---
"Noah is coming?" Croaksalot's voice wavered as he nearly fell backward from the sheer force of his own panic. His wide, froggy eyes bulged even more than usual. "Why does it have to be today? Of all days, why today?"
Azazel, leaning against the gnarled trunk of a swamp tree, frowned. "Why Noah?"
Kaela crossed her arms and let out an exasperated sigh. "Only the self-proclaimed ruler of these skies and master of storms," she explained. "He comes to Ribbiton to collect his taxes every three months. And, well, let's just say he's... difficult."
Shadow growled softly, sensing the tension.
"Difficult?" Azazel echoed, tilting his head. "You mean he's a tyrant?"
Croaksalot gulped. "You could say that. Every time he comes, we have to—" He cut himself off, shivering.
Azazel raised an eyebrow. "Have to what?"
Before Croaksalot could answer, a powerful gust of wind swept through the swamp, bending trees and rippling the water. Frogs screamed and scattered, clambering to hide. The air crackled with electricity as a figure descended from the swirling clouds above.
Noah landed gracefully on a raised stone platform in the center of Ribbiton. His long, wind-swept hair seemed to defy gravity, dancing in the breeze that constantly surrounded him. He wore a flowing cloak made of storm clouds, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the area with an expression of mild contempt.
"Ah, Ribbiton," Noah drawled, his voice smooth but carrying an edge of disdain. "It's that time again. You've prepared my tribute, haven't you?"
Grand Croak hobbled forward, trembling but attempting to put on a brave face. "Y-Yes, Lord Noah," he croaked. "We have gathered the resources you requested."
Noah's gaze swept over the gathered frogs, then landed on Azazel. He narrowed his eyes. "And who is this?" he demanded, his voice carrying a chill that made even the bravest frogs quiver.
Azazel straightened, his hand drifting to the hilt of his sword. "I'm Azazel," he said evenly. "A friend of Ribbiton."
Noah smirked, unimpressed. "A friend, you say?" His eyes flicked over Azazel, dismissive. "You look like a lost child playing at heroics. I suggest you stay out of matters that do not concern you."
Azazel's jaw clenched, but Kaela grabbed his arm before he could say anything. "Azazel, don't," she whispered. "He's dangerous."
"Very wise," Noah said, his smile widening as if he'd overheard her. "Now, where is my entertainment? You frogs haven't forgotten our little tradition, have you?"
Croaksalot's voice cracked. "No, Lord Noah. We... we remember."
Azazel's eyes narrowed. "What tradition?"
Grand Croak lowered his head, unable to meet Azazel's gaze. "Two of our strongest warriors must fight," he whispered. "Until one... perishes."
Azazel's fists tightened. "You're forced to kill each other? For his amusement?"
Noah clapped his hands together, a gust of wind rustling the trees. "Exactly! What is life without a little bloodshed to make things interesting?" He looked around. "Well, what are you waiting for? Bring out the contenders!"
Several frogs, solemn and defeated, emerged from the crowd. They carried two warriors, each wearing battered armor made of swamp reeds and wielding crude weapons. One was a massive bullfrog with scars crisscrossing his body. The other was a lean, agile tree frog, his eyes burning with determination.
Azazel stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. "This is wrong."
Noah yawned. "Wrong? Don't lecture me, little warrior. The frogs owe me. I protect their swamp from storms, after all. My protection comes at a price."
Kaela tugged on Azazel's sleeve. "Please, Azazel," she whispered, her eyes pleading. "We can't fight him. We'll lose everything."
Azazel's gaze hardened, but he stayed where he was, his muscles tensed. The bullfrog and the tree frog squared off in the center of the clearing, the entire kingdom watching with bated breath.
"Begin," Noah commanded, and a gust of wind swept through, signaling the start of the brutal match.
The bullfrog charged, swinging his club with enough force to splinter wood. The tree frog dodged, using his agility to leap out of the way, but the bullfrog was relentless. Each clash of their weapons sent shockwaves through the swamp, and the gathered frogs could only watch in horror.
Croaksalot buried his face in his hands. "This is horrible," he whispered. "Why must it always be like this?"
Shadow growled again, as if sharing in Croaksalot's frustration.
Kaela's hands trembled, her magic glowing faintly. "We can't let this go on forever," she murmured. "But how do we stop someone like Noah?"
Azazel's eyes never left the fight. "We'll find a way," he said quietly. "I won't let Ribbiton suffer any longer."
Noah, oblivious to the whispers and the pain of the crowd, leaned forward with a gleeful expression. "Yes, yes! Show me your strength, little frogs!"
The battle continued, the bullfrog managing to land a glancing blow on the tree frog's shoulder. The tree frog winced but retaliated, his spear slicing through the air. Blood splattered onto the muddy ground, and the crowd gasped.
"No more," Azazel said, stepping forward again. "This has to stop."
Noah turned to him, a stormy expression clouding his features. "You're testing my patience, boy," he snapped. "Are you challenging my authority?"
Azazel met his gaze, unflinching. "If your authority means senseless death, then yes, I am."
The entire swamp seemed to freeze. Even the frogs locked in combat hesitated, turning to see what would happen.
Noah's eyes darkened, and the wind picked up, howling around him. "You dare defy me?"
Azazel stood his ground, his hand gripping his sword. "These frogs deserve to live without fear."
Noah's laughter was like the roar of a hurricane. "Then prove it," he said. "Fight me, if you think you're so righteous. If you win, I'll leave Ribbiton be. But if you lose..." His smile was cruel. "Well, let's just say your little friends will pay the price."
Kaela grabbed Azazel's arm, her face pale. "You can't," she whispered. "He controls the winds. He'll crush you."
Azazel looked at her, his eyes steady. "I can't let him keep hurting them," he said softly. He turned to Noah. "I accept your challenge."
The wind died down for a moment, as if the swamp itself was holding its breath. Noah's smile widened. "Good," he said. "Then let the storm begin."
---
The frogs of Ribbiton huddled together, terrified but hopeful. Croaksalot's voice was barely a whisper. "Azazel... please be careful."
Azazel drew his sword, the blade glinting with the power of the Sky Serpent. Shadow stepped forward, his golden eyes blazing, ready to fight alongside his friend.
Noah raised his hands, and the sky darkened. Lightning crackled in the distance, and the wind howled. "Let's see if you're as strong as you think you are," he taunted.
Azazel took a deep breath, his heart pounding, but his resolve unshaken. "I'll protect Ribbiton," he vowed. "No matter what."
Kaela's voice cut through the tension, strong and unwavering. "We're with you, Azazel. Always."
Azazel nodded, his eyes meeting Noah's. "Then let's finish this."