Path of Knights

Chapter 28: Flame of Conviction Part 1

Arc 2 Intro- Colors of the Heart by Uverworld
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The chill of Winter hung heavy in the air, a biting cold that seemed to seep into one's very bones. Atop a cliff that overlooked the remnants of a battlefield, a towering figure stood, his hands buried deep within the pockets of his rich burgundy fur coat. His hair, as white as freshly fallen snow, cascaded down his back like a lion's mane. His eyebrows, equally white and untamed, somehow suited him. Battle scars marred his chest, arms, and cheek, a testament to his warrior's life. His upper body was a sculpture of muscle, as if the Goddess herself had taken the time to chisel him from stone. He gazed down at the gathering soldiers and knights below, his voice resonating with a depth that could shake the heavens, "What's on your mind, little brother?"

A young man, slightly shorter than the one in front of him, stood a few paces back. His hair was a wild mess of black, and his eyes were a striking emerald green. He was clad in black, a white shirt peeking out from underneath, and a broadsword was fastened to his back. He asked, "Do you ever question it? Our constant battles? Is this our only purpose? King Maric dubs us Dragon-knights... Sozen doesn't mind, just point him towards a fight. He doesn't think much about it, I believe... but it feels like we're stuck in a loop... a cycle. What's the point anymore?"

"Well, Daisuke," the older man responded, a soft chuckle in his voice as he observed the army below, "we might not enjoy the battle, but there are people we have to protect. It's our responsibility." He turned to his younger brother, his white hair fluttering in the wind, his aura almost godlike, "Life is a gift, little brother. Never forget the value of humanity... That's why we do what we have to."

"You're always the optimist, aren't you, big brother?" Daisuke shot back, a smug grin on his face as he looked out at the horizon, "I guess you're always right. You even managed to get the Light and Dark elves to set aside their differences. Heck... even the Dwarves came out because of you. No one in history could ever get them to work together. The Three Admirals respect you... the High Council fears you... and King Maric adores you... every world leader bends to your will..."

"Enough. I hold no power. All I did was ask them politely... Let's not keep them waiting," the older man, Kisuke, stated, his hand resting on the hilt of the enormous Odachi blade at his side, "We have peace to establish. I won't let my son grow up in a world ravaged by violence. The Aragoto Empire will fall today... but I sense... something more ominous lurking... stay alert. This war... it's nothing but a facade... and facades eventually... must be removed..."

"We should get moving then... Sozen gets impatient waiting for us... he'll take on the enemy alone if we're not careful." Daisuke nodded in agreement to his elder brother's words, "I'll make sure you get back to that Saint woman. What's her name again? Angel?.."

"Angil... Kudo... though we aren't officially married. She's chosen to take my last name..." Kisuke smiled gently at the thought before walking over to the cliff's edge, spotting something in the distance, "The Power of Dragons... courses through our veins... we are indeed unique... but human at heart... I promise... from now on. The cycle you speak of Daisuke... I will break it.... You must guide them... the new generation... and even my son..."

"What did you name him?..." The black-haired male asked, suddenly walking up to his brother's side, his eyes scanning the horizon as well.

"His name is Dante," Kisuke replied, a soft smile playing on his lips as he thought of his son. "Dante Kudo."