The ancient fortress loomed in the distance, carved into the side of a massive canyon. Its weathered stone walls seemed to bleed shadows, a relic of a forgotten era that reeked of power and despair. A faint, almost melodic hum vibrated through the air, as though the structure itself were alive, whispering secrets from an age long past.
Dark approached the fortress alone, his steps echoing across the narrow bridge that spanned the canyon. Below, a sea of swirling black mist churned, obscuring whatever abyss lay beneath. The wind howled, carrying with it faint, unintelligible voices that sent chills down his spine.
Dark: (thinking, gripping Kyuketsu tightly) Two months. Two months of this... waiting. Cosmic's warning wasn't just words. Something is coming. Something big. And it's not going to ask nicely.
The fortress's massive gates stood ajar, their intricate carvings of celestial and infernal beings locked in eternal combat glowing faintly in the dim light. The air grew heavier as Dark stepped inside, his crimson eyes scanning the cavernous hall before him.
The interior was vast, impossibly so, with high, vaulted ceilings that seemed to stretch into eternity. Columns of obsidian lined the hall, their surfaces etched with glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. In the center of the room stood an altar, its surface cracked and worn, but emanating a palpable energy that made Dark's skin crawl.
Dark: (thinking) This place... it's more than just old. It's alive.
The sound of footsteps echoed from the far end of the hall, slow and deliberate. Dark turned, his grip tightening on Kyuketsu as a figure emerged from the shadows.
Azraelis.
He stepped into the light, his dual-toned wings spreading slightly behind him. The contrast of his pristine white feathers and charred, blackened ones was jarring, a physical manifestation of the duality he embodied. His armor shimmered faintly, a mix of celestial radiance and infernal darkness, and his mismatched eyes—one golden, one abyssal—bore into Dark with an intensity that was almost suffocating.
Azraelis: (calmly) You're late.
Dark didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the scythe Azraelis held. Its blade seemed to ripple with an otherworldly energy, shifting between light and shadow in a way that defied logic.
Dark: (coldly) Who are you?
Azraelis smirked, his expression both amused and contemptuous.
Azraelis: (mockingly) You mean Cosmic didn't tell you? I'm hurt.
Dark: (sharply) Answer the question.
Azraelis tilted his head, his smirk fading slightly as his tone grew more serious.
Azraelis: I am Azraelis, the Fallen Angel. A relic of the heavens, cast aside and forgotten. But you... you're interesting.
Dark: (thinking, narrowing his eyes) Fallen Angel? Another cosmic wildcard. Great.
Dark: (aloud) What do you want?
Azraelis stepped closer, the sound of his boots against the stone floor echoing ominously. He stopped a few feet away, his towering frame casting a shadow over Dark.
Azraelis: (softly) I want to see if you're as dangerous as they say. If you're worth my time.
Dark's eyes flashed with irritation, the shadows around him flickering like flames.
Dark: (low, dangerous) Try me.
Azraelis laughed, a deep, resonant sound that filled the hall.
Azraelis: (amused) Oh, I will. But not yet.
He turned, his wings brushing against the air as he walked toward the altar.
Azraelis: (casually) Tell me, Dark. Do you ever wonder what's really out there? Beyond your little world, beyond your petty struggles?
Dark didn't answer, his gaze locked on Azraelis's back.
Azraelis: (softly) There's an order to things. A hierarchy. And at the top of it all sits Cosmic, the great arbiter of life and death. But even he... isn't untouchable.
Dark: (sharply) Watch your mouth.
Azraelis turned, his golden eye gleaming with amusement while the abyssal one seemed to drink in the light.
Azraelis: (mocking) Loyalty. How quaint.
His expression darkened, the humor draining from his face.
Azraelis: (seriously) Let me tell you something, Future Emperor of Darkness. The balance Cosmic keeps is fragile. And when it breaks... well, let's just say you'll want to pick the right side.
Dark: (coldly) And I suppose you think that's yours?
Azraelis smiled faintly, his gaze unwavering.
Azraelis: (softly) Time will tell.
The air around him shimmered, the energy in the room spiking as his wings unfurled fully. The shadows seemed to deepen, and the runes on the columns flared brightly before dimming.
Azraelis: (quietly) I'll be watching you, Dark. Don't disappoint me.
With a single beat of his wings, Azraelis vanished, leaving only a faint ripple in the air where he had stood.
Dark stood there for a long moment, the echoes of Azraelis's presence lingering in the silence.
Dark: (thinking, gripping Kyuketsu) What the hell have I gotten myself into? Give me a break already.
He turned, his gaze falling on the altar. The runes carved into its surface pulsed faintly, their meaning just out of reach.
Dark: (thinking) If he's right... if the balance is breaking...
He sheathed Kyuketsu, the blade disappearing into the void.
Dark: (softly) Then I'll be ready. For whatever comes next. But what in the actual fuck is this nonsense?
The room was suffocatingly silent after Azraelis vanished, the faint ripple of his departure still lingering like a ghostly echo. Dark stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing. He wasn't one to let others intimidate him, but Azraelis wasn't like anyone he had faced before. His presence was overwhelming, his words dripping with confidence, and that damn smirk—it all grated on Dark's nerves.
Dark: (thinking) Watching me? Who the hell does he think he is?
The runes on the altar pulsed faintly, as if sensing his frustration. He stepped closer, his crimson eyes scanning the intricate carvings. The language etched into the stone was ancient, predating anything he'd seen before. It felt alive, whispering to him in a language he couldn't quite grasp.
Dark: (thinking) What is this place? Why does it feel like I've been here before?
He reached out hesitantly, his fingers grazing the surface of the altar. The moment he made contact, a surge of energy shot through him. Shadows coiled around his arm, wrapping tightly as the room darkened. He staggered back, gripping Kyuketsu instinctively.
The shadows writhed and twisted, forming a vague humanoid shape in front of him. Its presence was cold and menacing, its form shifting like smoke.
???: (whispering) You... have been chosen.
Dark: (gritting his teeth) Chosen for what? Who the hell are you?
The figure didn't answer immediately. Its eyes—if they could be called that—glowed faintly, twin pinpricks of light in the darkness.
???: (softly) A herald approaches. One who walks the line between salvation and destruction. Heed the warning, Dark. The balance crumbles, and with it... so will you.
Dark's grip on Kyuketsu tightened, his instincts screaming at him to attack, to destroy this thing before it could finish its cryptic nonsense. But something stopped him—an underlying truth in its words that made his stomach churn.
Dark: (low, dangerous) I don't crumble. I adapt. So if this "herald" wants to test me, let them come.
The figure tilted its head, almost amused.
???: (softly) Bold words, Future Emperor of Darkness. We shall see if they hold.
Before Dark could respond, the shadowy figure dissipated, vanishing into the air like smoke caught in the wind. The room brightened slightly, the oppressive atmosphere lifting, but the unease in Dark's chest remained.
Dark: (thinking, frustrated) First Azraelis, now this? Cosmic's warning wasn't just vague; it was useless. What am I supposed to do with this?
He turned back toward the entrance, his footsteps echoing through the vast hall. The fortress felt emptier now, the silence more pronounced. As he reached the gates, a faint sound caught his attention—distant, like the ringing of a bell. It was soft at first, almost imperceptible, but it grew louder with each passing moment.
Dark stepped outside, the canyon bathed in a strange, golden light. The swirling mist below the bridge churned violently, rising higher than before. He scanned the horizon, his hand on Kyuketsu's hilt.
Dark: (thinking) What now?
The ringing grew deafening, a discordant symphony that seemed to reverberate in his very bones. The sky darkened, the golden light replaced by a sickly green hue as the air grew heavy with tension. Dark's eyes narrowed as he spotted something in the distance—a figure, walking slowly toward the fortress across the bridge.
The figure was tall and draped in a flowing black cloak that seemed to blend with the shadows around it. Its steps were deliberate, each one echoing like a thunderclap. As it drew closer, Dark could make out more details—a helmet adorned with jagged spikes, and a massive, jagged blade resting on its shoulder.
Dark: (thinking, gripping Kyuketsu tightly) This isn't just some random threat. This... this is the "herald."
The figure stopped halfway across the bridge, its head tilting slightly as if studying him. Then, without warning, it raised its blade and pointed it directly at Dark.
Herald: (voice booming) Dark. Emperor of Shadows. Your reign begins now—or it ends here.
The air around them crackled with energy, the bridge beneath the Herald's feet crumbling slightly under the weight of its presence. Dark stepped forward, unsheathing Kyuketsu in one smooth motion. The blade's dark aura pulsed in response to the Herald's challenge.
Dark: (coldly) Big words for someone who doesn't know who they're messing with.
The Herald let out a low, guttural laugh, the sound vibrating through the canyon.
Herald: (mockingly) You think yourself a threat? A child wielding shadows, blind to the storm that approaches.
Dark's eyes burned crimson, his shadow coiling around him like a living thing.
Dark: (snarling) Then come find out.
The Herald's blade ignited with a sickly green flame, the energy radiating from it causing the mist below to swirl violently. The two stood there, locked in a tense silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on the entire canyon.
But before either could make a move, a sudden burst of light erupted in the sky above them. It was blinding, brilliant, and impossibly vast. Dark shielded his eyes, the force of the light pushing him back slightly.
When the light faded, a figure hovered above the bridge, bathed in a celestial glow. His mismatched wings stretched wide, the pristine white feathers contrasting with the charred black ones. His golden and abyssal eyes gleamed with a power that made even the Herald pause.
Azraelis: (calmly) Now, now. Let's not be hasty.
Dark: (thinking, glaring at Azraelis) Him again. Just what I needed.
Azraelis descended slowly, his feet touching the bridge with a grace that seemed almost calculated. He glanced between Dark and the Herald, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Azraelis: (to the Herald) You're early. I wasn't finished preparing him.
The Herald growled, the flames on its blade flaring brighter.
Herald: (growling) Step aside, Fallen. This is not your fight.
Azraelis chuckled, the sound devoid of any warmth.
Azraelis: (mockingly) Oh, but it is. You see, this one... he's mine.
Dark's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on Kyuketsu.
Dark: (snarling) I don't belong to anyone.
Azraelis turned to him, his smirk widening.
Azraelis: (softly) Oh, Dark. You have no idea how wrong you are.
The tension on the bridge reached a breaking point, the air thick with power and anticipation. Dark's mind raced, his instincts screaming at him to act, but the presence of Azraelis complicated everything.
Azraelis: (calmly) Shall we settle this like civilized beings? Or do I have to remind you both why I'm the last person you want to piss off?
The Herald's gaze flickered between Dark and Azraelis, the flames on its blade dimming slightly. Without a word, it stepped back, its form dissolving into the swirling mist below.
Azraelis watched it go, his smirk fading as he turned back to Dark.
Azraelis: (softly) You're welcome.
Dark: (coldly) I didn't ask for your help.
Azraelis's eyes gleamed with amusement.
Azraelis: (quietly) No, but you'll need it. Sooner than you think.
With that, he spread his wings, the air crackling with energy as he disappeared into the sky. Dark stood alone on the bridge, the echoes of the encounter lingering in the stillness.
Dark: (thinking, frustrated) What the hell am I getting pulled into?
He sheathed Kyuketsu, turning back toward the fortress. Whatever was coming, he needed to be ready. And for the first time in a long while, he wasn't sure if he would be.
Dark made his way back into the fortress, his footsteps echoing in the vast, empty halls. The weight of Azraelis's words lingered, pressing on his mind like a vice.
Dark: (thinking, frustrated) He's toying with me. That smirk, those riddles... It's all a game to him.
The runes on the altar pulsed faintly as he passed, reminding him of the strange warning from the shadowy figure earlier. Dark hesitated, glancing back at the altar before shaking his head.
Dark: (thinking) No. Whatever's coming, I don't need riddles and cryptic nonsense. I need power.
He ascended the crumbling staircase to the upper levels of the fortress. From the shattered windows, he could see the vast expanse of the canyon stretching out below, the swirling mist still unsettled from the Herald's departure. The oppressive silence was broken only by the faint whistle of the wind.
As he reached the highest point of the fortress, Dark stepped onto the exposed rooftop. The view was vast and desolate, the sky above painted in shades of gray and faint gold. He stood at the edge, Kyuketsu resting in his hand, his thoughts a storm of doubt and determination.
Dark: (thinking) Azraelis, the Herald, Cosmic's warning... It's all connected. But what's their endgame? What do they want from me?
A voice broke through his thoughts, low and guttural, but clear as day.
???: They want you to fail.
Dark spun around, Kyuketsu raised, but there was no one there. The shadows at his feet shifted unnaturally, coiling and twisting like serpents.
Dark: (coldly) Show yourself.
The shadows pooled together, forming a figure cloaked in darkness. Its form was indistinct, constantly shifting, but its presence was undeniable.
Shadow: (softly) They test you because they fear you. But they'll never admit it.
Dark: (narrowing his eyes) And who are you supposed to be? Another messenger with cryptic nonsense?
The shadow chuckled, a sound like the rustle of dry leaves.
Shadow: (mockingly) Cryptic nonsense? Perhaps. Or maybe you're just too blind to see the truth in front of you.
Dark tightened his grip on Kyuketsu, his patience wearing thin.
Dark: (sharply) Speak plainly, or I'll make you disappear.
The shadow's form flickered, its presence growing colder.
Shadow: (softly) Very well. Azraelis isn't your ally, but he isn't your enemy either. He's... a catalyst. And the Herald? Just a pawn. The real threat lies beyond them, in the cracks of reality itself.
Dark: (thinking, frustrated) More riddles. Damn it.
Dark: (aloud) If you're not going to be useful, then leave.
The shadow tilted its head, almost amused.
Shadow: (calmly) Useful? Oh, Dark. I'm not here for your benefit. I'm here because... you're running out of time.
Before Dark could react, the shadow dissolved into the air, leaving him alone once again. The weight of its words settled heavily on his chest.
Dark: (thinking, grim) Running out of time? For what?
He turned back to the edge of the rooftop, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His thoughts churned, and for the first time in years, doubt began to creep in. He had faced countless challenges, defeated enemies that others would consider gods, but this... this was different.
Dark: (thinking) I need answers. Real answers.
Then in another place.
Azraelis stood atop a jagged spire, his mismatched eyes scanning the swirling chaos below. His scythe rested lazily against his shoulder, its blade faintly pulsing with energy. He smirked, the wind tugging at his obsidian-silver hair.
Azraelis: (thinking) He's stronger than I expected. Stubborn, too. But strength without clarity is nothing more than wasted potential.
He extended a hand, the air around him shimmering as a portal began to form. On the other side, a vast, war-torn landscape stretched out, filled with the remnants of ancient battles. Figures moved in the distance—warriors clad in armor, their weapons glowing faintly with otherworldly energy.
Azraelis: (softly) Soon, they'll all come together. The pieces are falling into place.
A voice cut through the air, deep and commanding.
???: You're playing a dangerous game, Azraelis.
Azraelis didn't turn, his smirk widening.
Azraelis: (calmly) Aren't I always?
The figure stepped out of the shadows—a being of pure light, its form radiating power. It was Akiel, his former comrade and oldest friend. His golden eyes burned with intensity, his wings glowing faintly as he regarded Azraelis with a mix of frustration and pity.
Akiel: (firmly) This isn't the way. You know that.
Azraelis chuckled, his tone light but edged with something darker.
Azraelis: (mockingly) And what would you know about "the way," Akiel? You who abandoned everything for their rules?
Akiel's expression hardened, but he didn't rise to the bait.
Akiel: (quietly) You can still stop this. Come back with me. We can fix what was broken.
Azraelis finally turned, his golden and abyssal eyes locking onto Akiel's.
Azraelis: (coldly) Fix? There's nothing to fix. The Heavens abandoned me. You abandoned me. This... this is justice.
The tension between them crackled like lightning, the weight of centuries of betrayal and pain hanging in the air.
Akiel: (softly) This path will destroy you.
Azraelis stepped closer, his smirk fading.
Azraelis: (quietly) Then let it.
With that, he turned and stepped through the portal, leaving Akiel alone on the spire. The glow of his wings dimmed slightly as he stared after Azraelis, a heavy sigh escaping him.
Akiel: (thinking) What have you become, old friend?
Azraelis: Someone you will all regret abandoning and exiling...
End Of Arc 4 Chapter 1.