I'm So Sorry

The Isle Beyond

Three Days Ago, The Speech.

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Anti gave a sigh.

This was it.

This was the end, the last goodbye. 

The glitch was wearing all black, with one of Celine's star-dotted cloaks wrapped around their shoulders. Along with a funeral veil that they were sure Celine would approve. Aside from the heart locket, they were wearing proper grieving clothing. 

And doubt hung heavy in their heart that they would ever stop wearing the color.

They made sure the veil hid their eyes fine before taking in a deep breath. With that, they stepped out onto the stage. 

The room was silent and tense, the only sound being the click, click, click of Anti's boots as they made their way to the microphone. 

Nobody had seen the glitch who they had dubbed the 'widow queen' since the battle. 

For a minute, there was still silence, even as Anti positioned themself in front of the microphone. Until they did finally speak up.

"My people... We gather here today in memory of all that died in the war... Nearly a week ago, was the quickest war in all of our history. But also the deadliest... One battle. One battle was all it took to get us here today. One battle is all it took to change two whole kingdoms forever." The glitch tried to keep their voice even, and they were mostly successful.

"That day... We lost many. Family, friends, mates, and... Kings. Although saving Mark was a good thing that came out of this... It shouldn't have been necessary. And certainly shouldn't have cost so many lives... Including our king's... Our king..." Anti paused. 

"The late king, Darkiplier, has been around for about a century now, forming the kingdom and order you know today. Without him, none of us would be where we are. I... Without him, I would've turned out a lot worse than I am. I was in a bad place when he was introduced to me... I was an awful person. And yet... He could see through all of that. He lent me a hand in my time of need and cared about me when nobody else dared to get close. He was always kind, and gentle... He was the darkness, but that didn't make him bad. It just means that he was the key to making so many stars shine." The virus cracked a smile at the last part, but it faltered and fell.

"...In his final moments, he sounded cruel and taunting... But that was only so that Actor would come out fully and the spell would work perfectly. Before that happened... Before the battle, he looked me in the eyes and asked me to take care of the kids. But he didn't only leave me with the Ipliers... He left me with two entire kingdoms, the balance of this world, and the apprentices he was training... One of which, is his daughter... He left me with so much, but because he believed in me. He believed in everyone. It wasn't ever cruelty or despondence! None of this EVER was!" Anti's breathing hitched for a second, and their lip trembled... But they continued.

"It was always the light of his heart, his hope, his determination."

"And I'll always regret how I didn't do enough to preserve that. He was kind. He was brave. They all were. Every single one of the people who died in this battle had courage and a light in their hearts that will never go out- even in death... They had lives. Families. Friends. They were all people... And they threw that all away for the sake of their kingdoms. Dark... My king, my best friend, my... He deserved better... They ALL deserved better." With that, the queen took a few steps away from the mic, bowing as they mumbled...