Revelation

The Return of the Demon Swordsman

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Jack brought a hand up to scratch frustratedly at his hair. "Dammit... It seems like we're walking in circles..."

"It seems so... It might be better if everyone split into groups."

"Yeah, you're right. All right, everyone split up and search the castle in groups."

As she looked around at the various corridors and hallways, Elsa spoke without looking at them. "Just like earlier, when it's time to meet up, gather when you hear my voice, got it?"

"Got it. If any of you find a staircase, yell so that you let us all know. If you hear anyone, Elsa, I want you to sing."

"Got it."

..~..

...Found it. This is it.

Jack smiled triumphantly to himself as the beginning steps of a staircase lay before him. About to turn around and report back to the others, a voice suddenly spoke,

"I am the forgotten god, the betrayed king, the buried dragon..."

Dammit! Jack hissed, readying himself. Not this again!

"In the name of the Invisible King... Perish!"

Something moved behind Jack, and before he could react, he was knocked out and everything went hazy and white.

..~..

Jack woke up to a familiar set of wise eyes and a beard.

"North..."

"You finally woke up. What a relief." North helped him up, giving him a smile that was both exasperated and thankful.

"Yes... I was hit by a strong magical attack..."

His retainer seemed to be agitated. North looked over his shoulder, frowning. "The enemy fled that way. I will pursue them, so please rest a little, Lord Jack, all right?"

Jack shook his head quickly. "No, I'll go too. Let's capture the enemy together. There's something I want to confirm..."

North was silent for a moment, seeming to be almost reluctant before he finally spoke. "Yes...understood. Then, let us advance."

As they started in the direction where North said the enemy had retreated, Jack voiced his thoughts. "That enemy earlier... They might be the one who killed Tooth."

"What did you say?! Is that true?"

"Yes..." the prince nodded. "...I am the forgotten god, the betrayed king, the buried dragon... They chanted the same things when they tried to kill me at the Infinite Chasm."

North let out a sigh of mixed bewilderment and resignation. "...The enemy seems to go after you when you're alone. It is as if someone knows we are going off on our own. Indeed, there is a traitor in our midst..."

"It's too early to say that, North," Jack said with a frown. "We need more evidence before making those kinds of assumptions."

"But... I remember clearly. The flower that Lady Tooth pinned on her chest that burned completely... I do not want to see you with those same, dead eyes, Lord Jack," said North, sighing sadly.

Jack didn't say anything, preferring to keep quiet as they walked on and tried to mull over the new information he had acquired.

..~..

"Huh? Jack...?"

"Elsa...?" Jack looked in surprise at his friend, as they had rounded a corner and nearly collided with her.