Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Holy Shit! That fucking hurt! That was the first time I'd ever used my soul to oppress someone like that. Who knew Dragon Souls were so different? They appear the same, but it feels so different from normal souls when it's alive rather than dead.

I've collected quite a few dragon souls, but none of them felt so… regal. It's as if their soul and bodies are fixed when they are one. Each element within them was perfectly linked to their soul. It makes sense why Dragons and Devils are the only ones who can speak Dragon Script.

Grabbing Tia by the hand before I rushed towards the city below, hidden behind a dense grove of trees. I peered up at the large wall, to the guards stationed with their bows poised for action, to the soldiers near the gate, spears armed and ready.

"Name! And Purpose!"

With a quick exchange of glances between Tiamat, still silent for some odd reason, I spoke out first:: "Arsene Snow, this here is Tiamat. As for purpose? General curiosity."

The spearman in front of me frowned with a measured stare and raised his hand. And at his command, everyone lowered their weapons, but I could still feel the alertness in their tense muscles.

"Arsene Snow? The Abyssal Sin, Arsene Snow? The Brother of the Silver Devil, The Fallen King of Darkness? That Arsene Snow?"

"Is that what they call me?" I plainly asked, betrayed by my eighth-grade syndrome of a smile.

Ah~ It would seem my greatness as stretched throughout the Myriad Heavens. I am, without a doubt, a Divine, Cosmic, Unparalleled, Heavenly, Unmatched, Peerless God. That must be it. As it should be, my greatness cannot be hidden, for I am Arsene Snow.

… Although I should be using my other name. I did promise Tene.

"Indeed." The Spearman said, "Many speculated you are the reason for the ascendance of the Fourth Heaven."

So rumors have gotten that crazy, have it? Indeed my greatness will continue to spread.

"But Tiamat… I've never heard of you. Oh, wait… Tiamat. As in the first dragon? The Progenitor of the Dragons? The Fallen Queen."

Fallen Quen? Wait. Why did they also call me a Fallen King?

"Yes… I guess." Tia said, "But what's with the Fallen Queen stuff?"

A shudder of realization flashed through the spearman's heart, one that was quite bare for me to sense. He immediately cuffed his hands and offered a bow. "Forgive me. But it's not my place to say. You two may enter on the premise of a promise."

"A promise?"

He nodded again, and the intrigue inside me couldn't help but rise. I think this is the first time I've ever been welcomed so respectfully at the door. I'm usually shown indifference or disdain. I guess I don't have to go through a show of strength.

"No killing." The spearman said. And my brow lifted. "Conflict is everywhere, even in our clan. But all we ask is that you do not shed unnecessary blood."

"What's your name?" Tiamat inquired.

"Tensilor." The spearman said, pressing his hands to his chest and stomped in the formal manner of a knight.

"Then you have our word, isn't that right, Tiamat?"

"Indeed."

Tensilor had appeared a little different from most of the guards around us. He was the only one in robes and a hood instead of armor. And while I wasn't sure why I could tell he was the leader.

"Good. Then I shall be off. I'm on vacation!" Tensilor said, soaring into the skies. He waved us off. "Have a wonderful time in our clan."

Amused, if not more intrigued. Tiamat and I merely watched as the gates opened. I'd really wanted to find out who that man was, but… Booty is more important. Although it begs the question, why do I keep ending up in these strange situations? Am I so prone to disaster or perhaps the unknown?

Entering inside, it did not take long for me to feel the power of an Ophanim within this city that made no effort to hide himself or his aura. Ophanims were angels two steps away from being Seraphim in rank. They were powerful Angels known to carry knowledge that surpassed even Bael himself.

I'd heard it only takes an Ophanim to annihilate any prince or King of Hell.

What a sensation, though… It's oppressive but rather warm…. Welcoming. What a strange clan this is. To have an Ophanim stationed here, does that mean this is one of their main bases?'

"I told you." Tia began in an almost gloating tone. "Not every angel and its acolytes are your enemies."

With a single glance her way, I spoke: " But they could never be an ally. Not really. There is a line in the dirt, Tia. And no matter what I do. It doesn't change the fact that I lean towards the Fallen, then I do the Angels."

"And your children? I raised Zaid to never choose one side, but you pushed him to the side of the Devils and into the arms of the Fallen." She said, wanting to pull her hand away. But with a firm grip, I smirked.

"You think Zaid is on the side of the Fallen, much less the devils?" I shook my head. " that child. I sent him to the hells to temper his mind. I've no intention of having him be a part of the devils, much less the Fallen. I've greater plans for him. Did you know he is leading a rebellion?

She trembled as a dark smile appeared on my lips as I chuckled: " So you did. Guess he tells you everything. Fucking mama's boy."

"He sealed that memory. How do you—"

'It's my hell. And I'm the Sovereign. I know everything. Although, I am quite impressed by his intent. But he was never going to be a King, much less a Sovereign. Oh, and please do tell him what I'm saying. I'm looking forward to seeing how he'll react. Damn brat trying to challenge and doesn't even know the 'Authority' I hold within the Nine Hells."

She frowned: "Will you kill him?"

And my eyes narrowed. "Does it matter? Dragons don't care about such things. When they find a mate, the Male Dragons usually kill the female's children should they find them." And I lifted Tiamat's chin with a finger. "But if you like… I could spare him. All you need to do is ask."

Enjoying the throbbing of her hammering heart being transmitted through my finger, a reel of unease sprang through Tia's body as my soul, once again, began to press against hers.

Dragons are weird. But hey! Who am I to go against their tradition of dominance? To make Tiamat mine, and only mine. I have to trap her, both physically and spiritually, by any means necessary.

For that is what it means to be a dragon.