Demian stood there, bewildered as the spirits kneeled before him, calling him "sire." He felt a mix of confusion and overwhelming responsibility. "What happened? Where's my dad?" he asked, his voice cracking.
One of the spirits stepped forward, a solemn expression on his face. "He's gone, Demian. You were about to die, and he saved your life. Your uncle, One Below All, killed him."
"But... how? He's a god. How did he die so easily?" Demian's voice was filled with disbelief.
The spirit explained, "When he chose you, his power was divided. He gave you half of his power, and he used a lot to keep this place and that door safe. When he died, he used all his remaining power to transfer it to you. As of today, you are our king. You are the One Above All."
Demian shook his head, backing away. "No, no, I'm just a guy. I can't take this much responsibility."
The spirit's voice was firm yet compassionate. "You have no choice, sire. The world you once knew is being destroyed as we speak."
"My world... ANAHIT!" Demian screamed, panic rising in his chest.
"Wait, he's not there. He's here with us, training with one of our spirits. You can relax," the spirit reassured him.
Demian rushed to the field where Anahit was training with one of the spirits. When Anahit saw Demian, he ran to him and hugged him tightly.
"How did you get here?" Demian asked, holding Anahit close.
"Our world was being destroyed, and suddenly this figure appeared in front of me, about to kill me. But this spirit called Exavier saved me," Anahit explained.
Exavier stepped forward and kneeled to Demian. "I am your personal guard, my sire. When you were asleep, you were saying how Anahit was in danger," he said.
Demian hugged Anahit tightly and glanced at Exavier. "Okay, you can stand up now. Thank you."
"Thank you, sire," Exavier said, standing up.
Anahit looked up at Demian, determination in his eyes. "We have to stop them. They're destroying everything."
Just then, a spirit with an aura of knowledge approached them. "My name is Blu, and Anahit is right," Blu said, showing Demian an orb that displayed cities on fire and evil spirits attacking everything. "They are searching for you, my king."
Demian tried to fly, but his wounds held him back. "Sire, you are badly hurt," Blu said.
"How am I so hurt?" Demian asked, frustration in his voice.
"You have all of your father's power, but your body doesn't know that for now. In your world, there's a spirit-possessed human with healing abilities. We need him, but we can't go through that door without your permission, my sire," Blu explained.
"How did Exavier go?" Demian asked.
Exavier kneeled again. "You gave me a command in your sleep, sire."
Demian sighed. "Understood. Bring me the most powerful spirits."
Moments later, six spirits kneeled before Demian. "These are the most capable six spirits with a drop of your father's immense power," Blu said, pointing them out. "This is Sky, Marble, Kungo, Afnan, Rasas, Nilom, and Milo."
They stood up and said in unison, "We are in your service, my sire," and kneeled down again.
Demian raised his hand. "Okay, one rule: no more kneeling down."
"But sire," Blu started to protest.
"Ever," Demian insisted, his voice firm.
Blu hesitated but finally said, "Understood, my sire," and kneeled one last time.
Demian's face filled with anger. "Ever."
Anahit couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, Sky, Marble, Kungo, Afnan, Rasas, Nilom, Milo, please find the Catalyst with the ability of healing and bring him to me. You have my permission to go."
"As you say, my king," they said, bowing to Demian before departing.
"Much better," Demian said.
Blu approached him again. "Please rest up, sire."
Anahit took Demian's arm. "I've got this, Blu." He led Demian to his bedroom. "You know this place better than me," Demian remarked.
"I've been here more than a week, you know," Anahit said with a smile.
"I'm sorry. I lost and I left you there," Demian said, his voice filled with regret.
"Don't be. It was my fault anyway. I shouldn't have interfered with your fight," Anahit said gently.
They sat down on the bed, sharing a tender kiss. Anahit put his hand on Demian's lips. "The king needs to rest now. I'll bring you some food."
As Demian lay on the bed, he murmured to himself, "Can I do this? Can I beat One Below All?"