Chapter 27: Selemir, the Holy Capital
I met her at the Plains of the Lost Warriors. Her scared face, her eyes at the color of a Love Stone and her bravery left me speechless. She was holding her sister tightly, afraid of the alien environment she was in. Now she leads the Northern Rebels into the battle which will determinate the existence of our world. She has forgotten… Lily… where are you?
“Push! Push harder!”
“Come on, just a little more!”
The women were helping one of the refugees to give birth. Monica and the Priestess were also helping them. The woman screamed loudly and then another cry came from the bottom of the bed
“It’s a boy! A healthy boy!” the midwife said and showed the small baby on her arms. Quickly they covered it with a clean towel and gave it to his mother. She cried from joy and the Priestess came close to them and touched the baby’s head.
“What a strong Heart Light; full of life and happiness. May the Gods bless you.”
“Thank you my Lady” the child’s mother said and together with Monica they got out from the room.
“That went really smooth, don’t you think?” Monica said with relief.
“Yes, it is a good sign” and she continued walking.
Monica had noticed the past two days that the Priestess was not really talkative. She preferred to speak only when it was necessary and also it seems that she was avoiding physical contact, as if she was really fragile. Sometimes Monica caught herself thinking about saying everything to her if that would make her remember again. “And then what?” she thought, “She would lose her powers and everything we had accomplished together would be in vain” and she saw her heading to the alchemy section in order to check the preparations.
“Monica!”
“Limon…”
“You were with the Priestess now? I heard that there was a baby born at the refugee’s section”
“Yes a healthy boy” she answered while spacing out to the direction the Priestess had followed.
Limon saw her depressed face and hit her softly on her back
“I know it’s difficult but we can hope that one day she will remember again right?”
“You are not trying enough Limon…”
“Then how about a kiss? That should calm down!” he said smiling and Monica started to chase him around the corridor embarrassed from his boldness.
“We are finally ready my Lady. We can launch at any time you wish” the Manager of the alchemy section informed her.
“Thank you for your help. I will announce the date at tonight’s council” and she got out. She walked far enough until she reached the Altar, which was still standing in the middle of the artificial lake.
“I didn’t expect to find you here… Lord Darth”
“Lady Priestess…” and he bowed
“Everything is ready. I believe that tomorrow would be a good time.” She said and stood near him with her head turned to the Altar.
“For the attack at Selemir? But you do understand that Nevol will use the Mechanical Destruction in order to absorb your powers. What will you do then?”
“I will secure the safety of the city’s people and then destroy the machine” she said with calm voice
“You being reckless again!” and then for a moment he felt the necklace becoming warmer
“What did you say?” she asked puzzled and then she touched her head “Please excuse me. I think I will retire for now. Please inform me when the council begins.” And she left him wondering if she was alright or not.
The sun had already started to rise when everyone gathered in front of the Altar of the Four Gods. Weapon wilders and magical creatures, Darvil and Denmorians, everyone had been united with the same purpose. The Priestess was standing into the Altar singing a lullaby for the chance of winning and everyone was looking at her with excitement and awe. Monica, Limon and Darth were looking at her from the crowd without speaking. After a hard negotiation with Fin and the Priestess Monica was allowed to follow but she had to be close to someone who could protect her properly. And now, wearing her silver light armor and holding her new bow, she was standing right next to Limon holding tightly his hand, while Darth would escort together with Elemor the Priestess leading the troops.
After she finished her singing she raised her left hand, holding her ribbon, to the sky and she shouted Azure’s name; a strong cry was heard from the sky and the Phoenix of the Four Winds flew to her landing on the water’s surface, slightly touching the water. Everyone looked at the majestic bird amazed and then they climbed on their dragons or Lingies ready to take off when the signal would be given.
“Comfortable?” Limon asked Monica when the two of them were on the blue dragon, ready to take off.
“I am fine” she answered and pressed her head on Limon’s back holding tightly his waist.
“What an irony…”
“What do you mean?”
“We were once the ones who invaded and conquered Selemir and now I am fighting to take it back from my ex-comrade”
“You are not alone, we are together and we will get through this with everyone”
“I know, thank you Monica” he said with soft voice and touched her hands, which were still holding his waist.
“Today we fight for our freedom! We fight for those who have fallen before us! Fight with everything you have but remember to show mercy, even when it’s not requested. Let’s go!” and with a hit of her ribbon on the air the Phoenix took off, flapping his giant wings, soaring to the sky, followed by Elemor and Darth, who were on their fighting dragons, and then by the whole army of the Northern Rebels, all of them flew to the sky heading to the Holy Capital.
“Good luck…Lily. May you find the right path and win this battle” Elder Fin murmured when he saw the Phoenix flying to the sky.
“Your Majesty there has been spotted movement from the North! The Northern Rebels are heading here!” the messenger said to Nevol, while he was preparing for battle wearing his armor.
“Very well, place the Army to the vital parts of the Palace and prepare for battle”
“What about you my Lord?”
“I will be waiting her to the place everything began” and he headed outside from the throne room.
They were flying with incredible speed, thanks to the winds which were blowing to their direction, as the Priestess was swinging her ribbon again and again calling for their assistance. She was communicating with everyone through telepathy, giving them formation orders and assigning them their objects and missions.
“Lord Limon you will dispatch a small part and together with Lady Monica you will secure the exit of the city’s people. Evacuate everything around the castle’s perimeter and make sure they will be safe.”
“Certainly my Lady” and Limon moved his hand to the right and the light-armored troops created a formation around his dragon.
“She wants to have me outside the battlefield” Monica noticed.
“It’s for the best. Let’s work hard for the city’s people and I promise you, when we are over with this we will go back to her” the man said to her and he shouted the orders to the flying Lingies around him.
“General Elemor, use the rest of the army in order to enter the Palace. I will head to the Mechanism of Destruction and destroy it. Lord Darth you…”
“I am coming with you! I am sure that Nevol will be waiting together with the machine. Please I have a score to settle with him.”
“Very well…” and she moved her ribbon creating a protective field around the army. After an hour of non stopping flying the Holy Capital started to appear at the horizon; although the city had lost its formal beauty and glory, the signs of a glorious past still existed on the streets, the buildings and most of all at the Royal Palace, which stood at the middle of the city, surrounded now by big walls full of catapults and archers. It was used to be called the Crystal Palace or the Holy Castle due to the crystals which were merged within the white marble, making the whole Palace shining like a crystal: a pillar of power and prosperity of the formal Royal Family. Now the colors had been darkened and the gigantic building had crumbled into decline, full of the darkness of its King. The troops of Limon were separated from the main army body and flew to the direction of the city, leaving the others who were now trying to avoid the incoming attacks. A formation of Lingies, led by Elemor, made a loop at the sky and dived into the catapults destroying them and attacking at the soldiers. The Phoenix flew to the highest parts of the Palace, followed by Darth’s dragon, until it reached an opening on a big veranda, which was decorated by small flowers. The Phoenix dissolved into shining silver feathers as the Priestess was setting her feet on the ground, while Darth ordered his dragon to assist at the battle.
“Now we must look for the machine” Darth said
“I have an idea of where it should be?”
“You mean…?”
“A place of strong magic which should be able to be used for the machine” the Priestess expressed her opinion and Darth shivered when he realized where Nevol was.
“I…I know where he is”
“You do?”
“I have been in this Palace before a long time ago” and he started to walk guiding her deep inside the Palace heading to the Altar of the previous Priestess.
“Wake up… wake up…”
“Who… who are you…?”
“Wake up… Lily… he needs you…”
“Who… who is Lily… who am I?”
“You shall bless him but at the same time you will punish him too. Open your eyes and face the truth”
The girl opened her eyes listening to the woman’s soft voice; she could see nothing but she could feel that she was trapped inside deep darkness. Her hands and feet were chained with golden chains and her head was falling heavy on her shoulders. She lifted her head and “saw” the beautiful woman standing in front of her looking at her with a smile of sympathy.
“Are you the one who has been calling me?”
“What message did you left before you disappear?” the woman asked her
“I… don’t know… I can’t remember…” the girl said with tired voice
But the woman repeated her question again and again, until at the end the girl was trying to find out the message she had left behind.
“Hold your positions and fight back!” Elemor was screaming as he was making his way through the main gate of the Palace. The catapults had been destroyed but now special trained alchemy wielders were throwing bombs of poisonous gases, which when they came in contact with the air, they were exploding. Elemor ordered them to pull back and called forth the armor scaled dragons. They absorbed the bombs and threw them back to the enemy’s soldiers with triple strength.
“Arm yourselves!” and they finally entered the main gate. The soldiers were retreating, fearing for their lives, until there was no place to run. Elemor stood before them and raised his hands making the symbol of peace in the army code: his left hand was united with his right creating a punch. Then he freed his hands and bowed to them.
“We request your surrender. We do not wish the death of the children of Denmor, only the annihilation of King Nevol. Your lives will not be in danger and you will be forgiven for the actions the King has made you to do. That is the will of the Priestess.”
All the soldiers then dropped their weapons and kneel before the Northern Rebels. The battle was over.
“Darthorian now is up to you…”
“I think the battle is over!” Limon shouted to Monica
“It took them a while, but thank goodness, it is over now” and she helped an old lady carry her items on the wagons they had prepared. They were not sure if the King wanted to destroy the city or not but they were now helping the civilians to escape in the forest following the soldiers. Slowly the city was abandoned by its citizens who were fleeing to all directions outside the city’s gates.
“Quickly! We don’t have much time!” Limon ordered them and he looked at Monica. She was staring the Palace from afar holding her hands tightly, like praying.
“Please. Please let them be ok…”
They were walking into the long corridors, without letting their guard down. Darth with every step he mad he could feel the memories flowing back to him. A big fire, his scythe is clinging with her staff and then the blood on her hair, his screams and the loss of his Heart Stone.
“Lord Darth?” he heard her voice and came back to his senses
“Yes?”
“I think we are getting closer. I don’t know why but I feel something that makes me uncomfortable”
They passed the corridor and they turned right. They climbed the stairs and then they reached a big round room with glassy roof and in front of them there was a big closed gate.
“That’s strange, there wasn’t a gate here before” he said suspicious and then he heard the footsteps.
Black armored soldiers were surrounding them holding long spears and aiming them with Soul Arrows and Darth quickly stood in front of her.
“Nevol’s special fighting troop” and he looked at their weapons “damn, they have Soul Arrows too.”
“Soul… Arrows. Why, why are… no… Noooo!!” and the Priestess screamed holding her pain from pain behind Darth’s back
“LILY!!!” he shouted with all of his strength and the golden light enveloped them throwing back the soldiers.
Chapter 28: The amber Heart Stone
“I can’t remember, what message did I…”
“You will be able to find the truth and free yourself”
The chained girl raised her head and looked at the woman. She had white hair and her eyes were sad.
“Did you lose someone too?” the girl asked her
“I did a long time ago, but I still love him and I will always be, just like you”
Suddenly she heard a voice, someone was speaking; it was a man’s voice and it was so calming hearing his words. Then inside the darkness a light started to appear and the girl got up.
“I know that voice… how much I have missed this sound…”
“Who is he? Tell me his name…”
The chains on her feet and hands became tighter, as they tried to hold her back, but she moved again and lifted her hands trying to touch the light
“D-D-Darth… Darth… Darth!! I am here Darth!” and the girl moved again violently trying to break her chains
“That’s it continue… more and more”
Then the voice shouted the girl’s name and it felt like it has been an eternity since she has been called like that.
“LILY!!”
“DARTH!” and her chains broke and she flew to the light.
“Go Lily, but you will soon have to complete your mission.” The woman said and disappeared
The light covered them both and pushed the soldiers back throwing them to the ground. The strong light started to fade away after it made the whole room shine with the golden moss that was left behind.
Darth had closed his eyes in order to prevent the strong light from blinding him. A soft voice was heard close to his ear, like a nightingale, and he felt like he was waking up from a long dream.
“Darth…”
“Lily… is it you?” and he opened his eyes and looked at her. She was smiling, with that adorable smile he loved so much. The hood had fallen from her head and her face now could be seen clearly. Her amber eyes were trying to focus to the source of his voice and her long blond hair were shining.
“You changed back.” She said with low voice, touching his chest, moving her hands from his neck to his face.
“You came back…” he said with trembling voice
“You didn’t forget… you called my name in the end” she said with tears on her cheeks
“How could I?”
Lily touched his lips and raised her head kissing him. Their lips became one under the rage of the upcoming battle; there were no words, only their actions could reveal what they were feeling for each other. She pressed her left palm on his chest and Darth felt his body become heavier. He fell on the floor and then with a piercing noise the doors started to open and Lily began walking to them.
“Lily wait where are you…” and he tried to get up but his legs were weak all of sudden and then he felt it; the long forgotten sound that was beating on his chest *bump, bump* that was the sound of a beating Heart Stone. But that was not all, with each beating a phrase was repeated again and again on his head:
“I love you… I love you…”
Darth looked surprised at Lily; she had already passed the doors and now they were closing again. He got up and he ran to her but he didn’t make in time. The only thing he managed to see was her smiling face looking at him directly and the only thing he heard was
“So that’s the color… like the amber”
“No, you couldn’t have…”
The doors closed with a strong sound and Darth was left alone together with the soldiers who had regained consciousness and now they were charging to attack again.
“Stupid, reckless Lily! You are not getting away with this!” and the scythe appeared on his hands more powerful than any time and shouting her name he attacked the soldiers.
Lily walked the corridor which was leading to the Altar. With every step she made the pain on her chest was becoming more and more unbearable.
“I have to continue. I must…” she murmured and she felt the pain fading away a little, “So that’s how Darth has lived all these years… so painful”. Suddenly she felt a vide coming to her. It was full of darkness, hate, anger and a murderous intention. She entered the big chamber and she realized that this was the Altar of the previous Priestess; traces of their magic were all around the Altar and her ribbon was resonating with them, shining beautifully.
“You finally came, dear Priestess!” Nevol’s voice came from above. If Lily could see him she would realize that he had almost transform his body into that of a monster’s and he was now sitting on a throne in the middle of the Altar. The Altar itself had been remodeled in order to fit the machine’s measures.
“Nevol… so you have managed to turn yourself into a complete monster” she said with angry voice
“Don’t be so harsh, besides you will not live to see the world I am going to create!” and he moved his hands creating a thick black smoke which came from the machine’s walls and with incredible speed it covered Lily’s body completely.
She moved her ribbon and with her golden string she made the smoke vanish. Nevol looked at her surprised and angry; she had just repelled an attack that should absorb her powers as a Priestess. She smiled and raised her head, following the traces of his dark Heart Stone.
“You sure expected much from me didn’t you? You could have easily destroyed me and my friends, by the time we entered Denmor.”
“Curse you!” Nevol screamed and continued to stack her with the dark smoke but she repelled it again and jumped into the air, standing on one of the columns.
“You waited for the chance. You left me gather the powers of the Four Gods in order to use me for the Mechanism of Destruction. You even tried to kill Darth back at Nebolia. But you have been fooled Nevol!” and she laughed loudly mocking him.
Nevol’s face was distorted from anger when he realized what she had done before she enters the Altar. He got up from his throne and jumped into one of the columns, smiling with evilness.
“I have underestimated you human girl. For someone who can’t see, you acted really clever. I couldn’t imagine that the Priestess could have the power to cast away her own Heart Stone! You killed yourself and at the same time you abandoned the Four Gods! How stupid and foolish of you!”
“Someone would definitely call me reckless but that was my decision. I almost lost myself to the massive power the Gods have given to me but I managed to return. Besides, I didn’t cast away my Heart Stone! I gave it to someone really precious to me! Now, how about leave the small talk and fight me seriously Nevol?” and she got ready to attack, moving her hands, swinging he ribbon and creating loops in the air.
“Do you really believe that you can win over me, only with your willpower?”
“I will win! Because everyone’s feelings and hopes are together with me. No matter what happens I will protect everyone!”
And the two of them jumped from the columns and their weapons crushed making the whole room shake from their massive strength.
Monica felt the tremors coming from the Palace. It was as if the whole Palace was the center of the seismic action. The whole ground was shaking from time to time and she couldn’t easily stand still and fell to the ground.
“Monica! Are you alright?” Limon’s worried voice was heard from behind and he lifted her again
“Limon I don’t like those tremors. Something must be happening to the Palace”
Limon took her hand on his and they moved towards the castle’s direction. She saw him transforming into a majestic golden dragon with violet eyes shining like amethyst.
“Let’s go to them Monica.” The dragon said smiling and she climbed on his back.
“You are fighting in vain girl!” Nevol tried to hit her with his sword and she made a loop in the air and she moved her ribbon, making its string surround him.
“Nothing is in vain. I was summoned here in order to stop you!”
“A mere human would never survive in here! How did you managed to come here?” he said while trying to escape from her ribbon.
“You should be more careful with your victims Nevol!” and Lily hit him with violence “That’s for my parents!” and Nevol looked at her with wide open eyes
“You are… Aimilian?” he said unable to believe her words
Lily moved again, dancing around him, giving more strength to her ribbon’s movements and looked at him with angry, yet sad eyes.
“Why Nevol? Why did do all these? For who? You are destroying a whole world, you have killed so many people, you have even torn apart beloved ones! What do you expect to accomplish!?”
“The creation of a new world… my world!” he responded to her “Don’t worry, when the Mechanism can’t find a power source it turns to the power of the land! It will absorb all the life force in Denmor and hen a new world will be born! And I will be its ruler!” and then the machine started to work; the pipes which connected the Altar with the ground under the Palace made and awful sound and they started to pull forcibly out all the life on around the city. Lily was trying to find a way to stop the machine but it was impossible; the machine was already beginning to destroy the area around the city, making the trees wither and the water from the rives and the lakes dry out.
She felt a strong light coming with speed from behind and turned relieved to the direction he was coming.
“Lily!” Darth shouted to her
“Darth! I can’t stop the machine!”
Darth looked at the trapped Nevol with disgust and then he tried to break down the machine’s metallic parts.
“It’s impossible! Now that it has absorbed enough power it can now produce its own army!” Nevol said with pleasure and laughed loudly.
“What the hell is this?” Limon said when he saw the black giants, made from black smoke and tar, rising from the ground around the Palace. They were pursuing the Army around them; whoever touched them would completely be annihilated and disappear like smoke.
“Limon I can see Elemor down there!” Monica shouted and pointed to the troops that were running, trying to escape the smokes and the tar of the giants.
“Elemor!” Limon shouted above the man’s head
“What are those things?”
“We don’t know! Take the men away, we have already secured the citizens” and the dragon flew to the direction of the giants.
“Ok Monica let’s try to shoot them down!”
“I am on it!” and the girls stretched the bow’s string ready to fire her arrow. The arrow hit one of them but when it came in touch with the giant’s surface it disappeared.
“Limon, it didn’t work!”
“Then try this!” and the “Bloody Tears” appeared on her hands.
“Limon…”
“Just shoot them!” and the dragon made a loop in the air, avoiding the hands of the giants who tried to catch them. Monica fired many different types of arrows but none of them work. Now they were surrounded and the giants deadly touch was coming closer. Monica grabbed the dragon’s neck and closed her eyes, believing that this was their doom.
Suddenly and strong sound was heard and a bomb pierced the giant’s body making them turn around slowly. Monica and Limon escaped and they flew higher; what they saw left them astonished: a giant round portal made from Ebu petals, which were making circles quickly, was standing in the air. In front of the portal a ship, which was flying with the help of many Lingies, which were pulling it, was firing unstoppable against the giants
“It’s “Dimitra”! It’s Minto and Clyone!” Monica shouted from relief and excitement and they flew to the ship. Dings was waving his hand to them and they landed on the deck and Limon transformed back.
“Monica!” Clyone ran to her and hugged her.
“Clyone! How… how did you get here?”
“You should thank the Lingies and the Ebu branches. We were able to travel from the North Sea to Selemir in one day!” Minto told her and he greeted Limon.
“Limon where are Darth and Lily?” Dings asked him
“They are at the Palace, but I don’t know if they are…”
“They will be fine! Shouldn’t we now deal with them?” Clyone said and she pointed to the giants who were now following them.
Nevol was still trapped inside Lily’s ribbon, unable to move. Darth had tried to destroy the Mechanism but it was impossible; no switch off button, neither a lever nor anything that could stop this hideous machine.
“There is no way we can stop that! Nevol do you know how to stop this?” Darth asked him
“I don’t know and it doesn’t matter anyway! As long as the darkness exists within me, I will continue to control the Mechanism of Destruction!”
“That’s it!” Lily said when she heard his words. “Darth can you contact Limon? I need him to bring Monica here”
Darth used his telepathy and found him fighting the giants together with Monica outside the Palace. They would be there soon. But the tremors became stronger and Lily lost her balance and fell, releasing Nevol without noticing. Darth ran to her side but instead of attacking her Nevol crawled back to the machine and sat on the throne.
“He gave up himself completely to the darkness, now he can’t live without the machine” Lily said while holding Darth’s shoulder.
“Priestess! Darth!” Limon’s voice was heard from behind and they saw him together with Monica running fast and trying at the same time to keep their balance.
“Monica…” Lily said and searched for he sister’s hand
“Lily… it is you!” and she hugged her tightly.
Limon noticed something different on Darth and looked at him frightened.
“Darth you…”
“Later Limon, now we must focus on destroying this or else Denmor will crumble”
“Monica do you remember the spells I taught you?
“All of them”
“I want you to use the one called “Eternal Light”. Can you do that?”
“I guess, but that spell is…”
“Monica please…” and she touched Monica’s face waiting for her response.
“Very well… but you must come back!” she shouted to her and Lily walked into the Altar and stood near the columns.
“Hear me Gods! I request for your help!” Lily shouted and the four columns shined brightly and covered her body while at the same time Limon, Darth and Monica were pulled out from the Altar and the gates closed again. Darth shouted her name, calling her back and Monica was whispering the spell without stopping, having her eyes closed, trying to hide her tears, which were already flowing.
The Palace was already falling apart. Limon carried them on his back and the three of them escaped in the air flying around the castle. They could only see the Palace falling apart and a giant pillar of golden light rising to the sky.
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