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Nezhas lips pressed together in a thin line. He couldn't believe this. This, DEMON, was supposed to be him? This monster, who had been blessed with a kind, caring father, only to slaughter him after revival?
“You don't believe me?” asked the demon, looking down at the Lotus Prince.
“Why should I? You're nothing like me. I'd never do the things you've done.” answered the Prince, looking up at the demon's distorted face.
“You'd never kill Li Jing? Oh, right, you did attempt it. You were just unsuccessful. Don't feel too bad flower boy. It was three against one. Not a fair fight.” Smiled the demon, waving away Nezhas obvious anger.
“I wouldn't think you'd understand a true victory. You don't have brothers. And you killed your father when he was ill and weak. I might have lost my battles, but at least they were true.” spat the Lotus Prince, paying careful attention to the demon's expressions.
“And where did that land you? A colorfully dressed errand boy? An expendable resource? Look at my empire, child. It is greater than anything Li Jing or you have ever imagined. Who has truly lost?” gloated the demon, expanding his arms in a show of bravado. The Prince gritted his teeth. “Were you not a hero once? Did you not have friends, a home, something to fall back on? Is the meaning of all that lost on you?” demanded the Lotus Prince. He needed to understand. Working under his father wasn't something he particularly enjoyed, and it wasn't as though his father tried to make it enjoyable either, but the connections he'd made, they were something he treasured.
It was the demon's turn to glare, his expression shifting to sour. “I never wanted to play as their hero. They forced that forsaken sash onto me. To hold me. To cage me. So I could play nice with their other toys, only to be cast aside when a newer one arrived. I freed myself of their poison, and I suggest you do the same.” The demon clenched his fist as he spoke, but the Lotus Prince was too confused to care. The Red Armillary Sash? The sash itself was no ordinary garment, but it couldn't control a living being. Especially one like this demon.
Then, he was lying. He had to be. Nezha snarled, turning to storm off, looking over his shoulder briefly to spit out one last remark. “You will live forever alone, with no legacy to speak of. The heroes of your world will destroy you, and my only sorrow is that I will not be there to finish you off.”