To Her Majesty, Queen Hyouma of the Twilight Kingdom,
As we leave behind the worst war that has shattered Purgatory and countless soldiers, I offer you my warmest greetings. It is not unheard of that youkai inherit the responsibilities of the throne at such a young age, but there is not any lingering doubt in my heart that your trusted advisors will guide you on the right path of serving your people.
To celebrate this newfound peace, I wish to cordially invite you into the warmth of my golden palace. As a new order is established, it is imperative that we negotiate and come to a common agreement as to what the future of both our peoples will entail.
It is no secret that both sides of the former conflicts have suffered major losses. But times are changing, and with them, the will of the people and the spirit of the law also change. I will be the first to admit that mistakes have been made on both sides, and I am willing to acknowledge and atone for them to the best of my capabilities.
With the changing of monarchs comes the change of the kingdom, and my certitude that this change is for the best remains unshaken. To conclude this correspondence, I am very much looking forward to our meeting and eventual collaboration.
May your reign be long and fruitful,
Queen Oureria of the Dawn Kingdom
ARC V: The Dawn Kingdom
Oureria set down her quill and ran a hand through her crimson hair whose locks rested on her shoulder plates like rivulets of blood. In the warm sunlight which bathed her throne room she read the letter she had carefully penned for the Twilight Kingdom's newest monarch. Her silver armor glistened in the same light as she got up from her desk and walked over to an opened window. She had the face of a woman in her early forties, but with the delicate features of a young princess. All around her was an assortment of weapons and battle armors which were forged by the Dawn Kingdom's most talented craftsmen. Hanging from the golden brick walls were not illustrious paintings, but detailed maps of each realm in the spirit world, with countless marks made on the places where the most crucial battles were fought. In truth it was more of a war room rather than an actual throne room, but after being accustomed to fighting for so long, she no longer cared.
The prospect of peace seemed so far away that when their conflicts immediately ceased with the ascension of King Shishima and Queen Hyouma to the Twilight Kingdom's throne, a part of Oureria was still in disbelief. But the past millennia of leadership had taught her well: any peace which came abruptly could cease in a similar manner. Maintaining it was the hardest job for any ruler, which was why the weight of her crown only grew heavier with age.
Having finished reading her letter a third time, she straightened up and spread her majestic wings with plumage as pure as winter snow.
"Kamijishi!" she called her secretary forth.
The throne room's marble doors swung open and another angel stepped in, wearing but a simple green robe with a purple hood over his head, wings folded behind his back.
"Yes, Your Highness?" he humbly spoke as he fell on one knee, avoiding eye contact.
"Pass this letter on to our envoy and have it delivered to Queen Hyouma," she ordered, calm but stern.
"Thy will be done, my queen," Kamijishi nodded while accepting the letter, then he took his leave.
Little did Oureria know, it was the last time she would speak to her secretary face to face. Unbeknownst to anyone, the recent peace granted his spies easier access to the Twilight Kingdom, and Kamijishi had uncovered a terrible secret that he would use to his advantage. At last, all those centuries of biding his time had paid off.
There was no secret that the Ten Kings war had caused a massive upheaval in the entire creature world, from the destruction of the 'World Pillar' to the reformation of civilizations as Kingdoms, most were confused when it came to picking a side.
To the former denizens the Darkness civilization, the powers that be claimed that they were allied with Team Zero, the faction of the Mafi Gangs. Its leader Genmu Emperor was said to be a descendant from Zeron itself, a shadowy dragon that represented nothingness and infinity at the same time, existing solely from the devout belief of its minions. But there were dissenters who dared join the Fushigi and Gekko Kingdoms, who were mainly comprised of Nature and Light civilization denizens. And of course, on the opposite end of the spectrum, came the other faction that was a descendant of the Darkness civilization: the Onifuda Kingdom, the invaders who instigated the Ten Kings war. Their main race, the Demonio, were hated by everyone, including their own allies, and even other Darkness races refused to associate with them.
History is always written by the victors, thought Borof. Despite their cruel acts, Borof never once held any grudge towards the Demonio. As a matter of fact, he much preferred them over the arrogant Mafi Gangs who just came overnight and stole the political dominance from his race, the Funky Knightmares. As far as he was concerned, the barbaric invaders were a welcome source of chaos who finally shattered the order he so loathed since it rendered him utterly irrelevant.
The war had ended with the defeat of the Onifuda Kingdom, the retreat of the Demonio and the shattering of the Ten Kingdoms, who once more reverted to their main civilizations. Rumors spoke of an upcoming threat, one worse than any they had ever seen before, and as such each civilization was preparing for a new conflict. There was this power of communing with spirits of passed creatures and fusing with them. Those who had this shamanic ability came to be known as RexStars. For example, Genmu Emperor came to commune with the spirit of Death the Lost, a Demon Command Dragon from Borof's heyday when he was known as Hellborof. After coming to a mutual understanding, they both fused, becoming Genmu Emperor (Death the Star).
But such parlor tricks did nothing to impress Borof. He had no need of communing with spirits and he would lend his power to none of the so-called present day heroes. As far as he was concerned, he had made a name both by serving Shishima in the human world and by establishing himself as a reborn Draguner to be reckoned by those who dared patronize his race. He had spent the past years alternating between doing menial tasks for his master and taking odd jobs as a mercenary whenever he returned in the creature world. With each new dragheart weapon he obtained, his power and confidence grew ever larger. At last, nothing could stand in his way. Even if the fools in power did not acknowledge him anymore, everyone else knew to both fear and respect him.
The skull moon reigned high above the Darkness civilization's skies, casting its silvery rays upon the Demon Wolf castle. Its gates opened to greet Borof as he brought forth a bag of Metallica corpses to a crowd of cheering Funky Knightmares. At long last, after decades of being derided as a joke, his own race once more hailed him as a hero.
"This will teach those pesky crystal creatures not to boss us around anymore!" cried Tigernitro.
"You've done it again, Borof," Ninjariban added with a hint of pride in his voice. "While we may not be at all keen with your master Shishima's actions, your own antics are what's keeping us relevant."
"Hah, Shishima-sama and I have overcome so many obstacles in these past years that I swear I can now face anyone, anywhere and anytime!" Borof bragged as he stepped inside the castle, the crowd cheering his name once more.
Soon the gathering was moved into one of the castle's many bars where much singing, dancing, feasting and drinking took place. The lone barman was a mummy plushie with loose turquoise-colored bandages wrapped around its white and purple body and a large plush skull for a head, which lacked a jaw, and two glowing blue dots shining in the black, hollow cavities that were its eye sockets. Unlike its brethren, Skull Beyan was not much of a party fiend, instead preferring the calmness of bar-tending. As soon as Borof took a seat in front of him and ordered his drink of preference, he made sure to leave a sly remark in passe while preparing the beverage:
"What about your former friends Rosia and Glenmalt? What will happen if or when they eventually come back to life in new forms?"
"Hah, then I'll just kill them again, no biggie!" Borof replied with a dismissive hand wave.
Skull Beyan's suspicions proved true. Ever since Borof gained his new form and accompanied Shishima, his confidence had shot through the roof to the point where he no longer feared any sort of retribution. Truly he was a reckless warrior, one who was drunk on his laurels rather than alcohol. And thus the party continued for the rest of the night, jubilation filling the entire castle.
It was as morning's hours approached when two surprise guests stepped through Demon Wolf's opened gates. One was a small oni girl with fair skin, wearing a pair of wooden sandals, a pink kimono and a copper helmet which covered the upper half of her head, revealing only her mouth and blonde locks. By her side was a tall oni whose head was sharp, his entire body was covered in spikes of a burnt burgundy shade and blue flames. The Funky Knightmares ceased their celebrations and recoiled in fear at the sight of the Demonio invaders.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to my beloved master Jaouga-sama!" Kooni Benten announced, her melodious voice unable to mask the obsessive admiration she held for her leader.
"I seek an audience with your hero Borof. The rest of your lot disinterests me," Jaouga said, straight to the point.
"Well here you have him!" Borof shouted back and flew off his chair, reaching the oni's eye level. "Heh, never in my life did I expect to actually meet the former Onifuda Kingdom's leader in person!"
"Why act surprised? Shishima has used the both of us in many of his duels."
"We were allies solely in my master's interest. I can't deny that your reputation isn't the brightest in the creature world, Jaouga. Then again, neither is mine..."
"Worry not, I've not come here to cause trouble. Even if the Darkness civilization generally fears the Demonio and has shunned us due to the happenings of the Ten Kings war, on this occasion I come in peace."
"Consider me interested. Go on," Borof said while crossing his arms.
"I have seen Shishima in action countless times and now I come forth with a proposition to his vassal: I will give your master copies of my latest incarnation as an Oni RexStars: CRYMAX Jaouga. But in exchange, Borof, I want you to help me gather all the powers you can find in the Darkness civilization so we can prepare for the threat that is coming!"
"Hah, piece of cake! I already have a mighty collection of draghearts among which lies the famously dangerous All Over The World. I also have the power of Zeron by my side and a whole bunch of creatures and spells that can help in this upcoming battle!"
"From what you've listed, only All Over The World and Zeron may be of actual help," Jaouga commented, taking Borof by surprise. So the threat was that grand. With a resigned tone, he continued, "Unfortunately, All Over The World is destroyed and its power is lost forevermore because of the actions of one Hajime Shirayama and his partner Kirazeus Savark. There's no time to wallow over past failures, but Zeron will be of use."
"That goes without saying!" Borof added.
"There is another force that can aid us in the upcoming war: Dormageddon X." As soon as Jaouga uttered its name, the entire room fell silent and he felt stares of disbelief piercing him. "I myself can't brave fighting such a powerful force since I am not a Command. On the other hand, Borof, you are one..."
"Of course I am! What's your point?"
"I want you to find Dormageddon X and convince him to work for our cause. If you're unable to, then conquer him in the same way Shishima conquered Zeron. Do this and your master will receive my strongest incarnation to date."
"Consider it done, Jaouga! But just so you know, I won't yield Dormageddon X's power neither to you nor Shishima-sama! I will finally have a finisher of my own that will make me strong enough, no, worthy of serving the glorious Shishima!"
A knowing smirk flashed across Jaouga's face, exposing sharp fangs. He nodded in agreement and turned to leave without another word, Kooni Benten following suit.
Peace may have fallen upon the Twilight Kingdom, yet its environments remained as inhospitable as they had been since their inception. The only difference that Kamijishi and his trio of spies noticed was that there were no more garrisons gathered at the borders of their kingdoms or on the burnt and plundered fields of Purgatory. But even if they were tracked by suspecting youkai, they had their queen's letter in their possession to prove they were mere envoys. And so they braved the Twilight Kingdom's cloudy skies and desert storms as they flew ahead towards their destination.
Most angels of the Dawn Kingdom were aware of their queen's secret. Five centuries after her spouse's untimely demise at the hands of King Akushishi's forces, her son began showing signs of ambition. The young prince did not care about military honor nor protecting the weak, for he had been raised as an entitled heir and as such his thirst for the throne was not something his mother or his tutors could quench, no matter how harshly they punished him. It was a shameful day when Queen Oureria had publicly banished her own son in front of the people. Although most were outraged by the act, they immediately understood how dangerous their prince had grown. Public consciousness recalled the banishment as the result of an epic battle in which a heartbroken mother fatally struck her own son, after which his body transformed into a shooting star and fell all the way into Hell.
But Kamijishi had been there in the crowd to witness it all. There was no glorious battle, no complicated duel to speak of, for her son had attempted a coup with a few like-minded peers who saw their ruler as a harsh tyrant keeping their kingdom under the heel of military fascism. While there was some truth in their sentiments, anyone who was wise enough to see beyond the prince's polemics knew he merely sought power for the sake of it. As such, when their coup was swiftly defeated, the prince did not even have the courage to face his mother. He tried to run away from her, being blasted by her beams of light. Chunks of his golden armor melted on the streets, feathers from his wings filled the air, his cries echoed to the highest church towers, and yet nobody came to his aid.
Kamijishi recalled with slight amusement the pathetic sight of the prince, naked and curled in the fetal position, in tears and begging his mother for forgiveness, a second chance. On that day Oureria proved that she placed order and justice above all, including her own family, and without hesitation she struck her son, causing his fall from the Dawn Kingdom's clouds. But little did anyone know that the banished prince did not actually wind up in Hell; for after centuries of research, Kamijishi's spies had finally located his trail, which led all the way into the Twilight Kingdom's northern mountains.
"Our ways part here," Kamijishi announced the other angels as they reached the desert storm which led to the capital palace. "Make sure to give Queen Hyouma the letter and don't mention anything about my presence here!" The others obediently nodded. "Good. If I'm not here when you return, then it means our search was a success. Go home, resume your jobs, be patient and await new orders. Very soon, the Dawn Kingdom shall witness a new era!"
Left alone to his devices, Kamijishi shifted his course and flew right into the sharp stone mountains, inspecting each canyon in an attempt to track down the prince's divine aura. In a realm filled to the brim with black magic, hexes, unholy enchantments and demonic auras, finding Oureria's son was akin to looking for a needle in a haystack. But this was a risk he had to take, for he had waited for far too long. Over the years he had come to realize that there was fundamentally no difference between the rigid and well-armed Dawn Kingdom and the libertine and decadent Twilight Kingdom. Both sides were superficial and craved dominance, no matter how loud they proclaimed different goals. Such hypocrisy disgusted him to no end, and Kamijishi swore he would put an end to it all, no matter the cost. He would ally with the most dangerous of monsters and betray his closest allies. No price was too high when it came to vengeance.
The arrival of morning was always the toughest wake-up calls for the partying Funky Knightmares. Once their hedonistic daze came to an abrupt end, most succumbed to the sweet joys of slumber, sometimes on the same spot where they danced the night away. Much to Borof's disappointment, almost every comrade turned him down, for the threat of Dormageddon's sealing powers proved too much. It was when most of the gathering inside the bar had dissipated that a new voice was heard:
"Don't you ever grow tired of looking like a clown?"
Mustering all his willpower to not lash at the newcomer, Borof turned around to greet Duenyan Emperor, the fat black cat plushie wearing a monarch's crown and robe, and whose golden staff was fashioned after a fish's skeleton. Although the self-proclaimed leader of their race, Borof never once accepted his status, even after losing to him in boxing matches countless times. For in his heart, there was only one master, and that was none other than Shishima.
"Right back at you," Borof snarked. "What brings you down here? I thought you didn't want to party with us lowly peasants."
"Someone stole one of my precious boxing gloves. I have searched high and low, it's nowhere to be found inside the entire castle! This place is very well-guarded and all know to fear my wrath," Duenyan explained as he walked around the bar, avoiding the sleeping plushies, and circling the purple wolf as if he were prey. "I can think of no other culprit besides the one roguish mercenary who wastes his time on pointless quests and serving a mass murdering psychopath."
"Hah, so what if I did take your glove? It's not like your filthy paws could fit in anymore!" Borof replied, upping the arrogance in his tone. "Admit it - you schemed your way to the top just so you could laze around all day like the fat cat you truly are!"
"That does it!" Duenyan snapped back and jumped on the insolent one with impressive speed.
Borof could barely resist and used the full strength in his body to not be knocked off his feet. Unlike their previous spars where they boxed, this time around they wrestled down the bar, stepping on the sleeping plushies in the process. Skull Beyan paid them no mind and resumed cleaning last night's glasses.
"You're the only Command among us, the only one who is not at risk of being sealed. What makes you think anyone would be stupid enough to follow you on this quest to certain death?" asked Duenyan.
"Hah, I'll do my best to unseal my comrades, nobody's got to fear him while I'm around!" Borof boasted back.
"Dormageddon X's seals are not so easily broken! You're being hasty in taking decisions once again!" Duenyan countered as he shoved his opponent into a wall. "You're just doing this to impress forces bigger than you, so you won't feel like the small and insignificant dog that you truly are!"
"Why you little..." Before Borof could begin his rant, Duenyan headbutted him and threw him right into a table.
After all those decades of fighting, the cat was still stronger than the wolf. As Borof lay there in the utter shame of his defeat, Duenyan searched the pockets of his coat and pants, only to find no trace of his boxing glove.
"So you're not the culprit after all. Hmph, what a waste of time!" the cat plushie spat and turned to leave, but not before leaving one last stinging remark, "I'd say you spare us all this farce and learn your place in life, Borof! At the end of the day, you're just an overrated weapons guy and Shishima only keeps you around out of habit."
Silence fell upon the bar once Duenyan Emperor took his leave. Borof stood on the table, staring at the brick ceiling for what seemed like hours on end. After going through all those trials and tribulations, he was still not strong enough to claim the throne of his race from that disgusting and opportunistic feline. Perhaps he truly was not worthy to serve a lord as strong and magnificent as Shishima. Perhaps he indeed was only allowed to tag along since he was emotional fodder...
"You know, I also served a demonic master once," Skull Beyan spoke with his usual monotone voice as he approached the table. Borof merely glanced in his direction as a form of acknowledgment. The barman continued, "He was a mighty Demon Command Dragon who fought for our civilization's glory during the latter half of the Revolution Final wars. By then, our civilization's loyalties were shaky, as its two factions were constantly switching sides between the heroic Revolutionaries and Dormageddon X's Initials cultists. My master ended up on the wrong side and died for the sake of Dormageddon X, the one who you now seek. Although it was as honorable as a warrior's end could be, there is not one night when I don't wonder if things could have been different if I was there for him..."
"So that's why you don't really party along with the rest of us," Borof finally spoke back.
"You could say so. I for one have lost my chance, but you still have your master. Why have you not grown up with him? After serving such a powerful figure for so long, one would've expected you to be on par with him by now!" Skull Beyan criticized.
"Don't you think I know that?! The beating that Duenyan Emperor just gave me now was a painful reminder. This is why I want Dormageddon X's power all for myself! So nobody will dismiss me as just Shishima's faithful servant and nothing more!"
"Well then, if it cheers you up, I have recently seen signs of Dormageddon X's return."
Those words gave Borof enough energy to jump off the table and come face to face with Skull Beyan. It was as if he was overtaken by a new sense of vigor, the same kind of ecstasy he felt from merely being in the presence of Shishima.
"I'm all ears, mate! Tell me all about those signs!"
"Seeing how you so desperately sought a travel companion on this quest of yours, I will very much oblige you." Skull Beyan gave a mock bow and led the way to the castle's exit, the eager Borof immediately following him.
Kamijishi was not surprised at all to find his former prince in a highly disgraceful state. He lay comatose, hidden in a dark and humid cave, his snow white wings wrapped around his naked body, his curly blond locks covering a pale face with Grecian features. When he was banished, he looked like a mortal in his late teenage years; now he had the looks of one in his mid-twenties, and yet he was no less beautiful. Almost anyone may have found him attractive, but since Kamijishi had no interest in either sex, he could not help but be amused by the pathetic state of one who had such a bright future ahead.
As he prepared to awaken the fallen one, he was quick to shroud his emotions under a veil of humility and servitude. With a single zap from his index finger which targeted the other's forehead, the task was complete. Those tired eyes, blue as the morning sky, slowly opened. Once the prince's blurry sight cleared, he was surprised both by his surroundings and the cloaked stranger who stood before him.
"Prince Tenshiyoku, at last, you are awake!" Kamijishi exclaimed and fell on a knee in reverence.
"Who the...?" Tenshiyoku yawned and stretched both his wings and limbs. "What time is it?"
"Why, it's been well over five centuries since you left the Dawn Kingdom, Your Highness! Do you happen to, per chance, remember that fateful day?" Kamijishi asked, staring at the ground.
"Fateful day?" Tenshiyoku repeated while getting up on his feet, struggling to maintain balance. And then, just as the blur of slumber left his mind, did the painful memories resurface. "Ah, that fateful day," he spoke with bitter resentment in his voice while Kamijishi smirked under his cloak. "The day my 'loving' mother decided to show her true colors and banish me, her only son, the Dawn Kingdom's sole heir, for simply trying to seize that which rightfully belonged to me! Oh yes, I remember it crystal clear now!"
"That is good, my prince! I am Kamijishi, a malcontent angel who chose to leave the service of your strict mother and seek your protection and guidance! There are others out there like me, who are waiting for the Dawn Kingdom to reach a new era of prosperity, but we all know this cannot happen as long as your mother still clings to the throne. Which is why I humbly ask that you allow me to serve at your side!"
Tenshiyoku regarded Kamijishi with suspicion, analyzing his posture, gestures and tone of voice. Although his humble appearance and stories seemed too good to be true, he was in a position where any ally to his cause was valuable. Still, there was a single test he decided to subject his benefactor through:
"If I were to allow you to serve me, what will you give me in return, Kamijishi?"
Tenshiyoku's tone was that of an entitled and spoiled prince, meaning that nothing had changed at all in the past five centuries. Almost as if he was expecting that question, Kamijishi took out two cards from his robe's pocket and presented them: Dokindam X, The Legendary Forbidden and Miradante Twelve, Time Pope. All of a sudden, his hands glowed a bright green and the two cards were forcefully fused, something Tenshiyoku had never seen before. When the light spectacle was over, a new card had been created: Dokindante Twenty Two, Forbidden Time Hybrid King.
"What did you just do?" the surprised angel asked.
"I have taken two preexisting creatures and fused them together into a Dispector," Kamijishi proudly explained and then a small orb made of dark metal which was painted with the colors of the five civilizations emerged from his pocket as well. "This is thanks to my creature partner: Antoma Tan Gendo. It granted me the power to create Dispectors, and now I wish to share this power with you, my prince!"
Tenshiyoku gladly took the new card and analyzed it, an ambitious grin soon appearing on his face. "Very well, Kamijishi, I welcome you to my side! You shall assist me in the creation of a stronger and better Dawn Kingdom!"
"I am grateful for such an honor!" Kamijishi retorted and finally got up on his feet. "My prince, know that we are currently in the Twilight Kingdom, away from your mother's forces."
"The Twilight Kingdom?" Tenshiyoku wondered while rubbing his chin. He smiled, ambition easily read all over his youthful face. "Excellent! Fetch me some clothes and prepare me an audience with Queen Koushishi! I believe I have an offer that she cannot refuse!"
"Oh right, about that..." Kamijishi's tone shifted, which caused his master to raise an eyebrow. "A lot has happened while you lay dormant."
Much to Borof's delight, Skull Beyan indeed spoke the truth. All over the Darkness civilization's forests there were bodies crushed underneath halberds or captured inside flaming meteors which left great craters in the desolate lands. And yet the biggest sign of Dormageddon X's return did not yet appear, as the black sun burned brightly in the sky and the Forbidden Star was nowhere to be seen.
"It's almost like the Revolution Final wars, isn't it?" Skull Beyan remarked.
"Yeah, all that's missing is the Forbidden Star burning above Demon Wolf to show everyone our civilization's shame," Borof replied as he scanned their surroundings. "No, you put it nicely when you said our loyalties were shaky. The truth is: we were backstabbers and traitors, to both sides of that conflict. There's not an ounce of loyalty to be found here!"
"And yet you're still clinging to Shishima like a loyal dog. Speaking of which, why have you been coming back so much lately? Doesn't he require your services?"
"Ah, well, you see, the master's lover is pregnant," Borof casually admitted, causing Skull Beyan to stop in his tracks. "Why are you acting so surprised? These things tend to happen, you know."
"One would assume that he would ask for your services much more during such a time..."
"It's true, yeah, but I decided to give my master some time alone with her. After all, she is in much better hands than mine."
"Wait!" Skull Beyan halted Borof and pointed to a nearby cave. "Over there! Do you feel it? Forbidden power is reeking all over that area."
"Now that you mention it, that's indeed the case. Let's explore it!" Borof said, leading the way.
As soon as they reached the cave's entrance, an ominous wind blew from inside, gently pushing them back. Then, before they knew it, a book appeared by the cave's entrance, four blue eyes painted on its cover. Borof's jaw dropped upon recognizing it and he said:
"Gripage, Darma?! What are you doing here? You Magic Tools ought to be inside Fukurokuju's mansion!"
"Do not be surprised, for Fukurokuju-sama often allows us to travel between the creature world and the Twilight Kingdom. Now, travelers, what is it that you seek?" Gripage plainly asked with an emotionless voice.
"We seek to know the whereabouts of Dormageddon X! That cave is filled with his power, so we will definitely find answers over there!" Borof said with utmost certainty.
"You will not find the way to Dormageddon X by merely entering the cave. In order to track him down, you need to answer my riddle," Gripage explained and opened up its pages, revealing a short text written in large letters:
To seek the star beyond night and day
What is required is a special key,
But for it to show you the way
That which you seek lies inside thee.
"Are you saying that we are the key to finding Dormageddon X?" asked Skull Beyan.
"Not necessarily. You are more than your own physical manifestation. Your belongings, your hobbies, your lair, they all are a part of who you are," mused Gripage.
"Wait a minute, that's it!" Borof exclaimed with a raised fist. "The key isn't here - it's back at the Demon Wolf castle! I believe Duenyan Emperor's hoarding it, that prick!"
"Why would our leader do such a thing?" Skull Beyan replied, feigning shock.
"I didn't steal his fucking glove. I bet he's not only hiding the key, he actually wants to use it to bring back the Forbidden Star and awaken Dormageddon X! This whole stolen glove charade was a scheme to set me up as a traitor and get rid of me!" Borof said, anger building in his mind. "When I get my hands on that cat, he'll regret the day he set foot in my castle!"
"Then we're headed back." Skull Beyan nodded in agreement and then he jumped in the air and grabbed Gripage. "And you're coming with us."
"As you wish..." the book complied.
Thus they turned around and trekked through the forest once more, en route to the Demon Wolf castle which was home to more questions than answers. No matter what, Borof would be successful in his mission and emerge even stronger than before, a warrior vassal truly worthy of serving Shishima.
To Her Majesty, Queen Oureria of the Dawn Kingdom,
I am very much thankful for your warm greetings and will humbly accept your invitation.
Be assured that in spite of my age I am willing to put in the effort to both right the wrongs of my predecessor and properly address the concerns of my people, for ultimately it is the monarch who serves the people and not the other way around.
Likewise, I am looking forward to our meeting and eventual collaboration. I am most certain that there will be much to learn from this experience. Please communicate back a suitable date for the visit.
With kind regards,
Queen Hyouma of the Twilight Kingdom