Clip-clop. Clip-clop.

  The rhythmic echo of boots resonated through the silent, vast halls of the royal palace. A man draped in a heavy black cloak walked with measured, slow steps. The room was immense, a cathedral of wealth surrounded by pillars of solid gold and light fixtures that sparkled like stars. The towering windows were masterpieces of colored glass, inlaid with shimmering rubies and diamonds that caught the morning light.

  A straight red carpet stretched across the floor like a path of blood, leading directly to a throne made of pure gold.

  There, a woman sat. She was asleep, her head resting gently on her hand. She had hair the color of spun sunlight and eyes of deep, sapphire blue. Even in sleep, Queen Eleza was breathtaking, dressed in a gown of pure white that flowed around her like a cloud, a delicate crown resting atop her head.

  The sound of the footsteps stirred her. Her eyes fluttered open, and the moment she saw the man, a radiant smile transformed her face. She stood quickly, rushing down from the throne.

  "Ling! You're finally here!" she spoke. Her voice was soft, melodic, and sweet enough to make any man flush—or fall in love instantly.

  "You haven't changed at all, Queen Eleza," the man replied, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "Sleeping on the throne... it is a poor habit for a queen to be caught napping while on duty."

  Eleza simply smiled, undeterred by his icy tone. "I know, I’m sorry. But Ling, I am just so happy to see you again. It has been years."

  "I see. I am honored to see you as well," he said. His expression remained a frozen mask.

  To anyone else, Eleza’s warmth and kindness were enough to make all suffering vanish. But the man standing in the center of the room was Aling—the most wanted man in the world and its most ruthless killer.

  "So, Eleza," Aling continued, "tell me why you sent for me. You sent a message via a bird. Here it is; it was in bad shape when I found it, but it seems fine now."

  "Oh, thank you! I knew my Lele would make it," she cooed, taking the small bird into her hands. "I’m so sorry, Lele. I'm sorry you had so much trouble because of me." She looked back at Aling. "And I’m sorry to you, Ling. It must have been an annoying journey, coming all the way from the Vealfa border."

  "It wasn't a big deal. Though, I did have to cut someone down on the way here," Aling said casually. "I just hope they won't cause me much trouble upon my return. Now, let’s get straight to the point. What was the information you wanted to tell me so badly?"

  "Well..." She smiled gently, her voice like spring blossom water. "There is much I want to say. But first, won't you have some food? Or perhaps some tea?"

  "You know I am a criminal," Aling cut her off. "It is not good for you if I stay long. Let us not waste time."

  "You're right. I don’t want to cause you trouble," she said, her tone suddenly turning grave. "But meeting in person was the only way. I didn't want the military to intercept our discussion through technology. If they found your location, it would be a disaster... especially since, in this era, you are the world's most wanted man."

  Stolen story; please report.

  Story Switch: The Hospital

  In a dream, Larva Leyo saw Aling again. He saw the man walking away while he lay helpless in the dirt.

  "I know you're strong," Aling’s voice echoed in the dream, calm and haunting. "But strength does not mean you have no limits. I have no interest in killing you right now. If you survive, then live. But remember... just because you are a lion, it doesn't mean you can crush an elephant. You can put a scratch on a tree, but I can rip it apart. That is the difference between us."

  Then, Aling disappeared into the shadows.

  Larva Leyo’s eyes snapped open. The first thing he saw was a row of large, white teeth—Izuna was smiling so close to his face that their noses almost touched.

  "SO! YOU'RE AWAKE, BIG BROTHER!" Izuna shouted with enough energy to shake the walls.

  BAM!

  Leyo’s fist connected with Izuna’s head instantly. "You idiot! Don't freaking scare me like that, you dumbass! Out of everyone, why did your face have to be the first thing I saw?"

  Kale, standing by the window, watched the scene with a confused, awkward smile.

  "Ouch! Hey! You didn't have to hit me!" Izuna cried, rubbing his head. "I was just checking to see if you were dead or alive!"

  "What do you mean dead or alive? Of course I'm alive, you moron!" BAM! Leyo hit him again, even while half-paralyzed on the bed.

  They really are alike, Kale thought to himself, amazed by their shared chaotic energy.

  "Sir! Please!" a nurse shouted, rushing in. "Do not move so much! Your wounds will open again! The stitches are not stable yet. You must relax!"

  Just then, another man appeared in the doorway. He was tall and slim, his uniform covered in prestigious medals. Izuna immediately snapped to attention and saluted.

  "Good evening, Sir!"

  "Hey, hey. There’s no need for that right now, young Izuna," the man said.

  "Vergo," Leyo said, his voice turning serious. "Why are you here? Have you come to check if I'm dead yet?"

  "Well, why else would I come to check on a man who got beaten this badly?" Captain Vergo replied with a smirk. "It’s a shame for such a famous Captain like you to be lying in a bed instead of capturing the target. I'm just here to collect information on what happened to your crew so I can report it to the higher authorities. Not that I care if you live or die, my 'rival friend.'"

  "You bastard," Leyo growled. "You think I'm telling you anything? If it were anyone else, I’d tell them happily. But you? No way. I'll file the report myself."

  "Whatever you say," Vergo responded, already turning to leave. "But I don't think you're in any condition to stand up. Or maybe you're just too embarrassed to tell me how your ass got kicked last night."

  "YOU BASTARD!" Leyo yelled, but Vergo was already gone.

  Leyo slumped back, exhaling sharply. "Who does he think he is?" He looked at Izuna. "Hey, Izuna. Come here."

  "Yes, Big Brother!" Izuna leaned in, and—BAM! Leyo hit him a third time.

  "You brat! Why did you salute that weirdo? And why were you checking if I was dead?!"

  Kale stood by the window, smiling and shaking his head. They really are cousins, he mused. The same energy, the same yelling...

  "Sir, please calm down!" the nurse pleaded again.

  "Fine, fine. I understand," Leyo grumbled, finally relaxing.

  Story Switch: The Palace Grounds

  "...And that is everything I had to tell you, Ling. Now, it is up to you what you do next," Eleza said.

  Aling was standing at the window, staring out at the horizon. His cold expression had finally broken; there was a flicker of genuine shock in his eyes at what he had just heard.

  "I see. Thank you for telling me, Eleza. I’ll see you later."

  He began to walk toward the exit.

  "No, it’s fine, you don't need to thank—" Eleza started to speak, but she couldn't finish her sentence.

  VISH!

  The sound of displaced air filled the room. Aling was gone in an instant, as if he had teleported. Eleza looked at the empty space, a sad but soft smile on her lips.

  "You've changed so much, Ling," she whispered to herself. "But I know that no matter how rude you look on the outside, deep down, you still have a kind heart."

  Outside the palace, Aling reappeared in a blur of motion.

  "So, did you finish your job, Boss?" a massive voice boomed. A man standing nearly eight feet tall and rippling with muscle stepped out of the shadows. "What did you do in there?"

  "None of your business," Aling replied. "Now, let’s go."

  "Yeah, alright," the giant responded.

  Then, both of them vanished into thin air.