Vesuvius was gliding above Gwindfell. His mouth agape vanquishing the wraiths as much as he could with his flames.
Suddenly a pillar of light had struck the castle as if smiting the very location. The brightness stunned everything that caught even a glimpse of it.
"By the gods what was that!?!" Vesuvius did not even realize how close to the truth he was.
…
Inside the castle the light had struck Father Creed. The Frost King himself with the calamity gods full embrace averted his eyes so as to not go blind.
Where the old priest stood was now a man who's aura was exuding vast amounts of celestial energy. "I have headed my subjects call. It appears the god of calamity has demanded your destruction. Fear not my children I shall aid thee."
A loud screech could be heard from the troll as the raspy voice shouted aloud, "Creator you heretic! You dare intervene in the mortal plane!! You exile me for such actions yet you partake in them yourself?!?"
"Ah, the Exiled One, I am simply aiding my subject to suppress you."
Emilio simply stood still in awe of the figure whom assumed his friends facade. He knew all he could do was simply watch the two greater beings clash.
The troll roared with great ferocity as the portal vigorously spat out more and more wraiths upon the world.
It looked at the Creator with seething hate and anger that could have pieced the sole of any mortal being. But the great celestial looked at it with pity and, wildly, a look of disappointment.
"Your petty games and feeble attempt at returning to the celestial realm shall be halted here. I will put an end to it for this mans sake."
With a simple wave of his hand the creator had reversed the polarity of the portal. As if watching time flow in reverse, the specters were consumed by the doorway to the nether like an insatiable beast feasting.
The god of calamity was struggling to not be absorbed by the reversed portal and simply held on for dear life as it resisted the pull of the nether world.
The winds generated by the portal also caused everyone in the room to grab the nearest structure. Some stabbed the ground in hopes they would not visit the nether world sooner than they were destined too.
Finally the troll lost its grip and was pulled into the gate. "I will have my revenge Sol…." The Calamity yelled but was soon completely absorbed by the gate. The Creator, with a wave of his hand and a closing of his fist shut the gate.
The armies of the Frost king dropped to the ground. The dark magic that controlled them was no longer present.
"Rise my children. It is over now. You are safe." A few smiles could be seen on those that had survived. The same could not be said for a few. Vivian had walked back to the center of the room holding her left arm.
It was missing from the elbow down. It had been frozen and shattered in her battle with the ice drake. Tears frozen on her face.
Emilio noticed that Conrad had not shown up behind her like he usually did which answered his internal question on the status of the great warrior.
Vesuvius had re-entered the throne room after his assault on the wraiths outside the castle. "Did we win?!? What was that light? Was that Creed??"
The Creator simply looked at him, "Yes I have settled the matter. As the Creator I have fulfilled the request of the one you know as Bartholomew Creed. However he will not be long for this world as my aid requires an offering."
"Just as the God of Calamity requires sacrifice to give power to mortals, as do I. There are no exceptions. Your friend has paid a price. I can only hope you will understand his choice in doing so."
"Farewell."
"Wait what price??!?" Emilio was quite confused. Before the god answered him, the glow faded and the light vanished into the sky.
Father Creed had returned to his normal complexion. No longer was his hair grey. But it was white as snow.
He opened his eyes and collapsed to the ground. "Creed!" .."Father Creed!?!" Emilio sat and hoisted his dear friend in his arms.
The priest opened his eyes and smiled. "Did.. w-we win?" Yeah… sniff* you did it. Emilio, first prince of the night realm had started to cry. He realized what price the god spoke of.
"G-g-good…." With his last bit of breath Father Bartholomew Creed had died. A hero who gave his life to protect the realms from the dark god.
Sorrow was in full swing as many had lost comrades in this war including Vesuvius. Creed was Emilio's first true friend. The vampire lord had warned him, to not get attached to his subjects, and Emilio now knew why.
It was painful, more painful than any steak to the heart. As at least the weapon would put him out of his misery and not make him wallow in it.
As tears cascaded down his face.He closed the priest's eyes.
"Goodbye old friend".