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Chapter 11 - Unholy

Chapter 11 – Unholy

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The Queen swirled her hands again. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

The projection's light flared, flooding the throne room with brilliant light. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

It wasn't white anymore β€” it was crimson, wild and untamed, like a memory set ablaze. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

Damon shielded his eyes for a moment. When he looked again, the vision had already begun. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

"Gamishi met Saro at sundown," the Queen said. Her tone signalled the whole room. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

"The sun wasn't the only thing setting that day… his peace was too." π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

Damon leaned forward, elbows on his knees. The dog stayed close, tail tucked, as Hazel floated quietly near the Queen's shoulder. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

"Is this the part with the creepy apple guy again?" the dog muttered, breaking the tension.

"No," Hazel whispered. "This one's worse." π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

The Queen's expression didn't change. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

"Watch carefully, Damon." π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

And the projection shifted. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

β•°βŠ±β‹…β‹…β‹…β‹…β‹…β‹…β‹…βŠ°β•―

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ Sand scattered beneath their feet. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi stepped through a swirling gate of light β€” illuminating green. Saro walked ahead, his pace calm but heavy with a ghosted silence. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThey emerged onto a wasteland. Once, it was a paradise β€” now, it was colorless. The air itself seemed dead. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi's breath caught. His eyes darted across the horizon.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺBuildings, hollow and broken. Fields turned to ash. The trees were black statues of what they once were. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ" The Loirans…" he whispered. "What have you done?"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺSaro stopped but didn't turn. Wind blew his cloak.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Tell me there are still Loirans here," Gamishi demanded, voice cracking. "Tell me you didn't wipe out an entire species!"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"There aren't," Saro said flatly.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi's chest tightened. "Saro, open your eyes for once! Must you always be blind to your own wrong doings? Even the land mourns their absence!"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺSaro's shoulders twitched. His body stiff. Then β€” he turned his head.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺAll the way.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺA complete, slow turn β€” his body facing forward while his head rotated in a perfect, uncomfortable circle. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe sound it made wasn't bone. It was… something else. π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺA scraping. Like metal scrubbing against itself.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi froze.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe sight sent chills down his spineπ“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe'd heard stories of wars, monsters, men of power. But thisβ€” π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThis was wrong.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe stepped back.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺBehind him, soldiers shifted uneasily, their hands hovering near their weapons. Blocking Gamishi's way.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺSaro's face β€” still smiling β€” began to crumble like dust.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHis skin peeled away, revealing streaks of black and red light glowing in his head.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"By the Eternal One…" Gamishi whispered.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺA sound like thunder struck the air. Saro's body exploded into embers, and from within it, a dark orb emerged β€” swirling black and red, pulsing like a heart.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺAnd from the great hall ahead β€” another Saro.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe same happened to the second Saro β€” this time the orb fazed through the head.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe second orb came down from the tower steps, drifting towards the first until they collided.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe wind howled.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺLoira's land shook β€”it tried preventing the transformation. The ground trembling beneath their feet.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi threw up a barrier of eterna in fire, shielding himself and the guards. The force shattered against him like a strong wave.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThen came the light β€” red, blinding.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺWhen it faded, a figure stood where the orbs had fused.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺA figure. Skin forming over a glowing skeleton, piece by piece.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺIt wasn't birth.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺIt was the spawn of something evil.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺAnd when the light finally dimmed, he stood complete.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus. In person, completeπ“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHis presence crushed the air around him. The guards trembled, their weapons rattling against the ground. Even from within the projection, Damon felt his heart pounding too fast.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe dog whimpered and leapt into Damon's lap, claws digging slightly through the boy's trousers.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHazel didn't speak. She only crossed her arms, her tiny wings fluttering once β€” nervously.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi's voice broke through the silence.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"What… what are you?"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe creature smiled.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺIts voice was deep β€” like thunder echoes from a ditch.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"I am what your kind uses to scare children."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi took a step back.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Kroxus…" he breathed. "You're supposed to be a myth."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Ah," Kroxus grinned wider, showing teeth too sharp, too inhuman. "You've heard of me. That saves us time."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi swallowed. "How… were there two Soras?"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus tilted his head, amused.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"For a mortal, you're asking the right questions." He walked forward, the ground burning with every step. "Let's say I duplicated my mind. Kalev was merely one of my parts. This"β€”he gestured to his heart β€”"is the original sin."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi summoned a flame to his hand, its light flickering against the red glow surrounding Kroxus.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"The Eternal One will not allow you harm us," he said through gritted teeth.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Ah, yes," Kroxus sneered. "Your precious Eternal One."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺBefore Gamishi could move, agony erupted through his body.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe doubled over, screaming β€” his insides twisting, his veins pulsing like molten wires.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Whatβ€”what is this!?" he thought.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus raised a single hand. "A lesson." His voice deepened, each word a tremor.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"I AM YOUR NEW GOD. I DO NOT TAKE ORDERS FROM THE FRAIL. FROM THE LESSER. FROM YOU!"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe air vibrated.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe soldiers behind Gamishi dropped to their knees, clutching their heads. Some bled from their eyes.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi fell forward, one hand pressed to the ground, gasping, barely able to speak. "If… if you love destruction so muchβ€”why us? Why not face the Eternal One...himself?"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus's grin turned animal.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Because theres fun in annoying him. Every scream, every death, every pain in his creationβ€” it sickens him. That..is my pleasure. That is my worship."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe clenched his fists.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺLightning wrapped around his fingers like serpents.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺSora β€” the real one, dazed but alive β€” struggled to crawl away behind them. His mind fractured, his thoughts screaming for escape.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe reached out, summoning a green portal, its light weak but flickering.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"If I can reach homeβ€”"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺRed light flashed.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe portal snapped shut, like sound of a whip.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺSora screamed. His arm fell through the rift β€” and didn't come back.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺDamon flinched in his seat. "Pause it!" he called. The projection stopped mid-glow.

He leaned closer. "Look at his forearm. Sora's. Were those words there before?"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHazel's eyes widened slightly. "You really are King Thalor's son. Do you understand the words? "π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Yes it says 'prepare for Kroxus'. But what do you mean King Thalor's son?" Damon asked.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"I mean," Hazel said softly, "you are truly the child of Thalor and Thessa."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺDamon's head turned sharply. "Momβ€”your name's Thessa? And what does she mean by King Thalor's son? My father's notβ€”"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Damon," his mother said, voice steady but low. "Your father on Earth was not a king. But the man you were born from... was."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺShe looked away. "Please. Watch the rest. You must understand before I explain."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe projection resumed.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus's voice thundered across the wasteland.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"You think you can flee from me, mortal? I can smell the fear in your blood. It calls to me."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺSora turned to run. A fire whip caught him mid-step.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺA whip of flame wrapped around his neck and dragged him back, slamming him to the ground.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Gamishi!" Kroxus's laughter echoed. "I won't claim all the glory. Your friend's growing pride built my throne. His arrogance is my gift to the world."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe lifted Sora by the throat. The man kicked, choked β€” and turned to ash before Gamishi's eyes.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"NO!" Gamishi shouted, falling to his knees.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus frowned, almost puzzled. "You mourn him? The key to the thousands of deaths? Mortals are… confusing."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi glared up, fire swirling around his iris. "We're not perfect. We sin, we falter. But we still choose to be better."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus smiled slowly. "Then choose your suffering."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHe raised a hand.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe flames that burst forth scarred Gamishi's face.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺWhen the light faded, Gamishi was on his knees β€” wrists bound by molten chains, his breath shallow.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus stood over him.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Tell me," he said, almost conversationally. "What was on your friends arm before he died?"π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺGamishi spat blood onto the dirt. "You'll get nothing from me."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺKroxus crouched, smiling. "We'll see."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe chains blazed hotter.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺBack in the throne room, the projection dimmed to fading glow.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺThe Queen lowered her hands.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"That was the beginning of the torture," she said quietly. "The moment Kroxus began to unravel the mind of a man who once believed in peace, but also had the potential for evil."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺDamon didn't speak. The dog hid behind his leg. Hazel's glow flickered faintly in the low light.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"Gamishi's faith," the Queen said, "was the last thing keeping him from giving up." π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺHer eyes turned toward Damon.π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"And faith, Damon… is the first thing a devil always tries to break."π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ

π“†©βŸ‘π“†ͺ"If you haven't learnt anything from Gamishi, understand that you must always have hope."

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End of Chapter 11 – Unholy.

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