+ Checkmate +

By, NéJ

A/N:
This is somewhat of a just for fun story I have.
It contains many characters from many of my stories into an alternate storyline together.
And, ignore the fact one of the characters shares my author name.

Prologue

“It seems she has the whole kingdom under her control, milord.”

Kokiryu looked over his shoulder, his icy blue eyes piercing into the darkness that enshrouded the empty corridor. He leaned against the wall, resting his palm on the small table next to him. His eyes shifted to the candle stick idly sitting there, and closely watched the flame dance around the darkness.

“Garrett, aren’t you worried about being caught?” Kokiryu replied coldly, to the voice that spoke from shadows. He titled his head to Garrett’s assumed direction, gazing into a pair of radiant yellow eyes. Kokiryu heard a soft chuckle.

Garrett’s cat-like eyes flashed, glowing with amusement. “You should know stealth is my specialty.”

“Iisairus’ has vassals eyeing every part of this kingdom like a stubborn hawk.”

“Ah, I appreciate the worry. But a Darian never gets caught. We succeed best even uncovering secrets.”

The blue-eyed youth smirked slightly, crossing his arms across his firm chest. “What news do you have to appear before me now?”

“Just a few bits of information from the outside. No one knows of Iisairus take over on the castle.”

Kokiryu nodded slowly. “Any word on why my father is allowing this to happen? Any threats from Lord Acheron?”

“I haven’t heard any further news of tension among Helheim. I did find in my research that Iisairus is half-succubus.”

“That would explain how father is being controlled...”

“I’m sorry milord. I can’t do much now.”

“It’s okay. Meet with Iifay and see if any of our allies might believe your tale.”

Kokiryu pushed off against the wall, and began to walk down the lonesome hallway, not bothering to turn back to see if Garret had vanished. He had too much on his mind, and he knew any more concern from him would only irk his most trusted servant.

Only three weeks ago, Iisairus had visited his beloved Zeboim Kingdom, as an ambassador of Sodom Gomorride. Though his whole house was shaken with fear because her visit. For Sodom Gomorride was a strict militant kingdom feared among all others in their forsaken corner of the world. His father believed some good could come of showing any gratitude towards their house. However, things didn’t quite go well to his father’s plan.

Kokiryu watched as his servants and knights around him became entranced by the woman, his father was also among those enticed by her. Before he could even register what was going on, his kingdom was under her control, and they were all her puppets. How he was the only one still with his free will, he was unsure.

The youth stopped in front of a large brass door. He glared at it threateningly, slowly extending his strong arms to the golden handles, pulling them tightly, opening a way to the spacious and extravagant throne room.

Ahead of him, sitting in his fathers throne, was that woman who he despised. Her deep violet eyes look at Kokiryu with a sadistic interest, she smirked as he slowly sauntered towards her along the royal blue carpet. Iisairus crocked her head to the side, and rested her sharp chin against the palm of her hand. She crossed her right leg over the other, her eyes beaming on Kokiryu.

He was a bold and handsome youth, she thought. Fierce icy blue eyes of a demon. His soft, light brown hair glowed like an angel’s in the sunlight. His light eye and hair color matched his pale skin, making him appear to have a natural heavenly glow about him. He stood exactly at six feet, and his proud posture made him look taller. He was thin, but solid, with a fit and muscular shape perfect for his height.

She was intrigued with his unwillingness to give in. Though his kingdom was collapsing around him, he stood firm. He had his father’s stubbornness, she knew that.

“So you finally decide to show up my pet?” She asked, laughing cruelly afterwards. Kokiryu stopped in his tracks, and gave the woman a blank expression. He didn’t open his mouth, to reply.

“You’ll be a fun one to break.”

Kokiryu returned to his room. Bitter from having to stand in an audience with that woman for even only a short time. He looked to the large mirror, alone by itself in the corner. He gazed into it, staring at his oddly shaped elven-like ears. His eyes were sharp, a dangerous and cold shape about them. His pupils, dilated, like that of a reptile

The Daemons, the race of Helheim, shared those features.

He sighed, crossing his arms, continuing to stare into his reflection. His kind, the Daemons, were both feared and persecuted for their looks, in events the past long ago.

Kokiryu faced away from the mirror and moved quickly to his dresser. He’d have to somehow sneak outside for help, even if it meant possibly facing death. The other continents detested his kind, and not to mention many of the bounty hunters seeking the heads of any escapees from Helheim.

Although, the prince could remember his father telling him of a human king he had befriended. Someone they could turn to help. Kokiryu pulled out a large black cloak from the back of his dresser, and threw it on his bed.

“Leaving so soon?”

“I think I know how to fix things, watch over the Kingdom for me Garret?”

Garret stood across his bed, giving the prince an incredulously look. “Isn’t running away to obvious?”

“Yes, but I don’t think that woman will mind. She’d probably believe all her mental abuse has sent me away, I think she’d like that idea.”

“Great, so you leave me to cover for you?”

“Pretty much.” Kokiryu laughed softly, Garret just glared.

“Do you know where you’re even going?”

“Yes. To find Lucian.”

Someone knocked at his door. Kokiryu looked back at Garret, but he was already gone. Kokiryu advanced to the door cautiously. The door opened on its own, standing there was a fairly tall thin woman. Her exotic hair color, which was a soft light blue, caught his attention.

He took a deep breath. “It’s just you NéJ.”

She smiled, although it was more of a smirk. She leaned against the door frame, her hands crossed. Suddenly, her face became serious. Her pale green eyes focused on his.

“You can’t leave yet.”

Kokiryu frowned. “How you and Garret know these things so fast is beyond me.”

She walked right passed him into the middle of his room. Garret appeared from the shadows, standing next to her.

“What is it?” he inquired, his yellow eyes flashed.

“Kokiryu needs to stay.”

“And why do I?” Kokiryu growled, his voice rising.

“Lucian’s human daughter is coming.”