Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ Finally Home! ( Chapter 33 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Soulless Wanderer 
Events are taking place that may mean another war.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.24.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 133 | Status: Completed
Events are taking place that may mean another war.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.24.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 133 | Status: Completed
Brittany sat in shock at all that Alex had just told her. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard, yet at the same time her heart broke after hearing Alex’s words. His hair was still covering his eyes so she couldn’t see what his face looked like, but it was obvious that the memory was a painful one, all that Brittany had said hadn’t helped either. “Alex...I don’t know what to say. If I had known, I didn’t mean what I had said Alex, its just that....”
“Don’t. You agreed that if I told you, you’d never speak of this again. What happened is done an over with. There’s no use dredging it up again.” Alex said coldly. It was painfully obvious that Alex was seething over what Brittany had said as he looked up at her with eyes full of hurt. “Now you see what it’s like to say one thing and mean another. Regardless, I was the one who killed her.”
“Alex. How in the world could you say you were the one who killed her?” Brittany said, her voice cracking with emotion. Alex is hurt. I didn’t mean to say what I did, it just happened. I was angry and he knows that! He should know that I didn’t mean what I said! He did the exact same thing...and I ran away from him because of it. So he can’t blame me for saying things out of anger, but I can’t exactly blame him for being hurt either. Brittany looked into Alex’s eyes as she brought herself closer to him and wiped the wet hair out of his eyes. “Alex, her death wasn’t your fault. You ended her suffering, that was all.”
“No, if I had been stronger than she wouldn’t have died. If I had been stronger none of them would’ve died. All those innocent people, women and children slaughtered like they were nothing. I told Kiba to go ahead, I promised him that I could take care of Zanatos. Instead he had to come and save me because I was too arrogant to ask for help. Celeste died so that I could live. Her blood, her death, they are both my sins.” Alex apathetically said. Before Brittany could reply Alex stood up quickly, threw his hair back and extended his hand towards Brittany. “I think we’ve had enough adventure for one day. Let’s start heading back towards the village.”
Brittany nodded and let Alex help her up. By now the blazing sun had nearly dried them off as they walked Brittany was surprised that Alex wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close to him. Brittany rested her head against his chest as thoughts raced through her mind. Both of them were deep in thought when they reached the village, it wasn’t until Kiba yelled at them that they snapped out of it.
“Heh, I tried get you two love birds attention earlier but you didn’t hear me. They moved the pegasu’s body into the temple so that they could dry and determine what killed it.” Kiba smirked. As soon as he saw how serious their expressions were he became solemn as he nodded. “I guess you finally told her then lad.”
Alex nodded and Brittany looked at Kiba with question. Kiba was looking at Alex as he spoke. “The lad here is haunted by many ghosts of the past. I’ve made my peace with what happened, and so should he. He did the best he could, no one could’ve asked more. He didn’t have to put himself in harms way, yet he openly did to help us. My wife didn’t die because of him. If anything he helped her. Maybe you can talk some sense into him lass.”
“We don’t have time for nonsense.” Alex said as he released Brittany. “Kiba, make sure everything is ready to go. I’ve got to tell Rire we are leaving. As soon as I get back Brittany will cast a teleportation spell which will take us directly to the castle.”
Alex walked off towards the temple as Kiba turned around and called out to him. “Your ghosts will only haunt you if you don’t share them lad. You’ve got people that care about you, especially the lass here. She’s not afraid of your past, and neither should you be. If you truly cared about her as you said you do then you’d tell her.”
Brittany was shocked by Kiba’s reaction as he stared at Alex who had stopped walking after hearing Kiba words. Brittany grabbed Kiba’s arm and shook her head profusely.
“Kiba, Alex told me that he’d tell me everything we the right time comes. I can wait until then.” Brittany promised. Kiba shook his head and was about to say something when Alex beat him to it.
“No, you shouldn’t have to.” Alex said as he turned around to face them. It was hard to tell what emotions Alex was feeling as his face became a cold mask once again. Alex turned on his heels and continued towards the temple leaving Brittany and Kiba alone to ponder his cryptic message.
“I’m sorry about that lass.” Kiba said softly as he turned around and smiled at her. “Its just that the Lord doesn’t know Celeste as I knew her. She wouldn’t want him to mourn her death as if it was his fault. She did what she thought she should, no one could’ve stopped her. She was happy when she died. She didn’t hate the Lord for what he did.”
“I know she didn’t it. But Alex doesn’t see it that way. Kiba, if I ask you something would you tell me the truth?” Brittany asked quietly. Kiba looked at her with interest and nodded.
“Aye lass. If I can, I will tell you.” Kiba answered. Brittany took a deep breath before speaking.
“I want to know what happened to Alex to make him how he is. From what I’ve heard from both of you, Alex was a completely different person in the past. What happened to make him change so much?” Brittany asked.
“I can’t be sure lass.” Kiba replied honestly. “The Lord was once very confident in his own abilities, even after the events you have recently become aware of. It wasn’t until after he killed the Lord of the south that his entire demeanor changed. He became brooding, and quiet. Tormented by his own inner thoughts. I truly do not know what happened to make these changes manifest within the Lord, but I do know that he is not the same person who I pledged my loyalty to. In some ways he is better. He is more thoughtful, more decisive, and more protective, but in other ways he is a lot worse. He no longer seemed to have that...adolescent innocence to him. Despite all he had been through, all the blood and all the killing he had faced as one of the southern demon Lord’s officers, he was still a youth. If I’m correct, he would’ve been about fifteen in your years when Celeste died.”
“So you mean even then, he was just a kid really.” Brittany said as she tried to fit things into place.
“Aye, despite his youth he was still an incredible fighter. Even so, he had a innocence surrounding him. It was as if he didn’t really understand all that was going on, all the death, all the pain. As soon as he killed the Lord of the south and we came to the castle he was a different person. He seemed older, wiser, yet at the same time it was as if he was truly seeing the world for the first time. It’s hard to explain lass.” Kiba continued. Brittany nodded and sighed as she shook her head.
“The more I learn the more I become confused.” Brittany sighed. “Sometime’s I can’t wait to learn the truth about Alex’s past, yet at the same time I wonder if I truly want to know everything that he’s been through.” Kiba smirked at her comment as he nodded.
“Aye, I know what you mean lass. I have sworn my life to him, as have all of my clan. Regardless of what the Lord’s past may be like, I can’t tell him what to do about his past. Though I hope he knows there are people that care about his future.” Kiba said as he winked at Brittany. It was then that he sensed Alex behind him and turned around quickly.
“I know there are Kiba. I am not nearly as blind to the people around me as I have been in the past.” Alex said as he approached them evidently having heard Kiba’s speech. “Now, let’s go home.” Both Kiba and Brittany nodded unsure of what to say. Alex placed his hand on Kiba’s shoulder and wrapped his other arm around Brittany’s waist as he looked down at her. “Do you remember the spell I used to get us out of Celine’s castle?”
“Yes.” Brittany replied as she closed her eyes and cast the spell. Their was a bright flash of light that engulfed the group when it dispersed they found themselves standing outside the castle gates. Brittany looked at the castle with joy as she exclaimed. “We’re finally home!”
All three of them wearily entered the castle. The halls were unusually quiet as they entered. Both Alex and Kiba looked around trying to sense if anything was wrong when Holly walked out from one of the rooms reading a book. She looked up in surprise and shock as she stared at the three people standing before. She looked dumbfounded at first but immediately recovered as she ran towards them.
“My Lord, Kiba, Brittany!” Holly shouted as she hugged Brittany and started asking her a million questions. Before Brittany could answer any of the questions Alex put his hand on her shoulder and looked at Holly.
“Holly, where is everyone? Is everything all right, has anything happened in my absence?” Alex asked sensing that everything was not as it appeared. Holly face fell as she nodded slowly.
“Yes my Lord. The wraiths came back again, but this time they attacked the village. By the time we arrived most everyone was dead. Those that have survived we put up in the castle, the others are all being buried as we speak.” Holly said softly tears glistening in her eyes. Alex’s hard glare softened slightly as a new realization hit him.
“Holly, is Shadow okay?” Alex asked quickly, afraid that his premonition might be true.
“Yes my Lord.” Holly replied as she looked up at him. She looked confused at first at why he would ask this but then smiled as she nodded. “Sorry, its just that everything happened so fast. When you left everything was fine, but the next day was when we noticed the smoke coming from one of the villages. When we arrived...it was awful.”
“Its okay lass, we know.” Kiba said softly as he patter her shoulder soothingly. “It’s a terrible tragedy, but take joy in the fact that at least your mate still lives. The wraiths are creatures who feel no emotion, but still someone has to be controlling them.”
Brittany’s eyes widened with surprise as she looked at Holly. “Wait, you’re Kiba’s mate!” Brittany asked in an excited voice. Holly wiped her watery eyes and giggled as she nodded. “I’ve missed so much, you’ve got to fill me in on everything! Alex, I know I just got back, but is it all right if I go with Holly?” Brittany looked at Alex to make sure it was okay if she went with Holly. Alex was deep in thought but soon realized what Brittany was asking when she softly touched his hand. “Alex?”
“Sorry, lost in my thoughts. Yes, of course do what you want to.” Alex said softly as he smiled and kissed her on the lips. He then looked at Holly. “Which of the villages was attacked?”
“It was Medea my Lord.” Holly replied sadly. Both Alex and Kiba were shocked at this news as they looked at Holly with renewed interest.
“Medea, but that’s impossible lass. It has a holy barrier around it. That’s were the clerics reside, there’s no way one of the creature’s should’ve been able to get in there. The archmage himself placed the barrier around Medea.” Kiba exclaimed.
“I’m not sure. Maybe the archmage’s spell is weakening. All I know is that when we got there the survivors told us that it was wraith’s that attacked them.” Holly added.
“The archmage’s spell wouldn’t weaken, not even after his death. The only way they could’ve gotten through was if someone knew the spell to open a door in the barrier like I did with the one around the forest; or if someone with even greater magical power than Alcadan managed a counter spell against it.” Alex concluded. “Both possibilities are rather slim however. Alcadan wasn’t one who kept the secrets to his spells where someone could get them. He had all his most powerful spells and all the secrets to his spells written down in one special spell book that was lost after his death. If anyone found it the likelihood of them knowing any magic or what the book actually contained would be slim. Someone’s controlling these wraiths which means they must have some knowledge of necromancy, but the last person to master that art perished during the great war.”
“At least we believe he perished.” Kiba corrected. “The only person who was every able to control the wraiths was Scion, and he was the only one who’s magical power rivaled the archmage’s.”
“True, but Scion is dead. The original demon Lord ended his miserable life before he died himself.” Alex quickly argued. “There’s no way he could be alive.”
“Aye, but we don’t know what actually happened up there lad. I’m sure you were too young at the time to remember most of the things that happened, but after the Lord was found dead the Lord’s four generals took both the Lord’s body and Scion’s body away. Maybe Scion found a way to come back from the dead.” Kiba offered.
“No one, not even the demon Lord or the Lord of Darkness could come back from the dead. They were strong, but not immortal.” Alex said sternly. He was about to say something else when he sighed and admitted. “Even if he could come back, why would he hide in the shadows? It just doesn’t make sense.”
“Wait if Medea was where the clerics were what about Simera and the others? Are they okay?” Brittany asked afraid what she might find out. Alex too looked at Holly with interest as he remembered the priestess. Holly nodded before answering her question.
“Yes, she along with Jessica and Rachel are both fine.” Holly said and then bowed her head as she continued. “Raphael however...he died to protect the priestess and the other’s. He is the reason that those that are here survived.” Brittany paled at the news as silent tears fell down her cheeks. Alex looked at the ground and shook his head softly before pulling Brittany close to him and hugged her tightly.
“Its not fair! Why is there so much death? Why does it seem that there’s never any happiness here?” Brittany yelled as she cried. Alex’s heart broke as she cried, as did Kiba, and Holly’s. They were used to this life, she was not. Alex closed his eyes as he tried to find the right words to help ease her pain.
“It wasn’t always like this. Once, long ago, everyone was happy. Raphael died to save the other’s, he knew what he had to do. He died protecting the people that meant the most to him. I can guarantee that he didn’t mind dying if it meant those he loved were able to live.” Alex leaned back so that he could look at Brittany. He gently wiped her tears and smiled at her. “I’m going to check on the destroyed village. Why don’t you go with Holly, I’m sure she could use your help. But Brittany, I promise to you, things won’t be like this much longer. Soon there will be happiness once again, and people won’t have to live in fear. I’ll make sure of that.” Alex released Brittany and kissed her once again before turning to leave. Brittany turned around in shock as she looked back and forth between Holly and Kiba.
“Was that really just Alex?” Brittany asked as she brought her hands up to her lips where he kissed her. Alex has never looked like that before...never. What does this mean? How can Alex change the way things are? With the binding spell on him he can’t take on the other Lord’s, much less whoever’s controlling the wraiths. It doesn’t make sense that he would even try, yet...I believe he can. Something in the way he looked, it truly made me believe that he could make things better. Alex, you’ve never broken a promise to me yet, so I’m counting on you.
Holly and Kiba were just as shocked by Alex’s outburst as Brittany was. Holly smiled at Brittany as she grabbed her hand and drug her towards kitchen. “Come on you’ve got to tell me everything that’s happened to you while you’ve been gone!”
“So, it’s finally begun.” Kiba said with a glazed look in his eyes. His dark expression was soon replaced by a smirk as he chuckled softly. “Well if you’re going out, you might as well go out with one hell of a bang. Things are going to get interesting around here that’s for sure.”
* * * * * * * *
Alex walked around the remnants of what used to be Medea. He stopped before a large white column which was once a part of the cleric temple. The temple now laid in ruins of white rumble. Alex continued surveying the damage, stopping to look at long dark scratches in the walls and on the ground. This was definitely the work of wraiths. The only question is, is who’s controlling them. Scion is dead, and with him died all his work. There’s no way someone would be able to recreate the wraiths unless he had a spell book, but Alcadan said he destroyed all of Scion’s spell books. I guess there’s no way to figure it out until I find who’s controlling them. There’s really no use thinking about it until I get some more clues. Alex was about to leave when something laying on the ground caught his eye. Alex kneeled and lifted up a silver medallion with a demon encrusted on it. The demon’s eyes were made out of ruby’s causing the demon to almost look alive as you gazed at it. Alex paled as he realized what the medallion was and pocketed it quickly. I’ve got to get back. I don’t have a moment to spare.
Alex charged through the doors of the castle ignoring the surprised looks from the other demons as he quickly headed towards his room. He opened the door as Holly finished tying the back of Brittany’s dress. Alex stopped for a second as his eyes rested upon Brittany. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and she was wearing a form fitting dark blue and white dress. Alex’s jaw opened with surprise as he tried to speak but no words came out.
“You might want to want to close your mouth my Lord, I do believe you’re beginning to drool.” Holly teased as she saw Alex’s expression. When Brittany saw Alex she blushed slightly as he walked towards her.
“You’re beautiful.” Alex said softly as he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist as he tenderly kissed her. Brittany’s breath was taken away by the amount of passion that was in Alex’s kiss. She could tell there was something on his mind as he looked at her with an expression as if he was debating what to do.
“What is it Alex, is everything okay?” Brittany asked worried that something had happened.
“It’s time.” Alex said sounding as if his words made perfect sense. Brittany looked at him confused as she repeated his words.
“It’s time? Time for what?” Brittany asked.
“It’s time for you to know the truth.” Alex replied softly as he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “Time for you to know everything.”
* * * * * * * *
Author's Note: Awesome four review's that's the highest for any of my stories yet! Thank you for those of you that have reviewed it really means a lot to me. Yes the time has finally come for Alex to tell Brittany the secrets of his past, but don't worry, this story is far from over. I've only covered 2 of the 5 plot points in this story so there's still a while to go. Hope you enjoy this chapter, you're going to hate me when the next one comes up. *Insert Evil Laughter*
Thank you once again for those that have reviewed my story, I hope everyone really enjoys this story I'm trying to put A LOT of work into this one. Thanks, Bye!
Soulless Wanderer
“Don’t. You agreed that if I told you, you’d never speak of this again. What happened is done an over with. There’s no use dredging it up again.” Alex said coldly. It was painfully obvious that Alex was seething over what Brittany had said as he looked up at her with eyes full of hurt. “Now you see what it’s like to say one thing and mean another. Regardless, I was the one who killed her.”
“Alex. How in the world could you say you were the one who killed her?” Brittany said, her voice cracking with emotion. Alex is hurt. I didn’t mean to say what I did, it just happened. I was angry and he knows that! He should know that I didn’t mean what I said! He did the exact same thing...and I ran away from him because of it. So he can’t blame me for saying things out of anger, but I can’t exactly blame him for being hurt either. Brittany looked into Alex’s eyes as she brought herself closer to him and wiped the wet hair out of his eyes. “Alex, her death wasn’t your fault. You ended her suffering, that was all.”
“No, if I had been stronger than she wouldn’t have died. If I had been stronger none of them would’ve died. All those innocent people, women and children slaughtered like they were nothing. I told Kiba to go ahead, I promised him that I could take care of Zanatos. Instead he had to come and save me because I was too arrogant to ask for help. Celeste died so that I could live. Her blood, her death, they are both my sins.” Alex apathetically said. Before Brittany could reply Alex stood up quickly, threw his hair back and extended his hand towards Brittany. “I think we’ve had enough adventure for one day. Let’s start heading back towards the village.”
Brittany nodded and let Alex help her up. By now the blazing sun had nearly dried them off as they walked Brittany was surprised that Alex wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close to him. Brittany rested her head against his chest as thoughts raced through her mind. Both of them were deep in thought when they reached the village, it wasn’t until Kiba yelled at them that they snapped out of it.
“Heh, I tried get you two love birds attention earlier but you didn’t hear me. They moved the pegasu’s body into the temple so that they could dry and determine what killed it.” Kiba smirked. As soon as he saw how serious their expressions were he became solemn as he nodded. “I guess you finally told her then lad.”
Alex nodded and Brittany looked at Kiba with question. Kiba was looking at Alex as he spoke. “The lad here is haunted by many ghosts of the past. I’ve made my peace with what happened, and so should he. He did the best he could, no one could’ve asked more. He didn’t have to put himself in harms way, yet he openly did to help us. My wife didn’t die because of him. If anything he helped her. Maybe you can talk some sense into him lass.”
“We don’t have time for nonsense.” Alex said as he released Brittany. “Kiba, make sure everything is ready to go. I’ve got to tell Rire we are leaving. As soon as I get back Brittany will cast a teleportation spell which will take us directly to the castle.”
Alex walked off towards the temple as Kiba turned around and called out to him. “Your ghosts will only haunt you if you don’t share them lad. You’ve got people that care about you, especially the lass here. She’s not afraid of your past, and neither should you be. If you truly cared about her as you said you do then you’d tell her.”
Brittany was shocked by Kiba’s reaction as he stared at Alex who had stopped walking after hearing Kiba words. Brittany grabbed Kiba’s arm and shook her head profusely.
“Kiba, Alex told me that he’d tell me everything we the right time comes. I can wait until then.” Brittany promised. Kiba shook his head and was about to say something when Alex beat him to it.
“No, you shouldn’t have to.” Alex said as he turned around to face them. It was hard to tell what emotions Alex was feeling as his face became a cold mask once again. Alex turned on his heels and continued towards the temple leaving Brittany and Kiba alone to ponder his cryptic message.
“I’m sorry about that lass.” Kiba said softly as he turned around and smiled at her. “Its just that the Lord doesn’t know Celeste as I knew her. She wouldn’t want him to mourn her death as if it was his fault. She did what she thought she should, no one could’ve stopped her. She was happy when she died. She didn’t hate the Lord for what he did.”
“I know she didn’t it. But Alex doesn’t see it that way. Kiba, if I ask you something would you tell me the truth?” Brittany asked quietly. Kiba looked at her with interest and nodded.
“Aye lass. If I can, I will tell you.” Kiba answered. Brittany took a deep breath before speaking.
“I want to know what happened to Alex to make him how he is. From what I’ve heard from both of you, Alex was a completely different person in the past. What happened to make him change so much?” Brittany asked.
“I can’t be sure lass.” Kiba replied honestly. “The Lord was once very confident in his own abilities, even after the events you have recently become aware of. It wasn’t until after he killed the Lord of the south that his entire demeanor changed. He became brooding, and quiet. Tormented by his own inner thoughts. I truly do not know what happened to make these changes manifest within the Lord, but I do know that he is not the same person who I pledged my loyalty to. In some ways he is better. He is more thoughtful, more decisive, and more protective, but in other ways he is a lot worse. He no longer seemed to have that...adolescent innocence to him. Despite all he had been through, all the blood and all the killing he had faced as one of the southern demon Lord’s officers, he was still a youth. If I’m correct, he would’ve been about fifteen in your years when Celeste died.”
“So you mean even then, he was just a kid really.” Brittany said as she tried to fit things into place.
“Aye, despite his youth he was still an incredible fighter. Even so, he had a innocence surrounding him. It was as if he didn’t really understand all that was going on, all the death, all the pain. As soon as he killed the Lord of the south and we came to the castle he was a different person. He seemed older, wiser, yet at the same time it was as if he was truly seeing the world for the first time. It’s hard to explain lass.” Kiba continued. Brittany nodded and sighed as she shook her head.
“The more I learn the more I become confused.” Brittany sighed. “Sometime’s I can’t wait to learn the truth about Alex’s past, yet at the same time I wonder if I truly want to know everything that he’s been through.” Kiba smirked at her comment as he nodded.
“Aye, I know what you mean lass. I have sworn my life to him, as have all of my clan. Regardless of what the Lord’s past may be like, I can’t tell him what to do about his past. Though I hope he knows there are people that care about his future.” Kiba said as he winked at Brittany. It was then that he sensed Alex behind him and turned around quickly.
“I know there are Kiba. I am not nearly as blind to the people around me as I have been in the past.” Alex said as he approached them evidently having heard Kiba’s speech. “Now, let’s go home.” Both Kiba and Brittany nodded unsure of what to say. Alex placed his hand on Kiba’s shoulder and wrapped his other arm around Brittany’s waist as he looked down at her. “Do you remember the spell I used to get us out of Celine’s castle?”
“Yes.” Brittany replied as she closed her eyes and cast the spell. Their was a bright flash of light that engulfed the group when it dispersed they found themselves standing outside the castle gates. Brittany looked at the castle with joy as she exclaimed. “We’re finally home!”
All three of them wearily entered the castle. The halls were unusually quiet as they entered. Both Alex and Kiba looked around trying to sense if anything was wrong when Holly walked out from one of the rooms reading a book. She looked up in surprise and shock as she stared at the three people standing before. She looked dumbfounded at first but immediately recovered as she ran towards them.
“My Lord, Kiba, Brittany!” Holly shouted as she hugged Brittany and started asking her a million questions. Before Brittany could answer any of the questions Alex put his hand on her shoulder and looked at Holly.
“Holly, where is everyone? Is everything all right, has anything happened in my absence?” Alex asked sensing that everything was not as it appeared. Holly face fell as she nodded slowly.
“Yes my Lord. The wraiths came back again, but this time they attacked the village. By the time we arrived most everyone was dead. Those that have survived we put up in the castle, the others are all being buried as we speak.” Holly said softly tears glistening in her eyes. Alex’s hard glare softened slightly as a new realization hit him.
“Holly, is Shadow okay?” Alex asked quickly, afraid that his premonition might be true.
“Yes my Lord.” Holly replied as she looked up at him. She looked confused at first at why he would ask this but then smiled as she nodded. “Sorry, its just that everything happened so fast. When you left everything was fine, but the next day was when we noticed the smoke coming from one of the villages. When we arrived...it was awful.”
“Its okay lass, we know.” Kiba said softly as he patter her shoulder soothingly. “It’s a terrible tragedy, but take joy in the fact that at least your mate still lives. The wraiths are creatures who feel no emotion, but still someone has to be controlling them.”
Brittany’s eyes widened with surprise as she looked at Holly. “Wait, you’re Kiba’s mate!” Brittany asked in an excited voice. Holly wiped her watery eyes and giggled as she nodded. “I’ve missed so much, you’ve got to fill me in on everything! Alex, I know I just got back, but is it all right if I go with Holly?” Brittany looked at Alex to make sure it was okay if she went with Holly. Alex was deep in thought but soon realized what Brittany was asking when she softly touched his hand. “Alex?”
“Sorry, lost in my thoughts. Yes, of course do what you want to.” Alex said softly as he smiled and kissed her on the lips. He then looked at Holly. “Which of the villages was attacked?”
“It was Medea my Lord.” Holly replied sadly. Both Alex and Kiba were shocked at this news as they looked at Holly with renewed interest.
“Medea, but that’s impossible lass. It has a holy barrier around it. That’s were the clerics reside, there’s no way one of the creature’s should’ve been able to get in there. The archmage himself placed the barrier around Medea.” Kiba exclaimed.
“I’m not sure. Maybe the archmage’s spell is weakening. All I know is that when we got there the survivors told us that it was wraith’s that attacked them.” Holly added.
“The archmage’s spell wouldn’t weaken, not even after his death. The only way they could’ve gotten through was if someone knew the spell to open a door in the barrier like I did with the one around the forest; or if someone with even greater magical power than Alcadan managed a counter spell against it.” Alex concluded. “Both possibilities are rather slim however. Alcadan wasn’t one who kept the secrets to his spells where someone could get them. He had all his most powerful spells and all the secrets to his spells written down in one special spell book that was lost after his death. If anyone found it the likelihood of them knowing any magic or what the book actually contained would be slim. Someone’s controlling these wraiths which means they must have some knowledge of necromancy, but the last person to master that art perished during the great war.”
“At least we believe he perished.” Kiba corrected. “The only person who was every able to control the wraiths was Scion, and he was the only one who’s magical power rivaled the archmage’s.”
“True, but Scion is dead. The original demon Lord ended his miserable life before he died himself.” Alex quickly argued. “There’s no way he could be alive.”
“Aye, but we don’t know what actually happened up there lad. I’m sure you were too young at the time to remember most of the things that happened, but after the Lord was found dead the Lord’s four generals took both the Lord’s body and Scion’s body away. Maybe Scion found a way to come back from the dead.” Kiba offered.
“No one, not even the demon Lord or the Lord of Darkness could come back from the dead. They were strong, but not immortal.” Alex said sternly. He was about to say something else when he sighed and admitted. “Even if he could come back, why would he hide in the shadows? It just doesn’t make sense.”
“Wait if Medea was where the clerics were what about Simera and the others? Are they okay?” Brittany asked afraid what she might find out. Alex too looked at Holly with interest as he remembered the priestess. Holly nodded before answering her question.
“Yes, she along with Jessica and Rachel are both fine.” Holly said and then bowed her head as she continued. “Raphael however...he died to protect the priestess and the other’s. He is the reason that those that are here survived.” Brittany paled at the news as silent tears fell down her cheeks. Alex looked at the ground and shook his head softly before pulling Brittany close to him and hugged her tightly.
“Its not fair! Why is there so much death? Why does it seem that there’s never any happiness here?” Brittany yelled as she cried. Alex’s heart broke as she cried, as did Kiba, and Holly’s. They were used to this life, she was not. Alex closed his eyes as he tried to find the right words to help ease her pain.
“It wasn’t always like this. Once, long ago, everyone was happy. Raphael died to save the other’s, he knew what he had to do. He died protecting the people that meant the most to him. I can guarantee that he didn’t mind dying if it meant those he loved were able to live.” Alex leaned back so that he could look at Brittany. He gently wiped her tears and smiled at her. “I’m going to check on the destroyed village. Why don’t you go with Holly, I’m sure she could use your help. But Brittany, I promise to you, things won’t be like this much longer. Soon there will be happiness once again, and people won’t have to live in fear. I’ll make sure of that.” Alex released Brittany and kissed her once again before turning to leave. Brittany turned around in shock as she looked back and forth between Holly and Kiba.
“Was that really just Alex?” Brittany asked as she brought her hands up to her lips where he kissed her. Alex has never looked like that before...never. What does this mean? How can Alex change the way things are? With the binding spell on him he can’t take on the other Lord’s, much less whoever’s controlling the wraiths. It doesn’t make sense that he would even try, yet...I believe he can. Something in the way he looked, it truly made me believe that he could make things better. Alex, you’ve never broken a promise to me yet, so I’m counting on you.
Holly and Kiba were just as shocked by Alex’s outburst as Brittany was. Holly smiled at Brittany as she grabbed her hand and drug her towards kitchen. “Come on you’ve got to tell me everything that’s happened to you while you’ve been gone!”
“So, it’s finally begun.” Kiba said with a glazed look in his eyes. His dark expression was soon replaced by a smirk as he chuckled softly. “Well if you’re going out, you might as well go out with one hell of a bang. Things are going to get interesting around here that’s for sure.”
* * * * * * * *
Alex walked around the remnants of what used to be Medea. He stopped before a large white column which was once a part of the cleric temple. The temple now laid in ruins of white rumble. Alex continued surveying the damage, stopping to look at long dark scratches in the walls and on the ground. This was definitely the work of wraiths. The only question is, is who’s controlling them. Scion is dead, and with him died all his work. There’s no way someone would be able to recreate the wraiths unless he had a spell book, but Alcadan said he destroyed all of Scion’s spell books. I guess there’s no way to figure it out until I find who’s controlling them. There’s really no use thinking about it until I get some more clues. Alex was about to leave when something laying on the ground caught his eye. Alex kneeled and lifted up a silver medallion with a demon encrusted on it. The demon’s eyes were made out of ruby’s causing the demon to almost look alive as you gazed at it. Alex paled as he realized what the medallion was and pocketed it quickly. I’ve got to get back. I don’t have a moment to spare.
Alex charged through the doors of the castle ignoring the surprised looks from the other demons as he quickly headed towards his room. He opened the door as Holly finished tying the back of Brittany’s dress. Alex stopped for a second as his eyes rested upon Brittany. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and she was wearing a form fitting dark blue and white dress. Alex’s jaw opened with surprise as he tried to speak but no words came out.
“You might want to want to close your mouth my Lord, I do believe you’re beginning to drool.” Holly teased as she saw Alex’s expression. When Brittany saw Alex she blushed slightly as he walked towards her.
“You’re beautiful.” Alex said softly as he slowly wrapped his arms around her waist as he tenderly kissed her. Brittany’s breath was taken away by the amount of passion that was in Alex’s kiss. She could tell there was something on his mind as he looked at her with an expression as if he was debating what to do.
“What is it Alex, is everything okay?” Brittany asked worried that something had happened.
“It’s time.” Alex said sounding as if his words made perfect sense. Brittany looked at him confused as she repeated his words.
“It’s time? Time for what?” Brittany asked.
“It’s time for you to know the truth.” Alex replied softly as he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “Time for you to know everything.”
* * * * * * * *
Author's Note: Awesome four review's that's the highest for any of my stories yet! Thank you for those of you that have reviewed it really means a lot to me. Yes the time has finally come for Alex to tell Brittany the secrets of his past, but don't worry, this story is far from over. I've only covered 2 of the 5 plot points in this story so there's still a while to go. Hope you enjoy this chapter, you're going to hate me when the next one comes up. *Insert Evil Laughter*
Thank you once again for those that have reviewed my story, I hope everyone really enjoys this story I'm trying to put A LOT of work into this one. Thanks, Bye!
Soulless Wanderer