A decade of peace had reigned since the Oath of Darkness was sworn—no wars, no bloodshed.
Present Night
Dark, aged 10.
Light Yamashiki, 22, the Kingdom's Knight Commander.
Reena, 18, Princess of Yamashiki.
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Under a pale moon, a silent band of intruders slips through the shadows of Yamashiki. They crouch where no watchman might spy upon them. Their leader's voice hisses, taut with malice:
> "Our mission is simple: kill the eight heirs of Yamashiki and deliver this kingdom to Ashura. But do not engage Light or Reena alone—only together can you stand a chance."
A sudden echo of footsteps draws their swords. High on a crumbling wall, Light leans back, one leg bent at the knee, the other stretched out as if he were lounging. He raises his cup, moonlight glinting on his blade. A chilling smile plays on his lips.
> "You think this your grand plan? First you'll have to defeat me."
Before the leader can shout alarm, Light vanishes—and in the next breath, he is amid them, striking swift justice. Each intruder falls under his blade except their commander, who staggers back, clutching a bleeding side.
> "You're strong, Light—far stronger than we expected. But we were only the diversion. The real squad has already breached the fortress!"
A muffled explosion rocks the castle. Light's sword finds its mark, and with a whispered incantation, he summons his communication magic.
> "Reena—what's happening? Are you all right?"
Through the ether, Reena's voice trembles with urgency:
> "I can handle them, but… Dark is missing."
Light's jaw tightens. He vaults toward the shattered gate and bursts into the courtyard, where Reena stands, her blade stained with enemy blood.
> "Have you located him?" he demands.
She closes her eyes, senses reaching out.
> "His magic… it's this way."
They race through torchlit halls and enter a grand chamber. At its center, a man in ebony robes holds Dark by the collar, pressing a dagger to his throat.
Light's roar shakes the rafters:
> "Release him—or suffer a fate worse than death!"
The intruder straightens, revealing regal bearing.
> "light Yamashiki, know your place. I am Ashura, mighty king of the Ashura realm. And look…" He gestures languidly to the walls, where Dark's parents hang, wounded and bleeding. "If your ten-year-old brother kills them, imagine the terror he'll carry for the rest of his days."
Light pleads, voice cracking:
> "Please… don't make him do this. I beg you!"
With a cruel smile, Ashura weaves a spell that binds Light and Reena in place. Then he casts another, enveloping Dark in glowing chains of magic. Against his will, Dark shakes, tears streaking his cheeks, as he grips the knife. He shuffles toward his parents, body trembling.
Through his sobs, his mother's voice reaches him:
> "Dark… hold on to us in your heart, always. Even if we fall, we remain with you. Promise me you'll never give up. We love you, our hero."
Dark's tears fall as he drives the blade home. His parents slump, and the spell shatters. Dark collapses unconscious.
Light's bonds crumble, and he lunges at Ashura—his sword flashing. With one decisive stroke, he severs Ashura's head, blood raining down around him. The king's lifeless body follows, crashing at Light's feet. Breathless, Light spits:
> "I warned you ten years ago—lay a finger on our kingdom, and your head would lie at my feet."
He scoops up Dark and turns to Reena. "We must go—now!"
As they flee through the shattered gate, Ashura's surviving soldiers gather. Their kingless banners droop—their spirits shattered. But Light's warning was clear: Yamashiki's fury knows no bounds. That night, the invaders fell by the hundreds; crimson rain washed over the kingdom. Henceforth, the day was etched into legend as Blood Rain
Chapter 2
The end