|Did you really think that only darkness can cause despair? It is because there is light that shadows are cast to bring oblivion and it is why light is nothing more but the sanctuary of fools.|
"When I grow up, I want to be like you!"
Somehow, Azriel was not sure how to interpret that things happening to him at the moment. The chaos. The blood. The death. The King. This person. Everything seemed so surreal. He was not certain if this was just one of his memories playing in his head like a realistic film. The person standing before him was supposed to be just a ghost of a past long gone. Somewhere deep within him, he had wanted that. Never to appear in front of him, he did not want to be reminded of that days filled with joy and how it was easily ripped into shreds by one person. The greatest form of betrayal was done not by his family or done to them, but done to him alone.
"It's good to see you all grown up, Ash." There it was. This person was not a visage. That voice which had haunted him for so long was now with him in this harsh reality. Furthermore, the surprise that had frozen the Nouralail pure-blood was now being melted into terrifying degrees of anger. It was far different from the one he had displayed before Haruka when he found out her ability to utilize the element of ice. His very presence was like raging lava as the vampires that were under the King's commandment were paralyzed by surprise and a great amount of fear. No one had ever seen Azriel like this before. "Remember what I told you Ash. Don't let anger claim you in combat."
Those ash black eyes of his turned into piercing cold blue. "Shut up!" He pointed a finger at the mysterious person. The pure-blood was shaking not because of fear. It was out of immense anger. He then waved his hand aside. His face was twisted in such rage and hatred reserved for the one who was speaking. "No one has a right to call me that. Especially you bastard! The King was truly enjoying this spectacle as he stepped back and was completely at ease of letting his little knight handle the brat of a pure-blood. "I will let you handle this one Hikaru. It seems he is quite happy seeing his precious Uncle." Yes, Hikaru was the name of this person. This man who long ago was the embodiment of radiance and light just like his name. The man that Azriel honestly looked up to.
Hikaru was unfazed by the lash of aura that Azriel had exuded. Instead, he was completely calm about it as his blue eyes that mirrored the pure-blood's met his gaze. "As you wish, my King." This only infuriated Azriel even more. How could be this man looked at him without batting an eyelash and even daresay be a puppet to this madman of a king. "Don't screw with me!" It was then the pure-blood's aura became visible like the darkest of black and turned into one big spear with the intent of piercing Hikaru dead and center. As such, it was propelled with a great amount of speed and anger while Hikaru remained at his position completely detached to what was happening of the looming death coming his way.
Then, a sharp of pain flashed through Azriel's being. It was coming from his arm which made him untimely flinched and making his dark projectile miss Hikaru by an inch. Instead, it hit the floor a bit behind him creating an explosion of rubble and dust. He looked at it as blood began to flow in which he instinctively held it. Was he hit without him knowing? Moreover, why was it not healing as fast as his body could do so. "I heard you had gotten married." Hearing that, he narrowed his eyes in disdain. It only meant that his wife got hurt. What was Sodom and that stupid prefect doing? They were supposed to be watching her and to get her to some place safe. "None of your business!" This time Azriel delivered an invisible shock-wave as the marble tiles flew like paper as it paved its way towards Hikaru who disappeared. "I taught you before. Stay calm at all times."
Sodom trembled in the rage his Master was feeling and exuding throughout the halls. He was not afraid rather find it incredibly saddening and depressing. But even more so, he was worried for the one before his Master was the one who single-handedly crumbled the world of the Nouralail. "Lady Haruka! I must get you away from here!" He reiterated very seriously and seeing the bloodied arm of hers was not good at all. It had already affected his Master seeing the powerful projectile missed its intended target. In a battle with that man, a single show of weakness is fatal. His teeth shredded the vampires that approached them but Haruka remained still in her position.
He was about to call to her again when she suddenly asked him something. There was a grim expression on Sodom's face as he proceeded to tackle Haruka. It was his method for the girl to fall and he then caught her on his back. If he wanted to help his Master, he has to get Haruka to safety first and foremost. "I'm sorry Lady Haruka for this. Master won't be able to fight properly if he worries about you." With that, Sodom carried Haruka to the balcony which they had finally arrived at. He was about to jump down when a scream pierced through which rose above the other chaotic sounds of the battle happening. Sodom knew that voice. It was from Allessa and then next thing that Sodom felt was blood dripping to his fur and it was not from the wound of Haruka's arm. What just happened?
Appearing behind him, Azriel blocked an incoming blow with his arm as he was pushed back. This provided the answer that Hikaru was not someone to be trifled with in terms of physical strength. To be able to make the Nouralail pure-blood move so easily, it cannot be done just by anybody. "Too slow. Did the times I spent training you went all to waste?" This angered the pure-blood further as the blue eyes that he now held even fell into a deeper shade. He had no right to talk to him like this. This man was the one thing he wanted to disappear from this world forever. He was the root of it all. "Shut up you traitor! Don't talk to me like you are related to me!" So, a series of blows was traded between the two. However, it was clear to see that Hikaru was far ahead than the pure-blood which was unbelievable. The man exuded not a presence of a vampire but of a human. Could it even be remotely possible for that to happen? A mere human stronger than a pure-blood?
"You are truly full of anger." These words only served as fodder for the flame in Azriel's being as he delivered a straight jab to Hikaru's face who sidestepped and delivered a backhand which connected. The pure-blood was about to fall face to the floor when he caught glance of something else. Allessa was about to be impaled by the pest with a sword. A memory from the past flashed before his eyes. The scene where his father was pierced by the sword of the man he trusted the most. Something snapped within him as the blue eyes that filled his eyes regained its silver black luster. He was not falling anymore for he was moving with great speed to Allessa.
And there, Azriel released a wave which will push Noctis away in surprise. The pure-blood appeared out of nowhere. His eyes regained its normal haze which showed that he was somewhat calmer than before. He was about to tell Allessa to go away but before that could be done. A sparkling sword made of celestial runes was protruding out of his stomach. He slowly looked behind him where Allessa was crying but her eyes remained blank and hazed. That was right. The King had them under control. "I... am... so... sorry..." The vampiress managed to say with such great effort as she then pulled out the sword. Azriel prevented himself from falling to his knees. He held the wound which was now creating a pool beneath his feet. Hikaru released a disappointed sigh and then finally revealed his weapon which was a very large sword. "This is why you can't be like me."