" LEGENDS OF SOUTH "

In other universe?

Once upon the time.

The wind whipped through the ancient oaks of the Moniyan empire, carrying the echoes of laughter and the sharp sting of sibling rivalry. Gregory and Estella, heir and spare to the throne of the Lightborn Kingdom, were as different as the sun and moon. Gregory, the elder, was a whirlwind of impulsive energy, always chasing adventure and pushing boundaries. Estella, quiet and contemplative, found solace in the whispers of the wind and the wisdom of ancient texts. Their differences sparked constant friction, their arguments echoing through the grand halls of the palace, fueled by a potent mix of love and frustration.

Their childhood was a tapestry woven with both joy and conflict. They shared secret hideaways in the forest, built elaborate forts from fallen branches, and dreamt of a future where they would rule together, their strengths complementing each other. But their differences, like thorns on a rose, often pricked their bond. Gregory, impatient and reckless, would often disregard Estella's warnings, leading to near-disasters that left Estella exasperated and Gregory defiant.

Their bond, however, was forged in the fires of shared adversity. When a plague swept through the kingdom, they worked tirelessly side-by-side, comforting the sick and tending to the dying. Gregory, fueled by his boundless energy, would tirelessly search for herbs and remedies, while Estella, with her calm demeanor and sharp intellect, would meticulously track the disease's spread and devise strategies for containment.

Their childhood, however, was shattered by a single, devastating event. Gregory, lured by a whispered promise of power, ventured into the Barren Lands, a desolate wasteland ruled by the Devourers, creatures of darkness and despair. The Devourers, led by the cunning and ruthless Cartman, sought to extinguish the Lightborn Kingdom and plunge the world into eternal darkness. Gregory, blinded by his thirst for power, fell prey to Cartman's insidious charm and was forced to become one of them, his soul tainted by the Devourer's dark magic.

Estella, heartbroken and enraged, vowed to avenge her brother and liberate him from the Devourer's grasp. Years passed, and Estella, fueled by her grief and unwavering determination, honed her skills, becoming a formidable warrior. She assembled a loyal band of warriors, the Lightborn Squad, each with unique talents and unwavering loyalty. They trained relentlessly, their hearts burning with a shared desire to reclaim the light and vanquish the darkness.

The day of reckoning arrived, and Estella, leading her squad, charged into the heart of the Barren Lands, their swords gleaming like beacons of hope. The battle was fierce, a clash of light and darkness, hope and despair. Estella, her spear glowing with celestial energy, fought with the fury of a lioness protecting her cubs.

Her gaze fell upon Gregory, his eyes now cold and empty, his body adorned with a pulsating gem that held him captive to the Devourer's will. With a cry of anguish and love, Estella hurled her spear, its tip piercing the gem. The gem shattered, releasing a wave of dark energy that sent Gregory reeling into the void, a chasm of pure darkness that threatened to consume him.

Estella, without hesitation, leaped into the void, her hand reaching out to grasp Gregory's. She held on tight, her strength fueled by a love that transcended even the abyss. But the void was relentless, its grip tightening, pulling them both towards oblivion.

"I can't hold on anymore," Gregory whispered, his voice a hollow echo of his former self. His eyes, once filled with mischief and warmth, now reflected the cold emptiness of the void.

Tears streamed down Estella's face, her grip on Gregory's hand weakening. The void, a hungry beast, threatened to devour them both.

"Don't let go," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Please, don't let go."

The darkness closed in, threatening to consume them both. Their love, a flickering flame in the face of oblivion, was their only hope.