Chereads / Obsidian: Starward Journey / Chapter 11 - The Light That Pierces The Darkness

Chapter 11 - The Light That Pierces The Darkness

Back at the manor, the smoke begins to clear from the explosions, the ground was reduced to craters and smoldering foliage. The partially destroyed trees lay scattered and disheveled, as they provide fresh kindling for the remaining flames. The blackened smog flows upward with the winds wrapping around the creature slowly accentuating his form creating a haunting visage. Lukas stares at the creature, their eyes meet and it feels as though the creature is staring into his very soul, there's a hunger behind the eyes of this creature that feels as if it'll never be satiated no matter how much he destroys. This notion chills Lukas to his core and he finds himself paralyzed unable to move, waiting for death as the golem slowly steps forward.

The golem raises its twisted stone appendage into the sky, as its gaze is directed at Lukas with concentrated fury. The monstrosity readies itself for the final strike against the perceived threat, as the creature begins to attack, a large bolt of light streaks through the treeline before connecting with the creature's shoulder blasting it off balance. The golem releases a shriek of pain as the radiant dart causes a secondary implosion, the creature's form begins to crumble away as it plummets to the ground. It tries to reassemble itself but as the tainted stones that comprise its body begin to slowly levitate toward it, they slowly break apart and dissipate into the ether leaving behind a shimmering shroud of light. Lukas snaps out of his daze upon hearing the creature's cries of pain, turning his head to see where the source of the blast came from. He peers down to see a shining light emerge onto the forest path, its light is comparable to the sun, and he can barely stand to look in the same direction. As the next beam of light is launched toward the gnarled atrocity, he recalls the legend of "Silverwind" that he heard as a child, wondering if the town's prayers have been answered.

The being of light begins descending the trail toward the manor, launching powerful projectiles of energy toward the weakened creature, slowly reducing its colossal body with every strike. The creature's shrieks of pain echo through the village each time it is struck, as the light approaches a familiar voice calls out to Lukas, prompting him to get off the roof and evacuate with the others. The radiant aura begins to slowly diminish allowing Lukas to distinguish Genryu as his savior, he is only stunned for a moment before nodding in agreement and retreating back into the manor through the window. In the moment of repose from the constant stream of attacks, the creature begins its retaliation by launching pieces of its body sporadically in all directions.

The mounds of its jagged form serve as the perfect distraction, massive boulders are sent careening in all directions, crashing into nearby buildings and villagers. Genryu reacts quickly and begins to blast any incoming stones before they can reach any of those fleeing to safety. The creature separates himself, creating two distinctive masses, the first begins to slink away attempting to hide behind a nearby home as it reforms. The second mass continues to launch pieces of itself, now focusing on Genryu and other living creatures. Genryu's breath becomes more hagged as defending against the strike is taking a toll on him, he begins to notice that the blasts are becoming more focused. He then raises his hands and creates a wall of light and wind that acts as a bulwark against the onslaught.

With each blow against his created barrier, Genryu winces in pain as the overuse of magick strains him. The sigils on his wrists begin to spread the excess energy throughout his body, creating streaks upon his skin that glow with their respective colors. These marks slowly extend down his arms, he feels like lightning inside his body, the heat and pain are almost unbearable. Genryu scans the area and notices that the men seem to have gotten out of the area, he lowers the barrier before rolling to avoid the next boulder. He quickly runs into town to get cover from the remaining projectiles, giving himself time to rest and steady himself.

He manages to get into a nearby building and collapses onto the ground. Breathing heavily and clutching his arms as the pain feels like a pulsating flame inside his body. Genryu attempts to steady his breath with little success, he knows that the battle is far from over and he can't stop just yet. He struggles to sit up and rest his back on the wall, as he looks down at his arms seeing the negative effects of the magick. "I don't think that I can keep this up much longer..." he says out loud before looking out the window trying to find any sign of his enemy.

Genryu slowly begins himself to his feet and searches his current surroundings, he notices numerous tables with half-finished meals on them and broken glasses on the ground. He slowly proceeds into the building, seeing fallen debris litter a stage, numerous broken paintings, and mounted trophies that have been ripped from the walls. He carefully steps over the spilled food and garbage that coats the floor, though he's never been inside before, he comes to the conclusion that this must be the village inn. As he comes to this realization, he notices scuffling noises from behind the desk.

The sound immediately puts him on guard, "Who's there?" he said as his eyes and hands ignited with energy. A tiny voice could be heard gasping, as the small frame of Shu emerged from the side of the desk. He was covered in tiny scraps and dust, he ran over and clutched genryu tightly sobbing into his clothes. "Are you ok? where are your parents?" Genryu asked with great concern in his voice. His energy dissipates as he lifts Shu up into his arms, the child now wrapping his tiny arms around Genryu's neck, burying himself in his tunic. Genryu softly strokes his head, consoling him before asking "Why are you here by yourself?", He can feel Shu's grip tighten as his tiny body trembles.

Shu chokes back tears as he replies "I-I-I got lost in the big crowd, all the big people were screaming and it was scary..." his trembling intensifies as he continues "I couldn't find my mommy... I just ran back home and hid under daddy's desk". Genryu embraces the terrified child, "Don't worry, I have you now... Your big brother is going to get you back to your parents" he uttered softly. He places Shu down on the desk, before heading over to the window to search the surrounding area in the direction where the creature was approaching. After surveying the area he turns back to face Shu, and notices the boy is holding a ruby-colored stone that has an octagonal shape, he immediately takes notice of it because of the unique energy flowing around it. He slowly approaches Shu, "Shu... What is that stone?" Genryu asks inquisitively as the boy looks over before saying "I don't know... I just picked it up earlier in the forest"; As Genryu steps closer he begins to study the gem closely, he notices a shadow seemingly swimming around within the object.