("Do you want war? Do you resent it or do you long for it? It may be cruel, horrific and gruesome though this time it is important, a necessary evil to stop an even greater evil.")
While Leo won the sudden encounter the battle in the city continued. Step by step, the soldiers were being killed by the undead. Neither Vega nor Carleen saw much chance for survival, but giving up never crossed anyone's mind.
"Hold your damn ground! We can't fall in, grasp on to your lives and fight for this. We haven't lost yet, there's still hope!"
" Heed her call! Mark my words: You are fighting not only for yourselves but also family, friend and for all that you stand for. Keep targeting their heads, no way they'll get up a second time!"
Being commanders, it was their duty to boost the morale even if their own hopes were getting lower and lower.
"Fuck, I'm not even sure about it myself anymore. Even if that idiot makes it, it's going to be very tight here. Few more meters and we'll be up against the wall."
"Maybe we would be able to prevent that if that moron hadn't sunk into her frenzy."
Lynia had ignored any strategy or tactics by this point. The rage over her mother's death completely overwhelmed her mind. One by one she severed their heads and screamed in to their faces. The enemy was greatly superior in numbers yet lacked the ability to hold out much longer. However, even if the undead were not a problem in single combat, Lynia was quickly isolated and trapped again. This time, there was no way to reach and save her. She had fought out her own demise, allowing her selfishness to tempt death upon her. The dark elf started to feel the full pain of her wounds and crumpled to the ground. She looked into the ghastly faces of the undead, completely unable to fight. Tears rolled down her face as she remembered her mothers face again. It was unlike her and yet she was a daughter who fought her whole entire life for this day. The death of her mother and idol was far worse than anything else she had experienced before.
"I'm sorry mother, I couldn't protect you in the end."
Then suddenly, a great shockwave ripped through the entire city. Vega and Carleen barely withstood it as a giant silver luminescent array formed beneath them. Immediately, a silvery light spread through all the undead. Their veins lit up as their bodies shook back and forth. In one bright glow, their bodies imploded on the spot. From out of nowhere, the battle was now decided. None of them could believe what was happening before their eyes. Before long, they were reminded of the cruel reality, all the losses and deaths suffered. It was the commander of the humans who was the first to fully comprehend their situation.
"To all those who can still stand upright: Tend to the wounded, serious injuries are the top priority. The remaining medics and healers will deal with the patching up. Though the battle is now over, we have to act as one unit. It' s the only way we'll manage to save any lives.
Even Vega joined in the search and rescue efforts on her own without hesitation. This was the only duty they could fulfill now. Remorse showed on her face upon seeing her dead soldiers. Never before had she witnessed so many losses; it weighed heavily on her shoulders to watch it all.
Despite self-doubt and guilt, nothing stopped her or Carleen from thinking about their parts and responsibilities.
To their surprise, the number of survivors was even higher than expected. Nevertheless, some were closer to death than life. They might close their eyes and depart from their comrades at any second. One wrong move or strain had the potential to be the end of them. A few had their chests pierced, some lost a limb or were incapable of using arms and legs. The living dead were defeated and yet the living almost dead were lying at their feet. Their leaders quickly got an overview over their troops. Just about half of the wounded appeared as if they could still be patched up. As Carleen gritted her teeth in rage, Vega grabbed her dagger to find out about each of them.
"Wait! Just give them a chance, surely they can be saved! We' ll get them out of here together somehow!"
"If you really think so then you are but a fool. A commander like you should know what to do. For some it is better if they are freed from this torture instead of continuing to suffer. Fake hope and lies are useless and cruel to their cases. All of them are good men who served for a long time and dedicated themselves to our cause. Just as they served, we should provide them with a final one. If you cannot do so, then gather up the rest of them who are still viable. That one back there is a hopeless case, a fool who has allowed herself to be swayed by emotion."
It was difficult for Vega to utter these words. She personally had to give salvation to the nearly-dead wounded. Standing near the edge of the houses, she saw the group of her special fighters.
"What are you guys doing? You were supposed to be helping the others and not just standing around!"
But her serious expression faded as she looked at their faces. Every single one of them looked fatigued, their entire armor was soaked in blood, everyone had taken off their mask. As Vega came closer, she saw the real reason for their expressions: not all had survived this battle without cost. Of all things, the first of the "masks," her first soldier and loyal companion, was lying on the ground gravely wounded. A deep laceration crossed his chest with blood dripping from his mouth and his breathing growing more and more silent. Not even the best medic or healer would be able to quickly fix such a deep wound. Silently, the others made way for their leader, who bent down and took another look at him.
"I am sorry to have failed milady. It has been my honor to fight by your side. I only hope you can honor me with one last tribute."
"You have not failed, not a single one of you! This fight was incalculable, nobody was expecting this. Though your fate may be over in this place, you may finally reunite with your family as it was meant to be back then. It was my privilege to have had such a loyal servant in my ranks. Hope all of you have said your final word. Go forth with pride on this path, thank you for your service."
As Vega was about to give him the mercy blow, a white veil emerged from the wound surrounding him. His leaking blood returned to the wound as it started to close. His breathing and pulse increased while he was coughing loudly. From behind she heard the sound of other soldiers astonished while looking at a veil.
"H-hey, he can raise his arm again! There's still a chance!"
"His breathing is getting louder again, I need a medic immediately!"
" Over here as well, the wound...it's stopped bleeding!"
Carleen really couldn't believe what was in front of her. She began to smile in disbelief.
"Haha...So there are miracles after all...ha. Well, nothing is really impossible huh?"
"No, there are many things. Far more than I thought."
A young man appeared at the end of the street, his hair was white while his eyes had a golden shine. Based on the armor he wore, they quickly realized who appeared in front of them.
"What happened to you Leo? How can you still be alive with that fatal wound? Are you even him anymore?"
Then suddenly all the white veils of the wounded were flying towards him, fixing the hole in his chest. As they did so, a white mark became visible above and below his left eye.
"Giving them more time is the only thing I can do right now. Unless this is over, there cannot be any rest."
"It's not over?"
"I'm afraid it's only just begun. Look after the wounded and retreat as far as you can. Their condition should ensure their momentary survival. I can' t guarantee your safety in this area."
"What exactly happened at the palace? Where is Maris?"
With no reply, he turned away and headed for the palace. Carleen's hopes of victory returned, regardless of how he had changed, one thing was certain to her: he was more powerful than he had ever been before.
Carleen could not believe what she saw before her. Incredulous, she began to smile.
"Haha...So there are miracles after all...ha. Nothing is really impossible huh?"
"Yes, it is. Far more than I thought."
A young man appeared at the end of the street, his hair was white and his eyes were the color of a piece of gold. From his armor they quickly knew who appeared before them.
"What happened to you Leo? How can you still be alive with this severe wound? Are you even still him?"
Suddenly, all the white veils of the wounded flew toward him, healing the hole in his chest. As they did so, a white mark became visible above and below his left eye.
"Giving them more time is the only thing I can do right now. Until it's over there can be no peace."
"It's not over?"
"I'm afraid it's only just begun. Take care of the wounded and retreat as far as you can. Their condition should ensure their temporary survival. I cannot guarantee your safety here."
"What exactly happened at the palace? Where is Maris?"
Without answering, he turned and made his way to the palace. Leo was hardly recognizable. From the stature hardly anything had changed but his whole aura was completely changed. Carleen's hope of victory returned, no matter how he had changed, one thing was clear to her: he was more powerful than ever before.
Stepping through the large door, he saw Yrasil torturing Maris one last time. At the sight of Leo, the ruler of the elves became nervous. His appearance changed completely and so did his stature. Rather than being agitated, frightened, or enraged, Leo carelessly looked over at him. He was in a stage of complete clarity. Chains that were put on him shattered.
" How is it that you are able to stand here in front of me? Tell me, what are you really?"
"A human, a creature not from here, a corpse or none of these things."
His shattered blade turned golden and repaired itself. The now gleaming sword resembled more an artifact than a regular weapon, a blade made of legends. Seeing the marks on the blades along with the mark on Leo's eye, Yrasil felt an incredulous rage.
"How dare you use it? You stole it didn't you, this strength? There' s no way a being like you would ever be able to use it!"
"Neither ought it to be yours. Unfortunately, they fell into your hands. Take a look at what you've done with it, nothing but an enduring mess."
Yrasil responded to none of his words, took his spear and attacked him head on. This time Leo was not only able to parry easily but also seriously wound him on the back. Unlike the past, his weapon was easily a match for a creature of Yrasil's caliber.
"Grr, you filthy piece of dirt! Fine, then I'll kill you once again now!"
All of his attacks failed on the man he once defeated. In terms of combat, Yrasil was inferior to his opponent. Leo did not even bother to attack properly himself. This only resulted in several more acts of provocation to which Yrasil fell for.
"There's no point in fighting like this. We both know what you are really capable of, what you really possess. So use that power already before you lie on the ground, now you' ve got a real opponent to test."
Yrasil, the ruler of the elves, had an exceptional type of wind magic. So far, he only toyed with a small part and kept most of it in secret. There was a specific reason for this: the body of his being would also be damaged in case he were to use it too long or lost control. Being aware of this responsibility, he no longer had a choice but to utilize it fully.
"You want to see what I really am? Be my guest!"
Abruptly, a loud boom echoed outside the palace. It was a mixture of roaring and growling. The sound grew louder until the windows collapsed along with the ceiling. A huge whirlwind appeared in front of the two, a ferocious tornado that shredded everything in its path. Despite the raging winds, however, both Yrasil and Leo were able to simply remain in place. Immediately, Leo created a barrier around Maris, who still hung on for dear life.
"I guess you really still want to protect him? Do you really care that much about this shambles?"
" If not for that power, you would have lost to him a long time ago. The moment your abilities are stolen away from you, you'd be rendered helpless in this world. You have been hiding behind these powers for too long. Make use of them or perish without them!"
More vortexes arose, turning the rest of the palace into a pile of rubble. They sped through the area without a destination like wild animals, blocking any way back for Leo.
"Is this what you wanted? Just see the magnitude of what I can do. It takes just a few seconds before many lives are lost. There' s no escape now, this prison shall be your grave!"
Yrasil channeled the concentrated wind energy as an attack on Leo. Vortexes surged toward him from each side. His figure vanished into the deadly winds, the roar of the storm filling the area. After a short moment, the winds suddenly started to slow down making the vortices smaller and losing energy.
"You could have done so many things with it and yet in the end you proved nothing. Having wasted such power for absolutely nothing.... Yes, now I'm sure: your being is beyond saving, even without power you're corrupted. There' s no need to hesitate any more, then."
A golden bolt of lightning crashed into the middle of one of the swirls, instantly making the wind disappear. Leo was left completely unharmed despite the endless twisters. Gradually he got closer to Yrasil, who started to use new measures. At first, thousands of wind arrows hailed from the sky which ricocheted off Leo's body. A ball of air had formed in front of his feet that caused a huge explosion. But even this powerful attack did not harm the man. Thus, Yrasil ran out of resources to fight his opponent.
"You aren't human, no one would survive such attacks but one being like me. I' ll never accept you being worthy enough to face me!"
In a rage, Yrasil raced toward Leo with his glowing spear. Like before he could barely hit his opponent.
"Was it envy that directed you or was it the reality of your own inferiority that made you what you are?"
"Shut up, a god like me stands above all that!"
" I knew it: you have indeed fallen prey to such delusion. Higher beings like you will never understand their true meaning. Not one of you has ever been a god, there are no true gods here!
After these words, the mark above his eye lit up and Leo made his first attack himself. Continuously he dragged Yrasil around as he had done with him. Small cuts on Leo's body began to heal immediately. He dominated his opponent making him tired to the point he could barely hold his weapon. He was running out of breath till he almost couldn't stand upright.
"Impossible! Inacceptable! You don't fucking deserve it! You're nothing but a maggot, a worthless piece of shit!"
As his opponent continued his cursing Leo began to slowly crush him.
" I think you are the worthless one of us. Power is what runs this world but it takes more than that to keep it alive. Had it been up to you, the elves would be extinct within a century. What you want is to destroy others without even realizing how you are ruining everything yourself. Maybe you would have gotten away with it if you had complete access. You are a flaw in the system, a part that shouldn't exist as it does."
"How do you know anything about a system?! Where is it? Urgh!"
"Him? Do you mean your leader? I'm afraid he forgot his roots and was eliminated. Your actions would have resulted in a downfall, in a forbidden scenario. Thy powers arnt everything, thy are only a small part of everything. So let me show you what happens when you're being exposed."
Leo placed his hand on the forehead of his opponent who began to scream loudly. Glowing white strings escaped his body and flowed into Leo's hand.
" Can you feel it, your impotence? Had you acted differently you would at least be able to retain some of your magic. Take a look at yourself, the bloody wounds, the realization within your eyes."
Suddenly Yrasil started to behave in a crazy manner. It was as his entire inner being had been shattered.
"What the hell happened? Where did they all go, my brothers and sister? What have I done? Why do they no longer serve me? They dare to leave me?"
The guilty face and his panicked demeanor confirmed Leo's suspicions. Due to the deprivation of his powers, he partially regained his old nature. Because of the everlasting influence as well as the powers, he maintained some of his arrogant tyrannical nature. Two personalities crashed in each other.
"It is truly hopeless, you can no longer be recovered. The discord is beyond repair. . You necessity has expired, time herewith runs on without you."
Leo took his sword and prepared for the killing blow. In the middle of his sword thrust, Maris suddenly threw himself in front of his brother. He was able to break out of the barrier and intervene. Still he was badly injured but his will permitted him to do this act. His own ally was very puzzled by the dark elf's action.
"What is your intention behind this? All his life is doing is causing harm. Therefore, why do you place yourself in front of him carrying these heavy wounds on your body?"
From behind his brother, Yrasil began to smile.
"T-that's right little brother. We have to protect each other as a family haha. I was too harsh on you, you are forgiven for your sins."
"What sins might you be talking about brother? Having loved my own people? Of trying to protect them? Mine repentance is that I didn't try harder, that I couldn't always be there for them...and that I couldn't stop you any sooner."
By the time Leo saw the dagger he was hiding, it was too late. Maris turned around and rammed the weapon directly into his brother's chest. The latter's eyes snapped open and he looked Maris straight in the face with blood pouring out of his mouth. Unable to speak a word, he was gasping for air. Maris went down on his knees and gently put the head down until it was over. As he contemplated the death of his brother, the tyrant who massacred his people, tears still fell, surprisingly.
"It seems there was still a familial bond left for you. Emotions are often stronger than reason. Regardless, it seems to make little sense in light of your circumstances and background."
"Even if it is a mystery to you, I understand exactly what I am doing. I alone can, may and must bring it to an end. It' s my duty to bring about peace. Even after his death, some of his people are going to blindly hate my people, hunt them down, torture them and try to kill them. But a large part of them will know how to return to live with them the way they did in the beginning. This blossom shall soon grow into a huge flower which will transform their minds. Much strength, perseverance and patience will be needed to restore harmony, however, I have faith in them as they had in me. So they have my utmost trust and hope in their capabilities. It will take a leader of their kind to set a true example. May this be my legacy and the beginning of a better era ahead for all of our both races."
Suddenly Maris raised the dagger again and sliced through his throat. One last time he nodded to Leo holding a smile and sunk dead to the ground next to Yrasil.
At that moment, all of their kind felt the death of these two rulers. Whereas Zaphiel started to laugh on the inside so Luminia became anxious. They all shared a bond with each other despite their different races.
Rather than being furious or looking in disbelief, Leo heaved a sigh at the sight. Then, his hair and eyes turned brown again as well as his equipment returning to normal.
" After all, it wasn't preventable in the end. Nonetheless, only a minor loss in what is to come. Their ruler was more foolish and yet more clever than I thought.It really needs a drastic transformation to rebuild. Though not at the cost of him following his brother.
Leo sheathed his sword, pocketed Mari's dagger, carried Yrasil's spear and headed toward the city gate. Only now did he realize the extent of the devastation caused by the winds. All houses had been reduced to rubble. Due to the destruction, hardly anything was still recognizable. The desolation reached all the way to the city center and marketplace. Corpses littered the streets inside broken huts and spread out across the ground. Much to Leo's relief, there was no sign of the remaining survivors here. Passing through the streets, he once again reflected on the enormous battle as well as the next necessary course of action. The remaining armies had gathered in front of the city gate. Up ahead, his comrades were already waiting for him.
"I assume now it is done."
Leo threw the big spear at their feet. Vega picked it up and examined it more closely. The markings painted around it meant enough to her.
" It seems that the elves will be without a ruler from now on. Starting now, a very trying time begins."
Carleen took a deep breath and inquired about Maris.
"And where is our leader? Is he burying his own family or something?"
Before Leo answered, he walked up to Lynia, who was looking at him in complete defeat mentally. Next to her lay the body of her mother which was stained with blood. Once again he glanced at her face before kneeling down and, thanks to his abilities, restoring at least her normal countenance. Never had one of them seen such magic though it was no time for amazement.
"I'm sorry, that's all I can do for her. To bring the dead back to life is outside of my capabilities."
He then took the dagger and pressed it into Lynia's hand. The answer was made clear to them.
"As you said, hard times will begin from now on. A lot has changed and a lot more will be changing soon."
Mari's passing caused everything to be far more complicated and caused everyone's spirits to plummet. Though, their first priority was to get their troops back to a normal state of health. Then rain started to follow this message.
"Fits perfectly with this shitty day."
A decision was made to rest here until everybody was recovered. Thus, they used the remaining houses as shelters and scoured the town for food. On the following day, a spot outside of town was chosen to bury the fallen. The situation and atmosphere had slowly calmed down, the reality of victory was starting to dawn on everyone. That very evening, Leo called for a very important meeting to share a very crucial information. Once everyone had gathered, he immediately commenced.
" All those who gathered here are aware of the obstacles they will face. I don't have to explain that co-operation between races is all the more necessary now. I know you are smart and experienced enough to lead the way. Nevertheless, you shall confine yourselves to protection and safety, use the resources you have effectively and don't even think about going into battle."
"Why are you talking so energetically? Naturally, the protection of the people comes first. Starting over will require much time so we don't have the luxury of hurrying."
"Stay in this place or the heart of the kingdom for as long as possible. None of you should even think of crossing the border."
"What's the matter with you?! Is this supposed to be a warning? What's going on at the border?"
" All of you will find out soon enough. But right now it is of no importance to you."
Leo's discussion dragged on for hours. He insisted on his rules and orders without giving them too much information.
" Think about how precisely to proceed, collectively you should be able to get the start. This goes for everyone here: Some may have their own plans or journeys ahead of them, however, be aware that you will waste this big chance. This time, it really is the case that if you change something, the whole world will change. Therefore, put your own interests aside for the time being to help clean up this mess. No longer are there any great leaders or powerful beings to whom you can pledge yourselves, or rather, to whom you are obligated. Shoulder the responsibility before it all just succumbs. Neither of you is meant to be king or queen, this concept is full of flaws. The path will be arduous and yet you are experienced well enough. Proceed with a clear mind and a solution will eventually arise. Tomorrow I will depart immediately in the direction of the northern border."
"Why are you in such a hurry, anyway? Your strength would be of great use here."
"Because this war isn't the only one. I must put a stop to it before it's too advanced."
"Wait a minute, what do you mean another war? How would you know?"
"You don't need to be concerned about that. As long as you don't interfere, nothing really should happen to you guys for now. Look, I still see all of you as allies whose protection I intend to uphold. You' ll have your answer soon enough. Carleen, if you want to go back to Altaria, you should leave here within two days. Suspend all trading for the time being and remain in the city, such is the advice I can give you."
The serious look on his face was a sign to everyone that it was useless to argue against him. Nonetheless, they did not like the fact that he instantly walked away.
" Finally, I want to make one thing clear: No one will follow me! Connor, we all know that you are better off here. There is more for you to learn and live here than there will ever be on my voyages. Now, this won't be our last meeting, it is only a passing farewell. Still, the next time you see me, all will have changed."
Leo disregarded any objections and left the room. Nobody got to see him again that evening.
Early the next morning he prepared for his departure. As Ryu saw his sword, he stopped him one last time.
"What exactly might this weapon be? It is as if I can feel its own aura, as if it is alive."
"It is correct that it has an aura, however, it is not alive without me. Let's just say if YOU tried to swing it, it would shatter on the first strike."
"A living blade, that such a thing really could exist. Now then, take your path with pride as I have taken mine."
"Oh, I almost forgot. I have a message for you and your companion back there. I'm sure you know what to make of it."
Leo whispered words in his ear which left Ryu shocked. In fact, he looked as though a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.
"You'd best tell Hiyun too, I imagine you two understand the significance of them. Take care then, and keep your focus on the future."
Before he headed through the city gate he was once again delayed, this time by Carleen and Vega.
"This is how you're going to say goodbye? Simply take off? Whatever you're going to do with your secrets: Stay alive. Your strength is needed, not just here. Just don't use it the way our foes have."
"What are you saying? As if he would just waste it like that. I know you have enough smarts to manage fine without it. Actually, I should lock you up in here, I'm nowhere near done dealing with you and more importantly, your mysteries. You had better not die before I get to the bottom of you."
"Trust me, no one will be able to get rid of me so easily from now on. Know what you're doing and stay true to yourselves."
Following these words, he left on his way. After some minutes he suddenly stopped and gazed into the distance.
"I know your path will be the very hardest. Don't get too attached to her death, you don't merit to be destroyed by yourself. Right now you should learn to accept help and not to fight alone. That which is not possible for me must be fulfilled by you. I am well in favor after the victory over this bastard. And even if you can' t find or seek a road right now, there are still plenty of options for you. All right then, whatever you decide, don't do anything stupid."
All of a sudden there was a rustling in one of the bushes accompanied by silence. Satisfied he turned around and focuses on his mission. A new path had begun leading Leo towards a threat that would affect even beings like Zaphiel and Luminia themselves. Before long, their entire existence would be at risk including all who had been part of them.