[Legend of Sun Knight] fic: Bittersweet Sweetness Part 33
Title: Bittersweet Sweetness Part 33
Fandom: The Legend of Sun Knight
Words: 2,367
Summary: Instead of receiving a brooch that dresses him in an assassin's clothes, Sun receives a trinket that switches his consciousness around with Judgment's. Now, Judgment must find out the mystery behind the Death Knight in Sun's stead. Problem is, imitating Sun's poor swordsmanship is no easy feat, and who knew what Sun was doing with Judgment's body in the meantime? Alternate telling of the end of volume 1 of the novels.
Notes: I can see the ending! Seriously! I'm not kidding!
Previous part
Part 33: Judgment
Our plan was simple, as simple as a plan could be with Grisia's hand in it, but it was still reckless. I had given my approval though and was even responsible for a large part of the plan, so I really wasn't one to talk.
The goal was to have "Sun" "protect" the king in order to dispel the rumors surrounding the Sun Knight, to have the prince, ever the attentive son, "suggest" for his father to step down and enjoy his elderly years away from danger after a close shave with it, and for us to "defeat" the Death Lord in front of the public, solving everything all at once.
Easy, right?
Right...
It was definitely going to take a lot of acting. The crown prince was in on the plan, so at least that was one less factor to worry about. With Storm's help, I'd laid out what evidence I had of his father's misdeeds in front of him and the royal advisors. We had been forced our hand early, but we made do with what we had, leaving the rest to my ability to compel convicts to confess.
The prince wasn't a convict, but I dealt with him with the same means. I confronted him confidently, never revealing that I didn't have a full hand. I also stated outright that if he didn't agree to have his father step down, I would instead drag the king off to the Judge's Complex for the Judgment Knight to deal with him like a regular criminal. I was not afraid to drag my own name into the mud, and this was a time when my poor reputation came into use.
I'd essentially threatened the crown prince. Grisia usually went to such outrageous means that the prince didn't even blink twice at my actions, thinking it on par with the norm.
The prince, as expected, hadn't been happy at all, but in the end, he could only sigh. It was not like he could silence the Sun Knight. He knew when he had been outmaneuvered, and it was no one's fault but his father's for forcing him into such a position.
"So, it has come to this, Grisia," the prince had said, using Grisia's name instead of calling him the Sun Knight. It was perhaps the prince's way of saying that Grisia may be the Sun Knight, but he was also Grisia, someone who was much younger than him. The prince had practically watched us grow up. Head shaking, the prince said, "You are getting more and more audacious, even daring to threaten me, but I concede. Father is indeed in the wrong."
I had actually been surprised that the prince had agreed so easily; however, his next words explained his decision. "It is amazing that you even alerted me to your plans before carrying it out without cluing me in. This does not feel like your style. Perhaps you are maturing."
Or perhaps I am not Grisia...
The prince then smiled softly. "And perhaps it is a sign that I too should start taking more responsibility. I have done the kingdom a disfavor in turning a blind eye to my father's misdeeds."
In such a way, the prince had agreed, and I was relieved that our kingdom would soon be in better hands. The prince knew what state the kingdom had been left in because of his father's poor leadership. He'd just never had it in him to dethrone his father. The prince was a good son and a good leader -- his only fault was that he was too lenient with his father.
That was why Grisia and I gave him a push, a push allowing him to take that last step and seize control. Any other man would have long overthrown the king, hungry for power, but not the prince. He was not an ambitious man. He needed an excuse. We provided him with one, and we'd also planned it so that his father could even save face, much more than he deserved. It was a decent plan, and the crown prince had approved of it -- he just didn't know that we'd actually invited the real Death Lord to the show.
So, when Roland appeared instead of a stand-in actor, the prince immediately turned his head and glared at me in accusation. No actor of ours could look that believable, with dark element oozing off of him, so thick that even the naked eye could see it. Not to mention, no actor of ours would be able to fly through the sky like what Roland was doing.
However, this was no time for the prince to start having doubts. I quickly placed my hand over my chest and bowed to the prince. Of the royal family, he was currently the one closest in proximity, but truthfully, I was just trying to make sure he wouldn't back out of the plan. "Prince, please trust Sun," I said. "Sun will definitely protect all of you!"
Unlike how I would normally be treated, the royal knights behind me regarded me with reverence upon hearing my words. Grisia made a noise but quickly pretended to be paying attention elsewhere. His sword was already drawn, and fortunately, it was still in his hand.
I ignored him, thankful that his reaction could be written off as disdain, and glanced up to catch the prince's eye. Don't worry, the plan will still continue like what we have discussed.
The prince frowned but moved back, possibly doubting his original suspicion. No matter how audacious "Sun" may be, even Sun would not be able to invite the real Death Lord... Or so people would normally think.
Sword drawn, I directed my attention back to the situation on hand. Numerous undead creatures were trying to scale the wall. When one of them reached a skeletal hand onto the balcony, I immediately slashed at it and sent it falling. Grisia was also trying to clear the undead creatures that were breaching the wall. He even stomped on a hand with his foot, crushing the bones. I heard a loud screech as the undead creature fell. I held no love for such beings, but even so, I could not help a wince of sympathy.
Grisia glanced at me. One side of his lips lifted up in a crooked smile. It was quite a frightening sight, especially after the scream he had just caused. "Perhaps this is how things should be," he said after a moment's pause. I can be cruel in your place.
In the heat of battle, Grisia's thoughts were clearly going haywire. I would have none of his nonsense. "You will easily get tired of wearing black," I said.
He immediately shot back, "But you would get to wear white." And walk under the light.
I shook my head. "I much prefer a different wardrobe."
Anyone who heard us was probably wondering why we were talking about our wardrobes in the middle of battle, but thankfully, most people were too occupied to pay much attention to what we were saying. At least, I hoped so.
Grisia had his head tilted, eyes asking, Are you sure?
I was positive.
There was only one person that I would ever acknowledge as my Sun Knight, and it certainly wasn't me, no matter what strange thought had seized Grisia this time. It did not matter what we looked like.
I smiled. "Brother 'Judgment,' dealing with undead creatures is 'Sun's' duty." If you want to torture undead creatures, do it as yourself!
Grisia's eyes danced. Whatever insecurity had plagued him was now replaced by amusement over my attempt at his speech. "Oh? 'Sun,' do you think you can deal with an entire army by yourself?"
I found his words so ironic that I nearly laughed. I responded, "'Sun' knows better." And you better know it. We're in this together, don't you forget. Now, stop making me speak.
Below us, the holy knights and the royal knights were busy dealing with the rest of the army Roland had brought. The undead creatures were all weak, but they were countless, from zombies to skeletons to vampiric spiders. Earth Shields popped up one after another, separating the citizens from harm. Even though Grisia always complained about Earth, the way Earth had his platoon trained in the art of defense was always a sight to see. Even Grisia would have to agree, however grudgingly.
Meanwhile, Roland flew straight at us, nearly unobstructed, except for Leaf's arrows. It was a good thing Grisia and I had not stationed Leaf's platoon in the crowd. I would have to worry for Roland if we had. As it was, I still worried. Leaf was an excellent shot. He alone would be enough. His arrows always flew true, and this time was no exception. The only reason Roland was still unharmed was because of the dark element swirling around him, protecting him like armor. That, however, wasn't going to hinder Leaf for long.
I watched as yet another arrow hit the wall of dark element; this time, Leaf must have done something to the arrow. It burrowed through the dark element and would have nicked Roland if he had not quickly responded by knocking it away with his sword. All the arrows that followed after that were the same, slicing through Roland's swirling dark element, momentum only slightly hindered. However, the slight decrease in the arrows' speed when passing through his wall of dark element was all Roland needed. Each and every arrow that came his way ultimately got knocked away.
Roland landed in front of us and stood up, dark wings nearly blocking out the sun. With a flick of his hand, he summoned a bunch of undead creatures and set them loose. Leaf gave up on shooting Roland and instead started shooting the undead creatures that were trying to climb up the wall, the ones Grisia and I had been hacking away at. Each shot of his brought down one of the creatures. Countless corpses joined the arrows that Roland had deflected to the ground.
I readied the Divine Sun Sword. Now, it was time to put on the show of a lifetime. "Foul creature!" I yelled at Roland. "The God of Light may be forgiving, but even He will not turn a blind eye on the darkness you bring!"
I would only be too glad to give this acting job back to Grisia and return back to the shadows to support him!
While I yelled, I swept my arm in front of me theatrically, indicating the swarm of undead creatures Roland had brought.
Roland, unexpectedly, was not entirely a bad actor. "Sun Knight! I have come for your head! This city will be mine!" He yelled the words Grisia had him recite. I did think, however, that both of us sounded somewhat stiff.
We'd both yelled loudly and clearly. Enough people should have heard us and would help spread that the only reason the Death Lord was interested in the Sun Knight was because he wanted to take over the city and thought that eliminating the Sun Knight would be the quickest way to do that.
After speaking, the dark element around Roland rose even more, and he rushed forward at me with a burst of speed. Grisia and Ice were kept at bay by the undead creatures Roland had summoned. Royal knights scrambled to protect the king and the prince. Earth raised a shield to protect me, his trusty earth element mixing with holy element to form a solid wall. However, instead of slamming against the shield, Roland began flickering.
I pretended to widen my eyes at Roland's action, but I already knew where he was going next.
"Sun Knight, if not your head, then the king's head will be mine!"
I yelled, "Protect the king!"
Then, as if I'd realized that the knights' protection wouldn't be enough, I leaped in front of the king myself. The king was quivering, rooted to his spot. He stared past me, eyes wide with fear.
"Father!" The prince yelled at the same time voices yelled in concern for me.
This is truly a reckless plan.
Now, I was glad that Grisia and I hadn't switched back yet. I would hate to see Grisia doing something so stupid. He was probably hating himself and me at the very moment for our reckless plan.
Roland materialized right in front of me, his eyes blazing with cold flames, dark element trailing down his face. I twisted around, trying to block with my sword, but my struggle was nothing to Roland, not when my stance was completely wrong. He knocked my blade away and sliced me across my abdomen. It was a light cut, but I pretended to be hurt beyond repair.
I fell dramatically, sword clattering to the ground.
In hindsight, it was probably not the smartest idea having Roland strike me where the trinket was currently located, but what was done, was done, and even now, after the fact, I still wasn't sure if that had anything to do with triggering "it."
A wall of ice appeared before me, protecting me from further harm, forcing Roland to step back. Ice ran over to me in panic. He'd lost his control over his expressions. Once he reached my side, he immediately tried casting a Minor Heal.
Earth shouted, "He'll be fine! He's Sun!" Despite Earth's words, he cast a Moderate Heal in my direction. I also realized that he'd forgotten to stutter.
The warm healing light from their spells soothed the pain, but the receding pain only left a strange, inexplicable feeling in its wake.
In the meantime, the prince had rushed to his father's side and yelled a string of words. I vaguely understood that he'd acted out his part too, the part of a concerned son wishing for his father to step down so that he may enjoy his elderly years in safety.
Grisia had also rushed to my side by this time. He yelled at Roland, playing the part of the unforgiving Judgment Knight.
Everything... just sounded really far away, like I was underwater.
Right when Grisia bent down to pick up the Divine Sun Sword, claiming that he would battle Roland on my behalf, I felt it, like a divine message straight from the God of Light that it was time, time for us to be put back in the right clothes.
I doubled over, hugging myself.
I... really need to go to the bathroom!
to be continued
/o\
Please don't kill me, Lesus. I'm sorry for always torturing you like this.
I estimate around 3 parts left! Except... Each part might be much longer than the norm, haha... Like how this part turned out... hahaha...
This part did not turn out like my initial plans at all. Nope. :'D Strange, how did 1,200 words turn into 2,300 words after I "edited" the chapter... Hm. (I still feel like I've left something out!)
Next part
Fandom: The Legend of Sun Knight
Words: 2,367
Summary: Instead of receiving a brooch that dresses him in an assassin's clothes, Sun receives a trinket that switches his consciousness around with Judgment's. Now, Judgment must find out the mystery behind the Death Knight in Sun's stead. Problem is, imitating Sun's poor swordsmanship is no easy feat, and who knew what Sun was doing with Judgment's body in the meantime? Alternate telling of the end of volume 1 of the novels.
Notes: I can see the ending! Seriously! I'm not kidding!
Previous part
Part 33: Judgment
Our plan was simple, as simple as a plan could be with Grisia's hand in it, but it was still reckless. I had given my approval though and was even responsible for a large part of the plan, so I really wasn't one to talk.
The goal was to have "Sun" "protect" the king in order to dispel the rumors surrounding the Sun Knight, to have the prince, ever the attentive son, "suggest" for his father to step down and enjoy his elderly years away from danger after a close shave with it, and for us to "defeat" the Death Lord in front of the public, solving everything all at once.
Easy, right?
Right...
It was definitely going to take a lot of acting. The crown prince was in on the plan, so at least that was one less factor to worry about. With Storm's help, I'd laid out what evidence I had of his father's misdeeds in front of him and the royal advisors. We had been forced our hand early, but we made do with what we had, leaving the rest to my ability to compel convicts to confess.
The prince wasn't a convict, but I dealt with him with the same means. I confronted him confidently, never revealing that I didn't have a full hand. I also stated outright that if he didn't agree to have his father step down, I would instead drag the king off to the Judge's Complex for the Judgment Knight to deal with him like a regular criminal. I was not afraid to drag my own name into the mud, and this was a time when my poor reputation came into use.
I'd essentially threatened the crown prince. Grisia usually went to such outrageous means that the prince didn't even blink twice at my actions, thinking it on par with the norm.
The prince, as expected, hadn't been happy at all, but in the end, he could only sigh. It was not like he could silence the Sun Knight. He knew when he had been outmaneuvered, and it was no one's fault but his father's for forcing him into such a position.
"So, it has come to this, Grisia," the prince had said, using Grisia's name instead of calling him the Sun Knight. It was perhaps the prince's way of saying that Grisia may be the Sun Knight, but he was also Grisia, someone who was much younger than him. The prince had practically watched us grow up. Head shaking, the prince said, "You are getting more and more audacious, even daring to threaten me, but I concede. Father is indeed in the wrong."
I had actually been surprised that the prince had agreed so easily; however, his next words explained his decision. "It is amazing that you even alerted me to your plans before carrying it out without cluing me in. This does not feel like your style. Perhaps you are maturing."
Or perhaps I am not Grisia...
The prince then smiled softly. "And perhaps it is a sign that I too should start taking more responsibility. I have done the kingdom a disfavor in turning a blind eye to my father's misdeeds."
In such a way, the prince had agreed, and I was relieved that our kingdom would soon be in better hands. The prince knew what state the kingdom had been left in because of his father's poor leadership. He'd just never had it in him to dethrone his father. The prince was a good son and a good leader -- his only fault was that he was too lenient with his father.
That was why Grisia and I gave him a push, a push allowing him to take that last step and seize control. Any other man would have long overthrown the king, hungry for power, but not the prince. He was not an ambitious man. He needed an excuse. We provided him with one, and we'd also planned it so that his father could even save face, much more than he deserved. It was a decent plan, and the crown prince had approved of it -- he just didn't know that we'd actually invited the real Death Lord to the show.
So, when Roland appeared instead of a stand-in actor, the prince immediately turned his head and glared at me in accusation. No actor of ours could look that believable, with dark element oozing off of him, so thick that even the naked eye could see it. Not to mention, no actor of ours would be able to fly through the sky like what Roland was doing.
However, this was no time for the prince to start having doubts. I quickly placed my hand over my chest and bowed to the prince. Of the royal family, he was currently the one closest in proximity, but truthfully, I was just trying to make sure he wouldn't back out of the plan. "Prince, please trust Sun," I said. "Sun will definitely protect all of you!"
Unlike how I would normally be treated, the royal knights behind me regarded me with reverence upon hearing my words. Grisia made a noise but quickly pretended to be paying attention elsewhere. His sword was already drawn, and fortunately, it was still in his hand.
I ignored him, thankful that his reaction could be written off as disdain, and glanced up to catch the prince's eye. Don't worry, the plan will still continue like what we have discussed.
The prince frowned but moved back, possibly doubting his original suspicion. No matter how audacious "Sun" may be, even Sun would not be able to invite the real Death Lord... Or so people would normally think.
Sword drawn, I directed my attention back to the situation on hand. Numerous undead creatures were trying to scale the wall. When one of them reached a skeletal hand onto the balcony, I immediately slashed at it and sent it falling. Grisia was also trying to clear the undead creatures that were breaching the wall. He even stomped on a hand with his foot, crushing the bones. I heard a loud screech as the undead creature fell. I held no love for such beings, but even so, I could not help a wince of sympathy.
Grisia glanced at me. One side of his lips lifted up in a crooked smile. It was quite a frightening sight, especially after the scream he had just caused. "Perhaps this is how things should be," he said after a moment's pause. I can be cruel in your place.
In the heat of battle, Grisia's thoughts were clearly going haywire. I would have none of his nonsense. "You will easily get tired of wearing black," I said.
He immediately shot back, "But you would get to wear white." And walk under the light.
I shook my head. "I much prefer a different wardrobe."
Anyone who heard us was probably wondering why we were talking about our wardrobes in the middle of battle, but thankfully, most people were too occupied to pay much attention to what we were saying. At least, I hoped so.
Grisia had his head tilted, eyes asking, Are you sure?
I was positive.
There was only one person that I would ever acknowledge as my Sun Knight, and it certainly wasn't me, no matter what strange thought had seized Grisia this time. It did not matter what we looked like.
I smiled. "Brother 'Judgment,' dealing with undead creatures is 'Sun's' duty." If you want to torture undead creatures, do it as yourself!
Grisia's eyes danced. Whatever insecurity had plagued him was now replaced by amusement over my attempt at his speech. "Oh? 'Sun,' do you think you can deal with an entire army by yourself?"
I found his words so ironic that I nearly laughed. I responded, "'Sun' knows better." And you better know it. We're in this together, don't you forget. Now, stop making me speak.
Below us, the holy knights and the royal knights were busy dealing with the rest of the army Roland had brought. The undead creatures were all weak, but they were countless, from zombies to skeletons to vampiric spiders. Earth Shields popped up one after another, separating the citizens from harm. Even though Grisia always complained about Earth, the way Earth had his platoon trained in the art of defense was always a sight to see. Even Grisia would have to agree, however grudgingly.
Meanwhile, Roland flew straight at us, nearly unobstructed, except for Leaf's arrows. It was a good thing Grisia and I had not stationed Leaf's platoon in the crowd. I would have to worry for Roland if we had. As it was, I still worried. Leaf was an excellent shot. He alone would be enough. His arrows always flew true, and this time was no exception. The only reason Roland was still unharmed was because of the dark element swirling around him, protecting him like armor. That, however, wasn't going to hinder Leaf for long.
I watched as yet another arrow hit the wall of dark element; this time, Leaf must have done something to the arrow. It burrowed through the dark element and would have nicked Roland if he had not quickly responded by knocking it away with his sword. All the arrows that followed after that were the same, slicing through Roland's swirling dark element, momentum only slightly hindered. However, the slight decrease in the arrows' speed when passing through his wall of dark element was all Roland needed. Each and every arrow that came his way ultimately got knocked away.
Roland landed in front of us and stood up, dark wings nearly blocking out the sun. With a flick of his hand, he summoned a bunch of undead creatures and set them loose. Leaf gave up on shooting Roland and instead started shooting the undead creatures that were trying to climb up the wall, the ones Grisia and I had been hacking away at. Each shot of his brought down one of the creatures. Countless corpses joined the arrows that Roland had deflected to the ground.
I readied the Divine Sun Sword. Now, it was time to put on the show of a lifetime. "Foul creature!" I yelled at Roland. "The God of Light may be forgiving, but even He will not turn a blind eye on the darkness you bring!"
I would only be too glad to give this acting job back to Grisia and return back to the shadows to support him!
While I yelled, I swept my arm in front of me theatrically, indicating the swarm of undead creatures Roland had brought.
Roland, unexpectedly, was not entirely a bad actor. "Sun Knight! I have come for your head! This city will be mine!" He yelled the words Grisia had him recite. I did think, however, that both of us sounded somewhat stiff.
We'd both yelled loudly and clearly. Enough people should have heard us and would help spread that the only reason the Death Lord was interested in the Sun Knight was because he wanted to take over the city and thought that eliminating the Sun Knight would be the quickest way to do that.
After speaking, the dark element around Roland rose even more, and he rushed forward at me with a burst of speed. Grisia and Ice were kept at bay by the undead creatures Roland had summoned. Royal knights scrambled to protect the king and the prince. Earth raised a shield to protect me, his trusty earth element mixing with holy element to form a solid wall. However, instead of slamming against the shield, Roland began flickering.
I pretended to widen my eyes at Roland's action, but I already knew where he was going next.
"Sun Knight, if not your head, then the king's head will be mine!"
I yelled, "Protect the king!"
Then, as if I'd realized that the knights' protection wouldn't be enough, I leaped in front of the king myself. The king was quivering, rooted to his spot. He stared past me, eyes wide with fear.
"Father!" The prince yelled at the same time voices yelled in concern for me.
This is truly a reckless plan.
Now, I was glad that Grisia and I hadn't switched back yet. I would hate to see Grisia doing something so stupid. He was probably hating himself and me at the very moment for our reckless plan.
Roland materialized right in front of me, his eyes blazing with cold flames, dark element trailing down his face. I twisted around, trying to block with my sword, but my struggle was nothing to Roland, not when my stance was completely wrong. He knocked my blade away and sliced me across my abdomen. It was a light cut, but I pretended to be hurt beyond repair.
I fell dramatically, sword clattering to the ground.
In hindsight, it was probably not the smartest idea having Roland strike me where the trinket was currently located, but what was done, was done, and even now, after the fact, I still wasn't sure if that had anything to do with triggering "it."
A wall of ice appeared before me, protecting me from further harm, forcing Roland to step back. Ice ran over to me in panic. He'd lost his control over his expressions. Once he reached my side, he immediately tried casting a Minor Heal.
Earth shouted, "He'll be fine! He's Sun!" Despite Earth's words, he cast a Moderate Heal in my direction. I also realized that he'd forgotten to stutter.
The warm healing light from their spells soothed the pain, but the receding pain only left a strange, inexplicable feeling in its wake.
In the meantime, the prince had rushed to his father's side and yelled a string of words. I vaguely understood that he'd acted out his part too, the part of a concerned son wishing for his father to step down so that he may enjoy his elderly years in safety.
Grisia had also rushed to my side by this time. He yelled at Roland, playing the part of the unforgiving Judgment Knight.
Everything... just sounded really far away, like I was underwater.
Right when Grisia bent down to pick up the Divine Sun Sword, claiming that he would battle Roland on my behalf, I felt it, like a divine message straight from the God of Light that it was time, time for us to be put back in the right clothes.
I doubled over, hugging myself.
I... really need to go to the bathroom!
to be continued
/o\
Please don't kill me, Lesus. I'm sorry for always torturing you like this.
I estimate around 3 parts left! Except... Each part might be much longer than the norm, haha... Like how this part turned out... hahaha...
This part did not turn out like my initial plans at all. Nope. :'D Strange, how did 1,200 words turn into 2,300 words after I "edited" the chapter... Hm. (I still feel like I've left something out!)
Next part