Chapter Four: Chronos

"So he's finally back, after all these years." 

"Do you think he's going to come for his tools?" 

"That's precisely what he's going to do, I've known Azrael for years and he's definitely going to come for them, in fact, he's on his way now." 

Chronos was the elf that controlled the realm of Elixus. He used to be Azrael's trusted ally until the war broke out and he turned against Azrael. 

He envied him because he was favored by the light and Chronos who was a direct descendant of the elf dynasty was deprived of that ability.

To him, Azrael was a representation of everything that he wasn't, down to their power differences. 

When the war broke out, he hid in the shadows and took Azrael's ultimate tool which was the sword of darkness when Azrael went to save the woman he loved. 

He hated that he couldn't figure out how powerful Azrael was. He was an elf so naturally he was gifted with certain powers that others in the domain of Elixus didn't possess.

It was due to his obsession with Azrael that he sought the powers of the Gremlin who was Azrael's sworn enemy. 

He was rather looking forward to meeting Azrael this time. He was sure that without his tools, he'd finally be able to see the beginning and the ends of his powers.

He tried to destroy the sword after he obtained it but as long as Azrael's soul hovered, it was impossible to destroy anything that belonged to him.

He wasn't the only one who hated Azrael's might. He was one of the many entities who wanted Azrael gone by all means. 

"Should we mount our guard then?" His assistant asked.

A crude laugh came from his mouth, taking the assistant back for a second.

"Mount our guard?" He said mid laugh, "You think a few elves would be able to hold him off for even a second? You have no idea the limits and horizons his power cuts across. 

Even you, would be unable to keep that man away, if he wanted to show up here at this very moment amidst the large army waiting for him, then he would but he's not a fellow known to show off." 

It was obvious that there was a trace of fear in his voice. He waited all these years for this day. He was willing to sacrifice himself just so he could read Azrael.

He hated that even after all these years, he was still obsessed with him. Just then the lights in the room went off. The firewood was still and darkness descended upon the room.

Everywhere became still and cold.

"He's here…" Chronos may not know the extent of Azrael's powers but he stayed with him long enough to know when his presence was in a room.

"Show yourself, Azrael, or have you gone cold after all these years." 

The attendant that was with him suddenly disappeared but Chronos was still. As long as he was within the walls of this room, Azrael couldn't hurt him. He had gotten that much assurance from the Gremlin.

In what seemed like an eternity of silence, he finally heard a familiar voice.

"Good to see you again, Chronos." It was Azrael and he was standing behind him this whole time. 

Chronos stood still, one slight mistake and his head would be on the floor. 

He needed to be calculative, if he could get Azrael into a conversation, it could buy him some time to unleash his spell.

"I see you've not changed one bit dear friend." Chronos smiled, his lips curved slightly and he began chanting a spell.

"Why would I change? Wouldn't that be a problem for you, my dear Chronos?" 

Azrael stood so close to him, that Chronos could hear the sarcasm in his voice. 

He was mocking him, and if there was one thing he hated the most, it was being treated like he was inferior. 

He completed the spell and smiled evilly. 

"Do you mean to say that it would be a problem for me to get you after all these years?"

"Precisely." 

"Well, that's where you're wrong, Azrael." Immediately there was smoke in the room. It wasn't just any smoke, it was an enchanted smoke. 

Chronos uses this to fight enemies he doesn't know what the limits of their powers are and it makes it easier for him to still them enough to absorb it but unfortunately, the powers usually wane after the battle is over. 

When he joined forces with the Gremlin, he amplified his abilities to be able to retain the powers. 

He had waited all these years so he could use it on the one man he so despised and that day was finally here. 

Azrael stood, unmoved and unimpressed. A deep cry escaped his mouth and the smoke dispersed. 

Chronos fell to the floor immediately.

"Please don't kill me, for old times sake."

"Where is my sword Chronos?" 

"I'll tell you, only if you let me live." He stood up and faced Azrael now. 

"Where have you been all these years, Azrael?" He said with an evil glint in his eyes. 

Chronos walked to the center of the room where his throne was and sat down ever so casually.

"You know, I have greatly missed you. Especially our fights and good memories." 

"I shall ask you no more where my sword is Chronos."

"Yes, yes, your sword. If I remember correctly, you gave it to me when you wanted to save that foolish woman." 

Azrael's eyes went cold and Chronos knew it was working. 

"This time Azrael, what need do you have of it? Can't you sense it anymore? Oh yes, you can't. Because you're no longer the Azrael Elixus was terrified of."

Azrael raised his hands towards him but Chronos was already a step ahead. Huge chains broke through the walls and bound him. 

"Don't even try to resist Azrael.."

How did he not see it?