8 Regalia

His voice weakened, his body fell to the floor. With his already broken body, no remedy, no cure. Once again, he could only lay eyes on the result before him. The city was cracked; lines of bodies, stood on the steps to the castle doors.

Even when he opened them, a surge of bodies, freshly killed. Flew up the stairs, right to his feet.

"Hey... younger me. I'm sure you aren't the dumbest out here; but you are nowhere close to being the smartest. A mistake is what you made... something we both made... but we got the chance to change that, you and me, we got the chance we always wanted. The wish she granted. So you need to hurry up and leave... before you're gone for good."

Kuoka was staring at an unknown person, who is it? He quickly noticed them, wearing the same black steel armor as he, the same heavy broadsword as he, the same light green coat beside him.

It was attached to his belt, the same way that Kuoka always attached things. In a tight; but easily removable knot. There was a technique that made it easily removable, despite it being able to resist even an arrow shot from the most skilled archer. His armor was heavy. Very heavy, however the person infront of him, the countless bodies before him. He made it all look, as light as a feather.

Rain started pouring, and the sky darkened at the gruesome scene. Lightning struck the ground in a circle, around the dark armored person. Like they'd angered the gods. "Guess it's my time to go before I die as well. I might already be talking to myself; but if you're still there, I would suggest running... my friend."

The dark armored figure, swiftly dodged the bolts, with rain thumping on their shoulders. They ran out of the front city gates. Revealing an even more horrifying scene that awaited him outside.

In the final moments, before the lightning struck. He observed his surroundings, one last time. The walls were cracked and broken down. Some parts of the city remained untouched, whilst others were set aflame; only being calmed by the torrents.

A large dent, noticeable from the castle. Was in the center of the city. 'What happened?' Kuoka couldn't move his legs anymore, nor his arms. Soon his body completely fell unconscious, while his mind couldn't rest.

'What's going on?' The rain calmed, and it only made a pitter-patter now. It became colder than before, is rain that's separate and by itself, colder than an army? 'Heh... so he's right, it's just like us.' Kuoka couldn't help but quietly laugh. What was he to do by himself? Restore the nation that he so wanted to lead? Kill the one that he can't even touch?

He could only laugh, not at his own weakness. But at the weakness of those around him. He'd just realised the intention behind the mysterious man's words. Calm and collected, his words matched with his tone, making for an unnerving feeling. Kuoka sat still, crying and laughing, the tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. 'What is this... feeling.' He wasn't broken; but angered.

"I don't know what's real anymore." He sighed, he couldn't control his laughter, nor his tears, or his body. But there was still one thing, he could. His mind.

The rain soon stopped, and for a brief moment. Sunlight shined on him, it flickered in his eye, causing him to flinch; he still couldn't move his body. He turned his head towards the horizon, and there it was, in all it's glory. The sun had arrived. "You're too late." Kuoka sighed, he lied on the ground, the tears stopped, so did his laughter. 'So it was the rain... huh.'

A voice spoke out to him, a different voice? "Listen here, voice, person, entity, god. I'm not in any mood for voices in my head, or hallucinations behind every corner I turn, alright? I hope you understand, and can just leave me alone already, I've given up on my wish."

'You may have given up; but I haven't.' The voice sounded much different from the previous. It was enticing, "you can try all you want, I can't even move my body. Good luck, trying to get me to continue pursuing a dream that's much out of reach. You see this nation? I used to think this was strong, proud, and something we all wanted. But no, it's just funny when you think of that, and look back at this, isn't it?"

'It is not. We are all pursuing one goal or another. Most of the time, you wouldn't notice it at all, because it's so small. Like moving to the other table, in order to grab the salt shaker. It's a goal, and your movement helps you achieve that goal. But your movement isn't the only thing that can help you reach it. You can use other methods.'

'This time, I'll be generous, because of my previous failures to help you. This won't be the last you'll see of me, definitely not, because that deceiving 'Wish Granter.' Is gone. I never introduced myself, did I? Hello, I'll be with you, for the rest of this journey. This is only the beginning alright? So don't get demotivated already. I'm your guide, and you can name me whatever you want.'

"Whatever I want? This certainly, does feel more... real. I'll believe you. Your name... how about, Regalia?"

'Regalia... a fine name, suitable for one such as myself. From now on, please refer to me as Regalia.'

Regalia... a blinding light that guides those it knows will have the most impact in the world. Is it evil? Is it deceiving? Certainly not, that I can say for sure. Now that Regalia has helped save the world, after it's many, many previous failures at doing so.

It was wrong of me, not to believe her from the start, it caused many mistakes; that she took the responsibility for, on my behalf. Things would've been better if Regalia didn't pick a screw up like me... but maybe, just maybe. Because of having seen the result of failure once. I'm determined not to see it again.