It's never too late

Drako responded, "Mondola is in search of someone, and if he finds them, there's a possibility he might set them free."

"I highly doubt that," Regan replied, approaching Drako as he towered over her. "Deep down, you must realize that all of this is morally wrong. You can't coerce someone to be with you or join you simply because it suits your desires. People aren't objects to be manipulated or acquired as assets." She sighed deeply, uncertain if her words were getting through to him.

"I understand that's how you perceive it," he explained, "but from our perspective, we're gathering the necessary resources to secure victory in the war. We're employing all our strategies and abilities to ensure success. I acknowledge that it may appear wrong to you, but if you were in our position, you would see the strategic nature of our actions."

As the sky grew darker with shades of orange and red, Regan looked out of a side window and remarked, "That doesn't seem like a good omen."

"Keliana, it's time for you to go home. It's not safe for you or your friend," Drako said, turning them around to exit the same way they had entered.

"Don't push me. I can walk on my own, thank you," Regan retorted.

"If you truly wish to get caught and perish here, be my guest. Approach Mondola and become his new plaything. But let me tell you something... if you get caught now, how will these people be saved? I'm sure you didn't inform anyone about our whereabouts."

"You're right. But we can't leave them here to die. So if we have to fight you to rescue them, then we will, with the help of God," Regan declared defiantly, locking eyes with Drako.

"Hey, guys... come on. Drako, you're my brother, and Regan, you're my best friend. I believe we can find a way to resolve this," Keliana interjected, positioning herself between the two stubborn individuals.

"This isn't going as planned," Regan exclaimed, gasping for breath as she blocked another one of Drako's attacks.

He licked his lips and smiled, clearly enjoying the confrontation.

"Drako! Can you please stop attacking my friend?" Keliana pleaded, her eyes filled with desperation, trying to halt the fight.

A long pause ensued, both of them breathing heavily. Drako leaned against a nearby wall, panting.

"You're not half bad. Keeping up with me says a lot," he remarked, smiling.

He had never encountered someone who could match his skill and stamina for such a prolonged period without being defeated.

"Yeah, you're not too shabby yourself," Regan replied, sitting on the ground, trying to catch her breath. "I would almost consider you a friend or a good sparring partner if we weren't on opposite sides."

"Likewise," Regan agreed.

"Great, now that you've both had your share of fighting, can we leave before our real enemies locate us and before we miss the chance to free our teachers?" Keliana urged.

"Look, as much as I'd like to assist you, my father desires these individuals, and while I don't exactly know why, it would be best if you weren't around. I don't want to harm either of you. So here's what I propose: tell me specifically which ones you want to be released, and I'll set them free. Then you can leave... how does that sound?"

"While your offer may sound tempting to ordinary humans, we want everyone. We won't abandon anyone to be tortured by Mondola," Regan sneered.

"I..." Drako began

before being interrupted.

"Drako, I understand you have your orders, but we also have ours. As much as it pains me, today is the day you must choose whether you'll stand with your real family or your manipulated one," Keliana said, her voice filled with sorrow.

Drako shook his head, disliking where the conversation was heading. He needed more time to get to know his family and friends. Revealing his hand to Mondola so soon in the game was not part of his plan. He needed flawless execution and wanted to avoid any harm coming to his family. Why couldn't they understand that to ensure the success of their plan, he must follow Mondola's orders to the letter? Only then, at the precise moment, could everything fall into place.

"I don't know what else to do or say. You leave me no choice," he said, shaking his head.

"What do you mean?" Keliana asked.

"Goodnight, little sister, and fiery friend. I'll see you both soon."

Drako snapped his fingers, and both Keliana and Regan fell into a deep sleep. He carried their unconscious bodies and vanished into another dimension.

Unfortunately, he had to remove them from the chessboard for now. He transported them to a secret room, placing them on separate beds and covering them. Gently touching each of their faces, he smiled.

"I'll bring you both back when the time is right. Rest now, for a fierce battle awaits you."

With that, he disappeared in his usual swirl of red and black smoke.

A few hours later...

Dante entered Drako's second office, searching for an item he had hidden there months ago.

"Drako!" he mentally communicated with his blood brother.

"Yes?" Drako drawled.

"Have you seen the crucifix I stashed in your second office a while back?" Dante asked.

"No! Come to think of it, I haven't seen some of the items we stashed in that room. Perhaps someone has been pilfering our artifacts," Drako replied.

"Maybe it's time we gather everything we need and finally eliminate the King once and for all," Dante suggested, smiling.

"Normally, I would agree, brother. But we still have a few pawns and knights to maneuver, not to mention the Bishop and the rookies. Only when everything aligns perfectly can we strike and achieve a decisive victory."

They exchanged glances and burst into laughter, their dark aura chilling the room as their laughter reverberated through the building.

"It's never too late for a triumphant laugh. Our plans are progressing smoothly. By the way... I haven't seen Keliana in a few days. I went to our usual meeting spot, but she never showed up," Dante said, scratching his head.

"Why do you need to meet my sister? Aren't you involved with that other woman... Sharla, the warrior princess?" Drako asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, nothing is set in stone. I have strong feelings for Sharla that I can't explain, but I also have feelings for Keliana. I can't pinpoint what it is exactly. Getting to know her better might help me figure out my own emotions," Dante explained.

"So you're toying with my sister's heart while you sort out your own feelings?" Drako asked, as the room temperature suddenly dropped.

"Whoa, bro! What's with the murderous intent? I'm not doing anything with her. We just talk... I swear," Dante said, raising his hands as Drako loomed over him.

"I don't want anyone to hurt her, so make sure you're true to your word. That's all I ask," Drako warned.

"So just to clarify, I can't

date your sister?" Dante asked.

"Dante, you're my brother. Dating my sister is like dating your own sister. It's not right, especially when you're unsure of your feelings. So, for now, focus on understanding your emotions for the other girl and see where that leads."

"Okay. Thanks for the pep talk. Let's gather our captives and put them to good use. Mondola has likely started without us."