Chapter 83
Many reporters were covering the creature attack since they were seen a few months ago. The supernatural events that were happening became a normal occurrence, like the sky turning red, or it was seen shattering, like glass cracks were manifesting out of nowhere, and small creatures unknown to the world began to show, like imps, fairies, and pixies. Dhasiga, Heiðrún, Mandragora, Ent, Vermilion Bird, Crytoborian Deer, and Boar.
Some were harmless and even looked like native animals from earth, and because these creatures were very aloof and rarely interacted with humans, they were mostly left alone to live in peace. However, some people believed that these creatures held the key to unlocking the mysteries of the supernatural world and were determined to study them further.
The problem were those creatures that attack people. These monsters were created from negative energy and had a nightmarish appearance. They were known to terrorize places where many people gathered, feeding off their fear and negative emotions.
Despite efforts to contain them, these creatures posed a constant threat to the safety of those in their vicinity. and cause chaos wherever they went, leading to a growing fear among the human population. Despite efforts to eradicate them, these malevolent creatures seemed to multiply and become more powerful with each passing day, until the knights came.
The moon slipped beneath the horizon, dragging with it the final remnants of a day that felt far too ordinary for the chaos that had consumed the city. In the fading light, the sky was a sickly red, as if the heavens themselves had been set aflame. It shimmered, fractured into shards that seemed to hang like glass, each piece reflecting the city's desperation and wonder.
" LOOK!"
cried Lily, her voice a high-pitched squeal as she pointed upward, her eyes wide with excitement.
" Those are fairies."
A small group of children gathered around her, their faces illuminated by the eerie glow. They craned their necks, searching the sky. Just beyond the gnarled branches of the old oak tree, a flicker of movement caught their attention. A creature, graceful and ghostly, flitted between the shadows, its form shifting like smoke in the twilight.
The fairies, known for its elusive nature, was a sight to behold, and the children gasped in unison.
"Did you see its wings? Like... like they're made of light!"
"Yeah!"
Lily laughed, a melodic sound that danced through the air.
"Just like in the stories!"
But as the children marveled at the spectacle, an unsettling chill swept through the park. The laughter faded, replaced by a low, haunting hum that reverberated around them. The fairies, once harmless companions, now hovered close, their wings a blur of motion, as if sensing something amiss.
"Do you hear that?"
whispered Mia, her voice trembling.
"It feels... wrong."
Before anyone could respond, a shriek pierced the air—a sound that reverberated with a primal fear. The laughter of children turned to terrified gasps. From the shadows emerged a figure, its form twisted and grotesque.
The Mandragora, with its gnarled limbs and hollow eyes, stalked toward them, leaving a trail of dread in its wake.
"Run!"
shouted James, his voice cracking as he grabbed Lily's hand.
"run fast , and don't look back!"
They bolted, the laughter of the fairies now a distant echo as chaos erupted around them. The park, once a sanctuary, became a realm of terror. The mandragora's chilling wail mixed with the children's screams, creating a cacophony that echoed through the streets.
Two blocks away, in a dimly lit street , the Knights of the Aether gathered, their faces serious as they double-checked every corner. The creatures that hunt the entertainment district love hiding among the old residential buildings; the people who were living in these places were exposed and unprotected.
"Another sighting of the Mandragora?"
asked Sir Cedric, his brow furrowed as he traced a finger over a drawing of the creature. The lines were rough, but the terror they inspired was palpable.
"Aye,"
replied Lady Elara, her voice steady despite the urgency in her eyes.
"Reports are increasing. The creatures are becoming bolder, feeding on the fear of the citizens. We must act before panic consumes the city."
Sir Alistair leaned back in the alley wall as the leaves moved beneath him.
"But how? We've sent patrols, and yet they keep multiplying. It's as if they're drawn to the chaos." "
Because they are," Elara said, her tone sharp.
"They thrive on despair. We need to find a way to sever that connection."
"Perhaps we can use the fairies."
suggested knight Rowan, shifting where he stood.
"If we can lure it close enough, it might help us drive the Mandragora away."
"A dangerous gamble."
Cedric replied, shaking his head.
"The last time we attempted to engage the fairy, it vanished into thin air. We can't risk losing our only ally."
"Then what do you propose?"
Elara shot back, her patience wearing thin.
"We can't keep waiting for the creatures to come to us. We need to take the fight to them."
A heavy silence settled over the room, the weight of their mission pressing down. Each knight understood the stakes; failure could mean the end of their world as they knew it.
"Let's split up."
Alistair finally said, breaking the tension.
"We'll cover more ground. If we find any sign of the Mandragora or gather more information on them, we can regroup here by nightfall."
The others nodded in agreement, a flicker of hope igniting in their eyes. They were knights, after all bound by duty, determined to protect the innocent. Back in the park, the children scrambled toward safety, their hearts pounding in unison. The Mandragora's wails echoed behind them, a haunting reminder of the darkness lurking just beyond the edge of their world.
"Keep running!"
shouted James, his grip on Lily tightening as they raced toward the streetlights, their glow a beacon of safety.
"Where are the knights?"
gasped Mia, her breath coming in short bursts.
"They should be here!"
"They'll come,"
James reassured her, though his own heart raced with uncertainty.
The knights were their protectors, but would they arrive in time to save them from this nightmare? As they reached the edge of the park, a flicker of movement caught their attention. A figure cloaked in shinny light armor emerged from the shadows, wielding a sword that shimmered like the shattered sky above.
"Stay back!"
The knight commanded, his voice deep and authoritative.
"I'll handle this!"
The children halted, their eyes wide as the knight stepped forward, the Mandragora inching closer, its grotesque form twisting in the dim light.
"By the Aether!"
The knight shouted, raising his sword.
"Begone, creature of despair!"
With a swift motion, he lunged at the Mandragora, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh. The creature recoiled, its wails piercing the night as it thrashed in response. Fear surged through the children, but they stood frozen, captivated by the knight's bravery.
"Go!" he shouted again, his voice strong.
"Get to safety!"
Lily hesitated, her eyes locked on the battle unfolding before her.
"But... what if he needs help?"
"Lily, we can't!"
James pulled her away, urging her toward the street.
"We have to trust him!"
As they stumbled away, the knight's sword clashed against the Mandragora's twisted limbs, sending sparks flying.
"Leave this place!"
He bellowed, his determination resonating like thunder. "You have no power here!" With a final, desperate cry, the Mandragora lashed out, but the knight sidestepped, his movements fluid and precise. He thrust his sword forward, and with a heart-stopping moment, it pierced the creature's core.
The Mandragora let out a shriek that echoed through the night, a sound that sent shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it. The creature dissolved into a cloud of darkness, swirling away like smoke in the wind. The knight stood tall,
breathing heavily, surveying the area as the children finally reached the safety of the streetlights. "Is it gone?" Mia whispered, her voice barely audible. "For now," the knight replied, turning to face them. His armor gleamed under the streetlight, and despite the fear in the children's eyes, they felt a flicker of reassurance. "Who are you?" Lily asked, her voice small yet curious.
"I am Sir Cedric, Knight of the Aether Guild."
he said, his tone softening. "And I'm here to protect you."
"But why are there so many monsters?"
James asked, looking back at the darkened park, where shadows lingered ominously.
"What do they want?"
Cedric hesitated, his gaze distant.
"They feed on fear. The more chaos they create, the stronger they become.
But we will not let them win. We are fighting back."
"But how?"
Mia pressed, her brow furrowed.
"What can we do?"
"Stay brave,"
"And why do you speak that way?"
Cedric replied, kneeling before them.
"Tell your friends and family to remain calm. Fear is a weapon for these creatures, and if we can quell the panic, we stand a better chance against them."
"No, honestly , why are you talking like that?"
"he is really acting weird!"
"Huss James, is a registered knight."
"I know he's a knight , but does he have to talk like we are living in medieval age?!"
"its the modern times,"
Cedric chuckled, standing up and adjusting his armor.
"It's all part of the knightly charm,"
he replied with a wink. Mia and James exchanged a look before bursting into laughter, feeling a sense of hope and camaraderie in the face of danger.
"Will you help us?"
Lily asked, her voice trembling but resolute. "We want to fight back too!" Cedric chuckled softly, a sound that warmed the chilly air.
"Of course we will help," he said, his eyes shining with determination. "Together, we can overcome anything." Lily nodded, feeling a surge of confidence as they prepared to face the challenges ahead.
"You are brave, young one. But your fight is to spread hope, not fear. If you can help keep your community calm, you are already doing your part."
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed from the depths of the park, sending a tremor through the ground. The children gasped, eyes wide with fear.
"More are coming," Cedric said, rising to his feet.
"We must regroup with my fellow knights. Stay close."
With that, he led the way, the children trailing behind him, their hearts racing but filled with newfound hope. They were no longer just spectators in this unfolding drama; they were part of the fight. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city held its breath. The knights prepared for the impending battle, their resolve hardening like steel.
"Gather the townsfolk!"
Cedric commanded as they reached the earliest residential complex, where people were gathering outside to gossip. Concerning the recent attacks on the upper entertainment district .
"We need everyone to unite against this darkness."
The knights worked quickly, rallying those who dared to stand against the rising tide of fear. The street was filled with whispers of concern and determination, and the air was thick with tension and urgency.
"Tonight, we stand together."
Cedric declared, standing atop a parked car to address the passing and gathering crowd.
"No more shall we cower in the shadows! We will face these creatures head-on and reclaim our city!"
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, the fear in their hearts slowly transforming into courage. The knights had rallied them, igniting a spark of hope amid the chaos.
"We'll fight for our families!"
Many who were theirs didn't grasp the situation as Cedric Monolog came out comical and said he was acting on a theater play. The crowd erupted in laughter, realizing the absurdity of the situation. Cedric's passionate speech had been mistaken for a performance, but the message of unity and courage still resonated with those gathered.
When suddenly somebody shouted, it was an older man, his voice ringing clear outside the old apartment complex building.
"We won't let fear rule us!"
"Then let's prepare!"
Cedric called.
"We need to set guards, form groups, and spread the word. The more we unite, the stronger we become!"
As the plans took shape, Cedric caught sight of the children standing at the edge of the room, their faces lit with a mix of trepidation and bravery.
"Remember, the fight is not just ours," he said, his gaze steady. "Every single one of you has a role to play. Fear may be a weapon for the darkness, but hope is our shield. Together, we can turn the tide."
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd, filling the area with a cacophony of entertainment that seemed to lift the very spirits of the night. The knights, clad in glimmering armor reflecting the flickering torchlight, let their stoic demeanors crack just a little as they reveled in the infectious joy of the moment.
By standing people, who had gathered to witness the spectacle, clapped their hands and stomped their feet in rhythm, their laughter drowning out the distant sound of the night. Children darted between the legs of adults, their bright eyes wide with wonder, as they peered up at the unfolding display of merriment. Their voices rose in a chorus, an exuberant blend of excitement and glee, echoing through the streets and spilling into the cool night air.
As if drawn by an irresistible force, the cheerful mob trailed after a whimsical parade filled with jesters and fools, their bright costumes swirling like confetti in vibrant disarray. The fools performed acrobatics and riddles, their antics igniting further applause from the audience. Each tumbler's flip or acrobat's twist seemed to reinvigorate the crowd's enthusiasm, drawing even the quietest onlookers into the fold of festive excitement.
Laughter mingled with the music from the nearby minstrel, creating a soundscape of celebration that echoed far beyond the gathering. The air was electric with an infectious sense of unity, a moment where hierarchy melted away, and everyone, from noble knights to wandering children, became part of a singular joyous medieval revelry.
Knight Alistair and Elara were annoyed with Cedric manner of delivering the seriousness of the situation, especially Elara, who was annoyed in what was happening, Knight Cedric was the vice leader and son of the guild they were part of.
"What the hell are you doing, Cedric?"
"This is not a joke; people could die."
"Follow me Lady Knight Elana, to honor "
"You stupid delusional fool.!"
" We need to take this seriously and come up with a plan before it's too late."
Knight Alistair exchanged a knowing glance with Elara, silently acknowledging their shared frustration.
As they watched Cedric continue to downplay the severity of the situation, they knew they would need to find a way to make him understand the gravity of the impending danger before it was too late.
"Together!"
Cedric shouted
They shouted, a unified front against the encroaching nightmares. And as the sky continued to shatter above them, reality and the fantastical collided in a battle for survival. But deep down,
Alistair and Elara feared that Cedric's reckless behavior could jeopardize their chances of making it out alive. The stakes were high, and they knew they needed to act quickly to ensure everyone's safety.
As the 3 children watched as the knight that helped them escape turned out to be a fool , living in a fantasy world on his mind, they realized they were on their own in this dangerous new reality. Unsure of who to trust, they knew they had to rely on each other to navigate the chaos ahead. The fate of their lives now rested solely in their own hands.
When a crow landed on top of the metal railings connected to the staircase of their apartment building, Mia was neither shocked nor the crow didn't flew away; it was like listening and observing the three children as the group of people followed the knight named Cedric, toward the second largest open field park where the Mandragora creature was first seen by them. It was a few minutes from where they were
This open park was the boundary leading toward the main upper entertainment district. The park was about 60 acres and was a to be the location of the entertainment stadium the government plans to construct in the near future, indicating that having a stadium rather than a park filled with overcrowded trees and plant life. would attract more tourists and boost the local economy. The group of people hoped to catch a glimpse of the Mandragora creature before it was potentially displaced by the stadium construction.
Meanwhile, James wanted to touch it but the crow gave out a series of loud caws. Lily looked up and saw countless numbers of metallic black feather crows flying above their heads; even the bright shine of the full moon couldn't compete with the eerie sight. The children stood frozen in awe as the crows flew above them, their eyes reflecting the moonlight in a hauntingly beautiful way.