Inspiration by: Plot of Blades of Light & Shadow, Storytelling of Attack on Titan, Power Scaling of Genshin Impact
Summary & Setting: The story takes place after the events of Blades of Light and Shadow, where our heroes must prevent the destruction of the realm from an ancient enemy sealed away in the Shadow Realm.
Genre: Adventure
Sub-genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, a bit of Romance
TW: Some chapters may contain verbal depictions of gore and violence
Disclaimer: All rights belong to Pixelberry. This is my version for the upcoming sequel of Blades of Light & Shadow. I am not claiming this to be the canon story of the book. This is only written to increase the hype for the actual sequel.
After a battle with their former adversary, Aerin Valleros, the party returns to the Vishanti Kingdom, in order to procure drakes and fly towards Nia’s last known location. Kade and Threep curiously look at Kite.
Kade: Are you sure it’s okay to let Aerin go rather than hold him captive?
Threep: I understand your mercy towards him, but he could tell the Empire about our location.
Kite: I may not recall the memories I have with Aerin yet, but with what I know about him now, after all he’s went through, I strongly believe that he will not sell us out.
Kade: Well, I hope you’re right.
Bella leads the party to the drake stables.
Bella: Here we are.
She points to a drake, happily hopping while looking at Kite.
Bella: Is that the drake you took to get here?
Kite smiles and waves at the drake.
Kite: Yeah, it is.
Kite and Kade mount the drake that they received from Adrina a year ago, while Bella rents hers from a drake mount salesman and mounts it. Kite pats his mount before looking at his friends.
Kite: Are you guys ready?
The rest of the party nod at Kite then he nods back.
Kite: Let’s go save Nia.
Threep peeks from behind him.
Threep: And Loola!
The party takes off to the sky and heads southwest, towards the mountains near Morella’s northern borders. Kite wonders to himself how he will face Nia, knowing that he will not recognize her despite their history as a couple. Kade notices this.
Kade: Are you sure you’re up for this?
Kite: I’m trying my best to remember her but my mind is just… completely empty.
Kade: You don’t have to force yourself. Even if your mind forgot, your heart will always remember her.
Kade taps Kite’s back.
Kade: Listen to this, instead of this.
He then taps the back of his brother’s head. Kite smiles, thanks to Kade’s reassurance.
Kite: Thanks.
Kade: No problem.
After a few minutes of soaring through the air, something begins to resonate inside Kite’s satchel.
Kite: Was that the orb?
Kade takes out the Orb of Seeking from the satchel and nods.
Kade: Yeah, we’re getting close.
As the party descends closer to the mountainside, the orb resonates more and more.
Threep: Point the orb towards the snow. We can find them easier that way.
Kade does what Threep instructed him to do and soon, the orb begins to tremble. Kade panics and accidentally drops the orb.
Kade: No!
The orb plummets but luckily lands on the snow, but as soon as it did, it glows brightly, signaling the group that Nia is beneath the snow the orb is on. Bella points to it.
Bella: Over there!
Threep: We’ve found them, at last!
Kite raises one of his hands up, conjuring a ball of Cleansing Fire. Kade looks at him with concern.
Kade: Umm… are you sure about this? You might end up destroying the orb and hurting the two.
Kite: It’s fine. The orb has done its job and it might be disadvantageous for us if the Empire gets their hands on it. Plus, if Nia and Loola been buried under the snow for about a year without needing to sustain themselves with food or water, they might be frozen in ice. The snow will melt upon impact and the cold will kill the flames.
Threep: Smart.
Kite hurls the fireball towards where the Orb of Seeking landed, destroying the orb in the process but melting away the snow around it, just as he predicted. As the steam clears, the party spots something crystalline buried beneath the snow.
Kade: There! That must be them!
The party orders their drakes to descend on the area. After they land, they gather around the buried ice chunk. Kite unsheathes the Mirror Claymore and conjures another ball of Cleansing Fire. He slams the fireball on the claymore, imbuing it with fire magic. With his weapon ignited, Kite plunges it in the snow near the ice chunk, melting it until the entire chunk is uncovered, revealing Nia and Loola, frozen in suspended animation.
Kade: Nia…
Threep: Loola!
Upon seeing his beloved, Kite’s heart begins to beat fast, much to his confusion as he clutches his chest. Unfortunately, he cannot recognize her at all. He placed a hand on the ice chunk.
Kite: So, you’re Nia… I… I’m sorry…
He lifts up the Mirror Claymore over his shoulder, ready to swing it.
Bella: Uh… what are you doing?
Kite: Undoing the freezing spell.
Kite swings the claymore at the chunk.
TINK!!
And as soon as he did, the Mirror Claymore absorbs the magical cryo-energy present within the ice chunk, causing it to melt away and mists of cold air to expel at its top. The claymore is imbued with ice magic while Nia and Loola are freed from their ice prison.
Nia: Hrrmm…?
Loola: Mrrooww…
The two collapse from exhaustion after staying in suspended animation for so long. Kite, Kade and Threep immediately rush to their aid. Kite holds Nia in his arms while Kade catches a slowly descending Loola in his.
Kite: It’s okay. I got you.
Threep: Loola? It is me, Pompedorfin.
Nia and Loola slowly open their eyes as their faded visions begin to clear. The priestess sees her beloved and reaches to caress his cheek.
Nia: K-Kite…
In the moment her hand makes contact with Kite’s cheek, he is struck by a vision. A flash of light brings him to the past where he finds himself in the center of a small village near the town of Riverbend. Kite looks around, noticing that the place seemed familiar to him.
Kite: Where am I? Why does it seem like I’ve been here before?
He walks around the village until he sees his younger self, sprinting towards a group of kids.
Kite: It’s me. This must be my childhood home.
Kite jogs after his younger self, witnessing him pushing away the kids from a little girl.
Young Kite: Hey! Will you stop picking on her?!
The kids step back from the young Kite and the little girl, who has a similar appearance to Nia. The older Kite widens his eyes.
Kite: Nia…?
The kids stick their tongues out at the young Kite and Nia.
Kid 1: Fine! You weirdo love birds go have your own fun!
Kid 2: Witches!
They disperse, leaving the two alone. Young Kite offers his hand to young Nia.
Young Kite: Are you okay?
Young Nia nods and takes the little elf’s hand. The vision ends and Kite’s consciousness is pulled back into the present as if nothing happened. His expression became disoriented as he tries to process what he just saw. Nia calls for his attention once more while Kade worryingly watches them.
Nia: Kite…? What’s wrong…?
Loola turns to Threep.
Loola: What happened to Kite?
Threep frowns before reluctantly whispering to Loola what happened in the past year. Loola’s eyes widen before turning to Nia.
Loola: Oh no…
Kade approaches Nia and places a hand on her shoulder.
Kade: Nia…
Kite and Nia turn to Kade. Kite then looks away in shame while Nia looks at Kade concerningly.
Kade: Kite is… He has… amnesia…
Kade looks down, gritting his teeth. Nia remains speechless as she looks at Kite, who is averting her gaze.
Nia: Kite, you… don’t remember me…?
Kite nods.
Kite: I’m… sorry…
Nia looks down in misery as she rests her head on Kite’s chest, in attempt to feel his warmth and cope with the information that was just relayed to her. Her eyes widen as she felt his heart beating quickly, telling her that, despite his memory loss, his heart never forgot her, which meant that his love for her is still there.
Nia: You… don’t have to be sorry, Kite…
Kite turns to Nia in surprise and confusion while she is in tears.
Nia: I still love you… and I know you still love me too… even if you don’t recognize me…
Nia buries her face on Kite’s chest, clutching him close. The elf returns the embrace and gently strokes her hair.
Kite: I will get back what I’ve lost. That, I promise you.
Nia nods while breaking down. Kade and the nespers join in on the embrace as Bella watches them, feeling misery and remembering the friends that she once held dear but lost in the Shadow War prior to receiving her deity status.
Voice: Well, well, isn’t this a lovely reunion?
The party suddenly freezes and their eyes snap open in shock as they recognize the voice addressing them. They turn to the source and see…
Sir Laundsellyn: Don’t you think, Daedalus?
Sir Laundsellyn turns to Daedalus with a smirk. The birdman ignores him and glares at Kite.
Daedalus: Unhand her. I should have ended you when I had the chance.
Kade, Threep and Loola grit their teeth.
Kade: That Aerin! He sold us out!
Sir Laundsellyn: Oh, no no no, my dear boy. He did not sell you out. I just happened to pass by and watched you two duke it out emotionally and boringly, I might add.
Sir Laundsellyn then squints at Bella and recognizes her.
Sir Laundsellyn: Bella Invikta? Is that you? How long has it been?! Thousands of years?! Come on, let’s catch up!
Bella tightens her grip on her warhammer and casts Lion’s Pride before leaping up in an attempt to bash Laundsellyn.
Bella: YOU MURDERER!!
The shadow knight leans back, avoiding the attack.
Sir Laundsellyn: Woah, woah, woah!
Daedalus dives in swiftly towards the party. Kade tries to pull out his flintlock pistol, but the birdman was too quick. Daedalus grabs Kite by the neck, prompting the latter to let go of Nia, who safely lands on the snow.
Kade: Kite!
Threep: He can handle himself! We have to get Nia out of here!
Kade hesitantly rushes to Nia’s aid and carries her on his back. Meanwhile, Daedalus glides across the snow field while still strangling Kite.
Daedalus: Haven’t you learned your lesson after almost losing your life?!
Kite struggles to speak but still gets his word across.
Kite: I… don’t even… know… who you… are…!
Before Daedalus could respond, Kite reaches for the Mirror Claymore, still imbued with ice magic, and swings it at the birdman, freezing him instantly. The frozen Daedalus falls on snow, while Kite is launched a few meters away due to inertia.
Kite: Ugh… what’s this guy’s deal?
Kite plunges the Mirror Claymore on the snow before equipping the Gauntlet of Pain. He dashes forward and clobbers Daedalus on the face, shattering him from his frozen status and dealing a large amount of damage. The birdman is sent flying back before sliding across the snow. Kite returns to the Mirror Claymore and pulls it from the snow. Daedalus stands up in anger.
Daedalus: You’ve gotten stronger… but…!
Daedalus begins channeling magical energy throughout his wings as they spread. Kite casts Lion’s Pride in caution as Daedalus’s feathers harden.
Daedalus: Wind Magic: Thousand Arrows!
Daedalus flaps his large metallic wings forward, hurling multiple hardened arrows, imbued with wind magic towards Kite, who attempts to block and absorb the attack with the Mirror Claymore.
Kite: Nngh!...
Kite suffers a few minor cuts but is successful with his plan as the Mirror Claymore is now imbued with wind magic, irritating Daedalus.
Daedalus: Tch!
Daedalus begins to cast Thousand Arrows once more, but Kite quickly spins around, while holding the Mirror Claymore out, and slings a small tornado at his opponent using the wind magic imbued within the Claymore. The tornado makes its way swiftly towards the birdman, catching him off-guard as he uses his wings as a shield.
Daedalus: Shit!
The tornado continues to chip away Daedalus’s metallic wings, like they’re being slashed by a thousand blades. Using this chance, Kite charges forward and casts a ball of Cleansing Fire before slamming it onto the Mirror Claymore, imbuing it with fire magic. This is the first time that Kite has ever had an almost equal chance against one of the Empire’s lieutenants. Daedalus feels insulted by this.
Daedalus: How dare you treat me like I’m the weakest among the lieutenants?!
Daedalus snaps his wings open, spreading them wide and blowing away Kite with the gust created. The two clash, parrying each other’s attacks, unable to deal any sort of damage to each other.
Meanwhile, Bella and Laundsellyn are still dueling, just a few meters away from Kite and Daedalus. Bella recklessly swings her warhammer at Laundsellyn, who yawns while either blocking or evading the goddess’s attacks.
Sir Laundsellyn: Have you gone rusty throughout the years?
Bella: Silence!
Bella slams her warhammer down, but Laundsellyn just sidesteps as the head of the warhammer misses and shatters the ground. Laundsellyn looks at her with pity.
Sir Laundsellyn: You do realize that it’s not mine nor the Shadow Court’s fault. It’s solely yours why your friend, Merilyn, died.
Bella snaps at the mention of the name and swings her warhammer upwards, like one does to a golf club. Of course, Laundsellyn easily evades it.
Bella: You have no right to say her name!
She clutches her chest.
Bella: She was more than just a friend to me!
Laundsellyn pretends to gag at what Bella said.
Sir Laundsellyn: Ugh… love. That sounds sickening. Anyways, I’m out of time. I have some more important things to do.
Bella: You’re not going anywhere!
Laundsellyn shrugs.
Sir Laundsellyn: Oh, I’m not going anywhere at all. You are.
Bella: Huh?!
Suddenly, a duplicate of the Blade of Shadow, created by Laundsellyn’s Relinquished spell, drops from the sky and plunges itself on the snow, just right in front of Bella. The Blade then opens a portal to the Shadow Realm right below the goddess, causing her to fall inside.
Bella: You basta—
Bella is cut off as the portal closes. Somewhere, outside of Dunbar Forest, another portal to the Shadow Realm opens up above the trees and Bella falls from it. She lands on the ground like a meteor and struggles to get up from the fall, but her rage is still present.
Bella: DAMN YOU, LAUNDSELLYN!!!
(Author’s Note: Bella has not yet left the party. She will reunite with them later in this chapter.)
Back in the mountainside battlefield, Laundsellyn commends himself before turning to Kade, who is running away with Nia still on his back.
Sir Laundsellyn: Now, for the task at hand.
Kade pants, trying to catch his breath.
Kade: I can’t stop now… I have… to get… Nia… away… from here…!
He looks around frantically.
Kade: Where are the drakes?!
Threep: They must have been scared off or dealt with before Laundsellyn or Daedalus intervened.
Kade: Damn it…
Suddenly, a portal opens up in front of Kade, prompting him to stop.
Kade: Shit!
Laundsellyn steps out with a devilish smirk.
Sir Laundsellyn: Hello.
He presses his finger on Kade’s chest and begins to cast a spell.
Sir Laundsellyn: Chaos Magic: Rejection Pulse.
Kade, Nia and the nespers are blown away by a shockwave infused of Light and Shadow magic. Laundsellyn then dashes forward and grabs Nia by the neck while Kade and the nespers collapse on the snow. The bard reaches his hand out in pain.
Kade: N-Nia…! No…!
Laundsellyn smirks once more as he begins to cast another spell.
Sir Laundsellyn: Shadow Magic: Mana Drain.
The spell then sucks out Nia’s mana causing her to scream in agony as it felt like being tased continuously.
Nia: AAAAAAAAAHH!!
Kade: STOP!!!
Threep turns to Loola.
Threep: Loola, do something!
Loola: I… I can’t… Being frozen for so long has taken a toll on me and Nia… We can’t use our magic for a while… I’m… sorry…
The nespers watch in despair while Kade struggles to crawl towards Laundsellyn and Nia.
Meanwhile, just a few meters away, Kite and Daedalus are still dueling, but their heads turn to each other’s allies upon hearing the screams of Nia and Kade. Their eyes widen in shock seeing the woman they love being strangled by Laundsellyn. Daedalus immediately loses his attention on Kite and jets towards his fellow lieutenant.
Daedalus: LAUNDSELLYN, YOU BASTARD!!
Laundsellyn turns to Daedalus with a grin as the former finishes sucking all of Nia’s mana, rendering her the ability to use any kind of magic. The shadow knight lets the Priestess go as she collapses on the snow, unconscious. Laundsellyn then uses the Blade of Shadow to parry Daedalus’s incoming attack.
Daedalus: You are dead to me!
The birdman goes in for another attack, but…
Sir Laundsellyn: Chaos Magic: Rejection Pulse!
…he is blown back by the spell’s shockwave.
Sir Laundsellyn: Lighten up, will ya, Daedalus?!
Daedalus composes himself in midair and swoops down swiftly once more towards Laundsellyn, who uses the Blade of Shadow once more to open up a portal to the Shadow Realm between them, causing Daedalus to enter it by accident. Laundsellyn then quickly closes it before turning to Kite, who is running towards the former with determined rage instead of the blind rage displayed by Bella and Daedalus earlier.
Sir Laundsellyn: That’s right. Keep ‘em coming.
Kite, wielding his fire-imbued Mirror Claymore, and Laundsellyn, wielding the Blade of Shadows, have a duel with Laundsellyn getting the advantage, providing more cut wounds to Kite, who is struggling.
Meanwhile, Kade gently shakes Nia in his arms, in an attempt to wake her. He can feel her pulse from her neck, meaning that she is still alive at the very least. Loola tries to help as well while Threep just watches Kite and Laundsellyn’s duel, with misery in his eyes.
Threep: Am I… gonna lose my family once again…?
Threep recalls his younger years, when he was still the nesper and most trusted advisor of House Nightbloom, with Estel, Kite’s mother, being his closest friend. He breaks down into tears, feeling that he has failed her.
Threep: I’ve failed you… Estel… I could not protect you then… and I cannot protect your own son now… I’m sorry…
His mind travels to a memory from very long ago, where he would sit around the balcony, watching other nespers fly around and play using their magic. At the time, he was envious as he was the only nesper incapable of using magic. Estel sits beside him and asks…
Estel: Aren’t you gonna play with them, Pompy?
Past Threep: I doubt they would even let me. I am and will always be incapable of magic. It is like I am an outcast to them.
Estel holds Threep in her arms and strokes his fur, causing him to purr.
Estel: Just because you can’t use magic doesn’t make you any different than anyone else. Everyone is special in their own way, that is why you are our top advisor and my closest friend.
Past Threep: You flatter me, Estel, however, that does not disprove my point.
Estel: Magic doesn’t just come to us anytime we want it to. But I believe that it is guaranteed to come to you when the conditions are met.
Past Threep: And what conditions might those be?
Estel: When one has the will to protect those they love by giving it all they have.
Upon remembering Estel’s words, Threep is snapped back into the present reality as his eyes open wide with determination to protect his friends, especially Kite.
Threep: I…
Magical aura begins to surge through Threep while the ground around him shakes. Everyone turns towards him in surprise.
Kade: Threep…?
Loola: A-Are you…?!
Sir Laundsellyn: Tch!
Obsidian shards begin to pop out of the ground and hover around Threep as he floats to the air. He glares at Laundsellyn.
Threep: I will protect my friends!
Threep dashes towards Laundsellyn and casts his spell.
Threep: Earth Magic: Obsidian Starstorm!
Threep hurls the obsidian shards at Laundsellyn, causing the latter to parry the attacks, distracting him. Annoyed, Laundsellyn turns to the nesper, who is now beside Kite. Threep crosses his front legs like how one crosses his arms.
Threep: I will have order!
The nesper swings his paw down, causing the ground beneath Laundsellyn to shake before a large obsidian spike shoots up from it. Laundsellyn leaps back but a cut appears on his face. The wound bleeds slightly as the shadow knight glares at Threep.
Sir Laundsellyn: Fine. You win this round, Pompedorfin.
He points the Blade of Shadow towards the nesper.
Sir Laundsellyn: But I will return. And I’ll make sure that you shall meet the same fate Estel did, very soon!
Laundsellyn opens a portal to the Shadow Realm and retreats. Kite collapses on his knees, tired from all the fighting he’s done since the match against the King of the Vishanti. Threep comes to his aid.
Threep: Are you okay, Kite?
Kite: Yeah, just… worn out…
The elf smiles at the nesper.
Kite: Thank you, Threep.
Threep nods with a smile.
Threep: Estel would have been proud, seeing our growth today.
Kite nods back, but their celebration is cut short as Kade approaches them, carrying an unconscious Nia on his back while Loola walks beside him. Kite and Threep turn to them, worried.
Threep: How is she…?
Loola: Bad… Her mana was drained.
Kite: What do you mean…?
Kade: I think… she can’t use magic anymore…
Bella runs up from behind Kade, still fueled with anger. With Lion’s Pride still active, she ran from where she was teleported to by Laundsellyn to where the party is.
Bella: Where is he?! Where’s Laundsellyn?!
The goddess looks at the defeated expression present in everyone’s faces. She slowly lowers her hands with rage finally venting off of her.
Bella: We lost, didn’t we…?
Kite nods and struggles to stand up. Bella comes to his aid and supports him.
Kite: Thanks.
He looks to his friends.
Kite: Where do we go next?
Threep: I would suggest find the rest of our friends, but after what we have been through, I suppose we deserve a rest.
Bella nods.
Bella: I know a place from here. Follow me.
Bella leads the way, helping Kite walk, while the rest of the party follow. Eventually, they all spot their drakes. Kite, using his skills as a beastmaster, waves his hand in the air, signaling the drakes to swoop down and pick them up. As the party mounts the drakes, they head east.
Nia has joined the party.
Loola has joined the party.
Meanwhile, inside the Shadow Court’s castle, Daedalus confronts Laundsellyn, pointing his sharp wings at him.
Daedalus: What the hell were you doing, Laundsellyn?! I told you never to harm my beloved Priestess again ever since you ruthlessly murdered her during your era!
Laundsellyn rolls his eyes.
Sir Laundsellyn: Relax. I just took her mana. I didn’t exactly kill her.
Daedalus: You had gripped her neck and made her unconscious!
Sir Laundsellyn: …Touché. Besides, it wasn’t my idea. It was his.
Laundsellyn points to an old man, dressed in white and gold robes, across the room. Daedalus turns to the old man and his temper rises further as he approaches him with murderous intent.
Daedalus: Solerne!
The former High Priest of Whitetower’s Temple of Light, Solerne, drops to his knees and bows his head towards Daedalus.
Solerne: F-Forgive me, Great Daedalus…! I—
Solerne is interrupted with Daedalus grabbing his neck and holding up high.
Daedalus: Explain yourself.
Solerne struggles to do so.
Solerne: I… I believe… hrrk… that it would… be advantageous for us… t-to… hrrk… bribe the Great Priestess… with her mana… in order to… not only give our enemies a… disadvantage but… to also get her to… come to us… in order to get her power back…
Solerne coughs while Daedalus raises his eyebrow in curiosity.
Daedalus: So, you are suggesting we bribe Nia her powers in order for her to come to me?
The former High Priest nods in pain.
Solerne: I would… never betray you… I am a proud to serve you… and call myself… the archbishop of… your cult…
Daedalus squints and lets Solerne go.
Daedalus: Alright, Solerene. You get to live… for now.
Voice: Enough.
A sudden pressure enters the room as everyone turns towards Ignis. Daedalus and Solerne crouch and bow their heads to him while Laundsellyn just crosses his arms.
Daedalus: My Lord.
Solerne: L-L-Lord Ignis…!
Ignis looks at his two lieutenants with disgust.
Ignis: I am utterly disappointed in the both of you. I simply requested you to abduct Kite while rendering his allies useless and yet you only managed to do the second task… on his beloved Priestess, nonetheless.
Ignis turns away to return to his new experiments but stops to add one final scolding.
Ignis: I expect proper cooperation between the two of you, or else, severe punishment shall be given.
Daedalus: Yes, my Lord.
Laundsellyn rolls his eyes.
Sir Laundsellyn: Alright, fine.
Ignis leaves the room as Daedalus stands up and glares at Laundsellyn. The shadow knight just shrugs and walks away. He passes by Aerin and pats his shoulder.
Sir Laundsellyn: You did well, kid. You led me right into them. I knew you’d pull through.
Aerin grits his teeth and clenches his fists, concerned about the safety of Kite and his friends.
Disclaimer: All rights belong to Pixelberry. This is my version for the upcoming sequel of Blades of Light & Shadow. I am not claiming this to be the canon story of the book. This is only written to increase the hype for the actual sequel.
In the middle of the Vishanti Kingdom market square, Kade comes face to face with the former prince of Morella, Aerin Valleros. While Threep glares along with Kade, Kite and Bella are left confused.
Kite: Kade, is this person a danger to us?
Aerin scoffs.
Aerin: I’m hurt, Kite. After a year of not seeing each other, you’ve forgotten all about me?
Kade: Kite lost his memories.
The prince raises his eyebrow.
Aerin: Oh? That’s quite unfortunate.
Bella steps up.
Bella: Hold on. Is there some romantic tension that I’m not gettin’ here?
Threep: This young man is Aerin Valleros, prince of Morella, who betrayed his people and aided the Shadow Court in their return.
Bella tenses up upon hearing the words, “Shadow Court”, but composes herself before walking up to Aerin and grabbing his collar.
Bella: So, this li’l fella is a problem to you guys then? Should we throw him off the mountain?
Aerin chuckles and sarcastically raises his hands in defeat.
Aerin: Easy, easy. I’m not even showing any hostility towards any of you… yet.
Kade: What are you doing here? How’d you even survive the Empire’s attack on Whitetower, let alone escaped your prison cell? Did they let you out and got you a spot in their ranks?
Aerin: What’s in it for me if I tell you?
Bella: We don’t let gravity decide your fate.
Aerin rolls his eyes and shrugs.
Aerin: Alright, fair enough.
Bella lets go of Aerin as he dusts himself off.
Aerin: A year ago, after you lot had your first encounter with that coward, Laundsellyn, he took me from my cell and dragged me into the Shadow Realm.
The prince then turns around for a stroll, signaling the party to follow him.
Aerin: After that, I thought I was done serving jail time, but no, they threw me into another cell for my failures in defeating you.
Kade: Well, it serves you right for joining the wrong side.
Aerin ignores Kade’s rude comment.
Aerin: I stayed in that cell for about three months and during that time, I’ve heard from one of the Shadow Guards that once served under me, mocking me and laughing about the news that Laundsellyn killed my father.
Kite notices Aerin clenching his fists in anger.
Aerin: Upon hearing my father’s name, visions began to clutter my mind, visions of the past that I cannot even recall, visions of me… and my brother, Baldur… actually getting along during our childhood…
Threep: I thought you two were at odds with each other until you plunged the Blade of Shadows unto him.
Aerin: That’s what I thought as well. For years, I believed that my brother had always been a condescending jerk who treats people who are beneath him as insects. But no, my memories proved that to be wrong as when we were young, he offered me to be his right-hand man, his closest advisor once he becomes king.
Kade: So, what you’re saying is that the Dreadlord somehow manipulated your memories, as well as Baldur’s in order to tear yourselves apart and use one of you as a puppet?
As the party nears the kingdom’s gates, Aerin stops walking.
Aerin: I don’t know. That’s what I intend to find out.
The prince moves forward once more.
Aerin: I spent my three months in solitary, recalling my memories and struggling from countless headaches, but I could not make any progress whatsoever. And then… he came along, Ignis…
Shivers run up everyone’s spines while Aerin clutches his chest.
Aerin: He visited my cell and “offered” me to join his ranks in exchange for my freedom.
Kade: Well, seeing you here right now means that you’ve obviously said yes.
Aerin turns to Kade with rage.
Aerin: I was not even able to give an answer!
Kade flinches as Kite gets between him and Aerin. Citizens begin to stare at the party.
Aerin: I was dragged out of my cell before that accursed devil casted a spell…
Aerin then tears open his shirt, revealing a Nerada Stone still etched onto its chest while small purple sparks surge through it.
Aerin: …on this damned thing, making sure that I get in line and follow the orders of the elf that killed my father, else I get electrocuted to death!
The prince then grips his hair as he starts to lose it.
Aerin: After that I was worked to the bone, slaughtering innocent people who refused to bend to the Empire and conquering peaceful lands across Morella, all while suffering from the headaches caused by those visions and the shocking pain that this stupid stone keeps bringing unto me!
Aerin then grabs Kite by the collar. Bella grabs onto one of Aerin’s arms.
Bella: Hey! No bright ideas, royal boy!
Aerin: How do you even live while you’re suffering like this, Kite?! After everything you’ve been through, being betrayed, being separated from those you love, being beaten to a pulp, and having your memories lost! How are you still moving forward?!
Kite is speechless while Aerin keeps rambling in tears.
Aerin: I’ve thrown it all away… I’ve surrendered myself to darkness… I’ve betrayed the people who once saw me as their friend… I’ve let my own father die under the hands of the elf I now work for… I’ve killed my own brother all because a dark entity severed our bonds and manipulated our memories…
Threep leans in on Kite’s ears and whispers.
Threep: We should leave quickly. Everyone has their eyes on us.
Aerin: The nesper is right.
Aerin sniffs and wipes his tears before letting Kite go.
Aerin: This should not be settled by just words.
He turns away.
Aerin: Meet me outside of town.
Aerin then walks off while buttoning up his shirt. The crowd avert their eyes from the group as the tension dies down.
Bella: Jeez, that was one helluva ride.
Kade: We can’t let him get away.
Threep: I believe that he wants to settle things with Kite through combat.
Kite watches as Aerin disappears into the crowd.
Kite: I’ll do it.
The party look at Kite with surprise.
Kade: What?! You do know it’s a trap!
Bella: Yeah, he’s with the bad guys, whether he likes it or not.
Kite: I don’t care. I can tell from how Aerin looked at me earlier. It’s like… he’s asking someone to save him.
Kite runs ahead to chase after Aerin while the party hesitates for a second before following suit. Threep gets on Kite’s shoulder.
Threep: I hope you know what you’re doing.
Kite: I am. You guys have to trust me.
Minutes later, in the outskirts of the Vishanti Kingdom, Aerin sits on the snow, gazing at the sky. His head begins to pain as a vision flashes in his eyes.
Aerin: Tch! Not again!
In his vision, he sees his young self being bullied by three kids in the town square of Whitetower.
Bully 1: Go back to your lush life in the castle, Valleros!
Bully 2: Yeah, no one wants you here!
Bully 3: Weakling!
Suddenly, Baldur appears, pushing the bullies away, and gets in between them and Aerin while holding a stick.
Baldur: Hey! Get away from my brother! He may be not as strong as any of us here, but he is sure as heck smarter than the three of you combined!
The bullies approach Baldur, cracking their knuckles.
Bully 1: Now, you’re asking for it, Baldur.
Baldur turns to Aerin.
Past Baldur: Stand up, Aerin. We can take them on together.
Past Aerin: O-Okay…
Aerin stands up and shyly raises his hands in self-defense.
The vision fast-forwards, minutes after the two brothers faced off against the bullies. They have a few bruises scattered around them, but they were victorious in the fight. Baldur is giving Aerin a piggyback ride.
Past Baldur: Good job handling yourself out there.
Past Aerin: You did most of the work…
Past Baldur: Nonsense. It was smart of you to poke their eyes, giving me time to whoop their butts. I’m proud of you.
Baldur grins while Aerin becomes flustered.
Past Aerin: T-Thank you…
The vision ends as Aerin is snapped back to reality and his headache fades away.
Aerin: How…? Where did it all go wrong…?
The prince turns around to see Kite and his friends standing behind him.
Aerin: You’re here.
He stands up and cracks his knuckles.
Kite: I’m guessing you wanna settle this in a fight?
Aerin: Yeah. Once I defeat you, the Hero chosen to defeat the Empire, right here, I will go back to Shadow Realm and claim vengeance!
Aerin puts his hand forward, materializing a polearm surging with Shadow magic. Kade grits his teeth.
Kade: A new weapon from Ignis, I presume?
Aerin: More or less. It’s called the Blackcliff Polearm.
Kade, Bella and Threep steps back.
Kade: Is it really okay for us to let this fight happen while not worrying about an avalanche?
Bella: It’s alright. The Vishanti placed wards around the mountain to prevent avalanches from occurring, guaranteeing the safety of their kingdom.
Threep: That’s a relief.
Kite unsheathes the Mirror Claymore, piquing the interest of Aerin.
Aerin: So, that’s the Mirror Claymore of the Vishanti. Quite the Sacred Treasure.
Aerin begins the fight by charging towards Kite and performs a few swings and thrusts with the Blackcliff Polearm, but the latter uses his elven senses to avoid all of them.
Aerin: Tch! Alright, how about this?!
Aerin leaps up and attempts to plunge the polearm on Kite, but again, the latter hops back, evading the attack.
Aerin: Got you now!
Aerin lets go of the polearm while it is planted on the ground before kicking it.
The polearm spins vertically towards Kite who blocks it with the Mirror Claymore.
Kite: Damn!
As the polearm begins to slow down in spinning, Aerin suddenly lunges forward and grabs it, surprising Kite.
Kite: What the—
Aerin then uses Shadow magic, transforming himself into a purple bolt of lightning, before traveling upwards. Kite and the party look up in awe.
Kade: What the hell is that?!
Threep: He has become stronger since we last saw him!
Three duplicates of the Blackcliff polearm rain down from the sky and plant themselves around Kite. Sparks then begin to appear on their tips. Kite attempts to block the incoming attack with the Mirror Claymore, but Aerin proves to be quicker as his lightning form comes crashing down onto the duplicate polearms acting as lightning rods. Kite gets electrocuted and hurled from the point of the attack, where Aerin is seen crouching down and holding his weapon, plunged onto the ground.
Bella: Sheesh, remind me not to mess with him when he’s this worked up.
Kite gets up while still recovering from Aerin’s attack. The prince stands up and pulls out his weapon from the ground, boasting about his successful attack.
Aerin: How was that?!
Kite: Tch! Not bad.
Kite gets up and dusts off his shoulder.
Kade: Wait, why was the Mirror Claymore not able to absorb the magic attack?
Threep: I believe that Kite was expecting Aerin to strike from above, even though there were duplicates of the polearm around him. However, when Aerin dropped and struck Kite’s guard, it wasn’t a magical attack, it was instead a physical attack. So, it didn’t count to the magic absorption power of the Claymore.
Bella: Then what caused the electric surge?
Threep: Electricity ran from the tip of Aerin’s weapon towards its duplicates while avoiding the Mirror Claymore, overloading them with magical energy to the point where they would explode.
Kade: That was… actually clever.
Bella: He managed to bypass the insane power of the Mirror Claymore.
Aerin rushes towards Kite once more, but the latter stays composed.
Kite: Aerin, you’re not the only one that has grown.
Kite raises the Mirror Claymore and slams it on the ground in front of him, scattering the snow and obscuring himself from Aerin’s sights. The elf then quickly casts a spell.
Kite: Chaos Magic: Moonlight Circle – Mirror Mirage.
Aerin: You can’t hide from me!
Aerin slashes the thin snow wall between him and Kite in half. As the snow parts, the prince comes face to face with multiple duplicates of his opponent, each holding the Bow of Gal’dariel in hand.
Aerin: Wha—
Kade: He used Mirror Mirage!
Threep: An excellent strategy. This should buy the real Kite some time to strike back.
Aerin stops in his tracks.
Aerin: So, this is the spell you used to escape the clutches of the Empire.
Kite and his duplicates draw their bows and arrows while aiming at Aerin.
Aerin: I know that most of those arrows are not real, but one of them can still pierce my body.
The arrows are let loose as they fly towards their target.
Aerin: So, as long as I find the real you…
Aerin does a forward flip, avoiding all the arrows, before slamming his polearm on the ground, unleashing arcs of lightning towards Kite and his duplicates. The arcs pierce through each duplicate as, one by one, they fade from existence, however, as the last duplicate fades away, the real Kite is nowhere to be seen.
Aerin: What?! Then… where is he?!
Aerin looks around, searching for the real Kite, when suddenly, the snow beneath him begins to move. He looks down.
Aerin: Can it be…?
Kite leaps up from under the snow, equipping the Gauntlet of Pain, and sucker punches Aerin, launching him far away.
Bella: Oof, that’s gotta hurt!
Aerin gets on his feet and wipes off the blood, dripping from his lips.
Aerin: But still not enough to make me concede.
He rushes to Kite, who unsheathes the Mirror Claymore.
Aerin: I will...!
Kite swings the Claymore like a baseball bat, but Aerin leaps to avoid it, ready to plunge his polearm.
Kite: Damn!
Aerin: …surpass you!!
Kite swiftly grabs the sharp end of the polearm using the Gauntlet of Pain, stopping Aerin’s attack, before hurling it behind him. Aerin ends up plunging his weapon on the snow.
Aerin: Tch!
He flips away, giving himself some distance from Kite. The two stare down at each other, waiting to strike.
Aerin: Why don’t we both bring out everything we’ve got?
Kite deeply inhales before casting Lion’s Pride, raising his physical attributes. Meanwhile, Aerin channels his Shadow magic, causing purple electricity to surge throughout his body, increasing his speed and agility. Bella steps in front of Kade and Threep.
Bella: We gotta stay back. When their attacks clash, it could be dangerous for us.
The party steps back a few feet and as soon as they did, Kite and Aerin charge at each other. They both swing their weapons, causing a strong shockwave upon collision. The two keep clashing, trading minimal blows and parrying each other’s attacks. While Aerin has the speed to strike before Kite could defend himself, the latter has enough endurance to not flinch from the attack and strike back.
Aerin leaps up, transforming into a bolt of purple lightning once more. This time, more than three duplicates of his polearm drop from the sky and surround Kite.
Kite: Tch!
Kite hops back, trying to get out of the field of polearms, but Aerin quickly descends from the sky, releasing magical energy to the polearms, causing them to burst with electricity before Kite could escape the area of effect.
Aerin: I’m impressed that you were able to survive that.
The light from the electrical surge fades, revealing Kite shielding himself with the Mirror Claymore as it is filled with magical energy that came from Aerin’s attack. However, the elf is left with burns across his body.
Kade: Kite!
Unconcerned with his own well-being, Kite swings his weapon, unleashing a magical projectile, shaped like a crescent and filled with Shadow Magic, towards Aerin.
Bella: Again, with that recklessness. Has he always been like this?
Threep: Sadly, yes, but it’s what got him this far.
Aerin imbues his polearm with Shadow Magic and uses it to cut the crescent in half, avoiding the attack, but as the crescent parts, Kite comes up right in front of Aerin, catching him by surprise.
Aerin: When did you…?!
Aerin then notices Kite conjuring a ball of Cleansing Fire from his hand. Kite swings his hand down, attempting to slam the fireball onto Aerin’s head, but the latter leaps back, evading the attack.
Aerin: It takes a lot more than a ball of fire to knock me down, Kite.
Kite looks at Aerin with a smirk.
Kite; What makes you think that it was going for you?
Aerin: Huh?
Kite slams the fireball onto the Mirror Claymore as it absorbs the magical energy, imbuing it with flames. He then charges forward while Aerin is still in mid-air, in the midst of avoiding the fireball.
Aerin’s Thoughts: Shit! I can’t dodge it! I have to block it!
Aerin holds his polearm up to block the incoming attack, but…
CLANG!!
…Kite disarms Aerin and sends the Blackcliff Polearm flying through the air, startling the latter.
Aerin: No!
The party starts cheering.
Kade: He did it!
Threep: Kite has the advantage now!
Bella: Nice!
As Aerin lands on the snow, Kite kicks his leg, forcing him to kneel in pain.
Aerin: Aah!!
Kite: Aerin… if you let only your emotions fuel your false resolve…
The elf then pulls his weapon back, ready to swing it.
Kite: …then you do not deserve to win this fight.
Aerin stares in disbelief before slowly lowering his head in defeat, accepting his demise.
Kade: Wait… is he gonna…?
Kite grips the hilt of the Mirror Claymore tight before swinging rapidly, aiming for Aerin’s neck, as if he’s trying to behead him.
Threep: Kite!
Fortunately, Kite stops short, with the blade of the Mirror Claymore almost touching Aerin’s neck. The prince’s heart momentarily pauses as he just looks at Kite, with an expression of pity on his face.
Aerin: W… Why’d you stop…?
Kite sheathes the Mirror Claymore before turning away and rejoining his friends. Aerin grits his teeth and stands in anger.
Aerin: Hey! Don’t walk away from me, Kite! Why didn’t you kill me?!
Kite stops in his tracks.
Kite: Because I cannot kill a man who is just asking for a death wish.
Aerin: What do you mean…?
Kite turns to Aerin, who was speechless.
Kite: Defeating me or the Empire? Can you even do that? Or are you just looking for an excuse to get yourself killed to end your suffering, even though it doesn’t work that way? You weren’t even giving your all during our fight.
Aerin: I…
Aerin trembles, slowly realizing how correct Kite is.
Kite: The fact that you can’t even take it upon yourself to end your own life and instead relying on others to do it, means that there’s still a part of you that wants to live on.
Kite turns back to his friends.
Kite: Once you’ve found your real self, the Aerin before the Empire of Ash, before the Shadow Court, before all of this, then come find me.
Kite continues to walk towards his friends.
Kite: I’ll be sure to fight you again… to settle this properly.
The party gathers around Kite, making sure he’s okay, while they all walk away from Aerin.
Kade: Are you hurt?
Kite: I’m fine.
Threep: Did you really intend to kill him?
Kite: I wasn’t trying to.
Bella: Are you sure you wanna face him again?
Kite: As much as I need to until he’s saved.
As the party disappears from Aerin’s sights, he grabs his weapon, before walking the other direction and wandering to himself.
Aerin: My… real self…
As the party and Aerin part ways, Laundsellyn watches from the sky, laying down on a hovering Blade of Shadows.
Sir Laundsellyn: Hehe, that was fun.
He squints and smirks at the party.
Sir Laundsellyn: Now… where could that Priestess be?
Disclaimer: All rights belong to Pixelberry. This is my version for the upcoming sequel of Blades of Light & Shadow. I am not claiming this to be the canon story of the book. This is only written to increase the hype for the actual sequel.
In the empty alleyways of the Vishanti Kingdom, the party follows Bella closer to the castle, with Kade and Threep still staring at her in awe. The self-proclaimed goddess turns to them and rolls her eyes.
Bella: Oh, will you stop starin’ at me like that? It’s creepy.
Kite lightly chuckles while his brother and Threep shake their heads to compose themselves.
Kade: Sorry, it’s just…
Threep: It was difficult for us to comprehend that you are one of the New Gods and you are aiding us in our journey.
Bella: I ain’t aidin’ nobody. I’m just doin’ what I’m paid to do. After I get me sack o’ coins, I’ll be out of yer hair.
Kade grins excitedly.
Kade: I have some questions, though.
Bella rolls her eyes.
Bella: Okay, here we go.
Kade: Did you actually fought with the other New Gods? Did you get to meet them? What is Xaius, the God of Victory like? Or Ellara, the Goddess of Aegis? Or Ittar and Bakshi, the Gods of Love?
Bella stops on her tracks, prompting the party to stop too. She then quickly turns to Kade with a hilarious-looking annoyed face.
Bella: Listen here, kid. This ain’t no twenty questions game. I’m one of the New Gods, that’s it. That’s all you need to know.
Nervously sweating, the bard just nods repeatedly while responding in a stuttering tone.
Kade: R-R-Right… S-S-Sorry…
Bella: Good.
The mercenary turns back and walks ahead while the party follows suit. Kite pats his brother’s head to help him feel better, prompting the latter to smile.
Kade: Thanks.
Kite: You gotta stay calm, Kade. We’re in the presence of a Goddess, after all.
Kade grins and nods before taking a deep breath to compose himself.
Kade: I’m good.
Kite smiles while Threep looks up at the Vishanti Castle.
Threep: We’re close.
Bella suddenly takes a detour, confusing everyone.
Bella: Over here.
Kade: Wait, I thought we’re going to the castle.
Bella: Yer still wanted ‘round town, right? This path will lead you inside the castle without getting’ any attention.
Bella rushes inside a hidden entrance to an underground tunnel. The party members look at each other before reluctantly following the goddess. After a few minutes of trekking in the tunnels, the party eventually reach a large door, guarded by two armored wooly-men.
(Author’s Note: For this fic, average Wooly-Men height is around 8.5 feet and they have bulky builds like orcs.)
Wooly-Man 1: Halt! Who goes there?
Bella: Come on, Erik. It’s me! Yer best pal, Bella!
The guard huffs.
Erik: You still owe me some coin, Bella. No matter how much King Njal pays you, I’ll be taking them all.
Bella grins and gently punches Erik’s arm.
Bella: Nice to see ya too!
Erik notices the party behind the mercenary.
Erik: Are these the wanted criminals that the King specifically wanted you to fetch?
Bella: Yeah, they are.
Kade gulps nervously.
Kade: A-A-Are you gonna execute us?
Threep trembles.
Threep: Can I at least get one delicious feast as my last meal before I get beheaded?
Kite remains unfazed and just asks his question in a calm manner.
Kite: We’re not in trouble, are we?
Erik just opens the door.
Erik: You best ask the King himself.
Bella enters the castle’s crypt as Kite follows suit, holding Kade’s arm to help him calm down. After a few minutes of trekking through the maze-like structure of the Vishanti crypts, they arrive at the throne room, where the largest of all the wooly-men, about nine feet tall, sits upon a gigantic throne.
Bella: Alright, Njal, here are those criminals ya wanted. Now, pay up.
King Njal, the leader of the wooly-men and the king of the mountain, stands from his throne, towering over everyone in the room and immediately intimidating both Kade and Threep, before approaching the party. He then lightly chops Bella’s head with his hand.
Bella: Hey! What gives?!
Njal chuckles.
King Njal: It’s still surprising to me how you, a goddess, stoop so low that you have to perform tasks given by us, the common people, just to sustain your needs.
Annoyed, Bella easily slaps away the King’s hand with her outstanding strength.
Bella: I do what I like. Just give me payment. Besides, you’ve never won a single test of strength against this lowly goddess.
Njal grins.
King Njal: That is true, but you will get your payment later. I shall speak to our guests first.
Bella: I hate you.
Bella puffs her cheeks and steps aside. Njal then turns to the party. Kade and Threep immediately hide behind Kite, who bows before the King.
King Njal: I see that after your memory loss, you still retain your courtesy, Young Nightbloom.
Kade peeks from behind Kite.
Kade: Y-You have heard of us, your Majesty?
King Njal: Yes, I have received letters from the Dunbar tribesmen and the Zaradun dwarves, informing of your arrival.
Kade steps up, beside Kite, while Threep climbs on the elf’s shoulder.
Threep: Then you must know why we are here, your Majesty.
King Njal: Indeed. You are here for the weapon we have kept deep within our mountains that King Brynjar has told you a year ago.
King Njal turns and points to a claymore floating above his throne. The claymore’s blade is completely made of a special crystal, glimmering from the cerulean light emitted by the torches inside the throne room.
Kade: It looks so… elegant, like a rainbow.
Kite: What is it called?
King Njal: The Mirror Claymore, a weapon made of Vishanti’s rarest ore, Prismium. It is capable of deflecting or absorbing almost any type of magic, protecting its wielder while unleashing a counterattack filled with magical energy at their opponent.
Kade: “Any type of magic”? Does that mean…?
King Njal turns to the party with a nod.
King Njal: Yes. It is even capable of countering Sir Laundsellyn’s Relinquish spell.
Kade grins and turns to Kite with an ecstatic expression.
Kade: This is amazing, Kite! We finally have something to match against the Empire.
Threep: It is quite a magnificent weapon to behold. I can now see why King Brynjar wanted us to search for it.
King Njal reaches out his hand as the Mirror Claymore hovers towards it. As the Mountain King grasps the weapon, Kite approaches him. However, two guards get between him and King Njal.
Threep: How dare you?!
Kade: What gives?!
Kite soon realizes the situation as he prepares to draw the Bow of Gal’dariel.
Kite: I don’t suppose you’d want us to just claim that without a fight, huh, your Majesty?
Bella raises her eyebrow, slowly becoming interested with the situation, as King Njal laughs and turns towards Kite.
King Njal: Right, you are, Young Nightbloom. If you want to claim it, you have to earn it through a test of strength.
Kite: Alright, you asked for it. Here I go!
Kite suddenly leaps high, above the two guards, while casting a ball of Cleansing Fire. Caught off-guard, everyone looks upon the elf.
King Njal: Wait! I do not mean now!
But King Njal was too late on informing Kite as the latter quickly hurls a fireball at the former. King Njal immediately swings the Mirror Claymore at the fireball, like playing baseball, launching it towards Kite, who uses the Shield of Castiel to block the counterattack, before landing on his feet. The guards immediately point their spears towards the elf, who laughs like a child.
Kite: Sorry about that. I just wanted to test out the Claymore. I do accept your challenge though. Hehe.
Threep: What do you mean by “Hehe”?!
Kade lightly chops Kite’s head.
Kade: Not funny.
Bella begins to chuckle, surprising everyone. She approaches Kite with a grin.
Bella: Yer an interesting fella, Kite Nightbloom.
She then puts her arm around him, like he’s been her best friend for a long time, and turns to King Njal.
Bella: Let’s make this challenge interesting, Njal. Why not duke it out in a wrestling match? Best three outta five.
King Njal raises an eyebrow.
King Njal: Ooh, that does sound interesting, Bella.
Kite: …EHH?! Wrestling a wooly-man?!
Kade: Are you crazy?!
Threep: His Majesty would flatten Kite!
Bella laughs as she pats Kite’s back.
Bella: You’ll be fine! I’ll be trainin’ ya! I mean you are looking at the only one who can beat Njal in a wrestling match.
Kite looks at his friends, who are paranoid, then to Bella, with her friendly, yet creepy smile, then to King Njal with a smile that hides a sinister wrestling monster within, before sighing.
Kite: Alright, fine. I accept the wrestling match.
King Njal: Then it is settled.
King Njal returns the Mirror Claymore above the throne before sitting.
King Njal: In three days, we shall meet again for the match.
Kade: Three days?!
Threep: Is that even enough for a training?
Bella: Totally!
Kite sighs in defeat.
Kite: Those three days better be worth it.
Bella: Cross me heart!
King Njal dismisses the party and Bella, and have the guards escort them to their rooms.
The next day, the party and Bella meet up at the castle’s barracks, where one of the rooms has a circular wrestling ring at the center.
Bella: Here we are. We’ll practice Vishanti Wrestling here.
Kade: What is Vishanti Wrestling, exactly?
Bella: Oh, it’s just pushin’ yer opponent outta the ring.
(Author’s Note: Vishanti Wrestling is basically sumo wrestling, but it is done with the bulky body structure.)
Threep: …And you suppose Kite would be able to push King Njal, the largest of all the wooly-men, out of the ring?
Bella: Not with that attitude, ya furball.
Threep: How dare you call me a furball?!
Bella shrugs and gets on the ring.
Bella: Besides, I’m not askin’ Kite to push Njal out. The elf’s tinier than him so you gotta use yer agility to outmaneuver the bastard. If he’s chargin’ at ya, get around his ass and use his momentum to push ‘im outta the ring.
Kite: That’s easier said than done.
Bella: Well, not unless you know Kaytar, the martial arts known by the orcs.
Threep: Of course! Imtura did teach Kite how to use it.
Bella: Well, that saves us plenty of time to train.
Bella cracks her knuckles and asks Kite to come into the ring.
Bella: Alright, Kite, show me what ya got!
Two minutes later…
Kite: AACK!!
Kite is suddenly knocked out of a circular wrestling ring by Bella. She crosses her arms and looks at the elf with disappointment.
Bella: Yer kiddin’ me, right? Ya call that Kaytar?
Kite gets up while rubbing his belly from pain.
Kite: Well…
He turns to Kade and Threep, who are worried about him.
Kade: Even if Kite learned how to do Kaytar, his memory loss made him forget about his training with Imtura.
Bella rolls her eyes.
Bella: Yeah, right. Combat isn’t about memory. It’s about instincts. Even if yer mind doesn’t remember, yer body sure as hell does.
She claps her hands, demanding for Kite come back to the ring.
Bella: Come on, let’s keep goin’. I’mma beat the shit outta you till yer body remembers how to Kaytar. Make yer friend proud!
Kite puts on a determined expression and gently smacks his hands against his cheeks before going back in the ring.
Kite: Let’s do this.
As minutes pass, while Kite continues to get kicked out of the ring, the losses become less and less likely to happen as his body begins to instinctively remember how to use the martial arts taught to him by Imtura. Bella smiles proudly at his progress.
Bella: That’s it! Yer getting’ there.
On the last round, Bella charges at Kite and thrusts her palm forward, in an attempt to push him out with her immense strength. However, after polishing his skills, Kite quickly ducks and rushes forward, right below the goddess.
Kite: Missed!
Bella: Don’t get too cocky now.
Bella grins as she goes in for a counterattack, but as soon as she looks down to where Kite supposed to be, her eyes widen, noticing that he just disappeared into thin air. She quickly turns around to see him already behind her.
Kite: Gotcha!
Before Bella could react, Kite tucks his head and braces his arms against his front before launching himself towards the goddess. His shoulder then bashes Bella on her backside, knocking her out of the ring, as she lands on her feet gracefully, finally earning Kite a victory. Kade and Threep celebrate.
Kade: That was awesome!
Threep: Magnificent performance!
Bella: Not bad, Kite. Now, that’s what I call Kaytar.
Kite grins proudly but…
Bella: Still not enough to beat Njal though.
Kade and Threep celebration ends abruptly as Kite huffs and puffs.
Kite: Hey! Don’t lift me up just to shoot me down like that so suddenly!
Bella: Ey, just telling the truth. Ya really don’t stand a chance against him, let alone ANY wooly-men ‘round these parts.
Kite: Harsh.
Bella gets back up on the ring and does some stretches.
Bella: Luckily for you, I’mma bout to teach you a skill that I have developed.
Kite raises an eyebrow, curious.
Kite: Oh yeah?
Bella grins before taking a deep breath. Soon after, she lets out a powerful yell, causing a burst of magical energy around her body. Her muscles begin to swell slightly as Kite and Threep sense an immense growth in her brute strength.
Threep: Amazing! Her physical prowess managed to triple!
Kade: As if her current strength isn’t scary enough!
Kite: So, that’s what the skill can do? Raise one’s physical stats and limitations?
Bella: Exactly! I dubbed it “Lion’s Pride”.
Bella then performs a gentle exhale, maintaining the skill at a balanced state so that it doesn’t let out too much magical energy.
Bella: It lasts about ten minutes and you can only use it once every 24 hours. Goin’ past ten minutes or usin’ it more than once and yer body will slowly tear apart.
Kite: I see.
Bella claps her hands and gets into a squatting stance.
Bella: Alright, now let’s see you try.
Kite follows the same stance before Bella could tell him the instructions.
Bella: First, you gotta take a deep breath. Focus all yer magical energy on yer heart and lungs.
Bella closes her eyes and breathes deeply, followed by Kite.
Bella: Then once ya feel immense magical power buildin’ up inside ya, let it all out like how yer heart pumps out blood all across yer body. Don’t forget to scream.
Kite continues to build up his magical energy until he snaps his eyes open and…
Kite: RAAAAAAAA!!!
Kite unleashes his magical power and spreads it across his entire body, raising his physical stats and limitations, however, because of his gift in magic, his improvements are better than Bella’s.
Threep: Unbelievable! Kite’s physical prowess has increased tenfold!
Kade: That’s so cool!
Bella grins.
Bella: The more potential you have in magic, the better the improvements. I’m more of a warrior who relies on brute strength so I don’t need much magic.
Kite lets out a long exhale, maintaining his magical energy.
Kite: That felt great!
Bella: Let’s have another match. This time, let’s both use Lion’s Pride.
Kite: Yes, Ma’am.
With less than ten minutes left until the skill’s limit, Kite and Bella go for a few more rounds, resulting in equal victories for the both of them. The training goes on for the next two days as Kite’s improvements become more and more apparent.
On the day of the match, Kite, the party and Bella meet up with King Njal at the castle’s courtyard, where a larger wrestling ring is located. Vishanti guards gather around the ring while Njal stands at the center, clad in his combat attire. While Kade, Threep and Bella stand with the rest of the audience, Kite gets up in the ring to come face to face with his opponent.
King Njal: I’ve heard from my guards that your strength has improved these last three days, thanks to Bella.
Kite: You’ve heard right. And today, I’m gonna prove it to you.
King Njal: Let your actions in battle prove your words, Young Nightbloom.
Kite and King Njal crouch and plant each of their fists onto the surface of the ring, like the initial sumo stance. Before the referee could start the match, Kite immediately channels his magical energy and activates Lion’s Pride, increasing his physical strength tenfold and surprising Njal.
King Njal: Oh! I see Bella has taught you her technique.
Kite smirks.
Kite: I mean, I am going against basically the most physically built entity in all of the realm. Might as well go all out.
King Njal: “All out”, you say?
Bella: Uh oh…
Threep: What?
Kade: Is something gonna happen?
King Njal takes a deep breath before exhaling lots of frozen mist from his nose. Cold air begins to gather around the mountain king’s body, infusing him with a tough ice armor and intimidating Kite.
Kite: Wait a minute!
Referee: Begin!
Before Kite could get another word, Njal immediately charges forward and shoulder-bashes him, launching the elf out of the ring. The audience parts themselves as Kite flies past them, crashing onto the wall and making an elf-shaped hole on it.
Referee: Round one goes to his Majesty!
The guards cheer as King Njal crosses his arms and smirks in victory. Kite climbs out of the hole, grinning at the mountain king while his friends look at him with concern.
Kite: You just made this a LOT interesting, your Majesty.
Kade: Kite, are you okay?!
Kite turns to his friends and nods before running back into the ring.
Kite: Never been better.
King Njal scoffs.
King Njal: Ready for another beating?
Kite: Not this time.
Kite grins with determination as he and Njal take their stance for the second round. About nine minutes remain until Lion’s Pride reaches its limit. Kite breathes deeply as his perception begins to slow down.
Referee: Begin!
King Njal goes in for another shoulder-bash, but Kite saw the attack coming. The elf leaps up high, above the mountain king, startling everyone. Unable to stop his current momentum, Njal continues to close in on the edge of the ring.
Kite: Gotcha now!
Kite uses this as an advantage as soon as he lands by charging at and pushing his opponent out of the ring. Kade, Threep and Bella cheer.
Referee: Round two goes to Kite!
King Njal reenters the ring with a proud grin.
King Njal: Impressive, but it won’t be easy from here on out.
Kite nods and does a few stretches.
Kite: Bring it!
The two challengers take their stances once more for the third round. Seven and a half minutes remain until Lion’s Pride reaches its limit.
Referee: Begin!
This time, Kite and Njal lunge at each other, clasping their hands together in an attempt to push the other off the ring. Immediately, Kite struggles to move Njal an inch as the latter doesn’t even break a sweat. As each second passes, little by little, Kite skids closer to the edge of the ring. His friends begin to panic.
Kade: Come on, Kite! You can do it!
Threep: I am afraid he might not succeed this round.
Bella: Yer right. Njal’s specialty in this is pushing.
Indeed, Threep was unfortunately correct as Kite is pushed off of the ring by Njal. The mountain king’s guards cheer for him once more.
Referee: Round three goes for his Majesty!
The party and Bella look in horror as Kite gets up, disappointed at his performance.
Kite: Damn it…
King Njal: Are you still determined to continue?
Without a response, Kite jumps back into the ring. King Njal scoffs and smirks at the elf’s confidence.
Kade: Kite needs to win the next two rounds or else, he won’t be able to claim the Mirror Claymore.
Threep: I doubt it’s even about the Claymore anymore.
Kade: What do you mean?
Threep: Kite is also fighting for the support of the Vishanti Kingdom. If he does not prove himself here, we will not be able to have enough manpower for the war.
Kade: Isn’t the Vishanti Kingdom on our side?
Threep: Not originally. They have always been a neutral faction in our Realm, never siding with either the forces of good or evil. But now, with the Empire’s return, they have no choice but to decide who to side with. This is why, despite of the Empire’s presence in the Realm, this kingdom remains prosperous.
Bella: Furball’s right once again.
Threep: Will you stop calling me that?!
Voice: Yip, yip!
Bella feels something soft bumping against her legs. She and the party look down to see a fox with blue and white fur, and purple eyes, glaring at the goddess.
Furball: Mrrm!
Bella shyly rubs the back of her head.
Bella: Sorry ‘bout that li’l guy.
Furball: Hrrm!
The fox strolls away.
(Author’s Note: Was I really gonna use a segment of a chapter for a Furball cameo? There was not a single doubt in my mind! Anyways, back to the match.)
Kite and Njal take their stances for the fourth round. Five minutes remain until Lion’s Pride reaches its limit.
Referee: Begin!
The two challengers repeat the same situation last round, with the two of them trying to push each other off the ring. Once again, Kite cannot budge Njal while the latter skids the former closer to the edge.
King Njal: This is just humiliating for you, Young Nightbloom. Are you certain that this is all you can do?
As the two are inches from the edge of the ring, Kite looks up at Njal with a devious grin.
King Njal: Wha—
Kite suddenly hops up and plants his feet beneath the icy floor of the ring, surprising Njal and everyone else.
King Njal: What are yo—
Kite then bends his knees, leaning backwards, as he tightens his grip on Njal’s hands and pulls him out the ring, once again using the mountain king’s momentum to his advantage.
Referee: Round four goes to Kite!
Kade, Threep and Bella cheer once more.
Kade: Just one more win!
Threep: There is still hope!
Bella: Yeah, but it’s a 50-50 chance.
Bella glances at the two who just glare at her and her pessimism.
Bella: What?!
King Njal steps into the ring for the last round.
King Njal: You truly are a remarkable being, Young Nightbloom.
Kite smirks while doing a few hops, hyping himself up.
Kite: I might even perform a lot better if I have all my memories back.
Njal chuckles.
King Njal: Combat isn’t about memory.
Kite: It’s about instincts.
The two grin at each other before taking their stances. As two and a half minutes remain until Lion’s Pride reaches its limit, Kite thinks to himself.
Kite’s Thoughts: If I push myself even further, I might be able to actually move Njal this time. I can’t keep repeating the same moves. It makes me predictable. I have to do this.
The elf takes a deep breath, channeling magical energy once more. Bella notices this.
Bella: Oh no…
Kade: What’s wrong?
Bella: Kite is going to use Lion’s Pride once more…
Threep: What? Is he not still under its effects?
Bella: The skill can be used as much as he needs to, however, each use decreases the amount of time before it reaches its limit. In this case, instead of two and half minutes remaining, he’ll be left with half that amount.
Kade: This is bad. Will he even win with that amount of time?
Bella: I doubt it.
Kite’s friends look at him with concern as he casts Lion’s Pride once more, further increasing his physical stats and limitations, but decreasing the time limit.
King Njal: Oh? Are you sure about further powering yourself up? It’s risky and it could result to your loss.
Kite: What’s a victory without a little risk?
Kite smirks, empowered while Njal scoffs.
King Njal: Watch your confidence, Young Nightbloom. It could result to your downfall.
Referee: Begin!
The two once again attempt to push each other off the ring, but this time, as Kite predicted, he starts to move forward, instead of backwards, as Njal skids towards the edge.
Kade: Kite’s plan is working!
Threep: Yes, but he has less than a minute left.
However, Kite’s advantage won’t last long as Njal saw this coming. With just a few feet left near the edge, the mountain king takes a page out of the elf’s book as the former crouches down and swings his arms upwards, using the latter’s momentum against him and lifting him up in the sky. Njal then turns and slams down Kite near the edge of the ring.
Kade: Kite!
Bella: Shit… the time is up…
As Kite winces in pain, the magical aura surrounding him begins to fade away, deactivating Lion’s Pride. Njal stands before him.
King Njal: Such a shame, Young Nightbloom.
As the mountain king prepares to punt Kite off the ring, the elf suddenly bolts out of danger and appears right behind the Njal, shocking everyone.
Bella: No way!
Threep: How?!
Kite’s friends begin to notice magical energy gathering around him once more.
Bella: Is he insane?! His body will break if he keeps using that skill!
Kade: Kite, don’t!
Kite lets out a primal scream as he casts Lion’s Pride once more. Cracking sounds can be heard from his body.
King Njal: Are you sure about this, Kite?
Kite twitches from pain and takes a wrestling stance. Nonetheless, he smiles.
Kite: Match ain’t over yet.
King Njal sighs and smiles back as he takes a stance as well.
King Njal: Well then, let’s finish it.
The two charge at each other and once again try to push each other off the ring. Once more, Kite slowly pushes Njal near the edge but because of the continuous intense pain, he is also slowly losing focus. This gives the mountain king an opening as he tightens his grip on Kite’s hand and slings him off the ring.
Kade: No!
However, as soon as Njal lets go of Kite, the latter quickly reaches for the former’s hand. Since Kite hasn’t touch the ground, the round is technically not yet over. He pulls himself back in by grabbing hold of Njal’s arm, then goes around the wooly-man, catching him by surprise. And before Njal could react, Kite hops and uses both his feet to kick the mountain king off the ring. Njal crashes onto the ground, making Kite the victor of the round and the entire match. Silence fills the courtyard for a while until…
Referee: Our winner! Kite Nightbloom!
Kade and Threep rush towards Kite before pulling him in a proud embrace. As magical energy disperses from Kite, he collapses from exhaustion, but still had the stamina to return the embrace to his friends. Bella and the Vishanti guards stare in awe, amazed at the spectacle that Kite and Njal have brought. The mountain king stands up and joins Kite and his friends at the ring. He reaches his hand out.
King Njal: I admire your conviction, Kite Nightbloom. The Vishanti Kingdom shall join you in defeating the Empire of Ash.
Kite smiles and reaches to shake Njal’s hand while Kade is supporting his brother.
Kite: Much appreciated, your Majesty. I’m glad to have you on our side.
Bella leaps from behind Kite and chops the back of his neck with her hand.
Bella: You idiot!
Kite: AACK!!
Kite collapses once more in Kade’s arms while the goddess crosses her arms, fuming.
Kade: Kite! Wha?! Why?!
Bella: That was reckless of you to go over the skill’s limit.
Kite composes himself and chuckles.
Kite: Hey, it was worth it. I won. That’s what matters.
Bella: Hmph! Well, don’t do it again. Other than that, congrats.
Kite: Well, it’s all thanks to you.
The elf grins gratefully as Bella turns away from the group before proudly giving them a thumbs up. A while later, after Kite has regained his strength, he and his friends gather in the throne room. King Njal stands in front of them, holding the Mirror Claymore in his hands.
King Njal: As a symbol of alliance between the Vishanti Kingdom and the descendant of the great Haldir Nightbloom, I bestow upon thee, Kite Nightbloom, our Sacred Treasure, the Mirror Claymore.
Kite kneels and bows his head while receiving the Sacred Treasure. Everyone inside the throne room claps in celebration. The elf then stands up while everyone around him steps back to let him test the weapon. Kite gives the Claymore a few swings, getting used to its weight.
Kade: How is it?
Kite grins.
Kite: I like it.
He turns to King Njal and bows.
Kite: Thank you once again, your Majesty.
Njal nods.
King Njal: We have done our part to aid you in your growth. Now, we must prepare ourselves for the coming war, as should you. Threep told me that a year ago, your allies have been separated from you.
Kite turns to Kade and Threep with concern.
Kite: Yes, but…
Kite clenches his fists.
Kite: I can’t even recognize them…
King Njal wonders to himself.
King Njal: Memories can be tricky sometimes, but as you continue on your journey, piece by piece, everything will come back to you. What matters now is that you must reunite with your companions.
The mountain king places his hand on Kite’s shoulder, comforting him. The elf nods.
Kite: Understood, your Majesty.
He turns once more to Kade and Threep.
Kite: Who do we find first?
Kade: Nia. She’s the closest to the mountains. The question is; how do we find her under all of the snow?
Threep suddenly remembers something.
Threep: We could use the Orb of Seeking that we stole from the home of the High Priest.
The nesper leaps onto Kite’s satchel and grabs the purple orb inside.
Kite: Good. That’ll make things easier.
King Njal turns to Bella.
King Njal: Bella, you must accompany them.
Bella: Huh?! Why?!
King Njal: Their journey will be perilous. They need your aid. Besides, it is about time you go out there and seek your resolve.
The goddess rolls her eyes.
Bella: Ugh, fine, but ya owe me!
King Njal nods as Bella approaches the party. Kade seems ecstatic.
Kade: Are you really joining us?
Bella: Calm down. I’ll only stick with ya until ya reconnect with yer friends.
Kite: Sounds good enough for me.
Kite and Bella bump their fists in agreement.
The Mercenary: Bella has joined the party.
After some thorough preparations, the party departs from the gates of the Vishanti castle.
King Njal: May the Light be upon you, heroes of the Realm.
Kite and his friends wave goodbye at Njal before heading to the market square to purchase some food for the journey ahead. Luckily for Kite, Kade and Threep, Njal has already ordered for their wanted posters to be taken down throughout the kingdom.
Kade: Alright, all that’s left is bread. The stall should be over there.
Kite: Gotcha. Let’s make this qui—
But before Kite could finish what he’s saying, he accidentally bumps into someone in the crowd.
Kite: Oh, sorry.
While Kite ensures that the person he bumps into is okay, Kade and Threep immediately recognizes that person.
Familiar Person: Quite unlike you to treat me this way, Kite.
Kade: No way!
Instinctively, Kade goes in for a punch but the person catches his fist.
Familiar Person: That won’t catch me by surprise this time, Kade.
Kade grits his teeth while Kite looks at the two, confused.
Kade: What the hell are you doing here?!... Aerin!
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