Chapter Six

Nine years have passed since Damas and Lilith Mar were married in Spargus City, together as king and queen they have constantly worked together to ensure their people were living happy lives whilst their trusted general Erron Shinji trained their army day and night.

Despite being a powerful force, they were not sent to conquer other cities by order of King Damas and that their purpose is to protect Spargus at all costs whilst being allies to cities such as Haven. Though Erron deemed the well trained army a waste of hard work, he followed his best friend's wish.

General Erron sat in the conference room within the palace alone, studying the gigantic map of Haven city whilst talking to himself.

"Mar may have founded Haven. By right the king should have it, yet he's entrusted it to a Baron who seems more interested in military might than the people's well being. I somewhat envy him. . ."

"You know talking to yourself is a sign of madness Erron." Kleiver made his presence known as he walked in.

"Or in this case Kleiver a sign that I'm also a genius who happens to be your general. . ." Erron said as he rolled the map of Haven City and placed it in the piles of scrolls on the conference table.

The older man chuckled as he sat opposite the young general who looked rather unamused by his presence.

"You maybe my general but I'm your mentor, the man who took you in when no one else did, the man who taught you all the skills you know now! I hope you haven't forgotten who got you into this position." Kleiver sternly said as he looked into Erron's cold yellow eyes.

The general blew out a hot breath and stood up almost ready to raise his voice but he kept his composure. "I'll never forget. Damas was the one who gave me a chance at life. You taught me many things Kleiver and I respect you for that but do not think I will let you tell me what I should and shouldn't do."

"All I'm saying boy is if you plan on making an enemy out of Praxis, Damas won't let you. Praxis may be an arsehole but the king considers him an ally." Kleiver responded with a sharp tone.

His glare only expressing his anger further at Erron who only scoffed back and walked out of the room before muttering to himself.

"I don't consider him mine. . ."

Queen Lilith and King Damas were both enjoying walking along the beach outside of the palace. They both pushed a small buggy which contained their four month old baby boy who slept peacefully as they walked.

"He's so like you Lilith." Damas said quietly pointing to the child's head with thick greenish blonde hair sprouting out.

"He has your ears and nose as well Damas. Don't forget he has my eyes too" Lilith said as they both smiled at their offspring.

"You haven't changed a bit cherry!" A young man said approaching the couple.

"Well I'll be damned, Sig!"

The king approached his friend who he's known since they were kids hugging each other laughing whilst Lilith smiled at them before checking on her child.

"Been too long old friend, and who is this beautiful lady?" Sig asked as he took the queens hand kissing it.

"I am Lilith. Damas has told me all about the great captain Sig, though he never told me how devilishly handsome he was." The queen playfully said and soon the two men laughed when a baby's cry catches their attention.

Lilith picked her child up and checked him over, her nose twitching at an all too familiar smell.

"Oh dear, looks like Mar here has done another Krew dump." She said which made Damas and Sig burst into laughter.

"Well that's a new name for it eh Sig?"

"Oh god don't remind me, remember whose ocassionally spying on that floating tub of lard!"

The conversation between Damas and Sig continued as Lilith laid out a towel for baby Mar who eventually calmed down once he was cleaned up and given a fresh diaper.

"There now, all better my little Mar." she whispered to her child who looked back at her with his bright blue eyes smiling.

"Hi there little guy. My god the resembalance is uncanny." Sig quietly said as he looked down at the child who giggled at the captain.

"He likes you Sig" Damas said before picking his son up holding him gentley.

"What is the little cherry's name?" Sig asked as he laid down on the soft sand.

Damas sat next to Lilith who cuddled into him while rubbing her childs back and he said, "Mar, but uh well me and my wife here have struggled for a first name since we found out she was pregnant. We've debated whether he even has a first name as calling him Mar Mar sounds silly."

"I've settled for Jak, but Damas thinks it's too simple. Personally I think it suits him fine but Mr King Mar here can't make up his damn mind." Lilith said playfully punching her husband's shoulder.

"Well whatever you pick he'll be a fine Mar either way, and how is Erron by the way? Haven't seen him for a few years since he got appointed General." Sig asked which made the couple frown a little.

"He hasn't been himself lately. He doesn't approve of the fact that I do not wish to use our army to take Haven nor any other city but I keep telling him it's better to have allies rather than make enemies. Besides the Marauders and Metal Heads are a priority." Damas explained whilst passing Mar over to Lilith who brought out a milk bottle for him to feed.

"I thought he would understand because you're his best friend, still the same stubborn Erron. You want me to talk some sense into him?" Sig asked standing back up to stretch.

"You can try. Maybe he'll listen to someone that isn't me, Lilith or even Kleiver for that matter. But anyway it is wonderful to see you again Sig. I'm glad you could meet my son and my lovely wife." Damas said shaking his friend's hand and Lilith looked up smiling.

"It's an honor to meet you Sig! Do stay this time around will ya?"

"Oh I plan to Lilith!" Sig responded as he walked away waving farewell to the couple and their child.

An hour later Erron stood inside the empty arena, staring at the bloodied ground he walked on. His mind constantly in deep thought.

"Why am I questioning my own king's order? Why train an army when we aren't going to show their full strength against a real army?"

His concentration would soon be broken by a familar loud voice. "I figured I'd find you here Erron, you did always prefered a good old fashioned showdown."

"Long time no see Sig, I assume you've just returned from your little game of espionage with Krew?" The general turned around and shook the captains hand grinning.

"The less said about that floating fat ass the better." Sig cheerfully said as the duo both slowly walked out of the arena and into the city.

"Damas tells me you've not been too happy with his choices lately. Care to enlighten me?" The young captain asked giving a sideways glance at Erron who grunted.

"What is the bloody point of having a highly well trained army when we won't even invade or even fight a massive dangerous battalion? Marauders and Metal Heads are no where near as sastifying as taking on another army where you can humiliate them and show them who the real ruler is!"

"Erron. Damas made you a general because of your skills as a tactician! It should be considered one of the highest honors you can ever receive and yet you complain about not taking a city that is actually an ally? You know it doesn't work like that." Sig explained to Erron who seemed more annoyed at the captains words rather than heed the advice.

"I know. . .I know. . .I just wish Damas could listen to the fact that we can't always be allies with everyone, especially with someone like Praxis." The general said trying to contain the rage in his voice, his fists readying for a fight.

Sig could tell he was pissed and decided not to talk about the subject and moved onto another. "Let's move on to something more positive eh friend? Damas has certainly married a lovely looking lady."

"Yes Queen Lilith is a sight to behold. I'd watch out however she is indeed more than a pretty face. One time I had a fight with her and she wiped me out within minutes. She's a powerful sage that is for sure."

Sig looked at the general in surprise as he explained to him about Lilith's past, about her being a Dark Eco Sage to be more precise.

As the sun began to set, Erron, Damas, Lilith, and Sig sat together having dinner together whilst baby Mar was looked after by handmaidens.

"I must ask you something Lilith. Did you threaten Krew at sword point despite being surrounded by gunmen?" Sig asked as he ate his meal.

She giggled at the question and said "Well I could've just went dark and dealt with them then and there, but what is the point of killing someone who wouldn't even put up a decent fight?"

"I remember as Damas and I waited for her, we were crapping ourselves in case something happened to her. Only to have her come out safe and sound. She's got a way with words it seems." Erron gushed about the queen who returned a warm smile.

"Indeed. Nothing gets by Lilith, she's no ordinary warrior. Her scientific mind has been beneficial for hospitals not just here but also in Jenar, Haven, and even Kras city for that matter!" Damas wildly talked holding his lovers hand.

Erron smiled at the couple. Deep down he always approved of the duo despite when he had feelings for her when they were much younger. The night sky fell soon after. The general of Spargus stared into the stars in deep thought on the balcony of his quarters. He felt the cold wind pass him by, His body shivered uncontrollably and with a sudden burst of anger he slammed his fist down cursing himself.

"What must I do? Must I prove to the precursors that I am worthy as an heir to the throne?" Errons mind flashed through all the memories he shared with Damas, Lilith, and all of those who were in his life. Was he going mad? or was he simply confused that he didn't know how to deal with it. A loud knock on his door soon snapped him out of his conflicted head followed by a soft voice.

"Erron. . .it's Lilith, May I come in?" Lilith asked as the general sat down on his bed before being called in.

"Your highness, how may I be of assistance?" he asked bowing.

"Erron we've been close friends for a very long time. You don't have to call me by my title or status."

"Have we really been close friends Lilith? Was it all a facade just so you can have Damas to yourself? Controlling every single decision he made? Hell you even have his child so it must be your way of wrapping him around your finger." Erron snapped at the queen who stood before him shocked and angered.

She suddenly raised her hand and slapped the general across his face and said in a sharp tone, "Don't you dare say such disgusting things general! First of all I have never controlled Damas in any shape or form, also my friendship with you was no facade! You've listened to Praxis a bit too much if you ask me."

"Do not lie to me Lilith! You planned this since you laid eyes on him, biding your time so you can manipulate him to not declare war on our enemies who claim to be our allies!"

Suddenly Lilith changed into her dark form and grabbed Erron, pinning him against the wall in anger and shouting in defiance.

"How dare you!? He is meant to be your best friend Erron! Why all the false allegations? Why try guilt tripping me for something that I have never even done?"

"Because you're too soft. . . What happend to the Lilith that I knew? Did love just change your perspective or was that your plan from the start?"

Dark Lilith released her grip on Erron who rubbed his throat. He stood up and stormed out of the building but not before saying one last thing to Lilith who shifted back staring at him in dissapointment.

"You should've stayed in Jenar. . ."

Five Months Later. . .

As the months flew by Erron became less involved with the king and queen, his mind in an never ending fight between forgetting about usurping Damas and Lilith and beg for their forgivness or just acting out by himself without the duo's knowledge. The night sky became heavily clouded as Erron got into one of the wastelander vehicles, but before he drove off he was stopped by Kleiver who seemed confused at the general's actions.

"Where do you think you are going at a time like this Erron?" He asked.

The general sighed deeply and decided to say, "I'm going out for a drive. I need to clear my head alright Kleiver? I'm sure you'd understand."

Although Kleiver sensed something wasn't right, he shrugged it off and said, "Just be careful out there yeah? You may be a general but you're still my kid if you know what I mean."

Erron gave a warm smile and quietly said "Yeah I know. Thanks."

As he drove off into the dark wasteland, rain began to pour heavily with thunder and lightening not far behind.

Erron drove throughout the dark land with his car lights guiding him, he soon pulled the brakes and jumped out of the car as he noticed lights within the distance. With his binoculars he discovered a small village, it looked like some sort of festival was taking place. Men, women, and children danced around a fire with music playing in the background. Compelled to join in he jumped back into the car and drove to a spot where other vehicles were parked.

As he walked into the village he was greeted by an old man. "Welcome to our village traveller! And welcome to the festival of Mar."

Erron at first rolled his eyes at the thought of the legend only to feign a smile to be polite and said, "What a lively little place you have here, I trust you have people to protect you right?"

The old man chuckled at the question. "In this village my dear boy we protect each other. We are all warriors here!"

The general nodded as he wandered into the centre of the village, the rich smell of food and drink filled his nose with amazing force. All of the anger within him seem to have been a foreign memory as he enjoyed the company and sung and danced with the people. A few hours after the festival, the village fell silen. Not a single person was walking around except for Erron who walked back to his vehicle surprisingly sober. Before he was about to enter the car he noticed another vehicle hidden in a large cover of some kind. Curiosity got the better of him as he held onto the cover and swiftly removed it with ease but his discovery soon would turn for the worse. It was a Krimson Guards Hellcat which looked heavily damaged. Erron's rage slowly returned as he realised that the villagers were looking after at least one KG soldier from Haven city.

"Those filthy traitors. . ." He thought before jumping into his vehicle and drove up a hill that looked over the village.

Without hesitation he pushed one of the buttons which launched a massive barrage of missles which soon ignited the entire settlement into blazing inferno Erron watched as villagers scrambled, many engulfed in flames. Some tried to escape only for Erron to pick them off one by one. He approached the old man he met earlier who was out of breath trying his best to put out the fires that spreaded throughout, stabbing the elder in the chest with a sadistic smile on his face. The general suddenly bursted into laughter as he watched the many men, women, and children die from the inferno which consumed them within minutes.

"Haven will be next, but first I will convince Damas to join me in new conquest, and if he doesn't I will end him. I will take the throne for myself, I'll get rid of Lilith and her parasitic child!"

"I AM THE TRUE KING!!!"

Erron roared and laughed as he soon made his way back home where he would slowly bide his time and wait for a chance to unleash his army on to Haven and force Praxis to surrender his vast army to him.

Two days later. . .

Kleiver and Lilith were doing a test drive outside of Spargus City while Damas stayed behind looking after baby Mar with Sig helping him out.

"Jeez Lilith, you trying to give me a bleeding heart attack!?" Lilith laughed as she sped through the dessert with ease and jumping off ramps despite Kleiver's protests.

"Well you did say go full throttle!" She shouted back at her comrade before they both began to laugh.

Without warning the queen stopped, she removed her goggles and sniffed the air only to feel nauseous.

"You smell that Kleiver? It's like something burning mixed with rotting flesh." She said before pulling up her scarf to prevent the smell from overwhelming her.

"I smell it alright. It's coming from the north, shall we have a look?" Kleiver asked as he prepared his rifle.

The queen nodded in response and drove up north to a hill, their eyes meeting a ruined village, smoke still burning and littered with burnt corpses.

"My god. What the hell happened here?" Lilith asked.

Kleiver shook his head not knowing what went on before the queen quickly rushed down to look for any survivors with him following shortly. As they both investigated the burned down village they were overwhelmed by the sickening smell of the burnt dead, Lilith knelt down inspecting one of the bodies, her eyes locking on to the large slash on the corpse's chest area.

"These were no Marauders, these were just civilians. What kind of sick monster burns and tortures innocent people!?" She asked as she analysed the body.

"This was no Metal Head attack either, Whoever the group was they're madmen. I'll check over this area and see what else we can find." Kleiver responded before moving to the next area.

As they both investigated the village they would soon stumble upon a wreckage of what seemed to be a KG hellcat which only shocked them even more.

"No it can't be. Since when did KG make moves in the desert?" Lilith asked as she looked at the faded logo of the KG.

"Last time I checked the KG sent rookies out on Hellcat training around this sector. . . They must've stayed here to rest and would've most likely go back the next day but it looks like they never made it." Kleiver said as he carefully touched the wreckage.

"Judging by these marks here, it seems it broke down so they were most likely here for only a few days."

The duo's ears soon picked up on a sound nearest a building closest. Within seconds they heard it again as they moved as much rubble as they could to see a child crying with his mother still alive but very weakened.

"Get a medical squad over here now Kleiver! I want these two given full medical attention!" Queen Lilith commanded whilst dragging the woman out and gave her a flask of water as well as sharing one with the little girl.

An hour later the two survivors were picked up by wastelander medics while another unit checked for other survivors. Lilith accompanied the child and mother hoping they can explain how the incident occured.

"Hey little one. Are you alright?" She asked quietly giving a warm caring smile.

"Is my momma going to be ok?" the little one asked back wiping her eyes from crying.

"She'll be just fine my dear. Do you remember what happend?" The queen asked again but the girl shook her head.

"All I remember is a large man coming to the village. One minute he was enjoying the festival then the next he killed my granpoppa." the girl broke down again before her mother brought her close despite having little strength in her.

The mother then said "Please bring him to justice. He killed my dad. . ."

Lilith's chest started to feel tight. The culprit sounding all too familiar.

"It can't be him can it? Why would he do such a horrid thing? Why would my long time friend decide to hurt civilians? Unless he was after something or someone. I must speak with Damas!" She thought quietly as she felt her rage slowly build up.

By the time she made it back in Spargus, Damas was already rushing towards her and hugging her tightly as she broke down.

"When Kleiver said you stayed to help out, I almost feared you wouldn't come back." The king said as he rubbed her back as emotions overwhelmed her.

Soon enough she calmed down and her expression turned from sorrow to pure anger.

Lilith asked Damas as her eyes slowly shifted to pitch black. "Where is Erron? It's time we had a meeting!"

Damas knew that look in her eyes. She was on to something but he planted a kiss on her forehead and said "Go up to our quarters and wait for me Lilith, I will deal with Erron."

"But Damas I. . ." The queen stopped as the king placed his finger on her soft lips.

"I know. . . I suspected he was involved the minute I was told of the KG hellcat within the village thanks to Kleiver. If he wants a fight I'll show him that I'm done holding back." he whispered gentley before holding both of the queen's hands tightly smiling away at her.

"Remember your boy needs you. You remember the safe room behind the painting in our room?" Damas asked bringing his face closer to hers. She nodded quietly as she wrapped her arms around her lovers neck.

"Don't think I'll be hiding from him Damas Mar. You forget about what I am." Lilith quietly spoke as she stared into her king's eyes.

A soft chuckle came from him before whispering "You are Lilith Mar. My queen, my wife, and the loving mother of our son who we still have trouble giving a first name."

They both laughed before embracing each other and sharing a lingering but passionate kiss before seperating.

"I love you. Now please, stop him, stop our friend from destroying himself!" Lilith said as she ran off into the palace to check on Mar.

Damas shouted back. "I love you too my Dark Angel!"

She quickly turned around and smiled at him before resuming her journey to the palace.

Damas followed shortly making his way to the conference room within the palace, whispering to himself.

"I'll try stopping him. But he destroyed himself a long time ago. . ."

End of Chapter 6