The Cursed Princess: The Long Journey | Book 1 | Vol 1-8 | (Original Series)

Volume 4 Chapter 10: Back From The Brink Of Death...

Previously: Her body went flying into the ceiling, her internal organs were punctured by her shattered ribs. Her body fell down to the ground and was stepped upon by the boots of the alien creature. Her body was limp, bloody, and lifeless. "I tried to warn you, my child." "Get up, brat!" Blake's voice reached her ears. "You aren't done here!" Stefan shouted out. "Lexi, open your eyes!" Alexander called out to her soul. "Kiddo, raise your head!" Thomas, her former commanding officer, screamed out. Her body was healed by all the magical power she possessed. Her void arm converted the lava into mana. The burning sensation on her spine wasn't as bad as being turned to cinders by a airstrike. "I've been through so much pain and suffering. This pain isn't close enough to break me. You are going to have to try a little harder to kill me for good." She struggled against his raw strength holding her down. She grabbed his ankle just as her special bandages were turned to ash. "I'll have Viviana replace my armor and bandages afterwards." His multiple eyes widened as his leg was turned to dust. She replenished her magical power. "Your magic feels different. It seems like you really are an alien. Well no matter, I don't give a fuck about your origins or species name. I've taken up too much time already. I have things to do, hurry up and die." He punched her face but she chomped down on his knuckles. He screeched out as he tried to pull away. She grabbed his arm and a vortex of darkness sucked his limb into the endless void. The king was now the one shaking, she kicked him and he fell to his knees. She grabbed his neck and just as she used her Blackhole Vortex ability she heard,"My child, do you not want to be a hero of this world?" "I'm not  the kind to be a hero, Chaos." "Will you use your power for evil?" "I'm a soldier at heart, so if an enemy gives me no choice. Then I'll use my powerful skills to destroy them without any hesitation." "That's not a definitive answer." She grinned widely, showing off her sharp fangs. The king was absorbed into her left palm. "I'll mould this world into my own image of a perfect civilization. I'll be the best ruler that has ever been born in the Rose kingdom. You want to know my path, right? I'll give mercy to those who are willing to help me and then destroy anyone who gets in my way." Rose glanced over at the double doors and saw Natsuo and Viviana standing there tall with the saved hostages. "Hear me gods, I'll be your champion. Offer me your hand. And I'll claim your powers, one by one. Until I'm the strongest champion ever to exist. I'm going to save this world from itself."

Back to a fight between two Champions and one Condemned: Vann used his Bow and protected Kurtz's rear while he took the offensive towards the Azelea king with his several hundred crystal wolves. Blitzkrieg spun his Glaive as he cut down ever single wolf that came near his position. He stabbed the ground and sent a shockwave of electricity their way. Kurtz created a spear and stabbed the ground. The stone ground elevated and cancelled out the electricity. Then several golems made out of crystals vaulted over the wall and rushed towards the king. He held out his Glaive and charged up a range attack. "Plasma Cannon!" Kurtz tackled Vann to the ground just before it was too late. Everything was turned to cinders and burning embers. Vann and Kurtz coughed out the ash as it invaded their lungs. "You two are still alive, how intriguing. That was one of my most powerful magical attacks. I guess I'll have to pull out all the stops to kill you." He dropped his Glaive and crossed his arms. Vann saw this with his Phoenix Eyes and panicked. "Kid, get out of here at once!" "Huh, what about working together?" "Get out of here, now! Go to this Kingdom's second City, it's hidden away. Find it and wait. Your uncle is on his way here to save us all. I'll be counting on you to come back for me. But for the time being, run as fast as your wolf legs can carry you!" He sprinted past the king and towards the border of the main city. Blitz chuckled softly as he cancelled his attack. "I really wanted to test his crystal magic strength and durability. How saddening, well I guess it's just us two left." Everything was now resting on Kurtz's shoulders to find help. He howled out in uncontrollable frustration and rage.

Rose and her team returned to the main City with the healed captives. On their way back to the castle where Vlad was located. Shun spoke up and grabbed Rose's wrist. She turned back only to be brought to her knees breathing heavily at the sight of his God glaring in her direction. Shun asked if she was alright. She heard the other god's speaking to her, saying all sorts of things. She grabbed her ears and screamed out,"Get away from me!" They all backed up, looking concerned and confused.

She heard a familiar voice in her mind,"My dear Rose. Relax, they aren't going to hurt you." She opened her eyes only to see multiple gods staring her down. She looked up to see the darkness God of Chaos. She stood up and looked over into the direction of Poseidon. "Child, you have the power of water already. I want to offer you my hand of support." He held out his hand. Artemis held out her hand and said gently,"You have great control over animals, I want to offer you my support." The monster god Chuthulu appeared out of the darkness and spoke in a deep tone of voice,"You can hear and understand me. My ancient tongue is usually impossible to understand. I want to offer you my mark of power." Rose turned around and looked at her current supporter. "I'm not ready for anything else but your continued support. Is what I would have said before I almost died." She turned around and face the three gods. "Poseidon, my strongest element is water, besides my Wind Vortex magic. I'm willing to take your mark of blessing, but just know that you aren't the only one who I'll be serving. The cost of great power, takes an even greater responsibility. I know that you all want me exclusively. But I just can't afford to limit myself to just one god. If you are okay with sharing the glory with Chaos and the other future gods. Then I'll accept your mark completely." He reached out and grabbed her arm. His body became flowing water as a part of his spirit entered her heart. "When you die, I'll resurrect you back to life. And give you the full power of officially being my champion." She rested her hand on her chest. "Artemis, Cthulhu, and any other gods listening, once I become stronger. I'll be back to accept your mark of support." She turned around and faced her original supporter. "Chaos, I'll work hard to earn more of your power." She smiled happily and then suddenly she was back to reality with Vlad running her way, screaming out her name in concern. She leaped towards Vlad with tears of relief leaving her eyes. "I'm so happy you are okay!" He caught her gently and held her close as he whispered softly. "Same here." He looked at her left arm and asked via the mind what happened. "We'll talk about it later." He set her down and patted her head. "Yeah, later. I have to talk with my old friends. Lead the others to the throne room." She gestured to the kids to follow her lead. Viviana Culthos, Natsuo Frostbane, Alama Xian, Amelia Culthos and Vance Xian ran after Rose towards the castle.

They scanned Vladimir's body up and down as shock gripped onto their hearts. "How are you still alive? Humans aren't supposed to live very long…" Shun asked, confused. "Shun, he's no longer human or champion. I don't sense his light magic. He's turned into a Condemned." He created dual blades out of frost and got ready to fight. "Vlad, what happened to you?" He said nothing to his question. He exhaled hot air as he walked away. "Halt!" His body wasn't stopped by Jack's time magic. "Huh?" "Vlad, why are you so different from before!?" He said, nothing. "What did you do to change!?" Vlad stopped a few feet away from his old friends and said apathetically."I killed Lana and Hanako." Their two hearts gradually were filled with rage and sorrow. "Rose can get home with the Azalea Princess's help. She doesn't need my help. I just wish I could have seen her face one last time." He closed his eyes as he sensed them two swinging their weapons in his direction.

To be continued…