Chapter 5: King of the Dark

"How could [the king] see anything with that helmet on?"

-The protagonist (Dead Cells)

As the Fun Gang traveled to Card Castle, Kris found himself wondering about the Knight. Just who exactly was he? What had he done to become so infamous across the dark world? Who, if anyone, was giving him orders to hunt Kris down?

Most of all, Kris wondered about the Knight's connection to Ralsei. They obviously knew each other on a personal level, but Ralsei seemed particularly hostile toward the Knight. But why? What happened between the two that incited such hatred? And why didn't Ralsei want to talk about it?

Kris sighed. 'What have I gotten us into?' he asked himself, dreading what could happen in the future.

The Fun Gang arrived at the castle without incident, to their relief. They received a warm greeting from the guards, and were immediately granted entrance.

Rouxls Kaard appeared before them in a flash of light as soon as they entered. "Ah, the Three Heroes returneth... with a fourth!" he called out. "Greetings, pitiful worms!"

"Nice to see you again, puzzle master," Kris returned the greeting. "How have things been since we left?"

"Life doth continue as normal, though Lancer art a much more benevolent monarch than the previous."

"Glad to hear it. Has he been keeping things in order here?"

"To a surprising degree! Civil unrest hath disappeared completely!"

"That's great. Listen, we really need to see Lancer. It's pretty important."

"I see. May I asketh why?"

"Long story," Susie said. "Just take us to him."

"Very well." Rouxls gestured for them to follow him.

While he led them through the castle, Noelle spoke up, "So you're Rouxls Kaard, right?"

"Verily," he replied with a wink. "I am the Duke of Puzzles in this world."

"I've heard some... interesting things about your work." Noelle tried to stifle a laugh, remembering what Kris and Susie told her about his puzzles.

"Yes, my reputation doth precede me," he suddenly broke eye contact. "Even my worste couldst reduce the mightiest intellect to a weeping mess!"

"He's passionate, I'll give him that," Kris whispered. Noelle nodded in agreement.

A moment later, Rouxls ushered everyone into the throne room, bowing respectfully. "You have visitors, your majesty."

"Hey, Lancer!" Susie said with a grin.

"Ho ho, look who it is!" Lancer smiled. "Nice to see you clowns again!"

"It's nice to meet you... your majesty," Noelle said with a quick bow.

"Nice to meet you too, deer person!"

"O-oh, sorry... My name is Noelle."

"She's a friend of ours," Kris clarified.

"Oh, okay! So what brings you all back here?"

"Well, we've got a couple, er... problems. We were hoping you'd be able to help us somehow."

"Whatever it is, there's a pretty good chance that I might be able to possibly help!" Lancer gave a confident grin.

"Hold on to that thought. You're gonna need some backstory to know what's going on."

Once again, Kris told the story of him and Chara. He couldn't help but notice Rouxls Kaard producing a notepad from nowhere and starting to scribble down notes as soon as he mentioned his possession. Lancer, meanwhile, listened in silence, seemingly lost in thought.

"...So then we came here to see if you knew anyone who can help," Kris concluded.

"And that's not even everything," Susie said. "There's also some guy called the Knight trying to kill Kris."

Kris nodded, "Right. As soon as we met up with Ralsei again, the Knight showed up and tried to kill me. Any chance you can help with that, too?"

"Yeah, probably," Lancer replied. "I'm the king! He has to listen to me, right?"

"I'd assume..."

Ralsei spoke up, "What about Chara? Do you know anyone that can get rid of her?"

Lancer went silent for several seconds. In the corner, Rouxls rapidly flipped through his notes, muttering to himself.

Finally, Lancer spoke, "I have no idea."

The hope in Ralsei's eyes faded a bit, "Really? There's no one that can help?"

Lancer shrugged. "Not that I know about. Sorry."

Kris sighed. "Well, thanks anyway." He turned to his companions, "I'm out of ideas. Anyone got any suggestions?"

"If I may," Rouxls interjected, "I haveth a suggestion."

"As long as it doesn't involve a chopping block, I'll take it."

"I believeth you couldst visit the royal scientist. He is quite knowledgeable on this subject."

Ralsei seemed to go pale. Or maybe the lighting just changed. No one seemed to notice.

"Why would a scientist be studying demonic possessions?" Kris asked.

"He kept his reasons to himself. Whatever they may be, he hath dedicated his life to the study."

"A-are you sure there isn't... anybody else...?" Ralsei stammered.

"You will find no one of greater assistance than him, I assureth thee."

"Sounds to me like that's our best option, then," Susie commented.

"Hey, Ralsei, are you okay?" Kris asked. "Seems like something's bothering you."

"Yeah, I'm... I'm fine, really." Ralsei hoped the shadow over his face was dark enough to hide his unease. "Let's go visit the royal scientist."

Kris didn't seem convinced, but nodded anyway. "So where is the royal scientist anyway?"

"He liveth far to the east," Rouxls answered, "at the very edge of the world."

"Of course he does. It's always the edge of the world, isn't it?"

"Let me guess, there's no quick way to get there?" Susie spoke.

"I am afraid not," Rouxls said. "Thou must traveleth on foot."

"How did I even guess..." Susie turned to Kris, "What do you think, fearless leader?"

Kris shrugged. "I mean, we kinda have to, right? Either that or let me lose my mind."

"Well then, what the hell are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Ralsei was conflicted. He knew Kris needed help, and this was their only shot. But how could he face him, after everything that had happened between them? Ralsei didn't even want to think about what could happen.

He sighed to himself. 'I can't keep running away from him. The Knight knows where I live now. I'll have to face this sooner or later, so I might as well do it on my own terms.'

He glanced over at his companions.

'I owe it to them, anyway.'

"Yeah, let's go," he said aloud.

"Alright then," Kris said. "We'll go see the royal scientist. Lancer, we'd appreciate it if you could keep the Knight from hunting us."

"I can handle that!" Lancer declared.

"Wait. Before you leave," Rouxls handed Kris a folded map of the dark world. "Taketh this. Thou will probably needeth it."

"Thanks," Kris said, taking the map. "I guess we'll be leaving, then."

"A word of warning, before you go. Avoid the Seventh Region, if possible. The area art quarantined."

"Why? What happened there?"

"A mysterious plague hath claimed the area. Its inhabitants were driven mad, and no one knoweth what happened."

"You just have a giant stretch of land where people go insane?"

"Not by choice, of course."

"Okay, then... We'll keep that in mind." He gestured for his companions to follow him, "Let's head out."

Meanwhile...

Slowly, the Knight approached him. He lowered his hood and removed his mask, setting it down on the floor, before kneeling in reverence.

"I have returned," he spoke, bowing his head.

W.D. Gaster turned, slowly, to face the Knight. He sighed, "How many times do I have to tell you not to kneel?"

The Knight stood. "My apologies, sir."

"So, were you successful?"

The Knight hung his head in shame. "I am afraid not. They bested me, sir. I failed."

"Hm. I didn't even know that was possible."

"As we speak, they are meeting with the king. I am certain he will direct them to you, sir. And I am certain he will not be pleased to know I am targeting them."

"Yes, he is a friend of the lightners', isn't he..." Gaster reached for a folder lying on his desk and began to skim through it. "Were you at least able to confirm Chara's presence?"

"Yes, sir. She is using the human as a vessel, as you expected."

Gaster nodded silently, consumed in his thoughts. The king certainly wouldn't approve of their actions, but theirs was a just cause. If Chara wasn't stopped, the whole dark world could be destroyed.

"How shall we proceed?" The Knight asked.

"Minor change of plans. Bring the... 'Fun Gang'... to me, alive. I can ensure Chara's permanent demise if they're brought here, anyway."

"And what about Ralsei?"

"Same orders. Don't harm him at all, if possible. I need to have a few words with him."

"Forgive me, sir, but I must question your fixation on Ralsei. Why is he so important to you?"

"...Personal reasons."

The Knight nodded respectfully. "One more question, sir. The king will be... displeased with our actions, I am certain."

"Ignore his orders. Bring the Fun Gang to me."

"But sir..."

"The consequences of disobeying the king will be nothing compared to what will happen if we let Chara remain. We'll deal with those consequences later. We're preventing armageddon, Sariel."

"Very well," Sariel donned his mask and hood as he spoke. "I will not fail you again."

"I have full confidence in you."

Sariel gave a quick bow before turning to leave.

Standing outside of Card Castle, Kris glanced at his map. "Looks like we've got a long walk ahead of us," he said.

"Well, let's go, then!" Susie said.

And so they marched. After a few seconds, however, Susie stopped.

"Listen, Noelle," she said. "If you wanna tap out, now's probably your last chance."

"I'm coming with you," Noelle replied.

"Are you sure?" Kris asked. "You know the Knight's going to be after us the whole time, not to mention what else might be out there."

"I want to help you, Kris. I'd feel terrible if anything happened to any of you and I wasn't there to help. Please, let me come with you."

"You're sure about this?"

"Yes."

Kris considered this for a moment. While he was grateful that she wanted to help, he was worried about her. Would she really be able to stand against the Knight in the future? If not, she could be killed. And after witnessing her capitulation against the Knight, that seemed like a very real possibility.

However, she definitely seemed willing to come along despite the dangers. Her eyes seemed to glint with determination. Besides, if she did have the courage needed to make the journey, she could be very helpful.

He had to give her a chance, right?

"Alright," he said at last. "What could go wrong?"

Noelle smiled, "Thanks, Kris. I won't let you down."

Kris smiled as well, extending a hand toward her. "Welcome to the Fun Gang, Noelle."

She returned the handshake, inexplicably accompanied by heroic fanfare from nowhere.

"Does that happen often?" she asked.

"Every time someone joins the party."

"You get used to things like that eventually," Susie added.

"Well, I think it's time we set off. Everyone ready?" Kris asked.

Everyone nodded.

"Alright." He pointed eastward. "March, friends!"

And so they marched.