The damage done to the galaxies was far worse than I expected. Lots of planetary debris. Darkness was everywhere, almost suffocating. The despair and misery I saw was... indescribably bad. I felt beyond miserable just looking at it. Everything would be like this if Yin succeeded in his campaign. My misery quickly turned to anger. My hatred for Yin grew exponentially at that point.

  Helena noticed my anger and fury growing. She grabbed my hand comfortingly and looked at me. Her gaze calmed me down somewhat.

  “This... I have no words,” I told her.

  I just stared at it in silence, mourning the lost souls. I didn't notice one of my generals walk up.

  “My lord and lady,” she started. “A letter from the Dark One.”

  “Thank you,” I said as I took the letter.

  Yang,

  I won't hand over my galaxies so easily. If you wish for them to be brought back to your insufferable light, then fight me.

  I await you on the battlefield.

  -Yin.

  My blood boiled even more and I destroyed the letter.

  “This is now personal.”

  Helena squeezed my hand a bit, reminding me to make rational decisions.

  However, any semblance of rationality left me as soon as a wave of arrows came flying towards us and I charged straight into battle, but not before setting up a barrier to block the incoming arrows. Yin’s foot soldiers were charging. I put the barrier down to allow our side to attack.

  “Archers! Ready your bows!” I heard Helena order. “FIRE!”

  Our archers returned the flurry of arrows. Hitting the battlefield and mostly hitting Yin’s foot soldiers. It barely made a dent but both sides fought furiously. I bulldozed through his soldiers and I noticed that one of his lackeys was doing the same to mine. It was Abbadon. I ram him to the side.

  “ACK! Oh, it's you.”

  “Cut the crap and let's fight.”

  “Straight to fightin’. I like that.”

  The two of us got into a straight brawl. I knew Helena could handle herself and she was doing a good job leading our military.

  Abbadon and I continued fighting. I was too hyper-focused on our battle to notice anything. The two of us were trading blows and blasts of energy at each other.

  “Damn, yer tough. Why not use that lil’ black hole trick of yers? It'll surely end this battle. Oh even better! Why not suck yer brother in? That'll solve everythin’,” he mocked.

  “I can't do that!”

  Abbadon cackled.

  “Not strong enough or somethin’? C’mon Yang. It ain't hard for ya.”

  The idea of keeping Yin trapped in a bubble of space was tempting, but I knew I couldn't do that. I ignored his remarks and kept fighting.

  “Yer ignorin’ me now? Rude.”

  “You aren't worth listening to,” I said. Then I threw him across the field. The two of us kept fighting until he collapsed. Our armies were still hashing it out but I saw Helena and Yin fighting. I noticed Yin getting the upper hand and Helena struggling. I raced up to help her and blocked an incoming attack from Yin.

  “Your knight in shining armor is here m’lady,” I said to her with a wink.

  “Now's not the time to be corny Yang,” Helena said with a slight laugh.

  “Ugh, enough with the flirting, you two,” Yin said, clearly disgusted.

  “We weren't flirting.” I retorted. “Okay maybe I was a little bit but let's get this over with. We all know what's at stake here.”

  All three of us began fighting. Despite having the numbers, Yin managed to outmaneuver us. Many times we tried and failed to even land a single attack on him while he hurt us more than usual.

  “You seem to forget that you're on my territory. You're practically powerless here.”

  “You're looking through time aren't you?” Helena asked angrily.

  “No. You're just easy to read,” he stated. “You, Helena, tend to circle for an opening. And Yang just charges straight in without thinking. Now you're going to try and do the opposite. Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic- OMPH!”

  Pisces had rammed Yin down to the ground. He was still bandaged and hurt.

  “Pisces, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at home recovering?”

  “I couldn't stand sitting around doing nothing!”

  I facepalmed.

  Yin came back and blasted Pisces with his darkness from behind. I caught him as he collapsed.

  “Stay out of this you impudent fool!” Yin shouted.

  “Pisces you should go home.”

  “I refuse.”

  “Go home Pisces.”

  “I'm here and I'm not leaving until he's gone,” he declares.

  There wasn't any use in trying to convince him otherwise, so I reluctantly let him stay and fight.

  We all continued fighting Yin, working as a team to counter his attacks. The more we fought, the weaker Yin got. Pisces was also fairly weak but he had enough energy in him to fight off Yin.

  We were so focused on Yin that we didn't notice Abbadon come back up to us until it was too late. He shot Helena in the chest with his powers.

  “HELENA!”

  I raced over to her and caught her before she fell to the ground. Pisces quickly stabbed Abbadon with his trident and focused his attention back on Yin.

  “Helena! Are you okay? Stay with me!”

  “I'm not... gonna die.... dummy...” she breathed, her pure white blood pouring out of her wound. I was terrified for her safety.

  “Pisces, hold him off. I'll be right back.” Before he could protest, I teleported back home and dropped Helena off in Hana's garden.

  “I don't have time. Please help her!”

  She took one look at Helena and gasped at her condition.

  “I'll take care of her. Go back to the field and try to bring Pisces back.”

  I nodded and went back with tears in my eyes. My army has driven Yin’s forces back but Yin himself was still duking it out with Pisces.

  “YIN!! I’M GOING TO DESTROY YOU!!!” I shouted in pure rage. He had hurt my loved ones too many times. All I could feel was utter rage. All I saw was red.

  The next thing I remember, Yin was retreating and the darkness was clearing from the galaxy. He didn't look very good with open wounds that were bleeding heavily. I, however, didn't even have a scratch on me.

  “You win this battle...” he growled, struggling to stand up. He teleported away. Any stragglers of his army were dealt with by mine. I followed them back home, practically dragging Pisces as he was barely conscious, and went to tell my friends the good news.

  “We won the battle.”

  They cheered, excited that we finally managed to take a galaxy back.

  “All we have to do now is repair the damage done,” Virgo said. “Once everyone is all healed up. As of right now, none of us are really in the best shape.” She took her husband from me and carried him to their room. She was one hundred percent going to give him an earful when he's more awake and conscious.

  “How’s Helena?” I asked, concerned.

  “She’s currently sleeping. I gave her the potion as the injury she has is severe,” Hana replied. “I'm assuming Pisces didn't listen at all?”

  I shook my head.

  “Just as stubborn as ever.”

  “Typical,” Hana said with an eye roll. “It knows no bounds.”

  “I'm not any better,” I said with a laugh. Hana smiled. I left to check on Helena. The state she was in made me cry a bit. I knelt next to her bed and gently grabbed her hand. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt completely useless. I couldn't protect the woman I loved, and she was in a critical state. I kissed her hand and held it. Her gaping wound was covered by bandages and I'm pretty sure there were stitches to close the wound and help it heal better. The all-cure potion seemed to be working slowly on her for some reason. Usually, it's instantaneous. It was Abbadon’s powers preventing it from working. I used some of my powers to clear most of the dark energy from her. I heard Pisces yelping in pain from the other room and Virgo giving him quite an earful. I stayed by my beloved pretty much all night. I don't remember when I fell asleep, or if I even fell asleep to begin with.

  The next morning, I woke up to Helena and me snuggling. I must've crawled into the bed with her in my sleep.

  “Honey?” She mumbled.

  “Yeah?” I groggily asked.

  “Did we win?”

  I smiled. “We did”

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  She smiled back. “That's wonderful to hear. They're safe again.”

  “We have to repair the damage first.”

  “The darkness cleared at least. I feel the light of the galaxy again.”

  I smiled at her.

  “Do you need anything?” I asked.

  “Cuddle with me a little more.”

  “But your...” I let my voice trail off because of her wound.

  “It's fine. It's healing faster now.” She reassured me.

  “I just don't want it to reopen,” I told her. She turned around and booped my nose.

  “I'm fine. Now give me cuddles.”

  I laid back down and cuddled with her. I wished we could be like this forever. No war, no battles, just being next to Helena in that blissful moment of peace. I didn't even notice that I drifted off again.

  I woke up when Virgo was pounding at the door.

  “Yang, wake up! We’ve been calling your name for hours!”

  “What's wrong?” I asked groggily.

  “You're needed. We’ve gotta plan our next strategy.”

  Helena sat up.

  “I'll come too. I need to be part of this.”

  “Are you sure? You're still injured.”

  “I'm fine. It doesn't hurt as much anymore.”

  I sighed.

  “Let's go.”

  ?????????????????

  I paced back and forth, cursing and yelling at anyone who came near me. The rage and humiliation I felt could not be described in words. Then Abbadon dared to show his face to me after the humiliation he caused me.

  “You INCOMPETENT, DISGUSTING, USELESS BASTARD!!! You DARE come to me after what you did?!”

  “I- I beg yer pardon master, but I came here ta beg for yer forgiveness and mercy!”

  “You get neither,” I growled, charging up some of my dark power in my hand. I blasted him with it. “Because of you, I lost territory! You did a crappy job! You HUMILIATED AND EMBARRASSED ME!!!” I shot him again as I walked up to him. “The only good thing you did was mortally wound that na?ve goddess that I have the displeasure of calling my future sister-in-law. However, it invoked my brother's WRATH!!!” I shot him a third time. “Look at me! LOOK AT ME!!! I'm injured again!! You made me look like a weak fool!! You should've DIED during that fight.” I kicked him against the wall. He fell to his knees and began begging for mercy. I forced him to stand up. “Relay this to the other two... your days are numbered. Now, GET AWAY FROM ME YOU PEST!!!”

  I threw him back down and watched as Abbadon scurried away like the rat he was.

  Their end was near. I've been keeping a close watch on one mortal, descended from my most devoted, and insane, follower from Arragothia. His ancestor, Alexander Sinclaire, was blessed and then was the time for his final blessing to come true. His descendant would soon be in a position of great power.

  ?????????????????

  The night on Arragothia was cold as the first snowfall of the year started. The Sinclaire clan were all cozy in their estates. Some of the younger members were out playing in the falling snow under the watchful eyes of their parents. One member watched from his bedroom window, Nisshoku, the head of the clan. He's only twenty years old and has the clan firmly within his iron grip. Having been neglected and ignored for most of his life, he's desperate to make a name for himself in both the clan and on Arragothia.

  He looked upon the other members with scorn and disdain, as some of them partook in the ignoring of him as a child. Ever since he killed his parents, he made his presence very well known by brutally torturing those he felt were the worst offenders of his abuse. The clan grew to fear him as upsetting him in any way could result in brutal punishment or even death.

  As they have been since the time of their ancestor, Alexander Sinclaire, they are fanatical Yin worshippers. Each worship session is led by the clan leader once a week. On special holidays, a human sacrifice is made, often taken from a nearby town that they quietly rule over from the shadows. The town has been under Sinclaire rule for centuries and the planet royals are none the wiser. Each town lord or lady was given specific instructions on how to maintain that everything is alright. Any messenger the town lord or lady sent out to get help was assassinated quickly. The town lives in fear of their rulers, the Sinclaire Clan.

  The battle between the Sinclaires and the royals have been going on since the time of their ancestor, Alexander, who was once a brutal tyrant that sent the planet into an era of terror and bloodshed. Under Alexander's past tyrannical rule, 75% of the planet’s total population was wiped out in hopes of repopulating the world with his own bloodline and his cult.

  Nisshoku has been planning to plant his most skilled spies into the royal court to gather information and locate their weak link. He wants nothing more than to be King of Arragothia and force the planet’s citizens to obey his will. He wants his name to be etched into the seams of history so he will never be forgotten.

  Yin had been keeping an eye on Nisshoku for a while, seeing potential in him. He decided that very night was the right time to contact him.

  After about an hour of scornfully looking down upon the younger clan members outside enjoying the falling snow, he closed the curtain, snuffed out the candles in his room, and went to bed, falling asleep relatively quickly.

  Yin appeared before Nisshoku within the dream space. Nisshoku noticed and immediately went on his knees and bowed before the god he worshiped so feverishly.

  “Sit up,” Yin commanded. Nisshoku did as ordered, head still bowed in respect. “Look at me.” Nisshoku obeyed again. He was met with Yin’s piercing, dark amethyst gaze.

  “I have come to see you,” Yin started. “I know of your predicament.”

  “Predicament?”

  “You want more power. More strength. You want to carve your name in history so you will never be forgotten.”

  Nisshoku nodded.

  “I will give you what you seek, on one condition.”

  “I'll do anything you ask of me regardless,” Nisshoku vowed. Yin smiled a bit, amused.

  “You are very loyal to me. I like it. My only request is that you serve me as my soldier. In time, you will be known throughout the universe. Your name will be feared and etched into the seams of history.”

  “I will serve you, my lord,” Nisshoku said without a second thought, kneeling and bowing his head. Yin conjured up a katana for Nisshoku and gave it to him.

  “This will be your sword. It can slice through anything with ease. Use it wisely.”

  Nisshoku graciously took the katana from Yin.

  “I will always do as you command, Great Darkness.”

  “I know you will. I have one final blessing to bestow upon you. It will aid you in serving me.”

  Yin shot Nisshoku with a blast of dark energy. Nisshoku collapsed onto the ground, feeling as if he were on fire and his insides were being torn apart. The dark energy made its way into his soul, giving Nisshoku immortality.

  “A mortal receiving immortality by my power is not painless by any means.”

  Nisshoku’s intense pain subsided and he stood back up, revealing that he was six inches taller than Yin. Yin frowned at the height difference. Nisshoku immediately kneeled again.

  “Use my gifts wisely. I expect you to report to me in the afternoon. A price must be paid, as the gifts I have bestowed upon you do not come freely.”

  “I understand master. But... how will I enter your sacred domain when I'm not dead?”

  “You will know.”

  Yin disappeared from the dream and Nisshoku woke up. The morning was bright and sunny and the snow from the previous night illuminated the ground. Nisshoku got up and opened his curtain slightly to peek outside. It was fairly early, so not a lot of people were up. A couple of the family’s slaves were running around here and there trying to satisfy their masters, their tattered and ragged winter clothing barely keeping them warm. Most are covered in bruises and scars. Nisshoku smiled a bit, pleased at seeing their misery. He looked back towards his bed and noticed a sheathed sword, the same sword that was gifted to him by Yin. The sheath was a solid black and the hilt was grey. He removed the sword from the sheath and traced his finger along the blade, expecting it to cut his skin. It didn't. He pressed down hard on his palm. Nothing. He was immune to the enchantment on the blade.

  A small yet psychotic smile crawled on his face, formulating ways on how he could slaughter his enemies and satisfy his strong desire for bloodshed.

  “I can't wait...” he mused to himself, his grin getting bigger and more psychotic. He put the sword back in its sheath and proceeded to get himself dressed and ready for the day.

  Nisshoku headed out to the household shrine, situated in a back room that is used for his private daily worship. The room is cleaned every few hours to maintain the cleanliness of a holy space. Only those deemed worthy enough to enter are allowed to clean. Nisshoku chooses those whom he deems worthy. However, they walk on a very thin line, as Nisshoku may use them as a sacrifice if he desires.

  Nisshoku spends an hour in the shrine room, worshiping, praying, and offering his blood as a testimony to his unwavering, almost fanatic, loyalty and devotion to Yin. He gives thanks for the gift and the opportunity to directly serve Yin.

  “I swear upon my very soul that I will eternally follow your will and aid you in conquering the other gods. Your glorious darkness will reign over everything and I will do anything to make it happen.”

  Nisshoku left the worship room and headed to the dining room. The table was hand-carved by a family member. Said family member had an ancestor on their mother’s side who was a skilled carpenter.

  The chairs were intricately carved to somewhat look like a throne. The pillars in the corners are made of a white stone that is much stronger than marble, intricately carved, and styled in Greco-Roman architecture. On the table is a steaming platter of eggs, bacon, and potatoes sprinkled with spices. On the side is a small bowl of fresh fruit. A steaming mug of water and a tea bag was behind the plate. He dipped the tea bag in the scalding water. The water turned reddish brown, a color he recognized. To confirm it, he stirred it up and took a small spoonful. When the flavor hit his tongue, he immediately spat it out.

  “Earl Grey," he growled in disgust, he looked down a small hallway, at the door to the kitchen. Nisshoku took the still-scalding tea and stormed into the kitchen, kicking the door open, nearly breaking it off the hinges, and startling everyone there.

  “Who brought this out?!" he roared. "Huh?! Answer me!! Which one of you pathetic insects gave me Earl Grey?!”

  All of them were shaking in fear and looking at each other and whispering among themselves trying to figure out who it was.

  Nisshoku was growing increasingly impatient. Eventually, the culprits were found and Nisshoku stormed up to them. He splashed the still-hot tea on them.

  "You IDIOTS!!" he roared at them. He threw the mug across the room, and a slave barely avoided it before it smashed her face. It was immediately cleaned up. “Explain yourselves!"

  The two slaves glanced at each other, trembling before him in fear. “Well? Are you two going to answer me? Or should I just kill you now?” He readied his dark powers, about to stab them with pointed energy.

  “We- we were falling behind as the water was taking a while to boil.”

  “I rushed and took the first tea bag I saw. I didn't have time to look at the label.”

  Nisshoku laughed slightly.

  “I see, you were rushing. Perhaps I’ll show some mercy just this once.”

  The two slaves looked relieved and were slightly confused. Nisshoku never shows mercy.

  “A simple beating and whip lashing won't be sufficient.” He grabbed the two slaves by their hair and forced them into the large furnace. He watched with a psychotic smile as they were screaming and writhing in agony. After about a minute, he took the two severely burnt slaves out and threw them into the snow. The shock from the drastic temperature change caused their body to stop functioning, and they died within seconds.

  Nisshoku slammed the door shut and looked back at the terrified slaves.

  “Someone make me another cup and make it quickly. I wish for black tea. Now get to it!!” He went back to the table, slamming the kitchen door shut, nearly breaking it again.

  A few hours later, he's taking a leisurely stroll around clan grounds. Some clan members greet him politely while keeping their kids away from him, as they know that he doesn't like kids at all. Clan members would be lucky if he looked in their direction without a scowl and had a look of disgust at the children. A small black dragon flew to him and perched on his shoulder.

  “Hello, Jedediah.”

  “Good morning, master.”

  Nisshoku smiled.

  “You don't need to call me master.”

  “I am indebted to you for saving me many years ago, and I've decided to make you my master and I will be your humble servant.”

  “You're silly.” Nisshoku scratched under the dragon’s chin. He smiled. Jedidiah is the only thing he cares about. “Where were you this morning?”

  “Relaxing in the trees. Something about being among the leaves is comforting.”

  “If you want, I can have a tree placed in pots around your sleeping area in the estate.”

  “I would appreciate it.”

  Nisshoku smiled. He noticed his dragon friend getting cold and swiftly headed inside. The small dragon scurried away to find a furnace, saying a quick goodbye.

  A few minutes later, while walking to his office, a servant hands him a letter.

  “I don't know who it's from, my lord, but it was addressed to you.”

  Nisshoku shooed him away with a dirty look. The envelope had a black wax seal of Yin’s insignia. Nisshoku carefully opened the letter.

  Nisshoku,

  You are hereby summoned to meet me at 2 pm sharp. I will not tolerate tardiness.

  Yin

  Nisshoku’s heart skipped a beat.

  “WHAT TIME IS IT?!” He roared, hiding the panic in his voice.

  “It's 1:55, my lord!” A servant called back

  Nisshoku started panicking a bit, trying to figure out how he was even going to get there.

  “I must leave for now. I will be back.”

  No sooner had he said that than he teleported and landed in Yin’s throne room. Abbadon and Beelzebub were next to his throne

  “Barely on time. Next time, I expect you to be at least 15 minutes early, and even that is pushing it for me.”

  “I apologize, Great Darkness. I have no excuses.” Nisshoku bowed.

  Abbadon snickered a bit. Beelzebub elbowed and shushed him. Yin looked thoroughly annoyed at the two of them. He sighed.

  “These two idiots are Beelzebub and Abbadon. They, as well as Moloch, will be your superiors. You'll meet Moloch later.”

  Nisshoku was irked but hid it.

  “I understand.”

  Yin gave a slight nod.

  “All good things come to those who wait,” Yin said, narrowing his eyes. Nisshoku caught his hint and bowed before him. “Now for the price you must pay.”

  Yin conjured up a contract and gave it to Nisshoku. Nisshoku read through it quickly and signed. Yin gave a dark grin.

  “Eager to serve I see,” he mused. “I like that. You will still be able to do your clan duties, but when I summon you, you must answer my call. Are we clear?”

  “Of course, master.”

  “You are dismissed.”

  Nisshoku bowed, and teleported home. He pondered about his contract.

  “I no longer own my soul. I completely belong to my master.” He laughed a bit and smiled coldly. “It's like a dream come true. But being under the command of those three imbeciles is annoying. As he says, I must be patient, but how long must I wait for my time to come?” He looked up at the sky and noticed one of Arragothia’s two moons eclipsing the sun. It wasn't a total eclipse, but it was enough for him to notice his power levels spiking a bit. All Sinclaire members felt a spike in their shadowy magic. He smiled a purely psychotic smile.

  “I'll plunge Arragothia into never-ending shadows once I conquer it.”