Singularity

Kira opened her eyes and instantly knew something was wrong. She reached over and Domascus was still next her slowly waking up as well. All she could sense was endless emptiness. There was nothing, but there should have been traces of something. It was as if it had been covered by a black cloth on a midnight sky. He could feel it too, the emptiness, and looked at her with worry in his eyes.

“He’s close,” She said as she crawled out of bed and went for the closet.

Domascus was right there with Kira. They pulled on their warrior leather and strapped on their weapons. She pulled her hair back and looked herself over making sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. Then she turned at looked up at him with a genuine smile.

“It’s going to be alright.” She said as she sighed into his chest.

He nodded and held her coat out for her. “We are together and as long as we have each other we have hope.”

“Let’s go find us a traitor shall we?” She buckled her coat and then kissed his lips.

As Domascus and Kira descended the stairs they could hear hushed whispers coming from the throne room. Although they couldn’t make out what was being said, or who was speaking the words, they could hear urgency in them. So they quietly made their way closer hoping to learn the reason for the secrecy.

Kira recognized her father’s voice as she and Domascus leaned against the wall listening closely to what he was speaking. Her heart broke as she realized the man he was speaking to was Michalei. Domascus saw the tears in her eyes as she turned and walked into the room surprising them both.

“Papa, how could you?” She asked as Domascus put a comforting arm around her.

“Were you helping him this whole time?” She asked as tears fell down her cheeks.

“You need help Kira. Try to understand that we were only doing what was best for you.” Sephiroth stated.

“How dare you presume to know what is best? Domascus has done nothing but love me and try to make life better for every realm.” She growled.

“I’ve had enough of your childish insolence Kira.” Michalei shouted. “You will resign from these things and Domascus will return to the punishment he deserves.”

Kira drew her swords, “Michalei, I challenge you. This is my right under the law.”

“Name your conditions.” He smiled.

“Should I defeat you, you will forfeit all rights to the use of magic and be bound from it.” She stated.

“Should I defeat you, and then what shall I gain?” He asked.

“To defeat me you must strike a final blow. Only death will absolve all you have done and there for Avalon will be yours.” She stated.

Michalei drew his sword, “I accept your challenge.”

“Don’t do this Kira.” Domascus begged.

“I have to love, this is the only way.” She replied as she approached Michalei.

Kira’s swords flipped open and came up as Michalei’s sword swung downward. They connected in a shower of sparks as she twisted and pulled free. Her left sword came up to defend as she lashed out with her right. It sliced his cheek open but he didn’t even flinch. The sword came around and connected with her left rib gashing open her leather and leaving a thin trail of blood.

Kira ignored the pain that ebbed from the open wound. She spun her words around in her hand and proceeded to slash at Michalei with intensity. He graciously defended and almost managed a smile as he watched her frustration grow. She ducked around behind him and kicked at his knee and slashed open his thigh. Before she could blink his elbow came back, connected with her nose and forced her to step back and return her swords to defend with her forearms.

Every time Michalei’s sword came down Domascus flinched. Kira caught a backhand across her cheek that took her down to her knees. Michalei didn’t let up. He proceeded to slash and jab until her swords fell from her bleeding arms. Her chest heaved, her whole body ached, and blood flowed from open wounds.

With an evil smile, Michalei raised his sword ready to plunge it through Kira’s spine and into her heart. Domascus drew his sword, raced across the room, and skid across the floor on his knees. He brought up his sword in time to protect Kira from the fatal blow.

“Enough,” Domascus cried out. “You have won. Please spare her life.”

“Why would I do that?” Michalei growled at the interference.

“Take me instead. Bind me, imprison me for a thousand more years but I beg you do not harm Kira. She is too precious to lose.” Domascus answered as he placed his sword at Michalei’s feet.

“Domascus,” Kira whimpered.” “What are you doing?”

“As long as you live there is hope Kira.” He held her tight. “I am not worth dying for.”

“You make a valid point traitor. I accept your offer.” He smiled and dragged Domascus to his feet by his hair.

“No,” Kira cried out.

“Sephiroth, take Kira to her chamber and make sure she stays there. I’ll deal with Domascus personally.” Michalei stated as he dragged him across the room.

Kira struggled to her feet intent on stopping them. Her strength failed her as he father stated.

“Guards, seize the queen and lock her in her chambers.” The guards looked stunned.

“Do it,” Domascus urged. “Protect her please.”

The guards nodded and took Kira by the arms. They half dragged her away as she fought to stay with Domascus. Tears fell down his cheek as they made it to the stairs and dragged her out of sight.

“I’ve got the perfect place for you traitor. You’ve made it much easier than I expected. Come with me.” Michalei growled.

“Give me your word you will hurt her no more.” Domascus stated.

“You have it.” He replied.

“Then let’s go.” Domascus stated giving into his will.

Michalei took Domascus to the chamber below the castle. He walked him to the far wall where shackles hung covered in dust. Domascus looked at them without understanding. As Michalei chained him to the wall he explained.

“In Avalonian history it spoke that these were made for the first queen. It seemed that on holy days they would confine her here. Binding her power through these chains.” He smiled.

“They should do nicely to hold you at bay as well don’t you think?” He chuckled.

Domascus couldn’t breathe. All strength was stripped from him as the shackles were bound to his wrists. He hung there staring at Michalei knowing that he was now powerless to change anything. All he could do was stand there and pray that he stood by the bargain.

“Well, I think I’ll give you some time to settle in with your new accommodations. Then we’re going to have a little chat.” Michalei smiled, patted Domascus on the shoulder and then disappeared in a puff of black smoke.