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Dark Cacao collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion as he leaned back against one of the walls aligned with portraits and ornate decoration, his clothes getting soaked by the blood as bodies of 108 men were strewn across the cold marble floors, and the scent of iron was heavy in the air. The old king caught his breath in that moment with exhaustion weighing heavily on him as he gripped the hilt of his sword tightly in his hand to ground himself once the adrenaline that had been running through his veins had now calmed, as he sat there in the blood-soaked throne room amongst the corpses of fallen men who had thought they could take his place, the thought only eased the guilt of what he had done with mercy having not been an option in a decade by now.
The dark-haired king moved to stand, exhaustion from the battle was etched across his features, but his movements came to an abrupt halt when a razor-sharp blade was suddenly pointed straight at his throat. A chill ran down his spine as the glint of the steel caught the dim light of the chamber. He glanced back at his would-be captor, expecting to see the hardened features of an enemy, but instead, he was met with deep ruby eyes, flickering with a mixture of caution and uncertainty.
Those eyes—intensely familiar—brought forth memories of his long-deceased mother, whose spirit seemed to linger in the fire of the young man’s gaze. He could almost hear her laughter echoing through the years, the way her gaze had always held warmth and strength even amidst turmoil. It was a striking resemblance, one that sent a jolt of recognition through him.
As he took in the figure before him, he realized that this was no longer the innocent infant he had held in his arms so many years ago, cradling him close as if to shield him from the burdens of the world. The child had grown into a man, standing tall and resolute, embodying both the hopes and struggles of their lineage. The king's heart raced as he grappled with the profound transformation; this young man, once vulnerable and dependent, now wielded a weapon that could easily end him if he moved even the slightest inch.
Dark Choco's robes were just as disheveled as his own attire; the young man's armor and clothes bore the marks of battle, stained and slightly soaked in blood in several places. The blade that he had pressed against his neck glinted ominously in the light. His son’s short hair fell in slight disarray over his eyes, creating a bittersweet image of youthful innocence shrouded in weariness.
As the younger royal gazed down at Dark Cacao, there was a depth in his look that spoke volumes—an expression that could only be likened to that of an alley pup meeting a new face after a lifetime of experiencing nothing but humiliation and cruelty. It was a poignant contrast, and Dark Cacao felt a swell of affection as he observed his son's growth into a young man, full of potential yet still carrying the weight of his past.
Despite this fondness, Dark Choco couldn’t shake off a sense of vigilance. He diligently scanned Dark Cacao’s features for any signs of hidden threats, aware that his own existence could be viewed as a danger, especially after having disposed of the suitors who posed a risk to his family.
Dark Choco glared the man down before he noticed the portrait hanging just above the man's head and everything felt like it had frozen in that moment as his face fell just as he looked to the portrait then back at the man with his hand shaking while holding up the sword when the realization that dawned on him, "Father?" the words felt foreign on his tongue yet so familiar at the same time as they left the young prince mouth while he lowered his weapon from the older warrior's throat.
"Son..." Dark Cacao answered back as he watched the younger man drop his weapon causing it to rattle on to the ground with a loud clang and squelch as it landed in one of the many puddles of blood that were scattered on the ground, Dark Choco took a step back away from the former king, Dark Cacao could see the turmoil in his son's eyes as Dark Choco tried to grasp the fact that his father was actually alive right in front of him and the old king let him. The young prince brushed hair out of his face as he glanced back at his father and let the silence wash over them before he fell to his knees in front of the older man, who had reached a hand out but stopped and pulled it back to press against his chest.
"All my life, I'd have died to meet you..." Dark Choco whispered once he had gotten enough of his bearings back enough to speak as he laughed bitterly, he couldn't make himself meet his father's gaze for fear of the disappointment his father must feel that he wasn't like him from how little he had been of help during the fight with the suitors earlier. "Thought about your name so much it hurts.." he continued while crossing his arms over his chest to try and steady himself from shaking as he looked away.
"For twenty years I'd dreamt of how I'd greet you..." The young prince wondered if he sounded pathetic admitting that to a father he barely remembered, to a father that he hadn't seen since he left when Dark Choco was but an infant still weaning from his mother. "And now you're here...I can't find the words..." Dark Cacao watched his son stand up and followed the younger cacaonian's gaze towards the portrait of their little family as Dark Choco bit back a tear.
"All my life I have died to know you...Days and nights, I wish that I could show you..." The memories of nights spent in his mother's embrace when he was a young boy as Pure Vanilla regaled him of the many tales about his father, the memories of the passing years that he didn't even know where to start if he were to tell his father about them all and by that point it might even take them another 20 years to finish telling, well that is if he can stop himself from rambling gibberish.
"For twenty years I never could outgrow you...and now you're here..." Dark Choco said with a small chuckle as the old king stood up and towered over him although from the armor that stood proud in the hall near his parent’s chambers and his father's sword that he could barely lift, he had realized that as much as his mother loved to say that the young prince had taken after the older Cacaonian completely besides his eyes, he ended up not being as tall or as masculine as him and instead had a more lean form and less bulky muscles than his father.
"I can't help but wonder...What your world must be..." The young prince whispered as he looked up at his father but never meeting his gaze, the battle scars that adorned his father was a testament to the battles he's fought and won yet Dark Choco couldn't help but loathe them knowing that each scar meant a story and each story held his father away for so long. "If we're like each other...If I have your strength in me..." he continued as he took in a deep breath, compared to his father, he hasn't done anything of note worthy and to top it all off, he failed to protect his mother as well as he should have, even with the help of a goddess on his side and the warrior blood that ran in his veins.
"I can't help but feel like...sorrow's all I've known..." Dark Choco turned his gaze to the floor at the sword he had dropped, which was coated in blood from the suitors he had been able to slay during the frenzy of battle earlier, and he couldn't help the bubble of satisfaction knowing those retched men were now gone after so much mental and physical torment. "And I can't help but realize...For so long, I've felt alone..." It came out as a mumble, a silent admission to how lonely he had been due to the isolation of having grown up surrounded by men who thought his mother was a prize to be won and he was but a nuisance.
A heavy silence enveloped the two as Dark Choco averted his gaze, unable to look into Dark Cacao's eyes. He rubbed the back of his hand against his teary eyes, desperate to stave off the tears that threatened to spill. Each delicate motion betrayed the turmoil within him and made Dark Cacao's heart ache with a profound sadness. He could feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air, creating a barrier between them that was difficult to breach.
Taking a deep breath, Dark Cacao gathered his thoughts, attempting to find the right things to speak. The old king stepped forward slowly, his expression filled with concern and empathy. He longed to reach out, to offer comfort, but he also understood the importance of giving Dark Choco the space he needed to express his feelings.
"Oh my son, look how much you've grown..." Dark Cacao reached a hand out and gently cupped the younger man's cheek, causing the young prince to flinch at the sudden touch before he instinctively melted into the other man's touch, which made the old king's gaze soften. "Oh my boy, the sweetest joy I've known..." the older warrior couldn't help it as his mind went back to the memories of Dark Choco's earlier years, the sight of small chubby cheeks and little hands that grasped at the fabric of his husband's hanbok as Pure Vanilla held the newborn close to his chest.
"Twenty years ago, I held you in my arms...Oh, how time has flown..." Dark Cacao could remember the small warm weight in his arms as if it were yesterday, the memories of holding his son in his arms as the infant fussed and cried on those early nights after the little prince's birth. "Used to say I'd make the storm clouds cry for you..." he couldn't help the small quiver of his lips with the smile spreading on his lips at the memories of those simple moments late in the night, comforting his son when a storm would hit their kingdom "Used to say I'd capture wind and sky for you...".
"Held you in my arms, prepared to die for you!" The
memories faded, and instead of the baby, he once he remembered, his son stood in front of him all grown up and Dark Cacao brushed the hair out of the young warrior's face that framed it in a similar way it did with his Nilla's. "Oh, how times has flown..." Dark Cacao could see the sadness in his boy's eyes, and every nerve in his body screamed at him to fix it for being the cause of it, to shield his family away from the pain, like what he should have been doing all those years ago.
"I can only wonder...What your world has been..." Dark Cacao had always wondered how his family had been after all these years, if his son had grown to be just like his darling husband, or if either of them were safe. "Things you've had to suffer..." The old king glanced back at the many corpses that now littered the cold stone tiles of the throne room, and anger flashed in his eyes, anger at these men who had forced his family to suffer under the guise of hospitality and forced silence.
"And the strength you hold within..." he moved his large hands to grasp to Dark Choco's shoulders as he looked at the younger man with a saddened smile, he admired the strength that his son had fought with in their battle against the suitors along with his mental strength for having to deal with them for so long and never allowing them to get the best of him.
"All I've ever wanted was to reunite with my own..." Dark Cacao admitted as he looked at Dark Choco with a glint of pride in his eyes that matched the smile on his lips, "20 years we've wandered...But today you're not alone..." the older warrior said as tears welled up in his own eyes in that moment.
"My son, I'm finally home!" Dark Cacao declared with a mix of joy and relief as he stepped into the familiar warmth of their shared sanctuary. He swiftly pulled Dark Choco into a tight embrace, his strong arms wrapping around his son in a bear hug that seemed almost protective. For a fleeting moment, the young prince froze, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. It had been so long since they had seen each other, and the weight of that absence hit him like a tidal wave.
Tears welled up in Dark Choco’s eyes as he instinctively hugged his father back with equal fervor, desperately trying to convey the depth of his longing. His heart swelled with affection and a sense of security that only his father could provide. He buried his face into Dark Cacao's shoulder, seeking solace, hiding the tears that slipped down his cheeks like delicate jewels. Every droplet was a testament to the months of waiting, the nights spent dreaming of this very moment.
"Father, how I've longed to see you!" Dark Choco's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, feeling as though he was once again that small child who had longed for his father's comforting presence during the nights filled with uncertainty. The weight of time apart seemed to melt away in the warmth of their reunion, and it felt as if no distance had ever separated them.
As they embraced, the world around them faded into a hazy blur. In that precious moment, Dark Choco felt all his worries lift. He clung to his father, grounding himself in this familiar embrace, not just as a prince, but as a son who had missed his hero. The air around them was thick with unspoken words, shared memories, and an undeniable bond that transcended the hardships they had endured during their time apart.
“Dark Choco… I’m home…” the old king whispered, his voice barely above a murmur as he cradled his child in his arms. After twenty long and arduous years spent far away from his beloved family, he finally found himself reunited with one of them. The weight of the years apart melted away as he felt the warmth of his son’s body against his own.
In that precious moment, all the struggles and hardships he had endured during his time away weighed less heavily on his heart. The battles fought, the lonely nights spent yearning for the laughter and love of his family—all felt worth it as he savored this reunion. He took a deep breath, soaking in the scent of his son, a reminder of the bond they shared, which had withstood the test of time and distance. Holding Dark Choco close, he felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that he was finally home.
"Go tell your mother I'm home; I'll be there in a moment..." Dark Cacao felt a wave of warmth wash over him as he pulled away from the embrace of his son. It took a considerable amount of strength to separate, as he cherished those fleeting moments of closeness. He looked down at Dark Choco, his heart swelling with affection, and held the young prince by the shoulders, maintaining a firm yet gentle grip.
"Of course!" Dark Choco replied, a bright smile spreading across his face. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as Dark Cacao playfully ruffled his hair, the gesture filled with love and tenderness. As Dark Choco stepped out of his father's embrace, he felt a rush of excitement surge through him. Eager to share the good news that had him grinning from ear to ear, he dashed down the hall towards his parents' bed chambers.
With each stride, the young prince couldn't contain the joy bubbling within him. He sprinted through the long, winding corridors, the echo of his footsteps filling the air. The anticipation of seeing his mother and sharing the special news fueled his momentum, and he basked in the warmth of the happy family moment that awaited him.
Dark Cacao watched as his son left, then took a deep breath and slowly followed him. The sound of his boots against the soft carpet echoed through the long halls as he passed by numerous paintings of his family and ancestors, along with the relics they had left behind. He stopped in front of the large painting of himself and his beloved on their wedding day. The sight made his heart flutter in his chest. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a feather gently falling to the floor, which made him crack a small, soft smile.
"Show yourself..." Dark Cacao called out, crossing his arms over his chest as he sensed someone watching him. "I know you're watching me... Show yourself..." He paused for a moment, waiting for the familiar click of claws against the stone floor. Just as he expected, he heard them before turning around. He caught a brief glimpse of large white owl wings curling and disappearing beneath pristine white robes, before piercing, owl-like eyes met his. Those eyes then closed, disappearing from view.
"You were never one for hellos..." The warrior scoffed, his voice laced with both annoyance and a hint of curiosity as he looked at the goddess beside him, her gaze stubbornly turned away from him, defying his attempts to draw her into conversation. She seemed lost in thought, her expression distant as if she were gazing into the depths of another realm. "I can't help but wonder... what this world could be..." Mystic Flour murmured, her voice almost a whisper, as she turned her attention to the window. Outside, a few crows soared through the sky, their dark silhouettes cutting across the pale light of the day, sent off to deliver whatever kind of news the otherworldly beings entrusted them with.
"If we held each other with a bit more empathy..." Dark Cacao observed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched the woman intently. He noted the way she clenched her hands together, a sign of uncharacteristic tension in someone so revered. As she opened her eyes again, there was a flicker of vulnerability that momentarily crossed her features before she fully turned to face him.
"I can't help but feel like... I led you astray..." Mystic Flour whispered, her voice trembling as she looked at him with a mixture of concern and sorrow. Memories cascaded through her mind, like an ancient river flowing over stones, each image representing the moments they had shared. A fleeting vision of a younger Dark Cacao flashed before her eyes—his youthful demeanor, the spark of determination that radiated from him, and the naïve optimism that once characterized his spirit.
For just a heartbeat, she was transported back to a time when he was still the eager boy she had taken under her wing, filled with dreams and aspirations, with a heart unburdened by the weight of the world. She remembered the passionate conversations they would share about valor and duty, the way he had looked at her with trust and admiration, believing in the wisdom she had to offer.
But that image swiftly faded, giving way to the man he had become—a figure molded by trials and tribulations, each hardship leaving its indelible mark upon him. No longer the bright-eyed student, he now stood before her as a formidable leader, someone who had weathered the tempests of both mortal and divine challenges. The creases in his brow told stories of battles fought and lost, of sacrifice and loss that had shaped him into a figure of strength and resilience.
Mystic Flour's heart ached at the sight, seeing not just the man in front of her, but understanding the journey he had undertaken. She saw how the boy who had once needed her guidance had grown into a warrior who faced his fate head-on. Yet, amidst the strength and valor, there was a glimmer of vulnerability that reminded her of the boy who still lingered within, a part of him that longed for the innocence of simpler times.
"What if there's a world where we don't have to live this way?" Mystic Flour asked as she closed her eyes again. The dark-haired man sighed and thought for a moment, "If that world exists, it's far away from here." Dark Cacao had often wondered if such a world could be real—a place where they didn't struggle just to survive. But he also knew that if it existed, there was a chance his beloved, Pure Vanilla, might not be by his side.
"It's one I'll have to miss... for it is far beyond my years," the mortal man replied. His response did not surprise the goddess. Dark Cacao stepped forward and stood beside her, gazing out the window as Mystic Flour observed his movements.. "You might live forever... so you can make it be..." he spoke softly before placing a hand over the ring that pressed gently against his chest, giving it a small squeeze for comfort.
"But I've got one endeavor; there’s a boy I have to see," the warrior spoke earnestly, his voice steady yet filled with a hint of urgency as he glanced back at Mystic Flour, the ethereal goddess who had been his unexpected companion on this journey. For a brief moment, he caught her gaze, and time seemed to stretch in the stillness of that sacred space. The goddess paused, her expression inscrutable, as she studied the mortal before her.
It was rare for her usually stoic face to betray any emotion, but in that instant, a soft smile began to grace her lips, illuminating her features with an almost palpable warmth. "Very well," she finally responded, her voice soothing yet filled with understanding.
As she reached over, her delicate hand rested lightly on his shoulder—a reassuring gesture that spoke volumes more than words ever could. In that fleeting contact, the warrior felt the weight of her divine presence and a surge of determination coursing through him.
Without another word, she moved past him, her movements fluid and elegant, just as the heavy door creaked open to reveal the endless possibilities beyond. In the next heartbeat, she was gone, vanishing in the blink of an eye, leaving behind only a trail of pristine white feathers that floated gracefully in the air before settling softly onto the ground. The warrior watched the feathery remnants, knowing that her blessing was with him, even as he prepared to embark on the next chapter of his quest.
"Father, he's waiting for you." Dark Choco announced softly, peeking his head out from behind the heavy door. The sound of his voice echoed faintly through the grand hall, breaking the silence that enveloped the citadel. As Dark Cacao stood at the threshold, he felt a sudden tension gripping his shoulders, a familiar sensation that marked the weight of responsibility.
Taking a deep breath, he began to make his way over to his son, each step deliberate and filled with a mixture of apprehension and resolve. The former king’s heart pounded in his chest, a relentless rhythm of anticipation that accompanied him as he navigated the long, winding halls of the citadel. The towering stone walls, adorned with intricate tapestries telling tales of bravery and sacrifice, seemed to close in around him, amplifying the gravity of the moment.
As they walked side by side, Dark Choco glanced up, his youthful eyes reflecting both eagerness and concern. Dark Cacao could feel the weight of countless expectations resting on his shoulders, a legacy that stretched far beyond his desires. Each footfall echoed their shared history and the unspoken burdens they carried, leading them closer to the door that concealed whatever awaited them on the other side. With every heartbeat, he prepared himself for what was to come, knowing that this encounter could alter the course of their lives forever.