This is a series of stories I wrote WAY BACK in the day. I've decided to finally post them for all to bask in the glorious* writing.
* citation needed
KINGDOM: THE GREAT WAR
---
PROLOGUE
Once, long ago, on the continent of Kindomia, two brothers -- Gajadom the Ice Ruler, and Ryuuwon the Fire Ruler -- had tried to steal the Corona Aurora, the Crown of the Gods, from its bearer King Oam. But their attempt failed when Zubaan, the Sentinel Knight, defeated them by transforming them into hideous beings and bounded them to their realms.
After King Oam passed away, trouble arose. Rumors of many evil factions spread across the land. But after Oam's son, Mao, became king, it seemed all was well.
They were wrong.
---
CHAPTER ONE: BROKEN THOUGHT
Two cloaked beings calmly walked down a rainy path. The tallest one said nothing while the other one, a head shorter than the first, muttered words indescriptable.
"I don't know where we're going," the short one said. "There is nothing here except wet grass, dead earthworms and rocks. We're far from the village."
"We are going to his lair," the tall one said.
"The Dark Lord's lair?"
"Yes. We are needed for a meeting."
As the two entered the cold, dark lair of the Dark Lord, voices could be heard coming from the throne room.
"You know I don't accept apologies, Camille," said a voice recognizable as the Dark Lord.
"But... I couldn't..." stuttered a voice known from Camille.
"I don't care if you can or can't fulfill your duties," the Dark Lord said.
"B-but--" Before Camille could finish, a blast was heard. The two cloaked beings entered the room and saw than in Camille's place was a small reptile.
"You're late," the Dark Lord said.
The tall one looked up. "Bai Lai kept stalling," he said. "Besides... I think you bought the time."
"We're wasting time, Carden," the Dark Lord said. He got up and, to Carden's surprise, was rendred as a simple dark cloak.
Carden and Bai Lai followed the Dark Lord into the meeting room. All the others were in there, sitting on stone chairs. The Dark Lord sat on the far end while Carden and Bai Lai stood guard at the door.
"As you can see," the Dark Lord spoke, "I am... weaker than last time. That is because our enemy, the Great Kingdom, have chosen three knights to wipe us out. Only one of them can kill me. And that power is growing stronger as he grows older."
The people in the room were silent. The Dark Lord continued. "All of you are to stop the three from reaching me. Understood?"
Everyone nodded.
* * *
Peter Griff had never felt better.
He and his brothers, Harry and Eddie, were made knights by King Mao. He and Harry were excited about it, while Eddie just accepted it. The three exited the castle in armor for the first time. As the three mounted onto their horses, Harry spoke.
"I can't wait to fight centaurs, dragons, and gargoyles!"
Eddie sighed. "Centaurs don't exist, dragons are extinct, and gargoyles are just statues."
"I was kidding," Harry said as the three set off.
* * *
"When he comes, crush him. Kill him. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
---
CHAPTER TWO: BIRTH OF A KNIGHT
The journey took awhile for the trio as they kept stopping to either feed their horses, readjust their armor, or find food.
"I told you to pack up more food and water," Eddie told Harry.
"I forgot!" Harry replied.
"We'll stop here," Peter said. "We should get some rest."
The trio eventually set up their tents, tied their horses to a tree to make sure they didn't run off, and fell to sleep just as the moon rose.
* * *
The campsite was quiet, for a forest. Maybe it was because the animals were peaceful, or asleep. Either way, it was quiet enough for a figure to approach their tent and unsheathe their blade.
* * *
"Peter, do you hear something?" Harry asked, who was still awake.
Apparently Peter was deep in sleep. But Eddie woke up.
"I don't hear anything," Eddie yawned. The sword unsheathing sound was heard a second time. "Then again...."
When Harry and Eddie exited the tent, a green monstrous being was standing there.
"Oh, drat," Harry muttered.
Eddie reached for his sword but the being spotted it. "Don't bother," it said coldly. "You won't win."
"Who are you?" Eddie asked.
"I am Mantor, the Mantis Warrior. I have been sent to kill you, for obvious reasons."
"What reasons?" Harry asked.
Mantor said nothing and raised his blade. Suddenly, Peter woke up, grabbed his sword, and ripped out of the tent. His and Mantor's swords clashed.
"Harry! Eddie! Run!"
The two did so and ran to their horses but were blocked by a white bird-like creature.
"Carden! Kill the horses!" Mantor ordered.
But before Carden could do so, Eddie cut the rope restraining the three horses, letting them flee. Carden pinned Eddie to the tree.
"You're a fool to interrupt me," Carden said.
Eddie freed himself from Carden's grasp and kicked the bird warrior in the leg. Carden showed no sign of pain but was indeed angry. He charged towards him but Harry blocked him. Carden simply pushed him aside.
"I'm going to enjoy this," Carden muttered as he raised his sword.
"Watch out!" cried a voice, just as Mantor collided with Carden. Peter approached the others. "You okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine," Eddie said as Harry got up. "Let's go, before they get back up."
* * *
"You failed?" the Dark Lord asked.
"I had him, my lord," Carden protested. "Mantor interfered."
"I did not!" Mantor said.
"I don't care," the Dark Lord said. "Carden, stay here. Mantor...."
"Yes, my lord?"
"Attack the village."
---
CHAPTER THREE: WELCOME TO THE DARK
People were running as the Rinshi, the Dark Lord's army, marched the village. Mantor came up behind them and halted the army.
"Why are we here?" he asked himself. "There's nothing here."
"You're supposed to bring the knights here," said an elite Rinshi that resembled a buffalo.
"But they're heading for the Dark Lord," Mantor said.
"Not the trio," the buffalo said. "The others."
* * *
"Are we there yet?" Harry asked, impatient.
"It's a long way," Peter said. "Plus we don't know where the lair is."
As the trio walked, a being lurked behind them.
* * *
King Mao stood up after the news of the attack. He walked up to a knight clad in purple armor.
"Danju, lead your group through the blocked," Mao said.
"Only one problem, my King," said the King's advisor. "They're at the gate."
* * *
"The plan's to break in?" Mantor asked.
"Exactly," the buffalo Rinshi said.
"You thought of everything."
The Rinshi finally broke the gate open and charged in.
* * *
"Santis, I can't hold them down!" Danju shouted to a red knight.
Santis ran towards Danju and took down many Rinshi. Unfortunately, more came in.
"We need help!" Danju said over the marching Rinshi. And help arrived.
"Coming through!" said a voice. A blue armored knight flew through the army, taking the henchmen down. After he reunited with the other two, Mantor and the buffalo Rinshi arrived. The latter spoke.
"Well... this is impressive."
"Who are you?" Santis asked.
"I am Gyuya, the Buffalord. You are three knights, tonight's new additions to the graveyard."
More Rinshi came up behind him and seized the three knights.
* * *
"Ever get that feeling?" Peter asked.
"What feeling?" Eddie replied.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact..." Peter swung around and punched a person in the face. "That we're being watched."
The person straightened up and pulled out a sword. He was a knight.
"I am Sir Wallace the Third, right-hand man of Queen Eve. You are on private property. Surrender."
---
CHAPTER FOUR: THE OTHER KINGDOM
Sir Wallace had taken the trio to a nearby castle. The gate opened and the three were led in. The inside was more brighter than the Great Kingdom's castle, with the sun hitting the three's eyes. At the far end was a throne room, with the Queen sitting upon it.
"We're dead," Harry said.
* * *
Mantor and Gyuya surveyed the results of the battle.
"My, I think we should forget about the three knights you and Carden lost," Gyuya said. "We've just broken into the Great Castle."
"True," Mantor said. "But then, who'll stop the three?"
"Oh, I have a spy. He'll take care of it."
* * *
"My Queen, these three knights were trespassing on your garden." Two guards came up and seized the trio. "Take them to their cell," Wallace told them.
As the two guards left, Queen Eve stepped off of her throne. "Have you informed the others?" she asked.
"About what?" Sir Wallace replied.
"About the two breakouts?"
"Oh, ah... no. Not yet."
"And what about You-Know-Who?"
"My queen, he is the most guarded prisoner in this castle," Sir Wallace said in an assuring tone. He left the room to follow the guards.
* * *
The Rinshi led the three knights towards a single cell outside the castle. A chain was raised and an indescribable creature carried it off. Mantor and Gyuya exited the castle with a captive King Mao.
"I have never loved victory so much," Mantor muttered.
* * *
The three young knights were placed in their cell by the two guards.
As they were, Wallace spoke to the two guards. "Let's check on our pal."
The guards left with Wallace.
* * *
A dark, small and cold cell was what held a chained being. Wallace bent down in front of the chained being.
"How are you doing, Cheetar?" he asked mockingly. "Your buddies forget you?"
Cheetar did not move but growled.
"Aww, poor kitty," one guard cooed mockingly.
Wallace placed a small bowl of food in front of the feline. As the senior knight left, a chain snap was heard. Next thing Wallace knew, a feline was pouncing upon him.
* * *
Peter could hear it all from his cell. But he couldn't do anything. A deep crash was heard as Cheetar went through the castle's top. Sir Wallace looked from the three knights, to the hole in the ceiling, and back to them.
"All right, you're free!"
---
CHAPTER FIVE: A DARK EMPIRE
The trio and Wallace headed for the throne room. Queen Eve wasn't there.
"I have to tell you something," Sir Wallace said. "About the Dark Army."
* * *
Mantor and Gyuya returned to the dark lair. They were victorious. As the two reached the throne room, Carden and Bai Lai blocked them.
"You are no longer needed," Bai Lai said.
"What are you talking about?" Mantor asked.
"About this." And Mantor and Gyuya ceased to exist.
* * *
"Once," Wallace began, "the Dark Lord had more beings at his command. More than now. He had many generals leading different armies. They conquered. Left no survivors. But if they did, they changed them into beasts."
* * *
The cage Santis, Danju and the others were in was being pushed by many Rinshi. As they were slowly pushed, one of the Dark Lord's servants, Chouda, surveyed it.
"Take them to be mutated," he told the Rinshi. Another servant, Barzoka, also came. "Ah, yes. The red one shall do fine."
* * *
Wallace continued. "After a while, it seemed like there was no hope. Until, at last, a hero rised. His name was Leanbow, a red-armored knight. He confronted the Dark Lord by himself. Leanbow succeeded in defeating the Dark Lord. Unfortunately, Leanbow never made it out."
And there was silence for a long time.
* * * Long ago * * *
"Deviot, I have no patience for your... things," the Dark Lord muttered.
"They are specialized warriors, mind you," replied Deviot, a cyborg. "Remember this, my lord. I've been to galaxies. Technology has evolved there."
Deviot prepared to leave just as a red-armored knight broke in. Deviot ran as the knight approached the Dark Lord.
"Well, if it isn't the greatest knight of all," the Dark Lord muttered.
The red knight, Leanbow, pulled out his sword. "I am here to stop your darkness!"
"Oh, are you?" The Dark Lord rose. "You are highly mistaken."
* * * Now * * *
"Go," Sir Wallace said. "You aren't safe here."
"Why?" Peter asked.
"Just go."
"But--"
"Go!"
With no point in arguing, the trio left.
* * *
A scream filled the castle. Two guards came running over to Sir Wallace.
"Sir, are you okay?" one asked.
"He's here," Wallace muttered.
"Who?" the other replied.
"The Dark Lord."
The two guards looked outside. Out there was a dark clouded sky. A voice boomed out.
"I gave you peace. Time to pay your end of our bargain."
---
CHAPTER SIX: A STEP CLOSER
"Where do we stop?" Harry asked.
"Here," Peter said, glancing at an abandoned shop. "We'll set a tent near there."
"If we can find one," Eddie muttered.
"Bet there's one inside," Harry said. He entered into the dark, lifeless shop. He could barely see anything. He accidentally bumped a wall and a sliding sound was heard. A faint light switched on. "Holy cow."
* * *
"I hope you remember," the Dark Lord said.
"Oh, I remember greatly," replied Sir Wallace.
"Excellent. Then you must remember the pain?"
"Yes. A lot of pain."
The Dark Lord chuckled. "Good." The phantom-like Lord shot a blast of energy, morphing Sir Wallace into a frightening beast.
* * *
Cheetar ran through a nearby jungle. He was very pleased to be free. He searched for his partners, killing birds along the way. At last, he found five other cat-like beings. A green one, known as Mig, spotted his formerly imprisoned partner.
"Ah, at last. You've arrived," he said.
Cheetar nodded. "Yes, thanks to the Dark Lord."
Mig twitched. "Don't mention him. Even if he freed us."
An orange cat growled. "And don't thank him either."
Cheetar growled. "Shall we go?"
Mig nodded. "Yes, let's."
* * *
"What is it, Harry?" Peter asked, running into the shop.
"I... found a secret passage of sorts."
"Why would a shop have a secret passage?" Eddie asked.
"I don't know," Harry replied. "Shall we go in?"
"Yeah, let's go."
* * *
"I smell something," Benglo said.
Mig and Cheetar came to his spot. "Follow the scent," Mig ordered.
The three ran off.
* * *
The trio walked slowly down the passage, swords ready. It seemed like hours until they reached a door.
"Shall we--" Harry started.
"Yes," Peter said.
Harry pushed the door open.
* * *
"You!" Benglo pounced onto a blue-armored being. "You traitor!"
"What do you mean?!" the being demanded.
"You know quite well, Kamador!" Benglo growled. "You abandoned Flurious and Moltar during the Ancient War!"
"We were outnumbered!" Kamador said. "I had no choice!"
"Forget him," Cheetar growled, and the Fear Cats left the ninja.
---
CHAPTER SEVEN: THE DARK LORD HIMSELF
Peter couldn't believe it.
"Are we--?" Harry started.
"At the Dark Lord's lair, yes." As soon as Peter said that, two flying beings swooped over and carried the trio away.
* * *
"My lord, these are the three knights sent to kill you," Carden spoke.
"Ah, I see," the Dark Lord said, unhappy. He turned to a hideous being next to him. "Lead them to their cell."
"Yes, my lord," said the monster.
As the trio were led to their cell, the monster turned around and knocked out Carden and Bai Lai cold.
"But..." Eddie started. "I thought you were...."
"I'll explain later! Come on!"
* * *
"My lord!" called a warrior called Crustasco. "Carden and Bai Lai are down! The prisoners have escaped!"
The Dark Lord's eyes narrowed. "And Terrorsaur?"
"I didn't see him."
"Send Slickagon and Pangolin immediately."
* * *
"Down this corridor!"
"Who are you?" Peter asked.
The beast stopped. "You'd know me better as Wallace. Questions later."
The four of them resumed running just as a glowish [?] blue elite Rinshi came around behind them.
"Stop, traitor!"
Wallace threw a dagger at the Rinshi. "Keep going! I'll hold him off!"
Peter took the lead as Wallace caught up. "Where are we heading?" Peter asked.
"Take a left then another left."
And as they did so, the trio ended up back outside.
"We have to go back," Peter said.
"Why?" Harry asked. "We'll get killed!"
"We have to finish the Dark Lord!" Peter exclaimed.
"Yes, you do," said a voice.
The three turned around to see a blue floating spirit.
* * *
"So, Wallace... what gave you the urge to betray me?" the Dark Lord asked.
"Nothing. I just... had to," Wallace said. "And my name is Terrorsaur."
"Yes, yes, it was... nothing," the Dark Lord said. "Take him to the torture cell and fix him."
Slickagon nodded and took Terrorsaur away.
* * *
"King Mao?!" Peter asked.
The ghost nodded. "Yes, my time is over, but your's must go on, for the Dark Lord must fall. You must finish him."
"But how?" Harry asked.
"The five jewels of the Corona Aurora. Zubaan shall lead you to it."
The spirit disappeared and Zubaan stood before them. "Follow me."
---
CHAPTER EIGHT: CROWN OF THE GODS
Peter found himself at a golden temple. Zubaan immediately walked toward a mantle holding the crown.
"But... I thought King Mao had the crown."
"Ask later," Zubaan snapped. "Just take the crown!"
And the trio were sent back outside the dark lair.
* * *
"All right, Terrorsaur, speak up!" Slickagon growled.
"I'm not telling where they are," Terrorsaur panted. "Torture me to death if you will."
Slickagon sighed. "Resume," he told the Pangolin as it placed the electrical stabilizer on Terrorsaur.
* * *
"How do we use the jewels?" Harry asked, glancing at the crown.
"I dunno, throw them at him?" Peter said.
Harry chuckled. "Well, we have to sneak into there, right?"
"Yeah..." Peter said. "What do you think, Eddie?"
Eddie hadn't said anything since they escaped. "We should head back to the town," he said. "I have a feeling there's something there we need."
"Well...." Peter looked at the dark lair in the distance. "Okay, let's go."
* * *
Terrorsaur left the torture room to the throne room. "My lord," he said, wincing in pain. "I've been told someone called Majin Zarak is headed here."
"Ah, yes. My old... friend," the Dark Lord said, in slight disgust. "He is a key part in our plan."
"My lord, shall I follow the three--"
"No. I've had enough of your urges."
Terrorsaur backed away. "As you wish, my lord."
* * *
"I've never realized this town smelled," Harry muttered.
Peter turned to Eddie. "Where do we go?"
"There," Eddie said, pointing towards a palm reader.
"Er... Peter?" Harry mumbled. "You... you go in by yourself. Right, Eddie?"
"Er, yeah." Eddie nodded. "You go."
"Fine," Peter sighed and went in.
Inside, the smell struck like a stab in the back. It smelt like mixtures of perfumes. Peter held his nose. An elderly woman, dressed in black, purple and red cloths, came from behind one of the many curtains in the room.
"Ah, welcome," she spoke in a raspy voice. "Would you please come in. Don't worry, the smell wears off," she said, noticing Peter's face.
Peter took a seat in an old wooden chair, while the woman took a seat in a beanbag chair.
"I am Vivada," the woman said. "Put your palm on the orb."
An orb appeared out of thin air and Peter put his palm on it. As Vivada mystically read it, Peter felt something dark in him. Just as he thought it, Vivada gasped and jumped out of her chair.
"The... the sign!" she said.
"What sign?" Peter asked.
"The sign of the Majin."
---
CHAPTER NINE: TAO ZANTO AND THE MAJIN
"The magic?" Peter asked, confused.
"No, you fool! The Majin! They are demons!" Vivada shuddered. "You are connected to the Dark Lord."
They were both silent for a long time.
* * *
Terrorsaur, despite the specialized torture, still felt he should leave, but with Slickagon as a watchdog there was no chance. And who was this Majin Zarak? He thought, before now, he was the Dark Lord's most trusted servant. But no more. He just hoped the three he risked his life to free were okay.
* * *
"How am I connected to the Dark Lord?" Peter asked.
"I don't know, sadly," Vivada replied.
"And what is the Dark Lord's name?"
Vivada shuddered. "He... he was my son," she sobbed. "He was a good boy. His name was Rio." She paused. A painful pause. "Then... the Majin came. They wanted him. I still don't know why. And my husband, Jarrod, tried to stop them... but they killed him. Then one of them took Rio... and I never saw him again."
Peter waited for Vivada to continue, but then thought it was obvious.
"Go," Vivada muttered.
Peter got up immediately and left.
* * *
The Dark Lord screamed. Carden ran up to him. "What is it, my lord?"
"He knows!" the Dark Lord screamed. "He knows... about the Majin."
Bai Lai came in. "My lord. There is someone who wants to see you." He moved aside to let a blue armored being in, followed by many others.
"Ah," the Dark Lord said. "Welcome, Kamador. I see you have friends."
"Yes. The Fear Cats and I have decided to help you."
"Really?" the Dark Lord muttered. "I thought you were the reason I'm like this."
"Yes, well, it was a mistake," Kamador said hastily.
"Good, I'm glad you've admitted it. Now prepare your forces. It is time."
* * *
"Rio?" Harry said. "That's not very evil."
"No matter," Eddie said. "We've got to find a way to use these jewels to defeat him."
Peter looked across the abandoned town. "The castle," he muttered.
"What about it? Our's is destroyed."
Peter shook his head. "Not fully. Let's go!"
As the trio ran, Eddie turned to Peter. "What is it?"
"There was a name on one of the walls."
The trio reached the castle... or whatever was left of it. Peter searched through the rubble.
"This is insane!" Eddie stated.
After hours, Peter came up. "It's not here," he said. Then, suddenly, a voice echoed in his head.
"Forget it. You've lost."
"No. We're not giving up."
"Of course not," Harry said.
"But you don't realize that you are outnumbered."
Soon, in Peter's mind, two eyes formed.
"You cannot defeat the Dark Lord, since you two are connected."
"How?"
"You are him."
---
CHAPTER TEN: GATHERING
Peter couldn't believe it. He wouldn't.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"I... don't know," Peter said.
Just then, swords unsheathed. Peter turned around, taking out his sword, until he saw many knights.
"I... I thought you were gone when they attacked."
"Not quite," said the one in front. "We were all in different places when they attacked. I am Sir Orion, and this is my partner, Sir Dion."
"And the others?" Eddie asked.
"You'll find out their names later. For now, we must build a fortress here."
"Why?" Peter asked.
Orion sighed. "They are coming."
* * *
The Dark Lord walked towards the center of his temple. A dark whispering echoed throughout the room. Eventually, a colossal shadow of a being filled the room.
"Majin Zarak," the Dark Lord muttered. "Is it time?"
"It is," the shadow replied. "Today, they shall know fear. And I shall finally have revenge."
Soon, a cloaked being made out clay appeared.
"Majin Gorma?" the Dark Lord gasped.
"Yes, it is I, Tao Zanto."
Majin Zarak growled. "Gather your troops. It is time."
* * *
Tao Zanto, the Dark Lord, walked back to his throne room where his servants gathered.
"Slickagon, you've been promoted to general," he said.
Slickagon grinned maliciously.
"Carden, Bai Lai, you've got guard duties."
Bai Lai growled. "Can't we have fun?!"
Tao Zanto sighed. "Step up."
As the two did so, Tao Zanto blasted dark energy into them. The results: two towering monsters. "Is that better?"
* * *
"Sir Orion?" Peter asked.
"What is it, Peter?"
"When will the fortress be done?"
"Soon, young Peter. Soon."
Suddenly, Dion came running towards them. "Sir, they're coming!"
"Who?!"
"The Dark Army!"
Orion pulled out his periscope. "By Trion, you're right! To arms, men! They're here!"
* * *
Tao Zanto stepped outside, wearing gold and black armor. "At last... revenge is mine!"
---
CHAPTER ELEVEN: MAJIN ZARAK
The sun rose, reflecting off the knights' armor. Their swords were unsheathed. Three minutes passed by. Then, the soldiers on both sides charged towards each other. Seconds later, swords, axes and other weapons clashed. Peter attempted to charge but Orion stopped him.
"No. Let your brothers go. You must kill the Dark Lord." He took out a golden sword. "Go. You're a knight."
* * *
Arrows fired, hitting many Rinshi. Slickagon growled. "Pangolin, attack! Mig, Benglo, back him up!"
The three charged, taking down knights. Sir Dion turned to an archer. "Aim for that one with the shell's head!"
The archer nodded. He readied his crossbow and aimed. Soon, he fired. The arrow hit the Pangolin in the head, letting out a loud scream. Eventually, the beast fell, dead. Mig and Benglo pounced at the archer, who fired three more arrows, but missed. Dion ran to the archer's aid and slayed the two Fear Cats.
"We need a medic!" Dion shouted. Two doctors came and dragged the archer away.
* * *
Peter barely made it halfway across the battlefield. His legs couldn't move himself anymore. Then, as if a miracle struck him, someone picked him up.
"Wallace?"
"Come on, Peter. Avenge me."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"Go. I'm going to teleport you. Avenge me!"
"What--"
"Traitor!" a Rinshi shouted.
"Go!" And with a flash, Peter was teleported.
* * *
Dion ran up to Orion. "We brought down the Pangolin."
"Hmm." Orion brought out his crossbow. "Can an archer wield two of these?"
"Leon can."
"Take down the slug guy."
* * *
"General Slickagon, there's an archer with two crossbows!" a Rinshi shouted.
"An archer with two--" Before Slickagon could finish, an arrow hit his eye. He screamed with rage but before he could do anything, a dark shadow fell across the battlefield. Eventually, a hideous being appeared, who seemed to be bigger than a castle.
Tao Zanto grinned. "At last. My master."
---
CHAPTER TWELVE: TERRORSAUR'S LAST STAND
Majin Zarak placed his foot on the ground, creating a huge crater. He sent out a beam of energy towards the sky, creating a symbol. The symbol consisted of five circles. Five beings cloaked in shadows came out of the circles. The five beings looked up at Majin Zarak.
"You summoned us, my lord?"
"Indeed," boomed the Majin. "Recover the Solar Harvester."
"Yes, my lord," the five said in unison.
* * *
At last, Peter was at the Dark Lord's lair. With a golden sword in hand and the five jewels in his pouch, he ran to find the throne room. He passed through many of the ugly servants until he reached the throne room. It was deserted. As Peter turned around to leave, two towering monsters stood before him.
Peter backed away as the two beasts walked towards him. Hope seemed lost until Wallace suddenly appeared and struck down the two.
"What are you--" Peter muttered. But before any of them could talk, the Dark Lord entered.
* * *
"Leon, strike again!" Dion shouted.
"Can't! Sluggy's armies are marching! I can't concentrate!"
Dion sighed. "Wonderful." He turned to the others. "Fall back!"
* * *
"Well, Terrorsaur," Tao Zanto muttered. "This is the last straw." As the Dark Lord stepped forward, Peter froze. "It seems I cannot trust you any longer."
"My lord, please--"
"Pleas are useless here, Terrorsaur." He took out an alien-shaped sword and struck Terrorsaur down with it.
"My lord... please...." Terrorsaur muttered.
"Your use has come to an end," the Dark Lord said as he delivered the final blow.
* * *
It was hopeless. The knights were surrounded. They had no choice but to surrender. But as the Rinshi cuffed the knights, a light came upon them.
"Zubaan," Orion muttered.
Soon, a giant, golden being stood over the armies. Majin Zarak roared and charged towards the golden knight.
"Well, Sluggy," Orion said, "looks like the odds are even." He used all of his strength to free himself and Dion, who went on to free the others. The battle resumed.
* * *
Tao Zanto looked up to find Peter frozen. "You...."
The Dark Lord swung his sword. Peter, in a miracle, unfroze in time to avoid the sword. The young knight pulled out his regular sword. There they stood, four feet away from each other. The time is now. The two polar opposites charged to each other till their swords clashed.
---
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: LIGHT SHROUDS DARK
Clanging and clashing noises echoed throughout the dark lair. Eventually, Tao Zanto knocked Peter's sword out of his hands and kicked Peter across the room.
"You are pathetic," the Dark Lord muttered.
Peter took out the gold sword which was also kicked aside.
"Didn't your father teach you anything?" Tao Zanto mocked.
"My father was killed before I was born," Peter said.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," a voice muttered. The two looked to see Terrorsaur standing.
* * *
Majin Zarak charged towards Zubaan, who grabbed Zarak's horn and threw him aside. The beast roared in rage and summoned his heralds.
"My lord," they said in unison. "We haven't found the device yet."
"Forget the device!" Majin Zarak screamed. "Kill the heroes!"
Just then, Zubaan trampled Zarak, knocking him into the swarm of Rinshi. Orion's team cheered as the army perished.
* * *
"I killed you!" Tao Zanto stammered.
"You missed," Terrorsaur said. He turned to Peter. "I'll handle this."
"No, you won't," the Dark Lord said. He sent out black lightning towards Terrorsaur, sending out many waves of pain.
Peter took out the five jewels. "How do I use them?" he asked himself. Then he figured it out. He grabbed the gold sword and took Terrorsaur's place. The jewels absorbed the lighting like a sponge. With both the jewels and sword, he charged towards the Dark Lord.
"I can make it," he assured himself.
Tao Zanto's eyes narrowed. "What do you think you're--"
With just that, the sword went through him. There was a pause.
"Is this supposed to scare me?" the Dark Lord laughed.
"No, this is," Peter said as he struck the Dark Lord with the five jewels. Screams and multicolored energy erupted.
"No! I am Tao Zanto!" Sooner than later, the Dark Lord disintegrated. Tao Zanto was dead.
Peter ran towards Terrorsaur. "Are you okay?" he asked.
The former servant groaned. "I am... thanks to you... son."
Sir Wallace peacefully closed his eyes and disappeared.
* * *
Majin Zarak rose up, ignoring the loss of his army. His pupil-less bloodshot eyes glowed on his non-human face. He called towards his heralds. "Kill them!" he shouted.
"We can't. There is... a disturbance." Suddenly, the heralds evaporated and Majin Zarak stumbled.
"No..." He watched the castle crumble. "No!' He saw the dead body of Tao Zanto and a victorious Peter. "NO!" With that, Majin Zarak fell.
Everyone -- Orion, Leon, Dion, Eddie and Harry -- cheered. Soon, many other survivors came. Blacksmiths who pat Peter on the back; archers who high-fived him; princesses who kissed him on the cheek; and others. Once everything cleared up, they built a table and had a victory dinner.
* * *
Peter sat down on a wooden chair, away from the former battlefield. Eddie and Harry walked up to him.
"Hey, bro," Harry said. "How's it like being a hero?"
"Eh... okay. But tell those merchants to back off. They want me to trade my sword for billions."
"Well," Eddie said, "it'll wear off."
"Yeah, I hope so."
Peter's brothers walked away. Soon, Orion came up to him.
"Do you happen to know a black-hooded person walking around giving cryptic messages?" he asked.
"No," Peter replied. "Haven't seen anyone."
"Hmm. Must be me."
* * *
As Peter walked back to the rebuilt castle, a black-hooded person walked by, saying, "This isn't over."
THE END
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