Chapter 13: A new world

It felt as though time completely stopped as Wolf took in the sight before him. His mother, Carmilla was here... her blade, wet with Zayav blood. Wolf couldn’t breathe, was this man his father? He couldn’t see her face. It was as if she was hiding her face behind his back on purpose, but Zayav... he had a smile on his face, He walked forward towards Wolf freeing himself from Carmilla sword. It seemed he couldn’t feel the pain as he leaned down towards Wolf and embrace him.

What was happening? Why now? He again looked at Carmilla but she wouldn’t look in their direction. Does that mean... that it was all true? This man... was his father? And she just killed him.

“Wolf”

Zayav words brought Wolf back into reality.

“I’m sorry, you’ve been this close to me and I never knew”

“why?” He thought,

Why was his father apologizing to him?

“all those years, watching you grow, I just want you to know I have never been more proud.”

He hugged Wolf tighter and whispered something in his ear.

Wolf felt Zayav grip loosen,

“Zayav?.... Zayav”

Carmilla picked up Zayav’s weapon, never looking in Wolf direction. She made her way towards the throne where Lord Ti shin was hiding.

Wolf reached up; tears fell from his face as he returned the embrace his father gave him.

“Wolf!!”

He heard Monkey voice; His brother fell through the hole in the roof that the blast made.

“Wolf....”

Monkey quickly took in the situation.

“Wolf... what happened?”

Wolf still held his dad in his arms.

“he was my father, all this time... I never asked about him, never thought about him, but... he been right beside me this whole time.”

Something seemed to register in Wolf head.

“Monkey...how did you find us?”

“Your mother told me, she found me on the battlefield. Told me.... I should come down from the roof, to... distract the guards.”

Wolf gently placed his Father down and Picked up his sword.

“It wasn’t to distract the guards.” Wolf said as he glared at his mother.

~

Carmilla approached the throne, she could hear the lord sniveling behind it.

“no, no, no, no... Zayav can't die... who’ll protect me? No... why is this happening? Why isn't our god punishing her... why is this happening? Is this my punishment? Why? Why?... Zayav?”

Lord Ti shin rambled on as he cowered behind the throne.

Carmilla face was emotionless.

“I was once proud to be a general in your army. I saw a bright future for our nation, but that all changed when you started isolating us, calling us savages, pushing us to the frontlines, letting us die, while you kept your people safe. Then...you exile us to the coldest point of our region.”

The Lord ran into a corner cowering in fear, pleading for Zayav or His God to save him.

“This war will finally end”

She placed Zayav’s sword above his heart. Slowly piercing his flesh.

“rest now... I’ll keep our people safe; I’ll keep our lands safe, I’ll guide us to a brighter future.”

Lord Li shin face twisted in pain, then slowly, relief... when the last breath finally left his body. He looked, like he finally found peace.

“CARMILLA!!”

She turned to see her son standing at the foot of the steps, she saw the Houzi there with him. She knew what this meant.

~

“why?.... why didn’t you tell me he was my father?” Wolf demanded,

“what would’ve been the point? He needed to die regardless.” She responded.

Wolf grip tighten on his sword.

Carmilla let out a low sigh,

“Zayav... well, he was unstoppable, only a few out in the world can match his strength and none of them live here, let alone would take our side. Zayav swore his life to Lord Ti shin, he would never turn his back on him, no matter how much we suffered. He was... loyal to a fault.”

Wolf didn’t like where this was going.

“so what? From the moment I was born you had already planned on using me to kill him?” He asked.

“No..” she said never averting her gaze from him.

“the first plan was for you to assassinate Ti shin, if you had stuck to your mission, Zayav would still be alive, freed from his oath.”

Wolf couldn’t think of anything to say back, She was right, if he didn’t betray them if he had stuck to his orders, Zayav would still be alive.

“wait. Wolf, it doesn’t add up”

Monkey finally spoke.

“yeah, maybe it true what she said... that if you had assassinated him from the start this all could’ve been avoided. But she had plenty of chances to tell you about your father, she chose not too, she chose to keep it a secret. That mean she already planned on using you if for some reason you failed to kill Lord Ti shin”

Carmilla narrowed her eyes at Monkey,

Wolf thought about it for a moment, Monkey was right. If Carmilla had just told Wolf from the beginning, maybe he could of persuaded Zayav to join them.

“if you’re thinking you could've somehow changed his mind, you’re wrong, He swore his life to his lord, he wasn’t going to betray his oath for anyone... not you... not me”

Those last words were almost caught in her throat.

Wolf didn’t have much time to think, they heard footsteps fast approaching all three of them turned their heads to see Li chi at the entrance. From the scared expression on her face you could guess she was worried for Carmilla safety, she quickly looked around, shocked seeing Zayav body on the floor. Quickly taking in the situation however she knew that the battle wasn’t over, she held both her swords in hand as she slowly made her way towards them, ready for another fight. Monkey turned to face her; he was ready as well.

“well Wolf, what will you do now?” Carmilla asked.

Wolf wasn’t a fool, even if Li chi didn’t show up, he doubts him and Monkey could take on Carmilla. Still, he would've tried, would’ve. But now that Li chi is here, well, there just no chance.

He sheathed his sword, placing a hand on Monkey shoulder.

“it's over, I just want to get far away from here.”

Monkey nodded, he relaxed as he followed Wolf out of the throne room.

Li chi looked at Carmilla who said nothing, the moment they were gone Carmilla fell onto the throne, suddenly tired. Li chi rushed to her side, Carmilla rested her head back fatigue suddenly taking over, she covered her face, fighting back tears. This battle wasn’t over yet, she knew that. She had to remained strong, for her people. But a single tear was able to escape, Li chi turned around, but remained, she stayed by her queen side.

~

As Monkey and Wolf left the castle, they could see this war was just about over, many of the kutta was killed or captured

“Hey traitor!!”

They looked to see Skoll approaching them, they saw Sozen as well, captured. His hands were bounded together in chains.

“like what you see? Defeated this big guy all by myself, I’m sure that’ll earn me a promotion”

Skoll bragged, One of the soldier whispered to Wolf,

“He didn’t win, they fought and the battle ended in draw”

Skoll tap the back end of his scythe on the soldier head.

“what was that? I don’t think they heard you clearly”

The soldier panicked,

“it was still quite the achievement sir!! They’re not many who can take on Sozen in a battle I highly doubt even Li chi would be able to even fight him to a draw”

“Right!!” Skoll continued to laugh,

“Li chi wouldn’t have lasted seconds against him” Skoll bragged.

Sozen looked in the direction of the castle, then at Wolf and Monkey.

“Boy”

Finally speaking, his voice deep, direct, gaining everyone attention.

“Lord Ti shin...?”

Wolf stared in Sozen eyes,

“dead, him and Zayav”

This news shocked everyone, whispers spread among the troops.

“Zayav is dead? Carmilla defeated him? Impossible, the battle was one sided outside the gates”

Like wild fire the word of Zayav death spread quickly among the troops, and as if timing it Carmilla appeared with Li Chi, Carmilla walked down the steps.

“Hey, Carmilla.” Skoll approached her.

Carmilla saw that Sozen was bound in chains.

“Skoll... you defeated Sozen?” Carmilla sounded like she was a bit surprised.

He gave a smug look to Li chi, who looked slightly annoyed.

“as much as I would like to take credit, neither of us won, battle ended in a draw.”

Carmilla gave a nod of acknowledgement.

“it still no small feat fighting that man to a draw.”

She looked around at her men and the captives, she looked in Wolf direction who refused to meet her eyes. Monkey couldn’t blame him, his mother did just kill his father right before his eyes. They should leave now, but... Monkey could tell Wolf wanted to see what his mother would do next. There long war, had just ended. And to be honest Monkey also wanted to see what was about to happen, not every day you fight in a war.

Carmilla knelt before Sozen, staring him in the eyes.

“Lord Ti shin... is dead, Zayav... is dead, Sozen. I want you to join me.” the captives were wide eyed, they all stared at Sozen, wondering what his answer would be.

Sozen face never faltered when Carmilla confirmed his Lord and Zayav deaths.

“Lord Ti Lin?” Sozen asked

Monkey whispered towards Wolf,

“who Ti Lin again?”

“he's Ti shin son and heir, still young.” Wolf replied.

Carmilla didn’t turn away as she answered him.

“your young lord Ti lin, is dead as well.”

Monkey was shocked

He was about to say something but Wolf stopped him.

“you killed our young lord and expect me to serve you?” he asked

“I expect you to continue fighting for your people, Sozen, during the war against the black beast it was you that stood with us on the frontlines while the rest of the kutta stayed back, I respect you for that. You also know full well the mistreatment we took from Ti shin. Yes, I killed Ti lin, your young lord. Only because he would be a threat to my reign as I try to usher in a new era.” Carmilla said.

“a new era?” Sozen asked.

Carmilla stood up.

“remove his shackles”

Her troops did as ordered without question, removing his shackles suddenly Sozen had an aura around him. His Magic was returning, Monkey looked at the shackles and remembered what Eddie C. taught him. There were special cuffs that were used when taking in prisoners, so they couldn't use any magic.

“Yes, I don’t plan to subjugate the kutta like we were. But I will be taking the heads of every noble that whispered into Ti shin ear. After that, I want to fully unite our two people, no longer shed needless blood. Without Ti lin, the nobles won't be able to use him to ascend the throne. Though I expect they’ll still use his name.”

Sozen rubbed his wrist as he listened to Carmilla words.

“and that’s why you want me to join you, if a kutta were among your rank, a general at that it would weaken their cause and the people would hesitate to join them.” He said as if reading her thoughts.

“do you still think that alone gives you justification for murdering our Lords”

He said in a low threatening tone

Carmilla soldiers stood ready, even Li chi and Skoll were prepared in case Sozen tried anything.

“for a United Kingdom, Yes. I will no longer stand by when I have the power myself to make a change. Sozen, this is not the end of the of our battle, the struggle isn't over yet.”

She spoke louder so everyone could hear her.

“Most of you... prayed to your god did you not? Prayed for him to save you as me and my people march against you, but where was he? The gods have changed and are not known for their mercy. So where did he allow this to happen?”

Everyone remained silent. She continued not expecting an answer

“there is only one reason, because the gods are gone. Ti shin has done everything he could to please your god and for what? To be beaten on a whim? Because of that nobles were able to utilize his fears and push my people away, we’ve who fought beside you, died beside you, I harbor no ill will towards you, any of you! But I was done seeing my people tortured, being pushed farther and farther away from a nation we love.”

She turned once again to Sozen.

“will you join me?”

Sozen took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before he spoke.

“what our lord did to your kind, was wrong. And even though I remained loyal to him I did not like how he treated you. Zayav, he was a dear friend who I highly respected and know he wanted nothing more than to see our two races united, it pained him to fight against you in this war. There is no longer any need to shed more blood.”

He kneeled down before Carmilla,

“I now swear my loyalty to you, Carmilla.”

She nodded then turned to the rest of the kutta.

“And what say the rest of you?” she asked.

One soldier came forward to speak for the rest.

“We served Lord Shin, but we follow Sozen.”

He kneeled before Carmilla, the rest of the kutta soldiers followed him. Carmilla had won, her people no longer had to suffer. They freed the captives there was much work to be done for both their People

Wolf and Monkey turned to leave but Carmilla stopped them.

“Wolf....” she started but he stopped her.

“Regardless of the reasons, a traitor is still a traitor, don’t think anything you say can change my mind after you killed my father in front of me” He told her

It seemed like she had more to say until Skoll appeared.

“seems like we have trouble, the army from the west. Guess they didn’t like that Li chi didn’t make an appearance and marched here.”

Carmilla looked towards Wolf, obviously wanting to say. Instead she turned around and walked back towards her troops.

“gather everyone, show them a united front. Maybe we can convince them to stand down but expect a battle.”

Monkey wondered if Wolf was going to say anything, but instead he turned around and left.

“let's go.... my fight here is over, this is no longer my battle”

~

Skoll looked back, seeing the two leave.

“guess your son and his friend won't be joining us.”

Carmilla said nothing.

“hey, what exactly happened in there?” Skoll asked.

She stopped walking, letting out a tired sigh.

“I killed Zayav... I killed his father right in front of him.”

Skoll eyes grew wide.

“so... he knows then?”

She nodded, Skoll whistled.

“good luck trying to fix that, probably going to resent you for the rest of his life. Damn, now I feel bad for giving him such a hard time.” he said, quickly regretting his words as Carmilla stared him down.

“umm..I’ll, uh, gather the men” Skoll ran off.

Carmilla harden herself, one more obstacle, just one more. The fighting wouldn’t end... but, they can finally work on a firm United Kingdom. Whatever issues she wanted to resolve with her son would have to wait, that if they ever meet again. But Skoll was right, she kept the truth of his father from him just so she could have a weapon to use against Zayav. She wasn’t proud of it, but there was no other way they could beat Zayav... not in a fair fight. And war, if anything, isn't fair.

~

Monkey followed Wolf as they left Akita, Making there ways through the city that was once a battlefield. Soldiers rushed over towards the west to meet the enemy. The kutta soldiers exchanged looks amongst themselves, a look that asked if they were really going to fight their own people with the bhediya that they literally just tried to kill not that long ago. It was obvious that the bhediya felt the same because they stared at the kutta with distrust, Monkey could hear their whispers wondering what their leader was thinking. But that mattered little to him, like Wolf said. This is no longer their battle.

“Wolf, are you alright... after everything that happened?” Monkey thought to himself.

As they neared the east gates they pass a row of dead bodies, the soldiers were gathering the dead for cremation. Monkey looked at the corpses, seeing a familiar face. It was the young soldier that had attacked him the moment him and Wolf were separated. Monkey instinctively touched his palm that he had bandage. The boys eyes, filled with so much rage, so much discontent.

“you ok?”

Monkey looked up, seeing Wolf staring at him, a look of concern on his face.

“after what just happened, and he asking me if I’m ok? I should be the one asking him.”

Monkey thought to himself.

“yeah, just... ready to get away from here before that army strikes.”

“Wolf nodded as they made their way towards the gate”

~

The battle could be heard as Monkey and Wolf made their way through the snow away from the castle. Monkey wanted to say something, yet couldn’t think of anything. Wolf increase his pace, it seemed like he wanted to get as far away from here as possible.

Would Sozen and the other kutta betray Carmilla? Monkey wouldn’t be surprised, they literally killed their lord and his son. There no way Sozen would truly swear to Carmilla after that... right? Then again, even though he doesn’t know the man, Sozen didn’t seem like that kind of person to betray on a whim. And what about Wolf? He’s been silent the whole time, after his mother revealed that Zayav was his father and then... just killed him, well, he just wish he knew what to say.

“Wolf”

“yeah?”

“shit”

Monkey thought, what was he going to say next? He just open his mouth out of concern. But what do you say to someone who just found his father and lost him in the same day?

“...well, what do you plan on doing now?”

He asked,

Wolf stopped. The silent stretched as the sounds of battle died behind him.

“I-I don’t know”

Wolf finally spoke

“I don’t know what to do now, before it was so clear... get stronger, return home, take part in the war, and finally get my revenge against Ti Shin. Well, I gotten stronger, I returned home, and I joined my mother in this war. But I didn’t get my revenge, instead I have my father revealed to me literally right before my mother struck him down. And now I’m wondering if that was her plan all along, I mean it has to be right?” Wolf voiced rose in anger as he continued,

“Why else would she keep him a secret from me till now? When I was tasked with assassinating, Ti shin I was near Zayav for years!! YEARS!! My father was near me the whole time.... and I never knew. I never knew.”

Wolf fell to his knees; tears ran down his face. Monkey listened, then he started gathering fallen branches, once he gathered a arm full he laid them down in front of Wolf.

“I’m sorry”

He said as he place the wood ontop of each other, using his magic to light a fire.

“I don’t know what to say, or what I should do right now that could help make you feel better. But... if you’re willing, I would like to hear about the man you came to known at Akita.”

Wolf looked up at Monkey who had a gentle smile, gentle yet sad

“tell me about the great warrior Zayav”