Empires: The Next Generation [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 17

Autumns PoV

Footsteps paired with Autumn's silent cries were the only sounds that could be heard as the two slowly walked in the direction of Mezelea, a few hours had passed since Scott's suïcide, Ocean had gone down to inspect the body with the only result being her throwing up, after that she had led Autumn towards the kingdom of her father, making sure that Autumn wasn't able to see her father lying on the ground. Dead.

The journey felt like it lasted for an eternity, Autumn could barely see anything through her watery eyes and was completely dependent on Ocean to lead her.

Finally, after what seemed like forever they reached Mezelea, normally, Autumn would've stood still to admire the enormous Matrial Palace that was standing right in front of her.

But now she couldn't care less.

Shouts from every direction could be heard as soon as they stepped foot on the Mezelian territory, multiple guards, servants and citizens rushed towards them, engulfing them in questions, some of their faces showed relief, others showed more curiosity, dying to know where the two had been.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the crowd split into two to create a pathway for the king, who came running towards the two girls, "Ocean!" Joel called as he reached her with watery eyes, the Ocean Empire's heir let go of Autumn and ran towards her father, hugging him tightly.

Joel looked like he physically wasn't able to feel more relief than he did now, smiling and hugging his daughter back, some of the guards had already started shoeing the others away as Joel looked up and finally noticed Autumn, a small flash of coldness could be seen in his eyes before he weakly shook his head and closed his eyes, trying to hide the tears.

"Dad?" Ocean's voice was muffled since her face was pressed against Joel's chest, "Where are mom and Moss?"

Joel inhaled sharply and his shoulders started shaking, it didn't take long before he burst out into tears, not able to make out a word as he continued to shake his head.

"G-gone."

"What?"

Joel didn't respond as he embraced Ocean so tightly that it looked like he was afraid he'd lose her again if his grip loosened only the slightest.

"Dad? Where are they?" Ocean's voice sounded a little worried now.

"Dad! Answer me! Where-"

"DEAD! THEY ARE DEAD!" Joel cried out, "DEAD!"

"W...w-what?"

"They are dead." Joel softly spoke, he didn't even try to hide his tears anymore.

"N-no...n..." Ocean couldn't finish her sentence as she burst out crying as well.

Autumn had silently stood there for the entire time, a few tears of her own made their way down her cheeks as her vision flashed between present and memories, pictures of her fathers learning her to shoot with bow and arrow, her first time using her ice powers together with Scott, the day she left to attend to Crystal Cliffs Academy...

What would happen to Jimmy if heard the news? And Sage? Rivendell?

And why? Why did he jump? Why?

Half an hour or so later they both had finally calmed down as Joel led both of the girls into the Matrial Palace, Joel knocked on one of the doors and an annoyed mutter could be heard on the other side, finally, the door opened and the one standing behind it was none other than Jimmy.

"Autumn!" "Papa!"

———

Joey's PoV

Ever heard of the saying tomorrow is a brighter day?

That's a lie.

"It's gonna be okay." Joey mumbled towards Sun, "You'll be fine." The blonde man cast a glance at the king of Mythland who was still unconscious, "Both of you."

"W-what is happening?" Sun's voice asked with a high-pitched voice.

Joey sighed, "I wish I knew."

The sound of footsteps drew near as Xornoth turned around the corner, almost immediately, Joey's blood started boiling, he jumped on his feet and walked towards the bars, "What do you want from us?"

The demon smiled back, "I have a proposal." He took out a black crown with a bright red gem in the middle. My crown.

"I miss you." Xornoth said, smiling softly.

"You- You destroyed my empire!"

"I just gave it a make-over, there was a time when you liked my corruption you know?"

Joey's gaze landed on Sausage's mutilated body, their breathing was so weak it looked like his lungs could give up any minute. "W-why?"

"I gave him the same option as you, but he rejected it, said he couldn't do it, a mistake that will cost both his life and his son's"

Joey shivered, how could he ever have loved someone like this? Then again, that was a long time ago, he had changed.

"No." He replied.

"Not even to save your daughter?" The demon asked.

"DON'T YOU DARE DRAG HER INTO THIS!"

"Last chance." Xornoth said with a singing voice, turning his head to Sun, who had been hiding in the corner of her cell.

"F-fine."

Xornoth smiled and handed Joey the crown, the blonde man gulped and accepted it. "I have one precondition, you release Sausage and leave him, Achan and Sun alone."

The demon nodded. "As you wish."

Joey took one last breath. "Sun...I'm so sorry." He mumbled before raising the crown and planting it on his head, his eyes almost immediately flickered to red.

"Here we go." The blonde man mumbled, feeling like he had lost every last bit of his sanity.

———

Hi everyone and thanks for reading!

I am SO sorry for the lack of updates, I blame my writer's block.

See you in the next chapter!