[Lvneel: Contestation Arc] [Part II] Disaster Breeds Sin - Who Wears The Crown

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Quickly giving chase to the Captain Commander, Sir Baldwin of Grace and the Holy Knight, Layla of Asgar, entered into the fray. Layla was Sir Baldwin’s shadow, wherever the minister travelled, she’d accompany at his side as his loyal blade. Dismounting from their horses, Sir Baldwin grabbed Karl Nox by his collar. His three eyes filled with tears of frustration, Baldwin begged the man to retreat from the frontlines.

“This isn’t making any sense Karl! If you fall here, that’s the end of the Kingdom. Our priority should be getting the King away safely!” Baldwin shouted.

“No. He’s my son. I won’t let anyone have his head but-” Karl’s words were interrupted by Layla who’d stepped in front of them both. “You two escape. I’ll delay the pirate here!” Layla shouted proudly, in her white silver themed armor. The rage in Castor’s heart had reached a climax, the once composed strategist could no longer suppress his anger.

Jules was long gone from his mind and images of his Father abandoning his mother came into focus. The Cursed Blade Zaigo definitely played a part in sharpening Castor’s emotional stumble towards the more chaotic side of the spectrum.

Screaming at the top of his lungs, a wave of Haoshoku Haki rushed from the man’s body. A red color energy that expanded as a shockwave, leaving cracks in the capital’s walls. Both eyes dilated, Sir Baldwin, Layla, and about two-hundred incoming troops and their steeds passed out. Falling to his knees, the only man remaining conscious in Castor’s immediate vicinity, was Karl Nox.

Falling to his knees, unable to stand up straight, Karl felt almost all of the energy leave his boy.

Castor advanced.

---

25 Years Ago - Gideon - New World

Heavy rain befell the hidden island, secluded in a heavy mist. In a small shack within the village, a child was born. It’s wails filled the village; in Gideon, when a Three Eyed Child was born it was said to be a day of celebration and festivities. The sound of drums filled the streets, dishes packed with native herbs and spices nourished the stomachs of the Father’s Family, as the women of the tribe showed off their skills to their husbands and in-laws.

As the wet nurses tended to the Mother, Karl Nox held his son in his arms with immense love in his eyes.

Covered in sweat, anxiously wanting to hold her child once again, the woman affectionately called to Karl.

“What shall we name him?” Ellen inquired, being pampered by her sisters and cousins. The woman ran combs through the woman’s long silky brown hair, wiping the sweat off her forehead ever so gently.

“Hmm… Emanuel. No. No. That’s too common. Maybe after a star? Pollux?” Karl theorized, shaking the once wailing toddler into a cheerful giggle.

“Castor. I’ll call him Castor.” Ellen declared, smiling broadly.

“Yes. Castor O. Nox. His third eye isn’t quite to the center but that just means he’ll have his own look!” Karl shouted, cheerfully as the other women in the room tried to silence him. Baby Castor burst into tears once again.

“D-Did you just called my child deformed?! Bring Cas here now Karl!” Ellen shouted, dramatically in tears.

“B-B-” the man stammered, sulking as he’d walk to hand over the child to Ellen. “I didn’t mean it like that.” Karl murmured under his breath, kicking dust in the shacks corner.

“Wow. The chief’s such a pushover when it comes to his wife.” one of Karl’s assistance declared.

“Ebishishi… That’s just how Ellen is. She’s a spicy one.” one of Karl’s closest friends chimed in.

His jet black hair, knobby fingers, pale white skin and red irises all made none of the difference to Mother and Father, love was the only thing that was held in their heart for him. The couple were adventures who’d often stray away from Gideon to search for rare herbs, plants and new life-forms.

Karl was among several chief’s who acted as advisors to the Tribe’s well-being, as the Three Eyes were divided among several forces. Gideon, was just a name given to wherever they’d set civilization on for the period of time. Often frequently, moving or dividing into smaller sub-groups.

However, never operating in bright places, as their three eyes were seen as taboo or grotesque to many folk. A few days after Castor’s birth, the Elder of the Tribe summoned Karl and Ellen to her abode, and laid her eyes upon the youth. It was then that the woman would deliver the prophecy that’d make Karl and Ellen flee Gideon, this time for good.

“This child… so full of life… will one day… terrorize the modern world. I saw it in a vision.” the Elder reported.

Clutching Castor closely, “W-What do you mean Mama Jasmine? Why would you place such an omen on my child?!” Ellen shouted. Clearing his throat with a cough, "Our child." Karl chimed in. Raising his hand to silence his wife, Karl was all too familiar with how eerily precise the hundred year old tribesman’s readings were. “Thunder will beckon at his command. He’ll strike fear in the hearts of millions and be hated by humans especially. However, he’ll be the one to unite the Three Eye Tribes under one banner. Maybe not… in his youth but… with experience. His hatred will subside. However, neither of you will be around to see that.” the Elder declared, breaking into a cold sweat.

“Mama. You must be mistaken.” Karl stuttered, incredibly disturbed by the woman’s readings.

The words that Karl had heard Mama Jasmine tell many before who’d seek her visions.

“As it was seen. It shall be done.” Mama ominously concluded. “Oh. Tribesman Karl. One more thing-” Mama called out, as the couple attempted to exit the room.

---

Dazed, standing before him was his son, hand firmly gripped on Zaigo. Karl’s weapon had fallen from his hands, his will to fight had submitted before the Pirate Captain.

Tears in Castor’s eyes, the resemblance between his father and himself was overwhelming.

Each eye in direct glance with each other, a smile overcame Karl’s face.

“It’s okay, son. I love you. No matter what. I know I haven’t been there for you but I’ve always been making Lvneel into a place where you could return to one day.” Karl stated, tears welling up in his eyes. “Since Jules passed, I’ve fought to never let what happened to her or your mother occur ever again… I know… My words are falling on dead ears-” Karl’s speech abruptly ended with one firm stroke of Castor’s blade straight through Karl’s chest cage, it’s edge piercing his heart. As purple miasma leaked from the weapon, the blade absorbed Karl’s blood.

Life faded from the man’s eyes, and a broad smile covered Castor’s face.

Paku… Paku… Paku… Paku…

The youth laughed uncontrollably. Leaving his blade wedged in his father’s chest, next, Castor would remove his spear, Iris, and shove it diagonally through his Father’s body, to insure his death, yet, the man remained, kneeling, fighting the death that was imminent at this point.

Changing from laughter to tears, “I know. The first thing I researched once I returned to Lvneel was the libraries. Celestial Dragon… That is the name that haunted me in my sleep for years. The murmurs of the onlookers.  The ones chosen by God. Had you done anything that day, we’d all be dead. Me, You and Mom. To them, taking a slave is like adopting a dog. However, you know what Father, I’ve long accepted you’ve done everything in your power.” Castor concluded, kneeling down in front of his impaled dying father.

“Hey. Hey!” Castor shouted, tapping his hand on the man’s chest, releasing a surge of electricity each time to keep the man’s pulse alive.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Guess what?”

“I forgave you a long time ago.”

“What I won’t forgive…”

“What my pride won’t ever forget…”

“Was that look of defeat on your face.”

Castor crazily whispered into Nox’s ear, in between sniffles.

“Jules threw away her title, status and life in that moment. For a complete stranger.”

“While my own Father stood there… Frozen like a mannequin.”

“I remember. All of the good times. Mom. You and I. Jules. I really do.”

“But Dad.”

“Justice. It's a word that's almost taboo to me. In the name of their ideals, The World Government has created a world that has greatly scorned our people and anyone who is different. It's left quite the bitter taste in my mouth... I guess.

At one point, I would've murdered every single human being that these eyes laid themselves upon... but Jules. She was my Madonna. The only person who truly showed me kindness in this world.

It’s pitiful isn’t it. Murdering my own father for my first love.”

“In a sense. It’s poetic. A piece of me will die here with you Father. I will inherit your will and avenge mother. In exchange, Castor O. Nox who killed for pleasure will die with you as well. From now on, I’ll kill for my own sense of Pride. I’ll find that so-called Celestial Dragon. And I’ll cut his head off. So Dad. Rest easy.” Castor concluded, pulling his blade slowly from Karl’s chest.

His smile fading, the old man’s final words were:

“Thank you, son.” Karl declared, using his last bit of energy to grin.

Dying in a knelt position, Castor swung his blade clean of his father’s blood.

Marching towards the capital in a dash of lightning, Castor broke through the courtyard gates, placing him before the emptied Castle, which only contained Stein, the King, and now the zombified Note. Ragnar, completing his speech, had fled the capital during the exchange between Nox and his son.

The Vikings completed their pillaging simultaneously across the veils, and now once again, took to the seas. As Ragnar retreated, he’d take a glimpse from a safe distance, the scene of Castor O. Nox killing his long-time friend, Karl Nox. The scene sent a chill down his spine but the repercussions of those actions… Those will be explored another day.

“You’ve made it just as I was about to leave, boyo.” Stein declared. “I can smell fresh blood on you from here.” Stein added.

“You seem to be the one pulling the strings around these parts. That aura… It was similar to the assassins' own in Vana. And that Royal we met leaving Waldon’s place in Jotun. Who are you?” Castor inquired.

“I’m the man who serves the man who turned your mother into his chamber maiden.” Stein declared.

“Paku Paku… Brave. Saying that to my face. I’m not here for you. I’m here for the brat. Oi. Forfeit the crown to me. My numbers outmatch yours. From the looks of the capital, the Vikings have betrayed you lot. Lvneel's finest have fallen to my blade. It’s the end. Even Mr. Shadows over there can’t stop my ascent.” Castor declared.

“He’s right.” Stein commented. “This broken nation is now yours. I’ve gotten what I desired. Note. Finish him. I’m taking the boy. If we’re ever to reclaim this place one day, I’ll need a legitimate heir as my puppet.” Stein commanded, as he’d wrap his hand around the King’s neck, throwing him over his shoulder. Stein was a tall man, about twelve foot, wearing a white kabuki mask, a black top hat, and he carried a cane with a white skull-head at it’s tip. The scene of him picking up the King was similar to a parent lifting up a toddler and tossing them over their leg for a spanking.

---

"One day. That boy will kill you too." Mama Jasmine prophesized.

Smiling broadly, looking at the woman with the blankest expression in his eyes, "Good. I'll raise him to have a pure heart. As long as his intentions have purpose... I'd gladly die. Maybe I'll deserve it." Karl retorted confidently.

"It's the whitest sheets that always end up the dirtiest, chief." Mama warned ominously.

---

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The moment Castor showed signs to chase after Stein, the zombified legendary warrior, Note stood in his way.

“I’m conflicted laddie. I wish letting you chase after that monster was in my power but I’m compelled to stand in your way.”

“As the new King of Lvneel, I’m gonna take this as an act of treason.”

“Oh how our country has fallen, a monster has become king.”

“A monster calling me a monster, the irony. Lvneel has been falling, I’m just at the bottom of the well.”

Zaigo in hand, Castor raised both arms, pointing the tip of his Zweihander towards Note. Abandoning his blade, the man appeared inches away from Note’s mid-section, extending a kick towards the man’s midsection. The instantaneous movement didn’t phase Note, instead the man extended his hand, wrapping around Castor’s ankle, tossing the man through the Throne Room’s window.

Snatching for his weapon before the exit, Note pursued the pirate, drawing his own sword from its holster. The two men exchange strikes as they free fell off the side of the Castle, the sound of their metals clanking against each other, causing the Imp’s hearing to become distorted.

What was also interesting was Note’s ability to maintain the full strength of his strikes even in such disadvantageous conditions. Firing off several bolts of lightning, Castor attempted to electrocute the undead creature but his senses were so sharp, showcasing the ability to dodge each volley with a simple parry.

Pushing off the Castle Wall, Note landed in the garden maze erected before the Asgar Castle’s Walls, accompanied by the Imp, who’d float towards the ground with electrostatic levitation.

Taking off his kimono, exposing his sculpted figure, Castor O. Nox for the first time in since his squabbles in Vana was about to fight with his full strength. Three eyes focused on the mannerisms of the zombified war veteran, entering into a lunge position, Castor turned his sights on Note. A thick purple miasma began to ooze from the Cursed Blade, and drawing Note’s attention to the weapon.

“Zaigo? Kid. I sealed that blade away in my youth because it’s dangerous. I know all too well it’s merits but it’s been poisoned by blood of the Ancient Beast - Orochi. I tried everything in my power to rid that weapon of it’s stench but failed… It’s incredibly hard isn’t it? I bet you’re fighting to maintain your sanity.”

“At first… I’ve been slowly getting accustomed to it’s personality with usage. I’ve never used a blade that forces me to hold back my full strength when swinging, that’s interesting in itself. Being brutally honest, I’ve always had quite the warped personality. I don’t think being ‘sane’ is an attribute I possess any longer.”

Applying the use of foot techniques taught to him by Cisco, the Imp began to kick off the ground approaching in circular motion before curving towards the man’s position. Vanishing away in thin air, using his Logia, Castor transformed into his elemental state, reforming at Note’s spot, slashing through his armor, leaving a diagonal wound on once proud swordsman’s back.

From the wound, a plume of miasma began to erupt. Note’s body began to feel immensely heavy, though, due to Stein’s modifications, he’d feel no pain. The lethargic state triggered memories of moments in Note’s youth when fighting the eight headed beast - Orochi. The venom from its fangs and pungent breath like attacks weren’t odd at all.

Swinging in around in single motion while Castor was still in range, the man cut through the Imp’s chest in return. Unleashing a flurry of attacks, the two swordsmen danced through the mazes corridors, each step leaving their blood on the floor. Note’s movements became slower by the moment but his incredible strength and speed, allowed him to power through Castor’s defense, leaving the occasional gash on his shoulder, chest, and arm.

“At one point, I was considered one of the strongest swordsmen in the North Blue. If this is all to your swordsmanship, you should abandon your blade now, boyo.” Note exclaimed with his thick Irish accent.

Slamming his blade as a shield against the onslaught, Castor entered into a power struggle. Sealing the man’s movements, the self proclaimed King of Lvneel rejected the man’s strength with his own, leaving the two men in a stare off.

“The title of strongest swordsman in the North belonged to my two deceased masters. As their former pupil, I have no desire to inherit it. However, whenever I’m placed in situations like this… Where my life’s on the line… Oddly, I feel more alive than ever before.” Castor responded, his muscles and bones wincing from the pressure applied by Note.

“State your masters' names.”

“Jules of Asgar. Cisco of Vana.”

“A deceased princess and a decrepit old man. I’ll give you a history lesson, lad. I’ve fought every knight at least once in my lifetime before my untimely ‘death’. I’ve also defeated everyone in the North…. From Lvneel to Flevance. Honestly, at your current strength, there’s no one left in this sea who could probably hold a candle to you.
Jules. Her swordsmanship was certainly beautiful but she didn’t inherit the perfected style from Cisco.

Cisco, his swordsmanship was certainly unrivaled but he fell second to myself. Once Karl arrived, even after him.

I am the ultimate warrior. I’ve killed mythical beasts, stopped countless wars and murdered bloodthirsty tyrants all for the good of this crown but still, I’m weak. Compared to the seas beyond this own, they are monsters who have surpassed even me.

I say all of this to say kid, if you can’t manage to finish me off… There'll be no future for your sword.”

Changing the pattern of his breathing, Castor’s muscles began to bulk. Using his maximum strength, the shrimp would reject the giant’s clash, forcing him backwards in a slide, until his back touched the leafy hedges of the garden.

“You’re right. I’ve had a bit of time to think it over. My mentors died because they were weak. Even my Heaven’s Wrath is incomplete. That’s why I decided. I’ll evolve. You’ll be the first to see it. My Heaven’s Kata.” Castor declared, immediately releasing a massive discharge of electricity.

Forming the electricity into spears, the weapons hovered overhead ominously. In an autonomous manner, each one viciously descended impaling the swordsman’s body as easily as a pin would a dolly’s fabric. Electrocuting Note, the man’s body began to fry, as the very pigment of his skin was toasted from off white to charcoal.  

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“Million Works. Skewer.” Castor announced, twirling his finger in a circle, cranking up the voltage of the electricity from the impales spears. Castor’s entire body became an azure hue, transforming into an elemental deity, perks given to him from his Logia.

Unable to feel pain any longer, Note was forced to be pinned in position until the electrical voltage of Castor’s prison had ceased. By the time it had concluded, the once dashing Note had been reduced to a burnt walking corpse. His physical height and stature still in place, the muscle bound veteran began to swing his blade once again, slicing through Castor’s shoulder and another slash diagonally along his chest cage.

Stopping the onslaught once again with his own blade, Note smiled creepily. “I can’t feel pain, boyo! Nice try though.” However, the damage had been done, Note’s body wasn’t moving or transmitting as much strength as prior, something had definitely been fried beneath the skin.

“He can cut me in my elemental form… It has to be that Haki thing.” Castor thought to himself. Leaving no time for internal conflicts, Note attempted to slice Castor in half but the Imp simply split his body ahead of time, separating his figure into two standing halves. Reforming his body, suspended in mid-air at his flank, Castor spun his entire frame. Swinging his blade viciously to rip through Note’s shoulder in one swift motion, severing the man’s right arm. The six foot nine man’s arm plopped onto the ground, his severed armed gripping onto the sword.

Bending over, Note would remove the sword from detached arm, blood spurting all over the green hedges and mud path floors of the maze.

“Shit. He’s still moving. What in the world is this dude’s ability?” Castor thought, immensely flustered at the sight before him. “Inazuma.”

Releasing an electrical blast that flattened the surrounding area, a plume of smoke consumed Castor and Note’s figures. Wedging his blade into the ground, “I guess… I have no choice.” Increasing the discharge around his person, “Heaven’s Kata - Vritra!” Castor shouted. As the man’s voice seemingly commanded the heaven’s, a blast of electricity danced from the man’s back, extending to the skies, causing a series of thunder clouds to form above.

The weather above the Manor altered drastically, claps of thunder called for the men on the battlefield to cease their conflicts and look to the sky. “Vahkan’s Pride” Castor shouted once again, this time, his body began to swell, growing to around fifty feet in size. The massive Three Eyed electrical being hovered below the skies, extending his hand to aim at Note.

Castor's hand was then hit by several bolts of lightning from the sky and in that exact instant, an electrical beam blasted towards the courtyard, forming into a dragon’s body. Incinerating the man’s entire body, Note’s very existence was wiped from the realm of the living, and all of those who recognized the Three Eyes knew who’d exactly been responsible for the massive electrical monster’s appearance. Turning from the garden, which had now been flattened, sunk into a crater, Castor turned his electrical manifestation towards the city.

Magnifying his voice through an electrical frequency, the man commanded the war to cease.

“People of Lvneel. The 'Kid' King failed. My Father - Karl Nox was murdered by members of his own court, and only through his council and leadership was this Kingdom able to thrive. As a result, I, Castor O. Nox will now be taking the crown temporarily until civil peace can be restored to the various veils.

You've been burden by the childish antics of a twenty year old monarch for the last decade, and it hurts. I am your last hope against the Vikings and for the prosperity of Lvneel - Kidnapper of The Kid King.”

Pausing his speech momentarily to think, Castor realized he actually never had gotten Stein’s name.

“That’ll work, I guess.” Castor thought to himself, mentally shrugging.

Cancelling his massive electrical denizen’s form, Castor landed in the crater created by him in the courtyard, staring at the stormy skies above. The army’s forces dropped their weapons, after the supernatural display and the discovery of Karl Nox’s body, all hope had been abandoned. The year long campaign had finally come to an end but it wasn’t exactly over as yet.

Newport and the remainder of Castor’s forces arrived in the capital, exhausted and lazy from his struggles with Note, Newport took over command of subduing the Castle. Out at sea, Stein had stolen two vessels, along with own flagship, The Shadow Libra.

With the King in his possession, he still had one final plot to play.

However, as for who wears the crown, that man’s name will go down in history, January, 1829, Lvneel’s Montblanc Family, after ruling over the country for centuries, had now been dissolved. The Nox Family was installed as the new inheritors of the Kingdom’s prosperity.

To Be Continued.