I got mixed feelings as I rode toward the gate. Thanks to my returning memories I was hit with a mix of nostalgia and unease. The two emotions tormented each other in a never ending battle.

A soft groan from my passenger silenced the emotions. Erica now gripped the back of my tattered clothes. Her appearance rough. Her expression spoke of her exhaustion. Thankfully she didn't say much. I don’t think I would have survived another one of her tongue-lashings.

But I suppose seeing a fight of that magnitude would silence anyone. She witnessed what kind of monster kings are. I wonder if she heard the speech I gave? I felt a little heat rise to my face. If only that heat stayed for long. My wounds were still fresh and unattended.

My wounds were deep and I slipped in and out as the ride went on. I would need a lot of healing. Self-healing was out. Fire magic was destruction and purification. My wounds could be purified, but the damage would linger. I might need a cane if my leg keeps getting a hole through it. A shiver went down my spine. It would be hard to enjoy a fight like that.

As we rode through the gate, passing building all but destroyed, yet there were a few people roaming about. I figured there would be only one place all the people would be at.

I looked to the fox. It's red fur seems like a bed. I was tempted to rest and sleep, but I resisted. I had many things to do. I wanted to tell it my intentions, but I couldn't remember the name. In fact, did it have a name? After appearing as the phoenix, I had never called its name.

The fox stopped. I, still in half thought, was launched forward. I rolled for a bit before I had the idea to stop. Erica for her part jumped off and got some distance.

“What the hell!” I yelled at the fox. Its paws were firmly planted and it held an uncertain gaze. It was soon replaced by a furious look. It bared its fangs and was ready to kill. I jumped to my feet.

It was strange. The beast had been friendly and cooperative till this point. It was holding its glare. Had I offended it or….was it just moody? My memories had yet to arrange themselves in a proper order, so I couldn't trace it back.

I dared not look back at the gaze. I was surprised at what I found there. It never spoke words, but I could tell it was saying something. What I think I got was You dare try to replace me!

“Replace? Do you see another weapon on me?” I spoke out loud to him. It leaped at me for the comment. I ducked and jumped away.

Liar.

“How can I lie? You were the only weapon I used to fight him!” I shouted at it. For some odd reason, it didn't’ feel strange to yell.

The stare held, but it swung its head toward erica. This woman here says you are going to replace me!

She must have lied to get him to come.

My mind began to form a plan. I had none. I was going to have to convince him. It lowered itself to the ground and looked ready for a brawl.

“What?! Do want me to beg for your forgiveness? You're the one who showed up late?!”

Soon I was on my back with rows teeth before my eyes. My hands occupied holding the massive jaws open.

Even now it still talked back. Then say my name! My hand slipped a loud snapping was inches from my face. I shifted my weight and we went rolling over each other.

We pushed off each other and were back to staring. His name? It could be anything! It had been a long time since I had called it, and my mind couldn't remember. And yet….

Old gears began to turn, and the rust cleared away. “Phyrix” I spoke the name I shouldn't have remembered.

Phyrix shifted his stance and the three tails spread out. Oh, so you do remember. Well if there is no replacement I must make sure you never get the idea. He jumped forward. I was ready for it this time. I lunged over his back and grabbed on. I threw my arm around his neck and put him in a stranglehold. We went down.

I held my grip, but it was hard to hold as three tails were hitting me on the back of the head. My wounds were opening so I was dying off with the effort.

“You damned jealous fox” I yelled at it.

Silly untrustworthy human

The insults flew as we grappled. As we went we failed to realize something very important. We weren't alone.

He broke free and kept bashing me with his tails. “I swear I'm taking your pelt after this!”

Maybe I will make a pillow out of your hair! That got a rise out of me. I lunged at him, but he danced out of it. Landing three more smacks on me before recreating the distance.

“You little” We threw ourselves at each other. He bite deeply into my leg. I stubbornly held in the scream and decided to bite back. I sunk my teeth into a nearby tail. Fur and blood filled my mouth

“......I see….he hasn’t changed”

“Unfortunately yes”

“Should we really let him be a king?”

“I’m not sure at this point.”

The voices failed to reach us as we continued to bite each other. We separated and growled at one another. Both were deep and anger. I ran forth and so did he.

We headbutted one another and staggered back before we both collapsed on the ground. I was caked in sweat. But for some reason, I felt refreshed.

How long had we been going at it? It couldn't have been long.

Ruffle

Ruffffffle

Ruffffffle

New sounds fill my ears. I moved my gaze from the sky to the side. We were surrounded. Not by enemies, but by the citizens. All of them were laughing. Hard enough for their side to split.

Confused I stood up and realized, we had moved our battle from the street to the square. We must have rolled right in and…...I had been yelling at a fox for a while.

I felt my face freeze. If the fox was actually talking it would have been different, but it had been just me yelling and biting a fox. My face was burning red and I buried my face into my hands.

“He seems to have figured it out.” I looked up from my hands to see Ashley and the princess standing on the platform. They looked like the best of friends as they looked down on me. At some point, Erica had joined them and also shared in on the looking down on me.

I shot up and dusted myself off. I shot a glare at the fox. I am getting you back for this. All it did was yawn disinterested.

“You bastard” I was about to rush him again when a slice went passed where I was about to step. A new large gash formed in the ground.

I turned back and felt a cold sweat pour over my body. Both Ashley and the princess had cold smiles on their faces. Ashley spoke first.

“Don't you have something important to talk about? Should you really be attacking a fox at this time?” I was deeply afraid. There were filled with anger. I had hoped not be on the receiving end.

“Yes, I believe you still need to do a few things.” the princess added a follow-up, and my anger withered, but still burned silently.

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist tight and decide to hold it in till later.

“Is this guy really the king?”

“I forgot our princess could be so scary”

“That Ashley is nothing to scoff at either”

“I’m still afraid of Erica more.”

The citizens and soldiers let their comments fly. I couldn’t say my pride wasn’t hurt at that, but they were right. The two women before me were terrifying even to a king like me. And Erica was just a scary.

I moved with what little grace I could and stood before the princess, I took to my knee….well more fell to it. I felt the kind and warm atmosphere I had created come crashing down.

“Caroline asmoth berques” I spoke so formally it silenced all the citizens. “I, Dynames Valmuras, have returned in hopes that I may serve you” A few gasp escaped the people watching

Is he not going be our king? The combined mind of the people came crashing into me.

“I see” She spoke, but her eyes were cold. “Do you not wish to rule again?”

With my head still down, I went on.”I would love to rule this kingdom again, but I fear I am not worthy having lost it once already. I am prepared to serve you and let you run the country.”

It was no lie. I, having said kings can't be lead, we can still choose to do so. It would be hard, but I still wished to be a part of it all.

“Well, I see your determination is real, but I shan't have you bend your knee to me.”

I gather strength and moved my eyes to meet hers. The years had not favored her health. Her skin was dry and she looked to have aged considerably. Well, considering she was only seventeen, it was to be expected six years would change her. Her eyes however still burned with the fire I knew.

“I ask only one thing of you.” She didn't break eye contact. “Do you still remember your sin?”

The word preceded me like a blade. I was shaken, but not defeated. I raised a shaky hand for her and all to see.

“My hand still quivers for the memory of it, princess” It was the truth. The sin I had, the one sin of many, bound me to her. Yet, even with it, she still let me be this close.

“Alright, then I deny your offer” She spoke clearly. She was the dignified spirit of royalty….for about five seconds.

“I'm too young and inexperienced to rule this country.” She walked back and fell smack into a chair and not at all ladylike. “I leave the country to you again.”

Stunned all the crowd and myself feel silent. We all heard her well enough, but it was still hard to swallow. After I shook it off I realized what she was doing. She realized she was not ready and left it to me. A smile touched my face.

“Then I will take the throne once more” I stood proudly on my feet, which was hard having exhausted all my power. For a nearly dead man, I am doing way more than necessary.

I turned to the people. While I did that I connected to the black world, so my words would reach all.

I took a deep breath. I calmed my nerves and was ready. Phyrix jumped on stage and stood beside me. I shot him a glare. Oh, so now you act as my partner?

The fox didn't even react. I smothered by building hate.

“Today, you have all witnessed the fall of a tyrant. Your lives up to this point have been hard. You had all lost loved ones, and even had your bonds severed.”

“But you have survived, as your king demanded of you if he was ever to fall. You have done your duty, but I must relay things to all of you.” I hardened my heart. My words would be harsh, but necessary.

“In two days, the advance party of those who would make you slaves will arrive. 3, 000 strong. Behind them will be a force of 5, 000.” I was not making these numbers up. This was a standard protocol. Whenever dealing were made with another kingdom they sent an advance party to make sure the ‘Goods’ were ready. Should they fight back the backup army would end it all. Such a thing was usual a test of a new country to make sure it was able to repel at least that much.

“A forced made of mixtures of species and warriors I can’t imagine. They will come and take away your rights and treat you worse than Samuel ever could.” The mood was dark. The dark world echoed pain. I wasn't done hurting it.

“With this knowledge, I would like those who don’t wish to fight or die please leave this country.” I wanted to save as many as I could.

A few strange looks found me. It surely was strange for a king to ask his people to leave his country, but I needed to do it.

“You want us to run and abandon our homes! How does that make us any better than cowards?” Someone across the void shouted.

“Yes. I want those who don't wish to fight to flee with their tails between their legs.”

“But!”

“ I am not finished.” the voice was silenced just as it started. “I will not judge those who choose to run. This kingdom has taken the form of hell for six years. I will not force those who have had enough of this place to stay. Those who run out of fear....” I need to pick my words carefully here

“You are not cowards! You have chosen the path many would take in your position. Those who would stand and face this threat are few. In order to survive, we all must have our ways of living.” I slammed my hand against my chest. Causing me to cough up what little blood I had left. I readied myself. No was the time to prove it.

I was king.

“Those who would tear you down for fleeing will taste my anger” conviction bleed from every word, but mostly my wounds. I was serious. I would not judge them. It was a natural reaction to flee in this situation.

“Then what of those who will stay?” I smile lit my face, I had no idea how I made me look. It was too late to turn back now.

“Those who stay will be asked to do one thing! That is to live! I want you all to do your best to live. How you do so is up to you and no one can't change that.” I felt the dark world resonate at my words. I need to drive it home. More! I can do more to light the fire.

“You having nothing to fear if you stay! I will not ask you to lay down your lives! I will take on the enemy alone if that is what it take! I will not let you lose this light I have given you. I will defend this kingdom and die trying if I have to.” the minute I finished that part. Something in me broke. No pain spread, so I thought nothing of it. The dark world went silent after being abuzz with thoughts.

“Tomorrow I ask you all to make your choice. Stay or leave. The choice is yours to make.” I turned my back. I forced every nerve to stand firm. I will not fall now.

“I stand with whatever choice you make. For those who stay over the next two days. we will begin making burials for all those who have died. I ask for your cooperation in this effort to give your lost loved ones and give them a true place rest and move on to the afterlife.”

A roar of agreement shattered the silence. The people needed to mourn, then been forced to hold it all in. They need this it would raise them out of their negativity. This would help them move forward with me to a bright future.

“That is all I have to say. I will begin preparation to meet the coming army. Do your best to make a choice and stick to it and live a life you all can be proud of” With that, I left the stage...but voices chased me.

“What kind of idiot does he take us for?” I turned to face them all. Had I failed? I was sure I gave them enough to make a choice on.

“I ain't leaving!” a chorus of voices echoed everywhere. “This place is my home hellish or not.”

“I stand with my king!” Following those words, I saw something incredible. I had forgotten something important. I had stood before Samuel says I created a place where all were accepted but that was a lie.

No one man can create such a thing. It takes people. And a person they can trust to lead them. It was all made clear as all of them took a knee in front of me. Even the princess bowed. I felt strange. This was it. I needed to do it now!

I took a step forward. The movement threatened to kill me. I was daring death with each move. However, I was something more than a man right now.

“I shall blaze the trail!” and without a second of hesitation.

“And we shall walk it with glory in our hearts.” The reactions were many, but one thing was clearly. These people were truly…

“Damn fools” I delved the word with a smile.

“Hey don’t get ahead of yourself idiot king!” I had no idea how long it had been since I had been called that.

This kingdom was built upon idiocy...but it always shone more brightly than anything. Truly a strange place to call home.

I’m sure you would have enjoyed this sight. I was sweating profusely. MY vision was cut in half. I practically throw myself off the stage. Erica came up behind me as I made my way up the hill toward the castle.

“Are you okay?” Her voice crept up on me.

I wasn’t. The breaking feeling I was having only spread. After we walked a bit, I threw myself in an ally. “So it wasn’t a perfect take over.” I felt something tear off my body. Dynames Valmuras left the stage….and I took it once more.

I watched as the first walked off. He left some words behind. “It seems our wills are not connected yet.” it a strange to watch the real me walk off into my subconscious is once more. But even more, it was odd to have a body again. It had only been a short time since I had been consumed by him. Everything felt was inverted

I wondered what he meant. Maybe we just need more time before I would become one completely.

Erica’s concerned face appeared before me. “I’m fine for now. We need to go someplace first. Have to make sure we have what we need to repel the coming invasion, ” I put off the first words. I was bothered, but I had to push on.

Until Phyrix knocked me off my feet.

“What the hell……?! Oh, shit!” Phyrix opened its mouth and a torrent of flame burst forth. If I was still in my king mode I wouldn't have had to worry about the flames, but since I was back to normal...I did stop drop and roll.

My screams filled the silence. Then the flames died down. I jumped up to my feet and grabbed the fox by the face. I began to mess with it pulling fur and face in all sorts of directions. I could agree with the first that this guy was a piece of work.

“And what was that for” I had an anger happy smile going on.

You sure are giddy for an injured person.

“Damn right you sadistic fox……I'm not injured anymore.” My wounds were gone. On my hands, flame burst a little then stopped when the wound closed.

“I forgot you could do that.”

I am part phoenix. Praise me when you ready

“I hate you so much”

“Umm could you put on some clothes?” Erica frail voice broke my concentration. A large amount of smoke had formed from the flames so I hadn't noticed till now that I was naked.

My hands shot down and blocked my private area. “How about we get me some clothes first?”

Erica slapped me and then got me new clothes.

Cross

Cross made good distance since leaving Havan. He was, however, very skeptical of what he was doing. Why had the first sent him away? A loyal retainer like himself should be on the front lines fighting with all his heart.

Not running an errand to get the people of Kurgas. He, however, was still glad his king had given a responsibility to him. He allowed himself a little greed in wanting more, but he pushed on, or more rode on. He was at the mercy of Danzeth for now.

The dragon had been moody the whole time so far. He had not uttered a word, but his reluctance to help was very apparent.

“We need to fly lower. We need to be on the look out for the sign the first spoke of” Again the dragon went down slower than necessary.

“Did he even tell you what to look for?” Danzeth asked after finally getting to the correct height.

“Well he told me if I see four men pass us on the way, everything is alright. If not…” he dared not finish. He didn’t wish to doubt the words of his king. Nor think he could be wrong.

Why were the four people so important? Were they good news? He tried to shake off the suspension, but in the end, he couldn't.

The dragon shuddered, His silver scales went up and then down. He also slowed to a turtle's pace in the sky.

“What’s wrong?” His sensory magic wasn’t going off. Was it a new enemy, but how would he fend them off? Should he? His king's words rang in his head.

“Something's coming and fast” Cross leaned forward and tried to see farther than was humanly possible. After his pointless motion, he ushered the dragon forward.

“Maybe your senses have gone dull” Then he felt a cold chill. Like hands creeping up his spine.

Whatever was coming it was very strong. The killing intent was so vivid it made cross forget to breathe.

“That’s more than four people” Cross magic had picked up far more than the number Dynames had given him.

Then four horsemen rode under them at a faster pace than the rest of the party trailing behind.

“We need to hurry. We have to get the townspeople and bring them back fast. If they are the enemy….

The Cross saw it. It triggered his memory. A new tingle went up to his spine. A smile crossed his face.

“Never mind,” He said calmly

“Why? Aren't they bad news for us?” Dazed asked

Cross could've told him, but having the upper hand on the dragon was just too irresistible.

“You'll see when we bring everyone back.

Cross allowed himself one happy thought before continuing on.

I'm glad he isn't my enemy.