chapter 12 : The return with change

A Warm, Sunny Day*

Three blazing suns illuminate the Kingdom of Bujars, banishing frost and darkness to the distant hills of Mosira—a frigid, shadowy realm ruled by one of the Ten Creatures, a being named Guevara.

A massive crowd marches through the kingdom's streets, led by Princess Marsha, who gazes upon her people with contempt, as if they were insects beneath her heel. It reinforces the age-old truth: every soul has its price, every individual their ordained place—or so I've always believed. After this brief glimpse into what awaits you, dear reader, let us return to Bujars for the funeral of Abduljaleel.

His body is hoisted on shoulders amid wails and screams, as though the kingdom has lost its king. One wonders: how did Abduljaleel earn such reverence in less than a week?

Marsha's voice booms through the streets like a megaphone as she strides with the arrogance of Satan's heir.

Marsha

I don't hear enough weeping! Scream louder—you must* practice *this!"*

Soldier

Your Highness… he isn't dead yet.

Marsha

I know. But I'm preparing them for the final act. It must end this way… or I will.

Soldier

Understood, my lady. But this is… harsh. Grant him a chance.

Marsha ( coldly )

If it were my choice, I'd give him my* heart*, not just a chance. But you know my father."

MSoldier :

What shall we do?

Marsha :

The Heliam Gate showed me a savior who can reunite me with Abduljaleel. But his story must remain secret—if my father learns of it, he'll summon his brothers and turn this kingdom into a battleground for titans.

Soldier :

By your command, my lady. I'll handle it.

Marsha ( mockingly ):

Good. Now tell them to weep harder—my beloved is dead.

Her tone drips with sinister sarcasm.

Or he soon will be.

Hours Later – Castle of Murpheus

Murpheus stands like a mountain in the hall, staring at Abduljaleel's corpse. The body lies within a chalk-drawn magical circle adorned with candles. Murpheus clutches a black, rough-skinned tome made from the hide of a Yamura—a buffalo-like beast with tusks and the size of a bear. He opens the book and chants:

Murpheus**: *"Suno Karana Digamor! Suno Dithar Digamor!"*

Marsha, hidden behind her father, translates his ancient incantations:

Marsha :

Oh sacred spirit, oh virgin, grant us…"*

Murpheus :

Senara Romak Abduljaleel! Senara Romak Abduljaleel!

Marsha :

Return, spirit of Abduljaleel! Return!

Murpheus (*shouting*):

Suno Romak Senara! Suno Romak Senara!

Marsha :

Spirit, return! Return!

A yellow soul descends into the corpse. Abduljaleel gasps violently and rises, disoriented. But something is wrong—this isn't the man they knew. He strides to Murpheus with unfamiliar confidence and clasps his shoulder, speaking irreverently:

Abduljaleel :

You have a lovely daughter. Pity you won't attend her wedding.

Murpheus (*alarmed*):

What…?

Marsha (*tearfully*):

Abduljaleel! You've returned!

He approaches her seductively, pulling her into his arms.

Abduljaleel :

No, my love. Abduljaleel is dead . I'm someone new… Call me Pablo. Your eyes are the fairest I've ever seen.

Marsha ( blushing ):

Th-thank you… My father is....

He kisses her deeply—until the hall doors burst open. A soldier stumbles in, a spear through his heart, blood soaking his uniform.

Soldier :

Forgive me, sire… I failed… He's here…

Chaos erupts as Kristina appears, transformed: her hair now crimson, her body powerful and alluring. She kicks the dying soldier and snarls:

Kristina :

Whore! Get away from* my *man!

Abduljaleel (*grinning*): You've changed, Kristina… I like it.

Jealousy ignites Marsha. She lunges at Kristina, screaming:

Marsha :

I'll kill you, wretched human!

The two women clash in a whirlwind of blades. Abduljaleel watches, amused, as Murpheus pales with dread.

Abduljaleel :

Care to wager, old* melon*? My coin's on Kristina.

Murpheus :

Silence! Someone worse than me approaches. If Siniaotra hadn't kissed you in the underworld, you'd still be dead.

Abduljaleel :

True. She's hideous… but skilled in* certain *ways.

Murpheus:

The ritual isn't complete. I'll cleanse Siniaotra's curse, and you'll wed Marsha, fulfilling your destiny."

Abduljaleel :

What happens if you* don't*?

Murpheus :

You'll bed every woman in the Seven Kingdoms and never sate your hunger. You'll become cursed… like us."

Abduljaleel laughs maniacally and shakes Murpheus' hand.

Abduljaleel :

Cursed, eh? Nice to meet ya!

Murpheus (*muttering*):

Reviving him was a mistake. Now he bears a curse worse than ours.

A thunderous roar shakes the hall. The Cursed Captain enters—tall, shirtless, with blond hair, green eyes, and an X-shaped scar over his heart. His followers bear the same mark.

The Cursed Captain :

Murpheus… it's time to pay. The Black Abyss calls.

Murpheus (*trembling*):

The time hasn't—

Cursed Captain :

You meddled with my brother. Now his wrath falls on* you*.

Murpheus turns to Abduljaleel in realization—too late. The Captain hurls a golden spear, pinning Murpheus to his throne like a grotesque statue. Marsha collapses, weeping, while Kristina laughs triumphantly.

Kristina :

I've won. Farewell, my love.

Abduljaleel ascends the throne and declares:

Abduljaleel:

Kneel before King Abduljaleel—aka Pablo!

Cursed Captain (*smirking*):

You remind me of my brother, Ali Pasha. Until we meet in Mortus' Locker…

Abduljaleel :

Wait! Who pays my wager? Kristina won!

Cursed Captain:

Farewell.

Abduljaleel (*sighing*):

Well… things just got interesting.