AN: I don't own Star Wars or Kuroinu
Warning, this chapter will contain strong language, blood, gore, sexual content, mentions of rape, misogynistic slurs, and graphic imagery!
Reader's discretion is advised!
Chapter 4
Dead Ender
It had been a while since he had been accustomed to a world with resources and new military status.
In front of his eyes, the short bearded dwarf along with his companion, the High-Elf of sorts were escorting the former Sith Emperor and his acquaintance to this rebel base located in this domain.
Of course, it had been a while since he departed with other men who served in the military for rebels.
Vader had remained silent for the past minutes he had encountered these… odd characters.
Though, at this point, he's used to it since he remembered hiring various bounty hunters of different species during The Empire's rising and a few Imperial Officers who had eccentric traits.
That's not to say Vader didn't have any personal bonds with his officers. There were a few he had respect for and was the closest thing he would go as far as to call a… friend.
That thought alone brought a particular emotion to the fallen Jedi Knight, knowing it was a long time since he had someone as a companion.
Going back to his thoughts, a good example of a loyal comrade he remembers from the days of The Empire, was a lieutenant by the name of Erv Lekauf, one of the few officers who had never disappointed the Dark Lord to fight The Emperor's Hand Sa Cuis.
It was one of the reasons he cloned the man as part of a new Imperial project.
A part of Vader did wonder what the man was up to after the fall of The Empire. It had been a while since he last saw the man after the Imperial Lieutenant threw himself in an act of extreme dedication.
It brought the former Supreme Commander a horrible flashback of his past injuries on Mustafar, the scorching burns will always be imprinted in his head, never forgetting the physical pain and the mental humiliation of his past taunting defeat.
The last he heard from the man and his whereabouts was him living with his family in peace, raising his grandson on a safe planet, away from the chaotic wars in the galaxy.
And honestly, he was glad for the man, having the one thing he never got a chance to have in his old life.
Could he... have the same life in this world?
Was it even a possibility for him?
It just made him question his role further.
And the result was too conflicting for his psyche and identity.
"We're here." The Dwarf happily announced as the group looked at an old building, which appeared to be in old condition.
Hmph, this should be interesting.
Hugh's eyes narrowed at the old tavern. "So this is the rebel base?" Hugh asked, raising a brow at the aged building.
"Yes, that is correct. I'll let the Wolves know you're here." Eiroki answered, nodding his head in the process.
The High-Elf walks towards the entrance, knocking on the door in a coded message.
Sounds could be heard, and furniture was heard to be moved, causing a further ruckus inside the establishment.
A loud voice could be heard, abrupting the silence. "Go away! We're closed for the rest of the day!" A muffled voice spoke on the other side of the door.
"It's us, Anthony. Drol was just accompanying me to gather a few supplies." Eiroki spoke up, notifying the suspicious man behind the door.
"Yeh, let us in, you loony coot." Drol let out, stroking his beard out of irritation.
A middle-aged man with gray hair slowly opened the door, confirming his answer to where the base was hidden.
"Eiroki." The middle-aged man at the door greeted the High Elf. "Drol." Anthony greeted the small Dwarf as well.
"Hey yourself," Drol said while Eiroki gave a small nod at the man.
Anthony's gaze turned to face the two newcomers at the establishment. "W-Who are these two behind you?"
Drol delivered a massive grin toward the owner of the tavern. "These two, my friend, are the ones that started this invasion in the first place."
"No way… You're shitting me." The man behind the entrance denied doubt heard in his voice.
Drol shook his head in response. "We are not kidding. This is real, right in front of our eyes." Drol stated.
A couple of seconds of silence had passed.
"I see." The man at the doorstep spoke out. "Well, then, in that case, get inside before someone else sees."
"S-So. These are the rebels who have been starting up a commotion?" The man who had just opened the door questioned.
"Aye. You're looking at them." Drol spoke.
"I'll go inform everyone at the tavern!"
Entering the establishment, a large tavern-like area from the outside of the building appeared a bit ordinary if not dull. There were marble pillars on the upper floor and a few broken lights attached to them.
There was a rug on the ground covering a hole underneath the cobwebs across the wood. Unrolling the rug, a manhole was revealed.
Opening the manhole, some stairs lead to a secret pathway.
What a surprise there.
Upon entering, Vader and the rest of his company behind him, expected to be greeted with a bigger surprise. So far nothing distinctive has happened at this minute.
Arriving at their destination, the tavern inside was filled with multiple individuals, most presumably warriors from various armies from other kingdoms.
It was slowly beginning to remind the dark Force user of the cantinas back on Tatooine. It was beneficial since it provided the former Dark Lord with a grasp of the races of this domain.
Many of these warriors were of multiple races, expanding from humans wearing wolf-like armor, to elves, and dwarves, all of them having drinks and creating conversation around the environment.
The armor they were currently wearing had metal plates on their chests, and white fur covered their sleeves, completing a tribal appearance for them.
Located on each of the tables, there were masks set with other warriors wearing the masks with dark hoods covering their facial features. The helmets were skulls, most presumably belonging to those creatures Vader had killed not too long ago. Orcs and those little goblin-like insects from what he could recall from the villagers here.
"So these are The White Wolves." Hugh acknowledged.
"Yes. The one and only." Drol confirmed himself.
Hmph. So these are the rebels Vader kept hearing about on his way to this pigsty.
The man named Anthony slowly walked away from the group, preparing to give his speech.
"Everyone." The man spoke to no avail. "Everyone!" All of the patrons looked up to where the shout came from.
Anthony let out a wide smirk. "That's better. Listen, I got some news for you guys."
"Yeah, when are we going to massacre those bastards out there?! Come on, I want some action!" Everyone cheered for the man's attitude.
Anthony smiled back at the man's initiative. "Don't worry! That day will come. Listen, I'm sure you heard about the ruckus that's happened at the front gates of Feoh."
"Well, I'm here to tell you that the dark days of Feoh are over. Someone… has rebelled against these scum and I brought them with me."
Everyone paused, expressions shifted to skeptical ones. Everyone in the tavern looked in anticipation.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to the rebels that invaded Feoh!"
Vader slowly arises from the shadows, his appearance catching on with the rest of the individuals in this tavern.
"Khooh Phuur."
The threatening breathing continues harshly, rivaling the sounds of orcs and other creatures in the land of Eostia.
People were caught off guard by the man's chilling presence. Some halflings and elves got shudders due to the quick drop of temperature in the bar and stood still like a statue, their bodies becoming motionless at the existence of this masked gentleman.
That is if he was a man behind that sinister mask.
"Wh-Who… Who are you?" Questioned a human soldier, lacking bravery in his tone of voice.
"I am Lord Vader. And you shall remember that well. Or else." The former right-hand man of Sidious spoke, giving rise to daunting emotions across the tavern, feeling intimidated by the irregular voice of this masked wanderer.
"Or else what?" An elven warrior questioned with an assertive tone.
Typical. Vader should have expected this attitude from these secret rebels. "I am not surprised."
"Huh, what was that?" One of the human guards questioned with skepticism and a bit of anger.
"Khooh Phuur."
"I was expecting to see a more imposing revolution but so far I'm not impressed with the results so far." Vader expressed his opinion on these "warriors."
"What did you just say?" The human guard continued to shout in vexation as the other guards and warriors got up from their seats to express their thoughts.
Hugh gave Vader a disapproving look. "Vader! Come on, we don't want to start trouble here." Hugh warned, disapproving of the former Sith Lord's attitude.
"Khooh Phuur."
"Trouble? Who said I was looking for trouble? I am merely stating my thoughts on this kingdom's insurrection. After all, these so-called warriors haven't contributed to their duties other than delighting themselves in their roughhousing and such." Vader proceeded to call out each of the warriors due to their incompetence and indolence.
"HUH?! WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?!" Each of the warriors aggressively got up from their seats, some were trying to calm the situation but to no avail.
"YOU BASTARD! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO COME TO OUR BASE AND MOCK US… ARGH!"
Everyone's eyes widened at the sight as one of the human guards began to clutch his throat violently in mid-air as his feet had left the ground entirely.
What kind of magic were they witnessing? Was it some kind of Dark Magic to begin with?
Soon, a lot of the soldiers, including a couple of elves and halflings grabbed their bows, arrows, and axes to confront the situation.
Eiroki attempted to solve the situation without violence but before he could get a chance, he was stopped by Drol who placed his right arm on his chest, preventing the High-Elf from moving across the tavern.
Drol motioned his head at the High Elf, knowing they shouldn't interfere with their quarrel.
This was a man's game. And men needed to work out their differences on their own.
Eiroki stood still, sweat drops falling from the bottom of his face, reluctantly agreeing to let the situation unfold without his interference, his eyes witnessing the masked man's capabilities.
So this was Vader's power.
Hugh knew this wasn't going anywhere. He had to do something before this got out of hand. He knew Vader was an unhinged bastard but even for him, this was taking it a bit too far. "VADER! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Hugh screamed, hoping for the fallen commander to stop his exertion.
Vader didn't pay attention to the man. He could care less what his thoughts were on his actions.
"PUT HIM DOWN! NOW!" Yelled one of the White Wolves, raising their weapons in return but their hands began shaking due to the unknown incantation of this mashed intruder.
Vader still didn't listen. So this is how they truly acted. How pathetic. He couldn't believe he wasted his time here.
He shouldn't even be here. Why did the former Sith apprentice agree to this?
Multiple people are going through unfortunate dilemmas right now and these… warriors, "soldiers of honor" were just having a couple of beverages and having typical conversations while a war, a calamitous conflict was going on in their domain.
How could they relax at a troubling time like this?
How many more women have fallen into unfortunate slavery because these incompetent troopers didn't bother to do their jobs? How many other men sacrificed themselves for their country, giving up their lives for the greater good? How many have suffered because they were waiting for someone to come to their rescue when they couldn't even bother to handle it themselves?
It infuriated Vader the more he thought about it, his telekinetic grip tightening around the man's neck. The choking coming from the man grew louder, causing a more heated discourse to go through.
The situation was becoming more tense. Everyone tried desperately to contain the circumstances before they could spread.
A voice broke out, breaking the conflict.
"WHAT IS GOING ON RIGHT HERE?!"
Everyone, mainly the patrons and soldiers located in the tavern turned to face where the voice came from.
Even Vader slowly turned his head to find the one who shouted those words.
Standing in the tavern was a woman who had light skin. Her light red hair was wrapped in a ponytail, displaying a crown on top of her head, tied with a pink ribbon. She had emerald green eyes which gave off a stern vibe.
Her armor was white which consisted of plate armor, covering her bust, two gauntlets on both of her arms, knee-high boots and thigh-high black stockings around her legs, and a light pink skirt and pink undergarments to complete her salacious appearance.
Looking at the women's appearance in front of his eyes for the first time, Vader had no words, other than he expected to see attire like that in a galactic brothel of sorts. No less, it reminded him of the dancers Jabba The Hutt owned the last time he visited the slimy parasite in his palace.
And for some reason, it rubbed him the wrong way.
"Lady Iris!" Each of the guards and rebels started to bow in her presence.
Iris began to give the men a steely expression. "Well, are you going to make me repeat my question? What is going on here?!"
"This man started making a commotion! Berating us for not doing our job and then began to attack one of our soldiers with some kind of sorcery around here!" Pointing his finger at the man dressed in black clothing.
Iris gave a commanding shout. "Silence! That's enough!" Iris held her right hand up to calm her men down. "I'll handle this."
"Put him down now… or else you suffer our consequences. Do you understand me?" Iris proceeded to threaten.
Normally, Vader wouldn't listen, especially to a woman who lacked proper attire and clothing for a ranked general. Who was she to tell him about his decisions? But if Vader was going to receive resources that would aid him on his journeys, acting like a pacifist would work at the moment.
"Khooh Phuur."
"All you had to do was ask." Vader retorted calmly, dropping the man on the ground, and passing out from the invisible grasp of the former Sith apprentice, as the other warriors rushed to check up on him.
Thankfully, he was still breathing, just unconscious at the moment. Even Vader knew he wouldn't go to any lethal methods. At least at this very moment when he had the patience to begin with it.
"Khooh Phuur."
"Are you the leader of this rebel alliance?" Vader asked in a mild morose tone.
Iris narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "That depends. Who's asking?" Iris questioned.
Vader narrowed his attention to the supposed leader of the rebellion. "As your soldiers stated, I'm one of, if not the only choice to free your people from further subjugation to these so-called tyrants," Vader stated his purpose in this domain.
Iris puffed a bit out of anger. "You still didn't answer my question. Who are you and how did you find us here?!" Her voice came out with anger with a hint of iciness.
"Khooh Phuur."
"I found you here because these comrades of yours escorted my acquaintance and myself to this base here." Vader specified. "Not that I needed to know in the first place," Vader added on, a mocking tone hinted at the very end, provoking a few of the men and women in the tavern.
Iris however wasn't going to fall for his bait. She held her hand up, calming her rebel soldiers down.
Eiroki knew this conversation was getting out of hand. The High Elf steps forward, nodding his head in response. "Aye, it's true, Lady Iris. He's the one responsible for causing the invasion in the first place. The reason why people began rioting on the streets, fending for their lives once more." Eiroki defended.
"Is this true?" Iris asked.
Drol stepped up to confirm his answer. "Aye, Lady Iris. Just ask this young man here with the headband. He was the one accompanying the man in the dark mask." Drol turned his attention to the brown-haired villager.
Hugh wasn't expecting to be put on the spot like this.
Hugh stammered for a bit before speaking, not expecting to be the center of attention. "Y-Yes. It's true, your highness. We were the ones who started the uprising in the first place. It's because we, commoners and civilians in Feoh, are fighting for another noble reason."
"Really?" Iris asked. "Still, we knew this day would come eventually," Iris said, turning her gaze to Vader. "Still, it doesn't explain why he began to quarrel with my men."
"Now then, who are you and why are you causing trouble in this solitude?" Iris asked sternly.
"Khooh Phuur."
"You may call me Lord Vader. And this wouldn't have happened if you kept your dogs on a leash instead of lashing out as expected." The masked Force User continued to mock the Princess General's army.
Many of the warriors and individuals yelled in disagreement, due to being compared to animals of all things.
"Silence!" Iris holds her hand up once again, putting a stop to all the yelling in the tavern. Lord? Huh, so he has a title of authority. Where did this man even come from? Doesn't matter, Iris was going to find out, even if things had to escalate the hard way. "Vader. I am Iris Arcadia. Princess General of the Kingdom Aurelia. And a family friend of Alicia Arcturus and Prim Fiorire of their prospective households. I was sent here from my kingdom to help liberate Feoh from the subjugation of The Black Dogs. I am the leader of this rebellion."
"Khooh Phuur."
"I'd take it you're affiliated with The Seven Shield as well. The "chosen heroes" of your domain." A sarcastic note was heard in Vader's tone.
Iris decided to ignore it before confirming her answers. "Yes, for generations, my family has been in the same lineage as the Arcturus family. We have fought side by side, our Kingdoms have been side by side, defending Eostia from future affairs."
"Hmph, I see," Vader said, resisting the urge to cross both of his arms.
Iris then began to walk into the center of the tavern, to give the masked stranger a piece of her mind. "Remove your mask at once! We shall not give in to a man who chooses to keep his identity a secret." Iris asserted, pointing her finger at the masked trespasser.
"Khooh Phuur."
"I cannot do that," Vader said simply.
"Cannot or will not?" Iris assumed.
"Cannot… And if you cannot respect that, then I have no reason to waste my time in this region."
"Hmph." Iris puffed, knowing she wouldn't take the bait. "Fair enough, I suppose. Still, I don't care what you think of my alliance, you don't have the right to attack anyone in this environment. Not when I'm around." Iris continues to scold, her attitude growing more hostile.
"Is that what you thought I was committing? If anything, this is a wake-up call to your "noble soldiers. War comes with a price."
Gritting her teeth out of exasperation, Iris began to grow tired of the former Sith's attitude. "My men are honorable soldiers! And how dare you come here and scold them for not contributing on the battlefield! Every warrior here is committing to fighting alongside the help of the Goddess!" Iris continued to defend the Goddess' honor.
So he hears. And yet, they only sent one woman, one warrior to do the job. That was the best she could do in this situation.
"Then tell me then. Where is this Goddess of yours? Is she aware of the subjugations and unfortunate servitude in this area?" Vader assumed, a hint of venom teased in his tone of voice.
"She's engaging in her dilemmas. Our Goddess is attempting to do her best to fix the situation here!" Iris argued back.
Vader resisted the urge to mock the woman due to her ridiculous beliefs. Unbelievable, were these people blind to their shortcomings?
"You are defending a woman who couldn't bother to handle her affairs herself. Let alone her lack of experience when it comes to leading an entire nation, only for another war happening with more risks and sacrifices occurring while she does nothing but mediate for the war to end." The fallen Jedi Knight continued to berate, further angering the Princess General.
"You're wrong!" Iris shook her head in disagreement. "Our Goddess Celestine is nothing more but a kind soul who wishes nothing but peace in our kingdom!" Iris shouted back.
And yet, she didn't even bother to do a background check on her "pure-hearted warriors."
"In war, you have to make sacrifices. Or else countless lives will be lost with the poorest strategies. Show cruelty and be one step ahead of your enemies. Truly, if your "Goddess" cares for any of you, then tell me, why are your people still suffering? Why is there still chaos roaming in your land?" Vader berates the foolish girl and her silly ideals.
And this was coming from a former tyrant himself. Yes, Vader of course has been in the same past quandary from his past life. Vader knew the positive and negative aspects of war. He fought in those battles for thirty years of his life, before he was discovered by the Jedi and was taught in their ways. Before he fell into the dark side of his former master.
But even he knows those will be his mistakes he will own up to. He didn't care about the opinions of other individuals. He was a monster, yes, he will never be rid of that title but a degenerate scum he wasn't. Even a person like him had limits and knew what was right and wrong in his fortunate beliefs.
At the end of the day, war was not a game. It brought pain, suffering, death, fear, and scars, both physically and mentally. There's not a day that goes by that Vader didn't regret his actions and failures in the pursuit of his raw vigor.
"T-That's…" Iris stammered, unable to find her words of choice.
Vader wasn't done expressing his grating judgment yet. "And yet, she didn't even bother to finish the task herself. Instead, she chooses to hire a bunch of bounty hunters that lead to nothing but creating the worst scourge here. So tell me, why doesn't your Goddess contribute to the war? What has she done so far to keep your people safe from harm's way?" Vader's tone began to shift to a more harsh attitude, despite the stoic voice.
"Khooh Phuur."
"After all, she is no Goddess for Gods do not make mistakes. She is only a mortal who is out of her depth and nothing more but a fool who only sits around, slowly procrastinating in her foolish desires." Vader finished his grating judgment, hoping to serve as a wake-up call to this "proud rebellion."
Everyone in the tavern stood silent, Vader's words were like knives, slowly stabbing at the pride these warriors once had.
"Vader, I-I think they get the point," Hugh said, doing his best to calm the masked man down.
Vader turned his dark attention to Hugh. "Quiet boy. Don't defend them on their execrable actions. In case you forgot, they allowed those vile creatures to attack your home and nearly took your spouse and almost used her just for their twisted desires."
At the mention of his wife, Hugh became quiet, his skin becoming a bit paler after remembering the previous night. If he and Vader never showed up, then, his wife would have been part of the Black Dogs' sickening schemes.
While Hugh didn't condone Vader's current actions, he could have been way nicer in his words, he does understand why he was aggressive towards the rebels.
If-If the Goddess truly did care about her people, then, why, why are they still suffering? Why did Hugh and his wife have to constantly move from different regions and villages for the peace they deserve?
A part of Hugh wanted to be mad and expressed his emotions out of anger but nothing came out. Hugh knew Vader wasn't wrong. There was a chaotic war going around and no one had bothered to rebel back against these bastards of the land.
Hugh was put in the middle once again, unsure what to say next because, in a way, they were both right.
Iris clenched both of her hands. Her lips begin to quiver, unsure what to say next.
For the first time in a while, Iris's durable emotions were starting to deteriorate due to realizing what was thrown in her face.
No, she couldn't let him win. She had to stay strong for her people.
Still, at this point of the war, where were her other comrades? Were their reinforcements arriving? Would someone come for their aid soon?
Otherwise, her warriors would die in vain. And all of this would have been for nothing. Still, this man didn't know what he was talking about.
The Goddess Celestine was doing her best in the situation and this… this… cur dared to mock her.
At the same time, she did wonder something. Where was her Goddess at this moment? Did she even know about the cruel bondage here? Did she at least attempt to find a way to bring hope to Feoh?
If so, then, where were the reinforcements? Were they even coming in the first place? Did they plan for more backups to show up to Feoh?
Iris wanted to have faith in her Goddess, and her people but this was getting out of hand. Something had to be done. She… didn't want to see any more of her warriors suffer because she and her Shield comrades didn't get involved as much.
Soon, Iris didn't say anything. What could she say? She couldn't think of words to retort to this man's questions.
"And that is why your precious alliance is doomed to fail if you continue to allow these errors in your plans. Tell me, girl. What would you do if no one came to your aid? If no one was around to save you."
"I… I…" Iris couldn't bother to find her next words.
There was no reason to keep spouting the ugly truth. Vader rested his case. "I've made my point here," Vader spoke his last words as his back turned to face the other direction, walking out of the establishment.
No one even attempted to stop the dark Force-user as they chose to value their precious lives.
Iris however wasn't like her soldiers. "H-Hey! Where do you think you're going?!" Iris questioned the armored man in the dark mask.
With his back turned the other way, it didn't stop the fallen Jedi Knight from speaking to the light red-haired general. "What does it look like, girl? That Minister is still alive and no one has done anything to take his life away. Therefore, I have to be the one to finish what your rulers started."
"You can't go!" Iris shouted.
"Khooh Phuur."
"And why is that?" Vader questioned.
"Because… Do you have any idea how well-guarded the Minister is? Not only that but… once you do end his life, the news of the Minister's death will be heard all around Eostia, meaning the Black Dogs won't hesitate to end your life as well." Iris attempted to advise, but her voice was becoming more reasonable.
"Khooh Phuur."
"Then truly, they are asking for a death wish. They cannot stop me from intruding on their plans than you can stop the dusk from setting." Vader grimly finished his sentence, preparing to finish what these bastards started.
"Now then, I shall take my leave," Vader spoke, continuing to walk to the exit of the tavern.
"Wait!" Iris held her hand up, attempting to stop the man in his tracks. "Please! Hear me out!"
Stopping in his tracks, Vader slowly paused for a second. His patience started to grow thinner. A part of him wanted to lash at the incompetent girl, demanding him like he was some kind of animal.
He was free. And he would no longer take orders from anyone, especially from someone who didn't have a shred of decent clothing or manners.
Vader was going to handle these affairs in his way and no one can have a word on whether he wishes to complete his goal.
"Look, if you… truly are supposed to be the ones to save us from the tyranny of The Black Dogs, then, may I propose a deal then?"
A deal? Like they couldn't keep their promises from before.
"Khooh Phuur."
"A deal?"
"Yes, a deal. On one condition, tell us what you plan to do after you're done liberating Feoh. How will we know you won't cause anarchy to erupt once you're done ending the war? The minute our backs are turned, you strike us from behind!" Iris accused, wanting to find a reason for the motives of this strange man.
"The same motivations as you. Once I finish with my current endeavors here, my presence has no reason to be here." Vader promised, resisting the urge to contemplate the beliefs of the Goddess and rules in this country.
Iris became skeptical. "Really? How do I know this isn't a ruse just to get us to drop our guard down? How will I know that after you help liberate Feoh, you won't plan to enslave and cause further chaos."
"Then you are a fool to believe those assumptions," Vader called out to the Princess General.
"E-Ex-Excuse me?!" Iris questioned, a bit insulted by those words thrown in her face.
Vader didn't need the feeling to repeat himself. "You heard what I had just said. If I were an enemy, would any of you be standing at this moment? At best, we wouldn't even be having this conversation in the first place."
"T-Th-That's preposterous! But… still, a lot of noble warriors have died out there and I can't risk more mayhem occurring out there."
"May I say something?" Hugh spoke up, catching the Princess General's attention. "Yesterday, I was in the woods from the outskirts of Feoh, scouting for information on the Kuroinu, to see if they had anything valuable for information." Hugh begins to recap his story.
"But then, a patrol of those Black Dogs came out of nowhere and ambushed me. It was four against one and I was disarmed by the hands of those bastards. Right when I thought my life was about to be over, this man, the man that you see here saved my life. Murdered all four of them right in front of my eyes."
Hugh will never forget that image, imprinted in his mind.
"At first, I didn't trust this man. Thought I would be at mercy by another stranger but he spared my life. No, he saved my life. It was getting late so I told this man he could stay at my residence, with my wife and her friends. At that point, I… I thought nothing could go wrong. That was, until when we arrived at my village, The Black Dogs had arrived. They invaded my home, and nearly… took my wife and she would have become another unfortunate soul who didn't deserve a cruel fate."
Everyone, including Iris herself began to show remorse, feeling empathy for the local villagers, knowing that the war had a cruel effect.
Not just for this kingdom but for other colonies as well.
"By the end, the man that you see here murder… no… slaughtered those bastards, freeing my wife and proving that we can fight these animals back."
Hugh will never forget the look on his wife's face. The trauma must have been much on her, nearly being violated by those bastards.
But if it wasn't for Vader, his wife would have been long gone. And that's why he will continue to defend this man because face it or not… he might be the last hope in this nation.
"That's why I will accompany this man. Until the war with those scum mercenaries ends! I won't let anyone go through what my wife and I did and inspire more people to fight through, showing everyone that Eostia still has a chance to be saved from them!" Hugh finished his story, valor showing through his speech.
His words came out a bit more harshly, causing most of the warriors to look in shock but began to be inspired by his truthfulness. In a way, it was motivating at the same time.
Iris stood silent for a couple, before responding to the brown-haired man's words of encouragement. "I see," Iris said. "Then you better accompany him to find the minister. If you trust this… man, then, accompany him to end the war."
"I will," Hugh promised.
"If we are done here, I would like to leave as soon as possible before the circumstances worsen in this domain." Vader interrupted, his tone becoming a bit more impatient than it needed to be. "So what deal are you proposing, girl?"
Iris shifted her eyes to Vader, her facial expressions becoming solemn and her tone was beginning to soften as well. "Please. Save the Princess and her cousin. If your words are true, then, bring them back to us in one piece. Bring my… comrades back."
"I was planning to do that after all, even without hearing the words of your request," Vader affirmed.
"Lady Iris," Eiroki said, catching the Princess General's attention. "Let us accompany Sir Vader and Sir Hugh on their journey to find the minister. I can assure you that if Sir Vader were an enemy, none of us would be walking out of this establishment alive."
"Aye, it's true. After all, he did give the bastards their due." Drol remarked, knowing damn well he was not a man to be messed with.
…
"Alright. But when you do find the minister, bring him back here alive so he can pay for his crimes." Iris said. "Dead if he hasn't taken his own life already."
"That is the plan after all," Vader said, turning his back away from the Princess General, preparing to make his leave once more.
Afterward, the masked man, along with Hugh and the other two ex-mercenaries left the tavern through the back entrance, leaving everyone in dismay.
Iris sighed, shaking her head, glad that the meeting was over… for now.
"Do you want us to follow them, Lady Iris?" Questioned one of the soldiers who turned out to be a human with dark hair wearing the same wolf-like armor.
Iris shook her head in response. "No, let them go. At the very best, let us see if he is a man of his word."
'Dear Goddess Celestine. What would you do in this situation? Can we even trust this man?' Iris thought to herself, doubt was coming back to her head.
"D-Do you trust him, Lady Iris?" A female Halfling soldier asked.
"No, to be honest, I don't… But what Drol and Eiroki said about him is true; if he is on our side then maybe… maybe there's a good chance our people might be free from treachery tomorrow." Iris explained to her warriors.
Until then, she would have to hope. maybe… After all, hope is what they had at this tragic juncture.
It was all they had at this moment.
Back in the kingdom of Feoh, in the throne room, Beastly was sitting on his throne, his hands shaking out of uneasiness due to the current affairs transpiring in the kingdom. The Prime Minister was not having a good day so far.
Beastly was close to having one's nerve lost from him.
Fury was beginning to take him. His foot continued to tap the ground, his elderly figure shaking in frustration.
He had heard of monsters before. He was told various stories from when he was just a young man. Something out of a children's book. Nothing but a fantasy of some sort.
But this. This was on a whole new level.
A Dark Messiah she says. His ears were deceiving him. This had to be an act of some sort.
The fact that one man… or demon could kill you without leaving a mark on your body. Like some kind of dark magic, he had alongside, sorcery at best.
Beastly wanted to laugh, he did but now, things were changing.
Beastly stood silent, his face becoming more pale, and sweat began to drop from his forehead. He could feel a panic attack coming into play.
Would… Would that demon be the cause of his downfall? No, after everything he has achieved so far, this couldn't be the end.
He had seen Alicia grow into a beautiful woman, the many times he delighted himself with her body and now, it might never happen again.
Damn that demon!
Damn that Vault!
Damn the Kuroinu!
Damn it all to Hell!
They promised him nothing would go wrong after Feoh was conquered in his image! Beastly's face was becoming more distraught, his anger clouding his views.
They promised him he would have everything go his way!
It seems like yesterday when his ideas and goals were successful, his city had great plans for future aspirations.
And now, it came crashing down, both figuratively and literally.
Damn it! Beastly began to mentally curse, his shouts could be heard from the hallway, alerting the presence of the other guards. They were wise not to comment on it.
Was this demon perhaps a summon from that damned Goddess?! Nothing more but a pet?!
Typical. The Goddess couldn't even bother to handle this herself so it made sense she had another servant to deal with her dilemmas.
Half of his army was dead, slaughtered by that… thing or whatever creature was. Beastly had never even seen what this man looked like and already, his hands were shaking at the ambiguity behind the nature of this brute.
The fact that a harlot of all people was the one who alerted him of the presence of whatever hellspawn this was.
And that's what made his skin crawl in the first place.
Flashback -Thirty Minutes Ago
"Huh?! What are you saying, whore?!" Beastly demanded, gritting his teeth.
Still displaying a neutral expression on her face, Mistiora gave her vague answer. "I'm saying that he is no ordinary man. Even calling him a man is a cruel understatement." The crystal ball in her hands continues to glow, confirming her predictions further.
It didn't help Beastly's case further. It was beginning to irk him.
"I didn't bring you here to mock my views! I brought you here because they told me you were specialized in these situations!" Beastly continues to vent his frustration, resisting the urge to smack the dark-elf concubine across the cheek.
"Apologies Master Beastly but I was just sharing my thoughts," Mistiora advised.
Beastly huffed in slight irritation, calming his anger down. "To think the sister kingdom from where you came thought you would be a valuable asset."
"The kingdom of Eldonia sent me for a reason, my lord. After all, I do have my services around most men." Mistiora conveyed, knowing she had her uses for the opposite gender.
"Yes, I can see that." Beastly's attitude began to calm down. "But that isn't why I brought you here in the first place. Tell me, why did you call it a Dark Messiah?" Beastly asked with the remaining patience he had left.
"Because my lord, he was chosen to come here for a reason," Mistiora declared, her glass ball flashing a complexion of colors, going from a dark red, switching to a lighter blue, reacting to her prediction.
"And what reason is that?"
"To bring a new order here." Mistiora further confirmed her answers to the elderly minister.
"A new… order? What the hell does that mean?!" Beastly demanded to know.
"He's meant to be an executioner of sorts," Mistiora explained, her crystal ball continuing to glow in a multitude of colors.
"A-An executioner? Of what?!"
"Bringing a new age of chaos and destroying the old ways of equality here," Mistiora spoke, the glass ball shining a variety of tinted white, shifting to a darker color.
"Th-That's your answer?!"
"There is nothing more I can say at this point, Lord Beastly. He was brought here for a reason." Mistiora resumes her explanation, knowing there is nothing else to say at this point.
Beastly had enough of this nonsense. "Silence you harlot! I've brought you here to inform you of the mystery of this man and all you have done is explain that he's meant to bring nothing but anarchy in my kingdom!"
"Forgive me if I had upset you, Lord Beastly. If you want, I could help you relieve your stress at this instant." Mistiora attempted to offer.
"No! You have done enough. I wish to be alone in my office. In the meantime, be a good girl and perform your other service to the nobles out there." Beastly commanded the dark-elf concubine who began to nod obediently.
"Yes, my lord. I shall go back to other masters. I'll be here when you need me." Mistiora begins to leave the room, with the crystal ball in her hands, resuming her duties with the other nobles.
Beastly gruff out of annoyance as he rubbed his temples once more, desperately yearning for a drink at the moment.
This was getting tiresome for someone his age.
Yep, these were his current circumstances.
This was a nightmare.
His kingdom would soon fall.
Orcs and goblins were one thing. But this, the fact that Beastly never came into contact with this untamed being, is what made his mental state nearly break.
Could he trust that whore's words? Was she telling the truth?
HAH! It must be a deception of some sort. Tomfoolery at this point shouldn't be occurring in the first place.
His soldiers were out there fighting and dying in the process of some unknown plague in the shape of a warrior.
"Lord Beastly!"
Beastly turned to face his advisor. "What is it now?! This better be some news worth hearing!"
"Sir! The city is still amok! Civilians began overpowering most of our forces and multiple riots have broken out due to the insurgence rising in the streets!"
"Damn it!" Beastly cursed. "What of Vault's army?! The guards who are patrolling the streets!" Beastly continues to vent his frustration at his advisor.
"Dead sir. The Kuroinu are falling one by one. Dead by the same results, murdered in cold blood." The advisor confirmed the Minister's emotions became more unstable as a result.
That's it. No more. This would be the last time he would deal with this dilemma.
"Sir Aden."
"Y-Yes, my lord?"
"Take as many men as you need. Make sure to have to patrol and evacuate every entrance, including where Alicia is currently being held. Along with that pink-haired brat. Warn the kingdom of Ur about the presence of this damn conundrum! I won't let this demon steal my only gratification!" Beastly demanded, ordering his advisor with the last remaining patience he had left in his sanity.
"Y-Yes, my lord!"
"Good. Get to it then!" Beastly aggressively told his advisor off, who began to run off to gather more men in the process.
It's okay. Beastly can still find a way around it.
In war, you have to make sacrifices. He wouldn't show any mercy to these intruders. He would have them hanged and let their corpses rot to see them as the leftovers of detritus.
The government in Feoh could allow him to gain more access to all the military ranks and mercenary troops in the hierarchy.
He needed to send a message to Kin once he got the chance. He remembers the right-hand wizard of Vault gave him a communication stone to speak with him, especially if it was used in emergencies. Alert the mercenaries in case their plans go south.
Fucking Hell. He needed a beverage at the moment.
Alcohol would help him at this time. Before he could get a chance to leave the throne room, an undisclosed voice called out to him.
"You are not a king."
Beastly nearly fell on the floor, his anger was replaced with a sudden anxiety, wondering who had spoken to him just now.
Beastly whirled, turning his head rapidly to locate the voice.
"WH-WH-WHO SAID THAT?!" Beastly shouted.
No one. There was no answer to his question. No one was there. He was the only person in the throne room.
Shaking his head in frustration, Beastly began to assume he was just imagining things. He wasn't a man in his prime anymore, therefore, he must be getting senile for his age.
"You are nothing but a leech in this country."
There it was again! Who was speaking to him?! No one else was here alongside him. This had to be some sort of trickery!
"What a foolish man. Nothing short but a wasted specimen who fits the title of a pathetic troll who hides behind his guards reduced to nothing but a cowering ruler of sorts." The distorted voice continued to mock the minister, further alarming him, his skin was becoming white and his body started to shake, believing this to be nothing but an illusion.
Except it wasn't now.
Alright! Now he knew he wasn't envisioning things.
"WHO'S THERE?! SHOW YOURSELF! YOU DARE HIDE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF THIS CITY!"
"Prime Minister? Don't make me laugh. You still refer to yourself as a leader to these people. The only reason you got this far in the hierarchy is that you had the aid of bounty hunters who share nothing but a foolish goal that is nonsensical." The damn voice in Beastly's head spoke in a dark, derisive tone, causing the minister to question what sort of witchcraft this is.
"Who… Who are you?! Are you the demon that these commoners were referring to?! The Dark Messiah that was mentioned by that whore?!" Beastly demanded in a harsh tone.
The lifeless silence was the only reply to his ears.
"ANSWER ME!"
"Enjoy your last moments while you can, Your Highness." A sarcastic note was heard at the last second, Beastly caught those words, the attitude is what got him personally.
This was the last straw.
"HEY! WHO ARE YOU?! ANSWER ME, YOU DAMN DEMON! ARE YOU A SUMMON FROM THE GODDESS?! HER PET OF SOME SORT! NOTHING BUT A BONDSMAN TO HER!"
With that, it would be the last time his ears would hear that distorted voice.
For now.
"HEY! ANSWER ME DAMN IT!"
Nothing but quietness. The voice was gone. But Beastly's fear was still there.
His heart was beating rapidly, sweat began to fall down his forehead as his paranoia rose to a whole nother level.
"Fuck." The elderly minister cursed, his body frozen and heart continuing to beat, more curse words coming out of his mouth.
A few seconds later, laughter begins to erupt from the minister. Look at him. He, the new ruler and king of this city was acting like a frightened child, it made him appear more like a joke than a leader.
But Beastly knew he was walking on eggshells because the panic in his consciousness was still implanted inside of him.
And it scared him. It made his blood run cold, goosebumps were beginning to rise on his skin.
His hands were starting to shake, the sound of his heart beating rapidly due to the anxiety and uneasiness perturbation lingering in his head.
This was the moment when Beastly felt he was at death's door for the first time in his life. And one thing he can confirm.
He did not like it not one bit.
Hmph, that was easier than to be expected.
Well of course, he'd expected that from a man who had never held a weapon or partook in a war where he had to get his hands dirty.
It had been a while since he used Force Telepathy on another individual.
And it was starting to bring back a refreshing splendor to the former Sith apprentice.
Darth Vader continued to walk from where the church was located, making his way to the main castle where the minister was located.
Keeping his dark hood up, along with the skull mask and helmet covering his identity, he'd appeared more like a shadow lurking from the depths of these walls.
If there was one thing he was thankful to Sidious, it was the intimidating armor that allowed him to strike fear towards his enemies.
Mixing that with the power and speed of his pre-Mustafar state, it was a reward from The Force, granting him a new renowned power. It was very clear that Palpatine never wanted him to surpass him because he knew his former apprentice would one day overthrow him as the new Emperor.
Vader himself knew that, thus, it was why he was destined to destroy the Sith and balance both the light and dark sides, becoming one with it.
It was the reason why Palpatine chose him after all. And that was the biggest mistake, leading to his demise.
"Vader. Do you have any idea where we're going?" Hugh asked.
"Khooh Phuur."
"Yes, do not question my ways of searching, boy. I know where the way is." Vader spoke out.
"A-Alright, just asking." Hugh puffed.
"Sir Vader. If you don't mind me asking, why do you seem so determined to end the war? Since I don't remember recollecting any sightings of you." Eiroki asked, curious about the masked man's goals.
"War. War has been a part of my life for the past years, fighting due to many different beliefs." Vader declared, knowing it was one of the things he could never leave behind from his past life.
Drol's ears perked up at that statement. "Aye. So you're a war veteran then That would explain why yeh acting calm during these tragic times." Drol uttered.
"Khooh Phuur."
"It is normal to me," Vader said, no emotion heard in his tone of voice. What else could he say? Fighting on the battlefield was an ordinary day for the former Sith Lord. He was a military man at this point.
"I see. Then we'd better find the minister then." Eiroki spoke the truth, knowing there were bigger fish to deal with.
"What about you guys? Why did you join the rebellion here?" Hugh raised a question, curious at the duo's background.
"Aye, it's because we were once mercenaries a long time ago. Before things went to shit from the last couple of months." Drol declared. "Right when The Seven Shields were together."
"You guys were mercenaries?" Hugh questioned again.
Eiroki nodded in response. "Yes, that is correct, Mister Campbell. Drol and I were specialists here in Feoh." Eiroki begins to explain his background to the man with the red headband. "Before The Black Dogs became the tyranny of the kingdom, we were associated with the family, including the Princess and her father who passed shortly before the war began with The Dark Queen."
"Aye. It was when back things were simple." Drol let out. "Back when we thought they were our allies. BAH! Idiots." Drol finished his short rant.
"I see. Do you know the Princess?" Hugh asked.
"No, not by person at least but we have seen her face before. Before there was harmony here in Feoh." Eiroki spoke out, wondering where it went wrong.
"Yeah, that was a long time ago," Drol spoke up.
Hearing the words coming from the duo behind his back, Vader wasn't expecting to hear these two were former mercenaries for the kingdom he was currently located in.
Even so, could he trust them? Even if they weren't acquainted with these animals, it still made him wonder why they trusted him in the first place.
No matter. He had greater hardships to attend to.
Outside of the church, the gothic building that was close to where the minister was located started to remind Vader of the past cities he traveled to during his time as a Jedi.
"Wait. Do you guys hear that?" Hugh asked.
"Yeah, it sounds like someone is praying in the old building," Eiroki commented.
"All of the holy soldiers of combat are continuing with the old ways. Women only used it for the pleasure of men, the way it was meant to be."
Men dressed in regal robes began to stand, and two orcs were patrolling next to the stands, seemingly supporting the cause.
A few cries of cheers could be heard from the stands, coming from the men dressed in robes.
"The Goddess has failed us. She has lied and manipulated us all, all the traitors and heretics who are living as commoners! Yes, every woman has sinned here and they all must be punished here!" The archbishop proclaimed, and the cheers grew louder around the dreadful environment.
Making a hand signal to one of the orcs, the green-skinned creature nodded in response, entering the back room of the gothic archetype.
In an abrupt moment, various stripped women were chained, appearing like they hadn't eaten anything in hours. Some of the women were crying, and others began to plead, begging to be let go of.
Others didn't say anything. Their eyes were colorless, devoid of life, accepting their fate from the start.
"These nuns are no longer a part of the new ways in this kingdom! They have all sinned and cannot be changed for rebelling against us! This is their punishment! Let judgment call upon them!"
"Disgusting," Drol spoke with a venomous tone, getting his axe ready for combat.
His High Elf companion nodded in response as well. "Couldn't agree more with you, old friend." Eiroki shared the same thoughts as his Dwarf companion, getting his bow and arrow out.
"This… This is the church of Feoh?" Hugh questioned, his eyes widening in shock and disgust, wondering why a holy place would offer the same corruption his eyes saw before. It disgusted him further, not wanting to imagine what horrors happened in this location.
Drol nodded in a morbid confirmation. "Aye. Unfortunately. These are the "real men" behind the Church. Nothing more but a ruse to fill their sick fixations." Drol spoke one's mind.
Vader didn't say anything. His thoughts were pretty much the same as the rest of his newly acquired acquaintances.
And it made his mind rage at those thoughts alone.
"Let us commence the baptism!"
Each of the bishops got into a circle, nearly removing their robes, their motives clear on what they were about to commit.
At that point, Vader had seen enough.
"Hey, what's he doing?" Eiroki questions the masked man's methods of handling the circumstances.
"Khooh Phuur."
Slowly walking to where the "baptism" was being held, Vader allowed his presence to be known, a cold feeling affecting the environment's temperature.
"W-What's the meaning of this?! Who… Who are you?" The bishop questioned, demanding to know the identity of this man.
"I don't need a reason to give my name to scum."
The bishop turned his eyes towards the two orcs who were giving a dumbstruck expression on each of their faces. "Don't stand there, you dumb brutes! Kill the masked intruder!"
"You will set your weapons down," Vader commanded, raising his right hand.
Hearing the words from the masked man, both of the orcs set both of their weapons, behaving like obedient soldiers, further surprising the bishop.
"What?! NO! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!" The head archbishop screamed as the other bishops watched in fear.
"Now you will turn the other way and kill your original commander," Vader commanded both of the dull brutes.
"WH-WHAT?! NO! PLEASE! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!" The pleading grew louder as both of the orcs continued to walk towards the archbishop, one of them with their axes slowly raising, causing the bishop to fall flat on his keister.
"NO! NO!" The archbishop's words were cut short as an axe went through his neck, blood splattered across a portion of the room, silencing his pathetic whimpering, and causing the women and other bishops to scream in terror, due to the violence occurring in front of their eyes.
"Holy shit…" Hugh commented, another part of Vader's hidden "talents" being revealed in front of his eyes.
Drol and Eiroki shared the same thoughts as well.
Thank the Goddess he was on their side.
"Khooh Phuur."
"Now, end your lives as well," Vader commanded, his right hand motioning in the air.
Both of the orcs smile dumbly, repeating the same words out loud.
Turning their attention away from the former Sith Lord, the orcs turn to face one another, raising both of their axes in their opposite direction.
Blood began to drench the white carpets of the church, and both of the orcs' headless bodies fell, accompanied by a loud thud.
"Well, that was new," Drol sounded off, not knowing whether to be impressed or disturbed at this point.
"Indeed." Eiroki acknowledged.
"H-How did you do that?!" Hugh asked.
"An old mind trick," Vader said simply.
"STAY BACK YOU DEMON!" The other bishops screamed, pointing their finger at the masked man, attempting to find an exit in the church. "GUARDS! GET OVER HERE!"
More Black Dogs came out from the backroom, aware of the intruders in the church.
"Well, that's our calling," Hugh said.
"Right, we go. Can't let Sir Vader have all the fun." Eiroki remarked.
Taking out his bow and arrow, Eiroki shot an arrow, piercing one of the necks that belonged to the human mercenaries, killing him instantly.
Grabbing another dagger from his pocket, Hugh struck his weapon on the left side of the Black Dog's chest, blood spurted from his mouth, and loud gargles were heard across the building as the mercenary's body expired from life.
Another one of Eiroki's arrows pierced the body of a small imp, pinning the small creature at the back of the church.
Drol swung his axe, cutting both of the limbs that belonged to another mercenary. In one quick swing, Drol slammed the sharp edge of the axe into the mercenary's head, causing brain matter to spill across the floor.
Never underestimate the strength of a Dwarf.
"Here lad! Take this!" Drol shouted, tossing another one of his axes to Hugh.
"Thanks!" Hugh catches the axe in return, showing gratitude to the Dwarf.
"Don't thank me yet! Yeh can thank me when we make it out alive! Buy some drinks on the way as well!" Drol jested.
Quickly igniting his blade, Vader savagely slashed through the bodies of the orcs and imps as if they were nothing but insects to him. Flashes of red could be seen, the sounds of the lightsaber humming with the screams of the invertebrates.
Thankfully Vader was wearing his sinister mask, mainly to hide the huge smirk that widened across his face.
It looks like the past spirit of Anakin Skywalker hasn't died completely. It was a nostalgic feeling in a way.
A platoon of archers, placed on the top of the masses in the church, aim their arrows, shooting them out, directed at the masked Force user, knowing he was the biggest threat in the environment.
In rapid speed, the crimson lightsaber deflected with correct precision and accuracy. Each of the arrows was melted due to the burning rays, coming from the searing light of the saber. Vader timed the defense strikes well, becoming one with his original body, playing to his fullest strength once again.
It felt invigorating to feel this power once more.
Levitating each of the melted arrows that were in the ground, The Fallen Jedi sharpened all the small metal parts from the arrows for a more deadly precision. Carefully pointing the directions, Vader used a powerful Force Push, sending every individual arrow to their respective archers, a few arrows pierced the foreheads, some entering the necks, choking on their blood in the process.
Soon, bodies of Kuroinu mercenaries were liberated, slaughtered by the crimson blade of Vader, imps had arrows in their chests, sticking through their skulls, common courtesy from Eiroki, orcs had their heads chopped clean off thanks to the brute strength of Drol, and the last human mercenaries were killed by the sharp dagger from Hugh, lashing his fury on the ones who almost took his wife.
The only ones who stood left were the five other archbishops, watching the bloody carnage in front of their eyes, petrified of the gruesome scene.
"WAIT! PLEASE! SPARE US!'' cried one of the archbishops. "I-I-I PROMISED I WON'T COMMIT THE SAME SINS AS BEFORE! PLEASE! THE GODDESS WILL FORGIVE ME! I CAN HELP YOU!"
Before Vader could get a chance to Force choke the sniveling coward, a loud outcry was heard, nearly surprising the rebellious group.
Bringing his fist, connecting with the archbishop's left cheek, Hugh released a wild punch, nearly knocking the corrupt bishop's teeth out.
"SHUT UP!" Hugh shouted, his anger getting the hold of him in this situation. "After what you were about to do, you don't have a right to speak about your actions."
"P-Please! I-I-I'm sorry… Please, spare my… life."
"You're supposed to be a man of The Goddess. The Princess of Feoh trusted you and yet, you dare call for forgiveness."
"Please… This wouldn't have happened if these harlots did… what they… were told."
Swinging the axe Drol had lent him, Hugh decapitated the archbishop's head, silencing the self-proclaimed man of the church and religion for good.
At least that was the original plan after all. Before Hugh could get a chance to do so, he felt a small hand on his right arm.
Drol used his remaining strength to prevent the brown-haired villager from making a bigger mess. "Calm down, lad." Drol let out, surprising Hugh with his inviolable strength. "It's over. These women are safe because of us." Drol assured the tall brave-hearted villager calmly and kindly.
Hugh knew he wasn't being the better man in this situation.
Grace wouldn't want this for him. She wouldn't approve of his actions. If anything, she would be horrified if she knew about the choice he was about to commit.
Lowering his axe down, Hugh took a deep breath, his anger fading as his emotions were becoming calmer.
What was he doing? This isn't the way. Even if these assholes were scum, it wouldn't make things right. All of this bloodlust and for what? More murder and chaos at the end of the day.
He truly was no better than The Black Dogs and he hates that comparison. For now, there were other issues to attend to. There were the victims here who needed to liberate a disordered nation.
Right before they could get a chance to tie each of the men who were alive in the church, another cold ambiance rose, causing a harrowing sensation in the gothic building.
Each of the archbishops began to clutch their necks brutally, choking themselves as the gargling grew louder in the church.
In a sudden moment, the sounds of necks were heard as each bishop fell to the ground dead, their skin appeared lifeless, drained of color, and eyes widened in the process.
Drol, Eiroki, and Hugh stood in shock, startled by the sudden aggression from the dark-masked man's unknown voodoo.
"Si-Sir V-Vader! Wh-What did you do?" Eiroki questioned.
"Khooh Phuur."
"What does it look like, boy? I am merely ridding these vermin." Vader spoke calmly, his tone however was vicious as the masked man felt no remorse for killing these accursed men.
Each of the women appeared scared of the masked man's presence, alarmed by his fearsome appearance.
"Now, if we are done squandering around, we have bigger matters to attend to." Vader turned his attention to the woman in distress.
"Hey!" Hugh walked over to one of the frightened women, nearly panicking once.
Hugh waved his hands around, trying to calm each of the women down. "Hey, it's okay! They're gone! They're not going to hurt you anymore!" Hugh begins to assure each of the women in the church.
"A-Are you… part of the rebellion?" One of the terrified women in the church raised a question.
Hugh nodded in response. "In a way… yeah. We're going to get you out of here. These men here are with me." Hugh said, pointing the attention to his other acquaintances.
"Yes, that is correct," Vader declared, taking a moment to turn his attention to the women who were almost part of an unfortunate cause.
"Is-Is it true what they said? Are…Ar-Are you a demon?" A nun with glasses questioned, pointing her finger at the man in the dark, shaking in fear, unaware of his solace.
Hearing those words brought a bad taste to the former Sith Lord, though those assumptions of him were partly true. Choosing to ignore those past emotions, Vader shook his head in response. "No. That distinction belongs to these dregs."
"Khooh Phuur."
"Get these women dressed. We are leaving this region." Vader asserted.
"Wa-Wait! Ex-excuse me, sir! But… who… who are you?"
"Vader. Lord Vader. And you do well to spread that name across your domain." Vader declared, turning to the front entrance of the church, and preparing to leave to complete his current objective.
"Vader," Hugh said, knowing there had to be a reason why he kept his matters in question.
Again, Vader wasn't a person who gave in to his emotions, if anything, he was past being a sensitive person. The only thing he can do at the moment is end the corruption in this land.
"Let him go, lad. He's right about one thing. We don't have to waste any more time. There's a war going on at the moment." Drol acknowledged.
"Al-Alright," Hugh let out. "Well then, we'd better get to it then." Hugh agreed with the Dwarf's words.
"Alright, come on, let's get these poor women out of this unholy place," Eiroki said, who was beginning to be exasperated with this rubbish environment.
Drol lends to one of the half-naked nuns, with a kind smile on his face. "Come on, lassie. We can't stay here for that long. We know a safe place where you and the other girls can hide." Drol spoke kindly to the distressed nun, lending a hand in return.
"Th-Thank… you! Th-Thank you for… saving us!" The nun began to show appreciation, tears falling down her face, knowing she wouldn't be a part of the Black Dogs' debauchery.
"Khooh Phuur."
"You do not need to thank me," Vader said his last words to the women, as his footsteps grew quieter, slowly leaving the church to finish the virtuous task he was instructed by the very Force itself.
That was one job done.
"We are close. I can sense his presence. He will not live another day tomorrow." Vader declared determinedly, his dark side coming into play.
It was time to visit the minister.
She thought it was a dream. That's what she would tell herself daily.
No, a nightmare at this point.
Her blue eyes continued to appear lifeless, and her half-naked body became weak every second. Her pink hair was in ruins, frizzy from the "activities" she was forced to commit ever since Feoh and Ur were taken over by those immoral mercenaries.
Half of her white and pink dress was ripped, removed from the top, exposing her uncovered chest, a worn-out blanket was covering her, to say the least.
It was too bad it was covered in stains, covered with dirty secretions from her "friends." It was the only way to get food when she was being held captive.
Even so, it was better than starving to death.
She missed Alicia. She missed her cousin so much. She missed her friends and Shield companions, such as the motherly nature of Celestine and Claudia, Luu-Luu's playful roughhouse personality, Maia's sisterly teasing and jokes, and the stoic manners of Kaguya. Everyone she missed dearly.
War is an ugly thing to experience. It's so sad that the books she'd read when she was a little girl had happy tales, the beautiful princess and the noble knight living together in peace with each other, away in a rapturous setting.
After all, hope is supposed to be an emotion that gives people a reason to fight. It is the main emotion that motivates people to their goals.
Unfortunately, reality had an opposite meaning, different from fantasy because it was nothing but an illusion to her point of view.
How foolish she has been?
All she has done is nothing. Been reduced to nothing but a plaything to these savages. How many times has she been violated by those pigs? How long was it since she saw the sun outside? How long has she been in this Hell?
It was a horrifying experience she had to go through.
Why did her cousin lie to her? She… She was supposed to protect her. She promised that nothing bad would happen.
And look where it got her. She thought she would keep her promises. Her two guardians who she thought of as part of her family saw her as nothing more but a plaything to bed.
She will never forget the awful memories of those abysmal nights.
Conti and Ponti had taken advantage of her. And it broke her heart to discover how her two "friends" felt about her.
Still, she had to be strong. No matter what cruel fate the world has thrown at her, she promises to endure it so she can see Alicia again.
She missed her old life. Waking up every morning, the sun shines outside to brighten her day. She misses wearing her favorite dress in public, waving and saying hello to her people, and getting a chance to play with the local children in the church.
She also missed it when she shared desserts with her cousin and had enjoyable conversations with her fellow Shield members.
She missed her kingdom and her people. Her mental physique was close to shattering but she needed to pull through.
Prim Fiorire knew there had to be a white light at the end of the tunnel.
"Alicia." Her voice called out in the darkness of her cell chambers.
"I want to see you again."
With that, she drifted off to sleep once again.
AN: Hello Everyone! Chapter Five is here finally! Special thanks go to Meraj Alimi (King 101) for helping me beta this chapter as always and for informing me of the lore and the characters in this chapter! Thanks again for your help if you're reading this, appreciate it once again!
Finally, after school has ended, I've gotten more time to write and I should be releasing more chapters to come and for my other stories as well.
Either way, I hope this is a good way to end the chapter, despite the depressing ending, it does get better and does set up the fate of the Minister in the next one so keep your fingers crossed now!
Also, yes, for the characters that I'm using for the story, yes, I know that the sequel is a hundred years after the first one but I know other stories and fics like to use them to spice it up, despite the canon lore involving them.
Two of the characters I used, such as Iris and Mistiora are from the sequel, and not sure if I should add more characters from it since again, it is a century after the first installment. And yes, they will play prominent roles later on in the story, especially Mistiora, considering her relationships with The Dark Elves and nobles. Either way, I would like to hear your thoughts on it in the reviews.
Overall, writing this chapter was fun due to exploring more of the world and showcasing Vader's full potential in The Force without the limitations of his suit and past injuries. Mind-tricking and speaking telepathy conversations were a nice touch to add since he does have more tricks to his sleeves.
And the OCs were fun to write as well. Would like to hear your opinions on those characters in the reviews too!
Also, yes, Vader (in Legends continuity) did have a sidekick/friend of sorts and it was one of the few things I enjoyed since it did humanize Vader, further showing that his other side as Anakin is not completely gone. And I do hope to show that furthermore in the story as development, between him and the other characters since yes, Vader will not be alone on his journey to save an entire nation, filled with sleazy mercenaries, monsters, and such.
Speaking of relationships, regarding the pairings, while I say there wasn't going to be a harem, a single pairing is most likely a realistic approach, or moreso a slow burn at best since that is not the main focus of the story. But like I said, romance is not the main focus of the story. It's about Vader's redemption and arc, serving symbolism between the light and dark side of his role since the story does have some Jerusalem themes to it and such.
Overall, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and wasn't expecting this one to take longer to write. Please leave a review, or favorite, and follow this story! Recently, I joined a new server on Discord called The Goat Server where a lot of well-known authors are there, as well as Emerald Library with the Discord link in my profile!
Feel free to PM me in case you want to chat or ask any questions about story updates or well, follow the link to my channel on Discord now!
Also, I started an AO3 account recently where you guys can check out my stories, along with my SB one!
With that said, I hope you guys have a very nice week and stay safe, stay awesome, and have a wonderful day! Adios!