Rigel has Returned
Two familiar figures entered the gate to the palace that made the guards bend their heads forward and their right hands over their chests to pay respect. They were terrified even with the slightest glimpse of their faces. The two marched the path across the garden decorated with fancy flowers and elegant statues and fountains.
"It is good to see you back, Lord Rigel." Saiph knelt and greeted an average sized man with nice and refined body figure, wearing a maroon coat and a carrying a double-edged sword.
Behind Rigel, a kid was standing wearing a wizard's outfit; pointed hat, a plain indigo robe and was holding a staff made from an ancient tree that is believed to be able to hold all kinds of magic. "It is nice to see you as well, Betelgeuse." Saiph greeted.
"Any news for me, Saiph?" Rigel asked.
"There's plenty." He answered.
"Then I suggest you should start right now." Betelgeuse cut in with their conversation.
"We've caught two members of the Midnight Justice, Zhia and Marjorie. However, the rest of their group had infiltrated the kingdom on the same day the two are going to be executed. That explains why the plaza was destroyed were the battle had happened." He stated.
"Then I believe it is them who freed the creature I had kept inside the labyrinth of the dungeon." Betelgeuse said.
"What else?" Rigel asked.
"Tabith died during the battle." He added.
"I expect nothing much from him though." Rigel said.
"We're sorry that we let Midnight Justice escaped." He apologized. "However, the girls were on their way to Mt. Brimlet where Midnight Justice is said to be hiding. They have probably arrived there right now. Bellatrix have led the group for the meantime."
"Why, is that so? Where is Hatysa?" He asked.
"She vanished in the middle of the battle during the infiltration of the rebellions so the king appointed Bellatrix to lead the group instead. However, Hatysa came back this morning and decided to quit the Orions."
"It looks like you're pretty little alph is not that quite loyal to you after all, Rigel." Betelgeuse said from the background.
Rigel just took a look at him from the edge of his eyes and latter released a heavy breath out.
"Where is the king? I'd like to see him." He said.
"He's probably inside the throne room." Saiph answered.
The three of them went inside the palace where they meet the king sitting on his throne.
"Rigel. Betelgeuse." Aiden greeted them. "I am glad to see the two of you back at Nethilor."
"I am glad to see you as well, my king." Rigel said and knelt before him.
'Rigel has no interest in authorities or politics whatsoever. To him, fighting and conquering the enemy is everything. He is free to do as he pleases, as I continue to control the kingdom. Everyone wins… What a perfect hand to play.' These words appeared on the king's thoughts.
"As I have returned to Nethilor, I shall be sure to annihilate Midnight Justice, which has hindered my king." He added.
"The task will be daunting. I'd like to offer you more than simply gold. Is there anything you desire?"
"Let me see." Rigel whispered trying to think a better reward if he was able to annihilate Midnight Justice. "If I may…"
"Yes?"
"I was thinking I'd like to have the princess for my self." Rigel said with incomprehensible smile and intention on his face.
Their faces was quite shocked as soon as they heard Rigel's request.
"O-oh is that so?" He paused. "You are, indeed, of age and still unmarried." He uttered. "Guards! Take the princess from her room and bring her right here this instant." He ordered.
The guards politely obeyed his orders and went straight to the princess' room located at the west wing where she was held captive.
Since then, the princess haven't been allowed to go outside. The people had no longer witnessed her pretty and flawless face outside of Nethilor. Aiden locked her inside the room of the tallest tower of the palace after she came into realization that Aiden was poisoning the reputation of the royal family. He's all about wealthy and power. Greed has devoured his meaningless existence.
"How about you, Betelgeuse? Anything you can think of?" Aiden asked him.
"Nothing in particular, your highness. I am alright with whatever you can offer to me." The child said.
Suddenly, the guards arrived with Princess Vivian.
"I present my niece to you, Princess Vivian." Aiden said toward Rigel as he walks down the throne.
Rigel looked at the princess with delight and amazement.
"What is the meaning of this?" Vivian uttered vigorously.
"The man standing in front of you, Rigel, wants you to become his bride, if the Orions succeeds on annihilating Midnight Justice." Aiden uttered.
"You won't get away with this, uncle. Imprisoning me inside the castle is enough for me to bear. But, getting married to someone I don't even love, I don't think so." She said.
"Love?" The king laughed and approached Vivian. "How foolish. You are no different from your brother." He said. "Love is what will kill you." He whispered in her ear.
"You are indeed a great king. For accepting my request with even having a second thought." Rigel said that brought a smile on Aiden's lips.
"You know I do everything for my subordinates." He smiled in a condescending way.
While in the middle of their conversation, a loud explosion can be heard from outside. Then, a guard from outside the palace came rushing in.
"The revolution has began!" The guard shouted.
"What revolution?" Aiden asked. "Has Midnight Justice returned?"
"No, your highness. It was the revolutionary army lead by former general of Norpine, Sarriento."
"I should have killed that fool myself a long time ago." Aiden whispered beneath his breath.
"There's nothing to worry. We've got this." Rigel said. Saiph, go in the frontline, we'll catch up later."
Without any words from him, Saiph immediately withdraws himself in the shadows that carried him to the battle in the nick of time.
And so, the bloody battle between the rebellions and soldiers of the kingdom begin. These people were once comrades, families and friends. However, they become enemies by their twisted fates that lead them to different paths of beliefs and values.