Narrator's POV
With a poignant voice, Kali declared his challenge, "Now, face me, brother. I understand your restraint due to our kingdom, and I refuse to endanger the kingdom that our Mother toiled to build." Echoing through the tranquil mountain, he boldly proclaimed, "Duel me here! I challenge you, King Michael Giacomazzi of Zephyrthorn kingdom!"
"You've lost your mind, Kali! You're my brother, I cannot bring myself to harm you!" King Michael shouted, dismayed by Kali's defiance.
"I cannot harm you? But you have already done so!" Kali's hatred-filled accusation pierced the air as he surged forward, his Phoenix Talon blade ablaze with fiery wrath.
Reeling from the onslaught, King Michael deftly avoided Kali's relentless attacks, frustrating his enraged brother.
Tears staining his face, Kali issued a broken command, "Fight me, brother!" His voice fading into the air, "Fight me."
"Kali, please, let's end this," King Michael pleaded, but Kali remained obstinate, charging once more and managing to wound King Michael's shoulder.
"Ah!" King Michael cried out, leaping away from Kali, putting distance between them.
"Blazing Phoenix Fury!" Kali invoked, summoning a torrent of blazing phoenix flames to engulf his opponent in a relentless storm of fire.
Wide-eyed, King Michael saw the fiery storm hurtling towards him and countered with his spell, "Blizzard," unleashing a tempest of icy winds to quell the raging fire. The flames were subdued by the icy storm, passing through Kali's location before he took flight, his fiery wings casting an ethereal glow upon the snowy terrain.
"Phoenix Blaze Nova!" Kali cast, releasing a radiant burst of phoenix flames to incinerate King Michael in a blazing display of power and light. The searing flames sought to scorch and subdue their target.
"Frost Nova!" King Michael retaliated, conjuring a powerful burst of cold energy to freeze Kali's fiery assault.
Frustrated by King Michael's ability to counter his flames, Kali's eyes showed agitation as he witnessed the icy defense.
"Tell me, Kali, what do you mean by someone stripping away your dignity?" King Michael questioned, recalling Kali's earlier words.
Kali trembled at the inquiry, haunted by images of potential violations that could have been the reasons, that robbed him of his human dignity.
"Ahhh!" Kali's agonizing scream reverberated as he was engulfed in a surge of blazing fire, melting the snowy ground beneath him.
"He's still in distress, hurting himself. I must intervene," King Michael's concerned voice echoed internally.
"Winter's Grasp!" King Michael commanded, manipulating the frigid surroundings of Frostpeak Mountain to quell the blazing Kali.
With a swift motion, he conjured cold winds and snow, using them to ensnare Kali in a vortex of wintry elements.
"Ah!" Kali screamed, struggling against the encroaching snow but swiftly overpowered by others in the unforgiving environment of Frostpeak Mountain—a terrain dominated by ice and snow, King Michael's forte.
"Requip: Stormwing Tempest Armor!" Kali invoked, amidst the swirling cold winds and snow enveloping him, a bright surge of silver light emerged with fervor.
"Tempest Cyclone Slash!" Kali called forth a fierce cyclone of razor-sharp winds, cutting through the frozen elements and heavy snow controlled by King Michael.
Seizing an opportunity, Kali broke free from the trap, soaring into the air with his Zephyrblade gleaming ominously. Witnessing the escape, King Michael's astonishment grew as Kali donned a majestic armor, dubbing it "Stormwing Tempest Armor."
The Stormwing Tempest Armor exuded magnificence, reflecting the essence of the wind with swirling motifs and feathered accents reminiscent of a raging storm. One striking feature included ethereal wings adorning Kali's back.
"Another armor?" King Michael marveled, a mix of amazement and shock evident in his voice.
"I am no longer the weak Kali you once knew, Michael. I have evolved," Kali stated in a composed tone.
The solemn and charged atmosphere intensified as the brothers faced off in a battle of elements and emotions, with Kali's transformation reflecting a profound change in their relationship, torn by betrayal and growth.
=FLASHBACK=
"Kali! I understand your ambition to grow stronger, but you're pushing yourself too hard. You need to take care of yourself," Michael urged his brother with concern.
"Please, Brother, let me pursue this," Kali weakly responded, preparing to walk away when Michael gently held his arm.
"No, you must pause now. Rest is crucial," Michael's frustration surfaced.
"I won't stop, Brother!" Kali's determination held firm.
"Why are you so unwavering in your training?" Michael inquired.
"I aim to make a meaningful impact in Zephyrthorn and assist the Celestrians. I want to leave a mark on the world," Kali asserted.
"Kali, mind your tone," Michael's admonishment rang out.
"No!" Kali's defiance echoed, his silver gaze filled with resolve as he began to falter, thankfully caught by Michael before hitting the ground.
"Michael?" the Queen interjected, noting Kali's relentless drive.
"Mother, Kali's dedication is reaching its limits. We should intercede," Michael proposed, glancing at the Queen, who observed her youngest with silent concern.
=END OF FLASHBACK=
King Michael's head hung low as he knelt on the ground, a picture of remorse and regret. Hovering above, Kali felt his heart shatter—the betrayal by his own brother weighed heavily on him. Despite acknowledging his own culpability in succumbing to resentment, Kali struggled with King Michael's decision to resort to violence instead of seeking an alternative solution.
Pushing aside their familial ties, Kali's voice sharpened, "Why are you kneeling? Do you believe I will forgive you simply because you kneel before me?"
Immersed in sorrow, regret, and longing, King Michael implored with a trembling voice, "I'm sorry, forgive me, Brother. Please return to me... let's begin anew?"
Gripping the hilt of his Zephyrblade tightly, Kali aimed it at King Michael, poised to cast an offensive spell. However, a flood of childhood memories inundated his consciousness, causing his heart to constrict painfully, making it hard to breathe.
In his recollections, a teenage Michael stood proudly before a young Kali, always expressing his pride and unwavering love for his younger brother, emphasizing that strength or weakness did not matter—Kali would always be his cherished sibling.
Another memory resurfaced, this time with Queen Mother Ophelia standing before a youthful Kali and Michael, imparting a timeless lesson on forgiveness and unity. She pleaded for them to protect each other and vowed to always forgive, eliciting a promise that resonated with the purity of their hearts.
While King Michael remained knelt in desolation, a resonant thud caught his attention, prompting widened eyes that witnessed Kali's next move with horror. Rushing to Kali, who knelt on the snowy ground, tears streaming like a child in anguish, King Michael saw a radiant light envelop Kali, transforming the armored figure into a figure cloaked in a scarlet robe. Moved by emotion, King Michael embraced Kali's trembling form, offering solace and whispered words of comfort, allowing both brothers to seek solace and forgiveness in one another's embrace.
"Forgive me, older brother, forgive me," Kali cried out, embracing King Michael tightly. His anguished cries reverberated through the silent expanse of Frostpeak Mountain, laden with devastation, profound sorrow, and melancholy, stirring deep emotions within King Michael, who couldn't help but shed tears as he spoke words of solace.
Gently pushing Kali back, King Michael cupped his face in his hands.
"Let's embark on a new journey, Older Brother will now safeguard you with his very life," King Michael's voice was gentle, laced with concern, aware of the fragile state of their reconciliation.
With a nod of understanding, Kali embraced King Michael once more, allowing himself to be uplifted from the abyss of resentment by the restored familial bond between them. The figure cloaked in a violet robe smiled, witnessing the reconciliation and acceptance between the two brothers.
"It is time," the enigmatic woman decided, revealing herself to the brothers.
A swirling violet energy materialized before King Michael and Kali, prompting them to pause and stand at attention. As the energy dissipated, a woman of age materialized before them, leaving King Michael bewildered by her presence.
"Eudoxia?" King Michael uttered, puzzled by the appearance of the ancient nymph.
"Eudoxia?" Kali echoed in his thoughts, sensing a familiarity in the name.
Eudoxia Spanou, the ancient nymph gifted with the extraordinary ability to see the future, possesses an ethereal beauty that captivates all who behold her. Her face, a testament to timeless elegance, is adorned with delicate features that exude both grace and wisdom.
Eudoxia's eyes, the windows to her prophetic soul, are a mesmerizing shade of deep sapphire, shimmering with an otherworldly luminescence. They possess an uncanny ability to pierce through the veil of time, allowing her to glimpse the events that lie ahead. Her gaze is both intense and alluring, drawing others into her world of foresight and mystery.
Her high, sculpted cheekbones lend an air of regality to her countenance, accentuating the graceful contours of her face. Soft, flawless skin, reminiscent of moonlit alabaster, seems to glow with an inner radiance, hinting at the magical powers that reside within her. Eudoxia's lips, delicately curved and adorned with a natural blush, hold a hint of enigmatic knowledge, as if they possess the secrets of the universe.
Flowing cascades of lustrous, chestnut hair frame her face, falling in gentle waves that seem to dance with every movement. Each strand appears to possess a life of its own, as if whispering ancient secrets to the wind.
Her body, slender and graceful, moves with an effortless elegance that belies her supernatural abilities. Eudoxia's lithe figure seems to glide through the air, as if she is in perfect harmony with the forces of nature. Her movements are fluid and captivating, drawing the attention of all who witness her ethereal presence.
In addition to her remarkable gift of foresight, Eudoxia possesses a few other magical abilities that further enhance her mystical aura. She has the power to manipulate the elements, summoning gusts of wind to carry her across vast distances or conjuring gentle rain to nourish the earth. Eudoxia can also communicate with animals, understanding their thoughts and emotions, forging a deep connection with the natural world.
Her voice, when she chooses to speak, is a melodic symphony that resonates with ancient wisdom. It carries a soothing quality, capable of calming even the most troubled souls. Eudoxia's words possess a prophetic resonance, as if each syllable holds the weight of the future.
"I am delighted that the time has finally come," began Eudoxia with her melodious voice.
Kali and King Michael shared a momentary glance before shifting their focus back to the ancient nymph, who once reigned as the Queen of ZephyrThorn.
"The Divine Oracle. What do you mean?" King Michael's tone reflected concern.
"The day has arrived for the return of the new queen of Zephyrthorn. I have awaited this moment long, for the new Queen will restore the strength of Zephyrthorn and usher in significant changes in Celestria," Eudoxia explained in a determined and melodic manner.
"The new Queen of Zephyrthorn? What do you mean, Eudoxia? To whom shall I pass the throne?" King Michael's shock was evident in his inquiry.
"The one who will ascend as the new Queen of Zephyrthorn stands beside you. None other than your sibling, King Michael," Eudoxia responded with a gentle smile.
Kali, who had been silently listening, was stunned by Eudoxia's revelation.
"Me? Queen?" Kali pondered, bewildered and astonished, as the unexpected news sank in.
"Kali?" King Michael expressed, turning to his frozen brother, who seemed breathless with surprise.
Regaining his composure, Kali promptly shook his head and declined the proposition, "Forgive me, ancient nymph, but I am not a woman and cannot be crowned as Queen."
Listening to Kali's concerns, Eudoxia smiled and nodded in understanding, "But that is not an obstacle, Kali. It would be a great insult to the Goddess of Beauty to crown you as King. She is the sole creator of your image, and you are her most beautiful creation, Kali. No one would object upon witnessing the beauty you embody."
However, Kali remained resolute in his decision and inclined to pursue a different path than queenship.
"Eudoxia, I must insist that—" Kali attempted to decline, but Eudoxia intervened.
"Queen Antonia is currently plotting against you, aiming to overthrow you and claim your throne. The Kingdom of Zephyrthorn is in peril as the Queen of Pyroterra seeks domination and intends to exile King Michael. Zephyrthorn faces significant vulnerability since Queen Mother Ophelia's passing, branding it the weakest kingdom," Eudoxia's tone was grave, a hint of worry creasing her forehead.
Upon hearing Eudoxia's dire warning, King Michael's gaze fell with a sense of shame, recognizing the darkness that shrouded his reign, casting a shadow over Zephyrthorn.
Contemplating the impending threat, Kali weighed his options. Despite his prowess in battle, challenging an entire kingdom in his current state posed great risks. While he had decimated the Skyhill temple, the absence of senior disciples during that time left only the initiates and apprentices in his path.
"Why me?" Kali whispered in query.
"Why not?" Eudoxia offered in response, her deep sapphire eyes illuminated with wisdom, instilling a sense of determination in Kali.
"Does this have to do with the Air Gem?" King Michael inquired, prompting Eudoxia to nod in affirmation and direct a compassionate gaze towards the troubled king, understanding the weight of his emotions.
"Yes. The Air Gem is one of the factors behind Kali's prophesied role as the Queen of Zephyrthorn. The Air Gem has been intricately linked to him since infancy, and upon the Queen Mother's passing, it refused to bond with anyone but him. The Air Gem patiently awaited your return, unwavering in its conviction," Eudoxia explained softly, eliciting a widened gaze from Kali.
"Does she know?" Kali stuttered in introspection, his mind racing with thoughts. "Is it possible for Eudoxia to know the connection I have with the enigmatic being that aided in my resurrection? She might be aware due to her abilities."
"If the Air Gem can be wielded once more, Zephyrthorn's strength will be restored, engendering trust among the Celestrias, and dissuading the Zephernians from migrating," King Michael affirmed, his countenance brightening at the prospect of Zephyrthorn reclaiming its pinnacle position.
"The path to reinstating Zephyrthorn as a formidable force won't be simple, yet Kali as the Queen will initiate the transformation," Eudoxia stated with a gentle smile.
King Michael then reached for Kali's hands, drawing him back to the present.
"Kali?" King Michael's soft call brought Kali back from his reverie.
"Huh?" Kali responded, refocusing on the conversation.
"Would you accept the role of Queen of Zephyrthorn?" King Michael asked calmly, mindful of not pressuring his brother.
"Kali, recall the vow you made to your Mother," Eudoxia interjected, drawing Kali's attention back to her, before he reflected on a poignant memory from his past.
A youthful Kali gazes at his mother, the Queen Mother, with innocence and determination as he pledges, "Mom, one day I will be a Queen and lead Zephyrthorn to greatness, just like you."
Recalling the words from his past, Kali lifts his head and meets Michael's gaze, "I will give it my all," he declares as the gentle breeze enhances his ethereal appearance, the sunrise casting a radiant glow upon his skin.
Content smiles graced the faces of Eudoxia and King Michael as they departed Frostpeak Mountain to prepare for the upcoming coronation in two days. Unbeknownst to them, a lurking demon overheard their conversation, swiftly returning to their lair to report to the Demon Leader, who held dominion over them.
A dangerous glint flickered in the demon leader's eyes briefly, swiftly replaced by astonishment. "A man to be crowned as a Queen? Let's see how the other Kingdoms and clans will react to this revelation, especially Queen Antonia, upon learning that the one they deemed as the Rogue Gifted is now a queen," the demon leader mused sardonically.
A smirk graced the demon leader's lips as he contemplated, "I am eager to witness the actions of the Queen of Pyroterra." He then declared, "Let us bide our time and maintain our surveillance. We must await the opportune moment to strike. Patience will bear fruit when one of the four kingdoms falls under my dominion, with all the Gems in my possession."
The demon leader's followers cheered at his proclamation. Meanwhile, at Skyhill, the aftermath of the recent upheaval caused by Kali's actions lingered. Threatened by the Queen of Pyroterra to deliver the head of the Rogue Gifted to her palace, or face the incineration of the entire clan with the Fire Gem, the Headmaster assigned this perilous task to both Mark and Eavan. In contrast, Caden faced repercussions for his transgressions.