Prologue

The kingdom of the Vandenbergs was adorned with colorful banners, flowers, and streamers, as the joyous celebration for Princess Sequoia's 9th birthday unfolded. The streets were filled with jubilant townsfolk, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their beloved princess.

The Land of Sorevi had a long-standing tradition of celebrating royal birthdays with grand festivities, and this occasion was no exception. The townspeople had been preparing for weeks, working tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfect.

In the royal palace, the grand ballroom was transformed into a breathtaking venue, with glittering chandeliers illuminating the room and delicate decorations adorning the walls. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries, prepared by the finest bakers in the kingdom.

As the sun began to set, signaling the start of the festivities, the palace gates swung open, and Princess Sequoia made her grand entrance. She wore a resplendent gown, adorned with intricate embroidery and shimmering jewels, befitting her royal status. The townspeople cheered and clapped, their faces filled with admiration for their young princess.

Princess Sequoia's smile was radiant as she greeted the people, waving gracefully with each step she took. She exuded an air of kindness and warmth that endeared her to everyone she encountered. The princess possessed a natural charm that drew people towards her, and she made it a point to personally thank each individual for their well wishes and support.

As explosions and shouts suddenly erupted in the midst of the joyous celebration, panic and confusion spread through the crowd like wildfire. The once cheerful atmosphere turned into a scene of chaos and fear.

People screamed and scrambled for safety, seeking refuge wherever they could. The sound of shattering glass and crumbling structures filled the air, mingling with the terrified cries of the townsfolk. The festive decorations were torn apart, and the flickering lights were overshadowed by billowing smoke and sparks.

Guards and soldiers swiftly moved into action, attempting to maintain order and protect the people. They formed a perimeter around the princess, their swords drawn and faces etched with determination. The royal family, including Princess Sequoia, was ushered to a safe location within the palace, shielded from the immediate danger.

"PROTECT THE PRINCESS!" The king ordered his daughter's butler and royal guards, who were quick to take the his nine-year-old daughter to a safe location.

The child appears to be terrified by what is going on around her and the clashes she is hearing. As they flee the scene, she clutches her favorite pink teddy bear and sobs.

The guests in the castle began to run to the emergency exit of the place, which was guided by Royal guards.

With a determination fueled by fury and concern for their daughter's safety, the king and queen of the Vandenbergs marched forward, their regal presence commanding attention even in the midst of chaos. The guests, who had previously been screaming in terror, fell silent, their eyes wide with anticipation as they watched their rulers confront the invaders.

The air crackled with tension as the king and queen closed the distance between themselves and the intruders. Their faces were etched with a mixture of anger, grief, and an unwavering resolve. They were prepared to defend their family, their kingdom, and the innocent lives that had been endangered by this brazen attack.

"There he is, King Frederick Vandenberg!" exclaimed by a man dressed entirely in black.

"Everett," the king said, recognizing the man speaking in front of him.

As the echoes of Everett's laughter reverberated through the castle, the atmosphere shifted. The tension that had gripped the air moments ago dissipated, replaced by a perplexed curiosity among those present. The guests, still in awe of the king and queen's valor, turned their attention toward Everett, trying to comprehend the source of his amusement in such a dire situation.

"I thought I'd been forgotten when you claimed the title that was supposed to be mine, but it appears I was wrong," he said bitterly, his smile slowly fading.

"We looked for you everywhere, where have you been? Wha-what happened to you, my brother?" King Frederick looked at his brother, puzzled and sad. He tried to walk toward his brother but his Queen stopped him.

Everett scratched his right cheek vigorously and fast. "Do not make me laugh, my DEAR brother," he said starting to get annoyed while glaring at his brother.

King Frederick looked around the Palace. Everett is surrounded by hundreds of Adbeels, gifted people that use their power to do evil things, who all are dressed in all black, just like Everett. Behind them is a shattered section of the castle.

With a swift motion, the royal guards positioned themselves around the king and queen, their bodies emanating a radiant aura of power. Their training and innate abilities as guardians of the royal family were brought forth, forming a formidable barrier between the monarchs and the invading Adbeels.

The Queen's voice is filled with confusion and fear as she asks, "How did you manage to break through the castle's barrier?"

Everett gave her a big smile, revealing his rotten brown teeth.

"I didn't seem to notice you there, QUEEN Margaret Vandenberg; you looked even prettier than the last time I saw you," Everett said, giving Margaret goosebumps all over her body.

"Answer me, Everett!" Queen Margaret demanded, clutching her stone blue gown in her fist.

The guy gave her a devilish smirk, "Adbeels get powerful too, Darling. Especially if you're me, who was already powerful. I did not left this hellhole just to come back like before; I wanted revenge, so I became more powerful."

"Revenge? Adbeel? You are a Paragon!" the king looked so confused by what his brother said. "I-I don't seem to understand how you became like this, Everett."

Everett stretched his cheek harder this time making it bleed as he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"I WAS a paragon, not until this place made me become an Adbeel! You should stop acting as if you had no idea. When the cat is away, the mice will play, they say. You do not want to provoke me, little brother." His tones darken as his eye color shifts from emerald green to dark red.

King Frederick gently pushed his Queen to his back while holding her wrist. Keeping her safe from whatever Everett and his group have planned.

"Do not give me those terrified expressions. I'm not here to see you two; I'm here to see my niece. It would be rude and insulting if I, her uncle, did not greet her on her ninth birthday." He said this with a devilish grin on his face.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on my daughter, Everett." The king's dangerous voice echoed throughout the castle.

Everett raised his hands as if he was terrified of The King's sudden change of tone. He slowly raised it all the way up and began dancing while demonically laughing.

"WOAH! That's it! Allow me to feel your range, little brother." He continued to laugh as he lifted his hand, creating a black mist above his palm.

The other Adbeel also raised their hands, showing their various kinds of gift.

"We should not go this far, Everett. We can work this out together." The king tried to calm his brother as he gestured for him to calm down with his left hand.

"I am not insane to give up what I have worked so hard for over a decade. I didn't waste so much time just to dismiss my plan simply because a rat said so!" Everett screamed, his voice now piercing and powerful, his eyes darkened and determined to attack the people in front of him.

"Evil does not cooperate, and evil does not agree with his opponent's request," He added as he began to build a larger fire with his hands.

-ON THE OTHER HAND-

As chaos ensued around them, the princess's loyal butler swiftly scooped her up into his arms, cradling her gently. The sounds of explosions and shouts echoed through the corridors, amplifying her fear and distress. With every step they took, the butler's primary concern was the safety of the princess, doing his utmost to shield her from the mayhem.

Wrapped in the soft embrace of her favorite teddy bears, the princess buried her face, seeking solace and comfort in their familiar presence. Tears streamed down her face, dampening the fur of her cherished companions. The butler, holding her tightly, whispered soothing words, assuring her that he would do everything in his power to protect her.

"We have to take the princess far way from here, far from the palace." the butler said to the royal guard as they get in the royal carriage.

"I-I don't want to go without my father and mother!" hysterically uttered by the princess.

As the carriage began to move, the butler repeatedly tried to calm her down. "We'll return as soon as your parents summon us, your majesty," he said

The princess shook her head as she continued to cry, "N-no, w-we can't leave, please. Let's go back, let's get mama and papa." the princess begged her butler as she tried to open the carriage door but her butler stopped her.

The butler sighed and unwillingly lift his hand. "I apologize, your majesty, but I have to do this."

Sadness is evident in the princess's eyes as she looked at her butler's hand, she slowly shakes her head knowing what is about to happen. "N-no..." her voice breaking.

"I'll wake you up as soon as we arrive at our destination, your majesty." The butler smiled as he slowly swung his hand which made the princess fall asleep.

The butler sighed as he looked at the sleeping princess, "Forgive me for what I did, but this is for your own safety, Princess Sequoia." he whispered

Suddenly their carriage stopped in the middle of the woods, the butler peeked out through the window.

'They are here, how did they pass the royal guards?' The butler thought

He carried the sleeping princess in his arms and carefully opened the door. He got out and ran through the forest with the princess. He ran for hours until he came across a small village beneath the mountain where he was now.

He returned his gaze to the village after looking at the princess on his arm. He does not have much time to think; he must make a decision immediately.

"I'll get you back to the castle as soon as this chaos is finally over, Princess Vandenberg," he said and began to walk towards the town where he plan to leave the princess.