Chapter 2: The Royal Blood
778, seventeen years after the Battle of Belhalla
Julia couldn't stop a scream as another spear of dark matter flew at her, only for a screen of shining light to appear, intercepting the blow. Julia watched helplessly as her brother threw attack after attack at them, and Deirdre could do nothing as her shields were continually shattered over and over again. Each time, her mother flinched and stumbled as if it physically hurt her…which it might have.
Julius roared in hatred, completely covered in a dark aura. Red light shined from his eyes like glistening blood, and the Book of Loptous glowed menacingly in his right hand, eagerly complying with every dark spell and strike. Already the area around them was unrecognizable… were they still in Julius' room? Or were they somewhere else? Julia couldn't even tell anymore; everything was rubble and dust.
Julia stood with shaking legs, feeling like she was stuck in the mud. What could she do? Everything in her body was repulsed by the darkness in Julius…but that was her brother! Her twin, the very one that had happily practiced magic with her just a few days ago. Now, that same magic was used with the intent to kill. So what choice did she have?
"Naga…you will not stand in my way once more!" Julius roared, rising into the air, floating like an angel of death. "You, your descendants…! I will kill you here!"
"No!" Julia cried out, unable to keep watching her mother be struck again and again. She couldn't keep it up much longer. Julia had to help! Her hands trembled as she reached for her Nosferatu tome, but she pushed her fear aside and fired the spell at Julius, ropes of light surging forward and wrapping around his arms. "Julius, please! Stop this!"
Julius' eyes darted back and forth, switching focus on Julia and Deirdre wildly. Julia shivered as he stared at her with the soulless, dark eyes. In just one glance she could tell there was nothing but hatred and violence in there, nothing more. Where had her brother gone? Who was…this monster?
"Do not DARE to command me, spawn of Naga!" A blast of energy exploded from Julius' figure, coupled with an appropriate roar that sent tremors through Julia. The light restraints instantly snapped apart and dissipated as Julia stumbled back in shock. "Despite what you may think, I am not your subordinate, nor will I ever be! I AM LOPTOUS, KING OF THE EARTH DRAGONS!"
Deirdre grabbed Julia's arm and pulled her away, right as a dark blast struck where she was once standing. Julia stumbled into her mother's arms, Deirdre chanting something lowly under her breath. Julia stared at the remnants of where she was standing, a deep crater carved into the earth like a cracked eggshell. What would have happened if she was standing there? This wasn't Julius' power…even though his affinity was for dark magic, he had never used it so dangerously, so destructively. Was this really the dark god, the very same that parents told their children about to scare them into doing good?
Julius summoned more dark magic in his hand from the evil tome, a threatening mass of shadow ready to obliterate the two. With one more hateful scream, a missile of darkness rushed forward, tearing up the earth beneath it.
Deirdre finished chanting, raising her shining Aura tome. From the open book burst forth light, falling over Deirdre and Julia. Instantly, the falling light solidified into a glowing protective dome. When the dark attack struck the dome, unlike her other shields, Deirdre's spell held. Over her pounding heartbeat, Julia heard a tired, relieved sigh from her mother. How long would that last?
"Hah! You cannot escape me!" Julius' voice screamed out angrily, and soon the dome shook again and again as Julius pummeled it with spell after spell. Julia stumbled back with a small shriek as one flew right at her face, but thankfully the shield repelled it, pulsing with faint light.
"I–is he really him, mother?" Julia breathlessly asked, praying to Naga that the barrier would hold strong. She could scarcely even hear herself over the deafening rumbles as dark energy shook the dome with every hit. "Julius is…Loptous? I don't understand! How is that possible?!"
"Julia…" Deirdre wiped away at her eyes, and Julia was aware that there were tears in her own as well. "We should have told you and Julius earlier. In our blood…there is something dark slumbering."
Julia felt her blood run cold at the thought. Something dark in her very blood? As she looked at her mother's face, she realized Deirdre wasn't scared. She wasn't terrified, or angry, despite all the pain she must have been in through defending Julia. "Mother…what's going on?"
"That…that monster isn't wrong. His blood runs through our veins, dormant and waiting." Deirdre confessed, her voice in deep regret. "Julius…his blood has taken over him."
Julia couldn't understand what she was hearing. They were descended from Loptous? The dark god of legend, that killed so many in the first holy war, lived on in their blood? "What…? I–I don't understand…"
"Listen, my dear daughter." Deirdre's voice took on a tone of urgency. "We can't beat him. Not right now. Julius…Julius is not himself. He will kill us. I can't let that happen."
Julia blinked in confusion, still trying to process everything. Her eyes followed her mother's hands, and she realized with a start that Deirdre had taken out a Warp staff. "You're sending me away?! But…but what about Julius?! You can't just…"
"I'm sorry." Deirdre smiled sadly, raising the Warp staff, and Julia couldn't bring herself to stop her. "You and Julius…his fate…it's not your fault, Julia. It's mine, and I must take responsibility. I must repent for my sins…"
"What are you talking about mother?" Julia cried, her whole world falling apart just like their protective dome, cracking under the pressure of Loptous. "What sins?!"
Deirdre's eyes were staring far away as the Warp staff glowed. "Your father and I committed a foolish act…one that might now doom the world. Oh…my memories…Seliph…"
Before Julia could question her mother, the light barrier fell with a crash, the shining dome shattering into a million pieces and disappearing. With a triumphant yell, Julius rushed forward, a spear of darkness forming in his hand.
"Mother!" Julia cried, beginning to tug at Deirdre's hands as tears freely streamed down her face. "You can't! Don't do this!"
Despite Julia's terror, Deirdre looked unconcerned, her back still turned to Julius. She gently took Julia's hands in hers, stopping her struggle as mother and daughter met eyes. "Julia…I'm sorry you had to take on this burden. You are the only one that can stop Loptous now…"
Clutching the Warp staff close to her chest, Deirdre took off her circlet, her tiara that Julia had always seen adorning her hair. Then gently, Deirdre placed it upon Julia's own head. "You are my daughter, Julia. Our sins…you must–"
What she said next, Julia never heard. With a deafening roar that drowned out her words, Julius burst forward and skewered Deirdre with the dark spear, staining her dress red instantly. A grim smile painted his face as Julia shrieked in horror, red droplets of blood falling onto her arms, still holding tight to Deirdre's hands.
Soon, those hands fell limp, and Deirdre collapsed silently toward Julius, who caught her in surprise. Julia could only watch as Deirdre caressed her son's face with a sad, regretful smile.
Julius blinked in confusion at Deirdre's actions. "My son…this is…not your fault…"
The scion of darkness continued staring, completely frozen as dark red eyes stared into light purple. In the back of Julia's hazy sorrow-tainted mind, she wondered what he was thinking. Deirdre stilled, her hand falling from Julius' face, and her eyes closed. Julius was silent for a moment, face tight with an unreadable expression. Slowly, he growled lowly, "So…she is dead. Do you feel it, Naga? One more of your vessels destroyed…"
He hummed in sudden surprise, reaching toward his face. To his and Julia's shock, tears were flowing freely, cascading down Julius' face like a waterfall. "What..? Tears? Ah. Are you really weeping, little prince? We have more pressing matters…like killing the other spawn of Naga!"
He turned suddenly to Julia but froze for a moment as she made eye contact with her brother. At that moment, Julia couldn't find the hatred and bloodlust of Loptous. She saw despair and pain etched into Julius' face, an expression of unimaginable horror, despair, and regret. His teeth clenched together as drops of water streaked all the way from his eyes to his chin, and he exhaled shakily, along with something suspiciously like sobs.
There was no time to dwell on it. The next moment, rage clouded his vision once more and the Book of Loptous flipped open and glowed purple. At Julius' feet, the Warp staff still at Deirdre's chest continued to glow and finally escalated into shining light, momentarily drowning Loptous' darkness. As her brother lunged forward to no avail, Julia felt herself being pulled away to somewhere unknown; her life, her joy, and her sanity, all feeling like they were being left behind.
Arvis clutched the Valflame to his chest tightly, but the heat of the tome did nothing to ebb away the cold feeling of dread. Was that the screams of his people he could hear? Was that the scent of burning flesh he could smell, or did he accidentally light his robes on fire again? As embarrassing as it was when that happened, it honestly felt preferable right now…
As Arvis ran through the great halls of Belhalla, he occasionally passed through a passage or two with rubble and ruins, or even worse, fallen victims. He grimaced as he reached a pile of ash that looked suspiciously like the remnants of a Jormungandr spell.
Arvis could hardly believe the assailants had reached this far already. What were the Weissenritter doing?! Either they were taken heavily by surprise, or the Loptrians far outnumbered what he had expected…
The emperor cursed himself, running around a fallen pillar. He had been too cocky with Manfroy. He should have known the dark bishop was up to no good! Always scheming, planning, and preparing with ulterior motives. And now, the peace he had worked so hard for was crumbling before his very eyes. That damn Loptrian! Had this been his plan all along?
Ever since Manfroy blackmailed him, threatening to reveal his Loptrian blood to the world, Arvis had known Manfroy had his personal motives, manipulating events in his favor. At the time, they had lined up with Arvis' plans of becoming emperor, so he hadn't questioned it. He was the Duke of Velthome, then Emperor of Grannvale! What could Manfroy do if Arvis kept him in check? Oh, how foolish that thinking was…
Now, Arvis didn't even know how far Manfroy's manipulation had spread. The underground temple wasn't the only thing Manfroy had hidden from him, that was for sure. There were many unanswered questions during the war of Isaac and Sigurd's campaign; were they all because of Manfroy? How deep did his control go? The sudden Verdane invasion, the death of Imuka of Agustria, even the Aed Massacre, Arvis would bet a lot that Manfroy and his cult were behind much of it. Maybe even Deirdre and his…
No. He refused to go down that line of thought. That was for Arvis and his wife to discuss…he just had been putting it off for the time being out of fear. Now, Arvis wondered if he would even get the chance…
A group of dark-robed mages ran out ahead of him, shouting something incoherent. Arvis didn't recognize any of them as the few Loptrians he'd allow to live in Belhalla as representatives, and he flared in fury. Manfroy had blatantly double-crossed him then, bringing reinforcements behind his back for this very purpose!
With a blast of Valflame, the group of Loptrians were incinerated before they even knew what was happening. Without a sound, their remains blew away in the wind. Arvis took a deep breath, extinguishing the flames along with his wrath. Now was not the time for revenge. He had to focus on finding his family. And likely, getting out of Belhalla alive. And if he understood Manfroy correctly, Julius wasn't going to be coming with them…
His son, his heir, and his pride and joy. Arvis remembered how he had walked in on Julius staring at the sky, basking in darkness with the Book of Loptous in his hand, Manfroy watching with glee. Julia was up against the wall, gasping in shock and pain. At that moment, Arvis had acted quickly, pulling out a Sleep staff and knocking his son out. Somehow, he knew it wouldn't be as simple this time.
Arvis was a pragmatist. He didn't want to think Julius was lost for good, despite the heavy implications from Manfroy. However, for now, Deirdre and Julia were his priority. Julius…I won't give up on you, son. I swear it.
The emperor stepped out into the Great Hall, scanning the room quickly. It was a mess, with the once pristine awe-inspiring hall now filled with debris and rubble, punctuated by the smell of smoke and blood and the sound of Loptrians shouting and stomping about.
On the other side of the room, two figures launched fire magic at Loptrians, vastly outnumbered but holding their own. Flames burst forth, periodically lighting up the great hall with glowing heat. Arvis quickly summoned his own fire, feeling the heat of the legendary Valfalme spread across the room as he held a great blaze above his head. The heads of Loptrians all turned toward him, and chaos broke forth.
Arvis didn't let the clamoring distract him, gathering the blaze into a giant inferno, with an intensity not seen since the Battle of Belhalla…
With a cry of defiance, the emperor let the flames explode and surge toward the invaders, and despite their efforts to counter using their dark magic, it was no use against the power of the legendary holy weapon and the blood of Fjalar. Within seconds, nothing was left but charred robes and melting tomes.
"F-Father!" Arvis quickly diverted his attention, focusing on his son. His eyes shone with relief and hope, so pure and wholesome that Arvis was struck with a moment of emotion wondering if he could ever see the same emotion in Julius' eyes again.
Now was not the time to think about that, Arvis reminded himself. He would deal with Julius later. "Saias. Are you alright, son?"
"I'm completely fine, Father." Saias nodded. "But…I think Julius–"
"Don't worry about Julius right now," Arvis instructed. "We need to find your sister and the Empress, and get to safety."
Arvis turned his attention to the person next to Saias, General Aida. Saias' mother, standing uncertainly, unsure what to do or say to Arvis, though it wasn't like Arvis wasn't struggling with the same issue. As such, not knowing what to do, she fell back onto imperial protocol. "Your Majesty. The Loptrians have almost completely taken the castle. We may have to abandon it completely."
"I see, General Aida." Arvis acknowledged, hesitating a little. Should he say something? Ever since the birth of Saias, they had generally skipped around each other. Arvis eventually took it upon himself to raise Saias despite the illegitimacy, but things were simply too awkward between him, Aida, and Deirdre…
Arvis forced himself to recompose. All of this…all of this was his fault, his fault for being manipulated by Manfroy and not dealing with things when he should have. Now he was truly facing the consequences…was this karma? Divine judgment for building up his ideal world on the blood of innocents, despite the peace it brought? "What of the Weissenritter?"
"All dead, sire." General Aida admitted, looking away. "Those Loptrian dogs ambushed us on our way to the barracks. It was…not a pleasant sight."
Arvis narrowed his eyes, quieting his conflicting thoughts. "What of the city?"
"Outside the castle seems to be fairly untouched, your Majesty," Aida answered. "It seems they've focused completely on the castle."
"What do we do?" Saias asked, rubbing his hand in worry.
"Do you know where Julia and Deirdre are?"
Saias paled. "Last I saw, they were heading toward Julius' room. But if I'm right, Julius…"
"Enough. It doesn't matter." Arvis resolved, clutching the Valflame tightly in worry. He refused to think of the worst, that Juli and Deirdre might have… "We'll go to them now."
"On your command." Aida automatically responded. Saias was more hesitant but nodded. No doubt his son was coming up with tactics on the fly and calculating the measures at stake here. As they ran through the halls together, Arvis found himself recognizing he was likely running right into Manfroy's trap, at the very least quite predictable in his plan.
However, just like every time Manfroy manipulated, influenced, and blackmailed him, Arvis found he didn't have a choice. What a fool he was, thinking he was on top of the world, in control! Manfroy's dream of a revival of the Loptrian Empire had been so obvious. He heard it from the bishop's own mouth! And yet he still thought he could keep Manfroy in check.
"Father, wait!"
General Aida reached out at the same time, grabbing the emperor's arm and shocking him out of his single-minded thoughts. He paused his pace, opening his mouth to demand an explanation. However, his question died in his throat as it became quite clear.
A ring of light shone on the ground in front of them, pulsing brightly rhythmically. "A warp spell?"
"Or rewarp." Saias gritted his teeth, evidently worrying about what would appear in moments. "It could be anyone, even Loptous…"
Aida was similarly on guard, raising her Meteor tome, ready to fire. The light formed into a figure, and Arvis quickly recognized it before the other two. "Wait!"
The two paused, lowering their tomes slightly. They watched, entranced, as the light faded and the figure stumbled into existence. Arvis rushed forward, catching her as she fell.
"Julia?" Saias murmured in shock, before letting out a long sigh of relief. For a moment, all of Arvis' worries vanished. His daughter was safe, in his arms.
Only when the beating of his heart quieted down did Arvis realize Julia was crying. Sobs racked through her trembling body as Arvis pulled away, his cloak already damp with tears.
"Julia..? What happened?" Arvis didn't want to imagine why she was crying so heavily. "Where's…where's Deirdre?"
"Mother…she…" Julia cried, clutching her chest, her head low. Arvis realized with a start of despair that adorning her head was a new circlet, a tiara that was a perfect match to his wife's.
"Julia," Arvis spoke again slowly, trying to keep his voice from shaking. "Where's Deirdre?"
"Julius…no, Loptous, he called himself…" Julia inhaled shakily, her sob shaking her whole body. Arvis could only wait in horror as she said exactly what he feared to hear. "He attacked us…mother…she sacrificed herself for me…"
"No…" Arvis stumbled back, letting go of Julia in shock. Saias took his place, gently comforting his sister. The mood seemed to drop even further, as it really seemed all was lost.
"She gave the last of her strength to…to get me to safety. She said—" Julia hiccuped, another sob at her throat. "Mother said I was the only one who could stop Juliu—Loptous…"
Arvis felt like he was collapsing, just like the entire life he had was falling apart. There was no doubt anymore. Manfroy would use Julius to destroy everything he'd ever loved and destroy any hope of rebuilding. Deirdre was…Deirdre was… "I'm…I'm sorry Julia…"
Saias looked at him questioningly, but Arvis could already see gears turning in his son's head. Surely, Saias would realize how all this stemmed from Arvis' ignorance and arrogance, and realize how much of a fool his father was to indulge the Loptrians. Would his son hate him after that, then?
In just a few moments, Arvis felt not only his kingdom falling, but his family breaking apart as well. The love of his life was murdered, his daughter inconsolable, his son possessed, and a son that may very well hate him by the day's end…
Arvis gritted his teeth. Deirdre was gone; there was no changing that. But Manfroy wouldn't be satisfied with just that, he knew. Julia wasn't safe, nor was any of his family. He couldn't let that happen. He had to take responsibility. Arvis would not be powerless, no matter how out of control this situation felt! Arvis felt the flames of ambition, the ones that started his whole journey to the emperor, light up once more. He blinked away the tears in his eyes. "Deirdre…Deirdre was right, Julia."
He stood up straighter, fixing his eyes on the diamond circlet on Julia's head. Instantly, he understood what his wife had intended. She had accepted her death so she could save her daughter, and find a way to defeat Loptous through her sacrifice. Arvis would not fail her. He coughed, trying to disguise the rising sob, but he managed to speak resolutely. "There is a way to defeat Loptous, and only you can use it, Julia."
"What?" Julia stared uncomprehendingly, teary eyes wide with confusion. Aida was the same, evidently not understanding from her face, but she said nothing in the somber moment.
It was only Saias that caught on, as expected. "The Book of Naga." He said, in slight disbelief. "Legend says it's the only weapon that counters the Book of Loptous…It's in the castle, isn't it?"
"Correct. It's hidden in the treasury, under lock and key. Only one thing can open the lock." Arvis continued in seriousness, even though all he wanted to do was drop to his knees and weep. He had to stay strong for his survival…for his children. Arvis raised a hand pointing at Julia's brow. "That circlet Deirdre must have given you…it's the key to our salvation."
General Aida was clearly out of her element here, with talk of holy weapons and sacred bonds. However, she maintained composure. "There's a secret pass toward the treasury. Those Loptrian dogs shouldn't have found it yet."
"Then let's go." Arvis nodded. Aida pulled out a Flame Sword, putting away Meteor. Saias readied his Ellight tome, and Arvis turned to his daughter, who clearly was just still trying to process everything. "I'm sorry, Julia, but time is short."
Julia's eyes scanned her surroundings wildly, and she gulped. "I'll…I'll go with you. Mother…mother would want me to."
Arvis nodded, turning away quickly to hide his tears. Manfroy…Manfroy would pay for this. And Julius…
They ran through the halls once more, Aida leading them down a maze of cross-crossing corridors. Arvis had lived here for years, but even he found himself a little unsure where they were exactly.
They came up upon the treasury doors, and Arvis reached for the hinges. He threw the doors open and immediately wished he hadn't.
Right in front of them, two figures talked in dark tones. "What did I tell you, Manfroy?! Every last one of the avatars of Naga, the heirs of Heim, must be purged from existence!"
"I understand, my lord. However, as we are right now, that girl can pose no threat to you as long as we keep the Book from her…" The archbishop tilted his head slightly, and Arvis could see the glimpses of that hateful grin. "Wouldn't you agree, Arvis?"
Aida hissed as she entered, clutching her sword tightly. "What?! How did they get here already?"
"How foolish." Julius retorted, and Arvis was taken aback at how…unnatural the hate and malice sounded in tandem with Julius' usually kind voice. This was not Julius…he was sure of it. This was the Earth Dragon. His blood-red eyes focused on them, and Arvis, the most powerful man in Jugdral, couldn't help but shiver. "Did you not think this wouldn't be my priority? The Book of Naga, the accursed relic of my nemesis…"
Julia staggered, refusing to look at her brother. Julius had no such qualms, turning his head toward her.
"Returning to your demise, spawn of Naga? I would have thought you had learned your lesson when I killed the other one…no matter." The prince smiled unnaturally widely, and Arvis could have sworn he saw the fangs of a dragon. "Run or hide, I will never stop until you DIE."
"Julius!" Arvis stepped forward, inconspicuously eyeing the chest in the back of the room. If they could get to that. "Have you no shame! You killed your mother, for Fjalar's sake! How could you?!"
It was no use, Arvis knew. He couldn't see Julius in that figure's eyes. But if he could just appeal to what little humanity was left in that vessel…
For a moment, Arvis had a little hope. He and the others held their breath as Julius stared unflinchingly at his father, breathing in and out slowly. He was silent, and Arvis wondered if he had gotten through with him. "Julius, the Book of Loptous. It's corrupting you, my son—"
"It seems there's been a bit of misunderstanding, emperor." Manfroy sneered. "This isn't just a plain corruption. What you are looking at is the incarnation of the dark god himself! Julius is no more!"
Arvis snarled at the archbishop. "You two-faced bastard! I should have never indulged you in your twisted plans!"
"But you did, didn't you?" Manfroy smiled smugly. "All because you wanted to become emperor, and 'make the world a better place'. How's that working for you, I wonder?"
"Don't let him provoke you, Father," Saias muttered, readying his spell. "Just one blast…"
"Patience, son," Arvis murmured back, but he could feel his anger rising, and he knew that was exactly what Manfroy wanted: to see him break and lose his composure. "You took what I intended and twisted it into cruelty, Manfroy." Arvis retorted.
"YOU intended to rule the world. I even helped you. It simply aligned with my interests as well." Manfroy grinned. "You were happy to go along with them, especially when I introduced Deirdre to you—"
"Manfroy." Arvis lowly growled, Valflame open and ready. "Shut your mouth."
Manfroy looked from him to Julia and Saias and quickly deduced the situation. "Ah, I see. You haven't told them, hmm?"
"Father?" Julia cautiously asked. Saias remained quiet, eyes darting back and forth between the archbishop and emperor. Julius merely watched, still unmoving.
"How do you think Julius obtained the holy blood of Loptous? After all, that's the only way to create a vessel for the dark god." Manfroy continued. Arvis' eyes flared, and he raised a hand.
"Very few have the holy blood of Loptous. Our esteemed emperor of course was one of them. But how could that minor blood be enriched?"
Julia was still confused, eyes wide and unfocused. However, Saias' growing realization as his face devolved into shock and horror made Arvis' strength fade, and his arm drooped. "Now, if only we had a family member to share the same holy blood! Then their child would have that holy blood enriched to Major Holy Blood!"
Manfroy locked eyes with each and every one of them, very pleased with the shock and horror displayed in their expressions. He gestured at Julius, standing tall and powerful. "Obviously…it worked. All thanks to you, Emperor Arvis. Your ambition to become emperor gave me the very chance to bring Loptous back into the world…and your paranoia helped me eliminate anyone who could stand in my way!"
"Wait…" Saias' eyes narrowed, his tactician mind going into overdrive, and Arvis knew he was speaking his thoughts aloud, trying to make sense of the horrific situation. Arvis couldn't help but admire his son's composure, especially when his own was crumbling by the second. "Sigurd's campaign, eighteen years ago. That threw a wrench in your plans, didn't it, Manfroy? He caused trouble in your operation in Verdane and Agustria, and had you delay your plan of Arvis and Deirdre meeting, since…oh no…"
Manfroy blinked, somewhat taken aback. "Color me impressed. You are correct, Prince Saias!" His smug smile quickly returned. "But of course, that may not be good news, hmm?"
Saias put a hand to his head in complete disbelief. "Deirdre…Deirdre was Sigurd's long lost wife?"
Julia gasped. Aida looked away from her, though Arvis had no luxury. Julia stared at her father in shock. "You…Father? Why did you…?"
"I…I didn't know…I loved her…" Even to him, it sounded so pathetic, and Manfroy was quick to continue the verbal assault.
He laughed, and each chortle hit Arvis like a stab to the gut. "Sigurd was naive, yes. He should have realized he was being played at every turn of his campaign. But you, Arvis! You were even more naive than him! You thought you could have your happy ending, despite the blood and treachery you used to ascend to your place! And now, only now do you realize, when the world is falling around you, and you realize everything was in vain!"
Arvis opened his mouth to defend himself but found he had nothing to say. He had killed Sigurd, and for what? By that time, he had already fallen into Manfroy's trap as soon as he married Deirdre. Even when he found the truth, he refused to believe the red flags. Arvis had considered himself practical and excellent and looking ahead, but his stubbornness and rashness had been more destructive than Sigurd's ever had been. And all that time, Manfroy knew it.
"Do you realize now, Arvis! You never had any power! Your empire that you were so proud of was nothing but a cause and step of my plans! Your actions did not save the world, but doomed your very people! Sigurd was never the traitor!" Manfroy's smile twisted into a truly nasty sneer, as Arvis felt his heart sink deeper and deeper into despair and helplessness. "You were."
Arvis stumbled, feeling like he was collapsing under guilt. He couldn't respond to Saias' concerned cries, Aida's urgent calls, or even Julia's desperate tugs on his cloak, afraid to look at them and reveal how helpless and wrong he was. Was it all…worthless? Was it all in vain? His dream of a world without oppression, discrimination, and tyranny…was going to disappear, wasn't it?
Was it even ever real? He knew it wasn't right that it was built on the lives of innocent, established by using Sigurd and his allies as traitors, but he had convinced himself it was necessary for the greater good…was Manfroy right? Did Arvis accomplish anything good for Jugdral, in the end?
Manfroy raised his Fenrir tome, ready to reduce the emperor to ash. Arvis sensed it, but he didn't move. What was the point? How he had fallen so quickly, from the most powerful man in Jugdral to feeling like the worst human being to ever live…
Arvis and Manfroy both knew the archbishop tugged the strings from the very start…even helping Arvis was just a facade. Could he even have done anything to change it? It was like the cruel tidings of fate strung him, Sigurd, Deirdre, and everyone else into Manfroy's spider web of darkness and evil, trapping them even before they knew it was there. Through all his efforts, he couldn't break free of his destiny. The blood of Loptous…it was a poison after all. Perhaps it would be better to just die…
"Julia…Saias…" Arvis choked on his words like the pressure of his sin was crushing his throat.
Manfroy cackled and fired the spell, dozens of shadow flames homing in onto the group. Aida shouted at him, telling him to get up. Julia pleaded him to move. Yet all Arvis could hear was the voices condemning him, telling him it was all his fault…
This was the end…
Until another person rushed forward, and raised a swirling pillar of fire in a second, swallowing all the blasts of darkness. Arvis started, the sudden sharp heat bringing him back into reality. He realized that the Valflame was gone from his hand…
Saias stood in front of him, his arm outstretched and the brand of Fjalar shining as bright as the Valflame in his other hand. Sweat beaded his brow, clearly not used to the strain of a Holy Weapon. "Father. Get up."
Arvis unsteadily stared at his son, but Saias didn't turn around, still facing the raging flames. "…you can't give up now, Father. We…we still need you."
Arvis gaped in confusion, trying not to sob. "I…I—what do you mean? You heard all he had said…I'm not fit to be your father…you must hate me now that you know this was all my fault…"
"You're wrong. This wasn't all your fault," Julia gently knelt beside her father, a kind smile shining through her pained teary face. "And…I will never hate you, Father."
Arvis withheld a gasp, as he did not see just his daughter at that moment, but also…
Deirdre…
"Nor will I," Saias added, and though he did not turn around, Arvis thought his son might have been crying. "And Julius…I'm sure he understands the best that this is not your fault."
As Arvis stared in shock at his children, he couldn't help feeling so proud of them, and so disappointed in himself. Why did his children have to suffer for his mistakes?
"If there's someone to blame, it's Manfroy for taking advantage of you, Deirdre, and Julius," Aida added. She gave him a rare smile. "And you know my loyalty for you is unshakable, my lord."
Arvis sat in disbelief, and couldn't help but give a half-laugh, half-sob. "I…you're right, Aida. I…I don't deserve you all…"
He stood, dusting off his pants. He could not undo what had been done, and the consequences were already tearing their heads and would continue to appear. Arvis wished he could take all the consequences in his children's stead, but he knew it was out of his hands now. However…he did not intend to do anything about it. "I am not absolved for my sins. I may not have intended this, but I fell into Manfroy's plan all the same. But…I won't just take it lying down."
He then turned to the three others. "Julia, Saias…I'm sorry for bringing it into this mess. If I could, I would take the entire fall for this myself." Arvis gritted his teeth but softened his expression as he put one hand on Julia's shoulder, and the other on Saias. "The very least I can do is to give you another chance. I wish we could have gotten the Book of Naga, but I'm sure you two will manage. You are both stronger than you know…"
Julia's eyes were widening as he talked, and she seemed to realize what he was implying. "Father…are you…?"
Arvis took a deep breath, refusing to let any more weakness show. He had done enough of that already, and in front of his children no less...! "I'm sorry, Julia. I…I don't think there's any other choice. Julius wants you specifically…I won't let that happen as long as I draw breath."
Julia fell into silent sorrow, and Arvis turned away before she could begin her desperate pleas. Saias, ever the pragmatist, looked down as he approached. There was no need to say more, which Arvis appreciated. It meant that this may very well be the best decision for all of them…even if it meant his fall. Saias held out the Valflame to his father, but Arvis didn't take it. "Keep it. It's high time you've used it, anyway."
Julia let out a shrill sound, and even Saias and Aida couldn't withhold noises of confusion. "But…but how can you fight him without…?"
Arvis merely shook his head. "Without the Book of Naga, there's little way to defeat Loptous forever. You will need it much more than me."
"Father—!"
The flames separating them from Julius and Manfroy began to splutter, and Arvis knew they were out of time. "Go! I will hold them off as long as I can. You must live!"
"No!" Julia began to tear up. "You can't just—you can't die too!"
"Saias!" Arvis pulled out Bolganone, trying to wipe his eyes without making it obvious. "Protect your sister! Carry on my legacy!"
Arvis turned, refusing to watch Saias bring a tearful Julia out of the room, lest he broke down and lost his will. No, this was the best way. Julia may be inconsolable, but…she had to live. And Arvis would gladly trade his life for hers, no matter the circumstance.
He didn't see the door close, but a small click and the muffling of Julia's sobs confirmed it for him. There was no going back now.
"You always had a flair for the dramatic."
Arvis started, turning around. Aida was still standing there, hand on the doors, keeping them shut. "Aida…? What are you doing—"
"What does it look like I'm doing, my lord?" She smiled at him, and Arvis couldn't help but wonder what in the world he had done to deserve this last moment of hope. "I told you, my loyalty to you is unshakable. I followed you when you fought your way to the throne, even when everyone else would balk."
"But…" Arvis stammered, before clearing his throat. "What about Saias?"
Her smile faded, turning into a serious but firm expression. "He knows. He understands."
"Of course he did…" That boy, now a young man, was always too smart for his own good…just like a young Arvis. "Saias…I'm sure you'll know what to do…"
"I trust him." Aida grinned, and Arvis remembered why Saias existed in the first place, even though those feelings had faded long, long ago. "Don't you?"
The heart touching moment disappeared along with the pillar of fire, as darkness cut through it with ease like a gale to an ember. Julius stood with an outstretched arm, a cold stare leveled at his father. "Done with your goodbyes? It won't matter; I'll hunt them down all the same."
"Not if we can help it." Aida challenged, pointing her blade at Julius, who stared at it like it was an irritating insect.
"Hah! You are more foolish than I thought, general!" Manfroy smirked, and his smile grew wider as he realized Arvis was no longer holding the Valflame. "You can't defeat Loptous with just will, even if you had the Valflame! You are powerless here before us, and I can tell just how this is going to end…or can you guess already, emperor Arvis?"
Arvis straightened, a tight expression on his face. He refused to be baited, and stared right into Manfroy's beady eyes. "You're right, Manfroy. I was wrong to listen to you. I was wrong to take the throne by unworthy means, and I was wrong to kill Sigurd and his army. However, I stand by my position. This world needs peace for the people, free of corruption. And that cannot happen with your Loptrian Empire."
"We will stop you, Manfroy. We will defeat Loptous, as my ancestors did!" Arvis declared, flames bursting to life and rising high around him. Manfroy opened his mouth, probably to give a snarky reply, but Julius interrupted him with a sharp snarl.
"Enough. I have waited long enough. You will die here, descendant of Fjalar." Julius growled, levitating into the air with a dark aura. Arvis smiled, not denying the words. It was not his intention to survive here. He and Aida both knew it. Arvis was here to repent of his sins, of all his mistakes and foolish actions. This was where he would die, and he had accepted it, even though his heart ached as he thought of Julia and Saias continuing to grow up without parents...he would miss so much...
However, now was the time to put away those emotions. And as Arvis stared into the soulless eyes of what inhabited his son, his retort was already ready on his lips. Aida was right about his love of dramatics.
"You underestimate me, dark god." Arvis raised Bolganone high, as Aida readied to charge. "We won't go down without a fight."
Manfroy simply laughed, calling his bluff. Julius' eyes narrowed to slits, as if trying to vaporize Arvis with his glare alone. "Very. Well." He hissed, and dark smoke emitted from his mouth as he did so. The Book of Loptous flipped open, and Julius raised both arms. "I will make this quick."
With a yell, Aida charged, and Arvis summoned a wall of flame. If Julius and Manfroy had their way, Julia would die. This was his last responsibility, to delay this monster long enough.
Right before he attacked, he thought of Azelle, his brother he hadn't seen for years. He had never agreed with Arvis' tactics, even though Arvis would give all his reasons and explanations. But...just maybe...would he be proud of his big brother if he knew of this?
Hah…what am I thinking right now? There's only one thing to focus on at the moment...
And as a prince and princess escaped Belhalla, flames clashed with shadow as the city would shake with the force of the battle. An empire would fall that day, and a new one born of darkness and the evil of the past would replace it. A young prince's future was changed forever, and Jugdral would have to change with him.
Mother…Deirdre, my love…wait for me…