To Her Majesty, Queen Hyouma of the Twilight Kingdom,
As we leave behind a war that shattered Purgatory and rained perpetual ashfall from our troops, 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 cordially invite you into the warmth of my golden palace. As a new order is established, it is imperative that we negotiate and reach an agreement as to what the future of both our peoples will entail.
It is no secret that both our sides have suffered major losses. Yet 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 were made on both sides, and I am willing to acknowledge and atone for them to the best of my abilities.
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 the crimson locks that rested on her pauldrons like rivulets of blood. In the warm sunlight bathing her throne room she read over the letter she had carefully penned for the Twilight Kingdom's new monarch. She stood from her desk and her armor glistened silver as she approached an open window. Her face was of a woman in her early forties with the delicate features of a young princess. Decorating the walls of bricked gold were an assortment of weapons and battle armors forged by the Dawn Kingdom's most talented craftsmen. Among these were not illustrious paintings, but detailed maps of each realm in the spirit world, many marks denoting where the most crucial battles were fought. In truth it was more of a war room than a throne room, but after being accustomed to fighting for so long, she no longer cared.
The prospect of peace had seemed so far away that when the conflict ceased, following the crowning of King Shishima and Queen Hyouma, Oureria still felt disbelief. The past millennia had taught her that any peace that came abruptly could end just the same. Maintaining it was the hardest job for any ruler and it was why the crown only grew heavier with age.
She read her letter a third time, then straightened, spreading majestic wings with plumage as pure as winter snow.
"Kamijishi!" she called her secretary forth.
Marble doors swung open and another angel stepped in, donning a simple green robe and purple hood, his wings folded behind his back.
"Yes, Your Highness?" He humbly took a knee, avoiding her face.
"Have an envoy deliver this letter to Queen Hyouma," she ordered, calm but stern.
"Thy will be done, my queen," Kamijishi nodded while accepting the letter, then took his leave.
Little did Oureria know, it would be the final time she spoke to her secretary face-to-face. Unbeknownst to anyone else, the new peace granted his spies easy access to the Twilight Kingdom, allowing Kamijishi to uncover a terrible secret he would use to his advantage. At last, all those centuries of biding his time had paid off.
In the creature world, the former Ten Kings War had caused a massive upheaval, from the destruction of the World Pillar to the reformation of civilizations as Kingdoms. Most had been uncertain when it came to picking a side.
To the former denizens of the Darkness civilization, the powers that be claimed they were allied with Team Zero, the faction of the Mafi Gangs. Its leader Genmu Emperor was said to be descended from Zeron itself, as a shadowy dragon who paradoxically embodied both nothingness and infinity, and existed solely because of the belief of his devout followers. Still, there were dissenters who dared join the Fushigi and Gekko Kingdoms, which were comprised in major part by Nature and Light civilization natives. On the opposite end of the political spectrum, there was another faction directly descended from the Darkness civilization: the Onifuda Kingdom, the invaders responsible for instigating the Ten Kings War. Their main race was the Demonio, hated by all, even their own allies, and the other Darkness races refused to associate with them.
History is written by the victors, thought Borof. Despite their cruel acts, Borof never once held a grudge against the Demonio. In fact, he much preferred them to the arrogant Mafi Gangs who came in overnight, stealing political dominance from his race, the Funky Knightmares. As far as he was concerned, the barbaric invaders were a welcome source of chaos as they finally shattered the order he had loathed since it had rendered him utterly irrelevant.
The Ten Kings War had ended with the defeat of the Onifuda Kingdom, the retreat of the Demonio and the breaking of the Ten Kingdoms which once more reverted to their main civilizations. Nowadays rumors whispered of an upcoming threat - one worse than any seen before. As such, each civilization was preparing for a new conflict. One of these preparations involved the development of a new power: communing with the spirits of passed creatures and fusing with them. Those who could master this shamanic ability came to be known as RexStars. Notably, Genmu Emperor communed with the spirit of Death the Lost who was a Demon Command Dragon from Borof's heyday, back when Borof was known as Hellborof. After coming to a mutual understanding they fused, becoming Genmu Emperor (Death the Star).
This parlor trick failed to impress Borof. He felt no need to blather with spirits nor would he lend his power to the so-called present day heroes. As far as he was concerned, he had made enough of a name for himself by serving Shishima in the human world and by establishing himself as a reborn Draguner. He was a force to be reckoned with to any who dared patronize his race. Even if he had spent the past few years alternating between menial tasks for his master and taking odd mercenary jobs whenever he returned to the creature world. With each new dragheart weapon he obtained, his power and confidence grew. Nothing could stand in his way. Even if the fools in power did not acknowledge him anymore, everybody else knew to both fear and respect him.
The skull moon reigned high above the skies of the Darkness civilization, casting silvery rays upon the Demon Wolf Castle. Its gates opened in greeting as Borof dragged a sack of Metallica creature corpses to a cheering crowd of his fellow 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 pride. "While we might not be happy with your master Shishima's actions, your antics are keeping us relevant."
"Hah, Shishima-sama and I have overcome so many obstacles these past years that I swear I can now face anyone, anywhere, anytime!" Borof bragged as he stepped inside the castle, the crowd cheered his name.
The gathering moved to one of the castle's many bars where much singing, dancing, feasting and drinking was done. The lone barman was a mummy plushie: turquoise bandages loosely wrapping a white and purple body. His head was a large plush skull that lacked a jaw, blue dots shone in the black cavities of his eye sockets. Unlike his brethren, Skull Beyan was not much of a party fiend, instead preferring the calmness of bar-tending. Borof took a seat and ordered his preferred drink. As Skull Beyan worked he made a sly remark in passing:
"What about your former friends Rosia and Glenmalt? What will happen if they eventually come back to life in new forms?"
"Hah, then I'll just kill them again, no biggie!" Borof waved his hand.
Skull Beyan's suspicions were proven true. Ever since Borof gained his latest form and rejoined Shishima, his confidence had shot through the roof to the point he no longer feared any retribution. Truly he was a reckless warrior, one who was drunk on his laurels rather than alcohol.
The party continued the rest of the night, jubilation filled the entire castle.
As morning drew close two surprise guests arrived. The first was a small oni girl with fair skin, dressed in a pink kimono with wooden sandals. Her copper helmet masked the upper half of her face, revealing only a mouth between blonde locks. By her side was a tall oni with a sharp head, his spiky body was a burnt burgundy and haloed by blue flames. The Funky Knightmares ceased their celebrations and recoiled from 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 got straight to the point.
"Well here he is!" Borof shouted and flew from his chair, flapping to Jaouga's eye level. "Heh, never did I expect to meet the former Onifuda Kingdom's leader in person!"
"Why the surprise? Shishima has used both of us in many of his duels."
"We were allies solely in my master's interest. Your reputation isn't the cleanest in the creature world, Jaouga. Then again, neither is mine..."
"Worry not, I've not come to cause trouble. Even if the Darkness civilization fears the Demonio and has shunned us for our part in the Ten Kings War, on this occasion I come in peace."
"Consider me interested. Go on." Borof crossed his arms.
"I have seen Shishima in action many times and now I come with a proposition for 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 as many powers as you can find in the Darkness civilization, so we can prepare for the coming threat!"
"Hah, piece of cake! I already have a mighty collection of draghearts among which lies the infamously dangerous All Over The World. I also have the power of Zeron by my side, and many creatures and spells that can help in this upcoming battle!"
"From what you've listed, only All Over The World and Zeron may help," Jaouga commented to Borof's surprise. So the threat is that great. With a resigned tone he continued, "Unfortunately, All Over The World was destroyed and its power lost forevermore because of one Hajime Shirayama and his partner Kirazeus Savark. There's no time to wallow over past failures. Zeron will be of use."
"That goes without saying!" Borof added.
"There is another force that can aid us in the coming war: Dormageddon X." As soon as Jaouga uttered its name, the entire room fell silent and stares of disbelief pierced him from all sides. "I myself can't brave fighting such a powerful force since I am not a Command. On the other hand, Borof, you are..."
"Of course I am! What's your point?"
"I want you to find Dormageddon X and convince him to support our cause. If you're unable, then conquer him 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 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 and turned away without another word, Kooni Benten following him out.
Peace may have fallen upon the Twilight Kingdom, yet its environment remained as inhospitable as at its inception. The only difference Kamijishi and his trio of spies could identify were no more garrisons at the kingdom borders or on the burnt, plundered fields of Purgatory. Even if they were ambushed by suspicious youkai, they had their queen's letter to prove they were mere envoys. So they braved the Twilight Kingdom's cloudy skies and desert storms as they flew on.
Most angels of the Dawn Kingdom knew the queen's shame. It was five centuries after her husband's death at the hands of King Akushishi's infantry, when her son showed the first signs of ambition. The young prince did not care for military honor nor protecting the weak, he had been raised an entitled heir and his thirst for the throne could not be quenched by his mother or tutors, no matter how harsh the punishment. It was a sorry day when Queen Oureria publicly banished her own son before their people. While many were outraged, they understood how dangerous their prince had become. The mass consciousness recalled the banishment as a result of an epic battle in which a heartbroken mother was forced to fatally strike her son, after which his body transformed into a shooting star and fell all the way into Hell.
Kamijishi had witnessed the true events. There was no glorious battle, no complicated duel to speak of, her son had attempted a coup with a few like-minded peers who saw their ruler as a harsh tyrant pressing their kingdom under the heel of military fascism. While there was truth to their sentiments, anyone wise enough to see beyond the prince's polemics knew he sought power only for the sake of it. After the coup was swiftly overcome the prince lacked the courage to face his mother. He attempted to flee and was blasted by her holy rays. Gold armor fragments melted upon the street, feathers from his wings filled the air, his cries echoed to the highest church towers and nobody came to his aid.
Kamijishi recalled with amusement the pathetic sight of the prince, naked and curled in the fetal position, in tears and begging for forgiveness, for 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, and he fell from the Dawn Kingdom's clouds. Unbeknownst to anyone other than Kamijishi, the banished prince did not wind up in Hell. After centuries of searching, Kamijishi's spies finally found a trail that led into the Twilight Kingdom's northern mountains.
"Our ways part here," Kamijishi announced to the other angels as they reached the desert storm before the capital palace. "Make sure to give Queen Hyouma the letter and don't mention a word of my being here!" They nodded obediently. "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 to his own devices, Kamijishi flew on into the sharp mountains, inspecting each canyon while sensing out the prince's divine aura. In a realm full of magic signals in the forms of blackest magic, hexes, demonic auras and enchantments most unholy, finding Oureria's son was akin to a needle in a haystack. This was a necessary risk, for he had waited far too long already. Over the years he had come to realize there was no fundamental 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 loudly 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 for vengeance.
Morning brought the toughest of wake-up calls for the Funky Knightmares. After their hedonistic daze succumbed to the sweet joy of slumber, they would later wake at the same spot they had danced the night away. Much to Borof's disappointment every comrade turned him down, for the threat of Dormageddon X's sealing powers proved too frightening. When the last of the awake patrons crawled up and out, Borof heard a new voice:
"Don't you ever grow tired of looking like a clown?"
Mustering all his willpower to not lash out at the newcomer, Borof turned to greet Duenyan Emperor, the fat black cat plushie wearing a kingly crown and robe, whose golden staff was fashioned after a fish skeleton. Although he was the self-proclaimed leader of their race, Borof had never accepted his status, even after losing against him in boxing matches many times. For in his heart there was only one master, 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 my most precious boxing glove. I've searched high and low, it's nowhere to be found! This castle is well-guarded and all know to fear my wrath." Duenyan sauntered around the bar, avoiding the sleeping plushies while circling Borof 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 serves a mass-murdering psychopath."
"Hah, so what if I did take your glove? It's not like your fat paws could fit into it anymore!" Borof upped the arrogance in his tone. "Admit it - you schemed your way to the top so you could laze around all day like the fat cat you truly are!"
"That does it!" Duenyan pounced with impressive speed.
It took all Borof's strength to not be knocked off his feet. Unlike their previous spars in the ring, now they wrestled around the bar, stepping on sleeping plushies in the process. Skull Beyan paid them no mind as he continued cleaning glasses.
"You're the only Command among us, the only one not at risk of being sealed. What makes you think anyone would be so stupid as to follow you on a quest to certain death?" Duenyan asked.
"Hah, I'd do my best to unseal my comrades, nobody needs to fear while I'm around!" Borof boasted back.
"Dormageddon X's seals are not so easily broken! You're being hasty once again!" Duenyan countered, shoving his opponent against 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 go on, Duenyan headbutted him, then twisted and threw him at a table.
After decades full of fights, Duenyan was still stronger. As Borof lay there in shame, Duenyan searched his coat and pants pockets, only to find no trace of his prized glove.
"So you're not the culprit after all. Hmph, this was a waste of time!" Duenyan turned away, but before going he left one last stinging remark, "I 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 keeps you around out of habit."
Silence befell the bar. Borof stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours on end. After going through all his trials and tribulations, he still was not strong enough to claim the throne of his race from that disgusting and opportunistic feline. Perhaps he was not worthy of serving a lord as strong and magnificent as Shishima. Perhaps he was only permitted to tag along because he was emotional fodder…
"You know, I also served a demonic master once," Skull Beyan spoke in his usual monotone as he approached, drying a glass. Borof glanced at him. 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 War. Back then, our civilization's loyalties were shaky, we 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 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've 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 replied.
"You could say so. I for one have lost my chance, but you still have your master. Why have you not grown along with him? After serving such a powerful figure for so long, one would expect 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 a mere servant of Shishima and nothing more!"
"Well then, if it'll cheer you up, I recently came across signs of Dormageddon X's return."
Those words gave Borof the strength to jump up and face Skull Beyan. 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 these signs!"
"Seeing how you so desperately sought a travel companion for this quest of yours, I will oblige you." Skull Beyan gave a mock bow and, after setting down his glass and rag, led the way to the castle's exit, with Borof eagerly following.
Kamijishi was not at all surprised to find his former prince in this disgraceful state. He lay comatose, hidden in a dark and humid cave, his snow white wings wrapped around his naked body. His curly blond hair framed a pale face that resembled a Greek statue. When banished he looked like a mortal in his late teenage years, he had since aged to his mid-twenties and was no less beautiful. Unlike their monstrous youkai counterparts, angels were beautiful by mortal standards, and the prince was beautiful by angelic standards. Lacking any form of sexual desire, Kamijishi's thoughts were not overawed as most might be at such radiance. Instead, he was amused, contemplating such a pathetic state of one with a bright future ahead.
As he prepared to wake the fallen one, he first shrouded his emotions under a veil of humility and servitude. With a zap from his finger to the other's forehead it was done. Tired eyes, blue as the morning sky, slowly opened. Once the prince's blurry vision cleared, he was surprised by his surroundings and the cloaked stranger.
"Prince Tenshiyoku, at last you are awake!" Kamijishi exclaimed and took a knee in reverence.
"Who the...?" Tenshiyoku yawned and stretched 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, perchance, recall that fateful day?" Kamijishi asked while eyeing the ground.
"Fateful day?" Tenshiyoku got to his feet, struggling to stay balanced. Then, just as the blur of slumber left his mind, the painful memories resurfaced. "Ah, that fateful day," he spoke with bitter resentment. 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!"
"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, taking note of his posture, gestures and tone. While his humility and story seemed too good to be true, he was in a position where any ally was valuable. Still, there was a single test he decided to give his new benefactor:
"If I allowed you to serve me, what will you give me in return, Kamijishi?"
Tenshiyoku sounded like the same spoiled prince, nothing had changed in the past five centuries. Almost as if he was expecting that question, Kamijishi took out two cards from a pocket in his robes and presented them: Dokindam X, The Legendary Forbidden and Miradante Twelve, Time Pope. His hands glowed bright green and the cards were forcefully fused, something Tenshiyoku had never seen before. When the light spectacle was over, a new card was created: Dokindante Twenty Two, Forbidden Time Hybrid King.
"What did you just do?"
"I have taken two preexisting creatures and fused them into a Dispector," Kamijishi proudly explained. He took a small orb of dark metal from his pocket as well, painted on it were the colors of the five civilizations. "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 studied it, an ambitious grin spreading across 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 finally stood. "My prince, know that we are currently in the Twilight Kingdom, far from your mother's forces."
"The Twilight Kingdom?" Tenshiyoku wondered while rubbing his chin. He smiled. "Excellent! Fetch me clothes and prepare me an audience with Queen Koushishi! I believe I have an offer she cannot refuse!"
"Oh right, about that..." Kamijishi's tone shifted and his master raised an eyebrow. "A lot has happened while you lay dormant."
Much to Borof's delight, Skull Beyan had been speaking the truth. All over the Darkness civilization's forests there were bodies crushed under halberds or struck by flaming meteors that left great craters in the desolate lands. Still, the clearest sign of Dormageddon X had not yet appeared: in the sky above the black sun continued to burn while the Forbidden Star was nowhere to be seen.
"It's almost like the Revolution Final War, 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 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 admitted, causing Skull Beyan to stop. "Why the surprise? These things happen, you know."
"One would assume he'd depend on your services much more at such a time..."
"That'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, I do! Let's investigate!" Borof led the way.
As they reached the cave's entry an ominous wind blew, opposing them. A floating book appeared before them, four blue eyes painted on its cover. Borof's jaw dropped and he exclaimed:
"Gripage, Darma?! What are you doing here? You Magic Tools ought to be in Fukurokuju's mansion!"
"Do not be surprised, Fukurokuju-sama allows us to travel freely between the creature world and the Twilight Kingdom. Now, travelers, what is it you seek?" Gripage asked tonelessly.
"We seek to know the whereabouts of Dormageddon X! This cave is filled with his power, so we will definitely find answers within!" Borof insisted.
"You will not find the way to Dormageddon X by going in deeper. To track him down, you must answer my riddle," Gripage explained and opened its pages, revealing a short poem:
To seek the star beyond night and day
What is required is a special key,
But for it to show you the right way
That which you bravely seek lies inside thee.
"Are you saying we're the key to finding Dormageddon X?" Skull Beyan asked.
"Not necessarily. You are more than your physicality. Your belongings, your hobbies, your lair, they all are part of who you are…" Gripage ruminated.
"Wait a minute, that's it!" Borof raised a fist. "The key isn't here - it's back at the Demon Wolf Castle! I bet Duenyan Emperor's hoarding it, that prick!"
"Why would our leader do such a thing?"
"I didn't steal his fucking glove. I bet he's not only hiding the key, he wants to use it to bring back the Forbidden Star and awaken Dormageddon X! This whole stolen glove charade was a scheme to get rid of me so I wouldn't interfere!" Borof said, his anger building. "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 agreed and jumped in the air, seizing Gripage. "And you're coming with us."
"As you wish..." the book complied.
They turned back 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 succeed in his mission and emerge far 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 write back a suitable date for the visit.
With kind regards,
Queen Hyouma of the Twilight Kingdom