a-common-enemy-story

[a-common-enemy-story]

When will you post another update? ? ? We need mooooore !

Also the story is phenomenal so far !

Sorry for taking long to respond. I was just taking a bit of a break. School is wrapping up, so I’ve been a bit burnt out, but I do plan to return! <3

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷 - 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Elira was in her room, practicing her dance, when the door knocked. She set down her dancing scarf on her desk and opened the door. There stood her father. 

“What is it?” she asks, eyebrow cocked. Her father knows that she hates being interrupted during her practices. 

He cups his hands and his eyes avoid hers. “The Moon King has stepped down.”

This caught her attention. She leans against the doorway, crossing her arms. “Stepped down? For who?”

“That new king, Theoden.”

Her eyes narrow at the mention of him. She’s only met the man once, and that was enough. She felt a sense of danger when she was around him. She didn’t like it. She didn’t like him.

“Elira… he really does seem to be making progress.. A good, and powerful king. He could-“

“I already told you, I’m not letting you marry me off!” Elira snaps. “If you do, I will never speak to you again.”

He sighs and shakes his head. “It’s just how things are.”

She scoffs. “It’s shouldn’t be,” she says before slamming the door. She hears her father sigh and shuffle away. She covers her face with her hands.

Theoden hasn’t even been king for a month and he took down Dante? This was bad. Really bad.

••••

“The Moon King has stepped down?” Niko asked, midway through taking a bite of dinner. 

Mortimer nods, leaning against his king’s chair. “That’s what people have been saying.”

“Ohhhhh.. do they say why?”

“Something about killing his parents,” the servant answers darkly. 

Niko’s eyes downcast, his cheery attitude dissipating. “Oh.. how tragic.”

Mortimer’s brow furrows and he looks away from Niko. He thinks of what to say for a moment before ruffling his hair. “It doesn’t, matter, though. Tenebris is rather far. So, whatever drama going on over there is not going to bother you.”

“Us.”

Mortimer nods. “Us.”

••••

“Stepped down?!” Indras exclaims. 

His elderly father nods slowly, placing down his fork, resting his hands on the table. “That’s what people have been saying.”

Indras grits his teeth. That new guy, Theoden. How did he do it?

Indras remembers his strength. The pure, raw, unknown magic and how jealous he was. How he wants to fight it, overcome it. He shakes his head. “Stepping down to let another man take your place? When you’re perfectly healthy? What a-“

He glances over, Inki humming as she struggled to cut her steak. 

Indras stands up to cut it for her. “A coward,” Indras says. 

Inki smiles up at him an Indras ruffles his sister’s hair lovingly before taking his seat again. 

His father lets out a long, drawn out sigh. He does this when he contemplates his old age, wondering how much longer until he can pass on and no longer have to deal with unnecessarily stressful politics. 

Indras thinks before slamming his fist on the table. “We cannot let this deter us. We are right next to Tenebris. We are possibly next. We cannot be sitting ducks.”

“What do you plan to do?” his father asks. 

“I’m going to show this new guy not to mess with Pyronis before the idea can even cross his mind.” He snaps his head to the door. “Servant! Grab a pen and prepare a letter. Set its sights for Hoteiven.”

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷 - 𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰

Are the honest always rewarded with power? Are the cowardly always doomed to face their greatest fears, face to face, and be told to either fight or run? Life is not so black and white. People are not so black and white.

The honest may be conniving. The cowardly may be generous. 

Who are we to decide that someone is all in? Chaos and destruction is layered. I’d appreciate it if you gave me credit where credit is due. I don’t make things so simple.

••••

Papers flew throughout the kingdom. Dante’s face was plastered all over the, Many of the kingdom’s people had not even seen their king’s face. They did not need to. He was never a force in their life, as far as they were aware.

But murdering his father, and using that same magic to stalk the streets of his kingdom, of the people who have never even seen him? They were horrified.

“What has he seen us do?”

“What if he kills someone with his magic, like his parents?”

“What if he already has?”

But as fear whirled through the air, some people flew the papers up into the sky, as if to shoo the speculation away.

“Nonsense!”

“Our king is a quiet man.”

“What foolish people believe things so quickly?”

But then someone had quietly whispered

“Why doesn’t our king say something about it?”

Now, suddenly, everyone is asking their king for answers. Address the rumors. Who sent out these flyers? Why haven’t you said anything? Please, you are our king. Tell us, tell us.

“You cannot keep hidden like this,” Theoden says. 

“But, but what can I say?” Dante asks, closing the curtains.

“The truth.”

“They will.. will not want me on the throne if I give them the truth.”

“Perhaps it’s for the best.” Theoden puts a hand on Dante’s shoulder and leans in, like a serpent whispering sins in the ear of innocent mankind. “You should step back for a bit. This kingly life never really was for you, right?”

“No.. I, uh, suppose not..”

“Exactly. Perhaps.. Hand the reins over for a bit. Just until this heat dies down.”

Dante knew well that this heat would never die down. It may simmer within the coals, but the moment he may step back in the pit, the flames will come back and continue to eat him alive.

“Y-You make a good point..” he murmurs.

“Exactly. I can take control here. You can rest up, perhaps pick up a hobby or, uh.. Something. Maybe take a break from the magic. That is what caused all this, afterall.”

“You’re.. correct..”

He pats his shoulder reassuringly before releasing him, discreetly wiping his hand on his shirt, not happy that he had to make that physical contact with a pleb like Dante. “Yes, of course. Perhaps we can send you on a nice trip, to get your mind off of everything. Tristien is coming up with a few ideas already.”

“He is?”

“Mhm. So you can kick back, relax, and just not worry about this. I’ve got it.”

“Ok.. B-But, um, just know that the people, they value their privacy greatly-”

“-All people do.”

“Yes, a-and they, uhm, greatly value their stores and shops. Make s-sure to keep those stable.”

“Yes, of course, I know.”

“And, um-”

“That’s enough,” Theoden says, raising a hand to silence him. “Quit your stuttering. Listen. This evening, you shall be addressing your people. Tristien already orchestrated an announcement. You will be telling everyone the truth, and that I will be taking your position. Capeesh?”

“....Yes.”

“Good. I’d go get dressed for that, if I were you. I think your people deserve to see you off in at least something presentable.”

“This… um.. Ok.”

Theoden smirks and walks away. I am not that cruel, after all.

••••

Stepping onto a platform, a twilight glow casting onto their king.

“All of what you’ve heard is true,” his voice does sing.

The people all rioted and screamed.

“Take him down, he is just a fiend!”

The smiling king steps to the front. 

He raises a hand, and the people silence with a grunt.

“Fear not, for I am here, a sinless man, so you all may cheer.”

But the people wonder who is this figure, standing so tall, and speaks so clear?

It’s Theoden, everyone be proud.

He’s going to be the one to save this town.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓿𝓮 - 𝓙𝓾𝓭𝓰𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽

Mistakes. We all make them. Whether it be knocking over a vase to.. killing your parents. But do tell me, reader. How long can mistakes go until they can no longer be kept secret?

And at what point can the mistake be beyond forgiveness?

••••

“I am curious,” Theoden says, slowly closing the book as the vision blurred away. “Does anyone else know about this?”

Dante clutches his hands, taking a shaky breath as he pulls his robe tightly around him. “No.”

Theoen nods, handing the book over to Tristien. “Keeping this a secret is very bad. It would do.. Awful things to your reputation. And, because of that, you’d basically lose all your powers. Because,” he squats down next to Dante, smiling, “no one will be able to go a single day without thinking about how much they hate their king.”

Dante looks down. Theoden was right. That’s why he kept it a secret. Not for respect or to keep his dignity, but to keep his magic. Because it’s all he has. He had to limit himself. Because who was he to have unlimited access to his magic when he did what he did?

“Magic,” Theoden says, a violet red light illuminating his fingertips, “is hard to control. That’s why I think not bothering to control it is fun. But that clearly didn’t work out for you.” He stands up. “Tristien! What do you say we do?”

“Well, my king,” Theoden’s advisor says slyly. “Something like this should be open to the public. It would be very wrong to not tell the civilians what they have the right to know.”

Theoden snaps his fingers. “You know what? You are absolutely right!” He looks down at the horrified Dante. “You don’t mind, right?”

Dante was about to protest, to beg for them to not tell the kingdom, to tell anyone, but then he stopped himself. Who was he to beg for something like that? His actions.. They’re unforgivable. He is unforgivable. He can’t bring himself to ask, to beg for mercy. Theoden is in the right.

Theoden and Tristien begin to walk off. “We’ll figure out what to do. You should get some rest, Dante. You’re gonna have a lot of stuff to deal with soon.”

Dante watches as they leave, a feeling of dread overtaking his entire body. He wants to disappear, he feels like his heart has stopped. He hasn’t felt this sick since..

He closes his eyes, wanting to shake the memory out. The way he could see his father’s eyes as the shadows crashed into the carriage. The way Dante couldn’t tell them he was sorry, that it was an accident, that he lost control of his magic.

What kind of person was he? Killing his own parents, all within the comfort of his own room. He makes himself sick. He deserves his comeuppance. 

He stands from the floor, dusting off his robes and walks to his room, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound to fill the halls. 

A few servants poked their heads out, curious. “Your majesty,” said one nervously. “We heard much noise. We all hid in the kitchen.. what happened.”

“Ah.. don’t worry about it,” he says, not stopping to speak to them. “Just some.. things happened. Nothing to worry about…”

He enters his room, the door clicking behind him. What will Theoden do? How will he tell the kingdom? What will the kingdom do to him? He stumbles and leans against the wall, grabbing an empty clothing hamper and throwing up. Even after emptying his stomach, he feels like dying. He sniffles and lays down on the floor, waiting for his downfall. 

••••

Theoden stopped and looked at the stained glass windows in the halls on the castle. One with soft shades of pink and gold, the geometric shapes creating the image of a woman with a kind smile and large, dark hair and rabbit ears. 

“Who are these people?”

Tristien looks over and smiles. “The gods. The one you’re looking at is Gaudium, the goddess of order, mercy, peace, all that boring stuff.”

“What’s with the ears?”

“Each god has an animal that they created,” Tristien says, waving his hand dismissively, walking away. 

Theoden stares at the window of the woman before grabbing the indigo curtain and whipping it over, covering the window before following after Tristien, safe from the eyes of judgement. 

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓔𝓵𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 - 𝓡𝓮𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓼

Theoden had the king pinned to his chair, staring him down. Dante tried to keep quiet, not say anything. How does Theoden know about the spell book?

“Gaudium, look down on me,” he whispers under his breath, closing his eyes, shaking. Tristien giggles and leans back in his chair.

“Don’t pray to whatever god you’re asking for help from,” Theoden says coldly. “Nothing can save you right now. I’m the only god you should ever pray to.”

He grabs Dante’s cloak and attempts to rip it off. Dante squirms and struggles, his chair tilting back, him landing on the floor with a thud. His legs go over his head and he rolls back and onto his stomach. He stumbles to his feet, adjusting his robes. "Theoden-!" Dante tries, holding up his hands. "Pl-Please don't-!"

Theoden glances back at Tristien, who just snickers. He then looks back to Dante, kicking the chair aside. "Come nowww. Why must we be so secretive, 'friend'?" At the final word, Theoden thrusts his fist toward Dante, a violet red flare shooting out into a beam, lasering through his robes, leaving a smoldering hole.

"Ah-" Dante pauses before attempting to run off, Tristien bursting out into laughter as he watched Theoden chase after him. Theoden sent after beam of power in the direction of the prince, Dante dodging it.

Magic, please, please, please! I need you! Dante thinks, staring at his hands as he runs, jumping as a laser shoots at his feet, the floor exploding under him, causing him to collapse.

He tightly closes his eyes and tries so, so hard to channel his magic. He can feel his forehead try to open up, to see, but it just won't. Just as it peeks through, there's the flash of a destroyed carriage, blood, and it immediately shuts down. He must remain unseen.

He looks up and there stood the dark haired king, blurry and unfocused, yet powerful. He reaches down into the downfallen king's robes, pulling out the red book, a glass eyeball in the center with black metal frames around the case.

Dante watches helplessly and lays his head back onto the floor in defeat, Theoden opening the book and flipping through it, seeing the names of different kings before reaching the section on Dante. "Hmm.. saving a civilian, stopping a criminal, mhm, mhm.. oh?" He stops on a page, an earlier spell, running his hand over the page. "Hey, Tristien!"

The king's advisor was leaning against the doorway. "What is it, my king?"

"When did the last king and queen die?"

"Oh, I believe it was 7 years ago. Late evening, if I'm not mistaken."

"I see. What stage of the moon was it in?"

"New moon."

Theoden nods, Dante watching in horror, covering his face. "Stop," he pleads sadly.

Theoden looks down at the page. 7 years ago, 7:39 pm, new moon. He traces a finger along the text and he blinks, a flash of light before he's met with darkness.

••••

"Open my third eye," Dante whispers, painting a circle over and over again with red paint on his fingers. "That's all I need to access all the magic in the world.." He tightens his hand into a fist, the paint smearing into the palm of his hand.

"I'm not like you, dad. I'm not powerful."

He stands and kicks the canvas aside. Nothing worked. He traces the paint over his forehead, his hair sticking to it and he closes his eyes. Shadows, taking a step through. Him, managing that? Ya, right.

"You can do it, Dante. You just need to not care what others think. That's how you reach true freedom."

What crazy words! How can one reach such enlightenment. His father is just something else. Something he can never be. And it wasn't fair!

He feels himself become drenched in sweat, magic flowing through his veins, the darkness puffing up in plumes of smoke. No one ever thought of him, anyway. That was the only time his magic was ever useful!

He jams his fingers into his forehead, staining it more with red paint. He's not good enough!

Shadows sense his feeling of inadequacy, his resentment, his fear of never living up to the expectations. His father. It all traces back to his father, putting too much pressure on him. That's how Dante saw it. Dante would never be like his father and he hated himself for it.

Shadows travelling the earth, searching the soils. Open his third eye? What a joke.

"I hope Dante will be able to come through," he hears his father's voice. "He has so much potential. If only he saw it."

But before Dante could stop himself, the shadows surged forward, like the hand of a monster, a monster that is his son, crashing into the carriage, sending it into a tree, snuffing the life of those who care about him.

The magic left him and Dante fell to the floor, his body drenched in sweat. He opened his third eye. But what has he done?

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝓮𝓷 - 𝓐 𝓕𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓾𝓻𝓮

Tristien scoured the extensive library, throwing books aside. He looked in the recent events section, the royal family section, even the history section, but he hasn't found anything other than dust and rats.

He starts to get annoyed. He clenches his fists and throws one of the books to the ground, all of the other ones on the floor begin floating and the shelves begin shaking.

I am too good for this. Why am I doing this like a human? Am I so committed to this role?

The books fly from the shelves and encircle him, pages flipping. He reaches out and grabs one and opens it. It's from the magic section. Of course. Why hadn't he thought to look there. All of the other books rain down, one of the book shelves nearly knocking over.

He opens the book and in it, it lists all of the different magics of the royal families in the world, not just these 4 neighboring kingdoms. Brusevire with illusions, Aerenthia with wind, Pyronis with fire, and Tenebris with shadows.

He flips to the section of Tenebris and he skims through. Shadow servants, seeing all over the world, yes, yes, he knows this already. This was not helpful at a-

Oh. Oh?

There exists the Spell Book of Shadows. It is a comprehensive list of each and every spell that every ruler has ever done, and it includes the time and place. It has been used for future rulers to study over the past spells of their ancestors.

He smiles and drops the book. Well then. That shall make things much easier.

••••

"Dante, why are you looking at me like that?" Theoden asks, taking a step closer. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

Dante tries to laugh to hide his fear, but it comes out like a strangled cough. "A g-ghost? No, no, the, the Misloon is miles from here. No ghosts here, no."

Theoden is a bit confused and decides he'd have to ask Tristien about that later.

"What I mean is," Theoden says, swinging an arm around the pathetic king's shoulders. "You look scared."

Dante spirit feels like it leaves his body. He feels completely trapped. He is completely trapped. "I'm not scared, um, I just.." He tucks the book into his robes. "I am hungry! We shall.. have, have dinner, yes!"

Theoden arches his brow. "Yes.." he says slowly, his tongue remaining a bit on the s. "Dinner."

"We should go g-get your fr.. friend!" he says.

"Advisor," Theoden corrects, releasing Dante from his grip.

"Yes... adv-visor," he corrects himself.

The two step out and Theoden's hands curl into fists. Tristien better have found something while he was distracting this pathetic nobody.

The two enter the library and Dante let's out a gasp of horror. "W-W-What happened here?!" he exclaims, looking at the books scattered around. Bent pages, torn paper, stretched spines. This was awful.

"Ah, apologies, your majesty," Tristien says, emerging from the shadows. "There was some... complications."

"C-Comp.. C-.. COMPLICATIONS!?" he yells out. "This is, is.. This is.. I.. What were you-?" He lifts up a book and stares at it. “These b-books preserve ancient history. Th-They’ve been well taken care of f-for centuries! How did you- and in less than a day-?!"

Tristien walks to Theoden's side and whispers to him while Dante was in shock. "We need to find a spell history book. Did you see any important looking books in his room?"

Theoden perks up at this. "Yes, I did. He put it in his robes, though."

Tristien nods. "Then we're gonna have to get it off of him."

Theoden thinks before smirking. "Dante!" he calls out.

"Huh-?" He turns to them, still in horror. "W-What?"

"I know this certainly sucks, but let's just leave the mess for a while. Stressing won't be good for you."

"I-I can't ju-just leave it like this!"

"Trust me. Your, like, 3 servants can clean up."

"But- but- but-"

"Ah, ah ah. Cmon, 'friend.'" He leads him out of the library, Dante too stunned to really argue. They walk to the dining hall and Theoden calls to one of the servants to make them a meal and bring some alcohol. The servant nods before scurrying off.

"I-I don't drink," Dante says.

"Nonsense! We're your guests! Have a drink or two!"

"R-Really I don't-"

The servant arrives with 3 chalices. Theoden looks at the liquid inside. It was whitish-blue in color and smelled like hand sanitizer and apples.

Dante stares at the glass, sweating before glancing at Theoden and Tristien. These two can't be trusted. He's figured that out. But what can he do? They're staring at him expectantly and he chickens out from being courageous and reluctantly begins to drink.

Theoden and Tristien clink their chalices together. "To my future," Theoden says.

Tristien smirks and drinks from his glass. "Yes."

Dante chugs the whole glass, shaking with fear. It tasted awful, not even the aftertaste of apples is able to save him from gagging.

"King Dante!" Tristien calls out. "How is it?"

He's trembling and sets the chalice down. "It's, uhm.. it's.. it's.." His vision gets dizzy and he tightly closes his eyes. "It's..."

Theoden takes a sip from his own glass before pouring the rest into Dante's. "Go on."

Dante takes in a sharp, shaky breath, but doesn't say no. He gives into their stares and continues drinking.

Why? Why? Why must he be like this? A coward. A cowardly king. Cannot meet with foreign adversaries without playing into their hands. He's a failure of a king.

Dad. Dad. Dad.

He wants guidance, someone to stop him from continuing. Someone to save him from himself. But he goes, glass after glass and he loses himself sip after sip.

"So, Dante," Theoden says, leaning toward the drunken king who is slumped back pathetically in his chair. "I heard something about a spell book?"

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓝𝓲𝓷𝓮 - 𝓡𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓘𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓼

"Prince Dante."

Dante jumps at the voice behind him, his magic leaving his body the moment the servant enters the room.

"Y-Yes..?" he asks quietly, slowly, slowly turning to the servant, trying to hide his fear, his shame.

"Your parents."

He tightly closes his eyes. No.

"They have passed away."

••••

Dante's room was very minimalistic. A twin bed in the corner of the room, bare wooden walls, shelves filled with books, and a mirror. The most eye-catching part of the room was in the center. A circular rug with one half surrounded by unlit candles and an opened book in the center.

"Ah, that's my, um, my me-meditation area. It's where I perform my m-magic."

"You need to meditate to perform magic?" Theoden asks, picking up the book and flipping through pages casually, not actually reading the contents inside, but still absolutely terrifying Dante. Theoden smirks. So he's the kind of guy who doesn't like people touching his stuff? Theoden could relate, but it was still useful knowledge.

"My level of magic does require meditation.. M-Masters of shadow magic can do it whenever, bu-but I, um, I need to have deep focus and concentration."

"Interesting. So." He drops the book down, startling Dante. "What can shadow magic do?"

"Oh, um, well, my level is that I can, um, create, like, shadow puppets, and, uh, I can manipulate environments. L-Like, I can stop a carriage collision o-or something."

"So you've got quick reaction time?"

Dante clears his throat a bit, feeling it go dry. "Yes, I s-suppose."

Theoden peruses the books on the shelves. "Hm, well, it's not like you can do much. Seeing as how you're always locked in your room."

Dante doesn't say anything for a moment before clutching his hands together. "W-Well.. there's another.. thing."

He smirks, but hides it by keeping his back to Dante. "Oh? Do tell."

Dante shuffles slowly to the center of his mediation circle, standing. "I-I can.. see everything. I can see all over the world if I tried. Th-Though, I just keep it confined to the streets and outskirts of my kingdom. To make sure th-that everything is fine and.. keeping... people.. safe."

He nods along to his words. "What is it like, running an entire kingdom from your bedroom?"

Dante gulps. "W-W-Why does this feeling l-like an interview?" he attempts to joke.

"Bah, apologies. I'm just curious. You're in a very interesting situation and, yknow," he gestures to himself. "New king. Trying to really.. learn the ropes." He has to painfully swallow his pride with his words.

Dante blushes a bit. Theoden wants to learn from him? That is.. quite the honor, especially from someone so powerful.

"I'm not sure I can teach much," he says, embarrassed to say it out loud.

"Yes, well.." He hated the words he was about to say. "Perhaps even a fffffriend could do?" He hated that word. Friend. And with this coward? Absolutely not.

Dante's eyes went wide, shining before a look of horror came across his features. A friend means no magic. He shakes his head reluctantly. "I'm afraid I cannot."

Theoden nods, knowing Dante would decline. "A shame." He glances at the meditation circle. "I am curious, however."

"Yes?"

"Your parents passed when you were young, did they not?"

Dante feels like he's falling just at the mere mention of his parents. "Y... Yes."

"They were also young, though. Not elders like Princess Elira's father. So.. what had happened?"

Dante's breathing became ragged. He did not like the memory. "They died. In a carriage collision."

Theoden nods. "A tragedy."

"Y.. Yes.." Dante then looks around, realizing something was wrong. These questions, the visit...

Theoden smirks and lifts another book from a shelf and Dante takes in a very deep, deep breath as he feels doom begin to set in. "Where is your advisor?"

Theoden smiles. Dante quickly lifts the book that was on the floor when they had entered, holding it protectively to his chest. He realizes it now, an animal like instinct, gut reaction.

He's in danger.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓔𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 - 𝓐𝓻𝓮 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓐 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰?

Traveling to Tenebris was a huge pain in the ass. If he thought traveling from that farm to the castle was long, he was not at all prepared for this. The road there was luckily rather smooth, clearly well taken care of, but it took so long.

Tenebris was surrounded by mountains, blotting out the sun unless it was right in the center of the sky. Many of the buildings were made of dark stones and from almost every home was hung the kingdom’s flag, silver with a white circle and waves of black at the bottom. The air also smelled weirdly like apple cobbler.

“Tenebris,” Tristien says, leaning against Theoden’s shoulder. “Really a beautiful place, hm?”

“It’s fine. But it will be mine.”

Tristien sighs dreamily and leans against Theoden dramatically. “I love it when you talk about conquest.”

“Get off of me.”

Tristian smirks and shifts into her female form. “Better?”

The transformation was just as horrific to watch as before, but he’s grown used to it. “Hmm… fine.”

They pull into the castle and Tristien turns back. Theoden steps out and sees a hooded figure up ahead of him. He’s seen that hooded figure before.

“King Dante,” he greets, stepping forward. “It’s interesting to see you up close.”

The cloaked king shifted a bit, uncomfortable, and nods.

“There aren’t many servants or guards around,” he notes. “Why is that?”

Dante feels like there's something caught in his throat. "Um.. i-it.. it's because I don't.. don't need many.. of those." His voice got quieter and quieter by the second. Theoden couldn't help but smile. This will be easy.

He moves to the nervous king's side. "Yes, I bet you're great at getting things done?"

Dante turns a bit red. "Well, um.. I don't know, I-I just stay.. in my, my uh, room." His heart was beating at a rapid pace. He hasn't felt this powerless in a long time. This insecure.

"Do you? Well, I'd love to have a tour. You don't mind, do you?" Without waiting for a response, Theoden walks inside, making Dante have to chase after him.

"Tour? Tour, tour, yes... Um.. there's not, not much, no.." He tightly closes his eyes and gulps down the frog in his throat. He feels like he's dying.

Tristien stands beside Theoden as they walk, glancing back at Dante before snickering. "King Dante," he says. "No need to sweat so much. My king doesn't bite."

He snorts a bit under his breath. Dante takes in a deep, deep breath and clutches his hands together. "Ok, umm.. come, come this way n-now." He quickly walks ahead of them, keeping his head down.

Theoden smirks and whispers to Tristien. "Quite the speech impediment he's got there."

The 2 follow after him and he leads them to the kitchen. It was a huge kitchen, with only 2 workers occupying the room. They look up, surprised.

“Oh, King Dante!” one says in in awe. “I haven’t.. um, it’s great to see you!”

Dante nods and clears his throat. “Mhm.. Is there.. there any, uhm.. Popfins?”

“Popfins? Yes, yes, of course!” She quickly walks over to the lit fire and pulls off the pan sitting above it, pouring the contents onto a platter.

“Thank you…” he says. He then turns to the other two. “These are popfins. They’re a popular snack. I figured that.. um.. af-after your travels, you’d want something to eat.”

Tristien smiles and happily takes one. Theoden, however, was more skeptical. “What are they?”

“Oh, they’re fried fish fins. Specifically Crestfist fish.”

Theoden shifts his weight to one foot and crosses his arms. “I don’t understand why you’re the one offering us snacks. Aren’t you the king?”

Dante pauses and then begins to shake. “Oh, it’s just, there’s n-not, um, a lot of, servants and I wanted to, uh, uh, be more hospitable.”

Theoden sneers a bit. “How… pleasant of you,” he says sarcastically. Dante’s heart rate went up even more. What was he doing? This is why he doesn’t like guests coming over. Because he’s no king, he’s not at all suited to be king.

“Well then, um, let’s go, and s-see what’s worth seeing! F-Follow me!” He sets the platter down and speeds ahead, Theoden having to speed walk to keep up and Tristien lagging behind at a leisurely pace. Once they arrive at the end of the hallway, Dante opens a wooden door, revealing a gigantic, dark library. "Th-this is the, uh, the Ebony Library. This is, where, um, where many p-previous kings would, ah.. study. There's much m-magic in the, uh, the room."

Theoden raised an eyebrow. Magic in the room? Certainly didn’t feel like it. It just felt like a room. “Uh-huh…” he says.

He scans the room. Amethyst was imbedded into the wooden walls, there were tall, black marble pillars reaching the ceiling, which was so high up that he couldn’t even see it. In the pillars were carvings of eyes, some open, some closed, some looking straight, some looking off to the side. The place felt too open, too empty, too liminal.

"There is magic," Tristie notes, licking his lips. "I can taste it in the air."

Dante laughs nervously and pulls down his hood. "I've heard there are some people who can taste magic, or smell it, or some can even hear it. It's an interesting skill."

Theoden stares at the man for a moment. He had very long hair, and it was purple. His cheeks looked hollow and his face was very pointed. If he was told that Dante was on the verge of death, he would believe it.

"Could you show me a demonstration of your magic?" Theoden asks. Dante feels his chest burn as he felt like panicking.

“Um, yea, yes, yes, I co-could.. but, um… it’s hard when, when I’m talking to.. someone. The way my magic works is-“

He snaps his fingers. “That’s right! Sorry, I forgot. Such a… sad form of magic.”

Dante’s face flushes and he ducks his head. “Yes, well.. um..”

Tristien smirks. Destroy his self esteem so he never has the courage to improve. Smart.

“Your magic certainly is a sight,” Dante says, lifting a book from his desk. “I’ve never seen something like it. What is that magic? It’s not in line with your family’s magic.”

”Oh, uh.. I don’t know. Maybe it, like, evolved or something. I’m not sure..”

Tristien smiles and leans back. “Say, why not show King Theoden your room? I’m sure he’d be fascinated to see it.”

Dante is sweating bullets and he nods slowly. “Um.. I can.. can do that.. that.. ya.. um.. c-come with me, Theoden..”

Theoden glances at Tristien right before he leaves, and Tristien nods, staying behind in the library. When the two left, Tristien smirks and crosses his arms before standing.

All right, Dante. I know what you’re hiding, but where did you hide the evidence?

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓢𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 - 𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻: 𝓓𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰

"Dante. You have so much potential. You just need to push past your comfort zone."

These were the words that always echoed in Dante's mind when he uses his magic. Tenebris is his kingdom. Being king was always the thing that hung over his head, like a raincloud. And then his parents both died in a freak accident, leaving him alone.

His shadow magic never went beyond the basics. But even still, he mastered and polished the basics to perfection. In his room, without leaving, he can see everything, the entire kingdom. He can keep things stable and protect his citizens from horrible disasters, all with his magic.

The catch? A downside from having only a basic understanding of this magic is that if you're ever perceived by anyone, either in thought or sight, your magic is weakened. His father, and his father's father, and every other great king managed to push past this caveat. But Dante cannot.

But, he's content with meditating in his room, no one ever thinking about him. The citizens may not know he's the one keeping their lives peaceful and at ease, and he's fine with that. He gives the servants freetime and easy work, so they need not think of him. He only ever leaves his room at night, so no one can see him. He keeps everyone's lives easy with his magic without them knowing, and in exchange, they need not think of him, which allows him to help them even more.

This was the perfect way to live his life. Dante the Moon King is the name he was given by his people, and he will cherish their gift.

He's never had any desire to push his magic beyond its limits. Even when he heard of or saw other rulers perform amazing displays of magic. He's not one to compare himself to others.

That was until he saw King Theoden. This was nothing he had ever seen before. Pure, unfiltered magic. He didn't even know what the magic was. Certainly not lightning. It was just energy. Blasts of power. It was terrifying, but also beautiful, almost. It felt like everything his father wanted Dante to be. Confident and strong. And Dante couldn’t help but admire him while everyone else in the room felt fear.

He does not know what this man’s title may be, but ‘the Powerful King’ was the first thing that came to his mind.

••••

One month into being king, and Theoden is pretty split on how he feels on it.

He’s never loved anything so much until now. He loves getting to order people around, the luxuries, the praise from others, how he can get everything he wants at the drop of a hat.

However, he hates not being the most powerful king. And, eventually, hanging around in a castle gets boring. He wants something exciting and he wants all the power.

He wants conquest.

“So you’re just going to attack one of the neighboring kingdoms?” Tristien asks, sitting on Theoden’s desk, her legs crossed.

“Nothing so simple..” he grumbles. “In the end, I know that doing something like that would cause some sort of revolt.”

“Smart.”

“That I am.”

“So what do you plan to do?”

He turns to her, smiling. “I’ll knock each one down a peg.”

He pulls out as many books as he could about the most recent events happening in this world. He hates reading, but sadly, it’s not like he can really just watch a video explaining to him the sociopolitical situation of this fantasy world.

“Tristien!”

“Yes, my king?”

“Read these to me!”

“Huh?” she asks. This is the first time he’s seen her make that kind of face. It was rather funny.

“I’m not reading all that. And you’re my advisor. So read it to me.”

Her face puckers a bit and she slowly stands up and picks up the book. “Ok.. Let’s see…” She flips through the pages, but is really just staring Theoden down.

“So, the strongest in sheer terms of strength is Indras. He’s fully mastered his magic and is undefeated in fighting.”

“Figures. I saw what the guy looked like on my coronation,” he says, propping his feet up onto his desk.

“Mhm. But the one with the most potential in terms of strength is Dante.”

He scoffs. “The emo?”

“He’s perfected his shadow magic, despite all the limitations he has to it. If he manages to have an awakening and move past those limitations, he’ll have a lot of raw strength that could make him completely unbeatable.”

He doesn’t have a snarky reply to this. That could be bad..

“What about the other 2?”

“Elira doesn’t ascend to the throne until she turns 19, which is in 7 months. If I were you, if you’re going for sneaky tactics, try to get on her dad’s good side, while also working to overthrow the other kings.”

He nods. “And the idiot?”

She chuckles. “Niko will be easy. His whole kingdom hates him. They’re not a big fan of his zaniness, either.”

“But is he dangerous?”

“Not at all. He wasn’t the eldest child, so he doesn’t have any magic.”

Now this surprised him. How was Niko the king, if that’s the case? He decided to store that in the back of his mind.

“Ok then. So, I have time with Elira. I probably shouldn’t go after Indras until I’m better at my magic. Niko will be a piece of cake, especially once I show how dangerous I am with me conquering the other kingdoms… and Dante has the most potential to be a real thorn in my side.”

He smiles at Tristien and she smiles back. “I think I know where to start.” He leans back in his chair. “But how do I start?”

She walks over to a shelf and grabs a piece of parchment and a quill. “Invite yourself over.”

He chuckles. “I like the way you think. Write for me.”

Her face puckers again, but she does as he asks.

Dear Dante,

This is King Theoden. To really get to know my new neighbors, I’m hoping to visit and get to know you all. By the time this letter reaches you, in 2 days, I will be visiting your castle for good, neighborly visiting. Prepare well.

She glances at Theoden, who nods. Right as she’s about to step out, she transforms and steps out. Once he finds a servant, he calls her over and hands her the letter. “Send it to Tenebris. It’s for King Dante.”

The servant’s face got a bit excited at that and nods before scurrying off. Tristien clasps his hands together. He could almost taste the anxiety Dante will have when he reads the letter, because, after years of isolation in his castle, he’ll have eyes on him, and his magic will be useless.

••••

Dante has noticed that his magic has been weirdly weak. He can still perform spells, but he can’t look very far within his kingdom, nor is he able to manipulate objects anymore like he used to be able to. This.. never really happens. What could be causing it? There was a knock at his door. “My King..?” says a quiet voice.

Dante has never been so startled in his life. No one ever comes to his room. Often times, servants even forget that he exists. And that’s the way he’s intentionally made it! What in the world could have them coming to see him?!

“Y-Yes?” he asks, his voice gravelly from lack of use.

“You have a letter…” She’s about to step into his room, but he quickly moves to stand in front of her, stopping her.

“Thank you so much. I appreciate you delivering this to me.”

She nods at him and he nods back before she leaves. He lets out a breath. 24 years old and he still can’t bear letting anyone into his room..

He looks at the letter and sees that it has the stamp of Hoteiven and he quickly remembers Theoden. His amazing magic and strength. His admiration for him, but also his fear.

Why had he been sent this letter?

Slowly, he opens it, hands shaking. He reads it and he feels his heart drop. This is why he’s weak.

He’s being perceived. And by the man he envies so much.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓢𝓲𝔁 - 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓮𝓻𝔂

Theoden sulked in his throne for the rest of the party. This was bullshit. He is the fucking king! How dare that bitch!? That bitch!

But what was that? How did she do that to him? His hands shook a bit as he remembered. Whatever that was, it freaked him out. But he could never admit that. Why would he? He's a king now.

"My king," Tristien says as he enters the throne room. "Are you still throwing a pity party?"

"Shut up!" he snaps. "That fucking bimbo humiliated me!" He slams his fist down before standing up. "And I don't even know how she did it!"

"You don't know?" Tristien asks, his voice innocent, but his smile gave away that he definitely knew.

"What did she do?" he asks dangerously.

"Oh, my. It seems I had forgotten to tell you."

This made Theoden's anger rise. He grabs Tristien by the shirt. "What did she do!?'

Tristien grabs Theoden's wrists and pulls them down, followed by a loud pop! He screams in pain and falls to his knees.

"Oh, calm down. I didn't break them." He crouches down to get on the same eye level. "What she used was magic."

He was panting and groaning in pain. "M-Magic?" he echoed, his voice breaking a little.

"Yes, you oaf," Tristien says cheerily. "All eldest children of the royals have magic."

"They.. they do? So.. I do too!"

"Haha! Silly. Remember, you aren't the original Theoden of this world."

His heart dropped. "So I'm a powerless king? Are you fucking kidding me?!" he spat.

"Now, now, I never said that."

"Huh?"

"I just mean you don't have this family's traditional magic, that being lightning."

He grinds his teeth. "Lightning!? What's better than lightning!?"

He smiles and presses his forehead against Theoden's. "The one I have gifted you. Didn't I tell you I was going to help you? I will make you as powerful as you can become. Until the day you die, I will be here."

He calms down a bit at his words and nods. “Ok…”

Tristien slowly pulls away and pats his head. “Good. Now, do you trust me?”

He really didn’t. He didn’t trust Tristien in the slightest. But he’s all Theoden has. “Yes.”

“Then stand up,” he commands, like he’s the king. And Theoden obeys, like he’s the servant.

“You hold the greatest power of all. You are the bringer of misery.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

Tristien jams his finger into Theoden’s chest. “You can channel the misery, turmoil, and chaos into magic.”

He holds out his hands and stares at them. “I don’t understand..”

He takes Theoden’s hands and squeezes them. “Your hatred for all things, all people. Feel it in your bones, your blood. Feel it in your soul."

He thinks about his crappy, old apartment. His over achieving little brother that his parents loved so damn much. His classes, his classmates. Girls who've rejected him. That damn bitch who humiliated him on his coronation.

His skin burned and the burning moved to his fingertips and a violet red light flared up and shot to the ceiling, shooting down the chandelier, causing it to crash to the ground and break into millions of little pieces.

He smiles wickedly and looks at his hand. There's the sound of rushing feet and the guests all burst into the room. "We heard a crash!" Indras exclaimed, stepping forward. "Where's the danger?"

Theoden smiles and stands tall. "No, danger, friend." He raises his fist and the violet red twisted around his forearm up to his fist, flaring from his knuckles. "Let's just there's a little change to the magic of this family."

Leuce watched from afar, stiff and frozen. That wasn't the family magic.

This wasn't how it's supposed to be.

Who the hell is this guy!?

••••

The 4 see who he is, they know what to fear. So who do we have near? Who has to worry because they're the easiest one, it's clear?

The moon's reverie, so soft an sweet. Give it up for Dante the Moon King.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓲𝓿𝓮 - 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓞𝓷𝓮 𝓣𝓸 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓮

The coronation went well. As did the speech on the balcony.

"My kingdom. I am your new king, Theoden. Let us rejoice upon this new era!"

He would've gone on about how he's going to make sure he's the most powerful king of all time an better than the rest, but something told him he shouldn't do that. Yet.

The kingdom cheered happily for him and trumpets blared right into his ears. It was annoying and deafening, but it was also a powerful feeling. He steps out and he sees the throne room had been cleared out.

"Where is everyone?"

Tristien is by his side, as he always is. "They went to the ballroom, silly," he says, pinching Theoden's cheek.

"Stop that," he says, smacking his hand away.

The two step out and walk down the halls. "So, the other royals will be there?”

“Yep. Your neighbors. Plus a few nobles who come from pretty rich families. Quite a lavish roster you've got."

"You say that like it's a good thing," he says bitterly.

"Oh? You still jealous?"

"Incredibly."

"Haha. Well, don't worry. No one would try to show up a king on his very own coronation day." He smirks. "Well, you probably would."

He nods in agreement. "I would."

"I thought so."

They open the door to the ballroom, where all the guests are now standing. All of their chatter comes to a pause as they turn to look at him. Theoden had difficulty telling who was royalty and who was just exceedingly rich. The only person he recognizes being the brother, standing in the corner, moping.

"Hello, my guests. I'm happy you have all come to honor me and my crown. You all are dressed very... richly. anyhow, continue on. I feel we should all mingle."

The chatter slowly came back up again and Tristien giggles. "You are just dripping with bitterness."

"How can I not? None of this is fair for me. I shouldn't have equals."

He looks around the room. "Who's who?" he asks.

"Wanna know your main competition?"

"Yes."

"Hehe. Alright, well. You see that brutish looking guy over there with the orange hair?"

He looks over to where Tristien was pointing and sees a large, muscular man with scars on his face and a dragon tattoo running up his arm.

"That's Indras the Hell King. Over there, the guy with the hood who's hiding in the corner and talking to no one?"

He looks over and sees a man, or the shapeless form of one as he blended into the shadows.

"That's Dante the Moon King. Now, over there, the old man surrounded by a bunch of equally old people? The one with the black hair and in the blue robes? That's Alric. The pretty girl next to him with all the flowers in her hair is Elira."

The girl definitely caught his attention. She was gorgeous. Smooth, brown skin and loose white and blue robes and ribbons. She also had this very mischievous look about her.

"And finally, there's Niko-"

"Hiya there!!" exclaims a voice.

Theoden jumps in shock and sees a man standing by his side who hadn't been there a moment ago.

"-the Mad King," Tristien finishes.

Niko laughs and laughs and laughs. His brown hair looks like it was gelled down, but was still trying to stick up despite that. He also had wide, unblinking purple eyes. He would probably be unnerving if he didn't look so foolish.

Niko takes his hand without asking and shakes it. "Wow! It's great to meet you! Nice to see ya! Swell to.. uhm..." He turns to a man who was standing behind him. "Mortimer, what rhymes?"

The man thinks. "Be ya?"

Niko smiles even wider. "And swell to be ya!"

Theoden's eye twitches and he pulls his hand away. "Yes, well.. My acquaintance is certainly one that should be happy to be in."

"Oh! Love the confidence!" He claps his hands and looks at Mortimer, who then claps too. "Anywho!" He moves so that he's now standing between Tristien and Theoden. "I'm Niko! That's Mortimer, my personal servant!"

Mortimer bows. He was rather handsome for a servant, with long black hair and a few beauty marks that dappled his face.

"And I am just so happy to meet you!" He turns to Tristien. "Are you Theo's personal servant too?"

Tristien smiles back at him. "No, I'm just his advisor."

"I see!! I should give that position to Mortimer. Do you wanna be my advisor?"

Mortimer smiles. "Only if you want me to."

"Hmm.. We'll see!"

"Yes, well," Theoden says, taking a step away from the loud, annoying man. "You're a king, correct?"

"Yep-aroni!"

"Yep-aroni?" Theoden echoes in confusion. Is he a king? He acts more like a jester. Theoden's met guys like this. Class clowns that try so hard that no one likes them. He's always hated guys like him.

Niko snaps his fingers a few times. "Say! You're new! I can show you around to everyone else!"

Theoden wrinkles his nose. "I would rather not." If he wanted to try and worm his way into the circles of the highest society, he shouldn't start with this buffoon.

Niko laughs. "Ah, cmon! It'll be fun! And everyone loves me!" he says, squeezing Theoden's arm.

Theoden gives him a scornful look and then glances at the servant. Mortimer smiles at Niko, softly shaking his head behind him before noticing Theoden's eyes, and that's when the servant's face darkens.

He reaches out and places a hand on the king's shoulder. Theoden was almost shocked by the courage of the servant to put his hands on royalty, but realized that Niko was hardly a royal.

"Nik-.. My King. Why don't we instead go eat?"

Niko seems a bit upset at this. "But I'm not hungry."

"I am."

"Oh! Ok! Let's go!"

And the two, finally, walked off. "What an annoying little-"

"Now, now," Tristien says. "Don't try and make any enemies just yet."

"Oh, whatever. He'd probably be too stupid to realize that anyone hated him. That servant was somehow the smart one." He rubs his temples. "I see why he's called the Mad King. I was thinking the angry kind of mad."

"I wouldn't even say he's mad," Tristien says, chuckling. "It's a terrible misuse of the word. He's more zany than anything."

"Aren't they synonyms?"

"They're similar, but not the same."

He sighs and rolls his eyes. "Well, it certainly wasn't how I wanted my first interaction with a royal to go. Who should I talk to now?"

"Why not Alric? I saw you eyeing his daughter."

He smiles darkly at this. "That's right. In this world, I can get a betrothed. I don't have to worry about the pesky bitch rejecting me."

He walks past the crowd of people, all of whom gave him curious looks as he walked by. He finally reaches Alric and Elira. Alric the Tempted King and Elira the Free Princess.

"Hello there."

Alric was hunched over a bit and he was even more wrinkly up close. "Oh, hello there, King Theoden," he says. His voice was croaky, like a frog. "I am honored that you have decided to seek me out."

Theoden forces a smile. He's always hated talking to old people. They're so slow with their words and their voices are so nasally.

"Yes, well, I couldn't help but see something that caught my eye." He looks to Elira and she definitely noticed. Her brow furrows and she looks away.

He nearly scoffs at her aloof reaction. Bitch he thinks.

Alric laughs knowingly. “I assume it’s because of my daughter?”

“Oh? Was I obvious?”

“Well, her beauty does attract many suitors.”

His face hardens. “Oh? Is she already betrothed?”

“Um, I'm right here,” she says, crossing her arms. “And no, I don’t. And I’m not going to have one ever. I know you grew up on a farm far off, so you probably don’t know this, but I’m the Free Princess. And I’m going to become the Free Queen and choose my own husband at my own pace.”

Theoden grinds his teeth. What a cocky, self centered, little-

“I apologize for my daughter,” Alric says, laughing. “She’s very much a free spirit.”

“Father!” she exclaims, stamping her foot.

Theoden smiled wryly at her. “Oh, it’s not problem, King Alric. Sometimes you just can’t control the emotions of… the specific ones who are highly emotional.”

Alric seemed to miss what he was implying, but Elira didn’t. She looked furious. But Alric thinks that Theoden is just joking.

“Yes, I suppose that’s the truth.”

Elira closes her eyes. “I can’t be around you 2…” she says under her breath before walking off.

“Ah, again, I’m sorry for her. She gets upset about things that I always seem to miss.. ahaha…”

Theoden feigns guilt. “Oh, I fear I may have said something wrong. There must’ve been some sort of misunderstanding. Let me go talk to her.”

Alric smiles. “Such a mature young man.”

Theoden walks toward Elira, who was at the banquet table. She notices Theoden approaching and she bites her lip to keep herself from groaning in frustration.

Before saying anything to her, he looks around to make sure that the jester wasn’t around to bother him. When he saw that he wasn’t there, he smiles.

“Hello, Princess Elira.”

She scowls at him. “I told you I’m not getting betrothed.”

“Oh, I know, I know.” He clasps his hands together. “But… in the end… it’s really not up to you.”

Her eyes darken. “You only just became king. You were a nobody before this. You really think you’re in any position to say stuff like this?”

They both stare at each other hatefully. Then, he takes a step forward. The moment he does, though, Elira pushes her arm out.

She doesn’t hit him, but a sudden gust of wind comes from nowhere, throwing him back and into the banquet table.

There’s a loud gasp and people look over. Elira smiles innocently. “What a clutz! It seems the new king lost his balance!”

His face goes bright red and he wants to scream at her. To fucking kill her.

But, then he has to wonder. What the hell did she do?

•••

This is where it really begins. Hatred boils in his heart and distress aches in his bones.

I love when he looks like this. Such a sad, pathetic, miserable man. My perfect puppet.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓻 - 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭

“Your coronation is in a 3 hours now, my king,” Tristien says as he enters Theoden’s dressing chambers.

Theoden was too busy admiring himself in the mirror to hear Tristien enter. He was putting on different crowns, robes, jewelry, smiling greedily at the wealth he can now flaunt.

“My king,” Tristien says, moving up behind him.

Theoden scowls at him in the mirror. “What?”

“Your coronation is soon.”

“Ah. I see.” He removes the robe he was wearing and tosses it away, Tristien catching it before it hits the ground and hangs it up.

“Is the little brother going to cause any problems?” Theoden asks as he adjusts his hair.

“He’s been mellow, but boiling with jealousy. But, in the end, he’ll be well behaved.” Tristen reaches out and grabs Theoden’s face, turning it away from the mirror so he can face him. “Will you behave?”

Theoden scoffs. “The hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I mean will you be able to smile rather than scowl the whole time?”

“I can smile,” he says, shaking Tristien’s hand away.

“Yes, but this coronation is your introduction to the world. Not just your people. Some neighboring royals may come, too.”

This caught Theoden’s attention. “Oh?”

Tristien smirks and puts a long, fancy teal robe over Theoden’s shoulders. “Yes. So playing nice will be in your best interest.”

Theoden thinks about this for a moment. “All right,” he says, pulling the robe tighter around his shoulders. “I see your point.” He turns to Tristien coldly. “Also, stop being so touchy in this form.”

Tristien chuckles. “Don’t like it?”

“Not when you look like someone who’d be on a football team.”

He rolls his eyes. “Well, I’m not going into my other form, right now. Not when I need to be seen at your advisor.”

Theoden scoffs and looks at himself in the mirror. “This coronation better go well. If it doesn’t, I’ll execute whoever is in charge of it.”

“Well, I’m afraid that would be me.”

“Oh… well, I’ll execute someone else, then.”

“It’s too early to execute. You’ve gotta give yourself some time to settle and for the people to grow used to you. Otherwise, the people will probably try and kick you out fast. And that wouldn’t be fun, would it?”

“Hmm.. no..”

“Exactly. So be good for at least the first month. And then you can have your fun.”

“Being good…” he repeats under his breath. “Fine. I’ll be good.”

Tristien boops his nose, smiling. “Good.”

Theoden growls at the touch and Tristien laughs in response.

Theoden continues in getting dressed, putting on as much jewelry as he could, but Tristien had him take some off. “Don’t look too gaudy.”

“You’re no fun.”

Tristien smiles darkly. “I’m a lot more fun than you can ever dream of.”

Theoden shudders at his unnerving tone, not responding.

“Ok, Theoden. The coronation is in 1 hour. You have to go to the throne room so you can be instructed what to do during the actual coronation.”

“I have to practice?”

“Trust me, if I could have it my way, I wouldn’t make you do this. But sadly, I’m also being forced to do this.”

Theoden raises an eyebrow at this, but doesn’t question Tristien. Trying to figure out the strange creature is futile.

The two left the dressing chambers, servants looking their way and bowing as Theoden walked by. The respect felt incredible.

They entered through the large doors and the throne room shone with brilliant light. It was stunning. It was glorious. It was fit for a god. For him.

At the front, near the throne, was a man dressed in silver silk pants and a black overcoat. The man’s name is Suvinth, and he’s the one who’ll be crowning Theoden as the king.

“Hi, Su-Su!” Tristien calls out happily. The man looks at him, annoyed and tired looking.

“Please stop calling me that, Tristien.” He then turns to Theoden. “Now. The coronation is fairly simple. You enter through those doors when you hear the trumpets blare, walk down the hall and looking straight ahead, then kneel as I give the speech and place the crown on you. Then you stand and walk out to the balcony to show yourself to the entire kingdom. Easy.”

Theoden nods boredly, arms crossed. “Yep. Got it.”

Their heads all perk up a bit as they heard noises outside. Tristien pokes his head out of one of the glass windows, squinting. “Ahhh. Looks like the kingdom is coming. Quite the crowd out there.”

Theoden smirks, looking out the window too. “Is that so? Lucky me.” He turns to Tristien. “Where’s the brother.”

“Leuce is still getting dressed. He should be done soon.”

“Splendid.”

Tristien tilts Theoden’s chin up. “You ready?”

“Yes. And I already told you, don’t touch me when you look like this.”

Tristien chuckles and pulls away. “Let’s get you in your position.” He leads Theoden out of the doors and into a side door. “We’ve gotta let people enter the throne room first, without seeing you.”

Theoden crosses his arms and sits in the chair and looks into the vanity mirror, fixing his hair. “These people better be fucking pleased that I’m going to be their king.”

Tristien smiles and walks over to him, tilting her head to face him in her female form. “And they will be. You’re going to be spectacular.”

Theoden gives her a serious look. “I still can’t figure you out.”

She laughs. “That’s the point.”

He groans and leans back in his chair. “You are a mystery.”

She places her hands on his shoulders and pulls his chair back a bit further. “Every arrow points in different directions, so everyone has a different path. There’s no same direction, and that’s what I desire.”

“You and your cryptic words,” he says bitterly, gripping the chair as hard as he can, scared to fall back.

She smiles and boops his nose. “Confusion is part of who I am.”

“Whatever.”

Voices could be heard outside as people walked past their side door and into the throne room. “You hear all those people? They’re here for you,” she says, grabbing his chin.

“I know.”

“You should be proud.”

“I am.”

“You should feel like you’re king of the world.”

“I will be.”

She smiles darkly. “Attaboy.” She then smooths out his robes and has him stand. “Then let’s take that first step.”

They left the room and now stood in front of the large doors, the chatter of voices can be heard from inside. Tristien turns back to his male form, placing a hand on Theoden’s shoulder. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

The trumpets blared and the doors opened wide, revealing a crowd of people dressed in the nicest clothes, fueling Theoden with intense, irrational jealousy. The shining light, the clapping of hands, the eyes.

He was the king of the world.

••••

As the light shined into the room and I saw him smiled, my plan unfolds and the smiling faces tell me so.

The 4 he pains, the 4 he fails. They all stand before us, clapping their hands.

Let the world fall and I will reign supreme, let it all fall to anarchy.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 - 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓡𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓟𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮

Tristien and Theoden are in the carriage. It was rather cramped for a royal carriage. Theoden expected something a bit more grand. He had watched as the shepherd watched them leave, his look of heartbreak rather ridiculous looking on the old man.

"So, my king," Tristien says, reaching into a side compartment and pulling out a small jar full of leaves, opening it and popping one into his mouth to chew, "what will you do with this newfound power?"

Theoden narrowed his eyes at the man. The way he chews slowly, deliberately, and loudly, made him grind his teeth in frustration. "Who are you really?"

Tristien raises an eyebrow quizzically, but still kept that same smug look. "Whatever do you mean, my dear king?"

"Don't play dumb," he says sharply. "I know you know what I'm talking about. My world.. you were a girl."

Tristien laughs sharply. "A girl? My king, do I look like a girl?"

"No. You look like a bastard that I can punch the shit out of."

Tristien smirks, resting his face into his hands. "Such rage. I suppose that's why you were perfect for this position."

"Stop being cryptic or I will actually kick your ass."

His smirk only widens and suddenly, his face and his face melts and twists in a horrific scene, his broad nose turning thinner, his wide chin becoming more pointed, his hair growing out. The cracks and shape changing was so disgusting that Theoden thought he was going to throw up.

Suddenly, Tristien was replaced by a woman. The same one from the convenience store. The same one with the horrific smile and the odd eyes and the sharp face. The same one who lead him to his death.

"You!" he exclaims, reaching out to grab her, but she raises a finger.

"Ah-ah. You wouldn't hit a girl, would you?"

His glare only sharpens and she laughs. "Who am I kidding, of course you would."

He clenches his fists. "What is going on? Why am I here? Who the fuck are you?"

She laughs and snorts and it's such an ugly sound. Sharp and high, like breaking glass. She pops another leaf into her mouth and chews and chews and chews, not answering his question.

"You have a brother waiting back at home for you," she says. "He's not all too happy to learn you're taking his place as king."

"King.." he murmurs, testing the word out. "Why are you giving me this position?" He smiles wickedly. "It's not like I'm complaining, really."

She leans against her seat and chuckles. She reaches out to boop his nose, getting a snarl of contempt in response. "Let's just say I've taken a liking to you. And you can help me, and I can help you."

He laughs wryly. "You can help me? Sorry, lady, er, man, or whatever the hell you are, but I don't need anyone's help."

"Aha.. ha.. ha.." He hand shoots out, grabbing him by the collar of his tunic and pulls him close, her breath smelling like cannabis. "Theoden Colt, I don't think you understand the gift I have given you. You wouldn't have this wonderful opportunity if it weren't for me. So I'd start being grateful now while you have the chance."

He's gone still and he's filled with the need to run, jump out of the carriage to get away from her. But he didn't, the only thing stopping him being her grip on his shirt.

"Ok... all right.. But, what can I give you? You said I can help you with something. Does it involve work?" he asks, his nose wrinkling in disgust at the word.

Her gaze's intensity lessens and she releases him, smoothing out his tunic. "No, no, no. Nothing like that. All you need to do is be yourself."

"Myself? That's all I have to do to give you what you want?"

"Pretty much!"

"All right," he says, staring at her, trying and failing to read her. "I'll do that.." He leans against the door in an attempt to make as much space between the two of them as humanly possible.

She kicks her legs back and forth gleefully. "I'm sure you're new neighbors will be so happy to meet you."

"Huh? Neighbors?"

"The rulers of the 4 other kingdoms that border Hoteiven."

His eyes narrow dangerously at this information. Other rulers. Bordering his kingdom. He would not have that. He had to have it all, because finally, finally the world was giving him what he deserved.

"Well.. who are they?"

"There's Pyronis ruled by Indras the Hell King," she says, holding up a finger. "Tenebris is ruled by Dante the Moon King. Brusevire is ruled by Niko the Mad King. And then there's Aerenthia, which is ruled by Alric the Tempted King. But he's gettin' reeeeeeal old, so his daughter Elira, the Free Princess, is probably going to take over soon."

"All those names sound ripped straight from some bad fantasy novel," he says in disgust, Tristien only responding with a shrug.

He rolls his eyes and he thinks of the names. Indras the Hell King. Dante the Moon King. Niko the Mad King. Alric the Tempted King. And a princess…

"They all have titles," he says. "How do you gain a title? I want to be Theoden the Powerful King!"

She laughs and pats his shoulder. "You can't give yourself a title! Those are given by the people within your own kingdom! They choose how they want to describe you. Pfft. 'The Powerful King.' Sounds like something a 13 year old's would come up with."

He blushes furiously at the mockery. "But 'Hell King' is any better!?" he exclaims.

She just snorts in response and he's never wanted to punch a girl so badly.

"What was Azim's title?" he asks, crossing his legs.

"The Silent King. Because he didn't do much and was rather forgettable." A cat like grin spread across her face. "Ohhhh, but when the people learn about you, Azim is most definitely going to earn himself a new title. Wonder what it'll be."

Theoden clasps his hands together and stares down. Finally, the carriage came to a stop.

"Looks like we're here," she says before shifting back into the male form she greeted him with and the transformation was just as horrific as it was the first time.

The guard's open the doors and Tristien was the first to step out, jumping to the cobble pathway was poise and elegance before he offered Theoden an outstretched hand. He didn't take it, instead stepping out on his own.

He looks at the castle that lies before his path. Dark green and blood red, tall spires and a giant flag waving at the top of each one. A large entrance, grand and luxurious with a bright red carpet for him. It was everything he has ever deserved.

Tristien walked behind him, Theoden leading the way, despite not knowing where he was going. But that didn't matter. He was a king. No one would ever question him. He was everything and everyone else was nothing. That's the way it's always been and now everyone knows it.

Theoden entered and trumpets blared and then it was followed by clapping. Servants and guards all waiting for him, here for him.

At the end of the carpet was someone dressed in fine robes that made Theoden jealous. He wanted robes like that. The boy looked younger than him, perhaps 19 years old, with silky black hair that's been pushed back neatly and the most striking hazel eyes. He held himself up tall and strong, as if he's been trained his whole life to stand this way.

And, upon realizing who this was, Theoden was filled with even more fury, followed by a sick satisfaction. His brother in this world. He looked nothing like Theoden's real brother, and perhaps that was a virtue of this complete stranger.

"Brother," the boy says. "I am surprised to hear that you.. really do exist."

Theoden smirks. "You heard of my story, I assume?"

"I always thought it was a myth, truth be told."

"Well, I'm happy to say I am most definitely real."

The boy narrowed his eyes, but then bowed. "I am your.. younger brother, Leuce. It is... a pleasure to make your acquaintance." It was clear the boy had much strain in getting the words out, his teeth grinding at just being in the presence of Theoden.

Theoden smiles wryly and ruffles the boy's hair in a mocking display of brotherly affection, where he can feel Leuce grow even more furious. "You should be ecstatic to make my acquaintance," he corrects with a snarky tone before walking past him.

"Tristien," he calls out. "Where's the throne room?"

Leuce glares coldly at Tristien, who just smiles at the boy before walking past him. "Right this way, my king."

"He hasn't even had his coronation yet..." Leuce says under his breath, but the two ignored him, leaving behind Leuce, the now Forgotten Prince.

They enter through two grand doors made of jade and red diamonds. They swung open and before them, at the center, was the throne, shining gold in the moonlight that poured through the stained glass windows. And it was all perfect. It was all his.

He sat himself in it and looked at Tristien, the two smiling together.

"How do I look?"

The mysterious man, woman, creature claps. "Like you're in your rightful place."

••••

Let the man grow comfortable in his seat and he will never want to leave. The more comfortable he grows, the sloppier he will become. But slop always creates the biggest messes. And messes cannot be risked in a kingdom. But I do love to take risks.

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝔀𝓸 - 𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓑𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰

Eyes blinking open and light shining through. Theoden didn’t know what to do. Because when he woke up all he could see was me, staring at him, smiling with such glee. 

Brought to a world he doesn’t belong, but that doesn’t matter, because I’m the one who makes this song. 

••••

Theoden’s eyes shoot open and he’s in a bed. And not a hospital bed. And not his bed either. 

Light pouring through windows and he’s covered by woolen blankets. He hates wool. Why would someone make blankets from it?

Where was he?

The room was small, quaint, and boring. A wooden wardrobe in the corner of the room and a tall mirror next to it. Outside could be heard the sound of sheep, which he hated because that was really annoying. 

He climbed out of bed and he sees he’s not wearing his clothes. Instead, he’s wearing a cotton tunic and a pair of slacks. He looks like he’s from some stupid historical era as a peasant boy. 

Where the hell was he?!

He walks over to the mirror and looks at himself. He looks the same, black hair that hung in his face, gray eyes, unshaken face, no scars. If he looks the same and feels no pain, then what the hell was going on?

There was a knock at the door, followed by an older man’s voice. “Theo. Up and at ‘em. I let you sleep in because I wanted you to rest, but it's past midday.”

He scoffs a bit, but then it hits him. Who the hell was that? 

He quickly throws the door open, ready to fight whoever the hell was outside. 

Standing in front of him is an elderly stand, short and large, but he does have strong legs. He’s rather red in the face though. 

“Where the hell am I, old man?” he snarls. 

The man’s eyes go a bit wide. “My, my, Theo, what’s got you all worked up?”

Theo grabs his shirt. “I’ve got no time for games! Where the hell am I? Who are you? What am I doing here?”

“Theo, Theo, calm down. My, I didn’t think that fall would affect you this badly.”

“Fall? What fall?”

“Yesterday, you fell off the boardwalk and into the river. You didn’t seem to get too hurt, but I guess it messed with your head.”

Theoden’s head was buzzing as he tried to understand what this old geezer was spouting. 

“Where. Am. I?”

“You’re in Omivell. A village on the outskirts of the Hoteiven Kingdom. I’m your caretaker, Cecil. I’ve been taking care of you since you were a baby.”

“I don’t.. Omivell? Hoteiven?” This sounds like it came straight from a bad fantasy novel. 

“Geez, did you really lose all of your memory? It didn’t look like you hit your head,” he says, reaching a concerned hand out to Theo, who promptly smacks it away. 

“I.. this cannot be real.”

“I know this is a lot to take in.”

“So… Omivell. Some small village? Why’s there so many sheep?”

“Because we’re shepherds.”

“We’re what?!” What a horrid fate! And he thought being a college student was a miserable existence. A shepherd?! This was way beneath him!

“Cmon, Theo. Let’s go outside and I’ll refresh you on everything,” Cecil says, placing a hand on Theoden’s shoulder, who quickly shrugs it off with a look of disgust. 

The two step out and walk through a small kitchen with a circular dining table with 2 chairs. On the counters was some bread and cheese and a glass bottle of milk. There’s a pair of lace up boots at the front door that Cecil says are his. They’re rather ragged and falling apart. He deserved better than this. They step outside and he’s hit with a smell worse than polluted air. Animal droppings. 

He gags and uses his shirt to cover his nose. Cecil chuckles. 

“You always did hate the smell.”

“And you don’t?!”

“Nah, I think it’s nice.”

Theoden narrows his eyes. What a disgusting man. The two walk out into the fields of green grass, where birds flew overhead and tall oak trees lined in the distance. The grass was itchy and the birds were annoying. 

“The sheep are over here,” Cecil says, leading Theoden to a part in the field that was blocked off by a long fence. On the other side were a flock of sheep. They all turned to Cecil and Theoden and happily approached. 

Cecil laughs heartily. “Looks like they’re happy to see you as always.”

Theoden scoffs at this and turns back to the sheep, who paused when his eyes landed on them. He crosses his arms and suddenly, they’re backing away. 

“That’s weird…” Cecil says. “They’ve never done that.”

Theoden’s lips tighten as he stares at the animals, who stared right back at him. 

“Um…” Cecil murmurs. “Let’s.. let’s give the sheep some space. They seem to be stressed.”

Theoden nods and the two walk out to the fields in the distance, a few paces away from Cecil’s home. 

“These are Mr. Winston’s crops. He lets us have some of the vegetables, since we trade him wool.”

“Wow. Economics. So fascinating,” Theoden says sarcastically. 

Cecil looks at him sadly. “Yes, well..” He clears his throat and shakes his head a little. “Come help me with collecting these carrots.”

Theoden groans as he gets to his knees in the dirt. He hates dirt!

They pick some carrots and it was hot outside and the ground was gross and the air smelled awful and the sheep were annoying and everything was just miserable. 

“These will be good for dinner tonight,” Cecil says happily. “Some lamb chops and carrots.”

Theoden grumbles under his breath. Whatever. He couldn’t bring himself to care. This was probably some weird coma dream and he’s actually in the hospital. He shudders at the thought of paying that hospital bill. Maybe this dream was better than dealing with that. 

The two stand back up and return to the house, Cecil quickly getting to washing the carrots. 

“I’m not gonna work you too hard today, Theo. I want you to recover. So you can just sit and rest.”

Theoden looks at him suspiciously, but happily sits and rests, letting Cecil cook him dinner. This is the way things should be always. Except, in a fancier home, not this hovel.  He lies on the couch and stares at the ceiling. He thinks of the last moments he remembers.

That girl. That horrifying, beautiful girl. She did something to him. Something to his brain. He would never do something so irrational. What did she do? Who was she? What was she?

Theoden's fists clutch tightly and he closes his eyes as he remembered her face. Sharp features, blue eyes with gold, platinum blonde hair, and that smile... His heart rate dropped as he remembered it. Curled up all the way to her eyes, too many teeth. Just remembering her smile makes him want to claw his eyes out. What was wrong with that girl?

"Theo," Cecil calls out. "Dinner is ready."

Theoden groans and slowly gets up, walking to the kitchen reluctantly and sitting himself at the seat across from Cecil, his plate already prepared for him at the table.

"Theo," Cecil says. "I do hope your memory finds you. But, I am happy you were ok after that fall."

"Mhm," he says boredly as he took a bite of his food.

Cecil gives him a concerned look. "W.. Well, either way, it's always nice having you around. Even if you're not actually my son, you are like the son I've always had and-"

The man kept talking and talking, and Theoden wished he would just shut up. Theoden kept eating as he spoke, just responding with, "Mhm." What a boring old man.

"That's all to say," Cecil says, wiping his eyes with a napkin. "You are perhaps the best thing that's ever happened to me, Theo."

"Well, that's nice. I'm done eating." Theoden gets up, leaving his empty plate at the table with a dumbstruck and hurt looking Cecil. He walks up to his room and closes the door, letting out a sigh of frustration.

This can't be real. It can't. It just can't. He runs his hand through his hair, frustrated at everything. The whole world. Just a dream. This was just a dream. He had to keep telling himself that.

He walks to the window of his room and looks out at the fields, the trees, the road in the distance, the crops, the annoying sheep. This place was so empty. The only entertainment he could probably find would be paint drying. He rests his head against the windowsill. He doesn't deserve this. He deserves better.

There was a knock at the door and he hisses under his breath as he gets up to open it. "What?"

Cecil looks at him, his eyes sad. "Theo, son. I understand you're going through a lot in that head of yours, but please.. tell me what you are so angry about."

Theoden grits his teeth. "Wanna know what I'm so angry about? Well, I'll tell you, old man. This place stinks! Literally and metaphorically! And you're boring and this place is boring! Like, what? Farming? Tending to sheep? What a pathetic life!"

Cecil looks shocked, distraught, but then his face hardened. "I don't know what's making you say all this Theo, but you've only lost your memory for a day. You can't be so angry and hateful so quick."

"Well, I am! I hate you! And this stupid place!"

Cecil clenches his fists. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you better snap outta it, son."

"Don't call me son, you old fart!"

Cecil's brow furrows, but before he could say another word, they were interrupted by the distant sounds of horse hooves fast approaching.

"What in the world-?" Cecil murmurs, walking past Theoden to get to the window. "Those're people who work for the castle. Why're they here?"

Theoden also looks out the window, an eyebrow raised. What was going on here? The two leave the room and then head outside as the carriage comes off of the road and next to the house.

Out steps a man. An Theoden could swear he's seem him somewhere.

The palest blonde hair he's ever seen, a sharp face, eye-catching blue eyes with... with...

Gold.

The man walks over, an air of authority surrounding him as guards stayed behind him. He smiles and it's unnatural, the top lip curling up, revealing his gums and the ends too high up to his eyes. Like a creature disguising itself as human.

"Theoden?" he asks.

Cecil looks at the man cautiously. "That is my son.."

The man laughs darkly and steps past him. "He is not your son."

Theoden takes a step back as the man approaches him. "Theoden, apologies I took so long. I meant to come earlier in the day." His voice lowers threateningly. "Though, it was fun knowing you suffered so much. Did you bring misery to the shepherd too?"

Theoden takes in a shaky breath and his brain is screaming at him to run. That this man is dangerous. It was the same feeling he had at the convenience store.

He then claps his hands happily. "Well! I think it's time we should go!"

Cecil jumps. "Go? Go where?"

"I dear! I suppose I should provide context. I am Tristien! I am, or, well, was the closest confidant of King Azim. But, he’s recently passed away.”

Cecil’s eyes widened and Tristien smirks. “Yes, I think you know what that means, Cecil.”

“What?” Theoden asks. “What does it mean?”

Tristien places a hand on Theoden’s shoulder. “You’re adopted, Theoden! And you’ve gotta think, where did you come from? I’m sure you’ve heard all those stories of kings hearing something awful about their heir is going to do, blah blah, blah, so they abandon them or something, but the baby lives and is raised in a humbling environment? Well, happy to say you’re that heir!!”

Theoden is very confused and he looks at Cecil, who has gone still with fear.

“Cecil was supposed to be the one to kill you. But he couldn’t do it. Sad, tragic, tears, yadayada.” He smirks and says darkly, “Thought I doubt you’re the type to get so attached.”

Theoden face is stiff as he tries to understand the man’s words.

“But..” Cecil says. “The king has another son. Please. Let Theo stay here and let the other son become king.”

Theoden’s eyes widen. “Wait. So, I’m meant to be king?”

“Yep!” Tristien says.

Cecil shakes his head in frustration. “But you have a home here, Theo. I-I’ve raised you and-“

“Shut it,” Theoden says quickly. “I can be king!” A smile spreads across his face. “King,” he repeats. This was it. This was the life he deserved. The role he deserved. The power he deserved. He was above everyone and he knows it.

He turns to Tristien, and suddenly the man wasn’t so terrifying. The two looked at each other with an equal look of excitement.

“Get me out of this place.”

Tristien smiles. “Anything you ask… King.”

[a-common-enemy-story]

A Common Enemy

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓞𝓷𝓮 - 𝓗𝓪𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓢𝓸 𝓓𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓒𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓓𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷

Theoden Colt is his name. He hates his name. It made him sound like he was a king from the 1700s. Like someone from that book The Sword In The Stone. And he hates books.

Theoden goes to college. He hates his college. His classes are as boring as they were in high school but with twice the work. And he hates work. 

Theoden has classmates. He hates his classmates. They’re always out partying and laughing and having fun. And he hates partying. 

Some may call him a pessimist, but he hates labels. 

But most of all, more than anything in this world, he hates people. They were all scum on the bottom of his shoe. He was greater than them all, greater than this entire world in which he is doomed to fail in. But if he could, he’d be running the place. Running the whole world. But, instead, he’s stuck in college with a name he hates and people he hates and a life he hates. 

The only thing he doesn’t hate is himself. 

He’s the only good thing this miserable world has put out. It’s too bad that everyone else keeps him from being the powerful person he knows he should be. 

He could have sex, power, and everyone under his thumb. 

But instead, he’s left to sit in his room and work on an essay for a class that he hates. He slams on the keys, wishing he could break the laptop, tear it all apart, everything apart. Tear the whole world apart. He’s too good for this. 

Eventually, he decides Screw it, and gives up on the essay. He opens the drawer next to his bed and sees his out of snacks. He hate this. He hates going to the store. 

But, much to his dismay, he gets up and opens the door, leaving his room, passing by the doors of his roommates whom he also hates. 

He exits the dorm and breaths in polluted air, causing him to cough. He hates this damn city. 

He walks down the stairs and reaches the sidewalk, looking out at the passing cars and the buildings blocking twilight. 

Not even a damn nice view. Fuck this world. 

He walks and walks and walks and oh, how he hates walking. But riding a bike was worse, and neither compared to the disdain he had for driving in traffic.

Finally, he reaches the convenience store, the bell jingling as he enters. 

He grabs a basket and passes by a worker who most definitely just got off his smoking break. He hates the smell of cigarettes. 

He grabs a few snacks, absentmindedly putting whatever he can afford into the basket. Thump, thump, thump, as he dropped them in.  

He passes by the magazine section and pauses to look through. He skims through and wrinkles his nose in disappointment at all the very disappointing looking women on the covers. Average, all of them. 

He looks up when he hears the bell jingle, another person entering. This was unusual because he specifically comes to this convenience store because no one else ever comes here, which does make it rather convenient. 

In enters perhaps the most beautiful girl he has ever seen in his life. 

Platinum blonde hair and piercing blue eyes with the smallest bits of gold. She was tall, but not too tall. She was skinny, but not too skinny. She was gorgeous, but not in such an obnoxious way.

He drops the magazine he was holding, so startled. But then, he quickly filled with bitterness. Such a pretty woman and she wasn’t his. It wasn’t fair. 

He turns back to the magazine rack. He doesn’t bother picking up the magazine he dropped. It wasn’t his problem. Nothing in the world was his problem. 

There was a light air that brushed behind him and then there was a shadow by his side. 

He turns and there she was, looking at the magazines too. This made him even more angry. A woman looking at other women. 

But then she looks at him. Quickly, he wishes she didn’t. 

Her eyes weren’t as pretty up close, suddenly the gold in her eyes look too out of place, too overwhelming, and she seemed like she was too perfect, made in a lab kind of way. Her hair was too light, her smile was too wide and-

“You,” she says, her voice beautifully terrifying. 

“Me?” he responds, trying to hide his feeling of unease. 

She lifts a hand to point at him. “You are the most miserable creature.”

Theoden wants to feel angry. He nearly does, but her smile only widened and he couldn’t stop his rising heart rate. 

“Who… who are you?”

She laughs and then turns, leaving the store and not buying anything. 

He’s left dazed. Was that real? Was she real?

He looks at the worker, who was still sitting in the same spot, still smelling of cigarettes. The air was still, like she was never there. 

He was freaking out now and he looked at his food, suddenly losing his appetite. So, he leaves the basket full of groceries at the front and leaves, the worker looking at him in annoyance, but it didn’t matter. He was just a background character. 

He steps out and it’s dark, but lit by traffic lights and cars driving by and buildings that never turned off. 

He was walking as fast as he could, clutching his chest. 

What was this feeling? What was this panic?

He walks by a car crash. And then he hears a person getting mugged in the distance. And then a group of really drunk college kids run by. 

What the hell? Why was he noticing all this? Why was his heart beating so fast?

He looks around, feeling crazy. He was never the crazy one! Why was everyone else seeming so sane?

His breath is coming in fast, and coming out shallow. He’s being watched, isn’t he? That girl. That girl was watching him, she was, she was. 

He hears a click and he snaps his head toward the sound. He sees the girl standing on the other side of the street, smiling at him. 

His blood pressure shoots up and he growls, clenching his fists. 

“You!” he shouts. 

She smiles at him even more. It was like she had too many teeth. Or her eyes were too big. She wasn’t pretty. 

“Go away!” he yells, people turning and giving him odd looks. 

I’m not the crazy one! he thinks. You all are! I’m not like you!

The girl does a heart sign with her hands and that was when he had it. 

He bolted out to get her, to grab her and tell her to leave him the hell alone. To stop watching him, to stop smiling at him because she wasn’t normal, this feeling wasn’t normal. 

Then she was gone, the sound of a horn blaring in his ears, followed by light, and a crash.  ••••

His anger was so easy for me to manipulate. He had much hatred, he could practically drown in it. 

[a-common-enemy-story]

The Chapters

A Prologue of Confusion

Chapter 1 - Hatred So Deep You Could Drown

Chapter 2 - Where You Don’t Belong

Chapter 3 - Your Rightful Place

Chapter 4 - King of the World

Chapter 5 - Not One To Share

Chapter 6 - Bringer of Misery

Chapter 7 - Enter: Dante the Moon King

Chapter 8 - Are You Really A King?

Chapter 9 - Right Into His Hands

Chapter 10 - A Failure

Chapter 11 - Regrets

Chapter 12 - Judgement

Chapter 13 - Serpent Whispering

Chapter 14 - The News

Divider by @kodaswrld

You can also read the story on Quotev

[a-common-enemy-story]

𝓐 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓸𝓷 𝓔𝓷𝓮𝓶𝔂 - 𝓐 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓸𝓰𝓾𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓯𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷

A common enemy. 

Isn’t that what these 4 share?

A free woman, a mad man, a hellishly strong king, and a man so scared that he stays hidden by the moon. 

So different, but brought together by the cruelties of a man. No. A monster. 

Chaos will reign supreme and I will be there to watch, joyfully waiting for it all to crumble beneath his feet. 

But I am patient. After all, since when have I been the type to rush things? 

The best anarchy is the slowest to burn.