All I saw was darkness. Just a tunnel of endless darkness. There was a small light at the end of that tunnel but no matter how fast I ran, flew, or teleported, it just kept getting farther and farther. I was grabbed and thrown into a torture chamber being mercilessly tortured by Yin. Just endless torture before it just repeated, each time getting worse and worse. Sometimes the light would flicker, as if taunting me. Other times it would fade completely and I'd just be running aimlessly before running into that torture chamber and being chained and tortured over and over again. It never stopped. It just kept going on. Other times it would be about the end of the multiverse, Yin conquering everything and everyone I know and love destroyed or dead. Gods can't die but in these nightmares they were dead. I tried to stop him but I was constantly chained and I watched helplessly as each and every world was conquered or obliterated. I was only alive for the sake of balance between space and time, but I was repeatedly tormented and tortured, being forced to serve Yin while he beat me and forced me to do impossible tasks, like build a monument to himself with no help. I had to make everything from scratch and he made it difficult. Then the nightmare would just repeat itself after I broke free of the chains. The darkness within these nightmares was suffocating. Then the voices started.

  “Why didn't you save us?”

  “You were supposed to help us.”

  “What kind of light god are you?”

  “You failed us.”

  “You're useless.”

  The voices were deafening as many faces and hands tried to grab me and drag me down into even deeper darkness. Every now and then the light would come back and I would try to go towards it, but fail each time. I was fast losing hope that I would ever break free. I was terrified. I wanted this to end.

  ?????????????????

  It's been nearly a thousand years since he saved me from the nightmares. I focused my dream powers to try and clear the nightmares from my beloved. It was incredibly difficult. These nightmares are the worst I've ever seen in my entire existence. I keep trying to reach him in these nightmares and I know he's trying to reach me. I see him running but he never gets closer and I keep getting farther. Sometimes I see him get dragged off in chains. Other times I can't even enter. Pisces tries to help by using his holy water powers, but it doesn't do much.

  Yin was now focusing on destroying whatever he can, weakening us while he grew stronger. It was only a matter of time before he was at our doorstep.

  When I wasn't trying to rescue him, I was fighting off Yin’s forces. We were at a stalemate, neither of us making any progress. About half of the universe was under his command and he enslaved or destroyed the planets he ruled over. His half was just drowning in darkness. It's terrifying to know that he made so much progress in so little time. I wasn't aware that I was crying until Pisces came up to me.

  “Helena,” he said gently. I looked up. He hugged me. “We’ll save him. He's strong.”

  I hugged him back and just bawled my eyes out. He's always been the older brother figure.

  “Darling, stop hoarding her,” I heard Virgo say as she marched up to us. She snatched me from him and hugged me. “Don't worry honey.”

  I kept crying. Yin has been weakening us ever since Yang fell into this state. I don't know if we’ll be able to handle him right now. Only Yang was strong enough to beat him due to his ability to harness the energy of light from across the multiverse. Knowing that suddenly gave me an idea.

  “I have an idea to counter Yin.”

  “What is it?” Pisces asked.

  “Maybe we can do the same thing Yang does, draw power from the multiverse!”

  “Can we even do that?” Pisces asked.

  “Can we as in, ‘do we have permission?’ Yes. We can,” Virgo stated, being her sassy self.

  “I'm talking as if we are even able to.”

  “Wouldn't hurt to try.”

  “I'll get Hana.” Pisces rushed off to get Hana while Virgo and I discussed how to do it.

  “Meditation?”

  “Yang meditates often. So it could work.”

  Pisces came back a couple minutes later with Hana and we gave her the run down on the idea.

  “I do believe it could work! So far all of our training efforts to become stronger have proved... not very successful.”

  “I bet our best bet is to do it within our own elements.”

  “Wooo I get to sit in a volcano for who knows how long,” Virgo said sarcastically.

  “I mean if that's how you need to do it then I don't see a problem,” Pisces said with a shrug. Virgo facepalmed.

  “Let's just do it.” Virgo pushed Pisces towards the oceans.

  “Hey stop, I can walk!” He protested.

  “Wait where's Celena?” I asked. “She needs to know about this.”

  “I heard you loud and clear Helena! I'm on my way over to the moon!”

  “Let's all meet back here!”

  I headed into my dreams and stars temple and began meditating. I could feel the weakened energy flow of our universe, but once I relaxed and focused even further, I felt an even stronger energy. I fell into a deep trance as I connected to that stronger energy. The energy of light that flows all over the multiverse is powerful. Connected to it was the power of dreams and the cosmos, all the stars of the multiverse twinkling brightly. Such energy was a truly beautiful feeling to have. It flowed through my body like a river and I felt more powerful than ever.

  After a while the trance ended and I stopped meditating. I felt infinitely more powerful. I could tell that only a decade had passed, but it felt like a few minutes.

  When I returned to the meeting place with my friends, I could tell that they also got much stronger.

  The girls hugged me.

  “You freaking genius!” Virgo shouted. “I've never felt so powerful in my life! We can totally beat his ass now!”

  “Before we do any butt kicking, let's see if I can wake up Yang first.”

  We went into my room, the one I share with Yang. Yang was getting even more restless meaning the nightmares were getting worse. Hana had to hold him down with thick vines just so I could work on him.

  My hands glowed with a soft white energy which quickly caused Yang to glow in the same energy. I saw shadowy energy leave him and vaporize from the light. His expression instantly relaxed and I finally managed to reach him and pull him out of his nightmares. Hana moved her vines off him and slowly, he opened his eyes.

  ?????????????????

  Years of relentless torment from his three superiors finally caught up to Nisshoku, and he finally snapped. Nisshoku unsheathed his sword and swiftly beheaded Moloch when he was belittling him for something he couldn't control. All he could think of was bloodshed and vengeance. He went to find Beelzebub and Abbadon. He found Beelzebub first, standing in the middle of his room, awaiting his fate, as he had been doing for months.

  “I know what you’re here for. Just make it quick.”

  Nisshoku remained silent as he walked up to Beelzebub with his sword drawn, still dripping with Moloch’s blood. Nisshoku sliced him in half. Abbadon came in shortly after and he quickly met the same fate. His thirst for blood didn't end there as he killed other officials in his rampage. He was only stopped when Yin snapped him out of his daze by grabbing his shoulder harshly.

  “Enough,” Yin ordered him, coldly.

  Nisshoku had a look of fear wash all over his face and turned around, his dual colored eyes staring directly into the cold, emotionless, dark amethyst eyes of his master.

  “M-my lord! I can-”

  “Throne room. Now.”

  Yin teleported to his throne and Nisshoku followed suit. He kneeled before his master, trembling in fear.

  Oh gods I messed up. I really messed up. He thought to himself. I'm going to be severely punished for sure.

  “Nisshoku,” Yin started.

  “Y-yes master?”

  Yin glared down at Nisshoku.

  “My level of utter disappointment simply can't be verbalized.”

  “Let me humbly apologize! I shouldn't have done what I did! I will accept any punishment, no matter how severe!” Nisshoku bowed to the ground.

  “Quiet!”

  Nisshoku shut his mouth. He was sweating bullets.

  “What you did was highly unnecessary. I understand that you lost your mind, but the amount of officials you killed was not acceptable.”

  “Please! Forgive me! I swear to never do that again!” Nisshoku begged.

  “Quit interrupting me!”

  Nisshoku kept quiet. Yin sighed.

  “Reprimanding you is not the entire reason I ordered you here.”

  Nisshoku looked up, confused.

  “You did me a favor. Those three idiots, you saved me the hassle of eliminating them. I can finally have some peace and quiet.”

  “I'm honored to have received praise from you.”

  “What did I just- ugh forget it.” Yin cleared his throat. “You know, I've grown quite fond of you. Remember the promise I gave you centuries ago?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “It's time. Sit up.”

  Nisshoku obeyed.

  “I hereby grant you the title of lord and bestow upon you the position as my second in command. Everyone will answer to your command and you will relay my orders to all under my rule.”

  Nisshoku beamed. His mind flooded with everything he could do against people with his new power.

  “I, also, hereby claim you as my regent. You will rule in my stead if I am unable to rule for any reason.”

  “My lord, I am eternally grateful for the highest honor and blessing you have given me. Give me any order, and I'll relay it to those inferior creatures.”

  “I have a personal mission for you. There will be four others with you, they however... will be of similar rank to you.”

  “What?”

  “No questions. I know how you are, at least try to get along with them.”

  “Are they also going to be-”

  “No. You're still my second in command.”

  “So I'm still their superior?”

  “To an extent. You can't boss them around as if they're your servants. Think of them more as coworkers.”

  Nisshoku nodded, annoyed but understanding.

  “I will inform my empire of this change of leadership. You head out for your first task.”

  “Give me the order.”

  Yin gave a small smile.

  “Listen carefully.”

  In a prison cell deep below the ground, a man with orange hair, yellow-orange eyes, and pale skin sits on the ground. His eyes are burning with rage and hatred. His hair is medium length and covers his right eye. He looks like he's in his mid twenties. On his wrists are special cuffs that prevent him from using his magic. His hands are bruised from the amount of times he's punched the steel doors on his cell, not even making a dent. The rage within him burns brightly. For thirty-five years he was heavily monitored, and security cameras were installed in his cell.

  He wasn't given much to do other than toss a bouncy ball against a wall, and it increased his frustrations even further.

  “Someone give me something to do! I'm getting brain-dead without anything to stimulate me!” He punched the door again. “I know you idiots are watching me. The very least you could do is give me some non-fiction books to read!”

  His plea went unheard once again.

  “Fucking morons. Useless. Completely useless.” He muttered. He sat back down again.

  Shortly after, his dinner arrived, a plate of beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, and some meatloaf. He has grown used to the prison food despite coming from nobility.

  “Today’s dinner is mystery meat and mashed potatoes huh? Ugh.”

  “If you don't like it, then you can just go without dinner tonight.” A female voice said. The prisoner flipped her off. He, indeed, decided not to eat and shoved the food aside.

  “If I had my magic, you’d all be a pile of ashes by now!”

  “Keep dreaming Phoenix.”

  The man, named Phoenix, punched the door again. He sat down in temporary defeat.

  He was put into maximum security for practically obliterating his home city of Noth using his fire magic in a mindless rage filled rampage. Once he was informed of what he did when his blind fury subsided, all he did was laugh and had absolutely no remorse for any of his actions. He was given no trial, immediately sent to a maximum security prison where magic-proof cuffs were placed on him and now lives in solitary confinement. He did poorly with cell mates due to being violent and instigating fights with them, often resulting in various injuries for both sides.

  Now all he has is a bed and a private bathroom space.

  He sat down against a wall and sighed, furious at his current situation.

  “Doesn't look too fun in here.”

  “It's boring as hell- wait.” He turned his head to the right and jumped up startled. “Who the hell are you?!”

  “Your ticket to freedom.”

  Phoenix raised his eyebrow and stood up. “And you are?”

  “Nisshoku, second in command of lord Yin.”

  “Right... something tells me it was a recent promotion.”

  Phoenix's lack of care irked Nisshoku and he scowled.

  “Alright, just give me the contract.”

  “W-wait what? How did you-?”

  “It's a common media trope. Big bad evil guy sends his minion to offer some person down on their luck and oh so very miserable unlimited power at the cost of their soul,” Phoenix said. “It's not rocket science, stupid.”

  “You little- ugh I barely know you and I already hate you.”

  “Feeling’s mutual. Now fork over the contract so I can sign it and get the hell out of here.”

  Nisshoku conjured the contract from Yin and Phoenix signed it with no hesitation. He felt new power flow through him, but it was still blocked because of the magic-proof cuffs. He looked at Nisshoku expectantly. Nisshoku rolled his eyes and cut them off for him, then teleported away.

  “Aw hell yeah. Time to burn this place to a crisp,” he said, cracking his knuckles.

  He punched the cell door off the wall and walked out. He used his new powers to change into a better outfit. White shirt, black pants, black boots, a black trench coat accented with red and white.

  “Much better. Now then.” He cracked his neck, “let's see what I can do with this boost.”

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Guards came out and tried to apprehend him but with his increased power level, he went on a fiery rampage, burning everything in sight. More prison guards tried to stop him, but they were incinerated before they could reach for their guns. Everything and everyone in that prison turned to ash and melted metal heaps as he made his way out.

  Once he was out, he snapped his fingers and whatever remained of the prison exploded in a fiery blaze.

  “That was fun. I should probably go see my new boss or whatever.” He used his new teleporting powers for the first time, catching him off guard and causing him to land on his behind in front of Yin’s throne.

  “Ow. I gotta practice that.”

  “Ahem.”

  Phoenix looked up and saw Yin sitting on his throne.

  “Soooo I take it you're Yin correct?” Phoenix asked, standing up and brushing himself off, only to be forced back down, his head slammed against the floor in a bowing position by Nisshoku’s powers.

  “Where are your manners, you insolent twat?! You give Lord Yin the respect and reverence he commands!”

  “Both of you, enough.” Yin gave Nisshoku a side glance and he called off his powers. Phoenix stood back up, brushed himself off again, noticed that his nose was bleeding, and glared at Nisshoku. “You stupid, arrogant, fu-”

  “Quiet!” Yin barked.

  Phoenix shut his mouth. Yin used his powers to heal the nosebleed.

  “Thanks.”

  “You didn't even read my contract and signed it immediately, you directly spoke to me casually, and you insulted my second in command. That is no way you should act around me. I know your parents raised you better than that.”

  Phoenix looked down, nervous, ashamed, and rather irritated that Yin brought his parents, the two people he hated most, into the conversation.

  “However, the boldness of doing such a thing is very admirable. I was right to choose you as the Spirit of Destruction.”

  “Spirit of Destruction? As in, I get to destroy things without any restraints? Or cause destruction? Or get people to destroy things for me?!” Phoenix asked with childlike excitement.

  “Yes, but only when I order you to do so.”

  Phoenix deflated.

  “So I can't do it whenever I want?”

  “I never said you couldn't,” Yin smiled a bit, clearly enjoying the conversation.

  “You just contradicted yourself. You said I needed to be ordered to do so, and now you're telling me I can? Which is it?”

  Yin laughed slightly, amused at his reaction. Phoenix realized what Yin was doing.

  “Ohhh you’re messing with me. So I'm allowed to do what I want but I still have to follow your commands. I love how I can get to destroy planets.”

  “And stars.”

  “Stars?! I can destroy stars?!”

  “Yes. It's one of the blessings I bestowed upon you. If you read your contract you would've known.”

  Phoenix nodded, understanding.

  “I'm eager to serve.”

  “There are a few planets that are off limits for destruction.”

  “WHAT?! You just said-”

  Yin laughed a bit.

  “This is entertaining. But I am serious.”

  “You should've said that earlier.”

  “I enjoy teasing you. One of the off-limits planets is Arragothia. It's Nisshoku’s home planet and he already has plans for it. Also, I will give you a quota to fill. I expect that quota to be fulfilled. You will be given one week to complete it.”

  “What's this week's quota?”

  “You start next week. I want you to get used to being here before you start.”

  “Will I be paid?”

  Yin stared blankly at him, showing no emotion at all.

  “The answer, Your Highness?” Phoenix folded his arms, and gave him an annoyed look.

  Yin and Nisshoku whispered to each other, quickly discussing the matter.

  “Why should you pay him?”

  “Because it's my will to do so. Now, shut up and stop arguing.” Yin turned his attention back to Phoenix. “We will discuss your salary another time. As for now, get acquainted with the area.”

  Phoenix sighed, somewhat frustrated. A servant came by to give Yin a glass of wine. Phoenix noticed them, all bloodied and scarred, eyes full of fear.

  “Ah, yes, the slaves. Feel free to treat those pathetic creatures as you wish. I have an unlimited supply.”

  The servant who gave Yin the wine scurried away, but not before Phoenix used some of his powers to burn the servant. Phoenix laughed a bit, amused.

  “Now if you'll excuse me,” Yin started, getting off his throne, “I have important matters to attend to. Nisshoku, take care of things while I'm gone.”

  “As you command,” Nisshoku said with a hint of jealousy. He muttered something about a guy named Chester taking his place. Yin rolled his eyes and harshly whispered something to him.

  “Yo, pompous asshole, you jealous about something?”

  “Shut your trap before I slice you in half.”

  “ENOUGH!!!”

  The two fell silent again.

  “Phoenix, it would be wise of you to go exploring. Nisshoku, leave him alone. That's an order!”

  “Yes.” The two said in unison.

  Yin left the room, with a small pitter-patter of paws trailing behind him. Phoenix suddenly began sneezing and his eyes started watering.

  “Oh gods, who has a cat here?”

  “Are you allergic?” Yin asked, poking his head back in.

  “Mildly.” He quickly left the room, angrily hollering at a slave to get some sort of allergy relief.

  Thunder returns home from a daily workout he does after his classes at the local university. Thunder still lived with his parents due to trying to save up enough money to be able to rent an apartment away from his parents and little brother. He despises his little brother. His little brother was the obvious favorite child. The brother’s achievements were celebrated and rewarded while his were tossed to the side.

  Thunder headed to his room and threw his stuff on the floor. His brother noticed him and decided to pester him.

  “I got into a private university! Your college sucks.”

  “Considering the one I go to is one of the best in Renov, your stupid little private university means nothing to me. Now get lost you twit. I have better things to do than waste my time with you.”

  “Like what? You don't have any friends and all you do is work, go to classes, then head to the gym.”

  “Shut it, Rai! I'll beat your ass if you keep talking! Let's not forget which one of us is stronger.”

  “Me! The times you won were just luck.”

  Thunder was about to punch his brother in the face, but restrained himself to not get kicked out of his parents' house before he was able to rent an apartment.

  “Just get out! I need to shower!” He pushed Rai out of his room and slammed and locked the door. “By the gods, this brat is 18 and he acts like a spoiled child,” he mutters to himself. “He needs to mature.”

  Thunder turned on the shower, stripped, and got in. He stood there for about a minute before he washed himself off with soap.

  After about ten minutes, he gets out of the shower, dries off, and puts a clean pair of shorts on.

  “Ugh.” He falls onto his bed and looks at his social media to see who he can mess with. He managed to successfully break up many couples and turn friend groups against each other at his school, but he wants to go bigger. His main goal is to cause a world war on his planet and cause the planet to fall into chaos. To that end, he's studying political science. He remembered that he had an essay due later that night and hastily got to work on it. He managed to get the essay itself done at lightning speed. Then he began editing it with less speed to catch every mistake and be more thorough. Once he was done, he submitted it through his online school portal. Then he moved on to his other homework and didn't even notice Nisshoku came up to him.

  “Rai, I swear to the gods if you bother me right now I will kill you.”

  “Who’s Rai?”

  Thunder looked up.

  “And you are? Wait, don't answer that. Nisshoku right? Lord Yin’s right-hand man.”

  “Yes, and speaking of that. He has invited you to join his conquest of the gods.”

  “A war? Sounds appealing,” he mused. “What's the catch?”

  Nisshoku conjured a contract. “You sell your soul to him. In return, you will receive a great blessing.”

  “Unlimited power and ability to do what I want?”

  Nisshoku frowned.

  “Just sign it. I've got other things to handle and don't have time for your stupid questions.”

  “A please would be nice, geez.” Thunder signed the contract. “Alright. It's done. Now I have homework to do.”

  “As soon as you're done, he wants to see you.”

  “Teleportation will get me to hell?”

  “Yes.”

  “Alright, cool. Now piss off, I'm busy.”

  Nisshoku scowled at him and teleported away.

  “Arrogant bastard,” Thunder mutters to himself. “He thinks he's so high and mighty just because he got promoted recently. Ugh he's even worse than my brother.”

  Thunder kept working on his homework, finishing it, and closing his laptop. He remembers that he needs to visit Yin. He puts on a tank top and his favorite dog tag necklace and tries to use his new teleporting powers and eventually succeeds, nearly losing his footing when arriving. He sighs in relief.

  “Ugh is that a jock?” Phoenix sneered. He took another swig of the alcohol bottle he was holding.

  “Excuse me? Who the hell are you?”

  “The name’s Phoenix. I'm your coworker. I'd rather not be working with someone like you.”

  “Are you drunk? Oh gods I'm working with an alcoholic and a pompous asshole?”

  Yin snorted, amused. The other two looked offended.

  “Prick,” Nisshoku said.

  “Says the man with a superiority complex,” Thunder snapped.

  “Ohhhhh burn,” Phoenix said with a laugh. Phoenix took three huge gulps of alcohol.

  “And this is coming from someone who has both mommy and daddy issues,” a voice said, right next to Thunder.

  “AH!” Thunder jumped a bit in surprise.

  Phoenix spat his alcohol out and began coughing. Yin was completely disgusted. He looked at Phoenix with murderous eyes. Phoenix’s expression went pale. Nisshoku smirked.

  “Who just said that to me?!”

  A man with small black wings, pale skin, a large scythe, black pants, brown combat boots, and a pale purple and white armored shirt teleported in. His hair is long and tied up in a high ponytail and he has pale orange eyes.

  “Ah, Shinda, have you made up your mind?”

  “I have. The choice is simple. I'll join you.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Who's he?” Nisshoku asked. “I feel like I should know him from somewhere...”

  “My name is Shinda, the spirit of death. My job is to collect wayward souls and bring them to my world until their fate is decided. Souls who don't go to heaven or hell live normal lives in my domain to await reincarnation or judgment, their choice.”

  “Shinda, we’ve spoken about this. You're a god.” Yin stated, slightly annoyed.

  “I am not nearly as powerful as you or the others, so I consider myself a spirit.”

  “Who f–ing cares? We’re here aren't we?”

  Shinda just stared at him with a cold, unfeeling expression.

  “I see I'm working with a drunk, a gym rat, a person with a superiority complex, and a powerful deity who's shy and reserved.”

  “I am not shy. I just hate people.” Yin blushed slightly.

  Shinda raised an eyebrow. The room got awkwardly silent.

  “So anyway!” Thunder boomed, breaking the awkward silence. “What brings you here, Shinda? Why'd you decide to join us instead of Yang?”

  Yin relaxed a bit.

  Shinda’s expression became very dark and grave.

  “The desire for vengeance is powerful,” he stated. “Plus it would make my life more entertaining.”

  The others were a bit disturbed, but Yin just shrugged it off.

  “I also enjoy long conversations about philosophy over tea. Only Yin is capable of such a feat. Yang is just annoying and is not interesting to talk to.”

  Nisshoku became insanely jealous and didn't even bother hiding it and muttered something about another person taking his place. Yin elbowed and shushed him.

  “You know that's not true Nisshoku.”

  “Regardless,” he said through clenched teeth.

  “Wonder what's got him so jealous,” Thunder said. Phoenix shrugged. Nisshoku snarled and stormed off.

  Thunder wandered around the castle admiring the decor and how spotless everything was.

  “I can literally see my face on the floor,” he said.

  “I learned the hard way how strict he is about cleanliness. He has this entire castle spring cleaned nearly every day. If he finds even a single speck of dust or a small smudge he flips his shit,” Phoenix informed. “I'm gonna get my ass grilled for spitting my booze out.” The anxiety is clear in his voice. He chugged the rest of the bottle. “Aight I'm heading out. Be back later.” Phoenix teleported out, conjuring another bottle.

  “Hey Shinda-” Thunder’s face dropped when he didn't see Shinda. He noticed the library door slightly ajar. He poked his head in and noticed servants dusting the tall shelves Shinda was sitting by the fireplace, reading a book. Thunder decided it would be best to leave him alone.

  He went to the common area and just sat down on a couch, unsure of what to do. After about an hour of sitting and spacing out, he decided he wanted to kill his family. Phoenix came back shortly after that decision, smelling of fire.

  “Yo hothead.”

  Phoenix rolled his eyes.

  “What?”

  “You got a gun or something?”

  Phoenix looked at him suspiciously.

  “Why?”

  “I've got some... family issues that need resolving.” Thunder cracked his knuckles.

  Phoenix conjured a pistol for him.

  “I want it back.”

  “Don't worry. You'll get it back.”

  He teleported back to his room and was surprised that only a few hours had passed. He opened his bedroom door. And went to the kitchen table where the family was having dinner.

  “Look, the failure decided to join us.” His little brother sneered. He slapped his head.

  “Shut it.”

  “Don't smack your brother.”

  “I'll do what I want, Mother,” he spat. He brought out the pistol and shot his mother three times in the chest and head, killing her instantly. His father and little brother quickly shared the same fate. He rummaged through the house and stole some valuables, mostly money and old jewelry. He stole the family ring from his father that was passed down for generations and he put it on. As much as he hated his family, he liked the ring and coveted it. It was rightfully his anyway being the eldest son.

  He teleported back to hell and cleaned himself up, getting rid of the evidence he had. Then he went back to his house and trashed his room and took some of his valuables like his laptop and other electronics. After bringing them to his quarters in Yin’s castle, he went back to his old home, and kicked the back door and the front door, breaking them both. He also busted a few windows and trashed the rest of the house, taking more valuables. He grabbed his gym bag and acted as if he was coming home from the gym. Then, he called his local law enforcement and acted extremely panicked about seeing his former family killed and the house robbed.

  “I just got home from the gym. My entire family is dead and the place is trashed!” He acted like he was having a panic attack.

  “Calm down sir, where's your address.”

  He gave his address and continued his acting.

  “Emergency services are on their way.

  When emergency services arrived he kept up the traumatized act and was having a full fake meltdown, tears, and everything. The cops and emergency services were fooled by his act.

  Thunder has no other family, his grandparents died and his parents had no siblings. It was the perfect crime.

  Sometime after, he began the funeral proceedings. It was a small funeral again he acted all sad and distressed, again fooling everyone. When he got up to speak, he knew exactly what to say.

  “Even if we didn't get along at times, they were still family, and I loved them with all my being. May the gods protect their souls from the Dark One’s grasp.”

  He had to pray to the gods as per planetary custom, the eldest member of the family must pray. That sickened him.

  About an hour later the funeral proceedings were finished and it was time for the reception. Family friends that came gave him their condolences and they talked about fun topics and old memories. He acted like he cheered up.

  A few days later, the will was read, while everything was originally supposed to go to Rai, Thunder received it due to Rai being dead.

  Once all the legal proceedings were figured out and done, Thunder renovated the house and put it up for sale. A young couple bought the house and his work was done. He went back to Yin’s castle and flopped on his bed, taking a short nap.

  He woke up to someone pounding at his bedroom door.

  “What?!”

  “Yin's calling is for a meeting.”

  Thunder got up, fixed his messy hair, and headed to the throne room.

  “You're late,” Yin stated firmly.

  “I apologize, my lord,” Thunder said with a bow. “I was asleep.”

  “Asleep or not you should be aware of when I demand your presence.”

  “How does that even make sense?”

  “Quiet.”

  Thunder shut his mouth. Phoenix snickered. Thunder punched his arm.

  “Ow!” Phoenix punched him back. The two got into a small fight.

  “Enough!”

  Phoenix and Thunder stood back at attention.

  “Your first battle will be soon. I trust the four of you will fulfill your duties.”

  “Yes,” The three of them said.

  “Wait, four? There's only three of us here,” Phoenix stated.

  Yin counted down from three with his fingers.

  An instant later the throne room doors burst open and two guards standing next to the doors. The guards were not Yin’s guards. They were the royal guards of Votria.

  “Presenting, her Royal Highness, the esteemed queen of Votria, lady Kowaina.”

  A woman with platinum blonde hair, ruby-red eyes, and pale skin walked in. Her navy blue and silver dress flowed behind as her black heels made tapping noises as she walked. Her hair was up in a simple ponytail and had only minimal makeup on.

  “Damn she's hot,” Thunder whispered to Phoenix.

  “And completely out of your league you commoner. I am of nobility.”

  The two bickered a bit before Kowaina cleared her throat. The two looked at her, pretty embarrassed.

  “Will you not move for royalty?” She said to Thunder and Phoenix.

  “Uh... s-sorry your highness,” Thunder said. Phoenix pushed him out of the way.

  Phoenix bowed.

  “Forgive that commoner for his rudeness. I offer my greetings, your highness.”

  “Greetings sir,” Kowaina curtsied. “I can tell you are of noble blood.”

  “My mother and father were born nobility in Anvora.”

  Phoenix kissed her hand. Yin cleared his throat. The two looked at him.

  “S-sorry...” Phoenix said quickly, red-faced from embarrassment.

  “I deeply apologize for being late, my lord.” Kowaina curtsied again. “I had to attend a meeting. Twas a very last minute appointment.”

  “You are pardoned. I will be lenient with you on tardiness since being royalty is busy work. I must be informed, however, if you are running late.”

  “I will do as commanded by you Lord Yin.”

  Nisshoku stood by Yin’s side, eyeing Kowaina.

  “Where's Shinda?” Thunder asked.

  “Reaper work,” Yin stated. “As he rules over death, his job is endless and consistently busy. He was unable to attend today.”

  “Makes sense,” Phoenix said.

  “Why are you staring at me?” Kowaina said to Nisshoku. He didn't answer. He just looked away, muttering to himself.

  “You understand your role here right Kowaina?”

  “Yes my lord, cause fear. I love doing that.” She giggled a bit. “I do it to criminals and those who commit acts against the crown. Unlike some people, I care for my people.” She glared at Nisshoku and Thunder. “I do not appreciate a man that treats family poorly.”

  “In my defense my parents treated me terribly,” Thunder said.

  “Mine lied to me my entire life claiming that they loved me,” Phoenix replied. “I overheard them one holiday evening conversing with other nobles stating that they think I’m a massive disappointment despite me doing everything they asked of me and exceeding their expectations.”

  “Some of the clan elders, including my parents who led the clan, didn’t even acknowledge my existence. Sometimes I wonder if I'm real or not.” A creepy grin crawled on Nisshoku’s face, disturbing Thunder and Phoenix.

  “Does it matter? I dislike my older sisters but I still treat them with respect. A person who does not appreciate family is not worth my time. Phoenix is an exception due to his noble blood.”

  Yin cleared his throat.

  “Oh! I wasn't talking about you, your majesty. I meant no offense if I caused any.” She curtsied again.

  “None taken,” he said, slightly irritated.

  “M’lady, you have another meeting to attend,” one of her guards said.

  “Cancel it. This is far more important. Lord Yin, I would like to be acquainted with those I will be working with.”

  “Very well. If anyone needs me I'll be in my study.” He got up from his throne and walked out the door.