Curse

Konig Des Todes · Dec 22, 2008, 10:55 PM // 22:55

I am still rather new to writing, so I know my writing style isn't that good. So I will be expecting some constructive criticism. I will be updating the thread with new chapters every Monday, unless I don't have time to write a full chapter. Anyways, enjoy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of a Lich
Journal of Konig “Des Todes” Doric

Rise of a Lich, Fall of Gods

Prologue:

Constantly, evil and good quarrel in this world; I have been cursed, and so has this world. But no matter how cursed this world becomes, I will always have a greater curse - for I am forced to save it, lest I suffer the same fate as him. I was an idiot then, I wanted power. I received that power, but was cursed by it. I now am forced to do what I don’t want to do. How did this all begin? Oh yeah…

Konig Des Todes · Dec 22, 2008, 10:58 PM // 22:58

Chapter One:

Konig Doric, born in the year 147 AA (After the Arrival *of humans on Tyria*), became a self-imposed outcast of his family. He was tutored by the current vizier, Grenth, but, with Grenth knowing, escaped to train with the Sacred Guard of Balthazar, the top fighter in all Tyria and Elona. Konig desired power, and in search of that, he left his family and the few friends he had. He searched for power with only finding trouble.

169 AA

But there was another reason why he left Arah. When his father, Herzog Doric, arranged a forced marriage for Konig; that is when he finally decided to escape the city of Arah. Konig, in a dark red cloak, travelled with a caravan to the edge of the Crystal Sea, to the port of Amnoon. Just as the rumors said, it is a desolate and barely visited town. Some may mistake it for a ghost town, and it would be if it wasn’t for the Margonites who used it.

Margonites, the people of the sea, they only worship the God of Water. While fitting, they miss out on true power. Only Dhuum and Balthazar can give the power people desire, why bother with weaklings. I’ll never understand them. People care about wealth, not strength. Strength is what moves this world; money cannot save your life from the hands of Dhuum. It’s a shame that to get off of this rock I need to help the Margonites.

To be allowed on the seemingly wrecked ship just to get a ride, even though he paid, Konig was forced to manage the cargo. Among the cargo he spotted a rare Garnet stone, the only stone found to resemble Konig’s favorite, and signature, color on all of the known Tyria. And with his departure, he stole it the color fit his lust for power easily.

But, Konig did not get far before the Margonites found out. Konig just got off of the ship and into the cesspool of an outpost. Realizing that he was found out, he ran. Past the giant beetles, and through chasms, Konig found himself in an underground complex of tunnels. He used this to escape his pursuers. But whenever he thought he was safe, the very same Margonites found him again. Constantly, Konig headed Northeast. North, east, north, east; never changing direction, hiding where possible. He escaped several close calls, each time he cursed Abaddon simply because the Margonites worshipped him.

****

Several days have passed, possibly weeks, and the Margonites never gave up the chase. Konig found himself near the brink of civilization, if he hadn’t already passed it. The number of Skree and Hekets that he avoids has increased tenfold. Chasms are much more common in site, and with that, more hiding places. For now, he keeps low, hoping that either the Margonites back off or are assaulted by the filthy monsters.

Waking up the next day, Konig hear Skree shouting, shouts and cries of fight. Quickly getting up to see where they were and who or what they were fighting, he say that they were just attacking each other. Common quarrels among a primitive race. Nothing to worry about. Wait… What is that? Peering closer at what the Skree were fighting over, he noticed a Margonite bag. Easy to tell it was a Margonite bag due to the unique design of the common mark of the Margonites, one every Margonite ship held and every Margonite wore on their cloths and items. A six eyed mask, the symbol of their patron god.

Sighing, he knew he was no longer going to be pursued, whether the Margonites gave up and left, or were killed, he couldn’t tell. He didn’t know if the Skree ate on sight or took the bodies elsewhere. Who knows how primitive animals think.

Konig started sneaking around the other side of the Skree, hoping to leave before they noticed him along with the Margonites’ supplies. Slowly and carefully, using the best of his abilities to not make a sound, he nearly made it out unnoticed. Just nearly. When he thought he was in the clear, he turned and quickened his pace. But the very first step after turning around, he kicked a tiny rock. But that rock was all that was needed for the Skree to hear. Seeing a fresh meal, they went into frenzy and chased Konig.

Once more Konig found himself running for his life, just when he thought he was able to be at ease and not have his life threatened, he was being chased by Skree. Skree were worse than the Margonites. The Margonites simply wanted to kill him, Skree wanted to eat him, alive or dead.

After a sharp turn in a canyon, Konig spotted a cave. Knowing the Skree were far back enough to not see him go into the cave, he ducked in. But he forgot that the Skree had a better sense of smell than humans. The Skree were not fooled by Konig’s actions. Cornered in a dead end cave, thinking he would die, he surveyed his surroundings. Behind him, a large rock – not enough to take out his enemies - above him, he noticed many cracks, and to his right above, a sword. It looked like someone tried to make the cave collapse on some pursuers in the past.

Thinking he would be able to dig his way out after the Skree die from the rocks or leave if they got out, he grabbed a large rock that was just behind him. Thinking he would use the rock as a weapon, the Skree in the front backed up a little. At this, Konig took the chance and slammed the rock into the hilt of the sword. The crack spread, and at first only small rocks and dust fell. Then nothing. The Skree closed in, thinking nothing was going to happen.

Headchopperz · Dec 24, 2008, 02:58 PM // 14:58

nice pictures, ill read the story later

Konig Des Todes · Dec 30, 2008, 01:36 AM // 01:36

Because I'm slow, I missed updating this Friday, and nearly forgot to today.
--------------------------------
Chapter Two:

How long have I been stuck here now? It feels like forever. I can’t tell day from night anymore.

It has been several days, or so it seems, since the Skree cornered Konig in a cave and he created a break in the ceiling. Some of the Skree were crushed by the rocks, many got out before the rocks fell on top of them though. They were relentless, and he was starving, only surviving by the plants that came out of the ground – hardly edible at that. The rocks were bigger than expected. Too large to move, and the sword was buried underneath so he couldn’t use that as a tool.

Feeling like he was on the brink of death, hating his mistake upon the Margonite ship, and refusing to die just yet, Konig called out into the air.

“DHUUM! God of Death! Hear me!” Konig shouted. On the other side the Skree, shocked by the sudden sound inside the cave, started rustling.

“Give me the power I seek! Give me the power to do as I wish and I will serve you and your will! I would rather die now then be stuck here, but I know that you if any god would grant me what I desire!”

At this, the ground suddenly rumbled, and on the other side of the bolder Konig heard the Skrees scream in pain and agony. Perhaps they got hungry enough to revert to cannibalism?

A few seconds later, after the screaming halted, the bolder moved. Instinctually, Konig shied away, only to see the ghastly form of Dhuum’s well known servant, The Fury.

“You wished for power, and yet you shy away from the one who comes to give it. Humorous mortal.” The Fury said, taunting Konig.

“I only shied because I thought the Skrees found a way in finally.” Konig sneered without thought.

The Fury moved to a side, “As you can see, no Skree is left alive. I have sent them to my lord for their punishment. And now, for yours…” It said as moving slowly to Konig.

“So you are here to kill me then.”

“Yes, and no. You shall see what I mean soon.” At that instant, Konig lost consciousness. His last thought being: Damn that Dhuum. I didn’t ask for death.

****

A few hours later, Konig woke up. But to his surprise, he did not wake up in the Underworld. He was still in the cave. Staring at his hands and body, he saw that he was in his own body, flesh and bones, blood and all.

“What’s the meaning of this, I thought you were going to kill me.” Konig questioned, expecting to still see The Fury there.

“You will see soon enough, Mor- no, Konig Des Todes.” The Fury’s voice said, as if a part of the wind.

Confused but grateful he wasn’t dead; he left the cave and head West, the best way to go to get to civilization. It was a week before he reached Vabbi. Strangely, Konig never felt the need to rest, sleep, or eat. He didn’t bother thinking about things like that.

****

In Vabbi, his cloths torn and wrecked, he tried to use the little money he had bother to keep in his journey to the east to buy some new cloths.

“WHAT?!? You want me to pay 25 Platinum for simple cloths? Don’t you have anything for poor people?” Konig shouted at the local tailor.

“Nope, there are no poor people in Vabbi, you should know that. Besides, where can you get any kind of cloths that better then that” pointing at Konig’s ragged cloths “anywhere in Tyria?” The tailor gloated.

“Orr for one. Few poor people there, but at least they can serve the poor travelers!” Konig, now making a scene, shouted.

“Orr? Look, just because the gods live in your country doesn’t mean their not a backwater country.” She taunted.

“My country? How did you know I was Orrian?”

“Those men over there showed me a poster of you saying their looking for an Orrian royal outcast.” She said, pointing at the very Margonites who were chasing Konig months ago.

“Look alive boys! It’s Konig, get ‘em!” The head of the Margonite party shouted.

“Great… just great” Konig said as he sprinted into a run south to the great river that fed the continent with life.

Not even five minutes later, the Margonites cornered Konig. “Damn shouters, so annoying.”

“Time to die, traitor.” A swordsman said as he stabbed Konig in the heart. Not this feeling again. Konig thought as he anticipated the fading of consciousness.

But to Konig’s surprise, that feeling never came. “Dead already? What a shame.” The swordsman said as he drew the sword out of Konig’s chest. As they turned around, Konig grabbed the warrior’s leg. “Did you just say, dead?” With this, the swordsman stumbled down, his face turning as pale as within seconds as Konig stood up with a grin on his face.

“How… I felt no heartbeat! Kill him! Hurry!” The rest of the Margonites stabbed Konig.

With a spear, sword, axe, scythe, and several arrows piercing his body, Konig started laughing. “So this is what he meant! LOVELY! ABSOLUTELY LOVELY!” Turning his gaze to the Margonites, “Time for you five to die. Umlenkung der Waffen.” With this, Konig chanted words that he didn’t know he even knew, and with him finishing these words, the weapons flew out of his body and stabbed all five Margonites at once.

“Lovely power. Lovely power indeed. You should be more direct Dhuum!” Konig said into the air, laughing with joy at his new found power.

Tender Wolf · Dec 31, 2008, 07:16 PM // 19:16

Awesome Konig! I love it! It kept me focused the entire time and I thought, "Over already?" when I got to the end. Can't wait to read more! *puts this in newspaper* I may also ask for an interview from you, someone with this great power and unable to die.

hehe Good job again!

Konig Des Todes · Dec 31, 2008, 08:06 PM // 20:06

Thank you Tender Wolf. Hopefully more people will read. I know the first chapter was bland a tiny bit, but I was told it would be better to have that scenario expanded instead of have it in three paragraphs like I did before :x

Also, I decided to update only on Mondays. Will give me more time to write.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tender Wolf

someone with this great power and unable to die.

Shhhh, don't jinx it!

Konig Des Todes · Jan 05, 2009, 07:21 PM // 19:21

Chapter 3 - do note, that this chapter is a little bland. Sorry about that, was thinking of adding a few filler chapters, but it wouldn't fit well. Bland but somewhat important, you'll see why. Next week will be better.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Three:

It has been a week since the incident in Vabbi. Staring into the glittering water of the Crystal Sea, he silently reflects on what has happened… on what he now is. Believing that he is now immortal, he can do whatever he wants. He can rule the world if he wished! But he knew how Dhuum has acted in the past, and is expecting something he will have to do to return the so called “gratitude” of the gift that Dhuum gave Konig.

“So, do you like your new power? Konig Des Todes?” The Fury asked, taking shape behind Konig.

“What’s not to like? I’ve never seen anyone else with so much power. With this power, perhaps… No, no need to rush, I have plenty of time now. So, why are you here?”

“I am here to collect your dept to Dhuum.” The Fury, grinning maliciously, whispered to Konig.

“As I thought. Should have told me about a dept earlier, I would have prepared it for you. What is this ‘dept’ anyways?”

“A simple 50 souls before the end of the Season of the Colossus. Our lord is in constant supplies of souls to ‘play’ with. And his Titan army has become relentless and has been brawling to the death, he needs fresh recruits.”

“Funny, now tell me, how am I suppose to collect these souls, and how do you expect me to get 50 souls in one week?” At this, The Fury laughed.

“I am just a reminder, you don’t need to ‘collect’ anything, just kill people and you have done your job. And you already killed thirty-eight men since I visited you last. You need to kill eighteen more. Have fun.” At this, The Fury turned away. “Oh,-” facing Konig once more “-sometimes you’ll get visions of certain people. I suggest you take care of them immediately, those are people our lord wants specifically, and quickly.” Its voice faded once more into the wind. “Enjoy your life as a lich, and as a servant of our lord.”

“Fun. A job, didn’t sign up for that.” Konig said to himself, suddenly grinning with malice, “Perhaps it’s time to have some real fun.”

****

179 AA

Ten years have passed since Konig ‘Des Todes’ became a lich. And as time passed, he gained infamy throughout Elona and Tyria. Few people would even go in sight of him. But still, those he sought, fought back. It was always the same outcome, never a challenge. This life became tedious to Konig.

He detested his choice since The Fury gave Konig his ‘job.’ Everyday, he is being forced to kill. Killing isn’t the problem though, killing is enjoyable to Konig, the problem is the fact that he is forced to kill.

On Konig’s way to Orr, to kill an old wise man going senile – Grenth – Konig finally had a chance to truly reflect on his decision, and its outcome.

You miserable god! I didn’t ask for this, I wanted power, but without a duty! Just as my father did, you too betray me. Everyone betrays me. This world needs to be destroyed. If not destroyed, then ruled by a proper ruler, one who will put these pathetic creatures in their place. One who can’t suffer from mortal betrayals. Someone like… me. But more importantly, I need to be rid of Dhuum’s hold. I WANT TO BE FREE! Even if it means death I will gain freedom someday, and soon. I swear that, whether by my hand, or another’s.

As if Fate itself felt pity for Konig, the day after arriving in Orr, he witnessed Grenth return to Orr from the Rift, shoulder to shoulder with Balthazar, Melandru, Lyssa, Abaddon, and Dwayna. And with Grenth’s return, the new news that Dhuum was no more. When the gods left into their residence in Arah, Konig left the city feeling relieved that he can live his life how he wished now. But…

“So, this is what you’ve become Konig Doric, no, its Konig Des Todes now isn’t it? Interesting. You’re power is great, more powerful then The Fury was before it fled abandoning Dhuum.” Out of nowhere, Grenth appeared in front of Konig.

“Suppose a new god would be able to appear out of no where like a ghost. To what do I owe this honor? Grenth, God of Death.” Bowing to show his respect, Konig spoke in a sarcastic tone.

“I am here to see one of Dhuum’s favorite puppets. I should just kill you here and now, but I am sure I can think of a better use for you.”

Sighing, “Right when I thought I was going to be free. What job do you want me to do?”

“No job. But I have a restriction, unless you want to be tossed into the Bone Pits like the remains of Dhuum. Don’t go killing just anyone like you have been doing. I’ll tell you who you can and cannot kill, I might be the God of Death but I don’t want a constant supply of souls to judge.” Grenth smiled kindly to Konig at the last statement. “However, if there is ever need of a lich’s power, you will be getting a job. Also, if you happen to see Desmina, say ‘hi’ to her for me. She was the first mortal to see me as a god. Like you, she desired power. I give power to those who desire it, but at a price of being limited in using it. I might not have given you your power, but you will be limited in how you use it.” And just as swiftly as he appeared, Grenth disappeared. “Oh, and it’s the God of Death. Remember that.”

“Death and Ice, fitting, you’ve always looked like you were on the brink of death, and you heart is as cold as ice. I’ll be sure to restrict myself, lord.” Konig bowed to the air, again speaking with his sarcastic tone.

Not perfect freedom, but freedom. Now to do what I want to do. You have my gratitude, old man... For now.

****

Without having to kill, Konig had lots of time on his hands. He spent this time carelessly, fighting pirates and beasts. For once in his life, Konig was helping people by killing people; he considered it the lesser of two goods, and the lesser of two evils. Time and again Konig met Desmina, where he – for a time – helped build a Temple of Grenth in the Shiverpeaks, only to keep in Grenth’s good favor to prevent any troubles. While they found converts of Dhuum to maintain the temple, other former Dhuum worshipers focused on desecrating these new temples, and with the buildings, the “weak” worshipers of Grenth too.

The best targets possible, killing those against Grenth. Surely that old man won’t mind that! And I’ve recently learned how to make those of the dead my eternal servants. Deadites, that’s what I’ll call them. Unlike the simpleton’s minions, these don’t have restrictions. With enough Deadites, I can easily take over.

Life became normal for Konig, as normal as it can get that is. Unable to age, unable to die, Konig was a true immortal among mortals. He did what he wished while staying on the gods’ good side – not out of respect or fear, but out of convenience.

Konig Des Todes · Jan 12, 2009, 11:56 PM // 23:56

Chapter Four:

181 AA

“Quickly! They’re getting away!” Desmina shouted to Konig and Asbeel, “We can’t let those blasphemers get away! KONIG! Hurry up!”

“Oh, shut it, it’s not easy to move when you’re dead ya know.” Konig resounded to Desmina as he hurried around the corner.

“You’re just lucky Grenth hasn’t sent his cold reach to you yet, Konig.” Asbeel, the youngest and strongest students of the new Temple of Grenth, sneered at Konig.

“Byleth’s last men are getting away, shut up and catch them you two.” Desmina said, starting to get angry at their constant bickering.

“So do we want to know where Byleth is hiding? Or are we just going to kill these guys like the rest, huh Asbeel?” Konig taunted Asbeel. The two never got along since day one, due to their conflicting personalities.

“I only sent them to our lord to be judged, I did nothing wrong.”

“Nothing wrong? By killing them before I can even extract their knowledge you let Byleth slip away! I think that’s something wrong!” And you prevented me from being able to use their corpses by how you killed them.

“ENOUGH! Konig! Asbeel! Get along or I’ll send you both to Grenth before the day is over… Ah, our prey is cornered.”

The three of them, Konig, Asbeel, and Desmina, have been hunting down the last of the Cult of Dhuum (DOOM) – a guild made in secret for all remaining followers of Dhuum – for months now. The cult only having what is guessed to be around ten more members, including their leader, Byleth the Necromonger – the first chosen of Dhuum, still among the living but older then any mortal, given the power to suck the life out of his enemies.

“So, will you five tell us where Byleth is hiding? Or will I have to take it form you by force? Please say the later.” Konig asked the cult members before Desmina got a chance to talk.

“Why would we! You’re outnumbered; do you think you’ll win in a fight?” The cultist who seems to be the leader of the group taunted Konig and the others.

“Outnumbered? Yes. Outpowered? Never. Even the ten men behind that wall there can’t help you against me alone.” Konig pointed out the awaiting ambush. Being dead and so magically adept, while restricted his movements a bit through the little rigor mortis that occurred before he woke up in Dzalana, gave Konig the ability to sense life around him. “It’s impossible to surprise me anymore, mortal.”

“Mortal? You’re as mortal as us! Get them!” With that, the ambush sprang out of hiding and engaged in combat with Desimina and Asbeel. “I’ll handle the cocky one myself.”

“You don’t get it do you. You were never even chosen by Dhuum, I was “blessed” by him. Even if you brought a hundred men you wouldn’t be able to kill me. You can’t because I’m ALREADY DEAD! It’s time you all learn your place. Durch, Tod, Leben, Enden!” With his incantation, a spell only known as “Death’s Claws” to those few who witnessed and lived – and those few even witnessing his allies dying from said spell – was cast.

Bright translucent blue claws extended out of Konig’s fingers, slowly making the figure of a ghoul. When this figure was formed half-way, it created a loud shriek, affected all fourteen others around, and it impaled the leader through the head, heart, and both arms – severing them. One by one, Konig’s enemies fell. Always before, this spell made Konig lose control, but Asbeel and Desmina got lucky, Konig didn’t lose control.

All but one enemy was killed within seconds, and that last one, wished he had died. For no pain is greater to see all your comrades die in front of you, while you’re helpless thinking you’re next.

“So, will you tell us where Byleth is now?” Konig asked the near to death man, collapsed on the floor in fear.

“Y-y-yes, I w-w-will. Just d-d-don’t kill me! Please!” Konig nodded as he slowly neared the cultist, gripping the cultist’s head.

****

“Byleth the Necromonger is hiding north of Kryta? You sure you can trust that coward’s words, Konig?” Asbeel questioned Konig and his ability to see through lies, a power given to him by the previous judge of the dead.

“When I question someone, I know when they lie. You know this. Stop bickering.” Konig reminded Asbeel once more.

“Yeah, but so far north is rather far to be leading a cult. Just doesn’t seem logical.” Confused, Asbeel was trying to figure out why anyone would be hiding underground deep within Centaurian and Tengu territory.

“Have you met Byleth before? I have, although for a short time, he’s not very logical. There’s not much to think about with Byleth, when he decides on something, no matter what it is, he goes through with it. He’s an “act before thinking” person. So give it a rest.” Desmina said, to quiet Asbeel down.

“Here it is. lets quiet down, we might be able to sneak up on them.” Konig whispered to the others, as he opened the door – as quietly as possible, although the rust made that hard – and walked inside.

Tender Wolf · Jan 14, 2009, 07:05 PM // 19:05

Awesome job Konig!!! I love how the story is going! So creative and I hadn't even heard of Desmina, so it gives me knowledge too. rofl Anyway, great job again and the next issue of my paper will for sure have the link to this outstanding story. Keep it up!

Queen Kitiara · Jan 18, 2009, 06:46 PM // 18:46

Wow I am too hurried for time! I am soooo hunting this down to read when I am stuck waiting around in a long line at the shops...I want to take my time and enjoy this - looks so good Konig!

Konig Des Todes · Jan 19, 2009, 12:42 PM // 12:42

Chapter Five:

I see you finally arrived. I’ve been waiting for you. All three of them heard in their minds, as if there was a loud voice coming deep from the depths of the catacomb-like complex. Konig, my dear Blasphemer, tell me why do you serve that infidel Grenth when you should be serving along-side me! It will be a shame to let such potential die.

“What madness is this?! Where is the voice coming from?!” Asbeel shouted as he clutched his head, obviously in pain.

“It seems Byleth picked up a new ability since I last met him.” Kwahahaha, yes, I have picked up a new ability. The ability to read the minds of all those near me. You cannot beat me, you should know that. Asbeel, what’s wrong? Afraid? What happened to that big macho act you always put up. Are you afraid that she will show up again? Afraid that you’ll be tortured again as you were as a child? Heh heh heh. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to make this time worse than before, you can trust me.

“SHUT UP! SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP! PLEASE!” Asbeel shouted into the darkness as he collapsed on his knees, falling ill to Byleth’s mind game.

“Asbeel, calm down, don’t listen to whatever he says. He’ll probably try to turn us against each other, no matter what, do not listen to him. Understood?” Konig said, trying to calm Asbeel down. “Sigh. Asbeel, get up, the faster we finish this, the sooner he will shut up.”

“Yeah, you’re right… for once. Let’s hurry up.” Asbeel ran into ahead into the next room. “Come on, I don’t want to deal with this guy’s voice anymore, it’s more annoying than your breath Konig.”

“At least he’s back to normal.” Konig mumbled, now wanting Asbeel to be in pain again. Cries of pain are more bearable than cockiness.

The complex is a maze, twists and turns everywhere. And always, there is taunting of failure, of betrayal. Balyth never gives up trying to make the three fight each other – and has a couple times made Asbeel attack Konig from behind. And now, they reach finally reach a split.

“Three paths, which way do we go?” Desmina asked Konig, who has been leading them until now.

“Why bother asking the corpse. Let’s just go down the center.” Asbeel said as he jaunted into the center passageway.

“No, you fool! That way will-” Konig started to warn Asbeel that the path will close after one person passes through, but was too late. “That idiot! Can’t he wait for anything? Come on, lets hurry to him, all the passageways end up the same place, two are full of tricks and traps.”

“So he’ll have to deal with traps then?” Desmina asked, now worried for Asbeel.

“No, he was lucky, the center path has the tricks, including separating one person from the rest of the group.” Wish he went down the one with traps…

****

After various twists and turns, Konig and Desmina finally found the room where the other two paths converged with their path. Dark and moist, all the torches seemed to have been out for some reason. In the middle of the room was a large lump, just short of the size of a full grown human. Perhaps it was one of Byleth’s underlings that he killed in rage.

“Think you can light a torch Konig? Don’t want to run into any traps.” Desmina asked Konig, as she carefully moved closer to the human-sized lump.

“Sure, but where is that fool Asbeel?” Konig responded as he grabbed two torches and brushed them against his armor, igniting some flames. The light brightened the room, allowing everything to be seen.

“Oh Grenth!” Desmina said as she rushed over to the lump. Noticing that the lump was in fact a person, Konig slowly walked over to get a better view. Bloody and impossible to tell the clothing, the body was missing the right arm and both legs from the knee down. “Asbeel! Asbeel! Can you here me?” Desmina shouted as Konig finally got a look at the body’s face. Asbeel was laying down, seemingly unconscious.

“Des…mina? Konig? Heh, you two are too slow. Byleth, he shouldn’t be far. That bastard was tougher than we thought.” Asbeel managed to say, blood spurting out as he spoke.

“Desmina, there’s nothing we can do to help him. He lost too much blood, and we don’t even know where his limbs are. Let’s go finish Byleth.” Konig said to Desmina as she sat next to Asbeel.

“No. No, you go on Konig. You should be strong enough. I’ll make sure the Envoys take Asbeel to Grenth. He’s my student, it’s my duty to do that much.” Desmina whispered just loud enough to be heard. As Asbeel’s hand fell limp, Desmina covered his eyes. “Lord Grenth, take your servant, Asbeel, into your icy grasp. May he see his rightful judgment and reside within the Underworld for as long as you see fit.”

With her words fading from hearing, Konig went on. Byleth must be stopped, and Desmina left it to Konig to finish him.

hawk3y3 · Jan 21, 2009, 02:12 AM // 02:12

Keep up the excellent work, Konig. Can't wait to see what the King of the Dead does next.

Burning Freebies · Jan 21, 2009, 04:42 PM // 16:42

Good work Konig. Looking forward to see you ARK alliance video comp entry too!

Nathaniel (Was 'ere) · Jan 23, 2009, 08:51 PM // 20:51

Heh, wow, this is brilliant, good job.

Konig Des Todes · Jan 28, 2009, 07:29 PM // 19:29

Eh, sorry I didn't update on monday. Life has caught up to me finally, so updates may end up being random and inconsistant at times. I will try to stick to updating on either mondays or fridays, whether once or twice a week, or not at all during a week, I am not sure at this time. Once February hits, I should be clear for a little bit for the month to get more writing it.

Konig Des Todes · Feb 03, 2009, 05:01 AM // 05:01

Ok, first, sorry for missing last week. Second, Mondays have become hectic for me since school has started - a main reason why I missed last week - so instead of updating Mondays, I shall update Fridays when I am absolutely free. Next update shall be on the thirteenth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Six:

Walking down a dark, damp corridor, Konig continues on, scanning every enclave in search Byleth. Byleth, enjoyed attacking at any chance and render his opponents immobile for torture. Konig, my dear Konig. Why do you bother searching for me. I’m just ahead of you. No tricks, I promise.

“A promise from you is as trustworthy as the words of a Margonite.” Konig sneered back at the taunt from the shadows. “You might as well come out Byleth! Your end is here!”

To the end, end, the end of the tunnel. There you shall see, what is in store for you, Blasphemer. Your false god, Grenth, should expect you soon, my dear Lich. Yes, yes, come to me. Come to your end, Blasphemer. The taunting continued, seemingly endlessly, all the way down the tunnel. Constantly, Konig wanted to end the annoyance, to rush to Byleth and kill him. Struggling to maintain a calm mind, Konig continued on, trying to ignore the mockery, until he finally reached the end of the hall – after what seemed to be hours.

“You’ve finally come, Blasphemer. Your slow, but that’s expected from materials.” Byleth welcomed Konig in an insidious voice as Konig viewed the room. Lit by ceremonial means with various insectoid designs – a common room for a chamber designed for sacrifices to the dark god. “You like this room? I would hope so; it will be your burial chamber.”

“Interesting, I was thinking the same thing for you, Byleth. You’ve caused enough trouble for me, go join your master in the Bone Pits. Griff, der, Schatten.” As Konig chanted his spell, Byleth gripped a scythe near and used the back blade to stab his own arm.

As blood dripped down, a large hand emerged from Byleth’s shadow, grabbing him as a loud ‘clank’ sounded through the now quiet room. “Heh, this is all? A hand? Pathetic Blasphemer. Trasferimento di vita.” As Byleth chanted his spell, the hand tightened its grip until it couldn’t tighten it anymore.

“Wha- Gah, my… body. Byleth, what did you do…” Konig gasped for air as he realized, even though the hand is clenched, it did not crush Byleth’s body, but instead his own body was crushed.

“KWAHAHAHA! Did you really think you could kill me that easily? You give to little credit, Blasphemer.” Byleth simply walked out of the hand, as it truly was what the name implied – a shadow. Byleth picked up his scythe once more, “It’s much more enjoyable not just to torture another, but to make them torture themselves. Don’t you think?” Gripping Konig by his hair, Byleth swung the scythe straight into Konig’s right leg. “Should be careful what a Blood Mage does with his own blood, Blasphemer.”

“Damn… you.” Konig tried to speak, still unable to breathe properly – despite him able to heal quickly. Gripping Byleth’s throat. “You fail… to see… I cannot be killed. We can keep at this… until you run out of blood.” Grinning, Konig crushed Byleth’s throat, but instantly clutched his own.

Pain… This is something I hardly feel anymore. Usually, Konig enjoys the feeling, but this time, he hated it. I wonder if those he had killed felt the same pain, the same strength, the same power, no… I don’t have time for thinking about such things. I need to figure out how Byleth’s magic works.

****

“You really do have a lot in you, Blasphemer. You must have lasted for a few hours, even a lich should have passed out from the pain already.” Byleth huffed out. The long battle must be making him run low on energy.

“Sooner or later, Byleth, you will die. We both know you can’t kill me. Unless you decide to bore me to death.” Konig retorted at his foe’s compliment. “Where is Desmina? Watching over Asbeel’s soul shouldn’t take this long.”

“Don’t worry about your woman, Blasphemer, or perhaps you should. My remaining minions are sending her to Dhuum now. Kwhahaha!” Byleth once more charged at Konig with his scythe, hoping that telling him of Desmina’s situation will open a guard. But Konig countered his attack by flipping Byleth over his back, taking a chance to steal Byleth’s scythe.

“I think I have figured out your spell. Not that it matters since you seem exhausted.” Konig said as he turned to face the necromonger on his back. “As you said before, one needs to be careful about what a ‘blood mage does with his own blood,’ but you left one part out didn’t you. That is, be careful what a blood mage does with anyone’s blood. You started your spell with your own blood, then used mine for the rest until now.”

“Kwahaha, you’re a smart lich, but you’re not quite right. I need my blood, but adding yours to the spell just strengthens it!” Byleth corrected Konig, pulling out a hidden curved and jagged blade as he rushed Konig. “I’m going to take your soul this time!”

Konig reacted too fast for Byleth, dodging his initial thrust then swinging the scythe and stabbing Byleth’s heart. As Konig fell to the ground grabbing the chest that was ripped open, Byleth stumbled forward and fell to his knees. “Damn it… You, got lucky, Blasphemer.”

Blackness encroached on Konig. Exhaustion finally catching up to him, his last sight is a pool of blood from the still necromonger. I guess… his spell… doesn’t work… without blood in his body… Heh.

Anime Divine · Feb 06, 2009, 11:59 AM // 11:59

nice story
cant wait for the rest

Tender Wolf · Feb 13, 2009, 05:30 AM // 05:30

Awesome once again Konig! I should start writing my story again.

*thinks of how to put it together* hehe

Konig Des Todes · Feb 13, 2009, 08:45 AM // 08:45

Chapter Seven

“Grenth! Grenth! Vizier Grenth!” A young girl called out for an old man at his desk.

“Oh? Why hello Hala. Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be playing with the other children?” The Vizier of Orr said as he welcomed the princess.

“Grenth, teach me how to be a monk!” Hala said as politely as she knew how to.

“Oh ho ho, Hala, you know that only those favored by the gods can use magic. Not even I can use magic, so why do you ask me?” Grenth responded as he put away his feather ink pen.

“Ohhhh you know everything Grenth, stop teasing me!”

“Well, I’m flattered that you think so highly of me Hala, but I don’t know magic, let alone how to teach you it. I think you should go visit Priestess Lamya, she would know more in Dwayna’s teaching.”

“But she’s out of town for a month! I can’t wait that loooong.” Hala pouted, hoping to make her vizier cave in to her wants.

“Oh ho ho, I suppose that is true. I guess this old mind can’t remember everything afterall. Now, why don’t you go play with your brother, I have a lot of work to do for your father.” Grenth then went back to writing in his scrolls.

“But Konig always gets me in trouble! And his friends tease me! It’s no fun, why can’t there be any girls in this stinky palace. Humph.” Hala pouted as she walked out of the room.

After Hala left, Grenh paused in his writing for a moment “*Sigh* Konig, stop hiding outside my window.” Grenth said to point out his eavesdropper.

“What? How did you know? I didn’t make a sound!” Konig jumped up suddenly at being found out.

“You’re just predictable, you youngin. Now go and play or something, leave me be for once.”

“Pfft, fine. Old man.” Konig said as he ran off to go train with Afzal, the Sacred Guard of Balthazar.

****

“Konig! Hey Konig! Wake up!” Desmina shouted as she gently slapped Konig’s face. “I said wake up you pathetic corpse!”

“Wha-? Desmina? Where… where are we? BYLETH! Where is Byleth?” Konig jumped out of a bed searching the too bright area.

“Calm down Konig. Byleth is dead, you killed him, but he did a good number on you. When I finally got to you, you were unconscious. We’re at the Temple of Grenth.”

“How much time has passed? How did we get here?” Konig, confused, tried to focus his mind back to the present.

“You’ve been out for 3 days with that scythe clutched in your hands – you know, you have a very hard grip, three students at once couldn’t even get you to let go of that scythe. Anyways, we just got back here, so rest up. It seems that instead of going to Grenth, Asbeel’s spirit first warned Ninian where we were and some of the students came to the cult’s hall.” Desmina got up, and started walking to the door. “I’m glad you’re alive, I was afraid you were dead.”

“I am dead.”

“Right, how silly of me. Anyways, it looks like you took a heavy beating. Even an undead needs to rest. But, you’re old enough to know what to do, so go out and wreck your body again like I know you’ll do. I think you should pay some respect to Asbeel, if it wasn’t for him, you probably would have been left for dead. I know I wouldn’t carry you.” Desmina said as she left

“Whatever.” Konig said as he laid back down. Usually he didn’t sleep, it was nice to for once, and to remember his childhood. Something very rare indeed. Unable to go back to sleep and becoming bored, Konig decided it was time to go and visit Grenth now that he didn’t have anything to do for a while.

Konig Des Todes · Jul 01, 2009, 05:31 AM // 05:31

New flash! I have finally gotten around to writing some more of this story out today. Though not much. I hope to finish the next chapter (finally) this week, but I'd want 2 chapters written out before posting, so I'll post the monday after chapter nine is done and post weekly from there.

Ciao!