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Description
Paladin

"I am convinced that it is not the fear of death, of our lives ending that haunts our sleep so much as the fear... that as far as the world is concerned, we might as well never have lived."
-Harold Kushner-

Prologue

The cold breeze metastasizes through the rainbow of trees. The gentle wind blew to make the trees hustle hum together in harmony. Their melody was not one of happiness but of an overwhelming despair. The clouds loomed over the trees and as to understand the trees' song, cried onto the red planet. Leaves swung to and fro, willing to fall to the world. A sole leaf offers itself to the world below, extending itself as an object of fate, being dropped on the path below for one to decide to walk on by or pick it up. It silently spiraled its way to the ground, falling gently on the lifeless man. The man's body was spread out uncomfortably across the grass. Seeping its way across the evergreen, his blood oozed from wounds. His hair was short and golden, like the treasures in a king's coffers. His blue shirt was now befouled by the blood of the day's conflict.

The young man, who was in his early 20s, weakly gazed upon the field surrounding him. His vision was blurred; there was little for him to see. He glanced about. Bodies of men and women surrounded him. He smelled the distant smell of rotting bodies and was amazed that he was not one of them... yet. He continued to look around, searching for something important and dear to him. He despaired when he knew he couldn't find his true obsession, and lowered his head back to the ground. Footsteps slowly making their way towards him. Did they know he was still alive? Were they here to end his misery? The young man weakly lifted his head again, only to see a figure in front of him. His vision was beyond repair and he couldn't make out anything. The only thing he could make any sense of...was the smell.  He smelled the sweet smell of flowers. The oncoming stranger had the delicious scent of lavender, placing the young man's body into a peaceful slumber. Succumbing to the smell, his body drastically began to weaken. He realized who this person was and that it was after him. But not to kill him...no...this person was an angel. An angel to take him away to the other side...The young man smiled as he closed his eyes, knowing that he finally would get what he was longing for. A chance to be to peace with himself. To put an end to his pain.........

The Paladin's story unfolds…

Sombra de Muerte...Shi no Kage...Ombre de Mort... Umbra of NEX...Shadow of Death...
The young man, who was experiencing his final moments, awoke in a dark cavern, surrounded by strange figures, swathed in dark, heavy robes. They scattered like little children as he began to stand, hiding behind large rocks and crevasses within the cave. Staggering to get to his feet, he notices his body felt heavier than usual. Glancing over his body, he was stunned to find an illuminating silver armor that covered his body.

"Hello?" the young man called out to the cloaked figures. "Where am I?"

"A place where you rightfully belong," answered a voice from behind. The man did not react immediately but it wasn't that he had to. He could smell the scent of lavender and the deep slumber...the angel was near. He turned abruptly to see the angel of death, a woman no less, sitting on the blackest of rocks. The young man was taken by the Death's appreance as he had become accustomed to the stories and legends told of the Angel of Death as being grotesque or overwhelming. Yet here sat an attractive woman, whose hair was long and dark like the night, covering over her back and spreading out slightly on the rock she sat on. Her eyes were like perfect obsidian and staring into them reminded the young man of the void. Her skin was pale as a person at Death's door, yet she also bore features of a woman who had meant to be pleasing to the eye. She was scantly covered in black tight clothing exposing more than just her arms or legs. Her black high heel boots reminded him of the fine young ladies at the taverns, drawing attention to their attributes. And her lips were bright cherry red that would draw even the most disinterested of men to their knees. Finally, after moments of the two just staring blankly at one another, the angel of death moved from her sitting position, only to show that the rock was not black but was hitherto covered by her long silk cape. Upon standing, she was same height as he was, and her cape was extending down to her feet, along with her hair flowing to her waist. Her face was ecliptic by her dark hair. She flicked her hair behind her and her perfect face could be shown completely. She gave the young man a grimace, her teeth as bright white as her skin. She walked seductively over to him. He followed her every move becoming more entranced by both her appearance and movement. The angel of death wrapped her arms around his neck, sliding her hand down his back. He shivered, feeling a cold chill literally run down his spin. Her hands felt numb to him and wondered if she really felt anything in all...

"I know what you want, Gideon, son of the hero Duran Lucian." she whispered into the hero's ear. "How you wish to find out if your death was in vain or not, correct?"
Gideon pushed back this maleficent of death, appalled that she would even utter his name.

"You are the Angel of Death…I need not speak to someone like you about such trifling things!" He folded his metallic arms and glanced away. "You are wrong about me," he retorted. "I know my death was all in the name of the king…so do not try to patronize me, lady of death!"

"Valdris," the untouchable woman responded, interrupting Gideon. "Please…just call me Valdris. An honor to call me by this name has been given to so few. You should be honored to even speak to me." "Honored?" Gideon began to question with disgust, "I think not! I should be in eternal rest and instead…I find myself deep within the darkest caves possibly known to man, wearing a suit I've never seen before. Why do you not understand? I am happy with my decision…with my life!"

Valdris grinned mischievously again. "Even after witnessing this?" She twirled her hand creating a whirlpool. Out of this stream, an image appeared before Gideon and Valdris. It was the great king, Begis Guilty, celebrating with his comrades over his great victory. Gideon was taken off guard by the sudden appearance by his king and bowed respectfully in his name. Valdris distastefully rolled her eyes, pitying how foolish this mere mortal was.

"Imprudent human…they cannot see you." She brushed back her long ever long black hair and pointed to her ear. "But that does not mean that we cannot hear them." She tapped the portal with her black fingernail, causing it to ripple. Sounds and voices echoed throughout the cave.

"Here, here!" said one knight. "Here to the great king, Begis!"

"Yes my fellow knights…and now that we have conquered the land of Gorgarian's, Novania will take control and have its men enslaved, its women for the pleasure and its food of plenty to feed our soldiers!" the king began to declare, half drunk, before almost falling over from both laughter and wine. "Especially their women! Bring me more wine!"

"To the king!" cried another soldier. "And to Novania! Let it live long and prosper!"

"My liege…what has become of you?" Gideon fell to his knees. "No…these images are lies"! Gideon raised himself back to his feet. "You are trying to trick me and play on the so little doubt I have…"

"They are as real as you and me, Gideon," Valdris explained closing the portal. "You now know the truth and that the king has mislead you. You mustn't let this happen. You were blinded by the lies the king was telling you." Valdris mocks Gideon with a smirk. "Little doubt you say? Heh...I doubt that."

"Then…Valdris…" Gideon began to say, getting the courage to finish what would come next. "What would you have me do?"
"Reclaim what was once yours…" Valdris spoke with a menacing tone. "Your life was wasted for someone else's selfish goals and not to defend peace throughout your homeland. Kill the bastard that he is and end his life along with those that so blindly follow him. Kill all who defy you…"

"…I cannot." Gideon turned away in disgust at the mere thought of killing his king. "I would never strike against the royalty. And I'd gladly sacrifice my life for him. He deserves whatever he wishes."

"Even your dearest sister?" asked Valdris with another malicious grin.

"What words have just slipped from your tongue, Valdris?" Gideon responded with a frightful stare.

"He's going to enslave those who have lost everything…like your sister…to be his… "Special friend".  Valdris began to say until Gideon grabbed her and thrusts her back against the wall.

"You lie!" Gideon yelled into her ear. "Angela would never stand for it! The king wouldn't..."

"But he IS the king and deserves whatever he wants, no?" Valdris laughed, mocking Gideon for his continuous faith in the king. Gideon's mind began to race and he hastily made his decision.

"I shall go," he began to say.  "And see if your words are true. Where is my weapon?"

"You are wearing it." Valdris answered as she rubbed her finger, running it across his armored chest. "This armor is what is keeping you alive as well. You have not yet experienced death but instead have seen me. And I am your saving grace. Your chance to redeem yourself. A chance to become above the heaven knights and be something far more respectful knight…a Paladin…a true hero."

With those words, Valdris leaned closer to Gideon. She grabbed the back of his head, pulling him closer to her and kissed him passionately on his lips. Gideon was confused by Valdris's actions and began to enjoy this romantic moment. His eyes became heavy and closed them as well.  Upon reopening them, Gideon found himself surrounded by King Begis and his men. The knights talked amongst themselves.

"G-G-G…" Begis began to stutter. He looked at his wine glass and threw it to the ground, rubbing his eyes. "Gideon! By God is that you? We…we had heard word that you had died on the forest of Rutou!"

"My liege…" Gideon began to say, disheartened by the rather surprised response of his once respected king. "I have come to see if it is true. Do you intend sin and felony onto the people of Gorgaria?     Words of an oncoming invasion from the Gorgarian's were near and it was why I gave my life."

"Gideon…" Begis began to say in a serious tone. "We are facing a tough economic crisis here in Novania. The people…our people are suffering. It was when the war broke out that economies started to flourish. Winning the war was just as important as starting it. Now…explain as to how it is you are here?"

"Sire!" interrupted a soldier from the table. "He wears the suit of Death! He has returned to kill you!"

"I...I knew that!" the king said, backhanding the soldier's head. "So…you have sided with the Angel of Death herself. She has not only deluded you, Gideon, but others before you. You have fallen victim to her pleasuring looks and words. What would your father say if he had found out about this?"

"But at least her words ring true…" Gideon stated as he thrusted his hand out in front of him, pointing at his king with angered eyes. With his will and emotions rising, a blinding white light lit the room. Once the light passed, a blade emerged in Gideon's hands. Gideon looked at the large blade; it was twice the width of his own body and yet he was able to swing it with ease. "And now it seems she grants me a weapon to bring an end to your reign. I shall bring forth the justice that Novania deserves, King Begis!"

"The only justice here Gideon, "Begis sputtered out, half drunk and half afraid for his own life, "Is me, King Begis of Novania! Kill this traitor!"

The other knights, hastily sat up from their chairs, knocking them over with a large thud. The unsheathing of their blades made Gideon think twice of his decision to take on the king. Nevertheless, Gideon held up his blade and charged forth at the oncoming knights. Like a classic duel between knights, Gideon fought off bravely against the overwhelming odds. His blade showed no mercy against the treacherous king's men, slashing through their blades, killing a dozen armed men. Begis tried to thrust his spear into Gideon's armored chest, only to watch in horror as the spear's tip splintered against the imperturbable armor. Gideon drove his blade into the sovereign's body. "The only reign you shall have," Gideon said in his king's ear, "Is in hell" Gideon wrenched the blade out of the king's body.
As the king tumbled to the ground, Gideon panted in exhaustion from the battle. Suddenly, a miraculous thing began to take place. As if the blade itself had separated not only their bodies, but their souls as well. Small, white puffs of smoke floated about the room. Gideon reached forth to touch one of the orbs, only to watch as they all gathered in his hand, merging themselves within the armor. Gideon's blade disappeared as he looked upon the dead. He began to ponder if what he had done was, in turn, justice at all. Suddenly, as if to be putting on a show, the sound of someone clapping was heard.

"Well done, Gideon…" Valdris declared, grinning mischievously. "Well done…it seems that you've gotten yourself quite use to the armor now, haven't you? How does it feel to be like a judge of death?

"This armor," Gideon began to say, staring at his armored hands. "it is not something anyone should wear. It is far too great for anyone to make judgment on. Why…why did you give me this power?"

Valdris turned away, almost as if to hide something deep inside. "I do not wish to tell you…just yet."

Gideon approached Valdris, placing a hand on her shoulder. Slowly, like an old woman who wished to reach out with her failing might, Valdris raised her hand and firmly gripped onto Gideon's hand. Gideon, taken back by yet another strange gesture of kindness like the surprising kiss of death, pulled his hand away from her. He held onto his hand, thinking that she may try to do something else. "I cannot wear this armor. This isn't what I wanted. It isn't what I was searching for in my life..."
Valdris spins around, her hair and cape frantically turning with her spin. "And what
is?" she asked.

"I guess," Gideon began to say. "...I was searching for you. The only way to escape this mortal coil and become one with God. But this armor wasn't what I was intending for.  I do not intend to become like God and make judgment on others. I demand you take this suit off me and let my body rest."

"I'm afraid that is not possible." Valdris began to sound as if she is losing her patience. "You see… you don't have any choice in the matter. I will continue to you use you and there is NOTHING you can do about it!"

"Use me?" Gideon questioned Valdris's motives again. "What do you mean! Speak now, Valdris!"

"It's simple." Valdris said, sucking on her fingers as if she just had a delicious meal. "I devour the souls that you and the armor kill. By doing so…I will become the most powerful being…I and I alone will be the one to surprise the power of God! You think it's easy to be the Angel of Death… you have no idea!" Valdris's voice began to get raspy and a red tear began to flow down the corner of her face. She turned away from Gideon, hiding her sadness and wiped away the blood staining tear from her face.

"You're just like Begis…" Gideon began to state. "You both looked for power that best suits you."

"And you are no different!" Valdris replied, gritting her teeth. "You
humans go on and on about justice and laws but they only matter when you want them to! Now…Gideon…my dear faithful toy…continue to be my lil' Judgment of Death…or face total annihilation…like others before you have done…"

"…If others have defied you," Gideon said, smiling, all the while firmly gripping his blade, "then I would not like to put end to such an understanding ritual…" Valdris closed her eyes, sighing to herself. "You'll never understand…" Valdris sighed, holding out her hands in a cross formation. "You are my tools! Tools to be used and eventually thrown away….and I shall dispose of you!

Appearing out of a black thick fog, two dual scythes' appeared. Their blades were grim and ornate, and the handle itself was thick black as Valdris's image. Valdris suddenly shot towards Gideon at an incredible speed. With only moments to react, Gideon held his blade out in front of him, using it as a shield to block the scythe's attack. Both Valdris and Gideon flew backwards from the powerful impact. Being the first to react, Gideon raced forward, swinging his blade at Valdris. She laughed evilly as she disappeared just in time for Gideon to miss. Appearing from behind, Gideon caught that familiar scent and quickly ducked under the blades scythe. He turned around and pushed a second scythe attack from him, noticing that Valdris was not using the blades in her own hands; rather, they were levitating much like she was. Upon thrusting her hands forward, the blade would then move and try to deliver a painful blow to Gideon. Jumping over the scythe's blade, Gideon was not fast enough to dodge the scythe from piercing his shoulder. Unlike the man-made weapons before him, the scythe had actually managed to pierce Gideon's arm. He screamed in pain as he pulled the scythe from his arm. The two then locked onto one another, engaging in a dueling to overpower one another. Determined to win, Valdris used other scythe and slashed Gideon across the chest; his ability to keep up with Valdris's overpowering strength starting to wane. The next move would most certainly finish him. As if to spare no mercy to him, Valdris shoves her scythe right into Gideon's chest. He gasps at the amount of pain and agony rushing through him and it reminds him of the battle against the Gorgonians. It reminds him of the pain of having to fight and wishing he could have just walked away from it all. Of how painful it was for him to breathe his last. Grinning at Gideon's pain, Valdris hurls Gideon's body into the air and smashing into the stone wall of the castle. The wall merely crumpled as it tumbled on top of him.

"Valdris…" Gideon spoke weakly, unable to move. "Even if you beat me…I'll never be your slave." Gideon began to take off his armor. Valdris's black eyes widened and she quickly flew over to him, stopping him from making a grave mistake.

"NO!" Valdris shrieked, looking sincerely sympathetic into Gideon's eyes. "Don't throw away your life… You…don't understand…I…I shouldn't have even gotten a mortal involved with something like this.  You must understand...there is a great evil in this world that will permanently end this planet's life cycle.
Gideon stared into her eyes, realizing this maybe the first time he had heard begging in Valdris's voice. She was being sincere to him and he was still in need of help. "Then why…why make me kill the king?"

"It was a test…" answered Valdris, firmly holding onto his hand. "A test to see if you truly could be…a Paladin. A knight who up stands justice, even if it was his own family or royalty…I…

"But I still need to know…why did you choose me?" Gideon said, now gazing into her night eyes.

Valdris turned away from Gideon, her hair and long cape blowing in the gentle breeze. "I to…feel…"

"Feel?" Gideon asked, confused. What did she mean by feel?

The souls not only give me strength," Valdris explained. "But also feel alive! I never thought about it before but these souls are so full of life that it too is giving me something to look forward to. Your father was a great Paladin who also went against me. But for that brief moment that he served me…I could feel. I could sense things that I have only dreamed off. So you see I chose you not only because of your father…but because…I fell in love with you…" Valdris disappeared, Gideon again, who, only now, realized the meaning of Valdris's words. Gideon touched where his metallic heart would be. He could feel, what was once thought to be dead, beating from Valdris's words. He smiles as he walked away from the town of Novania, heading towards the rising sun…

Epilogue

Another treacherous goblin fell as Gideon continued to slash his way through an endless horde of its kind. The goblins bore a horrid, rancid smell, and their faces spoke volumes of spite. Gideon spun around gracefully and after what felt like forever, dispatched the remaining goblins. He absorbed the souls of the broken creatures and strode back to a large drooping tree. Suddenly, an Elven man emerges from behind the tree and strikes his spear on Gideon's powerful armor. The Elven man gasps in surprise.

"Oh!" the father gasped, surprised. "I…I'm so sorry, Gideon! I...I didn't know it was you...

"It's quite all right, Keu'deh." Gideon responded with a smile. "Is everyone ok?"

Keu'deh nods as he speaks in Elven. Suddenly, Yido and Aniphia both appear behind the tree.

"You remember Yido and Aniphia, right Gideon?" Keu'deh says with a smile. Gideon nods.

"Of course...I'm just glad I showed up when I did...well...I must get going now. Take care, Keu'deh."

Gideon turned and began to walk down the path. "You're very lucky Gideon…" Aniphia called out to him, "You certainly have a guardian angel watching over you…"

Gideon stopped walking and turned around, grinning at the
Aniphia. "Oh…you have no idea."

Gideon left the family with another feeling of triumph and victory over saving and helping people that he met along his travels. It had been six years now since he had been traveling and six years since he had been gathering souls for Valdris. Just as Valdris began to wonder just how Valdris was doing, someone immediately pounced on Gideon's back, laughing giddily like a school girl at her surprise. Gideon laughed with her as he continued to carry Valdris on her back. Never before had he heard her laugh so loud or so happily and he was enjoying the new Valdris that was slowly forming. She jumped off his back and spun her Paladin around. Like a never ending magnet, the two shared another intimate moment, kissing ecstatically. A light breeze blew past them, causing Valdris's cape to wrap them together in their intimacy. Valdris wrapped her arms around him, revealing a small ring around her pale fingers. Soon, the two disappeared like leaves on a windy fall day. Reopening his eyes again, Gideon found himself hovering over a small mud hole. Like something out of a cartoon, Gideon looked down below him, only to come crashing down into the mud. Valdris hovered above him, laughing at Gideon's humility. Gideon sighed, knowing Death was as unpredictable as always.

Description
Paladin

"I am convinced that it is not the fear of death, of our lives ending that haunts our sleep so much as the fear... that as far as the world is concerned, we might as well never have lived."
-Harold Kushner-

Prologue

The cold breeze metastasizes through the rainbow of trees. The gentle wind blew to make the trees hustle hum together in harmony. Their melody was not one of happiness but of an overwhelming despair. The clouds loomed over the trees and as to understand the trees' song, cried onto the red planet. Leaves swung to and fro, willing to fall to the world. A sole leaf offers itself to the world below, extending itself as an object of fate, being dropped on the path below for one to decide to walk on by or pick it up. It silently spiraled its way to the ground, falling gently on the lifeless man. The man's body was spread out uncomfortably across the grass. Seeping its way across the evergreen, his blood oozed from wounds. His hair was short and golden, like the treasures in a king's coffers. His blue shirt was now befouled by the blood of the day's conflict.

The young man, who was in his early 20s, weakly gazed upon the field surrounding him. His vision was blurred; there was little for him to see. He glanced about. Bodies of men and women surrounded him. He smelled the distant smell of rotting bodies and was amazed that he was not one of them... yet. He continued to look around, searching for something important and dear to him. He despaired when he knew he couldn't find his true obsession, and lowered his head back to the ground. Footsteps slowly making their way towards him. Did they know he was still alive? Were they here to end his misery? The young man weakly lifted his head again, only to see a figure in front of him. His vision was beyond repair and he couldn't make out anything. The only thing he could make any sense of...was the smell.  He smelled the sweet smell of flowers. The oncoming stranger had the delicious scent of lavender, placing the young man's body into a peaceful slumber. Succumbing to the smell, his body drastically began to weaken. He realized who this person was and that it was after him. But not to kill him...no...this person was an angel. An angel to take him away to the other side...The young man smiled as he closed his eyes, knowing that he finally would get what he was longing for. A chance to be to peace with himself. To put an end to his pain.........

The Paladin's story unfolds…

Sombra de Muerte...Shi no Kage...Ombre de Mort... Umbra of NEX...Shadow of Death...
The young man, who was experiencing his final moments, awoke in a dark cavern, surrounded by strange figures, swathed in dark, heavy robes. They scattered like little children as he began to stand, hiding behind large rocks and crevasses within the cave. Staggering to get to his feet, he notices his body felt heavier than usual. Glancing over his body, he was stunned to find an illuminating silver armor that covered his body.

"Hello?" the young man called out to the cloaked figures. "Where am I?"

"A place where you rightfully belong," answered a voice from behind. The man did not react immediately but it wasn't that he had to. He could smell the scent of lavender and the deep slumber...the angel was near. He turned abruptly to see the angel of death, a woman no less, sitting on the blackest of rocks. The young man was taken by the Death's appreance as he had become accustomed to the stories and legends told of the Angel of Death as being grotesque or overwhelming. Yet here sat an attractive woman, whose hair was long and dark like the night, covering over her back and spreading out slightly on the rock she sat on. Her eyes were like perfect obsidian and staring into them reminded the young man of the void. Her skin was pale as a person at Death's door, yet she also bore features of a woman who had meant to be pleasing to the eye. She was scantly covered in black tight clothing exposing more than just her arms or legs. Her black high heel boots reminded him of the fine young ladies at the taverns, drawing attention to their attributes. And her lips were bright cherry red that would draw even the most disinterested of men to their knees. Finally, after moments of the two just staring blankly at one another, the angel of death moved from her sitting position, only to show that the rock was not black but was hitherto covered by her long silk cape. Upon standing, she was same height as he was, and her cape was extending down to her feet, along with her hair flowing to her waist. Her face was ecliptic by her dark hair. She flicked her hair behind her and her perfect face could be shown completely. She gave the young man a grimace, her teeth as bright white as her skin. She walked seductively over to him. He followed her every move becoming more entranced by both her appearance and movement. The angel of death wrapped her arms around his neck, sliding her hand down his back. He shivered, feeling a cold chill literally run down his spin. Her hands felt numb to him and wondered if she really felt anything in all...

"I know what you want, Gideon, son of the hero Duran Lucian." she whispered into the hero's ear. "How you wish to find out if your death was in vain or not, correct?"
Gideon pushed back this maleficent of death, appalled that she would even utter his name.

"You are the Angel of Death…I need not speak to someone like you about such trifling things!" He folded his metallic arms and glanced away. "You are wrong about me," he retorted. "I know my death was all in the name of the king…so do not try to patronize me, lady of death!"

"Valdris," the untouchable woman responded, interrupting Gideon. "Please…just call me Valdris. An honor to call me by this name has been given to so few. You should be honored to even speak to me." "Honored?" Gideon began to question with disgust, "I think not! I should be in eternal rest and instead…I find myself deep within the darkest caves possibly known to man, wearing a suit I've never seen before. Why do you not understand? I am happy with my decision…with my life!"

Valdris grinned mischievously again. "Even after witnessing this?" She twirled her hand creating a whirlpool. Out of this stream, an image appeared before Gideon and Valdris. It was the great king, Begis Guilty, celebrating with his comrades over his great victory. Gideon was taken off guard by the sudden appearance by his king and bowed respectfully in his name. Valdris distastefully rolled her eyes, pitying how foolish this mere mortal was.

"Imprudent human…they cannot see you." She brushed back her long ever long black hair and pointed to her ear. "But that does not mean that we cannot hear them." She tapped the portal with her black fingernail, causing it to ripple. Sounds and voices echoed throughout the cave.

"Here, here!" said one knight. "Here to the great king, Begis!"

"Yes my fellow knights…and now that we have conquered the land of Gorgarian's, Novania will take control and have its men enslaved, its women for the pleasure and its food of plenty to feed our soldiers!" the king began to declare, half drunk, before almost falling over from both laughter and wine. "Especially their women! Bring me more wine!"

"To the king!" cried another soldier. "And to Novania! Let it live long and prosper!"

"My liege…what has become of you?" Gideon fell to his knees. "No…these images are lies"! Gideon raised himself back to his feet. "You are trying to trick me and play on the so little doubt I have…"

"They are as real as you and me, Gideon," Valdris explained closing the portal. "You now know the truth and that the king has mislead you. You mustn't let this happen. You were blinded by the lies the king was telling you." Valdris mocks Gideon with a smirk. "Little doubt you say? Heh...I doubt that."

"Then…Valdris…" Gideon began to say, getting the courage to finish what would come next. "What would you have me do?"
"Reclaim what was once yours…" Valdris spoke with a menacing tone. "Your life was wasted for someone else's selfish goals and not to defend peace throughout your homeland. Kill the bastard that he is and end his life along with those that so blindly follow him. Kill all who defy you…"

"…I cannot." Gideon turned away in disgust at the mere thought of killing his king. "I would never strike against the royalty. And I'd gladly sacrifice my life for him. He deserves whatever he wishes."

"Even your dearest sister?" asked Valdris with another malicious grin.

"What words have just slipped from your tongue, Valdris?" Gideon responded with a frightful stare.

"He's going to enslave those who have lost everything…like your sister…to be his… "Special friend".  Valdris began to say until Gideon grabbed her and thrusts her back against the wall.

"You lie!" Gideon yelled into her ear. "Angela would never stand for it! The king wouldn't..."

"But he IS the king and deserves whatever he wants, no?" Valdris laughed, mocking Gideon for his continuous faith in the king. Gideon's mind began to race and he hastily made his decision.

"I shall go," he began to say.  "And see if your words are true. Where is my weapon?"

"You are wearing it." Valdris answered as she rubbed her finger, running it across his armored chest. "This armor is what is keeping you alive as well. You have not yet experienced death but instead have seen me. And I am your saving grace. Your chance to redeem yourself. A chance to become above the heaven knights and be something far more respectful knight…a Paladin…a true hero."

With those words, Valdris leaned closer to Gideon. She grabbed the back of his head, pulling him closer to her and kissed him passionately on his lips. Gideon was confused by Valdris's actions and began to enjoy this romantic moment. His eyes became heavy and closed them as well.  Upon reopening them, Gideon found himself surrounded by King Begis and his men. The knights talked amongst themselves.

"G-G-G…" Begis began to stutter. He looked at his wine glass and threw it to the ground, rubbing his eyes. "Gideon! By God is that you? We…we had heard word that you had died on the forest of Rutou!"

"My liege…" Gideon began to say, disheartened by the rather surprised response of his once respected king. "I have come to see if it is true. Do you intend sin and felony onto the people of Gorgaria?     Words of an oncoming invasion from the Gorgarian's were near and it was why I gave my life."

"Gideon…" Begis began to say in a serious tone. "We are facing a tough economic crisis here in Novania. The people…our people are suffering. It was when the war broke out that economies started to flourish. Winning the war was just as important as starting it. Now…explain as to how it is you are here?"

"Sire!" interrupted a soldier from the table. "He wears the suit of Death! He has returned to kill you!"

"I...I knew that!" the king said, backhanding the soldier's head. "So…you have sided with the Angel of Death herself. She has not only deluded you, Gideon, but others before you. You have fallen victim to her pleasuring looks and words. What would your father say if he had found out about this?"

"But at least her words ring true…" Gideon stated as he thrusted his hand out in front of him, pointing at his king with angered eyes. With his will and emotions rising, a blinding white light lit the room. Once the light passed, a blade emerged in Gideon's hands. Gideon looked at the large blade; it was twice the width of his own body and yet he was able to swing it with ease. "And now it seems she grants me a weapon to bring an end to your reign. I shall bring forth the justice that Novania deserves, King Begis!"

"The only justice here Gideon, "Begis sputtered out, half drunk and half afraid for his own life, "Is me, King Begis of Novania! Kill this traitor!"

The other knights, hastily sat up from their chairs, knocking them over with a large thud. The unsheathing of their blades made Gideon think twice of his decision to take on the king. Nevertheless, Gideon held up his blade and charged forth at the oncoming knights. Like a classic duel between knights, Gideon fought off bravely against the overwhelming odds. His blade showed no mercy against the treacherous king's men, slashing through their blades, killing a dozen armed men. Begis tried to thrust his spear into Gideon's armored chest, only to watch in horror as the spear's tip splintered against the imperturbable armor. Gideon drove his blade into the sovereign's body. "The only reign you shall have," Gideon said in his king's ear, "Is in hell" Gideon wrenched the blade out of the king's body.
As the king tumbled to the ground, Gideon panted in exhaustion from the battle. Suddenly, a miraculous thing began to take place. As if the blade itself had separated not only their bodies, but their souls as well. Small, white puffs of smoke floated about the room. Gideon reached forth to touch one of the orbs, only to watch as they all gathered in his hand, merging themselves within the armor. Gideon's blade disappeared as he looked upon the dead. He began to ponder if what he had done was, in turn, justice at all. Suddenly, as if to be putting on a show, the sound of someone clapping was heard.

"Well done, Gideon…" Valdris declared, grinning mischievously. "Well done…it seems that you've gotten yourself quite use to the armor now, haven't you? How does it feel to be like a judge of death?

"This armor," Gideon began to say, staring at his armored hands. "it is not something anyone should wear. It is far too great for anyone to make judgment on. Why…why did you give me this power?"

Valdris turned away, almost as if to hide something deep inside. "I do not wish to tell you…just yet."

Gideon approached Valdris, placing a hand on her shoulder. Slowly, like an old woman who wished to reach out with her failing might, Valdris raised her hand and firmly gripped onto Gideon's hand. Gideon, taken back by yet another strange gesture of kindness like the surprising kiss of death, pulled his hand away from her. He held onto his hand, thinking that she may try to do something else. "I cannot wear this armor. This isn't what I wanted. It isn't what I was searching for in my life..."
Valdris spins around, her hair and cape frantically turning with her spin. "And what
is?" she asked.

"I guess," Gideon began to say. "...I was searching for you. The only way to escape this mortal coil and become one with God. But this armor wasn't what I was intending for.  I do not intend to become like God and make judgment on others. I demand you take this suit off me and let my body rest."

"I'm afraid that is not possible." Valdris began to sound as if she is losing her patience. "You see… you don't have any choice in the matter. I will continue to you use you and there is NOTHING you can do about it!"

"Use me?" Gideon questioned Valdris's motives again. "What do you mean! Speak now, Valdris!"

"It's simple." Valdris said, sucking on her fingers as if she just had a delicious meal. "I devour the souls that you and the armor kill. By doing so…I will become the most powerful being…I and I alone will be the one to surprise the power of God! You think it's easy to be the Angel of Death… you have no idea!" Valdris's voice began to get raspy and a red tear began to flow down the corner of her face. She turned away from Gideon, hiding her sadness and wiped away the blood staining tear from her face.

"You're just like Begis…" Gideon began to state. "You both looked for power that best suits you."

"And you are no different!" Valdris replied, gritting her teeth. "You
humans go on and on about justice and laws but they only matter when you want them to! Now…Gideon…my dear faithful toy…continue to be my lil' Judgment of Death…or face total annihilation…like others before you have done…"

"…If others have defied you," Gideon said, smiling, all the while firmly gripping his blade, "then I would not like to put end to such an understanding ritual…" Valdris closed her eyes, sighing to herself. "You'll never understand…" Valdris sighed, holding out her hands in a cross formation. "You are my tools! Tools to be used and eventually thrown away….and I shall dispose of you!

Appearing out of a black thick fog, two dual scythes' appeared. Their blades were grim and ornate, and the handle itself was thick black as Valdris's image. Valdris suddenly shot towards Gideon at an incredible speed. With only moments to react, Gideon held his blade out in front of him, using it as a shield to block the scythe's attack. Both Valdris and Gideon flew backwards from the powerful impact. Being the first to react, Gideon raced forward, swinging his blade at Valdris. She laughed evilly as she disappeared just in time for Gideon to miss. Appearing from behind, Gideon caught that familiar scent and quickly ducked under the blades scythe. He turned around and pushed a second scythe attack from him, noticing that Valdris was not using the blades in her own hands; rather, they were levitating much like she was. Upon thrusting her hands forward, the blade would then move and try to deliver a painful blow to Gideon. Jumping over the scythe's blade, Gideon was not fast enough to dodge the scythe from piercing his shoulder. Unlike the man-made weapons before him, the scythe had actually managed to pierce Gideon's arm. He screamed in pain as he pulled the scythe from his arm. The two then locked onto one another, engaging in a dueling to overpower one another. Determined to win, Valdris used other scythe and slashed Gideon across the chest; his ability to keep up with Valdris's overpowering strength starting to wane. The next move would most certainly finish him. As if to spare no mercy to him, Valdris shoves her scythe right into Gideon's chest. He gasps at the amount of pain and agony rushing through him and it reminds him of the battle against the Gorgonians. It reminds him of the pain of having to fight and wishing he could have just walked away from it all. Of how painful it was for him to breathe his last. Grinning at Gideon's pain, Valdris hurls Gideon's body into the air and smashing into the stone wall of the castle. The wall merely crumpled as it tumbled on top of him.

"Valdris…" Gideon spoke weakly, unable to move. "Even if you beat me…I'll never be your slave." Gideon began to take off his armor. Valdris's black eyes widened and she quickly flew over to him, stopping him from making a grave mistake.

"NO!" Valdris shrieked, looking sincerely sympathetic into Gideon's eyes. "Don't throw away your life… You…don't understand…I…I shouldn't have even gotten a mortal involved with something like this.  You must understand...there is a great evil in this world that will permanently end this planet's life cycle.
Gideon stared into her eyes, realizing this maybe the first time he had heard begging in Valdris's voice. She was being sincere to him and he was still in need of help. "Then why…why make me kill the king?"

"It was a test…" answered Valdris, firmly holding onto his hand. "A test to see if you truly could be…a Paladin. A knight who up stands justice, even if it was his own family or royalty…I…

"But I still need to know…why did you choose me?" Gideon said, now gazing into her night eyes.

Valdris turned away from Gideon, her hair and long cape blowing in the gentle breeze. "I to…feel…"

"Feel?" Gideon asked, confused. What did she mean by feel?

The souls not only give me strength," Valdris explained. "But also feel alive! I never thought about it before but these souls are so full of life that it too is giving me something to look forward to. Your father was a great Paladin who also went against me. But for that brief moment that he served me…I could feel. I could sense things that I have only dreamed off. So you see I chose you not only because of your father…but because…I fell in love with you…" Valdris disappeared, Gideon again, who, only now, realized the meaning of Valdris's words. Gideon touched where his metallic heart would be. He could feel, what was once thought to be dead, beating from Valdris's words. He smiles as he walked away from the town of Novania, heading towards the rising sun…

Epilogue

Another treacherous goblin fell as Gideon continued to slash his way through an endless horde of its kind. The goblins bore a horrid, rancid smell, and their faces spoke volumes of spite. Gideon spun around gracefully and after what felt like forever, dispatched the remaining goblins. He absorbed the souls of the broken creatures and strode back to a large drooping tree. Suddenly, an Elven man emerges from behind the tree and strikes his spear on Gideon's powerful armor. The Elven man gasps in surprise.

"Oh!" the father gasped, surprised. "I…I'm so sorry, Gideon! I...I didn't know it was you...

"It's quite all right, Keu'deh." Gideon responded with a smile. "Is everyone ok?"

Keu'deh nods as he speaks in Elven. Suddenly, Yido and Aniphia both appear behind the tree.

"You remember Yido and Aniphia, right Gideon?" Keu'deh says with a smile. Gideon nods.

"Of course...I'm just glad I showed up when I did...well...I must get going now. Take care, Keu'deh."

Gideon turned and began to walk down the path. "You're very lucky Gideon…" Aniphia called out to him, "You certainly have a guardian angel watching over you…"

Gideon stopped walking and turned around, grinning at the
Aniphia. "Oh…you have no idea."

Gideon left the family with another feeling of triumph and victory over saving and helping people that he met along his travels. It had been six years now since he had been traveling and six years since he had been gathering souls for Valdris. Just as Valdris began to wonder just how Valdris was doing, someone immediately pounced on Gideon's back, laughing giddily like a school girl at her surprise. Gideon laughed with her as he continued to carry Valdris on her back. Never before had he heard her laugh so loud or so happily and he was enjoying the new Valdris that was slowly forming. She jumped off his back and spun her Paladin around. Like a never ending magnet, the two shared another intimate moment, kissing ecstatically. A light breeze blew past them, causing Valdris's cape to wrap them together in their intimacy. Valdris wrapped her arms around him, revealing a small ring around her pale fingers. Soon, the two disappeared like leaves on a windy fall day. Reopening his eyes again, Gideon found himself hovering over a small mud hole. Like something out of a cartoon, Gideon looked down below him, only to come crashing down into the mud. Valdris hovered above him, laughing at Gideon's humility. Gideon sighed, knowing Death was as unpredictable as always.