Son Of The Shadow Monarch

Chapter 13

"Welcome to the world of Rest," Izuku said, throwing his arms out like a showman with a big smile. "And welcome to my home, all of you."

The group was wide-eyed as they looked around. They were standing on a tower on top of a massive castle of black stone. They saw shapes flying as they looked into the distance but could not make out anything other than their shape. In the distance, past a dark forest and mountains, they saw a massive Jungle and, right next to that, a snow-covered forest. They walked over to the side of the tower, minding the edge, looked down, and were met with a massive city surrounding it.

"Where are we?" Olivia asked in amazement, stepping back and turning towards Izuku, who still smiled at everyone's amazement.

"As I said, this is the world of rest and my home," Izuku said, walking over to stand by everyone. "This is where all the souls of the dead come first before they eventually pass on into the void and enter eternal rest. When they enter this realm, they are judged, and depending on the person's life, they are allowed to live here and have a sort of second life. But if they lived an evil life, they are still allowed to live here but must first go through a trial and face punishment for their sins. But I can also deny them entry into this realm and send them directly into Eternal rest."

Everyone looked at Izuku, hearing that last statement, then looked back out over the city, the amazement growing.

"But how does this all exist?" Coco said, wonder in her voice as she looked around.

"Well, this place exists because I exist?" Izuku said, "After all, I am its king."

The group turned toward Izuku, a look of shock and surprise on their faces, to which Izuku burst out laughing.

"What do you mean your its king? How is that possible?" Velvet asked, looking shocked, her ears standing straight up. "And what do you mean it exists because you exist?"

"I can understand your confusion. After all, I never explained to you and your group, as well as Mr. Port and Ms. Betty, who exactly I am," Izuku said, wiping the tears from his eyes and tilting his head to the side in thought and looked toward the other group who also looked shocked. "But I don't understand why the rest of you looked shocked. You all already know who I am."

The group that Izuku called out gave an embarrassed look as the checks flushed at being called out. They had been too caught up in the moment to put the pieces together and embarrassed themselves.

"Well, I will explain everything while we head down to the bottom. Igris, would you mind getting all the leaders?" Izuku looked over to the shadow knight, who nodded and sank into the shadows at his feet, disappearing. "Good now. If you all will follow me, I will explain everything."

Izuku turned to walk down a set of stairs but was stopped by a tug on his sleeve. He turned his head to see Ruby standing behind him, looking down, not meeting his eyes.

"What's wrong little red?" Izuku asked, turning around fully, their conversation catching the attention of the others.

"Izuku, I have a question for you." This question got Izuku's attention immediately after hearing his complete name from Ruby, who always called him Izu.

Izuku: "OK, little red, what's on your mind?"

"You said this is where all souls go when they pass. Right?" Ruby asked, still not looking up into Izuku's eyes. "Would that mean my father's soul would be here too?"

Izuku heard three gasps behind him. At the same time, Ruby looked up Into Izuku's eyes, tears streaming down her face. Izuku thought for a moment under the hopeful gaze of Ruby and eventually let out a sigh.