The peace that had emerged after the second outbreak of mana poisoning turned out to be a short-lived one. It wasn't long before rumors started to spread regarding the real cause of the second outbreak. Some even suggested the theory of treachery, of a grand conspiracy that turned everything we thought we knew about Mana itself. At first, I dismissed them as just rumors. But then, the truth slowly came crashing down. It was far worse than any of us could have imagined.
The cure that had saved so many lives. The very same one I had experimented on during the first outbreak was a Trojan horse. The elf who had discovered it, Kyra Von Wistik, who had been lauded as a hero, had secretly inserted also some unknown virus and administered it as a biological weapon while labeling them as cure.
Mana Poisoning by any means was a dangerous disease. The cure that Kyra gave did solve that but also inserted a new virus that has a schedule of when it would re-awaken a new type of mana poisoning which is far worse.
Dr. Vellar, however, through his experimentation with my body, had found a cure that successfully neutralized the virus and helped humans be more potent and adept at interacting with Mana itself. So Kyra's goal wasn't just to cure mana poisoning but to weaken human armies over a certain period, making them vulnerable to a coordinated strike by the elves and their allies.
It was a betrayal that none of us had seen coming. Once thought to be our saviors, the elves were revealed to be our enemies. So naturally, the fragile peace between races shattered overnight as the war started.
The Great War, as it would come to be known, erupted across the world. The other races, emboldened by the elves' actions, joined the fray, hoping to carve out their newfound territories from what they saw as a weakened humanity.
As cliche as it may be, they underestimated us. Humans are nothing if not resilient, and our numbers, combined with our sheer determination to survive, turned the tide of battle in our favor.
My country, thankfully, remained relatively untouched by the worst of the conflict. We were far from the front lines, and our military was strong enough to deter any would-be invaders. Life here continued, almost like the war was happening on another planet. But even in this relative peace, the shadow of the war loomed large.
As the war raged, I continued working as a Mana Medic. There were still those suffering from the effects of the virus, and now, more than ever, my skills were in demand. My patients were soldiers, civilians, and anyone who needed help. The war might have been far away, but its effects were felt everywhere. I also helped Dr. Vellar in making medicines that use Mana.
Through it all, Amus remained beside me. She had stood by me during my illness, through the uncertainty and fear, and now, as the world burned around us, she was my anchor. We had always talked about getting married, but the war made us realize just how fragile life could be. We didn't want to wait any longer.
Our wedding was a small, quiet affair. Just close family and a few friends gathered in a small building in a suburban town.
At dawn, and as the sky's darkness was still present, Amus walked towards me to join in on my vow. She wore a stunning silver dress, whereas I wore a custom-made tailcoat. Her smile was definitely brighter than any star in the sky at that moment. I even forget how many minutes have passed of me,, mesmerizing how beautiful she was. I somehow also felt a sense of peace for the first time in forever. One of my dreams will now become true today.
The ceremony was simple and heartfelt. We, of course, per our modification and preferences, decided to exchange vows with the audience present. Promising to stand by each other no matter what the future holds. Again, Amus was against this at first, since it would probably be too embarrassing, but I managed to convince her.
After the wedding, life settled into a new rhythm. The war still raged on, but as I explained before, my country wasn't really experiencing drastic changes. So, I lived close to my in-laws and parent's house. I also continued my work, helping those who needed it while Amus supported me in every way she could. We were building a life together, one that, despite everything, was filled with hope.
The war eventually ended, as all wars do. The elves and their allies were defeated, driven back by the sheer force of human determination. The world was forever changed, scarred by the conflict, but we had survived. Humanity had survived. Once again, they discuss ways of peace that will be amenable to both parties.
They settled with each race and were obligated to territories that the humans gave. Fey creatures will live in the forests and jungles, and Demi-Human will live in grass plains, particularly like those in Africa. Spirits will live on mountainsides. The representatives of each race sought the world to coexist with each other, which I was skeptical at first but finally got when it was done.
And so time flies as one year has passed.
One year had passed since the war ended, and the world, though still healing, had begun to find its balance again. For me, life had taken on a new and beautiful rhythm, one that was a result of the struggles of the past. Not to mention, I again had achieved one of my dreams.
Amus and I had been blessed with twins, a boy, and a girl, and today, we were celebrating their arrival with our families.
Our home is a quite large house in the city's suburbs. Per my preference, it was like a modern western house. But that part isn't essential. The most crucial part is the fact that in this house there are a lot of chatter and smiles.
The smell of freshly cooked steak and the sweet aroma of Amus's favorite stew wafted through the room. No doubt making the atmosphere warm and welcoming. It was a day of joy for my newfound family. An ode to new beginnings.
I stood in the kitchen, finishing the steak I had cooked, and began arranging plates of food while Amus cradled one of the twins in her arms. Our daughter, Lira, was a tiny child with an inhuman amount of energy. Her bright eyes constantly dart around the room and curious about everything around her. Her brother, Rion, was much calmer, happy to lie in his crib, watching the world with a serene expression that reminded me so much of Amus. Well I guess since she is Amus in a male's body she may grow to be a man that is popular with the ladies.
As I placed the last of the plates I unconsciously smiled.
All of this was my dream. The life I had fought for, the life I had dreamed of in those dark days. And now, here it was. I couldn't possibly be anymore happier.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and I quickly wiped my hands on a towel before heading to answer it. On the other side stood my parents, their faces lighting up when they saw me. "Thalamik!" my mother exclaimed, pulling me into a warm hug. "It's so good to see you."
My father, ever the stoic one, patted my shoulder with a proud smile. "You seem well, son."
"Yeah! Please come in!" I said, stepping aside to let them in. "Amus is in the living room with the twins."
As they entered, my heart swelled with pride. Seeing my parents in our home and celebrating with us felt like a dream. They had been through so much, just like everyone else, and yet here they were, strong and smiling. Amus's parents arrived shortly after, bringing with them a sense of warmth and familiarity that only family can provide. The house was soon filled with stories, laughter, and occasional cries from one of the twins, which a loving grandparents quickly soothed.
I watched as Amus's father, a tall, gentle man with a kind smile, cradled Lira in his arms. He spoke to her softly, telling her stories of his childhood, while my mother doted on Rion, cooing at him as she rocked him gently.
Amus caught my eye from across the room and smiled. I walked over to her, wrapping an arm around her waist, and she leaned into me, resting her head on my shoulder.
"You have been so strong throughout your endeavors toward this dream," she whispered, her voice full of awe. "One year ago, you were anxious about many things, but now you have achieved it all. I am never been more proud of you, Mik."
"What are you talking about? I would never have made it this far if you weren't on my side." I replied, kissing her temple. "We've come so far because we are together. I need you in my life."
The day passed in a blur. Amus, Me, My parents, and Amus's parents shared stories, reminisced, and dreamed about the future. Once strangers to each other, our families had become one, united by the love we shared for these two little miracles.
As evening fell the guests departed. I stood in the doorway, watching the sunset. It was a peaceful moment indeed.
"I am grateful," I said. "Our family, our home… it's everything I ever wanted."
Amus turned to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "And it's everything I have always wanted to," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I love you, Thalamik. More than words can say."
"I love you more," I whispered, pulling her close. "I promise. I'll always be there to protect you all." We stood there for a long moment, holding each other.
The world outside might still be healing, but here, in this small corner of it, we had found our peace. Our love had survived the darkest of times, and now, it was flourishing in the light of a new dawn.
After all, Amus is my world.
***
Amus…?
In front of me, Amus was tattered with red paint as she hugged the twins.
Laughter could be heard from an elven woman.