The morning sun bathed the Human Kingdom in warmth. Birds chirped, children played, and inside the Arcime household, the smell of fresh bread and roasted herbs filled the air.
Aizen sat at the table with his family—Lyra beside him, the kids around them. Crystal was trying to reach the honey jar, and Lina teasingly held it just out of her grasp.
They were laughing.
Knock. Knock.
Aizen stood up and opened the door.
A tall man stood there, wearing the badge of the Hunter's Guild. His armor looked recently polished, but his tone was far from polite.
"There's a wanted Beastman in this kingdom," the man said grimly. "You may have heard. The bounty is nine hundred million gold."
Aizen raised an eyebrow. "What does that have to do with me?"
The man smirked. "You see, this Beastman killed twenty dragon knights. Knights that were nearly on par with a dragon commander. The Guild is looking for strong individuals to assist."
Aizen's gaze sharpened. "I'm busy. With my family."
The man didn't budge. "Mister, if you refuse this request, and if the rumors are true… then you and your family might be labeled traitors."
A cold silence hung in the air. Golden eyes met the man's stare.
Then Aizen said, "Tomorrow is my kids' birthday. So I must decline, at all cost."
The man scoffed, realizing he wouldn't win. "Fine. But I'll return tomorrow. Don't go anywhere."
He walked off.
Aizen closed the door, his jaw clenched. Lyra had heard it all from the kitchen, her violet eyes worried.
---
The next morning was much brighter.
Mikaela and Theodore both woke up to the smell of pancakes, berries, and grilled meat.
"Happy birthday!!" everyone shouted as they entered the dining room.
Balloons made of air magic floated gently around the room. Amethyst made chocolate, Crystal handed hand-made crowns of flowers, and Lina shouted, "The birthday royalty has arrived!"
Mikaela wore a fiery red ribbon, her small black horns shining. Theodore had wings spread wide like a proud little seraph.
Lyra gave them matching enchanted bracelets. "They'll protect you as long as you never take them off."
Aizen placed a box in front of them both. Inside were custom weapons—a compact magic staff for Mikaela, and a light, rune-engraved sword for Theodore.
Their eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Papa!"
They partied all day—games, food, music. Amethyst even sang (badly), and Lina threw cookies like shuriken.
That night, too full to move, they all slept together in one big futon. Aizen and Lyra in the center, surrounded by children like stars around two suns.
Before sleep, Lyra softly told a story.
"It was about a dragon and a lion… who hated each other, until they learned to love."
Mikaela rolled her eyes. "You just described you and Papa."
Everyone laughed.
---
In Lyra's dream…
Chains rattled.
She—no, Miyako—was tied to a pole, her silver hair dirty, her violet eyes terrified. Around her were thugs, greedy and cruel.
Then—shouts. Chaos.
Raizen burst in, fury in his eyes. "MIYAKO!!! I'm here!"
His fists struck like thunder. His friends followed, fighting beside him. Within minutes, most of the kidnappers were down or fleeing.
Raizen broke Miyako's chains. She collapsed into his arms. "I missed you… I'm sorry for causing all this—"
Bang!
A single shot rang out.
The bullet pierced Miyako's back—straight through her heart… and into Raizen's chest too.
Blood spilled.
She whispered as her eyes dimmed.
"I love you… In our next life… please… let us be together…"
---
Suddenly—
CRACK!
Smoke.
Flames.
Screams.
Lyra's eyes shot open. Their house was burning. The scent of smoke thickened the air.
"AIZEN!" she cried, shaking him.
He jolted awake, immediately grabbing Lina and Crystal. Lyra held Mikaela, and Amethyst carried a dazed Theodore.
They rushed outside.
All around them—the Human Kingdom was in flames.
A massive army marched through the streets. Demonic soldiers, flying beasts, and monstrous machines.
And leading them… the Demon King himself, standing tall atop a hellish chariot.
His dark crown glowed, and beside him floated a second figure in golden armor—radiating arrogance and power.
The Dragon King.
Together.
The Dragon King sneered, voice loud as thunder.
"That's our true enemy, Demon King Pablo. The Black Lion. He is a threat to your rise… and mine."
Pablo only smirked.
Aizen's eyes trembled.
Smoke. Fire. Children crying. Just like his dream.
Just like that nightmare where he stood frozen, unable to save anyone.
Not again.
He stepped forward, breathing heavy.
BOOM.
The Demon King fired the first shot, a blast of red hellfire.
But this time…
Aizen didn't flinch.
His form shimmered.
Lightning sparked. His muscles pulsed. Black fur coated his body as his beast form took over—glowing golden eyes full of power and wrath.
The Black Lion roared.
He stood in the flames, like a living god of war.
Even the Demon King paused, sensing the shift.
His mane danced with golden lightning. His body looked carved from obsidian. Strength. Majesty. Rage.
Aizen Arcime. The Legendary Black Lion.
Lyra stared in awe. "He's… beautiful."
Theodore whispered, "Papa's scary…"
Mikaela whispered back, "No. He's perfect."
As the armies prepared for battle, Aizen stared straight at the two kings.
"I won't let this world burn," he growled. "I won't let you take my family."
Lightning crackled in the sky.
And thus—
The War of Flame and Storms began.
---
End of Chapter 31