The Helix's Savior Part Two: King of the Gods

© 2013 Joshua Buchi-Ahiabuike

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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ISBN 978-1-62880-019-7

* * *

I dedicate this book to all my friends, who helped me along… some better than others

* * *

Table of Contents

Journal #10

Journal Entry #2 – The Entrance

The Capture

Entry #3 – The Tale

Journal #11

Journal #11 – Continued

Diary Entry #1: Badlands

Journal #11 – Continued

Entry #4 – The gods need us?

What’s Going On!?

The Worst Day EVER

The Initiation

The Surprise

The Zaretsu

Journal #12

Journal #13

Sub Journal #13

The Badge

The Badge Sub-Journal – The Virissilis

Journal #14: The Mygic’s Rebirth

Journal #15: The Amazons

Journal #16 – The Compromise

Journal #17 – The Passage

Journal #18 – The Son

Journal #10

April 12th, 4017

It was a somewhat peaceful forest, only a little rustle every here and there. Birds chirped and squawked as the cycle of life went on. The grass felt like real grass, coated with dew. I just had to comment; Maelstrom did a good job on making all of this realistic. The jungle echoed hollow but present power, as though the whole plain was one synchronized, living entity. It probably could be. I could see a river running by, leisurely rolling. I could see fish jumping in and out of the water as it went. At a certain moment, I saw a bald eagle dive down and catch a fish when it was at the height of its jump.

I awoke with Nara, Jason, and Azelx scattered all around me. We were not wounded, murdered, or slaughtered in any way, so I knew something was wrong. If Maelstrom was official with his intentions, once I’d entered his world, he’d rip me to pieces or something to that equivalent. This hollow power that washed through the forest was an echo of Maelstrom’s presence, I realized. The power that flowed through the earth, some of it had to be Maelstrom’s. And whether he liked it or not, through making this world, he had made more Mygic as well. But I had a feeling he knew that. I could see small Mygic rise from the ground, and flutter up in the air, starting their long journeys. Many of them would nuzzle my cheek before flying away, leaving me with a warm sensation. I got that same sensation whenever I looked at Alexandra, and she looked at me straight in the eyes. That feeling was love. It was not the same, but similar. I knew that the Mygic loved me, and I loved them as well.

* * *

Hello, everyone. I have returned to tell the tale of our adventures, the adventures of the slayers of dragons, hunters of demons, and killers of giants. I went too far with the description, huh? Whatever! I have returned to tell the story from when we defeated Wrath and were captured in cyberspace.

Azelx, Jason, Nara, wake up. I commanded. Azelx rolled on the ground, Soulslayer on his back. So I poked him in the side. He jumped up in a great jerking motion, and slashed at me with Soulslayer. Luckily, I was fast enough to block the blow with Bloodslayer. Azelx brought his blade back.

So, what’s up? Azelx asked.

Besides you trying to slash me in two and steal my soul, nothing. I replied.

We better wake Nara and Jason up. Azelx dashed over to Nara’s unconscious body, and lightly caressed her face. Her eyes fluttered open, but she was unable to get up.

What’s wrong? Why isn’t she getting up? Azelx asked.

I replied, I don’t know.

It’s pretty simple, actually. A dark voice explained from nowhere. You see, usually, when you’re at my level of skill, you have to learn that when hearing a voice like that, you either have to brace yourself for a fight, or hear a long outpour of ancient wisdom from thousands of years ago. You two are set for 1000 times the gravity of Terra, which is the gravity of this forest. She, however, is not set for such extreme gravities, and is helpless against the forces of nature. The dark voice continued. A hooded man appeared in front of me, his face a shadow, and his hands in dark gloves. I could not see any other part of him.

* * *

What do you want from us? I asked.

I must introduce myself. I am Roy, thirteenth dark mage of the Rasten clan. I also am the third dark prophet. My book of spells also contains the future of the universe, and how the entire Helix shall fall at the hands of darkness! The end… is inevitable. Maelstrom has only come to usher in a new era once this end has come, and I cannot allow the likes of you to stop him. Roy exclaimed. I drew Bloodslayer.

Then face me, Roy, dark prophet! And prepare for battle! I challenged. Azelx drew Soulslayer as well. I will always love the youth; their flamboyant personalities. It makes me regret King Maelstrom has ordered me to kill you immediately. Roy remarked.

* * *

Roy took out his book of spells, as Azelx disappeared. I charged him head on. Dark Barrier! He yelled. Then, thinking I could destroy the shield, I went to attack. Bloodslayer bounced off of the barrier at every strike, unable to dent it. Then, all of a sudden, Azelx jumped out of a tree and nearly sliced the barrier in two. But he was forced back as well, much more violently. He hit a tree and fell on the ground, losing consciousness.

Alexander… take the sword… He commanded, and then passed out. He threw the sword to me, which I caught, and held towards Roy.

Dark Soldiers! Attack! Roy yelled.

* * *

Three warriors made purely of dark energy charged at me. I slashed at the first one, but it simply passed through him. As I sent a barrage of slashes in their way, it kept passing straight through them. Then the first one grabbed me by the neck, and held a sword to it.

Well. This is getting ugly. I remarked. Hey, Roy! You big coward! Why don’t you come and fight me yourself! Roy smiled.

Stand down, soldiers! Roy yelled. The soldiers sank back into the ground, and returned to Roy. You think with your inadequate skill from the upper world, you can even touch me? He asked.

Inadequate, hm? Then how would you like some fire! I countered. I waved my hand to send the fire flying, but nothing came out. I tried three more times. Nothing happened. Roy’s hands started to crackle with black static. So, I did the least sensible thing. I rushed at him, full charge. Roy held his hand out, it becoming a claw with razor sharp claws, waiting to impale my heart. But it never happened. Right as I was about to attempt to cut Roy’s head off, an explosion appeared directly above my head, and singed my hair. Roy staggered back.

* * *

To think… that I could be wounded… by some human scum… I will not stand for this… I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS! Roy yelled in cracked fury. I’m done with this world. Maelstrom’s galaxy will live on without it. There’s no hope for you, or anyone on this planet! There’s no way you can stop my Death Bomber! I looked around, trying to figure what to do. Then I looked directly behind me and saw a thirteen-year-old in a suit of robotic armor. I could only see his face.

Hey, you. Yeah, you! The one threatening to kill us? Why don’t you shed that cloak of yours and show us your true colors? He asked.

I’ll kill you! He countered, and threw a small ball of energy at us. So I threw Bloodslayer at it and sliced it in half. A huge explosion ripped past all of us, and tore Roy apart (seemingly), but he disappeared, and did not fall to the earth in a smoking, dying husk. Bloodslayer landed on the ground in many pieces, just like the Valor Blade.

* * *

Not again… I muttered.

The boy consoled, Well, that can’t be much good. Come on, I’ve been assigned to escort people in this area to the Professor. He grabbed Azelx, Nara, and Jason’s bodies, and started trekking through the forest. Naturally, I followed.

April 13, 4017

The boy set my friends’ bodies on hospital beds. I never caught your name. I mentioned.

Of course. My name is Jonah. Yours? Jonah replied.

Alexander. Alex for short. I quickly answered.

The Professor will be here shortly. Feel free to talk with your friends. Jonah mentioned, and left the room.

Azelx. You alright? I asked.

My back hurts, but I’m healing up pretty well. Azelx remarked.

Are you sure we can trust these guys? I mean, the first person we even met here was a crazy dark mage that wanted to kill us. I asked.

Well, I don’t know. But who else is there to trust? Azelx answered. Then a man in a white lab coat walked in. Now there lies a question I’ve pondered for a long time. Why do doctors and stuff wear white clothes, when, in their jobs, they can get so much stuff on their clothes so easily? Many would probably just say they have to look good. I say, ‘You can look good without a lab coat.’ Anyway, back to the point.

Hello, children. I am Professor Merlin. The man introduced. It made sense, too. He had the withered look, withered features, huge beard with a mustache attached, and the works.

So, what exactly are you a professor of? I asked.

I am a Professor of Advanced Biology. My main use in this part of the world is to give new people new bodies. He answered.

So we just go around and switch people’s bodies? I asked.

No. You see, an organic body is inadequate in this world, as all skills are restricted, and some are cut off completely. So, we copy the body and make a digital copy of it to use in this world. The organic copies shall be kept, in case someone breaks us free of this horror fest. Anyway, who would like their body first? Professor Merlin explained. I volunteered.

* * *

I was taken to a chamber where a replica of me stood before me, its eyes black as coal.

This body is the digital copy. It is 12.657256% more efficient than the original organic body. It is also compatible with programmed equipment and such. But be careful. We have located powerful waves of evil energy from the process. These are demons that are bidding for your soul when it’s weakest, when it has left a body. Professor Merlin explained, and then I was thrown into an orb of steel.

* * *

Inside my mind, I could detect thousands upon thousands demons fighting each other over my soul, none of them noticing me. Then I appeared in-between all of them. It’s weird; it’s as if a copy of me appeared between them. All of them disappeared, and only he was left.

* * *

‘Alex. It’s been quite some time.’ The other me commented. ‘What are you doing here? You only told me cryptic messages every other time I spoke to you. Just leave me be.’ I commanded him. ‘I have one thing to say to you. No one can interrupt us here. Dylan has been trapped in cyberspace in Roaring Forest. He knows the spell to seal Maelstrom’s power into one mortal form. If this spell is utilized, you, with enough power, can completely destroy Maelstrom in one fatal battle.’ He informed. ‘Wow. That’s the first solid piece of information you’ve ever given me that I can actually use.’ I replied. ‘Oh, and take this. At the right time, it can decide whether you live or die.’ He added. He put a golden playing card in my hand, the same size as the ones from Kartes. ‘Oh, do not tell me Kartes is coming back!’ I asked him. ‘Not Kartes. But you’ll be surprised how alike it is to reality.’ And then light shined at the end of a tunnel.

* * *

So… how do you feel? Professor Merlin asked.

I feel… stronger. Stronger than before. I answered.

Then test your abilities on this assassin dummy. He challenged. This dummy could actually move, and fight, and could kill a weak opponent. But I wasn’t weak. Since I had no access to a sword, I had to count on magic. I thrust my hand out in front of me, and a picture made from static electricity appeared in front of me. I didn’t what to do with it, so I pushed it to see if it was real. As soon as I did, a burst of lightning came out of his hand, destroying the dummy. Amazing! You are more powerful than anyone I’ve ever had walk through that machine. Professor Merlin remarked.

I really am something, aren’t I? I asked him, earning a punch in the arm from Azelx.

I bet I’m stronger! Azelx exclaimed.

Oh, you want to bet on it! I asked him.

Boys, there’s no need to fight here. Professor Merlin peacefully mentioned.

Oh, is there? We both asked in unison. The Professor took a step back. Azelx drew Soulslayer. A glow of magical energy appeared around me. Azelx charged at me, but I simply blocked his sword attack with my arm. And I was unhurt. The sword bounced off a layer of magical energy it had barely chipped. I was about to rush at Azelx and paralyze his entire body, when Jason pulled me back. He was never able to do that.

* * *

Here is this sword. It’s a bit rusty, but it’s the only thing I have. Hopefully you will be able to get something better in town. Professor Merlin offered.

I took the blade, and commented, This sword would probably shatter the second it hit solid stone.

Jason added, "Maybe Caliburn might help." I stared at him.

"Where on Earth am I supposed to find Caliburn?" I asked.

No one knows. But it’s somewhere out there. It is also rumored that- Professor Merlin started.

-only the true king of Britain can pull out the sword, guarded by an evil dragon, cursed by a multitude of demons, blah blah blah. Been there, done that, not doing it again. I finished.

Yep. That pretty much wraps it up. He announced.

Okay, let’s move into town. Now, where’s Nara? I asked.

I’m over here. Don’t think you can just leave without me! She yelled, and ran at us.

I’ll meet you guys in town. Try not to anger any emerald giants. There are seven of them lurking around this place, waiting for something to happen. No one can be sure where exactly they are, or if their just huge walls of emerald, one of the world’s wonders. So we try and steer clear of them. Jonah instructed us. So we just started walking towards the main city.

* * *

As we trekked towards the town, me carrying all our supplies in my pack, Nara complained of how her feet were hurting. You’re on a mission to kill the most dangerous villain in the Helix, and you have time for your feet to hurt. Just typical. Azelx volunteered to ‘help’ by hefting Nara on her shoulders, something that will not help later. A few minutes after that, we ran in a green stone wall we couldn’t get past.

What on earth is this? I asked, paying completely no regard to Jonah’s warning.

Maybe some kind of obstacle? Jason suggested.

I feel… as though it’s alive. I remarked. I put my hand on it, and channeled a decent amount of energy into it. Then golden lines appeared all over it. Then I noticed something. The rock sort of looked like a gigantic arm. And that gigantic arm belonged to an even more gigantic body. And that had two other gigantic legs and another huge arm. Yep. The stone wall in front of us was an emerald giant. And it looked hungry.

* * *

Journal Entry #2 – The Entrance

Here we are. It’s Azelx’s turn to tell the story.

* * *

So, there we were in the face on a HUGE emerald giant that looked really mad. It didn’t look like the giant from the BFG (by Roald Dahl). No, this was a stone version of Goliath, except 100 times taller, and 100 times madder. With Nara on my back, I couldn’t move very quickly. So I put her down, apologized, and ran over to Alexander.

This isn’t looking good, is it? I asked.

Not even close. This stone giant is crazy. It won’t rest until it’s killed all of us. The worst part is… I gave it the energy to do this. Alexander reported.

WHAT!? We’re in front of a wall, and you damn FED IT! I yelled at him. I then ran to its leg and hacked away, but that only made it angrier. It grabbed me, and was about to crush me with its huge fingers. Then his entire hand came straight off. Alexander was standing on the stump of an arm, his sword glowing with golden energy. He nodded me, and then I started falling. Then my entire life flashed before my eyes. My time working for Wrath, my conquests, then my realization, our raid of the 7 Assassin’s Castle (which is now in ruins), our battle for the crystals, and here and now, the reality coming back to me. I was inches from a sickening splat! on the forest floor, as I landed on a soft golden hand. Alexander looked at me and scowled as I ran up to the giant’s head.

* * *

Okay, here’s a confession I have to make. Maybe I’m a little unfocused at times. (Azelx…) Oh, come on, Alex! Do I have to tell them everything? (Yes. Yes, you do.) Oh, fine. I am primarily unfocused. Normally, I would be on my game, 100%. But for some reason, my edge has become dull. So, back to the story.

* * *

I watched Alexander as he sprinted up to the giant’s head, his sword, losing its glow. As it did, I could see the cracks in the blade. I realized the only thing keeping the sword together was Alexander’s raw power. And he was getting tired as well.

With the last of his strength, he drove the sword deep into the giant’s head, and said only one word, Incinerate. The very second he finished saying it, the giant exploded into oblivion, never to return… except in the next two minutes. Too exhausted to fly, Alexander fell down, losing consciousness… until green crystals started to form on his body.

What’s going on? Jason asked. I’ll tell you what was happening. The giant had come back. And this time, he had all of Alexander’s reserves of strength.

* * *

Alexander was permanently frozen inside the monster, his very life force being sucked into the monster. If we didn’t act fast, then Alexander was a goner. Suddenly, I could see through Alexander’s eyes and my own. He was me, and I was him. ‘Azelx. Don’t think about me… just kill it… get my pack… I dropped it over there. Get out the golden playing card… and throw it at the giant… it should… obliterate it… again.’ Alexander thought to me.

‘But… you’ll be killed!’ I thought back.

‘Just do it!’ He yelled, and then he stopped. Jason blasted the monster with powerful strokes from Excalibur, but it was no use. It was unstoppable. I started rummaging through the pack, and found the card. So, I threw it, and covered my body. An explosion of light energy emerged from the giant, but it was fine.

No… it didn’t work! I yelled. But I noticed something. Alexander was longer in the chest of the dragon. He was gone. But there was a huge, purely white dragon hovering in front of the giant.

* * *

The dragon dove down at the giant’s head, and slashed it with its claws. The giant grabbed the dragon, but let go immediately. Its hand was burned and black. The dragon then dove back, and opened its mouth, and burned the giant to ashes with holy flames. Then the dragon started to shrink, and shrink, until it had turned into Alexander.

* * *

Jason walked towards him. Why didn’t you tell us you would do that? He asked.

Because, that transformation of mine induces stress upon my body like nothing you’ve ever seen before. With the kind of power it unleashes, you would want me to use it in every situation that is slightly beyond our power. This enemy was not slightly beyond our power. He was invincible. There was only one way to stop it. And it was to destroy it in a single blow. And the only way for to amass such power now that we are here in cyberspace is to transform into the White Dragon. Alexander explained.

But still, is it that you don’t trust us? Jason asked.

Maybe it is. Maybe that’s exactly why I didn’t. Every other time I have amassed awesome power in your sight, you have forsaken me. I would’ve told you, but I never thought the need would arise to use it. Two other times in our adventures have I been forsaken by the likes of you. And both those times, you were nearly killed. Alexander exclaimed. In his hand, he held the hilt of his sword and a broken stump. But that could still easily kill any ordinary mortal.

* * *

I picked Nara back up, her being still in shock from everything that had just happened. Alexander was in a stormy mood, and Jason was seemingly ashamed. So I just kept walking.

* * *

Soon enough, we had reached the village, unharmed. Well, I wouldn’t say unharmed, but maybe not further harmed.

April 14, 4017

Alex… Jason started.

Yes, Jason? Alexander replied.

I-I’m sorry. Sorry for the past. Please forgive me… I am… unworthy of fighting alongside you. Jason repented, and prostrated himself. I only stared at both of them, and waited for Alexander’s response. Then he said the complete unexpected.

The conquests you have made, the foes you have vanquished, the dragons you have slain, and the gods you have defeated. Man bows to the savior of man. The gods bow to the conqueror of the gods. And yet, the savior of man and the conqueror of gods bows to neither man nor god, but some monster in-between. The demigod. I am not god, nor human, but some variation of them. I am the cripple of the gods, the unforgiven stranger to man. If there be any being that the savior of man, the conqueror of gods, and the slayer of demons should bow to, let it not be a demigod. No such praise is deserved of any race. The kindness of men pierces the soul of the gods, and stings the heart of the primordials. You have no need to apologize to a mishap, a mixed blood like me. Alexander stated, his red eyes turning green and sharp. Then Jason’s eyes turned red.

* * *

Demigods are not the mishaps or the mistakes of the world, but the wonders and the mysteries of the godly race, and the unperceivable of man. You hold the power of the gods, yet have the creativity of man. With such a combination, demigods are by far exceeding any god, or any man. Even the savior of man will bow to a demigod. Jason countered. I just stood there.

What… what is going on? I asked. Alexander’s eyes turned red again, and Jason’s green.

I-I don’t know. Alexander muttered.

Let’s just go into town and figure out this whole mess. Jason suggested.

* * *

As we walked in, we were scanned by three men in white suits, and we were allowed entrance. Lots of people were walking around, carrying futuristic guns at all times. I just walked through, Nara still on my back, unconscious.

What do you think we should do about Nara? I asked.

You’re her boyfriend. Make sure she’s happy when she wakes up. Alexander remarked. ‘Do you really have to say that? You know that’s not what I meant.’ I thought to him.

‘I know. I don’t really know what. Keep it up as a front for Jason. We can’t let him know about this until we’re sure what it is.’ Alexander thought back.

Yeah, sure. I replied, making sure we didn’t let Jason easily know we had a mental conversation.

* * *

So, uh, guys, where’s Jonah? I asked.

I don’t know. Alexander answered.

* * *

Well, that’s about all Jason is letting me say, so goodbye for now.

* * *

The Capture

April 15, 4017

Hello, people. Jason here. I can’t believe how some people tell stories these days. I mean, really. Anyways, back to the point.

* * *

Jonah said he would meet us in town. Where to you think he is? I asked. It was a perfect day with a blue sky and bright sun, but we were lost.

Maybe we should start looking for him. Alexander suggested.

Jason, you take the ground. I’ll take the air. Azelx, you should ask around town. See if anyone knows something. Send up a flare if you find anything useful. So I started walking looking for anyone in a red robotic suit. Alexander zoomed upward, and Azelx walked over to a newspaper stand.

* * *

I started walking through dark alleys, constantly on the lookout. In this part of town, cigarettes were all over the floor, and many people, or should I say ‘bums’ were smoking near the walls. Then I started to hear voices. I thought of pulling Excalibur out of its sheath, but that would instantly give away my presence. So I waited.

* * *

You have the DNA? One man asked another. The man had shining yellow eyes, like suns. The other man has beady red eyes, glowing in the darkness.

Yes. Do you have the subject? The man replied. Yes. Are you ready with the device? The other man answered.

Yes. I’ll meet you in the forest. Make sure not to screw things up this time. Solstar out. Solstar instructed, and then disappeared.

The other man’s eyes seemed to stare directly at me, and hissed, You cannot ssssssssave your friends, Blackstar. They are asssssss good as DEAD! And then he disappeared as well. I began to pull Excalibur out of my sheath, when a gloved hand was shoved over my mouth, and a foot hit my head.

April 17, 4017

I woke up in chains, with a band on my mouth. Ah, yes. Our friend Jason has finally come to. It’s so good you could come to join us… old friend. A man with long, silvery hair greeted.

I burned the cloth on my mouth with my breath, and asked, Who are you? The man put his arms together, and sighed.

Some people are so inconsiderate. Many years ago, I was your greatest foe. The most powerful man in the Helix. Before Maelstrom was even born, my reign of terror was fully fledged. And then you somehow defeated me. Yes. Your power was very great then. Now you are weak. If the next world would unlock the shackles it has bound me in, I would destroy you here and now. But, of course, Maelstrom has other plans. I may have not been able to crush you, but he shall. He lectured.

I’ve beaten you before, and I’ll do it again… Xeharak! I yelled at him.

Oh, so you do remember me! How flattering. When you came to this world, your fate was sealed. You are going to die now. But before your death comes, I shall show you your friends’ failures. Xeharak exclaimed, and conjured an orb of energy. In it, I saw Alexander and Azelx wandering helplessly through the forest. Azelx was slashing through trees as Alexander navigated. Then I saw Jonah. He was standing before them, doing nothing. And then he pointed his ray gun at them. Just as it went off, the orb disappeared. You see, Jonah is a traitor. All this while, he was leading you to your dooms at the hand of Maelstrom and me. Yet one of us is yet to have weakened his chains. One demon so powerful, so purely evil, he will kill any of you on sight. It is this demon that will slay your leader, Alexander. And now, for your death. I was hoping I would have the opportunity to kill you myself, but sometimes, I must be championed. Behold, Jason Deathstar! Xeharak exclaimed. Jason Deathstar was a copy of me, only that his skin was black, his eyes were red, he wore red slightly baggy pants (who does that?), and he had a shirt that was a spider web of red, black, and green. He was created from the DNA of your organic body when you left it. He has all the powers that you had when you faced me and all the power of a dark lord. You’re finished, Jason. Xeharak ended, and gestured to Jason Deathstar to attack.

* * *

Jason Deathstar was the fastest being I had ever encountered. One second, he’s standing still as a rock. The next second, he’s slamming me into a wall with a sword towards my heart that’s shaped like a bat wing. Why, Deathstar… why… would you kill your origin… why would you kill the tree from which you came from…? I asked, choking.

You are not my origin. I am the real Jason. I am who you should’ve been, who you could’ve been. But you turned down the power of the darkness. You gave away everything and bathed yourself in light. Light has no worth in this world. It is nothing, useless. It will only bring you pain and sorrow. Darkness will bring you power. Darkness will give you the power to destroy your enemies. And you gave it up. For what? A fairy princess? A few friends? A world of light and sunshine? You are nothing! I will live on and become the prince of the Helix, ruling under Maelstrom! Jason Deathstar lectured me.

Now… before I die… Xeharak… can you tell me… how will… Maelstrom… destroy… the light? I asked.

Xeharak shrugged. It is useless, Jason. You can’t escape. Now that I tell you, your death will be imminent. You’re lucky, kid. I like the kind of power you can wield. I’ll keep you safely contained in my army of warrior souls when Maelstrom absorbs the sun. Yes, Jason. Maelstrom shall take from you the symbol of light itself. The entity that shines light on the Helix. He shall devour the sun through the help of Apophis. When we take enough souls, they can be sacrificed to summon him. No. You shall not be sacrificed. You shall be my army commander. You shall watch as Apophis and Maelstrom become one and devour the sun! Xeharak exclaimed.

You both… sure talk a lot… I gasped.

Deathstar… kill him. Xeharak commanded. Jason Deathstar thrust his sword through my stomach. I believe some of you call it ‘shanking’. I felt the tearing pain as it ripped through my hardened flesh. He then ripped out his sword and slashed my chest, cracking my ribs. I was bleeding badly, and there was no help for me. It was over.

And next, I go for that fairy princess you called your bride. Jason Deathstar warned as my dying eyes looking over him.

You mean… Tana? So much… about my past… I cannot remember… I gasped. But… if you’re me… then you… wouldn’t bear… the horror… of killing… the love of your life…

Why won’t you DIE!? Deathstar yelled, and then slashed me again. I could feel the life being sucked straight out of me with every slash. Every blow I took, the farther I felt from my life. Why won’t you just end me… if you are so fearless? If you do not fear the light, slay its king. The king’s people will rise up and overthrow such an oppressor. So it has been since the beginning of time, and as so, it shall end. I bravely commented. Suddenly I felt stronger, empowered, as if all the mortal afflictions I had just been thrust through were nothing at all.

You have summoned the light once again… Just as you did 1000 years ago… Xeharak hissed. Jason Deathstar shielded his eyes. And then, everything went a pure white. When they light ceased, Jason Deathstar was staring at me in utter horror.

I am a Solar Warrior… I am a Solar Warrior! I yelled. I created a ball of energy between my hands, and threw it at him. Deathstar tried to slash it in half, only for it to explode in his face. I made an orb with my hands, and a small ball of energy was forming. It would take time for it to grow into a full-fledged Mystic Flasher. And I didn’t have that time.

You… you… you monster! How do you have so much power? Who… are you? Deathstar asked me.

I am the light in the darkness, the future of the Helix! Hero of light, worst nightmare to you!

You… you… I’ll kill you! Jason Deathstar exclaimed, then ran at me with his sword, denying the light, denying the power, denying everything… and once again, stabbed straight through my heart. Suddenly, everything went dark again. The pain was back, and this time, it was intensified.

* * *

I knew it… the weak guise that is infinite power is nothing compared to the steel of the demons. It’s over. He concluded.

One last burst of energy was left in me, and I used it to asked, You’ve triumphed over me, but where is your master? Where is Xeharak who brought you here? He looked around, just realizing he was gone. Deathstar’s jaw clenched, and he disappeared in a typhoon of dark energy, leaving me to die.

April 18, 4017

Later, I woke up in a hospital bed, with Jonah looming over me. I looked at him, and opened my mouth. An inferno of deadly fire came pouring out in an attempt to kill him that clearly failed. He was untouched. Fire Suit, Version 3.2.7, able to resist up to 30,000oC heat. Jonah remarked.

You traitor… how dare you attack Alexander and Azelx! You pretend we’re friends, and then you attack! Who do you think you are? Well, I’ll tell you what you are! You’re a lousy, cheating bastard with no regard whatsoever of fellow life as you know it! I yelled at him.

He said nothing for a moment, then replied, How can you say that… when all fire does is destroy life? It has also made me wonder why trees can grow free from the fear of flames eating up their souls. You call me inconsiderate of fellow life. Maybe I am. But you… you are the scion of fire, the embodiment of flames. You are the mortal in which the dragon breaths his life-taking, plant-killing, world-burning flames through. Any life that comes near you shall be consumed by the everlasting firestorm. Compared to you, I am the greatest patron man has ever known. And you call me inconsiderate. I tried to get up, but the scars on my chest popped. I yelled out in pain, and Jonah didn’t even flinch.

Who are you… who are you to call fire the destroyer? How can you say that the very light we use every day, and its source, are the destroyers? You know nothing of fire, and its power. Maybe I am the scion of fire. But people like me do things like that for a reason. The dragons! Especially the gold and the silver! Those two have been ridiculed and feared for too long! A golden dragon? In the olden days, the golden dragons were protectors of justice and peace. And then we came. We! The up and coming race of humankind! We cast out all the beasts, but the farthest they threw were the dragons. The silver dragons? Long ago, their shining silver flames did not burn. They did not destroy, as the legends say! They were life-givers, protectors of the weak! And who are we? We’re a bunch of obnoxious, prideful, inconsiderate, sinful, unholy, UNWORTHY TO EXIST ON THIS EARTH HUMANS! I am a human myself, though. I admit all these sins. I admit that I can be more destructive than most. But maybe… maybe someday, I can become better. I know… I know I will never be perfect. I know that I will never be a perfect man. But maybe… maybe we can be better. Maybe we can give life! Maybe we can teach the sinful man of the fire of old, the silver flames of the silver dragons! Maybe we know that deep down, everyone knows that fire has a good side! Maybe we know that you hypocrites are even worse than your stories about the dragons! And we have the power to make it come out. Now what are you, Jonah? Water? Wind? Earth? Darkness? Each and every element any mortal can wield has a bad side to it, even light. No light but the divine light of the gods is perfect. We, as humans, are the worst of all species. We destroy animal’s homes, we used to KILL dragons for sport! I will not say that I have never killed a dragon. Some dragons in this world are monsters, dark abominations! But the majority… the greatest amount… they are true to the core! And you can call fire evil. I replied to him.

Look at yourselves, both of you! How can you argue when you’re both so critically injured! And yes, Jason, Jonah was hurt as well! Jonah sacrificed use of his left arm for Alexander! And even then, he has teeth marks 360 degrees around his chest! And what do you have that can put that to shame, Jason? Nara reprimanded.

I’ll tell you what. I had a sword stab straight through my stomach and my heart, and somewhere near TWENTY SLASH MARKS ON MY CHEST! And you think I have nothing! Jonah deserves no sympathy from me! I answered. All of a sudden, Alexander appeared between both of them, bandages on his head, a deep slash on his arm, and another slash on his stomach. Except the problem was, the slash was black, burned, and seemingly pulsing. And then he collapsed.

* * *

Azelx ran to him and inspected his slash. Yep. This wound was given to him by the Black One himself. Azelx mentioned.

You don’t mean- a doctor gasped.

Yes. Alexander got himself caught up in a fight with Z’rangoth himself. I doubt that he was killed, but, with all the wounds Alexander took, he must’ve taken a real hard beating. Doctor, do you have any antidote to the burning death sickness? Azelx asked.

No! No one even goes that far in Black Forest anymore! I didn’t think to keep it in stock. The doctor remarked.

Then we’ll have to find someone who does. Nara remarked.

* * *

Why can’t you just heal him, Nara? I asked.

The burning death sickness is no ordinary sickness. It requires a large deal of dark magic to be dealt on a foe, the amounts of dark magic only a dragon like Z’rangoth could generate. It includes projecting your natural element into a wound and cursing it at the same time, practically killing the victim. It’s normally instantly fatal. Alexander will only stay alive for a few more days, due to his vitality. We have to get the ingredients quickly. She replied.

What are the ingredients? I asked, quickly.

Um, vinegar, shredded gold, goat blood, and a feather from the Raven King. The doctor answered.

Where on earth would you get a feather from the Raven King? I asked.

Back in the day, the Raven King was good. His feathers contained a special healing property, which we used for good. We were charged slightly each time. But soon enough, he became greedy from the power his feathers gave him. You see, if you alter them in a certain way, his feathers also have a destructive power, which rooted from the underworld itself. A while ago, a warrior defeated the Raven King and stole an entire jar’s full of his feathers. But that was long ago. There are no more left. The doctor answered.

You’ll have to cross through the Badlands to get anymore. Jonah mentioned.

I-I can come with you. I can fight too! Alexander exclaimed.

You can’t waste your strength. You’re only a squire. With such exertion, you could accelerate the sickness. The doctor restricted.

I’ve noticed that, doctor. I am nowhere near as powerful as I was when I fought Wrath. But if I had no strength in me, then Z’rangoth would have slain me long ago! You must let me go; only I can lead this expedition. Alexander remarked. He was right. If he was only a ‘squire’, Z’rangoth would’ve gobbled him up the second they met.

But you have no sword. Nara mentioned.

Oh, so you think I can’t hold my own without a sword? Alexander asked. Don’t challenge my skills.

Sure about that? Every time I’ve ever seen you fight seriously was with a sword. Nara countered.

Oh, please, we’re wasting time! Azelx yelled.

"I want to hear a story of how Alexander fought without Bloodslayer or I will not move from this spot!" Nara yelled.

Fine. Azelx relented. Now it is Azelx’s turn. This is one story that amazes me for the long run.

* * *

Entry #3 – The Tale

Here I am, Azelx, to tell the greatest story man has ever known (as far as I’ve seen). The story of Alexander’s battle with the great black dragon Z’rangoth and his evil cave-dwelling minions.

About April 14 – 17, 4017

Now, to start from the beginning. I was scouting around for information, so I