Ruler Of Iron And Flesh

Inian searched the rubble of Kairo for a couple days, but didn't find any remnants of a drug empire.

'Perhaps this Demarcus died in the initial attacks?'

Shrugging his shoulders, Inian decided to walk outside the city. His kingly form was still glowing, and his wings were still out, giving him his angelic appearance.

He admired the destruction he caused to this city, and how he destroyed it in only a couple hours.

Soon, he was at the narrow pass and walked past the thousands of decaying bodies. The empty faces of the dead stared up at Inian, but he felt nothing when he looked at them.

As he reached the exit of the narrow pass, a figure standing next to a vehicle was looking at him.

Tears were rolling down her eyes and she was shaking her head.

Inian didn't think anything of it, but continued walking towards her.

Janae couldn't stop shaking her head as Inian came closer and closer. Inian smiled, "look Janae! The power I've been given has allowed me to purge a couple cities already! In no time I'll have all of Ranid cleansed of the crimes they've committed. Then, I can go throughout the world next!"

"Stop this Inian. You are no king right now, but you are a demon. Why are you doing this?"

Inian's smile faded, and his dark eyes reflected the conflict he was feeling inside his mind.

"I'm doing this so that no crime will continue into Irigia! I'm doing this so that you can be at peace and live there safely. They will not disobey me! They will not disobey the king!"

"Don't! Inian...don't break my heart. You aren't the same that you were! Power will corrupt you! Please! Stop before you become like Marc."

Inian's radiating light dimmed, and his wings retracted into his body.

His eyes returned to normal, "Janae...what?!"

He fell to his knees, and looked up at Janae.

Looking behind him, the dead bodies reflected the actions he just performed. Tears welled up in his eyes and he began to weep.

"Janae...this isn't me...I'm so sorry!"

He held his face in his hands, and didn't dare to look up at Janae's face.

But gentle hands rested on his shoulders, "I know who you are Inian. Please, don't use your power for a little while."

Inian nodded and cried on Janae's shoulder. She rubbed his head and whispered comforting words in his ear.

She led him to the vehicle, and had him sit in the passenger's side while she drove them North, to the Trostan Kingdom.

Inian kept his head down, as he didn't want to see the devastation he caused.

For about a week they drove North. They camped out each night, and Inian didn't say a word.

No monster came within a kilometer of them, as if they could sense Inian's sadness and guilt. They stayed far away from the pair.

One night while camping, Janae went and sat next to Inian, "what you've done can never be taken back, but what do you plan to do about it now?"

Inian didn't say any words, but looked down at the ground.

Janae continued talking, "I know you've always had good intentions Inian, but you've been a little too reckless with the power you've been given. People in this world always think that absolute power will solve all their problems, but all it does is create more. How will you be happy?"

She paused for a moment to let her words sink in, "what will happen when you die? Where does all that power go? Does it have any meaning in the long run?"

Inian looked up slightly.

So she continued, "I guess all I'm trying to say is that you can only do your best in the present. You are either the luckiest soul or the unluckiest to have so much power. I don't want it to hurt you, and I don't want you to wallow in guilt. If you really want to make it up to all those lives lost, then you need to use your powers and abilities for good."

Inian looked up at her and kissed her cheek after a moment. After which, he left and slept in his tent.

Janae jumped at the sudden action and felt her cheek after Inian left. Her cheeks flushed red, and she shook her head, walking to sleep in her tent for the night.