry reverberated with urgency and dread.
With the Air Gem secured, Kali soared towards the ominous figure shrouded in malevolence, his silver eyes ablaze with azure irises—a fusion of his spiritual essence with the gem's power. Amidst the frenzy of emotions, Kali descended into madness, consumed by an uncontrollable fervor.
"Release me! Kali needs me—we must save him! I must save Kali!" Michael grappled with a mysterious Gifted individual, intent on breaking free to reach his brother.
Despite the impediment, Michael observed a figure with penetrating blue eyes halting him, unaffected by his desperation. Single-minded in his pursuit, Michael endeavored to follow his brother, undeterred by the approaching footsteps.
"Beloved Queen Mother Cynthia," the loyal Azuremancers conveyed concern as they shadowed her, poised to offer their protection.
Witnessing Michael's strife, Queen Mother Cynthia swiftly approached, casting a spell to ease his turmoil. Upon awakening, he stood resolute, challenging the Azuremancers to break through the protective barrier. In search of his brother, he stumbled upon a shocking sight: Kali harnessing the power of the Air Gem, drawing the very breath from all present, including the Zephernians.
"Prince Michael, why are you here?" Queen Cynthia's urgent inquiry pierced the tense air.
"What's happening to Kali?" Michael's voice trembled with fear.
"Prince Kali has succumbed to madness, consumed by resentment and unleashing chaos upon all in his path. The demons have fled, leaving only the Rogue Vampires," Queen Cynthia explained, urging Michael to seek refuge. However, Kali's gaze suddenly locked onto their hiding place, startling both of them.
Advancing towards them, his eyes ablaze with a haunting blue hue, Kali's aura of power loomed. Michael rushed forward, only to be thrust back by a violent gust of wind, crashing into the wall with disorienting force.
Gasping for air, Queen Cynthia found herself ensnared in Kali's iron grip, lifted off the ground. Desperately struggling, she fought against his unyielding grasp.
Unrecovering from the shock, Michael watched helplessly as Kali's strength overwhelmed them. With Queen Cynthia's gasps growing weaker, Michael's eyes fell upon a gleaming sword. In a split-second decision, he seized the weapon and plunged it into Kali's heart from behind, freeing the Queen from his hold.
Horror dawning in his widened eyes, Michael realized the gravity of his actions. As blood sprayed, splattering his face, Kali's radiant blue eyes dimmed, revealing molten silver orbs brimming with unshed tears. Collapsing to his knees, blood staining his lips, Kali's weakening form grew increasingly feeble and limp.
"Kali, no, no, no!" Michael's voice echoed with sorrow as he cradled his brother in his arms.
"Kali, please don't close your eyes. Someone, fetch a healer!" Michael's anguished cries filled the hallway as he shook Kali's now-limp body.
Struggling to staunch the blood flow with trembling hands, Michael's efforts proved futile as Kali coughed up more blood, intensifying the sense of dread and remorse. Tears streaming down his face, Michael sobbed uncontrollably at the sight of his failing brother.
"Michael?" Kali's weak voice broke through the haze, barely audible.
"Yes, yes, I'm here, brother," Michael choked out, tears clouding his vision. A faint smile graced Kali's weary face as he raised a hand, conjuring the now-calm Air Gem.
Michael shook his head, realizing the impending decision Kali was about to make.
"Don't you dare leave me!" Michael's anger erupted as he shook Kali's body, but Kali met his gaze with tearful resignation.
"I'm sorry," Kali whispered wearily, releasing the Air Gem, its presence fading as his hand fell to the ground with a heavy finality.
"No, no, no, no!!!" Michael's anguished screams pierced the sorrowful silence as he cradled Kali's lifeless form.
"Please, please, someone fetch a healer, please, somebody!!" Michael's cries echoed in the empty hall.
Queen Mother Cynthia observed the grieving scene with detachment, her demeanor suggesting an expectation of the tragic outcome. The poignant moment blurred into light, transitioning to the final scene—a monumental ice barrier materializing before a figure with silver hair. As Kali beheld the barrier's creator, his silver eyes widened in recognition of the familiar face.
Eyes shimmering like tranquil ocean waters framed a head of luscious brown locks cascading elegantly around his face. The warm earthy tone of the hair exuded sophistication and charm.
"Br-brother?" Kali's whisper carried awe and astonishment as the flashback drew to a close.
=END OF VISION=
With Kali's agonizing scream echoing through the air, it jolted King Michael back to the stark reality unfolding before him. Seeing his younger brother, whom he had tragically ended with his own hands, now being consumed by flames at the hands of Queen Antonia.
"No, Kali!" King Michael's anguished cry reverberated.
"Frost Nova!" King Michael called upon a burst of chilling energy, directing it at Queen Antonia who was caught off guard, frozen momentarily by the sudden assault. However, King Michael was aware that this freeze was only temporary, considering the Queen's possession of the Fire Gem.
Rushing towards Kali, King Michael swept his fallen brother into his arms.
"Forgive me, for I have forgotten your essence and our shared moments, my brother," Michael lamented within his soul.