The Other Side

Chapter 24 : Unexpected Reveal

The battle commenced, Kaito and Jason charged at each other, their weapons bared. Kaito swings up to hit Jason's snout and barely knicks him with the tip when Jason pulled away. The snarls could be heard from the audience at the sight of Jason being hit by a mere human. On the other hand, I was ecstatic. Kaito was one step closer to winning with that small cut, as long as Jason's strike doesn't overpower Kaito's defenses.

Both of them neck and neck, swinging to miss, and biting to get a mouthful of dirt and rubble. They continuously avoid each other's strikes and hits, slightly becoming boring from the sight of no action happening. They'd get in short knicks here and there but nothing too lethal. I see a glint in Kaito's eye that he was trying his hardest to beat Jason since my life with him was on the line. Seeing him work so hard, had my heart fluttering to the rooftops.

Kaito stops in his tracks, pulling back his sword about to strike. When his moment was right, flung himself at Jason cutting a slash along the dragon's chest. A massive wound in its wake, red-gushing blood flowing from the slash. Jason stumbled backward astonished that Kaito landed a huge hit to him. Trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of him from surprisement left him wide open. Kaito saw this as a chance to land another hit and rushed toward him to drive his sword in. Jason recovered in time to grab his sword and hoist him up, tossing him to the wall with a deafening crack coming from Kaito's body.

My heart drops from the sound that radiated the arena, cheers and roars sounded from it as well. Kaito struggles to get back up but when he finally lifted his head, his eyes were different. Either it was pure determination or something else spawned inside him. Something, not human. A dark aura started to cascade around him, radiating off him, with a shadow-like glow. My brain does somersaults in my head from the sight before me.

Kaito stood back up, seeming unharmed even after the crack from the impact. The look that befell upon Jason's face was entertaining. To see the fear run through his veins and consume him from just the sight of Kaito was picture-worthy. But he didn't give up, he charged with flames spouting from his thick scales and skin, making him look like he was burning himself. A strong flame shoots out from his mouth toward Kaito. A shield forms from what looked like smoke and dispurses the fire away from Kaito's power surging body.

The flames disappear and what was left was an unharmed Kaito charging a strike straight at Jason's chest. He plunges his sword straight forward only to be knocked out his hand and tossed to the edge of the ring. "Stop, this battle is over. What...ever you are kid, you're not killing Jason otherwise his father would wage war with my kingdom. I'll continue the challenge, and if you manage to make me vulnerable then I'll release Verda." The king says and shifts in front of Jason. Kaito picks up his sword and looks back at the king.

"So be it," Kaito practically growls back at him, while the guards double around me to make sure I don't jump off the ledge and try to help. He picked himself up with his sword in hand and took a few steps back to ready himself. So did the king as well. The royal shifted into a large black dragon with small golden flecks scattered all over his body. A raucous growl rumbled through the crowd and sent fear through my bones.

The same shadow glow befell upon Kaito, making his appearance threatening and more powerful than before. Eyes turned completely black and a sinister smile crept over his demented expression. 'What's happening to him?' I thought while watching his personality change. Power surged off his body in massive waves and I caught sight off the fear in the crowds' eyes. I turned toward the king and he seemed extremely determined to beat Kaito for the sake of his kingdom so that he could keep me.

Kaito charged like a flash of lightning and struck upon the kings head, making the dragon fall unconscious on the ground. "One hit and he's down?! What are you?!" Jason shrieked out from the fear and worry for the king and himself. Kaito stood straight and glared at Jason with full hatred and anger. "You two were planning on using her and I wasn't going to let that happen. Verda, as you call her, is mine. No one else's." He states with venom in his voice that caused everyone's hearts to sink into submission.

I stared down at Kaito, seeing the demented man that changed on the outside. But the same Kaito that I grew to love. Stating his obsession and protectiveness over me sent the butterflies in my stomach absolutely ballistic. His gaze fell upon me and I knew right then I wasn't leaving his side and not like I wanted to either. He jumped up onto the balcony that I was assigned to and had the guards running for the hills. The dark aura still surrounding him caused me to be hesitant and I believe he noticed it. Clearing the powerful surge that surrounded him and offered his hand.

"I'm not going to hurt you. You're mine, no one else's. Come with me, let's get out of here." He offers and I gladly accept taking his hand in mine. We jumped off the edge together into the battle arena bowl and looked over at the king who was barely regaining consciousness.

"Explain, everything. NOW!" Kaito ordered him staring holes into the top of the dragons head. The king lifted his head to look up at Kaito before he shifted back.

"Fine, I'll explain. I'm not your real father, your actual father sent you here for us to look after you. We taught you how to shift into a dragon so you could fit in with the rest of the young ones. I saw your potential but also did Marethyu. He stole you from us and Gabriel, your father, was furious. We looked high and low for you but Martehtyu hid you too well. And once you came back here, the thought of your potential came back and it consumed me. I'm deeply sorry for the rashness we've shown you." He explained and apologized.

I look back over to Kaito to see his expression soften from the explanation and offers his hand to the king. "I don't wish you any harm. But if you try to take Verda away and use her for her potential. I will not hesitate to put you down." He threatened while helping the king up to his feet.

"I understand completely." He admits before letting go and heading back into the castle. I look back at Kaito and hug him tightly, kissing him numerous times over.

"Thank you..." I reply sheepishly looking up at him with gratitude and love.

"Anything for you, your Majesty"