CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Light Path
Finally arriving at the Babel Tower, the Prince couldn't help but feel a little scared at being back here. It was here that Kaileena sacrificed her life to protect his own, where he barely escaped alive if not for the Resistance coming across his unconscious body...
Take it easy. You've come a long way since then. No longer are you the learner struggling to find his place in the world. Instead, you have become the master.
Proceeding towards the Babel Tower proper (sneaking past enemy resistance like a natural), he climbed the long-winding staircase until he came across the corrupted form of what had previously been his father in the throne room.
'Father... I never thought I'd see you again. I only wish it was under... better circumstances.'
The corrupted form of what once was King Sharaman, merely shook his head. 'As honored as I am to hear that from you my boy, your words fall on deaf ears. Look at you. You're not even half the man of the one who will easily surpass you in ruling Babylon long after I'm gone. For all your moral aggrandizing, you're still nothing more than a child.'
'I know you don't mean that, Father. It's merely the corruption that's taken control over you. I'm sorry... I'll make sure you're put to rest the way a King rightfully should.'
And with that, the two clashed. Compared to the corruption that had affected Sharaman previously in Azad seven years ago, the Prince noted that this corrupted form of Sharaman retained much more of his original intellect. But there was one major flaw that Sharaman was unaware of... he was still fighting like a mortal man using predictable, easy-to-see through techniques. And that would ultimately lead to his downfall.
Despite the corrupted Sharaman giving all he had in the battle, the Prince ultimately came out the victor, stabbing him in the gut.
'I'm so sorry for everything, Father. I conquered fate itself just to get you back once. Yet here I am losing you again. I don't think I'm ready to let go.'
'You're... stronger than you realize, my son,' Sharaman admitted to him, his humanity springing to the surface as he lay dying in the Prince's arms. 'It was wrong of me to... push you into the same mold as I was in my youth. You're so much more... than your old man ever was. I can rest now... knowing that Babylon is in... capable hands. I'm proud of you son... Now go and live... your life...
And as Sharaman's body faded away into dust, the Prince gently placed him back down on the ground, letting out some tears before picking up his father's former sword.
'Thank you Father. I guess that was all I truly needed to hear. I will carry on our family's legacy and ensure the lessons of the past are not forgotten.'
Placing his new royal sword in his scabbard, the Prince was greeted by the spirit of Zurvan, somehow outside his mind.
'Zurvan? What are you doing here?'
'Because you don't need me anymore, my Prince,' Zurvan said. 'You've conquered and accepted who you are, growing into a wise man who will lead this great city into further prosperity. I wish you luck in your final battle.'
'Thank you. It was an honor having you by my side one last time, Zurvan. Say hello to my mother and father in the great beyond when you get there.'
'I will,' Zurvan said, as he pointed at the Prince's chest. 'And know this Prince. We'll always be with you, in here.'
'Farewell Zurvan,' the Prince said, attempting to hug the spirit of the elder who had helped him through so much, Zurvan returning the gesture as best he could (before finally fading away permanently).
Once the Prince arrived at the top of the Babel Tower, the Doppelganger turned around and seemed pleased to see the Prince.
'Was wondering when you'd get here,' the Doppelganger said. 'Never thought I'd have the opportunity of killing you myself.'
'The feeling's mutual,' the Prince quipped. 'What do you say we quit talking and get straight to the action?'
'Best offer I've had all day.' the Doppelganger said with a knowing smugness, as the two morally conflicted Princes prepared themselves for battle.
Dark Path
Finally arriving at the Babel Tower, the Dark Prince couldn't help but feel satisfied with his new lease on life. He was a fool to have believed retaining the old ways, was the right direction to continually lead this world down. No. Once he took charge, no-one would take anything away from him ever again.
Proceeding towards the Babel Tower (slaughtering any enemy resistance that stood in his way without even needing to try too hard), he climbed the long-winding staircase until he came across the corrupted form of what had previously been his father in the throne room.
'You know, I used to show concern of how the world viewed me,' the Dark Prince said. 'God, what a fool I was to be so concerned about such trivial matters. I don't suppose I can convince you to turn tail and join me instead?'
The corrupted form of what once was King Sharaman, merely shook his head. 'As honored as I am to hear that from you my boy, I'm afraid that request will have to be denied. Look at you. You're not even half the man of the one who will easily surpass you in ruling Babylon long after I'm gone. For all your bragging, you're still nothing more than a child.'
That response struck a deep nerve at the Dark Prince as he prepared his Daggertail for combat and said, 'Very well then. If this is the fate you've resigned yourself to, I'll just eradicate you like all the enemies who dared to cross my path. Prepare to die... Father.'
And with that, the two clashed. Compared to the corruption that had affected Sharaman previously in Azad seven years ago, the Dark Prince noted that this corrupted form of Sharaman retained much more of his original intellect. But there was one major flaw that Sharaman was unaware of... he was still fighting like a mortal man using predictable techniques.
Despite the corrupted Sharaman giving all he had in the battle, he was quickly outmatched and slaughtered by the Dark Prince as he fell and exploded into dust.
The Dark Prince picked up the sword left behind from Sharaman's defeat, examining it pretty closely. Such exquisite craftsmanship, such a glorious shine reflecting off the blade...
'Such a waste of potential.' The Dark Prince said to himself, as he tore the sword in two and threw them back to the ground, setting off for the roof and face the Doppelganger proper.
Once he arrived at the top, the Doppelganger turned around and seemed pleased to see the Dark Prince.
'Was wondering when you'd get here,' the Doppelganger said. 'Never thought I'd have the opportunity of killing you myself.'
'The feeling's mutual,' the Dark Prince quipped. 'What do you say we quit talking and get straight to the action?'
'Best offer I've had all day.' the Doppelganger said with a knowing smugness, as the two corrupted Princes prepared themselves for battle.