The Beginning [ Job | Jahan ]

As the sun peaked over the calm horizon where the world king and his camp rested he fought a nightmare within his dreams. What should happen to be another night of rest became hours of torment as thoughts replayed in his mind. The king had began to remember all of it, the events in the dungeon that haunted him. His former self, stronger physically and weaker mentally. His shame and dishonor coming from his comrades tongue. It caused the king to wince a bit in his own slumber. Almost Hauntingly Jahan envisioned the image of Gremory, the old blue djinn with wisdom well beyond time staring back at him.

The djinn seemed to be waiting, anticipating and watching the emperor. He was the only authority Jahan answered to. The dream left Jahan feeling a bit anxious as he had wasted so much time and lost so much progress. He would unite the world for he must, it was what he was born to do. Soon Jahan would be awakened by the feeling of feathers rubbing against his head. The boy kept his eyes closed though for the most part simply enjoying the warmth of the bird snuggling against him. It seemed to have taken a liking to him, all animals seemed to take a bit of a liking to Jahanghir. There had to be something that they can feel in the boys spirit.

"It's time to wake up,"

Diana pinched Jahan's nose and he wrinkled it for a moment and his eyes fluttered open. His eyes caught the sun and his lavender gems reflected back at Diana. The king smiled at her she had given him a nice sight to wake too.

"G'morning sunshine" Jahan commented softly as he stared into the womans eyes, he was searching for that same tranquility she had given him earlier. There was something about the woman that put an ease to his anxieties. Perhaps Jahanghir was simply scared to be alone.

"We can stop to get something to eat if you wake quickly."

Jahan rose at the thought of food entering his stomach, he was a fanalis and he was eager to regain his strength.

"You dont need to convince me" Jahan said as he began stretching his arms over head. He got up rolled his neck and wiped the sand from his eyes gently. Belladona took off to the skies and he figured she was on the hunt for food. Jahan placed his ebony crown a top his head.

"Well Diana I would lead the way but Im awfully lost" he joked "You'll have to navigate me"

_______________________________________-

WC - 452

Stamina - 330/330

"We'll have Bellona find the way. But if you need me to carry you, I can,"

Jahan winced at the words. He would not be carried, no he would roam this earth on his own two feet.

"You underestimate me." Jahan would reply not wanting to hear another word. His body had felt weak, it had felt slower and his reactions a tad bit delayed. He didn't understand it but he knew it had to be because of his slumber. He simply hadn't moved much in a long time. His body felt tight and sometimes a bit unresponsive. None the less the world king was confident in his recovery, he already could feel strength returning to him. Though it made him question his ability to perform with his magoi, he shook it off his mind.

"I'll be fine regardless" Jahan thought "There is nothing that will stop me in this world."

"Are we taking this with us?"Diana asked as she pointed at Jahanghir's palanquin, it was a beautiful and decorative box. The entirety of it was rather large and made of a dark ebony wood which was ornamented with gold. He marveled at his palanquin, it was a comfortable space filled with luxurious black and purple silks. The drapped the inner walls, and an arrangement of the finest pillows and silks lined the inner chamber. Jahan sighed, "I guess we never get to keep the good things in life" he thought.

"We should take it into town and sell it. At this point I could use all the money I can. Luckily its worth a great deal of gold."

Jahan finished and lifted the back of the palanquin, even in his weakened state his strength gave rise to the large chariot. Jahan reasoned he could probably lift the entire palanquin but he wouldn't be able to travel far with it at all. It was a bit annoying for the king to say the least, for he needed power more than anything these days. He had many dangers to obstacles to face if he was to truly unite the world.

Jahan almost didnt pick up on the bit of unease in Diana's voice, the girl seemed to want to be light around the subject. Jahan rolled his eyes over his palanquin again when it donned on him that his friends likely died because of the value of this thing. He frowned and bit his lip

"Dont worry about speaking to me. What has happened has happened... This is a result of my own vanity..."

Jahan struggled to bare the words but once he got them out he was finished. It was over like ripping a bandage off just quickly enough to feel the sting of your flesh numb. Jahan shook his head trying to get the distractions from his mind.

"C'mon! Were gonna waste daylight" Jahan yelled to Di from the back of the palanquin.

Spoiler:

"There is a town up ahead. This road is too well worked for there not to be and we aren't too far from the city. My guess is that your companions were trying to take you there. Bellona has memorized all scents that entered the scene. If they stole any of yours or their belongings, she will find them. If they did not, I will place my trust in her. She has never failed me in our years together. Even if we do not find them today, I will help you."

Diana's proclamation stunned Jahan, he hadn't had someone so openly and seriously show him compassion. He couldnt but help to curl his lips into one of his trademarked smiles.

"Very well. I trust you"

Jahan and Diana carried the palanquin through the beautiful and lush scenery of Kou. Jahan enjoyed taking in the beauty of nature, the country side was home to a variety of such beautiful specimen. The exotic luxury of the plants and fruits before them was something he hadnt been able to experience in Reim. He tried desperately to take it all in to memorize the landscape of the beautiful country which he would claim.

Soon the two would find themselves in the bustling city Dalian. The city was large and filled with many people,most of which took a surprise to witnessing the crown atop Jahanghirs head. Jahan's crown was pretty and solid black, only ornamented by the words across its band "Long Live The King" spelled in Alma Torran around its band. However other than a few hushed whispers nobody knew anything of the man other than that he was very different. Diana would lead them into a large abandoned building before stopping and coming to face him.

"I've decided that I'll purchase this from you. If you want anything off of it, just let me know. I'll be deconstructing it for other uses. I can give you my offer or... you could give me your offer. I have more than enough, I promise you. You can be paid in full right now. I just need to get the gold from inside."

Jahan blinked at the woman he couldnt believe her. Did she really expect him to take her money? The man tried to hold back a snarl. Though he was clearly offended, he hadn't carried this up here only for her to give him the cash.

"I will not be coddled Diana. You can not give me money for this." Jahan plainly spat. It was not that he was ungrateful for her help but his pride would not allow him to show such weaknesses.

"Keep the palanquin, I need the exercise. It is worth enough gold to travel the world three times over." Jahan didn't doubt the women wealth either, but this did do him some justice. He would rather not have had to sell the palanquin to just anyone to be very honest. He had some sort of sentimental value with the palanquin that transcended material value. He honestly had no memory of the palanquin other than his awakening, it had been an object his guild had obtained in his honor. They had truly began to see the strength Jahanghir had as a ruler.

He had grown respected by the community by his charity to those who needed it. His nature and his attitude helped aswell, Jahan was trusted and after the results he had shown his people how couldnt they believe in the man. He had built them a guild hall that could compete with any within Reim and he had conquered a dungeon. If there was a man to be their leader it was Jahanghir Nikator. He was the man worth this much in their eyes, and them knowing him wouldnt have enjoyed anything lesser.

"I can easily make money, my fortune will be in my grasp again...." Jahan knew his money was locked up in several places however his biggest source of his funds was locked up in a vault in Reim. Somewhere he would eventually return to. Jahan gripped his fists.

"'Now is only the time to stay on the trail of my enemies."

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Diana dragged Jahan by his elbow, He hurried after the girl picking up his pace. The man could still be heard cursing from behind the door. Jahan snickered at the scene. Following behind Diana they entered the first bazaar Jahan had seen in years. The boys eyes marveled at the life around him. He hadn't seen so many people and it was beginning to feel like the real world again. He could hardly believe that he thought he had perished that his body had became dust and his soul faded to the other world.

Jahan felt relieved and so much very alive. The smells and feelings caught his eyes and gaze. The various different cloths and fabrics of the foreign land intrigued him. Immediately he wished he had money, if only he had his gold he would relish in the foreign cloths and tapestries. He tried to contain himself from oogling but he couldnt help but to take in the atmosphere. He was almost overstimulated by it all. He hurried to Diana's side not wanting to lose her within the sea of people.

"Do you remember what you were doing before you fell asleep? I'm curious." Diana asked the question but Jahanghir was not sure how to answer. He thought back to his earliest memory but he couldnt locate it. He would strain his brain and rack at it all, from the beginning of typhon to the dungeon and his training afterwards.

"No I can't" Jahan admitted, he glanced to the table in defeat. He was worried about that, nobody just goes to sleep for two years. Something had to have happened to him. He would have to figure it out later. Everything was different now he had to move forward onto the future.

"I cant think about it right now. Its useless since I cant remember." He stared Diana confidently in the eyes "I must first avenge my comrades, I can not let enemies of the world king live long lives."

Spoiler:

Jahanghir followed behind Diana the woman ordered her Bellona to lead with a sharp whistle. Jahan followed behind slowly taking his time as he paced himself. His mind had began to slowly cloud itself, he couldn't even imagine what he would find. Who had done this? Who had killed his people? He was no fool of the world Jahanghir knew the type of place that he roamed destined to conquer was a cruel and dark place. Maybe he just couldnt believe it? Maybe it was the feeling that haunted him, that he was the cause of all of this.

The king grimaced soon losing himself to his thoughts, he followed Diana out of his peripheral without really watching her much. He wasn't able to find his thoughts, he felt guilty. Jahan had done some things in his life, even at times he had been wrong or questionable. This was the first time he felt guilty though. The boy held his head lower than usual, the passerby's eye'ing his crown with wonder. Probably questioning his legitimacy. He didn't care he was the king of the world and the world didnt even know it yet.

He pulled his head up as Diana and Jahan walked out of the city into a heavily forested area. Jahan wasn't a complete amuetor at hiking, he simply stepped on the bases of the bothersome foliage crushing them or flattening them.

"You doing okay?" Diana called back to the king, to which he shouted back "Of coarse!" he didn't want people worrying over him. It was true he lacked his former strength and power, but he would hide it. He didnt want to be looked down on, he was strong. He was confident, he was a ton of things he wasnt. His nose wrinkled at the realization. However they soon came to a large temple, something that was marvelous even in its destitution. The temple was overgrown with foliage, hanging ivy vines decorated the outside a long with flowers and the presence of animals. Nature had almost taken over the space but it was obviously still occupied. Jahan took notice of this and his heart rate started to climb.

He couldn't control it, he couldnt explain it. It was a sensation so powerful he didn't know what to say or do. He felt it, he was close soon he could have vengeance. At the same time he didnt know what he would do. He watched Diana unable to really speak or convey his feelings he was just watching. Yet it was obvious in his stance and in his eyes that he was enraged. His excitement he could not contain, his body shook he fought a losing battle with his jaw to stop grinding his teeth. All the while the rage blinded his thoughts.

Diana would throw a rock through the entrance of the Temple alerting his enemies of their location.  

"Hey! Come out! W-We know you're out here!" She baited them

Her face soon turned into pure disgust however at the sight of the men, Jahanghir's did aswell. He only knew that these men were supposed to be responsible for his comrades deaths. These men had defiled him, taken what was his, something that was under his responsibility.

"No Mercy" Diana spoke and Jahan almost scoffed. There was never any intention on mercy. The three goons tried to surround the fanalis which only served to grow his anger.

Jahanghir couldnt contain himself, there they were his enemies at long last.

"Bastards!" He shouted a scream erupted from the man that was powerful and passionate. Jahans face wrinkled and the air became wiry and thick with tension. He glared and snarled lowly. Giving them a murderious look.

The bastards took a step back

"Aye cut this asshole!" one said before charging at Jahanghir, Jahan ducked and sidestepped out of the range of attack. This was his first combat since he had awoken and the adrenaline and anger he felt during it  all was making him stuff. Jahan noticed himself just a tad bit slower when dodging the grace of the thugs blade.  Jahanghir jumped back a step as a thin cut opened on his chest. His eyes shot to the ruby substance in shock before watching his prey.

His opponent lifted his weapon overhead for a sword strike as he did Jahanghir stepped forward clasping his hands with his powerful strength and crushing them. Jahanghir held his fist dealing C tier damage and causing the man to cry in pain.

"Achhh" he began before Jahanghir silenced him with a powerful kick to the chest which sent him flying.

The mans allies were flabbergasted their eyes widened and their grips on their blades shook. Jahan had no intention to stop though he charged at the others doing takedown beneath a sword slash and pummeling the man with his fists. Overwhelmed with rage Jahanghir pummeled the mans face in painting the grass red. He beat the mans head needling-ly as there was a triumph within it. It was cut short quickly by a sharp pain which rang through Jahans side.

His remaining nemesis stabbed the Jahanghir from behind releasing his crimson vitality ;in a blasphemous act. The King sprang in adrenaline spinning and landing back kick to the bastards head. The weight of attack instantly knocked the man out

Spoiler:

Jahan went numb as we watched  Diana brutally finished his opponent. He had hardly felt any satisfaction. The sight of seeing his enemies fade from this world was bitter sweet. Their blood and bones smashing against his knuckles was a triumph but a hollow one. The death of his enemies wouldn't bring back his friends. Oh how the World King had missed them his companions were the only thing he had longed for. He would never see them again the womans that he had saved from a life of slavery. Jahan was a compassionate man, he had felt what others would feel. He had wanted to cry when he looked them in the eyes for the first time.

Jahanghir wanted to scream, he was so upset. He had never been this upset. He had never had a reason to feel this way.

"Let me help you," Diana said. Jahan turned his face from Diana, he felt like shit. He didn't want help he wanted to bleed. He wanted to feel something other than the knot forming in his chest and throat. Diana's tone soon changed and she gripped the king's wrist.

"Let me or you can sit here and die in vain." Her voice was stern or commanding and for the first time Jahanghir submitted. He said nothing and stood still for the woman to tend to him. All the while his head began to spin with emotion. He tried to calm himself to quiet the storm in his mind but instead he just shook with the rolling thunder. He was brought back to reality with the hot feeling of his burning flesh. He snarled invigorated by the pain Diana had issued, and unable to hold back his pain anymore his eyes poured a few tears.

"I'm c-crying?" Jahanghir thought to himself and as he did he began to despise himself more. "How dare I show weakness" he snarled. How!? How could he in the  grave of his enemies show weakness, as his allies looked down upon him how dare he shed a tear. This was their moment of triumph, their moment of victory.

Diana released Jahanghir after she tended to his wounds and he pulled away from her taking it upon himself to sit down resting his back against the temple wall. He would leave the cleaning to Diana as he couldnt bare to touch their flesh again, he would have mauled their corpses. He was trying to avoid that now as he felt ashamed in desecrating the dead.

"A life for a life" Jahan said weakly then he snorted "Are you fucking kidding me? I know now a blood  debt can not be paid in full"

TOTAL WC -3564

Jahanghir wiped the tears from his eyes, he was embarrassed by his weakness. Diana had came to him offering him a  few words to grace his mind and possibly ease him. Though it wasn't effective, nothing could be said to ease the kings heart. Avenging his comrades had only caused him to think of them more, if he had killed these men so mercilessly he could only imagine the suffering they felt.

"You'll be okay. If you need me, I'll be exploring the temple. Just don't leave me here by myself. I'll get worried."

Jahanghir simply nodded his head and stayed put, he watched as Bellona perched itself on a branch overlooking him. He felt a bit of comfort in the old birds presence he didnt know her nature but it was almost like she knew and cared. Soon rain would begin to pick up and the world king would quietly removed himself from the temple wall.

He wandered throughout the temple following past the broken down and forested walls. He began to see the light of a flame coming through the darkness of the halls leading him to Diana. Jahanghir's feet would drag a bit over the ground creating a dull sound as he moved towards the light. He would enter the large building and spotted Diana by the flames.  Jahanghir walked towards the fire and sat besides Diana. He needed support, he needed anything to feel better than he did now.

The flames flickered across his face and a knot formed in Jahanghirs chest again. His eyes lowered and his bangs fell across his face. The King sat in silence feeling less man and more of a boy.

[exits]

wc - 3844