The Five Kings: First Step

Hopian 128 - Broken Bonds

Last chapter, the humbled Karia was at first shocked after hearing about what Metallic did to stop Diosa. However, shortly after the fact- she vowed to keep pushing forward and to make up for what she caused, and apologized to Seric for the way she acted beforehand.

However- the two's reunion was cut short by Metallic arriving back at the house, where he tried to kill Karia in order to avenge Kodan. However- Seric reluctantly saved her just in time, which made Amandeath tell Metallic to stop trying to kill Karia, and vice versa.

Metallic's P.O.V.

The wench starts to pant, "Fine, I'll leave Metallica alone for now. But you know what's funny, King? I talked to Kodan's soul when I was unconcious. He told me all about your group, like that nice Laya girl, the stubborn gatekeeper Heiss, and how you always went to Tony's shop for snacks- or whatever." Karia struggles to say, which makes me smile a bit- how did she know that? Did she really see him?!

"Kodan was giving me advice too. He thanked me for letting you join me and Seric, and Kodan FORGAVE me for killing him. He also told me that he was so, SO happy to see you helping people- when we tried to fight that sexist mayor of Birzion. So yeah. Kodan can see everything that I see. I wonder what he thinks of you now hm, after you tried to MURDER me- as well as how you killed hundreds of thousands of civilians. I'm sorry Kodan but... he's far beyond a lost cause." Karia says with a wicked scoff as she gets up to her knees and continues to take in deep breaths. Meanwhile I'm left speechless.

I close my eyes... I-I don't think she's lying. I always denied it but, on Kodan's deathbed bed he really did regret many of his actions. I didn't want to believe it but, he even came to understand the Hopian Army...

"Kodan, if you can hear me- I'm sorry! Karia, let me talk to him immediately!" I command as I slowly spin my head around to look at her. That's the LEAST she can do for me right now.

"Piss off." Karia replies as she tries to regain her composure, and so I turn myself around and try to grab her leg now that I can move. But she only laughs at me in response. Right- I have no hands now...

The bitch continues, "And Amandeath. Actually- no, I'm not even mad. We never really liked each other so, you watching me die was kind of expected. Unless- did you put Metallic up to this? Guessing not." Karia says as she goes into a coughing fit.

"Nah. I was honestly surprised that he wanted to take you out too. But a heads up. If you're staying with us Karia, no way in hell are you being our "leader" again. Waaaay too risky." Amandeath replies. At least she's loyal and understands the danger of Karia staying in our group.

"That's not really your call, but whatever. Then who will be? No way is Seric suited for that. And Metallic's insane. ...So you?"

"NO I'M NOT!" I proclaim- now she's even trying to make me look bad to my other pals!

"Easy Metallic. And maybe I could be "leader", don't really wanna though. Keep in mind that our goals now are just to live another day. Before we were just having a circle-jerk and fucking around, doing whatever we wanted before going to Dalkan. So now that we all have the same goals in mind- maybe we could all just vote for ideas now?" Amandeath proposes... I suppose that isn't too bad of an idea.

Ah! Speaking of ideas, I have a plan and so I say, "Once Seric wakes up, I have an idea. We vote to kick Karia OUT of this group ASAP, surely you would want to as well- right Amandeath? Seric should be fine with that too, since... she will not have to die." I struggle to say that last bit. But, even if it hurts- I suppose I can live with this compromise for the sake of Seric.

I can finally move again- and so I push myself up to my feet as my body creaks horribly. Seric doesn't seem hurt from me falling on him- good. But I myself sure do need some repairs... someone will need to give me a hand to do them, since I don't have my own now.