CHAPTER 2: REBELLIOUS SWORD

Morgan was standing in the middle of a clearing. This is Bastion, more precisely the outskirt of Bastion. She darted her vivid vermillion eyes around to scan the surrounding environment.

'It didn't change one bit.'

Four years ago, she had cut down an entire region of forest here. She admitted that was not something a dignified princess should do. Then again, she didn't regret it at all.

'Well, that was pretty untamed of me. At least, things have gotten better... or worse depends on how you look at it.'

As one of the most fearsome Saint in this world, she was a far cry different from the puny Master that she used to be. Braving the True Bastion then challenging the Third Nightmare itself had sharpen her to become a much deadlier weapon. One that would shred anything standing in her ways to million pieces, literally. She felt that she could cut anything. Even the rattling chains that shackled her soul and the fate that it bestowed upon her. 

'It's been a long time now, yet I still remember every detail of that day. The day when I swore to stand above all. Not to be chained by anything, especially from my incompetence father.'

Her gazes now seems to possess the ability to penetrate deep into someone's soul, making them tremble in fear.

'So, that Fiend also succeeded in transcending. That was to be expected from the people challenging that Nightmare Seed: Star of Ruin, Song of the Fallen, Soul Reaper, Nightingale, Raised by the Wolves and him. They were destined to triumphant from the very beginning.'

For some reason, she was confused. Like a part of her had been ripped a part and was forgotten, which did not feel right for the arrogant War Princess. 

'Again, this nagging feeling.'

She looked at her surrounding. Her vermillion eyes glistened sharply, hoping to find something or... Someone that would satiated this uncomfortable feelings. 

There was a particular reason why she came here again. Tomorrow, she would venture deep into Godgrave, a death zone to make a deal with a certain reclusive Saint. 

That Saint was rumored to be someone who had made a home in such a frightening death zone, which also meant that this Saint would become a valuable piece on the board for the upcoming war. Her intelligence also stated that Lord Shadow, the reverence name given by the sleepers who he had saved, also possess a weird Citadel. It had the ability to shrouded an entire region of Godgrave into eternal darkness. This could prove to be vital for the war against Queen of Worms. He had also rejected Song's offer to join hand with them.

That was the main reason why Anvil had ordered her to negotiate with Lord Shadow, hoping for her to win over this mysterious Saint.

'It's been so long since I have found someone this interesting... Maybe he could satisfy me desire... Apart from my dear sister, I haven't had the fortune to meet a worthy opponent.'

Morgan smile intoxicatingly.

+++

Godgrave was not a hospital place for the living. The none existing food sources, the dire heat and even the ruthless battle royal for survival did not seem too attractive to the mundane human. Those are even puny problems when comparing to that deadly Sun. When the cloud parted, the Sunlight would incinerate every living being in its wake. No sane human would set foot on this land, let alone building a home on it. 

'That said a lot about the kind of person i am supposed to meet: a complete lunatic.'

And Morgan herself didn't want to come in contact with them in any shape or form. Partly, because she thought that it was beneath her. But mainly because lunatics were almost impossible to reason with. 

When negotiating something, it is vitally important to know what the opposition desire. You at least must grasp the general idea of their situation and personality. Then comes up with plans and strategies to slowly lure the victim into your trap. That is how a negotiation must be done. However, if you ever come in contact with a lunatic, you should know that they do not possess logical thinking. How could you even control the flow of the convo when the opposition don't even know what is going on?

As a result, Lord of Shadow wouldn't be easy to deal with. Granted, they could rely on threat or forceful subjugation to pull him to their side. That would probably be the most effective way rather than negotiating which might cause Valor to loose something in return. 

This was why the cohort that was sent to greet Lord of Shadow was this powerful. Morgan of Valor, Jest of Dragonet, Saint Tyris, Saint Roan and Saint Helie. Morgan was the main negotiator. Jest was there to protect her in case things went South. If the Lord of Shadow refused their offer, Jest would kill him mercilessly, in case Lord of Shadow decided to join force with Song. Tyris was there to shorten the travel time. They do not want to be hindered by the deathly Sun. While Helie and Roan were there to protect her, undoubtedly the most important Saint in the upcoming battle.

Realistically, a cohort with 5 Saint would probably make Shadow think twice before acting. However, Morgan's instinct tell her that things wouldn't be that simple.

And indeed, things definitely went awry wrong for them. The moment they lay their foot on the Shadow Region. They were greeted by a Transcendent Devil and a Ascended Terror. On first glance, they could deal with the two consider their cohort's strength. That would be the case if not for dozens carcasses of Great Abomination surrounding them. All of which were defeated and mutilated completely by the duo.

Luckily, they weren't hostile and led Morgan's cohort the the Citadel. There, they were greeted with a... Transcendent Terror... And worst of all a Supreme Devil.

It seemed like their plan of subjugating Lord of Shadow had been thwarted. Of course, they could try to do so. However, the cons absolutely outweighs the pros. Not only their winning chance was practically even, meaning the casualties would be severe. But this could agitate Lord of Shadow and he might decide to join the Song. Also, they were currently standing on the enemy's territory so their would probably be unpredictable factors come in play. As a great strategist, Morgan wouldn't allow herself to make a unrational decision like this.

'I knew it, not a single sane human would live in this damned place. As I suspected, Lord of Shadow was something else. It's such a shame though, because I really really want to have a spar with him.'

Her lips twisted into a grin.

+++

Sunny was sitting on a makeshift throne, his gaze penetrated the darkness and scanning over Valor's Cohort.

'They truly value me highly it seems. Ah but of course, who wouldn't be in front of such a intimidating and vicious persona I have carefully crafted.'

Sunny was in a good mood. All of his plan was seemingly clicking together. He would use this chance to join side with Valor and effectively be involved in the upcoming war. What he didn't count for was the appearance of Morgan.

'Too bad, what a shame. I thought they would sent Neph. Damnation, I even prepared quite a grandeur impression just for her! Yet she dare not to come? Gosh she is truly insufferable.'

Sunny sighed deeply. Hearing his sighed, the members of Valor tensed up... Except for Morgan. She nodded her head to express her respect for the reclusive Saint.

"Greetings, Lord of Shadow, it is an honour to meet you. My name is Morgan of Valor. I am the representative of Valor's Clan. Today, I have led an expedition toward this Citadel in order to have some private conversation with you."

'Great, now let's see how he would react'

Morgan smiled inwardly. She chose the formal approach to have a superficial prediction about this Lunatic Saint's personality. Although she doubt that it would work out as planned.

"Morgan of Valor? Never heard of that."

Morgan gnased her teeth. Everyone in the room could heard it. She calm her nerves down and reply with a professional yet awkward smile.

"Ah, that is truly unfortunate. Well, you probably know about the Great Valor Clan right? Then I..."

"What is Valor? Can I eat them?"

'I'm gonna kill this bastard right here and now. Forget about the alliance, forget about the war.'

Morgan was full of indignation.

'Is he playing with me? Does he not even put me in his eye? This baffoon really thinks that he can take us all at once huh?... This... humiliation is really unbearable. I swear I would chop you to pieces.'

Then, a cackling laugh resounded in the dimly lit room.

"This guys really have a wonderful sense of humour! Dammit, why don't you lots learn a thing or two from this fine gentlemen. Kids nowadays don't really know how to appreciate this old man's joke anymore."

"Old man, could you please have some decency in front of an esteemed guest?"

Helie threw Jest an annoying glare.

"See, no fun at all."

Jest raised his hand in indignation.

Morgan was really fuming with fury. However, due to her plethora of experience when it comes to politics, she could only swallow it all down and put up an totally not insidious smile at all.

"Lord of Shadow, you truly have a nag for lighten up the mood."

Her smile was undoubtedly there but her tone was undoubtedly off.

"Am I though? Yeah true, I think I am quite good at creating jokes. That old man seems to be the most sensible out of you lots. Maybe I could befriend with him. We would be close. Yes totally."

Lord of Shadow's laugh echoes in the dark hall. His laugh reverberated through the silence hall, making everyone shivered.

Then surprisingly, Fiend also laughed. Everyone, including Sunny was also startled. Sunny voice sounded just like that typical evil villain that Sunny had seen and memorized through watching the marvelous TV at his old house. Meanwhile Fiend's laugh didn't even sound like a laugh at all. It sounded more akin to a dying animal.

'Oh right! Neph haven't even repayed me for that broken TV yet! Seriously! But that is not the problem now. Why the hell is that bastard laughing? This wasn't a part of the script.'

Sunny order Saint mentally to slap that bastard's head... And the laughing was stopped.

'Did that bastard really think things through? How dare he violated my perfect performance huh? I've watched a bunch of movie about this sort of thing already. I am confident that my persona is flawless.'

After Lord of Shadow cough two time.... Seemingly to get out of that embarrassing situation his voice resounded again:

"That was funny, now let get down to true business shall we?"

The atmosphere shifted inside the magnificent hall. The ancient shadow nestled deep in the temple stirred subtly, making the already terrifying Demon and their vassals looked even more insidious.

Morgan's eyes tensed for a moment, before she carefully and solemnly spoke:

"As you wished, to be short. As a Great Clan, Valor has a duty to protect humanity from the harmful corruption. Which..."

Her voice was cut off again by the sinister shadow.

"Stop with the idiotic propoganda. If you keep on spouting that nonsense, I won't be so lenient."

Morgan's eyes narrowed. Then, surprisingly, her face formed a satisfied expression which make Sunny confused.

'She is smiling?'

Morgan parched her hypnotic red lips and continue in a soften ... but nonetheless vicious voice. 

"Then I supposed you know what we could hand over to you. Yet you still refused?"

Sunny smiled mockingly and he stood up from his stony throne. He walked slowly and steadily down the step... Reaching infront of Morgan and locked eyes with her.

"Maybe yes or maybe not?"

His demonic eyes approached her, making her sharp vermillion eyes dilated. As Morgan gazed pass beneath that mask, she was startled. Because the only thing she saw, hidden behind those eyes were complete darkness. Her instinct screamed to her, that currently, that vile thing standing face to face with her is not a human. That demonic thing is more similar to a nightmare creature... Or perhaps a formless shadow much more than a mundane human. In any case, she still held her ground firm. Monster or not, it didn't matter. She would slash and cut them down no matter what. Even if it resulted in her death.

"What do you mean by that?"

Lord of Shadow halted as he stood right infront of her. From this distance, they could even feel each other's breath. That was if Shadow even had one. He raised one of his hand... And gently caressing her cheeks.

He had seen this action multiple time when a male villain meet a the female lead. Then they have a weird conversation about having a fun time or some sort. Sunny didn't know why the female lead was against having fun with the villain. Shouldn't she be happy? They are finally coming to an understanding. How foolish.

At that moment, every single Valor Saint except for Morgan summoned their weapons. Jest had unsheathed his cane sword and appeared right behind Shadow. He aimed as Shadow's neck... Of course, the slash never land because Saint intercept his slash with her own, knocking the old man away.

Helie had drawn her bow, but due to the her dark surrounding, she could barely see anything. Suddenly, she feel something pressing against her body.... It was a giant serpent, coiling around and suffocating her. 

Roan and Tyris tried to retaliated but Fiend stepped in front of them.

Meanwhile, Morgan stood still. She was motionless. Not because of the fear of the Shadow Lord, and certainly not because she didn't know what to do... Currently, her mind was overwhelmed. Because... This demonic thing could... Touch her? 

Her vermillion eyes opened wide. 

'He ... Didn't suffered from my flaw? How could that be? This... Is what a person's touch feels like? Warm.'

However, she soon regained her composure and stared at the Shadow with contempt. 

"I didn't know a prestigious person like you lack manners, Lord of Shadow."

"Oh? But do I look like I care at all?"

Morgan sighed annoyingly.

"In that case, what do you want?"

"I thought that is what someone like you should know that. I mean you're the one trying to convince me. Not the other way around."

She snorted mockingly, locking her vibrant vermillion eyes with... Whatever those thing behind that mask.

"Come on, judging by the way you have spoken so far. I know you're planning something. In my experience, not single Saint in this world is lacking. Especially when it comes to passion and principle. Those two things are the one that propelled a normal human being into something much, much greater. Without them, none would ever come close to become Transcendent."

"I see... Then why should I join force with you arrogant fools? Wouldn't the Song be a much better choice compare to you lots? The Song has much more Saint and a wiser leader. Not to mention the fact that they have showned much more hospitality and respect to me. They even promised me to marry one of their daughther. To be fair, I see that as an absolute win. The seven Blood Sisters are all beauties. I love Revel's sharpness, Seishan's elegance, Beatmaster's charm, Moonveil's purity. Why should I choose you Valor over them?"

Morgan kept sileneced... Then her lips parted and a melodic laugh echoed through the grand hall. After that, her smile turned cold.

"Ahh, I knew it from the beginning Lord of Shadow. You are simply a complete lunatic. Anyway, you probably know why we desperately need you right? Having a Citadel would make this forsaken land be inhabitable since the Will of the Sovereign could decent upon this death zone. But judging by our past conversation, it seemed like that is just but a farfetch illusion. You would never hand over the Citadel correct?"

Sunny's narrowed his eyes. 

'It seemed like she had changed a lot. Of course Morgan still retained that familiar calculated sharpness. And even though I am confident that I could crush her... but still, at the same time I could feel the madden danger nestled deep in those red eyes. I couldn't pinpoint what have changed her... Or why did it happen. She seemed to be filled with much more resolve compare to the her before...'

His thoughts were interrupted because of Morgan's next words.

"But then let me guess, even though you are reluctant to hand over the citadel, you still let your presence known. This mean that you must intend to join the war on either faction. Yet you didn't seem that keen on joining the Song side, even though it is as clear as day that they have the advantage when it comes to the future war. Do you know what this mean?"

Sunny suddenly felt tensed.

"No?"

Morgan widen her smile.

"I could deduce that from the very beginning you intended to join our side."

Sunny laughed mockingly.

"That was it? Just because you knew that I had declined the Song, you suddenly deduced that I would join your forces?"

A relief sighed coming out of those supple red lips with a hint of tease.

"Judging from our conversation. You seemed to know quite a bit about both side of the war. Yet, you still refused the supposedly stronger side. Sure, you could use this as a leverage to raise your promised reward. But Lord of Shadow, you harbor no desire for recourses right? Had you been greedy for recourses, you wouldn't have waited this long to pick a side. Then why did you even bother made your presence known right before the war start? If that isn't you expressing your desire to join the war then I don't know what is. Don't even fool me with something like an act of kindness which was why you spare those sleepers. Do you look like someone who would do that? That only leaves one option, you want to join the war on our side correct?"

Sunny was silenced.

'This is why I hate dealing with intelligent people. Seriously. She is still that fearsome leader with insidious cunningness. Albeit she has become a bit more crazy... Well i guess not a single Legacy Clan's Saint is sane.'

Lord of Shadow looked at Morgan solemnly, then he snorted with contempt.

"No...but....It seemed like you have a brain after all. But then, shouldn't you be worry about why I planned to join your side? Maybe I am Song's spy you know?"

"I am confident."

"About what?"

"I am confident that I know what you want."

Morgan said with conviction.

Lord of Shadow sighed in disappointment

'There goes my flawless persona that has taken me hours and hours of movie to perfectly formed. Damnation, had it been Neph, everything would have been much much easier.'

He kept his dejection deep inside his heart and continue to ask.

"What do I want then?"

Hearing this, Morgan lips formed a sinister but breathtakingly seductive smile. She approached him and whisper sweet words into his ears... However the content was far... Far from sweet.

"You... Want... My father's head do you?"

Sunny's pupil dilated. For the first time since years, he was overwhelmed with shock. His body stiffen, not trusting a single word that had reached his brain.

Before he could react, Morgan gracefully lay her hand on his neck and touch it gently. She then pull him towards her.

"Relax, relax, believe it or not, I have also harbored this plan for a long long time now. My resentment run deeper than you know. Much, much deeper."

Sunny calmed his ragged breathing and tried his best to act non-chalant.

'Damnation, she is insane. She has lost her damn mind. Did she just tell me that she also want to kill her own blood related father? What? I thought out of everyone she would be the most loyal to Anvil.'

"How did you.."

"I know it because of my instinct. I just have a gut feeling that a being like you wouldn't bow to anyone. The fact that you have wait til the final moment before joining a side proof this. That you aren't very fond of the Legacy Clan. The way you were speaking with me too. All of it gave me a feeling that you want to overthrow the current world order, correct? In any case, even if my guess was wrong then there is no harm in telling you. Because nobody would believe you over me, a widely know filial daughter of King Anvil. All of this also explain why you have chosen our side to. My dear sister, Nephis also want to backstab my Father. So I'm guessing that you joined our side to get in touch with her."

Sunny is completely speechless right now. Never in his life time that he thought Morgan, the daughter of King Anvil would speak of betrayal in front of an absolute stranger. But then again, she was absolutely correct. He did want to bury both Anvil and Ki Song. 

"How do I know if you are telling the truth."

Morgan looked at others' fight and sighed:

"I supposed we could talk things through later. I don't wanna raise any suspicion. You see, my father is a very keen but deceitful and unreliable person. I know this because he betrayed someone in the past. If you are curious we should meet again soon. I would give you some important information... Even my own flaw if that is what makes you trust me."

"... Fine then, I agree"

Lord of Shadow snapped his finger, ordering his vassals to stop the fighting.

Saint looked at Jest with disdain before disappeared into the shadow. Helie was released from the constrain and finally be able to breath. Fiend disengaged from the fight against a flying bird and a flying lion.

Then, the Lord of Shadow spoke with intensity:

"I shall agree to ally myself with the King. However there are still some more negotiation needed to be done before we finally come up with an agreement. In the meantime, you people should leave. We would meet again soon."

Lord of Shadow turned around before walking toward the throne. He suddenly stopped and addressed the Valor Saints.

"That being said, you guys aren't allowed to anchor yourself here, I will give you an address in the real world. When the time comes, I would meet Lady Morgan there to discuss our alliance furthermore. No one except for Morgan would be allowed at the next meeting, understand? You fools have caused quite a ruckus in my home. I would not tolerate anything more."

The Valor Saints reluctantly agree with the Lord of Shadow's demand. Then, Sunny ferried each one of them to the real world. 

Before Morgan left, she turned toward Sunny and offered him a smile

"Pleasure working with you."

"I haven't even agreed yet"

"You will."

"Aren't you being too ahead of yourself?"

Morgan stayed silence for a while... Then hesitantly spoke.

"Maybe... But I have a fleeting feelings that you are trustworthy."

Sunny couldn't help himself but smile... Genuinely:

"Even that haughty, lunatic princess could be this innocent at some point."

'I kinda prefer this side of you more.'

Of course, he kept the later thought to himself

Morgan chuckled softly.

"Indeed, but this is a gamble that I must take. I have decided it on that day. So, I must fulfill my past-self's promised even if I lost my life for it."

Her gazed was stern making Sunny involuntarily believe in her words. In fact, as a cunning and deceitful person like himself, he couldn't find any hint of lie in her mannerism. He could only shake his head in confusion.

"You crazy maniac, I couldn't understand you at all... But then again, who said that I am different from you. We are more alike than it seems."

Then, the two of them disappeared form the forlorn temple. Sunny could swear that he saw Morgan's smile before the two arrived at the outskirt.

'Maybe I could handle her, after all'

He thought to himself.