Shadows Of Deception

Jin sat in silence, his posture stiff, his gaze fixed downward. The faint glow of the setting sun outside Seiji's home in the Free World cast long shadows across the room. Across from him, Seiji sat lazily, one leg draped over the other, sipping tea with his usual relaxed demeanor, alongside shenlog and Madagascar.Standing tall and imposing, Mengi leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. His expression was serious, a stark contrast to Seiji's ever-casual attitude.

"It's been months since Blackstone," Mengi began, his deep voice cutting through the quiet room like a blade. "I've given you time, Jin. Time to process everything—to wrestle with the truth about Jiangshi, the man you once called Jon."

Jin didn't look up. His mind had been a storm since Blackstone, where truths unraveled like strings from an intricate tapestry, revealing a history far deeper and darker than he could have imagined. Mengi continued, his tone firm but patient.

"But now," Mengi said, stepping forward, "it's time for you to know everything—about who you are, where you come from, and the family you belong to."

Jin's head lifted slightly, his expression conflicted. Seiji remained silent, observing but offering no interruptions. He knew the weight of this moment and didn't want to interfere.

Mengi took a deep breath and began. "Four thousand years ago, there was a city unlike any other—a city that flourished as a beacon of power and unity. Atlantis."

Jin's eyes widened. "Atlantis?"

"Yes," Mengi confirmed. "The great Atlantis City. It was a sanctuary for all beings—vampires, witches, swordsmen, werewolves, humans, and more. No matter who you were or what god you worshipped, Atlantis welcomed all. It thrived on diversity, balance, and strength. And at the heart of it all was the royal family. Our family, Jin."

Jin's breath caught in his throat. Seiji leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued.

"Our father," Mengi continued, "was King Festus, ruler of Atlantis and bearer of a title feared across realms: The Demon God."

Jin blinked, struggling to reconcile this revelation with everything he thought he knew about himself. "The Demon God? How could—how could that be?"

Mengi smiled faintly, but his expression was tinged with bitterness. "It's a long story, one rooted in betrayal, ambition, and power. You see, our father didn't ascend to the throne easily. Before Festus, there was our grandfather, Daemon the Conqueror. A man of unmatched might and wisdom, Daemon was both a king and a warrior, feared by his enemies and loved by his people."

Mengi paused, his gaze distant, as if recalling events he had never witnessed but felt deeply tied to. "Daemon had two sons: Jiangshi, the eldest, and Festus, our father. Both were trained as royalty, prepared for the possibility of ruling Atlantis. But while Festus was gifted with natural abilities and a kind heart, Jiangshi was… different. Ruthless. Unyielding. He believed that everyone should bow before the royal bloodline."

Jin's jaw tightened. The image of Jon—the man he thought he knew—clashed violently with the picture Mengi was painting.

"As they grew, Festus's talents began to shine brighter," Mengi continued. "He was the first to unlock his powers, and the people of Atlantis adored him for his kindness and dedication. Jiangshi, on the other hand, grew resentful. He saw Festus's popularity as a threat. And when Daemon announced his intention to step down, he chose Festus as his successor. That decision sealed Jiangshi's hatred."

Mengi's tone darkened. "But Jiangshi wasn't content to accept his brother's reign. He killed Daemon."

"What?" Jin's voice broke through his shock. "He killed his own father?"

Mengi nodded grimly. "Jiangshi had discovered a way to manipulate time using his compass magic. He rewound moments, altered events, and erased evidence of his crime. No one ever knew he was responsible. Festus mourned their father and ascended the throne, blissfully unaware of Jiangshi's treachery."

Jin's hands clenched into fists. Memories of Jon's warm guidance and camaraderie now felt like a twisted illusion.

"Festus was a forgiving man," Mengi said. "When Jiangshi openly challenged him for the throne and lost, Festus didn't banish him. Instead, he offered Jiangshi a place on the Council of Atlantis—a group of trusted advisors meant to guide the kingdom."

"And he accepted?" Jin asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

"He did," Mengi confirmed. "But only because it suited his plans. Jiangshi had no intention of serving Festus. He wanted power. Control. And he would stop at nothing to get it. Over time, Jiangshi advanced his compass magic, mastering it in ways no one could imagine. He manipulated the Council, causing the original members to age and wither into dust. No one suspected his involvement."

Mengi's eyes burned with intensity. "Then Jiangshi handpicked their replacements. Lei Gong. Nereus. Rainbow. Theon. Greyjoy. Cregan. And himself. These seven became the Shadow Council you now know."

Jin's mind reeled as Mengi continued. "From that point forward, Jiangshi ruled the Council as their king. He filled their heads with dreams of conquest, promising them a new world where they would reign supreme. And so the Shadow Council was born."

Silence fell over the room, heavy with the weight of Mengi's revelations. Jin sat motionless, his thoughts a storm of anger, confusion, and despair.

"This is the truth, Jin," Mengi said softly. "The world you've been fighting in. The man you've trusted. It's all tied to this. To us. To our family."

Jin finally looked up, his eyes filled with determination. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because," Mengi replied, "if you're going to stop Jiangshi, you need to know the whole truth. And you need to embrace who you really are."