Cursed Queen: Battle Against Gods

You Are Me

When we arrived at the house, I saw Karis and Bren preparing to attack. It seems like they can't move because time was stopped for them. I sighed and stood in the middle as I motioned Aiyana to allow them to move.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Aiyana did it, and so I spread my hands. The two have activated the attacks, so it'll continue now that they can move again.

"Absorb..." They just realized that I was in the middle and tried to stop the attacks, but I absorbed it immediately.

"Come here," I told them both.

They stood in front of me, but I wasn't having it. They realized what my expression was telling them, and they immediately knelt on one knee. Sometimes, they need to be taught a lesson.

"Why did you two suddenly attack each other?" I asked.

"I wanted to kill him," Bren said nonchalantly.

"He was annoying, so I wanted to shut him up," Karis said like a puppy that was being scolded by his owner.

I sighed. "I'm tired, so refrain from fighting. Let me rest. And Bren, you should go back. Don't let suspicion rise, okay?"

He nodded with a pout on his face. "I wanted to stay here."

"You shouldn't. Hildus would suspect that you have broken out of his spell after meeting me. If that happens, he will suspect the ones that I've met so far. Remember, don't make him suspect anything," I told him with a very serious expression.

"Okay..."

He bowed down to me and transformed into a bear. I watched him as he started to run towards the other side of the mountain.

"Isn't he sick?" I asked Aiyana who was only watching from a distance.

She nodded. "He can go on his own, don't worry. He seems to be taking this situation well, so he'll be fine."

I nodded and turned to Karis who was frowning like a child. Pfft. Instead of trying to talk to him, I went straight inside to sleep. My whole body feels heavy like I just carried tons of bags. It seems like he followed me inside because I could hear footsteps.

"You're going to ignore me? Are you serious?" Karis asked as he sat beside me.

"Please let me rest..." I murmured and turned my back on him.

I felt him lay beside me. Why is he so clingy?! His actions made me sigh as I tried to fall asleep even when his hand on my waist was so heavy. The moment I woke up, I felt something heavy on my chest. I opened my eyes only to see Karis on top of me, sleeping like a log. Ah, no wonder it felt so heavy. He seems to be in a deep sleep, so I slowly removed his hand to stand up. I left him there and tried to find Aiyana.

"Hey," I called when I found her in the kitchen. "You didn't wake us up last night?"

She smiled. "You two were sleeping so soundly. I did not want to disturb you."

"I see, sorry for that."

It was morning now, and I promised that I would train properly now. Maybe I'll spar with Karis if he wakes up. Or he might be tired, so I'll go alone if he is.

"Why did Karis wake up yesterday? I thought it'll take two days?" I asked.

She sighed. "You were far from him. That probably triggered him. Perhaps he feels unsafe if you are not around."

Oh? I thought it was the other way around. It's me. It's me who can't stand it when I can't feel his presence. Or maybe we're both that way.

"Thank you," I told Aiyana when she served the food so that I can eat now.

Hmm, it's not like I can't live without Karis. It's just that I feel a lot more confident when he's beside me. He always hypes me up and makes me feel like I'm not alone. I guess I just got used to his presence. Normally, I would push people away because I don't feel comfortable. But with Karis, it's different. And besides, I'm really scared right now. It's not showing, but I really feel that way. The curse is going to manifest soon and we're all waiting for it. No one is excited about it and we're all on edge.

"If the curse manifests, would anything weird happen?" I asked out of the blue.

She sighed. "That is what I am concerned about. We are not sure if there is going to be a side effect. However, I have prepared certain methods to counter such events. Do not worry about anything and just focus on getting it under control, okay?"

I nodded. "Okay. Thank you."

As I ate breakfast, I kept on thinking about it. I hope that the curse won't have any significant effect on the two of them. Ah, I wish I could talk to Bythos regarding this. I have a lot of questions I want to ask him right now.

"Where could you be...?" I mumbled while walking to the usual spot where we train.

I'm not going to summon the sword now because it'll be dangerous. Judging my current situation, it'll be a success if I try to take it now. However, it won't be a good idea to summon it without any reason. I'll probably be able to do so only if I really need it. Perhaps when I fight Hildus and The Zodiacs that haven't broken out of the spell. Although, I doubt it would be necessary.

If The Zodiacs break out of the spell when I meet them, things will work out better for me. Kicking Hildus out of the castle would be a piece of cake. Well, unless he's prepared something to counter me. Hmm, regarding that matter. I should prepare myself if he tries to do something that could lead to my possible death. If he's a pretty average god, I'll be able to single-handedly defeat him. But if he's not, it might take a while.

Oh, I have to carefully make a plan that has no loopholes. I also have to consider the people that are in the city. We should evacuate them when we're fighting because I don't want them to get caught up in this mess.

I really have a lot of things on my plate now. First, the curse. Now, the faction. I mean, I'm the leader and it's my responsibility. I won't say that it's too much because I've been in this situation a couple of times before. I guess I'll have to thank my former father for making me the commander of his whole army. It kinda paid off now.

Aiyana suddenly appeared beside me with a smile. I was surprised, so I jumped a little. Ah, that was quite scary. She suddenly appeared beside me!

She chuckled when she saw my reaction. "Flare, do not forget that you have Karis, okay?"

"Hm? What are you talking about?"

"You are obviously thinking about a lot of things. Karis will always be by your side, so try to share things with him, okay?"

I smiled. "Thank you, but I'm okay. I'm just trying to think about what's going to happen within 3 and a half months."

"Oh? We only have that much time left?"

"Yes. I already have a plan in mind, but it still needs some polishing."

"Really? You seem to be really cut out for leading people," she complimented me.

I snickered at her remark. "I was only forced to lead people on battlefields, and I got used to it."

She went silent as she waited for me to continue. I chuckled because she really looked eager to hear the whole story. Telling a story seems like a hassle, so I decided to show her my memories. I have learned how to do that now, and it'll be easier to just tell her in that way.

The way her face changed while I was relaying my memories to her made me cackle. I do know that my story is not a happy one and it seems to have affected her so much. She looked at me with sadness in her eyes, but I only smiled at her. I'm glad that she didn't give me a pitied look because I don't it.

"You had to go through such cruel treatment?" she asked with so much anger dripping from her voice. "You were only a child!"

I chuckled. "It happened in the past, so it doesn't really matter to me now."

"It does matter, Flare. Ah, I wish I can do something to make them pay for what they did to you," she said in between gritted teeth.

"Shouldn't the present be more important? I'm really happy with my life now and I don't want to have to do anything with them," I replied as I tapped her shoulders.

We finally reached our destination, so I changed the subject and told her that I'm going to begin my training now. She was hesitant and still wanted to talk to me, but she let me go. I began my training, but it was boring because I don't have anyone to spar with me. Aiyana doesn't want to do it for some reason, so I didn't force her to do it with me.

"Your Majesty!" someone called.

I quickly turned around when I heard a familiar voice. It was Alwina! Luckily, I just finished my morning routine, so I quickly went in her direction. She was only standing there, waiting for me to come.

"Hi! You finally came," I said and gave Aiyana a side glance.

Aiyana looked away and pretended that she has a lot of stuff to do. So, I turned to Alwina who was stiff and refuses to look at Aiyana. Ah, these women.

She sighed and looked at my face. "I would like to apologize in advance, but I want you to explain something to me. Remember your former body? I secretly took a sample that I can study on. Your Majesty, I found something rather concerning. There is a curse residing in your body."

I pursed my lips and looked away, unable to say anything. Sure, the curse isn't a secret, but I didn't want to let them know about it. Now that Alwina knows about it, I can no longer lie or change the topic.

Ah, what should I do...?

"Your Majesty, this is a very important matter. You need to tell me so that I can help you!" she said, frustrated.

I sighed and looked at Aiyana who was dumbfounded. "Should I tell her everything?"

She was hesitant, but she gave me a go signal. "There is nothing we can hide anyway."

I looked at Alwina with guilt and told her everything. She quietly listened as I explained the whole situation to her. I know that she only wants to help me, but even if there was a way to save me from this curse, I wouldn't risk it. Rather than getting this whole world destroyed, I prefer taking it peacefully and living with it. That way, no one would be harmed. I would also be able to live normally as long as I have it under control, which I can do. I trained for weeks for a reason.

"There should be a way to get rid of the curse for good!" Alwina insisted.

Aiyana and I shook my head. We looked at each other, relieved that we're agreeing on this matter. She doesn't seem amused by this whole situation but is trying to stay calm. Damn, is she mad at me?

"Listen here, Miss Archmage, Flare has already accepted her fate. Do not try to mess things up because it will put this whole world in danger. Do us a favor and keep quiet regarding this," Aiyana said in a very sassy way.

I pursed my lips and took a few steps back since they started bickering. They didn't notice me at all, so I decided to start my afternoon training without eating anything. I only drank water from my palm and nothing more.

The tension between the two was unbearable. Aiyana is right, but Alwina doesn't like the idea of having a curse inlaid upon me. As for me, I have strengthened my resolve, and nothing can tempt me to get rid of it. Unless Bythos tells me to do so, which I doubt would happen.

I became absorbed with my training and forgot about the two. It was nighttime already, and they were nowhere to be found. Hmm, they probably went home. Meanwhile, I decided to go to the hot springs first.

"Ah, so tiring..." I mumbled as I took my clothes off so that I can bathe on the hot springs.

I closed my eyes as I felt my body being healed. The whole place was quiet, and it felt solemn. Thankfully, it's not eerily quiet. I would have bolted out of the place if it was. However, it was more relaxing to come here alone than I thought.

My stomach suddenly grumbled, so I got up and flew towards the house. Walking alone would be tiring and I'm already very hungry, so I decided to go the easier way. When I came home, there was already food prepared on the table. I checked on Karis, but he was still asleep. I can't find Aiyana and Alwina, so I'm starting to get worried. But I'm about to pass out due to hunger, so I had to eat first. I guess this body isn't used to that. My old body would have been able to hold out for three days without eating since it was used to that.

"Where did they go...?" I mumbled as I tried to look for them around the house.

Maybe I should try to meditate so that I can locate them. I tried to do it and I was able to see what was within a 150-meter radius. They aren't here! I stood up and paced back and forth because I was worried. What if they got kidnapped or met a member of The Zodiac? I mean, they can handle them, but who knows? I decided to just wait for a few more before going out to look for them. I hope they're not bickering or anything.

Ah, those two. They should have left a note or something to inform me that they were leaving. They left food, but there's nothing else besides that. I have cleaned up, but I didn't find anything. They weren't in the warehouse either. I thought they would just be around the house. Tsk. I should have paid attention to them earlier. Now, I'm panicking.

I was about to go out when they suddenly came in from the front door. I held onto my chest as I heaved a sigh of relief. They looked at me with confusion written all over their faces. It was as if they didn't expect me to be awake at this hour. If this was a normal situation, I would have laughed at their faces. But I'm just relieved now.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Where have the two of you been? I was worried."

Aiyana smiled slightly. "We went outside for a while. Sorry for worrying you, but we are okay."

"Ah, yes. We only took a stroll."

I nodded and sighed. "Next time, please don't forget to tell me. I was worried that something might have happened to the two of you."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I'm going to sleep now since I'm tired. You two should also rest," I told them and went inside the room.

Karis is still asleep, so I quietly laid beside him. I was quite surprised when he suddenly draped his arm around my waist, but I ignored it and tried to sleep. Ah, his arm feels so heavy...

"Flare..." someone called.

I tried to look for the person who called me, but I couldn't find them. The voice wasn't familiar, but I feel like it's from someone who has been beside me all this time. The place felt like it was from a different dimension. It was so dark, and I couldn't find any light. Strangely, I don't feel scared even after being alone in such a place. For some reason, it felt like home.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I...am chaos. Hurry up and submit to me..." the voice replied.

Ha...

I suddenly felt chills when he said that. I held onto my body as if my life depended on it. The person sounded like a man's voice, but I'm still not sure about that. The person said that they're chaos, and now I'm confused. Submit to chaos? What does that mean? I looked around and tried to find it, but there was really nothing besides me.

"Where are you?! I would like to talk!" I shouted to make sure that they would hear me.

What if I'm being hypnotized to pass the curse onto someone else? That wouldn't do. Suddenly, a light started to appear from a certain direction, so I followed it. When I was finally in front of it, all I saw was a ball that has two colors. The left side was white while the right side was black. Huh? Yin and yang?

"Flare..." it spoke.

I jumped a bit and tried to take a few steps back, but I couldn't move. It was as if my body was paralyzed, and I can't do anything. Ah, f**k. I'm scared! I became more afraid when the ball suddenly turned into a person. The person was neither a woman nor a man. It looked like a mannequin that could move.

It held my cheeks, and I felt like I was sweating buckets. What is this? Does chaos also have its own image? I didn't know that! Bythos never told me anything about this, and now I'm scared!

Please let this be a dream. I feel like I won't be able to focus anymore! Yes, I know that I need to do it, but this thing right here is making me feel like I shouldn't do anything. I thought I will only need to fight Hildus, now I have to do something about this thing, too?!

It tapped my cheek a few times. "You...are me. That body of yours...will be mine someday. I may not have been able to take control over Bythos, but I will make sure that I can take you..."

My breathing started to become labored, and I couldn't speak. Ah, s**t. I have to do something about this! I can't just stand here and get scared. Even though my body hurts, I tried to move and shove the person away from me. I have no time to get scared.

'Chaos' seems to be surprised by what I did. "Oh? Are you going to put up a fight?" it asked.

I swallowed the lump on my throat and tried to speak. "I will not hand my own body to you!" I tried to shout because my voice won't come out.

I'm very confused right now and I know that I need to talk to Bythos about this. That would be hard because he's nowhere to be found. I need answers regarding this, so I hope that he will talk to me now.

"If you think you can fight me, think again. I will make you submit."

As soon as I tried to speak, the floor broke. My eyes widened and I tried to reach for the person as I started falling. This should be a dream, right? I won't die here. Of course, I was just sleeping. Please wake up now...

I continued to try and reach for anything that could help me, but there wasn't any. I even tried to fly or summon vines! There was no mana or anything and I just kept on falling into oblivion.

Please just wake up...

"You will never be able to live up to their expectations, Flare..." the person said and jumped with me.

Huh...

Yeah, sure. I was thinking about that as well. However, a lot of people believed in me and encouraged me. That's why I'll try to do it no matter what.

"You know nothing..." I murmured as I closed my eyes, waiting for myself to wake up.

As soon as I was about to hit the end of the abyss, I opened my eyes. So, I was right. That was only a dream, no matter how real it seemed. Although, I know that I really met the soul of the curse that has been residing within me.

I heaved a sigh and held onto my chest that was still pounding. Ah, that was scary. The whole thing about meeting my curse was quite nerve-wracking. Earlier, I felt like I was about to faint. It had a scary presence that would want you to just run away from it.

"Flare, are you okay?"

I looked at Karis who just woke up and is looking at me worriedly. He held my face and checked if I was sick or something. Ah, right. He's here with me. I felt like all my fears and anxiety flew out of the window.

"I'm okay..." I murmured.

He sighed and held my hand, not convinced. "You're not. Did you have a nightmare? You can tell me about it. I'm sorry for sleeping throughout the day. Were you lonely?"

I chuckled. "It's fine, Karis. It was just a bad dream."

"Okay..." he replied as he pulled me in for a hug. "I know you're scared. Don't worry, I won't leave your side."