Dissidia Final Fantasy: Unus Mundus

Chapter Twenty ~ Dinner With the Emperor (Kain)

It was only a day's walk for Leon and Kain as they approached Palemecia Castle, and as they watched, they quickly realized that it was oddly quiet. "If he wanted to attack," Leon began, "he would have already deployed his soldiers. If he wanted to keep people out, the castle's defenses would be way higher than this. Why is it so quiet?"

"Perhaps the reason is simpler than we're thinking," Kain replied quietly. "What if the Emperor simply hasn't had the time to gather an army together?"

"He wouldn't need time." Leon kept his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword. "He swore a blood oath with Hell itself, became its ruler, and can summon its demons at will. He's holding back, but for what...?"

"We're facing the ruler of Hell?" Kain asked with a bit of a laugh.

"He became God for a little while too," Leon laughed in return. "Yet we still managed to subdue him both times. Jokes aside, this whole deal is suspicious."

Kain stood a bit taller as they watched the castle. "You recommended parleying with him. Does he know we're coming?"

"How would we have told him?" asked Leon, walking towards the castle. "There wouldn't have been time to send a letter or anything like that. This whole ordeal only began a matter of days ago. There would never have been the time to contact him. And besides, he's not exactly what you might call merciful. But what would you expect from a man who gave his soul up for endless power?"

"I assume he has less sense than a monster?"

"More or less, but it was the same for me when I was under his control. Now let's go." Leon gestured for Kain to follow him and they both went quiet as they began sneaking close to the castle. With how dark it was and the fact that both of them wore somewhat dark clothing, it would have been difficult for them to be detected on the chance that the Emperor really did have a form of security around the castle. With a single leap, Kain found himself right up against the wall of the castle. Even upon touching the cold bricks on the wall, there was no sort of alarm triggered, no security monsters or anything. 

"It's unsettling," Kain spoke softly as he put his ear to the wall. "I can't hear anything."

"The walls are thick," Leon replied as he began walking with less caution. He tapped on the brick wall as he passed Kain. "It's designed to withstand even the strongest of armies. Ironically, his army was the strongest in the world before Firion and our other friends joined the Resistance."

Kain and Leon made their way towards the massive front door. It was almost three times the height of either of the two men and made of sturdy wood. Even so, the doors were cracked open. "Something about this seems odd..." Kain spoke softly as he examined the door. "Doesn't it almost seem like the Emperor is expecting us? This has to be a trap of some sort. Tread cautiously." Kain pushed the door open more as he looked around. The castle was well-lit and very clean, though not empty. The entire lobby was void of any living creatures, but there were all sorts of decorative furniture set in an organized manner, which made the castle feel much more welcoming than it should have. Not only that, but they could hear faint music in the distance. It was a classical waltz. A door leading into the throne room opened up. The two men lifted their weapons as they saw who was opening the door—a tall woman in a long, red, and rather provocative dress.

"It seems Mateus was right in waiting," she said with a seductive smirk. "Please, come on in." 

Kain and Leon didn't waver or fix their gaze on anything other than the woman's menacing eyes as they followed her through the door. The woman turned around, and as she walked, they saw the man of the hour—Emperor Mateus himself.

"Hello there," the Emperor said to Kain. "I don't believe we've officially met, yet I sense a hint of darkness within you. Could you tell me your name?"

"K-Kain..." Kain stammered. There was a battle going on in his mind as he tried to fight the temptation of Emperor Mateus's dark power. "Kain Highwind."

"Oh, a Highwind, I see," the Emperor said with a brief chuckle. "Yes, there have been many of you showing up. Anyways, Kain, I would like to introduce you to my little pet. I believe you're familiar with his name. Have you met Leon?"

"What are you talking about?" asked Kain. "Leon and I came in here together."

"Are you sure?" the Emperor smirked. "I believe the man you speak of passed away as soon as he came into my presence. All I see is a soulless monster beside you with a Dark Sword fixated right at your chest."

Kain didn't want to believe the Emperor's words, nor did he, until he turned to look at Leon. It wasn't Leon anymore. His eyes glowed bright purple and his teeth were clenched. His entire demeanor had changed, and he looked filled with rage, ready to burst. "Leon..." Kain readied his spear as he took a step back, and the Emperor simply couldn't help but laugh. 

"Magic is a powerful thing," he said. "As is addiction. The second Leon saw my face, he succumbed to it. At my command, he can kill you in an instant."

"What!?" Kain tried to keep his eyes on the Dark Sword that Leon carried. It looked so familiar...

"I heard you two discussing my lack of an army," the Emperor replied with a smirk. "Suffice to say, you two made some very good points. So, I made preparations to get my right hand man back. Don't you worry, Kain. Our goal isn't conquest... yet." With the wave of his hand, Leon shoved Kain out of the throne room as Mateus continued to speak. "Go let your friends in Fynn know that war is on the horizon, and nothing can stop it." With one more wave of his hand, the Emperor made Leon shut the door and lock it, leaving Kain alone.