Chapter 0: Where it all began 

The sky was shrouded with thunderclouds. In the far distance was a village burning. The cries and screams of helpless victims echoed across the vast mountain range.

Then suddenly, loud clashing noises can be heard as the swords of two figures clash on top of the highest mountain in the land. Stood a boy no older than 17. And a girl no older than 18. 

Both the girl and the boy were severely wounded. The boy was tightly holding his white and gold colored sword that was glowing yellow. The girl had a black and silver sword irradiating with black color in retaliation.

The girl had black hair and dark purple eyes. She wore a long black dress with silver jewelry. But among the silver jewelry stood out a silver necklace with a red pearl. The boy’s gaze turned to the girl. His green eyes focused on her. The girl's rage and malice were visible on her face. Her skin was the palest white a person can have with huge and noticeable under-eye bags. 

The boy with a very saddened and hurt expression. “W-why?… why would you do this… Zaria…?” The boy asked as their blades clashed. 

“You're going to pay for what you've done, James…” Zaria said, then raised her empty hand, and the area was consumed in the darkness. She then shot black energy straight at James. 

The young teenage boy raised his hand and managed to block it with his shield of light that he conjured. “Zaria, please! This isn't the way to get justice…”, he pleaded. Deep down, he knew he needed to stop this; Zaria was already too far gone. 

He just can’t admit to himself that his oldest and dearest friend has turned into an evil murderer. Zaria then curled her lip in amusement then she let out a sinister chuckle. 

“Justice?... Justice? You think I want justice? No!!! I don't want justice….. I want revenge… I want to take everything away from you…. I want you to die a slow and painful death while you watch your kingdom burn and experience the pain that I felt that day when you-....” her voice trailed off for a split second; you can see the sadness in her eyes, but her sadness didn’t come from remorse. This was the sadness only someone who experienced terrible heartbreak felt. After a moment, that sadness was replaced by her reignited anger.

She then shouted, “I'm going to kill you, Prince James. I will destroy everything you've ever loved. If it means burning your precious kingdom to the ground… then so be it…” 

She then raised her sword and began charging towards James again. James tried to hold back the tears as he heard her declaration of hatred. But he knew he had to stop her, not for his own sake but for his kingdom and his people. They didn't deserve to suffer for his mistake. He raised his sword then charged as well. He again met Zaria head on, and the two clashed again. 

They fought for hours; their powers were equal, light and darkness; one couldn't overpower the other. Both magic users fought with every spell, and every ounce of strength they had. After 3 long hours of fighting, both Zaria and James were exhausted. Zaria was slowly overpowering James. The young prince had to turn the tables of the battle, or else he would be defeated by Zaria's hand. 

When all hope seemed lost, Zaria was about to cast her finishing spell. James knew he needed to cast his most powerful spell. He dropped his sword then raised both of his hands. His hands began to glimmer with an intense light. 

Tears poured down James’ eyes as he unleashed his final spell… no words left the princes’ mouth; he couldn't bring himself to speak the incantation. Every fiber in his being told him to stop. But he couldn't stop. 

To protect his kingdom and people, he needed to stop his first and bestest friend. After a few seconds, his hands released a massive amount of light energy as he released his final spell. An enormous beam of light poured out from his hands and was directed straight towards Zara. The dark sorceress’ eyes widened as she raised her hands and cast her most powerful protection spell. But it wasn't enough…. As the giant ray of light hit her, it caused a massive explosion of light. 

The mountain on which they had their legendary duel was now just a large crater. The mountain was gone. It was reduced to rubble; there were burn marks from all the light and dark energy spells that were exchanged in this heated struggle. James then fell down and collapsed on the ground. He used every drop of magical energy he had. It took him several minutes of panting and heavy breathing to catch his breath and even more to gather up the energy to get on his feet. James' body was full of injuries and scratches; blood poured from almost every area. 

He was barely alive, but he needed to see Zaria one last time. He slowly limped towards the body of Zaria. Her body lay there limp. Her skin was burnt, and a small pool of blood beneath her body. Zaria, one of the greatest users of dark magic in history, was dead. 

Despite him defeating his enemy and winning the battle. James felt no peace, he felt no happiness; He felt…… empty… alone... James then fell on his knees and began to sob uncontrollably. 

Tonight his kingdom will celebrate the death of one of the worst dark mages in history. The death of a woman who killed countless people and burned villages to the ground with insatiable bloodlust and anger. But to James, he will mourn the loss of his dear friend.  

“How did this happen?... H-How did it come to this...?” he murmured as he cried. He cried and mourned until he couldn't anymore. After a while, he started to lose consciousness and his body collapsed next to Zaria.