Cursed Queen: Battle Against Gods

A New Queen

"You remember me, right? I'm Karis," he whispered as he created a magic circle in front of us. 

I nodded and looked around. "How are we going to escape from this place without getting caught?” I asked, confused. There are tons of soldiers here, and I don’t think we'll get out of here unscathed.

He smirked. "Ride me when I transform into a deer. Make sure you're holding my horns tightly, or you’ll get blown away."

He slowly turned into a big deer and bent a little. I was hesitant, but I climbed up and held onto his horns. I felt like I would fall out when he started charging ahead. He was going way too fast! But we had no choice since we would have gotten caught if he didn't. I am not sure why, but he took the city road where there are lots of people!

"Have you lost your mind?" I asked.

"Calm down, Flare. It will be fine," he replied. "Make sure you look around. Observe the people as we pass by."

Even though I was confused, I did what he said. People were walking around, but their eyes look dead as if they have been through a lot. The atmosphere was heavy, and it felt so gloomy despite the pretty decorations. As we were about to leave the city, a big cart that was full of women and children came. My jaw fell as I looked at them with their hands tied and collars on their neck.

“You’ve seen everything now…” Karis said and started to speed up because our pursuers are nearby.

I couldn’t forget that sight. That’s way too…unjust. It isn't like me to feel guilty over something I have no control over, but I want to do something for those people. I need to free them from that place.

"Karis, let's go save them."

"I'm sorry but we can't do that yet," he replied and headed for the forest.

"Why not? We need to save them!"

"Not now. You can't do anything at that state, Flare. Don't be stubborn."

He’s right so I stayed quiet and endured it. The way I am right now, I’ll only end up getting caught again. I gritted my teeth. I have always felt powerless despite being treated as the best alpha of the family and until now, I still feel that way.

"Don't worry, Flare. Everything will be fine..." I heard a voice say.

My brows furrowed, and I looked around. That voice was familiar. I think it was Bythos. But where is he? I continued to look for him, but he was nowhere to be seen. Was it all just in my head? Did I imagine that because I was seeking comfort? Like the comfort that I felt when he gave me his blessing? I bit my lower lip and held onto Karis's horns tightly.

"Careful, Flare. You might break them..." he said.

I said sorry and loosened my grip a little. We were still being chased when we entered the forest a while ago, but he stopped when we were already inside. I was worried that the soldiers would catch us, but they couldn't enter the forest. It sure was strange because their horses kept turning back.

"What happened?" I asked.

He didn't answer. Instead, he continued walking deeper into the forest until we found a big camp. There were a lot of tents and tables around. There were different creatures there. I think they were elves, fairies, giants, werewolves, vampires, and different creatures that I have never seen. I slowly got off and held onto my cloak tightly as I looked around.

When they noticed us, they stopped whatever they were doing and bowed down. I looked at Karis, but he was naked after transforming back to a human, so I immediately tore my eyes off him. He laughed and went to a tent for a while, probably to change. I didn't know what to do because they were still bowing down. I'm not sure why but I feel like they did that for me since they were all facing my way.

"Tell them to stand up," Karis said when he came back, all dressed up.

"Uhm, please stand up," I said hesitantly.

They did and all of them smiled at me. An elf approached me with a pair of clothes in his hands. They led me towards a tent and left some clothes for me to wear. I looked at it and saw what seemed to be a tube and skirt with metal armors. Two fairies came in and helped me put them on. They also tied my hair so that it wouldn’t get in my way.

When I went out, Karis told me to stand in front. He'd probably explain what's going on, so I approached him. He clapped his hand to get everyone's attention. "Gather around, everyone. Meet our new ruler, Flare!" he shouted.

What?! My eyes widened as I watched everyone shout like warriors. Me? Ruler? When did that happen? I am so confused but Karis told me to go along for now. I glared at him, but he only ignored me.

"We will continue to carefully plan our rebellion as the Scythe, with our new ruler as the center. In two months, we will go into war!"

He didn’t even hesitate. Where did he get the Scythe? What? Because we will reap our enemies or something? He probably noticed how annoyed I look, so he immediately finished his speech and brought me to a secluded place.

"Bythos, our former king, chose you as the new ruler of Plaisiria. That's why he gave you his blessing. Everyone in this camp is a fighter who will only worship him but since he gave you his blessing, we believed in him and accepted you as the new ruler."

I blinked a few times, confused. He said all that with such a bland tone that I didn"t want to believe him. Bythos gave me what now? I don't even have magic, why would he give me that and turn me into a ruler or whatever? I honestly don't understand.

"You see, two gods named Bythos and Hildus clashed a long time ago. Bythos was supposed to win because he had us, The Zodiacs, by his side. But Hildus placed a strong and forbidden spell on us, and he was able to make betray our king. He was defeated and was driven out of the castle..." he said sadly.

"But how did you break the spell?" I asked.

"I don't know, either. Maybe the spell weakened. Two of us were able to break it."

"Where is the other one?"

"Back in the castle, spying for us."

And then I remembered that I still have a ton of questions. "Why did Bythos choose me as the new ruler?"

He shook his head. "No one knows but he spoke to us through our minds, telling us to save you and accept you as our new queen."

"But I'm weak. I'm also an outsider. How can you accept it like it’s nothing?"

"Bythos is our God. We have no right to question him or deny him because that would mean that we don’t trust him."

He stood reached his hand out to me. I slowly accepted it with furrowed brows. He led me towards what seemed to be their training camp. He slowly looked through the weapons that were on the table. I looked at them as well because they look so good. However, two katanas caught my eye. Their blades were so sharp and dark as if they’re only made to cut people down.

"That’s what you want?" Karis asked.

I nodded and took them out so I can test them. I have always liked using both hands when fighting since I can cut my enemies down faster. I can also have a longer range than when I used daggers. The blades are sharper than I expected, and it fueled my bloodlust. Somehow, I felt like something in me awoke. That something felt like the old me who lost her emotions and became an empty shell that can only be used to kill.

"Excuse me, I need some time alone," I said and tried to find a secluded place.

Karis seems to have understood the look on my face and left me alone. I walked around and saw a place below a big tree where I can sit for a while. The place was quiet, and I felt at peace. There were a few flowers beneath the tree. They don’t seem like poison, so I guess it’s fine if I pick one. It looked so pretty and pure…unlike me.

I looked up at the sky, thinking about everything that happened to me while I was fulfilling my role as the family’s assassin. I don’t have many memories of that time, probably because I threw everything else away. But...I remember cutting people down like they meant nothing. I was even told that I seemed like a doll, hollow and cold. I also hear people saying that I was my father’s puppet. Well, it was true.

And now I want to fight for people I don’t even know. I have only seen their faces and the state that they were in. They looked like they have given up on life like it doesn’t matter if they die or not. And it...tugged my heart.

It made me feel like a hypocrite. I have seen things like that happen before, but I didn’t do anything. All I did was look at them and pass them by. Most people would have done something, right? But I didn’t. I only watched them beg for their lives as they were sold or cut down without even flinching.

That was the old me. Can I really say that I’m a new person now that I have regained the soul that I have lost? The people I killed are probably spiting me right now. Though, it’s strange that I somehow managed to get my emotions back. Was it the tune that I heard? I’m not sure. 

People have even entrusted their lives to me, saying I'm their new queen. But right now...I need to worry about myself first. I don’t know who or what I am. I feel like I have been reborn. If wielding a blade once again can turn me into what I was before, then I'd rather not. But I need to fight for them. I don’t know why but I just need to. I feel restless and I know that I won’t be able to sleep at night unless I help them.

I hugged my knees. This is so frustrating. Suddenly, I have a new life and I got caught up in some sort of conflict between two gods. And now I must fight in the stead of one of the gods. I don't even know how to use the abilities that people from this land use.

After a lot of thinking, I got dizzy and rested for a bit. When I woke up, I was already resting my head against someone's shoulders. I immediately stood up and backed away, wary of the person. When I recognized him, I calmed down.

He smiled and stood up, as well. "Come on, let’s eat. Dinner's ready."

"Oh, did you wait long? You should have woken me up."

"No. And you looked exhausted. I didn't want to disturb you. Come on, everyone's waiting for us."

I nodded and followed him towards the camp. Everyone seemed like they were starving, but they didn’t eat yet. They probably waited for me. Ah, I felt bad for oversleeping. Especially when they looked thrilled to see me.

I smiled at them when they saw us approaching. "Sorry for the wait."

"It's fine, Your Majesty. Please sit here," an elf said as he guided me towards what looked like a special seat.

They even served the food and waited for me to start. When I did, they finally started to eat. Well, that was awkward. At least for me.

"You should get used to it already," Karis said as dragged a chair and sat in front of me.

The others who noticed were frowning at him, but he didn’t seem to mind. I looked at them and when they noticed, they immediately looked away.

"Don't mind them. They're just envious because we're close," Karis said.

I raised a brow. "Since when? We're not."

He looked at me and dramatically held his chest, acting hurt. "Come on. You even rode me!"

I kicked his foot and glared at him. This guy, seriously. I don’t understand him. Not like I plan to try and understand him. He just confuses me, that is all.

He groaned in pain. "I'm sorry, I won't tease you anymore."

"Your personality is terrible," I said and continued eating. He only laughed. When we finished eating, they started cleaning up. I wanted to help but they didn't let me.

"All of the tribe leaders, gather up. We need to talk about something," Karis said.

He pulled me towards a tent. We waited for all the tribe leaders to enter. This seems to be an important meeting. Oh, they might devise a plan or strategy. I always make those back then. No, wait, this is a different world. I don't think it's the same.

"As you all know it, Flare is an outlander. She doesn't have knowledge regarding this world, nor does she know how to use magic," he began.

Or...it might be about me. Right. This whole situation seems confusing. Maybe I'm the only one who is confused because I don't know anything. 

"Anyone who steps in this land can learn how to use magic. And I will be the one to teach her how to use it. The problem is...I'm not a god. Gods use a different kind of magic and I don't think I can teach her that. Bythos is nowhere to be found so there's no one left but Hildus. And there's no way we're coming to him."

The what now? I'm not even a god! Oh...maybe I am because Bythos gave me his blessing? But that's absurd. 

The leader of the fairies, Aurora, raised her hand. "According to an old legend, there is a god by the other side of Hylus. I think he's the God of Fire, Flambe. He might know something."

"But Hylus Mountain is extremely dangerous. Especially for Her Majesty!" Matteo, the alpha of the pack of werewolves said.

"I'll be with her," Karis said.

Matteo glared at him. "Even if you are with her, we can't guarantee that she would be safe."

"Then who should accompany her? You?" Karis replied sarcastically.

They looked like they were about to fight but I couldn’t care less. I stood up and looked at Aurora. "How dangerous is this place?" I asked.

"There are magical beasts, both strong and weak. And I don't think you would be able to handle the cold, Your Majesty. If Sir Drake can accompany you, it won’t be impossible for you to survive."

"You weren't thinking of going alone, right?" Karis asked sharply.

"Well, I would if I could. Anyway, if I need Drake to survive there. If he can't...then how can I go there?"

"You don't have to force yourself. Just stay here and learn how to manipulate one of the elements."

I glared at him. "And you think I'll settle for that? I don't think we'll survive the war unless I fight Hildus with everything I've got. What kind of leader I am if I sit idly, knowing there’s something I can do to help us?"

"This is where I come in!" a familiar voice said.

We looked around but we couldn’t find the source of the voice. Aranel, the leader of the elves, pointed at my shoulder. I looked at it and there was a small dragon. The voice came from it. This is probably Drake since he’s the only one I know that has connections with dragons.

"I can summon one of my dragons. He will accompany Flare. Don't worry, he’ll be enough to protect her if it's just Hylus mountain," he said.

I looked at everyone and it seems like they agree. Matteo also calmed down, he was nodding his head. Although...Karis looks like he’s not convinced yet.

"What?" I asked him.

"I'll accompany you, just to be certain. The Zodiacs can also survive in that mountain. There are plenty of unknown creatures in that place, you know that. Your dragon won't be able to defend her against them," he replied.

I shrugged. "Suit yourself."

"It has been decided. In two days, we leave for Hylus Mountain. Drake, your dragon better be here before that."

Drake chuckled. "Grow up, Karis. I know you’re jealous that Flare can rely on me but you shouldn't let it show."

Before Karis could grab the little dragon on my shoulder, I backed away. I placed it in my hand and made sure that Karis can’t hurt it.

"We'll start preparing for the trip tomorrow."

"But…shouldn't we haul the goods first? We won't have anything to eat for the next few months if we don’t," Albion, the leader of the giants said.

"Tomorrow night, we’ll acquire them. They;ll bring the ones from Lhanmorden town. We'll ambush them there. Matteo, your pack can handle that."

Matteo nodded. As soon as they have settled everything, Karis dismissed them. Perfect, I need to talk to the two of them. Drake can still talk to us because of his dragon. He noticed that I was staring at him. He attempted to leave, but I pulled him by his hand and made him sit down.

"What is it?" he asked right away.

"You never introduced yourself properly."

"Oh, right." He stood up and bowed before me. "I am Karis the Deer, the former leader of The Zodiacs, Pisces, who once served Bythos. I am your loyal servant from now on, Your Majesty."

"Drake the Dragon, new leader of The Zodiacs. What a bummer, I wanted to kiss your hand when I properly introduce myself."

I tried to smile a little. "I have a question. Is Hildus equally as powerful as Bythos?"

Karis shook his head. "No. There is no god who can stand against him. But Bythos gave a portion of his power to The Zodiacs so he wasn’t as strong as how he was when they fought during the first war between gods."

"Hildus used both his and our power to defeat Bythos, and he succeeded. If you're thinking that you won't stand a chance, you're right," Drake said bluntly.

I pursed my lips. "Yes, I know. That's why I need your guidance."

Karis stared intently at me. "I'll train you on the way towards Hylus Mountain. You need to at least learn how to manipulate the elements. Let's call it a test. If you can’t, then you won't be able to fight using the power that Bythos bestowed upon you."

"Don't worry, Flare. I know you can do it," Drake said softly.

"Yes. I have to."

"I need to go now. I’ll send Koryu there tomorrow. He'll warm up to you immediately, I’m sure of it."

Koryu is probably his dragon. The small dragon that Drake used to talk to us flew towards my shoulder and sat there. I didn't mind because it was...cute.

"Are you perhaps...fond of dragons?" Karis asked when he saw me staring at the little dragon.

I ignored him and thought of a name. Maybe I'll call it Cyrus since it's a boy. "Yeah, I'll call you Cyrus. Is that okay?" It licked my cheek so I guess he likes it.

"Is that a yes? Then, how about deers?" he prodded.

I gave him a weird look. He seemed genuinely offended because of what I did. He was being weird! That was why I looked at him like that. Even if he teased me, he was still kind to me. So I think I should say sorry.

I cleared my throat. "I'm sorry if I offended you. Your question was just...weird. Uhm, I like deers. Especially the small ones, they're cute."

He nodded and looked away. "Sorry for weirding you out, then."

"Okay. Then, where can I sleep?"

His mouth went agape and walked out. I got confused because of his reaction. There's no place for me to sleep, I guess? I mean, a lot of things happened today so they probably forgot to prepare one for me. He entered one of the tents so I followed him. 

He hesitantly looked at me. "I sleep here. You can sleep here with me. There are no other free beds because there's a lot of us. And we forgot to prepare one for you since everything happened too quickly. Is it okay? I'll sleep on the floor, don’t worry."

I don't think he's used to sleeping on the floor. The bed is big enough for two people. It shouldn’t be an issue.

"It's fine. Let’s sleep here," I said. Since I'm tired, I lied down and immediately fell asleep.