People accepted defeat in different ways. So were raged and angry, so were in despair or humility, and so were even glad that their story ca to an end. For so, it was an opportunity to escape from suffering, and for others, it was just one of the many steps on the path to power.
But... dying at an old age? Adam never faced such a thing, until now.
Adam's blue eyes lowered, ignoring the beautiful beginning of dawn. To the others, it was a sign of their salvation, but Adam saw greater aning in sothing else.
"Still... I managed to win the battle of attrition."
The Crimson Monarch breathed slowly, all of his skin wrinkled and even cracked ready to crumble into sand at any mont.
His clothes beca too big for him, and his hair lost its density and color, becoming sparse and gray like an old man's, barely covering the wrinkles on his forehead.
Only two things had not changed - his crimson eyes and the purple snake that still rested obediently on his shoulder, but... the anxiety in its amber eyes was boundless. The snake sensed that its master, its faithful partner, was dying.
Soon an intermittent, heavy laughter rang out:
"Hahaha... Yeah... You're right Adam..."
The hoarse voice struggled to co out of his throat in a heavy grunt, his dry lips cracked devoid of even a drop of blood.
"In that last attack, I spent everything I had... but... I realized too late that it wasn't about strength and energy..."
Adam nodded slightly, not daring to show his opponent any disrespect.
"You know what you had to do to beat ? I... It was my last hope of winning."
The Crimson Monarch smiled bitterly as he slowly turned around, wanting to savor the dawn one last ti.
"How ironic... I threatened you people that none of you would see the dawn... but... in the end, it was who was the victim of my own prediction."
There wasn't a sound from the other side.
"Are you waiting for my answer...? Good... I have one."
Adam grew more serious, afraid to miss the Crimson Monarch's words, quite possibly they were his final ones.
"You..." the Crimson Monarch muttered as he continued to watch the dawn, "You created sothing special... sothing that gave you the choice to die or live... It all depended on whether it was a success or a failure..."
After a few seconds, he continued:
"I didn't, though... at one point I had that thought... Hah... I'm sure you want to say that I lost because of pride... but I don't agree with that..."
He closed his eyes for a while, feeling his monts:
"I lost because I wasn't willing to go all the way... I didn't want to stray from my plan and beliefs..."
"Isn't that pride?"
Adam asked with a calm look.
"No... It's foolishness. I'm a fool, Adam."
Silence.
Silence fell over the serpent lands, only the active wind currents could be heard especially at the top of the spire.
Soon, the Crimson Monarch's lips ca into motion as he said sothing Adam didn't expect to hear at all.
"Kyros..."
Adam's eyes went wide in disbelief.
"That's my na... I'm ashad I didn't introduce myself properly, here... I can be blad for my pride..."
Adam nodded slightly.
"That's a decent na. I'll rember it, forever."
"Yeah... Good to hear..."
Then, they both looked up at the rising dawn. Adam prepared himself for a long hush, waiting for the monster to die, but... for so reason, the Crimson Monarch grabbed his wrist.
The grip was so weak and slow that Adam didn't even think to dodge.
"Adam... Before I disappear... I know it's insolent, but... I want you to fulfill one request of mine..."
Curiosity lit up in Adam's gaze. He had no idea what the Crimson Monarch could ask of him at a ti like this.
Clearly, their fight was over. The winner was decided, no one was trying to sneak another blow.
"My ti is nearing its end... I lost and I accept all the consequences, but... she is not to bla for my weakness..."
'She...?' Adam muttered internally.
His eyes instinctively traveled down towards the purple snake. He realized who Kyros was talking about.
Soon, the snake realized it as well.
SHIIIIISH!!!
With a mighty hiss, the snake hid behind Kyros's shoulder, staring intently at Adam as its main enemy.
Tap.
Kyros's palm fell on the snake's head, gently stroking it not as a pet, but as its loyal companion.
"Moira... There's no need to be so aggressive... He will make a worthy owner for you..."
Not wanting to even listen to him, Moira opened her jaw wide, sharply sinking her fangs into Kyros's hand.
Yet, not even a hint of pain appeared on his face, only a short laugh.
"Ha-ha-ha... Don't try to make angry. You won't succeed... I've already made up my mind..."
However, Moira didn't listen to him, she continued to bite his hand roughly, but... the tears pouring from her amber eyes gave away the snake's true feelings.
"Adam... I dare not demand your consent, but I would appreciate it... Moira is the dearest thing I have."
In a heartbeat, Adam's face turned serious; he wasn't going to take his opponent's request lightly.
"How am I going to do that? I can't just take the monster with to the Citadel. Moira will be killed, without my knowledge."
Kyros shook his head, bits of his skin beginning to fall away like an old page of a forgotten book.
"Don't worry about that. I just need your consent... I'll take care of the rest," he looked down at his feet, "as long as I'm not completely gone yet."
With a short pause, Adam nodded deeply.
"I agree. Do what is necessary."
Then, Kyros turned Moira towards him, looking at each other, their very different fates awaiting them.
Deep inside Adam, a strange feeling appeared. Kyros and Moira though they were monsters reminded him a lot of Phantom and Operator.
Kyros smiled bitterly, directing the last bits of his energy towards the snake.
"Goodbye, Moira... You and I have a good history, but it's ti for one of us to rest."
If the snake had been able to speak there would be an imdiate desperate cry, yet even without words or sounds Adam could sense everything from Moira's eyes.
The Crimson Monarch's body crumbled faster and faster, while an invisible energy made Moira's fra shudder.
In a heartbeat, the snake turned into a flash disappearing into Adam's chest.
The Crimson Monarch's smile was the brightest thing Adam saw that day, even despite the rising dawn.
"Thank you...stellar talent..."
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