CH.5 MONSTER OF BROXA

Exios told Remadaus about his imprisonment in darkness and how it must've stopped his aging. He told him that Athena freed him, but left out the part about the necklaces which brought Athena relief. He talked about the encounter with the soldiers from the Kadian kingdom and how he fought one of their masters. He also warned him that some of the villagers turned on them and told the kingdom he returned.

The king paused taking in everything. "Were gonna have to act fast. once the Empire catches wind of this they'll launch a full invasion wherever they believe you to be."

"I'm sorry I dragged you into this Remy; I just didn't know who else to turn to."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You were always a good friend to me and you always stood up for my family. Plus–" Remadaus turned his head showing Exios his scar. "The time for payback has come."

"What do you mean, what happened?"

Remadaus leaned back in his chair. "Before the news that you had been banished even spread. Marcus and Barbatos the new king of monsters sieged our kingdom. They believed since we were friends that we would've tried to rally forces and oppose them. Barbatos quickly killed our kingdoms monster wilder, I don't know if you remember him or not."

"Yeah, I always questioned how he became a monster."

Remadaus chuckled then his face hardened and his eyes became still. "After they killed him, they made me watch as they executed my father. That wasn't enough though, Marcus branded me with this burn on my neck. He said, 'remember this pain. Just in case you ever get the idea to try anything.' He said what happened to me would happen to the kingdom if I ever opposed him."

Exios placed a hand on Remadaus's shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry Remy, I'm sorry I let this happen to both you, and me. I promise I'm going to make it right." Remadaus smiled, before he could say anything else. A group of soldiers dressed in full battle gear marched in two single file lines through the doors into the feast hall. They turned towards eachother making an opening. A man carrying a person's head walked through. The whole dining hall became silent and watched him as he walked past the masters tables and stood in front of the kings table.

The man stood nearly six feet tall, appeared to be in his mid twenties and had caramel colored skin. He had an average build and very short curly hair cut into a Mohawk. He wore several accessories, a thick golden necklace, two dangling clover shapped golden earrings and several golden bracelets. His clothes were custom made royal green garments with a half cape covering the right side of his body.

He held the severed head up to show the king, blood still dripping from its neck.

"Is that Dobson? One of Kadians Grandmasters.

"It was" the man said, before throwing the head to one of the masters. "Feed it to the pigs."

All of the masters looked on edge around him like kids around a strict parent. "So, let me catch you all up. While on my normal mission. A squad of soldiers from the Kadian kingdom approached me and accused Broxa of harboring fugitives." He briefly glanced at Exios and Athena. "They said if we don't turn them over it'll be the end of Broxa. Me being me I killed them for the threat." With one hand he gestured to Athena and Exios; and with the other he gestured to the rest of the villagers. "I see they weren't lying at least."

Remadaus stood up. "I'm sorry you had to find out that way Balladaus, but we finally have the means to fight back." He placed his hand on the shoulder of Exios. "This is my old friend, Exios Nodos. The previous King of monsters" He said proudly. He gestured to Balladaus who was wiping his hands off on one of the masters clothes. "Exios, This is Balladaus, the monster of Broxa."

Balladaus finished wiping his hands off on one of the masters clothes, then set his hands on his hips. "Wow! Exios Nodos you say." He started slowly pacing back and forth and nodding his head. "I remember all the stories you told me about him as a kid. What is it you use to say, ahh yes that he was the pinnacle of power. Yeah someone like that could definitely help our cause."

Balladaus moved in the blink of an eye like a blur. He stood behind Exios with an apple that he proceeded to take a bite from. "Theres just one problem." He said bending over and chewing. He took in a big whiff of Exios then swallowed. "Theres no way thats you." He took another whiff. "Yeah there's no way; you're to weak to be that person."

"Balladaus!" The king scolded.

Exios held up his hand and stood up to face Balladaus. "Its alright Remy, he's just young and full of himself." He looked Belladaus up and down. "I can tell you're strong, but you're also inexperienced in fighting someone of your caliber."

"Oh really, how about me and you fight then? If you're thee Exios Nodos beating me should be no problem."

Exios knew if he backed down it would only cause Remy more problems. His eyes shifted to Athena who looked concerned holding her necklace. He looked back to Balladaus. "I accept your challenge."

Balladaus grinned and smacked Exios on the shoulder. "Looking forward to it, let's say noon tomorrow at the weeping willow arena. Might as well make a show out of it." He smirked at the king, then vanished in a green blur. Remadaus shook his head. "I apologize for his behavior." He turned to address everyone. "Its alright resume eating and enjoying yourselves." Everyone slowly went back eating, talking and playing games.

Athena stood up, "im gonna go check on my grandpa and the others."

Exios and Remadaus watched her walk off then they both sat back down. Exios squinted and held up his finger like he wanted to say something, but didnt know how. Remadaus sighed. "Yes, he's my son."

"I knew it!" Exios said snapping his fingers. "But, the last I remember family members weren't allowed to be monsters, or be in the military."

"That hasnt changed, but technically he's a bastard. When he turned nine he disclaimed his title as a heir of Broxa, so he could pursue becoming a monster."

"And you were okay with that?"

Remadaus let out a sly smirk and lifted one eyebrow. "It was all part of our plan. I could get the inside info on the other kingdoms and the Empire; while he did the same with the other monsters. It's one of the reasons we survived this long."

Exios stared at all the people laughing, eating and playing around. He watched Athena from a distance, as she went around smiling at everyone and giving out hugs. "You always were clever Remy, so what's the plan to keep this all from imploding?"

Remadaus swallowed a bite out of the chicken leg he started eating. "Well, now that we have you, I have no doubt some of the kingdoms will join our side. After that, we will finally have the power to crush the Empire." He set down the bone from another wing, leaned back and rubbed his stomach. "They're not stupid though, they're going to try to keep a firm grip on the other kingdoms and choke us out. The beginning of this war is going to be very political."

"I need to tell you something Remy, and I'll understand if you're upset or disappointed."

"What is it? can't be that bad."

Exios paused. "Since I've been released, I haven't recovered my full strength. When I fought that master it confirmed it."

Remadaus looked puzzled, "do you have any idea why?"

Exios looked down at the utensil he started fumbling with. "I don't know," he said; the lie leaving a bad taste in his mouth.

"You think it'll come back?" Asked Remadaus.

Exios looked him in the eyes. "I have no doubt it will, whether I like it or not it's a part of me."

Remadaus smiled, "good were gonna need that strength. For now just your name alone will draw lots of attention. The fight tomorrow could be the perfect opportunity to spread the news faster. Do you think you got what it takes to put on a show?"

"I think I can manage that."

Remadaus patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "Anyways, so you and this gir–"

"Its not like that, " Exios protested.

Remadaus lifted an eyebrow. "I know you better then that my friend."

Exios waved it off. "Alright I'm gonna go get some rest."

Remadaus chuckled, Exios got up to leave. "Hey," said Remadaus grabbing Exios by the arm. "Be careful tomorrow, Balladaus will be ruthless."

Exios smiled softly, "im sure it'll be alright." Remadaus gave a faint smile and squeezed his arm before letting go. Exios walked down the main aisle toward the exit. Athena noticed him leaving. She excused herself from the table and caught up to him in the hallway.

"Where you going?" She asked innocently.

"I'm just gonna get some rest, big day tomorrow."

Athenas face tensed, she grabbed Exios by the arm to stop him. "About the fight tomorrow. Are you going to be alright?"

"Well," he said rubbing his eyebrow with his thumb. "I'll lose for sure. As it stands right now, I don't stand a chance against a monster class. I talked to Remadaus, told him I'm not at full strength. We came to an understanding and this fight is only for show." Athena shifted her eyes nervously. "Dont worry, he knows nothing about our predicament." He said comforting her.

Athena put her hand over her necklace. "Theres something else you should know." Exios focused in on her. "What is it?"

"I just don't want you to think that I'm not using the keys to keep leverage on you. I think were past that now, don't you?"

Exios narrowed his eyes. "Then what is it?"

"Well, you see the keys can only be used with strong emotion. And each key I use requires stronger emotion."

"What kind of emotion? You used a key before, can't you just repeat that?"

"It can be any kind of emotion, and no I can't. Back then I was driven and fueled by the emotions of not only keeping everyone safe from the kingdom, but also keeping them safe from you."

Exios let out a deep sigh. "Your grandmother really went out of here way to make things complicated."

"I'm sorry, if I could I'd use them now and release you."

"Its alright just promise me if you feel any strong emotions, use them."

They briefly shared a laugh then continued walking.

"Hey, wanna take a little field trip?" Exios asked Athena.

"Sure, where to?"

"Just follow me," Exios lead the way down a different hallway until they came to a door with a big archway. They stepped through into a big indoor arboretum and garden. It was shapped like a dome, the peak being around fifty feet tall. It resembled a miniature forest, trees of every kind lined the walls. The floor was blanketed in low cut plush dark green grass. Exios took off his shoes and walked toward the big tree at the center of it all.

Athena quickly took off her slippers and followed after him. She scanned left and right taking in the scenery, she had never seen so many types of plants and trees in one area before. Some she had never seen before at all. All sorts of different aromas rushed over her, she wanted to stop and smell all the flowers. She noticed a group of flowers that glowed a vibrant green color. She admired the flowers then bent over to pick one.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you" said Exios now standing by the big tree. "Those flowers are poisonous, if you touch it the flower will start to drain your life force.

Athena quickly pulled her hand. "Well that's scary.

Exios chuckled, "yeah its called the leech life flower and it's used as a poison, but it also has medicinal properties to."

"Fascinating, you sure know alot about this place." She said slowly making her way toward Exios. She dragged her feet along the soft grass enjoying the way it felt on her bare feet.

Exios plopped down on the grass and sprawled out. "Yeah I use to spend alot of time here. Under this tree I could forget about all the fighting, death and betrayals. Even if it was for just a moment.

Athena stared at him feeling even more guilty for having used him. She started to wonder what his life had been like growing up, but she couldn't bring herself to ask. Instead she looked up at the tree. it was over thirty feet tall and it's branches spread out covering a large area in every direction. The leafs of the tree had a dark red hugh to them. She laid down on the grass and sprawled out. "I guess this place is kinda peaceful."

Exios smiled and pointed up. "Also this tree is no ordinary tree. It's an extremely rare variant of Ailanthus altissima, better known as a tree of heaven. Breathing in its spores causes relaxation of the body and mind."

After he mentioned it Athena noticed she did feel more relaxed, her body felt like it was resting on clouds. All of her racing thoughts and worries had become less noisy in her head. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let the euphoria wash over her.

Exios closed his eyes and did the same. They both laid their quietly relaxing. A couple hours later Exios sat up. "We should go back to our room and get some rest." Athena sat up, rubbed her eyes and agreed. They were both tired and ready for sleep. They sluggishly made their way back to their room and changed into the sleeping clothes left for them. Exios collapsed on the couch. "You can have the bed," he said.

"Dont be such a child were both adults, we can both share the bed. Exios sat up looking at her.

"You sure?" He asked.

Athena avoided eye contact, her heart pounding in her chest. Before she could answer they heard a knock at the door. Exios got up and answered the door. Amanda and Adeline stood in front of him. Adeline smiled and held up a basket. "We brought you some gifts Mr. Exios" she said grinning. Exios smiled back took the basket and welcomed them in. They all sat on the couch and chairs around the fire.

"We don't have much" said Amanda. "But we wanted to say thank you for saving us."

Exios stared at the basket a knot forming in his throat. He opened the basket lid and pulled out a custom made wooden mug with his name etched into it. Next was a dark blue silk half cape which he put around his shoulders. Lastly, he pulled out a bracelet with random beads on it.

Adelines face lit up. "I made that all by myself," she said proudly.

Exios slipped it on and held it up. "I love it, Thank you!"

Adeline grinned and suprised everyone by suddenly hugging him. He paused then wrapped his arms around her; suddenly he felt like he was back under the heavens tree. Everything seemed at peace, the only thing that mattered in the whole world to him at the moment, was the little girl who had showed him genuine kindness. He gave her one last squeeze then let her go. "Thank you two for this, I'll cherish it forever."

Athena could tell he wasn't talking about the gifts, he was talking about their kindness. They thanked Athena and Adeline one more time before they left. Exios went to go lay back down on the couch. Athena grabbed him by the arm and pulled him to the bed. "You're so stubborn" she said. "Lay down, you're gonna need a good night's sleep before tomorrow." Exios decided not to argue, he pulled the blankets back and got in bed. Athena laid down with plenty of room between them. Within minutes they were both asleep.

Exios blinked his eyes waking up. He lifted his head and noticed Athena was asleep with her head and arm on his chest. Her warmth and comfort were pleasant. He wanted to wrap his arm around her, pull her closer and go back to sleep, bit images of Amora flashed through his mind. He remembered when they would be close like that. Anger consumed his thoughts, he quickly rolled over away from Athena.

The sudden movement woke her up, but she didn't move. She realized that she must've cuddled up next to him in her sleep and he didn't like it. It should've been no big deal, but she couldn't help the fact that it kinda hurt her feelings. She closed her eyes and tried not to think to deep on it, eventually she fell back asleep.

In the morning they're was an unspoken uneasiness between them. Exios got dressed putting on a thick pair of suede shorts and a thin cloth shirt. He made sure to fold up the cape that was gifted to him and placed it on the couch. Athena came out of the bathroom dressed in a blue long-sleeved silk turtleneck shirt and a matching long layered skirt. She finished putting her hair into a ponytail.

"You ready to go?" She said.

Exios nodded, "lets go see what this kid is made of."

They left and made their way down the stairs. A young butler greeted them and said he would guide them to the arena. They left the castle and jumped into a carriage. It left the castle grounds and turned down the surrounding road. They turned off the road after passing a couple estates. Athena looked out the window to see ahead of them.

They were making their way down a well maintained road lined with rose bushes. The road ended in front of what appeared to be a dense wall of hundred foot tall willow trees. The carriage dropped them off outside the wall of trees.

Athena looked up to Exios, his usual carefree expression had become intense and focused. He lead the way through the trees. Inside were rows of stone coliseum seats that sat under the the shade of the trees and circled around a large open area. It was relatively quiet considering thousands of people filled the seats. Athena's mind raced with worry, everything had become so much more real now that they were there.

In the middle of the arena Balladaus sat on a throne made of vines and branches coming from the ground. He sat casually with one leg over the other patiently waiting while picking petals off a flower he was holding. He glanced over seeing Exios and smiled wickedly. He stood up raising his arms and announced to the crowd, "ladies and gentlemen, I present Exios Nodos. The former King of monsters." He gestured to Exios and gave a stage bow.

Exios didn't appear amused, he walked Athena over to the front row and sat her down. She wished that she could call the whole thing off, but knew it was out of her hands. She wished him good luck as he walked off to face Balladaus. He stopped roughly twenty yards away in the center of the arena, the two staring eachother down.

The crowd burst into applause and cheering. The both of them stayed solely focused on eachother.

"Well, I suppose we should get started" said Balladaus. They both slowly took up their stances. The crowd died down, then after a brief pause they both burst forward towards eachother. A Shockwave erupted when they clashed, both of them catching eachothers fists. Both slightly smirked then jumped backwards.