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A Chance Dance: A Tale of Friendship Between Two Lost Souls

Notes:

1. "City of Stars" is, of course, taken from the La La Land OST.

2. Cover art by me

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City of stars...

Are you shining just for me?

The hall of the once resplendent fortress was littered with broken, rotten furniture and ripped paintings, all veiled under thick layer of dust and cobwebs. The small, eerily green flames on each post that circled the room barely lit the area. Critters crawled to and fro the cracks on the walls.

On a fallen pillar near the entryway sat a restless Lady Shura, her golden eyes wide with curiosity as she tried to catch as much detail of the place as she could. Her beautiful white and silver dress, complimented by jewelry of the same color, stood out against the darkness enveloping the whole castle.

Leomord stood in attention a few feet from her. The cursed knight wore light vestments but still carried his sword, the Oath Keeper, in its sheath. He was ordered by Queen Vexana to keep an eye on the Ashura King's companion as they had important matters to discuss.

Martis owed the Necromancer Queen nothing for bringing Lady Shura back to the mortal realm as he had paid his dues with the Wings of the Apocalypse Queen, which he reaped with his blades when the seductress tried to work her spells on him (from what he heard, the Vampire Queen has since grown them back). He hated dealing with demons as he was used to killing them, and he held disdain for magic as the Shura saw it as a cheap trick the weak use in the absence of true fighting prowess. But Vexana claimed Lady Shura's reformed body needs constant upkeep that was not part of their original deal. Thus he had to at least consider the queen's whims if he wanted to keep his woman alive.

Unbeknownst to the two rulers, their subordinates had met a few times in the planes between life and death. Before her revival, Lady Shura held dominion over the underworld, harvesting the souls of warriors that met their end at the hands of the Ashura King to amplify his abilities. Mysteriously, after his dark resurrection, Leomord found himself in her domain the few times he fell asleep and dreamed.

During their time in the middle plane, the two lost souls spoke of their lives above ground, though Leomord carefully omitted disdainful parts such as killing himself, fighting for the Abyss, and murdering the innocent in the name of his Queen.

This was their first time meeting in the mortal realm.

"So... this is where you live..." There was concern in Lady Shura's voice as she continued to look around, trying to find something good to say about the place. "It's... um... quite massive. It must have looked incredible."

"It did." Leomord remained stoic as he spoke in a low tone, his voice having acquired a cold, metallic reverb after he was summoned back from the dead. "You should have seen this place in its glory, especially this hall. This used to be a ballroom. Every week, the king and queen held massive celebrations just to entertain the people. Royalties from all over the land would come in their best, most flamboyant attire. Everything and everyone was a spectacle of dancing colors."

Memories suddenly flooded Leomord's mind. He had not thought of the time before the fall of the kingdom since his reawakening. They felt like a distant dream, a different lifetime.

He bowed his head and closed his eyes as he recalled his boyhood.

"I had many foolish fantasies when I was still a squire. I dreamed of being a brave and gallant knight that would go on unbelievable adventures, saving beautiful ladies in distress from vile creatures, being hailed as the greatest hero of my kingdom, then finally meeting and falling in love with the most beautiful princess in this very hall."

"Really?" Lady Shura leaned a bit towards where he stood, her interest piqued.

A weary smile broke across Leomord's face. He looked up and stared far into the empty hall. "I imagined the crowd parting and there she would be... my beautiful, enigmatic future bride from a far away kingdom. I would charm and dance with her throughout the night. She would find me irresistible. But then her father would require proof of my valor. I would have to complete impossible tasks to win the fair maiden's hand in marriage."

"That sounds so romantic!" Lady Shura swooned.

Leomord chuckled.

"Romantic and foolish. I secretly practiced dancing during my free time to prepare for the day. But being a knight is far more taxing than what I had envisioned in my youth." He let out a sigh. "Protecting this kingdom and its people took precedence over my ego and fantasies, and it is no easy task." He rubbed the back of his neck, remembering how tired he would be by the end of each day. "Honestly, by the time I was finally honored with this post, all I wanted was to come home to a wife who will feed me and massage my aching body to sleep."

Lady Shura's smile waned a little. "A small cottage with a beautiful garden to greet you as you entered the home."

"A warm dinner."

"Children running to meet and pester you for stories of your gallant exploit."

"Yes."

Silence fell between the two. Melancholy filled the thick air.

"It's cruel that the world would deny such simple dreams." Lady Shura ran her hand around her neck. Martis may not have required her collar today, but the feeling of its tightness lingered.

"Such is the will of fate." Leomord's stoic and cold demeanor returned.

They remained quiet for a while. Lady Shura looked at Leomord, studying her friend as he stood completely still, not a hair from him moving.

"You know... No one has ever asked me to dance before." Lady Shura confessed.

"I find that hard to believe, my lady." Leomord spoke, still looking at the empty hall. "You are a very lovely woman. Only a fool would pass up the chance."

"Not when your hometown believes you to be the wicked witch of the forest." Lady Shura laughed uncomfortably. "The Shura Clan may not be warmest people, but at least I'm safe from being stoned and whipped to death. Again.”

Leomord turned to face her. "Not even the Ashura King has danced with you?"

Lady Shura raised a brow. Sarcasm was written all over her face. "Does he look like someone who dances? I am happy to be by the king's side but the man has no romantic bone in his body."

She folded her arms tightly and puffed out her chest. She furrowed her brows, crossed her eyes and shook her head mockingly as she spoke in the deepest tone she could muster. "You and your foolish fancies, woman! I only fight fight fight fight fight fight!”

Leomord tried but failed to stifle his laugh at her impression. She giggled at her silliness.

She took another look around the hall then stood up.

"Dance with me!"

"Huh?"

"Let's see those moves you practiced for your princess!" She teased.

"My lady..." He stammered as she got closer. "I... I don't think our lords would approve." He looked around the hall, checking to see if his queen or her king heard them. He shouldn't even be talking to her.

"Pffft!" Lady Shura brushed off his warning. She leaned to him, keeping her hands behind her back. "They're probably too caught up with their schemes. Come on!"

Leomord gulped as she took his hands and tried to pull him to the dance floor. "My lady, I... I am strongly against this idea."

"Please? Just a quick dance! They won't even know we moved from our spots!"

Leomord furrowed his brows as he stared into her pleading eyes, brilliant and golden despite the dimness of the room.

"Uh... there is no song to dance to..." He pointed out, trying to excuse himself from the situation.

"We'll sing as we dance! You must know some songs!"

"Well..." He wanted to lie, but he answered truthfully, much to his own surprise. "I can still recall 'City of Stars'. Somewhat."

"Oh, I love that song!" Her eyes lit with joy. "I heard it from a bard and couldn't get it out of my head for DAYS!"

Lady Shura continued to egg him on. "We'll sing it together as we dance! Come on!"

She clearly had no physical strength in her, yet Leomord found himself taking a step forward.

He wanted to stop but his other foot followed.

The next thing he knew, she had dragged him to the center of the hall.

He looked at her with uncertainty.

She looked at him with an encouraging smile.

He sighed.

He slowly unstrapped and laid his sword on the ground. He stretched out one hand and carefully wrapped his other arm around Lady Shura's waist, barely touching her with the back of his thumb.

Lady Shura showed no qualms, completely resting her hands and arms on him.

Just being this close to her felt like he was testing fate.

Then again... Only a fool would pass up the chance.

"City of stars, are you shining just for me?"

There was hesitation in his voice, which was barely an audible whisper, as they moved.

"City of stars... There's so much that I can't see.

Who knows?

I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you."

He felt embarrassed but she never took the smile off her lips.

"That now our dreams...

They've finally come true."

Her voice was gentle and unwavering. Slowly, he gained his momentum as she sung.

"City of stars...

Just one thing everybody wants."

Vividly colored memories of the celebrations held in the hall filled his sights, melting his fears and the dreadful scenery surrounding them away.

"It's love...

Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else"

She giggled at her missteps but Leomord finally took lead, catching her faults and moving her with calm, sure gestures.

"A rush."

"A glance."

"A touch."

"A dance!"

He placed one hand behind his back then raised the other to his side while moving along the hall swiftly. Lady Shura followed, instinctively turning to meet his palm with both of hers alternately. Her dress flowed gracefully as she spun and twirled.

"A look in somebody's eyes...”

His deep voice melded with her gentle tone as they sang together.

“To light up the skies...

To open the world and send it reeling...

A voice that says, 'I'll be here' and 'you'll be alright...'"

He caught her hand, motioned her to spin, pushed her away then pulled her back to him, his hand now boldly pressing against her waist. His moves had conviction as if he danced every day. Lost in their moment, they didn't even notice their voices had gotten louder.

"I don't care if I know just where I will go 'cause all that I need is this crazy feeling...

A rat-tat-tat on my heart..."

He lifted her with one arm. She was light as a feather. He looked up at her with adoration as they spun. She was beaming with joy. The glow in her dress and jewelry reminded him of the magnificent chandeliers that sparkled brilliantly across the room.

"Think I want it to stay..."

He gently lowered her then pulled her close, holding her hands tightly.

"City of stars, are you shining just for me?"

He let her go, gently motioning her away from him.

"City of stars... You never shined so brightly."

The two curtsied in unison, Leomord bowing with one hand over his chest and the other behind his back. Lady Shura knelt slightly lower than him while holding the sides of her skirt, fanning it out.

The two remained still for a moment then looked at each other. Both had warm smiles on their faces.

They stood back up but before they could utter a word to each other, they felt the ground rumble. It was immediately followed by something heavy and sinister breaking through the floor.

A loud snap echoed through the hall.

Lady Shura was thrown to the ground away from Leomord by sheer force. As she was regaining her senses, she felt tight restraints snap around her neck and wrists. She shook her head and looked at her hands.

Both her wrists were wrapped in black shackles on heavy chains. She looked around and realized she was trapped within the Ashura's Teeth.

Meanwhile, before he could react, Leomord felt a strong force hit him on the face. He was sent flying across the room until he hit the wall, causing part of it to cave in.

A hand caught his throat before he could slide off the wall. He felt the force of two heavy blades land very close to his head. Debris flew everywhere.

"TREACHEROUS SNAKE!"

The Ashura King raised Leomord in the air then slammed him with all his might to the floor, which also cracked and caved upon impact.

There was ringing in Leomord's ears and his vision was cloudy. Blood trickled from his head, nose and mouth.

He could hear Lady Shura's muffled scream amidst the noise.

"MARTIS STOP PLEASE -!!!"

Martis held the knight by his hair and was about to deal another blow when a dark force pass through him. He was thrown back then realized he couldn't move.

"ENOUGH!!!" Vexana's voice echoed throughout the hall. She stood in front of the Ashura Teeth, one arm outstretched towards Lady Shura, the other to Martis.

"LET ME GO, NECROMANCER!"

"LAY ANOTHER HAND ON MY CHAMPION AND I WILL TAKE BACK THE LIFE I GAVE YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE PET!!!"

Martis let out a growl through gritted teeth while Vexana hissed at him. A greenish light emitted from the hand she held in front of Lady Shura, who was kneeling and holding on to the Ashura Teeth like prison bars.

"IT WAS MY IDEA!" There was clear desperation in Lady Shura's voice. "IT WAS MY FAULT! I SHOULDN'T HAVE-"

"QUIET, YOU FILTH!" Vexana snapped.

Leomord slowly regained his faculties. Instead of getting up, he moved to bow on one knee, hanging his head as low as he could.

"Forgive my foolishness, my queen, Ashura King." The coldness in his voice returned. "I had requested the dance out of selfishness. I am at your mercy but let the lady go. I only forced her to indulge my request."

The king's crimson eyes blazed with fury. "YOU DEPRAVED ANIMAL! I WILL -"

"I SAID ENOUGH! HOLD YOUR TONGUES, OR I SWEAR I WILL TURN YOU ALL INTO TOADS AND CRUSH YOU WITH MY FOOT!"

Lady Shura shook her head. She was on the verge of crying.

"I will let you go now, Martis. Do NOT act brashly." Vexana warned. She observed Martis, weighting the chances of him continuing his attack. He grunted but seemed to understand the situation.

The queen removed her hold on him.

Martis clutched his fists, trying to control his impulses. The Ashura Teeth slid back to the ground, returning to the underworld. Lady Shura remained kneeling, her hands on the floor, too afraid to move.

Martis walked towards Leomord, who remained very still, his black hair covering his face completely. The Ashura King loomed over him, disgusted and furious.

"MARTIS!" Vexana increased the energy she held in front of Lady Shura as a warning.

"Tss!" Martis walked towards his ward. "Train your dog to stay away from another man's property, Necromancer!"

"Only if you teach your bed woman to keep her legs closed! Take your whore and leave!"

Lady Shura looked up at her king and meant to explain further, but before she could speak, he picked her up with one arm and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Ow!" The spikes on his clothes and the tight space created by his armor constricted and pierced through Lady Shura's waist. She slapped his back with all her might, which Martis barely felt. "You are a brute!"

As they walked away, Lady Shura looked longingly at Leomord, remorseful for the trouble she put him through.

Martis and the lady's figure slowly disappeared in the darkness. The king's twin swords flew from the wall and followed their master just as they completely vanished.

Sure that they had gone, Vexana turned her attention to Leomord.

"YOU IDIOT! Your actions almost cost me MONTHS of plotting! What was that all about?"

"A lapse of judgment, nothing more. Forgive me, my queen."

"Tsk!" Vexana turned and slowly walked away. "If you do anything to sabotage my plans again, I will curse half the souls of this kingdom to damnation, is that clear?"

"Yes, my queen."

Leomord remained in his position until he could no longer feel the queen's presence.

He felt immense guilt for the elation he felt, knowing Lady Shura, the only friend he had left, would pay a heavy price for the moment they shared.

He swore never to let his emotions get the better of him again.

He stood up, wiping off the blood on his face with his sleeves and brushing off the debris on his clothes. He was walking to his sword when he noticed something shining on the floor.

One of Lady Shura's bracelets had fallen off during the commotion.

He knelt down and picked it up, examining it closely.

In the darkness that filled the halls of the fortress, the bracelet shined brightly like stars across the blackest night sky.

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