The Realm of Kings

The new world

Axel poses before the mirror, captive by the stranger reflecting back at him. Zariah had taken the initiative to trim his hair, revealing his striking dark brows and almond-shaped hazel eyes. He tugs at the snug leather trousers clinging uncomfortably to his crotch area, his discomfort evident in his grimace. His attention diverts towards a pair of soft cotton briefs, casually draped over a chair nearby. With a soft exclamation, he begins the awkward process of extricating himself from the confines of his pants. A moment of relief washes over him as he sprawls across the bed, kicking off the hindering garment with a sense of victory. Catching his breath, he proceeds to dress himself, correctly this time, and once again appraises his appearance, a satisfied grin playing on his lips.
He finds the clothes look ridiculous, yet it fulfilled a childhood fantasy - one borne from countless nights spent listening to his grandfather's tales. He tucks the horn necklace under his cotton shirt, cinching the belt around his waist, before proudly presenting himself to Zariah, who's busily packing a sack with various tools. She reacts instantly, her hands coming together in applause as a wide smile adorns her face.
"You've never looked more handsome," she compliments, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Axel responds with a playful bow, "Will you be accompanying me?"
"Absolutely. I've been waiting for an excuse to escape from this house for years. Besides, you'll need my help," she responds, her voice full of anticipation.
"I wouldn't dare to argue. Shall we get going?" Axel asks, a thrill of excitement coursing through his veins. He finally feels as though he's getting somewhere in this world.
Zariah pulls the sack's strings taut, and much to Axel's fascination, it begins to float and so does he. His feet lift off the ground as he extends his arms for balance, his eyes sparkling with wonder and a touch of fear. The sensation, indescribable, but one false move could send him spiraling out of control.
"Think happy thoughts," he murmurs to himself, attempting to calm his racing heart with slow, deep breaths.
Zariah erupts into peals of laughter, "That's not how it works. You're too tense. Relax. It's easier to control your body at higher speeds."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Axel asks, brimming with newfound confidence.
"Alright," Zariah agrees.
With a surge of adrenaline, Axel finds himself rocketing above the tree line, the invisible force propelling him bending his spine like a bow. It feels as though an unseen rope is fastened around his waist, yanking him forward through the air at a breathtaking pace. Upon piercing the soft barrier of the clouds, the raw brutality of the force abates somewhat. A gentle pressure nudges against his upper back, guiding him to align his body with the direction of the wind.
Zariah, in all her ethereal beauty, streaks alongside him, her arms unfurled like a bird in flight. There is an innate elegance to her movements, a calm serenity that radiates from her as she weaves through the clouds with a grace that leaves Axel in awe. He steadies his breath, desperately trying to commit to memory the exquisite panorama of the rising sun. Emboldened, he stretches his arms out, attempting to mirror Zariah's grace. The sensation of the wind whispering against every inch of his skin, its gentle touch, is an exhilarating rush like no other. He keeps his gaze firmly ahead, disregarding the vertiginous drop below.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Zariah's voice cuts through the rush of the wind.
A smile dances upon Axel's lips. "Indeed, it is."
Zariah points towards the horizon. "Drahill is up ahead. We'll touch down in the forest and travel the remaining distance on foot."
As if on cue, the wind abruptly halts their flight, hanging them in mid-air before gravity exerts its claim, drawing them back to the ground. Axel stumbles as he lands, his legs wobbling like jelly. His gut clenches and his head throbs, the sudden shift in altitude akin to a rubber band being stretched.
"You'll get used to it," Zariah assures him, striding forward.
Shaking off the disorientation, Axel rights his vision and jogs to catch up with her.
"Isn't it suspicious that you were with them last night and now you're returning with a stranger?"
"You would be correct,' Zariah concedes, "but I informed them I had a guest."
"And they took your word for it? They didn't what to check who is was?" Axel presses.
"I've been an ally to the Dragon spirits since a curse transformed me into a fae. They never discarded me. They trust my words." Zariah's voice carries a note of finality.
Axel bites back further questions, not wanting to revisit Zariah's painful past. But he can't shake off the worry. If they discover her deception, what would they do to her?
"Perhaps it would be better if you returned to-" he begins, but Zariah interrupts him.
"Don't fret over it. You're Noah now, not Axel. You're from Arlgates and you were raised by your father, Cyrus. As a half-elf, your skills are best suited to tending to the land. That way you wouldn't be expected to do much," she instructs, her gaze intense.
Axel meets her stern gaze, his response a simple, "Understood."
"We've arrived," Zariah announces, her voice blending with the rustle of leaves in the forest.
As Axel meanders through a sea of tents, each unique in its form, an underlying sense of daunting challenge begins to creep into his consciousness. The village is teeming with life, a lively microcosm of bustling activity. A flurry of conversations meld into a resonant buzz, punctuated by the clang of swords and the occasional thrill-seeker's whoop as they plunge off a cliff into the unknown.
An imposing sight greets him deeper into the heart of the village: a dome-shaped fighting ring, an arena of sand and sweat. A buffet of weapons lies on either side, their deadly allure glinting under the sun. The sight of two muscular men locked in combat within the ring sends a shiver of apprehension down Axel's spine. Their raw power is awe-inspiring, a brutal ballet of violence that keeps the onlookers on the edge of their seats. The metallic symphony of their swords colliding reverberates through the air, a testament to the unyielding strength of the fighters. So fierce in their duel that one sword, unable to bear the brute force of their clash, warps upon impact. Axel gulps, his throat dry as he watches the spectacle.
"Don't worry, they have both consented to the fight, either a playful rivalry or a violent display, fortunately, no-one has died, yet," Zariah mentions before moving on, her stride confident and sure.
As they move on, Axel finds himself transplanted into an idyllic scene. The azure expanse of the sky overhead, the lush green carpet of grass, it all reminds him of Earth. It's as if he's stepped into a medieval reenactment fair, complete with the thrill of combat and the hum of bustling life.
They weave their way away from the epicenter of the excitement. The raw intensity of the fight and the electrifying cheers from the crowd gradually fade into a muted backdrop, replaced by the softer sounds of village life. The occasional chime of laughter, the rustle of the wind through the trees, the distant chirp of a bird, all merge together into a comforting soundscape.
Their path leads them to an impressive structure, a robust edifice of wood and brick that stands out amidst the tents. Its size and the constant flow of people in and out suggest it is not a mere dwelling, but a place of importance. Hanging from the entrance, a flag emblazoned with a golden dragon flutters gently in the breeze. Axel squints at it, a niggling sense of familiarity tugging at his memory. A jolt of realization strikes him - the dragon emblem, it's the same as the one on the metal casket. A surge of regret washes over him. Should he have brought the emblem with him? He quickly quells the self-reproach. He couldn't he have known he'd be transported to another world. Shaking off his internal musings, Axel trails behind Zariah as she navigates through a narrow corridor that snakes into the heart of the structure. They come to a halt before a nondescript wooden door. Zariah shoots him a look, a silent communication to stay on script.
He responds with a curt nod, bracing himself.
With a soft rap of her knuckles against the wood, Zariah knocks on the door.
"Come in," beckons a voice from within, the command seeping through the barrier.
Upon entering the room, Axel is instantly drawn to a large map that dominates a wall, its surface pinned with knives and annotated with cryptic symbols. Standing before it is an older man, his stature commanding, dressed in a leather coat adorned with a fur collar. His hair, cascade of braids streaked with silver, sweeps down to his lower back- a detail that stirs a notion in Axel's mind about the significance of these braids in their culture.
Zariah straightens her posture, offering a reverential bow. Caught off guard, Axel glances between her and the man, quickly piecing together the hierarchy and following suit.
"My king, I ask for your help," Zariah begins, rising gracefully. "This is Noah, a halfling from Arlgates. He requires shelter for the time being."
The king's eyes shift to Axel, seemingly scrutinizing him, before returning to Zariah. "It's been too long, Zariah. If you vouch for him, I will permit his stay. There are rules he must abide by, of course. I must return to my duties, but we shall speak more when you get him settled."
Zariah's gaze briefly flits to Axel at the mention of vouching for him, a silent reminder of the responsibility he now bears. "Of course, we are grateful," she says, leading Axel out of the building and back into the village.
The silence between them hangs heavy, breeding an unease in Axel's stomach. Doubts gnaw at him, questions about Zariah's motives bubble up - why help him, given his parentage and the trouble they caused among the spirits?
His musings are interrupted abruptly when Zariah suddenly pushes him against a wall near an armor stall. He instinctively starts to question her, but her finger pressed against her lips silences him. She's focused on something, or someone. Peeking around the corner, Axel spots two men deeply engrossed in a conversation, one of them wrapped in bandages.
"Why are we hiding?" he whispers urgently to Zariah.
"Ruko may still sense the scale. It was too powerful to erase completely. But if he hasn't sensed it yet, it's fading. Still, it's better to err on the side of caution," she quietly replies, leading Axel out of the back of the shop.
Despite the danger, Axel feels a strange sense of gratitude. Zariah is risking much to protect him, a kindness he's unaccustomed to. A warm smile tugs at his lips, dispelling the loneliness he's grown used to.
"This is where you'll stay," Zariah informs him, pointing to a shabby tent.
"You'll need to contribute if you're staying here. Head south into the forest, you'll find what you need there. Be back here by midday."
With that, she leaves, blending into the crowd. His hand finds its way to his pocket, his thumb traces the rough surface of the scale. He's come so far, yet his purpose remains unknown. He doesn't feel he belongs here, among wolves and dragons, in this fantastical world. But for now, he has a place where he isn't alone, and that's a start, he only wish his grandfather could be by his side.
Venturing into the forest, Axel finds himself hoping he won't be tasked with tending to a sprawling garden. His track record with plants is less than stellar - his high school botany project, a once-thriving plant, ended up a withered husk due to his negligence.
His attention is suddenly arrested by a flower of an ethereal beauty. Its petals, an enchanting blend of purple and blue, it sways gently in the breeze, while its core glows like a miniature sun. An inexplicable urge seizes him, a chorus of disembodied voices compelling him to reach out for the mesmerizing bloom. As if under a spell, he extends his hand towards it, his body becoming eerily cold. The voices recede as the flower starts decaying, its vibrant beauty fading into a grotesque rot.
"What are you doing?" A voice breaks through his trance, causing Axel to retract his hand abruptly.
"The flower..." he begins, his gaze shifting back to the plant, which has miraculously restored itself to its original beauty.
"It's a spell trap designed to ensnare wolves. Harmless to us, but lethal to any wolf that touches it," the stranger explains. "I assume you're here to replace me. Here, you'll need this." He hands Axel a thick rope and disappearing as rapid as he appeared.
Axel examines the forest around him and then the rope in his hands. He spots a similar rope tied around a tree trunk, looping around a branch. The realization dawns on him - he's meant to set up similar traps. The problem? He has no idea how they work. With a sigh, he lets the rope tumble from his hands onto the forest floor. He takes a moment to rub his eyes with his fingertips, then crouches down, resting his forehead on his knees.
A series of low groans disrupts Axel's contemplation. He straightens up, letting the sounds guide him. As the groans become more distinct, a deep, husky resonance, Axel hesitates to continue. It's not too late to turn back to his tasks and avoid any potential trouble. But the groans could be a plea for help, and he can't ignore it. Carefully, he peers out from behind a tree. His eyes take in the sight of a muscular man, his body rippled with sinew and strength, engaging in a fierce dance with his sword. The man's gasp punctuates each powerful strike, his beige skin glowing under the sun. Axel lowers his eyes, a wave of guilt washing over him - he feels intrusive, like an unwelcome observer.
Retreating, his footing snaps a twig, the resulting snap echoing like a gunshot in the silence. Panic surges through him as an object embeds itself in the tree he's hiding behind. His heart pounding in his ears, he clamps a hand over his mouth.
"Show yourself!" the man bellows.
Axel presses himself further into the tree, the rough bark digging into his skin. The rustling of leaves and heavy footfalls grow louder, the man's deep breaths sounding as if he's right next to his ear.
"Ruko, who are you shouting at now?" a new voice interjects. "Whoever it is, they can wait. The king needs to speak with you."
Axel's hand drops from his mouth, and his lip's part. Unsure of what to think or do, he tilts his back onto the bark. Startled, he flinches as the tree shakes from something being pulled out of it.
"Fine, but make sure you check it out," Ruko demands firmly.
As the footsteps fade into the distance, Axel seizes the opportunity to flee. He fights the urge to glance behind him, fearing the beasts might by following him. His breathing finds a steady rhythm, yet his legs seem to burn with every stride. The scenery blurs to the point, he couldn't make out what's ahead of him. Despite his inner plea to slow down, his arms continue to pump. Is this the power of adrenaline?
His body surrenders to an uncontrollable force, maneuvering past obstacles and hurtling forward at an untamed pace. The swirling green and brown surroundings twists Axel's stomach, rendering him powerless to move his limbs. Frustration mounts as he realizes that his own body has succumbed to an external influence. He attempts to assert authority with a commanding shout, but his efforts are confined to his mind. As he is propelled into action once more, his legs falter, unable to match the breakneck speed. His descent culminates in a collision with the earth, his side colliding with an overgrown root before his back slams against a tree, leaving him gasping for breath.
His eyes roll back before his body slumps to the ground. Familiar darkness envelopes him, accompanied, by a crackling sensation of electricity. Water seeps into the soles of his shoes, soaking his socks once more. Surveying the surroundings, he sought the dragon and the cub, never expecting to encounter them so soon. A bolt of lightning crackles, sending him to his knees. His mouth agape, the torment renders him voiceless, enduring the onslaught of silent agony. Unbeknownst to him, the scent of leather being tanned over a flame , is his flesh burning. Teetering on the edge of death, his nerves fall dumb , forcing him into a state of paralysis , bearing the weight of impending doom. He directs his eyes toward the faint footsteps rippling through the water, his breath catching as he fixates on ethereal figures emerging before him. A wolf, its coat ablaze with a manganese blue light and eyes aflame in orange, approaches alongside a smaller dragon, its scales a deep set garnet . As Axel's vision blurs, the two creatures seamlessly m old into a monstrous hybrid. He squeezes his eyes shut, and upon reopening, the entities return to their distinct, separate forms.
"You will not die here," assures the dragon as it approaches closer to Axel's lifeless form.
"It exists only in your mind ." The wolf smirks.
Axel stirs from his slumber, his breaths shallow and forceful. The sunset beams directly into his tent, prompting him to shield his eyes with his arm. Recollecting his vivid dream, he checks his body for any signs of injury. It had felt eerily real, as if his flesh had been melting from his bones. The spirits appeared young the previous night, but now they seem larger, more commanding, and their authoritative voices still sent shivers down Axel's spine. Their tones creaked like those of adolescent boy. Puzzles, Axel glances down at his side, wondering if they were somehow growing.
"Finally, you're awake," Zariah exclaimed, parting the flap on the tent. "What the hell happened?"
After a moment's contemplation, Axel replied solemnly, "I don't know. I mean, I do, but I haven't quite figured it out yet."
Zariah took a seat beside him. "I know we're still strangers, but just so you know, you can trust me."
"It's not that I don't want to tell you, I just haven't connected all the pieces yet."
"Let me know when you do," Zariah said with a smile. "Besides, I did manage to piece you back together."
"Was it that bad?" Axel questioned.
"I've seen worse, but you healed just in time. The King has invited us to a welcome party."
"But what about the scale?"
"It's been hours. Its scent will be sealed, for now," Zariah assured.
"We shouldn't be late to our own party. Care to join me?"
Axel nods as they set off in the direction where the smoke dominates the sky. He is struck by the resemblance of the party to raucous frat gatherings-wild and undaunted. Different cliques mingle, identifiable by their attire and appearance. Axel can't shake the thought: if spirits couldn't intermingle with other kinds, isn't it risky to unite them all in one village? Could there be more to the war that he hasn't yet grasped? He turns to ask Zariah, but she's vanished. Axel freezes, recalling that this is precisely why he avoids parties.
Preferring not to appear out of place, he presses on, passing a group engaged in mock swordplay, drinks in hand. He concedes it's impressive, but not as awe-inspiring as the group soaring above him. He dwells on the situation and can't help but question why they were flying through the haze, he attributes it to the foolishness induced by alcohol.
One thing Axel despises about alcohol is the regrettable flings, and there are plenty of them happening. They didn't bother concealing it, fully embracing each other as if their lives depended on it. Lips smacking, hands fumbling with their clothes. At least they have the sense to seek privacy for the whole affair.
Axel comes to a halt, casting his eyes towards Ruko, who is leaning on a railing, head tilted to the stars. It occurs to him that he's never seen the stars in this world before. They shine brighter and larger, making it easier to fall in love with them. Axel shifts his focus back to Ruko, and their eyes lock. His heart quickens and his palms begin to sweat.
The intense stare bores into him, yet he couldn't tear his gaze away. Ruko remains stoic, his eyes narrowing.
"You're Noah," a unfamiliar face intrudes into his vision. "Zariah's friend, right?"
His racing pulse gradually steadies as he blinks, refocusing on the man in front of him. "Yeah."
"I'm Reid. Zariah and I go way back. Anyway, why are you just standing here?" he inquires, twisting his body to glance behind him. "Were you threatened by Ruko?" He chuckles. "Don't worry about him. He's harmless."
Axel's gaze fell to his feet. He didn't consider Ruko harmless; rather, he found him imposing and authoritative. Reid calls out Ruko's name, causing Axel to react impulsively, covering Reid's mouth, but it was too late. Unable to flee this time, he jerks his hand away. If he can keep his composure, there's nothing to fret about.
"Ruko, this is Noah, our newest addition," Reid proclaims, slinging his arm around Axel's shoulder.
Ruko folds his arms. "Why should I care?"
"He's just being standoffish because you're new," Reid explains, grinning at Axel. "He has to exude this tough exterior as the top commander."
Axel swallows hard, gazing at Ruko's shoes, his heart racing at the thought of meeting his eyes. "Nice to meet you, Ruko."
"It is considered rude to avoid making eye contact when speaking to someone. And address me as Commander Karuko," his stern words pierces Axel's heart like a million needles.
"You don't have to be-" Reid starts as Axel slips away from his hold, disappearing into the crowd. No one had ever spoken to him in such a manner; if they had, he would have surely stood up for himself. But he couldn't shake off the feeling of being rejected. Not the rejection of unrequited love, but not giving him a chance to get to know him.
Glancing over his shoulder, he sees the two engaging in conversation on the balcony. He sighs, nibbling the inside of his gums. Axel couldn't let it go, not in his world or this one. Concealed amidst the inebriated guests, he sidles up to the edge of the balcony, near enough to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Reid chuckles softly, "I've never heard you sound so cold. It even gave me chills."
Peering around the corner, they both lean against the railing to face the party.
"I don't know, either," Ruko says, lowering his head into his hands before straightening up. "I just suddenly felt irritated, like I was being pestered by a child. He made my blood boil with frustration and annoyance."
Axel grinds his teeth to avoid letting his words slip. He shouldn't be affected by a stranger's words. He hesitates to confront them as he contemplates being in the spotlight. He feels a compelling force from deep within urging him not to move. Just then, a burst of light pieces through the dense foliage, drawing his gaze to its source.
The bright orb guides through the branches. Axel senses a powerful energy emanating from the glimmering flash. The festive sounds of the party fade into the tranquil symphony of nature, the whimsical calls of owls and the rustling of nocturnal critters. His own shadow stretches before him, a silent companion in the subdued glow. He turns, narrowing his eyes in an attempt to discern the nature of the mesmerizing blue light. The formidable silhouette of Axel's spirit wolf emerges before him, its imposing form surpassing its previous manifestation.
He cautiously approaches yet keeping a distance. A wave of familiarity and comfort soothes him, but he finds the feeling unsettling as he remembers being scotched the last time they talked.
"How are you here?" Axel asks.
"Our powers are growing. We'll be able to communicate in many ways."
Is this normal? He couldn't recollect witnessing anyone engaging in conversation with their spirits. If he had, he would likely deem them mentally unstable. A barrage of questions echoes in his mind, demanding answers. Reflecting on the moments when his own body became beyond his control, he opts to pursue the reason behind it.
"Are you controlling me?"
The wolf stalks closer, its head tilting as though attempting to gauge Axel's awareness. "We've been trying to warn you. Your powers are becoming unstable."
Axel lowers his head, observing the gentle breeze as it sways the grass beside him. "Wait. Explain."
The wolf focuses out at the village. "We do assistance you but the scale has been too powerful for us to hold back without a life force."
"Life force?"" Axel asks, blocking the wolf's view to have its full attention.
The spirit scans over him before emitting a low grunt. "If you don't control it, it will control you. It will start killing everyone. The scale needs a host."
Axel casts a wary glance over his shoulder at the distant village, he certainly didn't wish to harm anyone.
He turns back to respond to the wolf, but he is met with darkness. The once-familiar surrounding dissipates, replaced by a sense of unease and loneliness. The forest takes on haunting allure, and the strengthening of the wind, though seemingly soothing against the heat of the night, only amplifies the unsettling rustles of leaves and snapping branches, heightening Axel's feeling that an unseen presence is watching him.
Dismissing the feeling, he trails along the edge of the forest. If he allows the dragons to destroy the scale, he might never return home, but would that mean he can remain in control?
Axel slows his pace as voices arise from behind one of the tents. He rubs his forehead, uncertain if he has the energy to endure talking to anyone. The voices fall silent setting Axel into a fumbling mess as he tries to find a place to hide. His gaze locks onto a familiar face, not someone he's particularly glad to see.
"It's you," Reid says, stepping out from behind the tent, with Zariah behind him. "You scared us."
A soft smile forms on Zariah's face that beings to soothes Axel's nerves. The world didn't seem to be that bad, if she's in it. Despite his popular image in his world, Axel concealed his true feelings, he never felt as if anyone truly knew him.
In this world, is it possible to be himself? But a pestering thought bothers him- does he truly know himself?
At first, he believed it was wrong to have feelings towards a man. As life progressed and he matured, it became increasingly challenging to hide it. He didn't fear losing popularity or his grandfather finding out; what he fears is the opinion of others, one person in particular. He envisions Cameron- deep, blue eyes and rosy lips. He noticed his feeling developing during the first year of university, as if their meting in class was destined. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Cameron's hookups always concluded with him calling Axel to divulge the details. Emma, Sophie, Taylor- the list went on, and when he returns, the next name he'll add is Alison.
"What's with the sudden look on your face?" Reid says, draping his arm around Axel's shoulder once again. "Try this. Consider it as a welcome gift."
With a sly smile, Reid places a small chocolate truffle in Axel's hand.
The smile fading from Zariah's face cautions him, as he sniffs the truffle, welcoming the nutty aromas that fill his nostrils. Anticipation bubbles in his stomach; it's been hours since his last meal. He steals a glance at Zariah, finding her eyes locked onto Reid with raised eyebrows. Exhaling heavily, Axel indulges in the truffle. He gulps down the chocolate as Reid chuckles and gives him a friendly slap on the back.
"How was it?" Reid asks between breaths.
Axel wipes his lips. "Tastes like chocolate."
"Coated with Resh."
His eyebrows shoot up as his heart quickens. Seeking Zariah's attention, but she crosses her arms and shakes her head. Thoughts rush through his mind at lightning speed, too quick for him to grasp.
"What's going on?" Axel mutters, feeling his tongue swell in his mouth.
Reid bursts into laughter, holding his stomach. Amidst coughs, he responds, "Just wait."
Axel didn't have to wait long as he begins to hallucinate. Aurora light's paint the sky, and the moon splits into two. His body remains unresponsive, immersing in a calm and relaxing state, akin to a deep sleep. His mouth tingles, and his fingers seem to extent before his eyes.
"Just go with it. Otherwise, it might turn into something you don't want," Reid says, his expression stern.
Axel can't help but giggle, unable to take Reid seriously as they embark into the forest.