Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ Death is Just the Beginning ( Chapter 44 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Soulless Wanderer 
The wraiths aren't wasting anytime in trying to pick the flesh from Alex's bones.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.02.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 130 | Status: Completed
The wraiths aren't wasting anytime in trying to pick the flesh from Alex's bones.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.02.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 130 | Status: Completed
Brittany sat in the darkness of the treasure room as her mind darkened by her guilt. This is all happening because of me. Kiba told me that they’re here because of me. Did Aurora tell someone? No, she wouldn’t...I don’t think she would anyways. Why did I have to tell her? I was such an idiot. Alex surely knows by now, God what have I done. Alex is going to be so pissed, and he has every right to.
As if he could sense her thoughts Kiba walked over to her and kneeled before. “You okay lass?”
“No! How in the hell do you expect me to be okay when Alex is out there fighting because of me!” Brittany snapped as her pent up tears began to fall down her cheeks. Kiba reeled from her outburst but soon softened his look as he spoke.
“Lass you shouldn’t blame yourself for this. It wasn’t your fault, you couldn’t have had any idea that this would happen.” Kiba said kindly. Brittany’s tear stained eyes met his as she shook her head softly.
“You don’t understand.” Brittany wailed. “This is my fault, I’m the one that caused all this.” Kiba looked confused but didn’t press for further information as Shadow came up to him and shook his head grimly.
“What’s going out there lad? I haven’t heard any fighting yet.” Kiba said knowing full well that silence was sometimes just as bad as the fighting itself.
“There’s a standoff.” Shadow said solemnly. Kiba could read between the lines and see the hidden truth about what Shadow was telling him, Brittany however could not.
“What do you mean? What’s going on?” Brittany asked quickly.
“The Lord of the north had this all very planned out. This wasn’t something that he just threw together he covered every base. He brought his entire army, along with the other Lord’s armies. They could surround this entire castle if they wanted to, but I have a feeling they want to take out the Lord if they can.” Shadow revealed. “I’m not sure, but I have a feeling the Lord of the north chose today to attack because he knew today was the final day of our construction. If so, that means someone has been slipping information to him.”
“I don’t want to admit it, but I think you’re right lad.” Kiba said as he nodded in agreement. “It makes too much sense for it not to be true.” Shadow nodded slowly but there was a slight hesitation. Kiba looked at him intently and realized there was more to what he was saying. Kiba glanced over at Brittany who’s eyes were trained at both of them in a mournful look.
Kiba didn’t want to ask in front of her, but she was Alex’s mate and she need to know. “Shadow, what else is out there?”
Shadow took a deep breath and looked at Brittany before gazing at the ground as he answered. “The Lord’s accusations concerning the Lord of the north have proved to be correct.” Shadow said slowly, trying not to look at Brittany though he knew that her eyes were trained on him. “The Lord of the north seems to have control over the wraiths. The Lord is about to engage them in combat alone.”
“What do you mean alone!” Brittany yelled. “What about everyone else out there? Why is Alex fighting them alone?”
“That is what he wished. He didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. He ordered Aurora to fall back and let him fight this.” Shadow said narrowing his eyes and looking at Brittany. “Aurora wants to help him, but something the Lord said to her made her back off. He’s fighting for you, and because of that he’s only going to risk his life to stop them.”
* * * * * * * *
Alex’s mind seemed to go blank as he stared at the wraiths. He felt a cold chill go up his spine as the wraiths began to spread out and began to encircle him. Alex tensed up, ready for anything as his body flexed on instinct. Alex felt the wind before he could see the attack as he instantly launched himself in the air just as a wraith struck the place where Alex had just occupied. Alex twisted his body in midair to try and avoid being hit by another wraith, however even though he dodged one another came and sliced him across his chest. Alex flipped to the ground in pain as blood trickled to the ground.
Alex saw the wraith coming for him and had only a split second to defend himself. Alex threw out his left arm and grabbed the wraith by the back of the head and pulled the wraith towards him. The wraith flew behind Alex missing his attack, while Alex used the force of his motion to propel himself into the air, catching a wraith in the head with his right foot. Alex flipped to the ground and turned to see a wraith already upon him. Alex couldn’t dodge the wraith at such close range and could only roll with attack. Alex propelled himself backwards as the wraith attacked, its long talons digging into Alex’s flesh as it raked its hand across his face. Alex twisted his body and used his momentum to nail the wraith in the chest sending it flying away from him.
Alex skidded to a halt, throwing his arms out on either side of him ready for more attacks. Blood dripped off of his face blurring his vision and dying his white hair a dark red. Alex didn’t dare wipe the blood from his eyes for fear of lowering his guard to the enemy. All he could do was to let it flow freely from his face until it healed. The wraiths once again began to encircle him and even though Alex was ready for their attack he wasn’t expecting what they were about to do. Five of the wraiths launched themselves at Alex, missing him as he jumped into the air. He wasn’t even able to take a breath before the remaining five launched themselves at him. Alex backhanded one towards the ground, but two from behind him grabbed both his arms in a vice like grip. Their talons dug into his flesh drawing more blood as Alex was sent crashing towards the ground. Alex landed in a cloud of dust with the wraiths still holding fast to his arms. Another wraith was standing before him holding his throat with one hand, preparing a deathblow with the other.
Aurora gasped as she saw what happened and started to move towards him when Alex’s voice filled her ears.”
“NO! This is my fight, don’t you dare get involved!” Alex yelled. Aurora’s heart went to her throat at the sound of his voice. It was tormented by emotional pain as his voice cracked with emotion.
“I’m not going to die here. Not at their hands. Not without seeing her one last time.” Alex said softly. Alex’s eyes began to glaze over with tears as he stared into the faceless wraith before him. “For me, death would be the just beginning.”
“See, this is what caring gets you.” Baou said in a mocking tone. “Nothing but pain, and eventually death!”
“I already told you. I’m not going to die.” Alex whispered. The heartbreak was apparent in his voice as he spoke. “As far as I’m concerned I’m already dead. When you can’t trust the one you love, the one you gave your heart to. There’s no reason to live.”
“My Lord, don’t you dare talk like that!” Aurora screamed. Tears were cascading down her cheeks as her voice cracked with emotion. “She loves you, and she didn’t want to lose your trust. She just needed someone to talk to that’s all! You of all people should know about that desire for comfort and the longing to be able to voice your problems to someone. That’s all she did. Please my Lord, I’m not about to stand here and watch you die knowing that if you do it would break her heart. She’d surely die of grief before these monsters could get their hands on her. You must understand!”
Alex’s blood caked lips formed into a smirk as he spoke. “What the hell are you people talking about? I already told you I’m not dying today. Not until I see her one last time. I want to hear from her lips what you just said. I love her, and I’m not going to let these bastards lay a hand on her no matter what they do to me!”
* * * * * * * *
A grey cloaked figure watched the scene unfolding from miles away perched on a cliff side. Even so the battle was as clear as day to his eyes as his furrowed brow wrinkled with concentration.
“Maybe my departure from this world was premature.” the figure said in an old, but gentle voice. “I left because the world no longer had a need for me now that they had their oh so precious Lord’s to look after them. I see now more than ever that I too was blinded by the darkness. Living in dreams that this world had finally found peace only by suffering a terrible loss. Now I too have awakened and I see how these new Lord’s have ravaged this once great land. I was a fool to believe in those who the Lord once trusted.”
The man frowned at the thought when his eyes caught sight of Alex’s capture, and his ears heard Alex’s vow. “I see in that man a light that I had long thought to be dead. I’m not sure where that light comes from, but somehow it is bright enough to cut through the darkness. I see now why Zanatos is so afraid of him.”
Magnus, you may choose your own path and lead the mages as you see fit. I am not long for this world, but while there is still breath in my body I shall continue on the path I have set for myself. I believe that this man may bring back the glory of this realm. Maybe by helping him I can somehow atone for the sins I have committed. I will not interfere with your choices, you have to make your own decisions, but so do I. I, unlike you, cannot put my faith into someone who rules with fear and power. I have given you as much aid and advice as I can, but it only falls onto deaf ears. If only the Lord were still alive, but Scion’s curse ensured that no matter what I tried I could not revive him. I too succumbed to the darkness and tainted my soul. I am just as responsible for Zanatos’s actions as Zanatos himself is. The Archmage is long dead, he died the day the Lord fell into the dark abyss. Now only Alcadan remains, but within me the tomes and spells of a hundred ages courses through my veins. Magnus will soon inherit these powers, but not before I try to right the wrong I have caused. I could have prevented Zanatos’s rule, but instead I stepped aside and allowed it. I truly believe that this man has the power throw this darkness.
“I am not one who gives my trust to those easily.” Alcadan said as a determined yet morbid look spread across his face. “So do not let me down.”
Alcadan threw away his cloak revealing his long white hair and flowing white beard. His golden eyes seemed to take in everything at once as his white and gold robes flowed in the wind. In his right hand he held his staff, which he pointed towards the battle ground.
“Now it is up to you. Fulfill your destiny.” Alcadan said as he stared at Alex. “As long as your heart is filled with love your light shall not fade. The girl that I’ve heard so much about has awakened the light within you. With that act you have ignited the fire within the hearts of all you’ve come across. Even your enemies are beginning to see and are finally breaking free of the darkness that has consumed them. Your actions have stirred up the hearts of those who have been oppressed by the darkness. Soon your light will stretch across this realm until the darkness shall cease to exist. I know now without a shadow of a doubt that the fate of this realm rests on yoru shoulders. Still, you cannot do it alone. You and that girl are the key to freeing this realm from the darkness. I will watch over you and do what I can. Now awaken and fight, show them the power of the light.”
Alcadan’s staff glowed with blinding light as he started chanting a spell his eyes never once leaving Alex’s.
Author's Note: Just when you think you've got everything figured out I throw yet another plot twist into this ; ). Don't you just hate me? So even though Alcadan tells Magnus that he can do what he wants, he will defy him because he believes in Alex. Now the only question is...how in the world is Alex going to get away from the wraiths. You'll have to wait to the next chapter and find out, that's if he does escape from them that is. *Insert evil laughter*
Cya,
Soulless Wanderer
As if he could sense her thoughts Kiba walked over to her and kneeled before. “You okay lass?”
“No! How in the hell do you expect me to be okay when Alex is out there fighting because of me!” Brittany snapped as her pent up tears began to fall down her cheeks. Kiba reeled from her outburst but soon softened his look as he spoke.
“Lass you shouldn’t blame yourself for this. It wasn’t your fault, you couldn’t have had any idea that this would happen.” Kiba said kindly. Brittany’s tear stained eyes met his as she shook her head softly.
“You don’t understand.” Brittany wailed. “This is my fault, I’m the one that caused all this.” Kiba looked confused but didn’t press for further information as Shadow came up to him and shook his head grimly.
“What’s going out there lad? I haven’t heard any fighting yet.” Kiba said knowing full well that silence was sometimes just as bad as the fighting itself.
“There’s a standoff.” Shadow said solemnly. Kiba could read between the lines and see the hidden truth about what Shadow was telling him, Brittany however could not.
“What do you mean? What’s going on?” Brittany asked quickly.
“The Lord of the north had this all very planned out. This wasn’t something that he just threw together he covered every base. He brought his entire army, along with the other Lord’s armies. They could surround this entire castle if they wanted to, but I have a feeling they want to take out the Lord if they can.” Shadow revealed. “I’m not sure, but I have a feeling the Lord of the north chose today to attack because he knew today was the final day of our construction. If so, that means someone has been slipping information to him.”
“I don’t want to admit it, but I think you’re right lad.” Kiba said as he nodded in agreement. “It makes too much sense for it not to be true.” Shadow nodded slowly but there was a slight hesitation. Kiba looked at him intently and realized there was more to what he was saying. Kiba glanced over at Brittany who’s eyes were trained at both of them in a mournful look.
Kiba didn’t want to ask in front of her, but she was Alex’s mate and she need to know. “Shadow, what else is out there?”
Shadow took a deep breath and looked at Brittany before gazing at the ground as he answered. “The Lord’s accusations concerning the Lord of the north have proved to be correct.” Shadow said slowly, trying not to look at Brittany though he knew that her eyes were trained on him. “The Lord of the north seems to have control over the wraiths. The Lord is about to engage them in combat alone.”
“What do you mean alone!” Brittany yelled. “What about everyone else out there? Why is Alex fighting them alone?”
“That is what he wished. He didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. He ordered Aurora to fall back and let him fight this.” Shadow said narrowing his eyes and looking at Brittany. “Aurora wants to help him, but something the Lord said to her made her back off. He’s fighting for you, and because of that he’s only going to risk his life to stop them.”
* * * * * * * *
Alex’s mind seemed to go blank as he stared at the wraiths. He felt a cold chill go up his spine as the wraiths began to spread out and began to encircle him. Alex tensed up, ready for anything as his body flexed on instinct. Alex felt the wind before he could see the attack as he instantly launched himself in the air just as a wraith struck the place where Alex had just occupied. Alex twisted his body in midair to try and avoid being hit by another wraith, however even though he dodged one another came and sliced him across his chest. Alex flipped to the ground in pain as blood trickled to the ground.
Alex saw the wraith coming for him and had only a split second to defend himself. Alex threw out his left arm and grabbed the wraith by the back of the head and pulled the wraith towards him. The wraith flew behind Alex missing his attack, while Alex used the force of his motion to propel himself into the air, catching a wraith in the head with his right foot. Alex flipped to the ground and turned to see a wraith already upon him. Alex couldn’t dodge the wraith at such close range and could only roll with attack. Alex propelled himself backwards as the wraith attacked, its long talons digging into Alex’s flesh as it raked its hand across his face. Alex twisted his body and used his momentum to nail the wraith in the chest sending it flying away from him.
Alex skidded to a halt, throwing his arms out on either side of him ready for more attacks. Blood dripped off of his face blurring his vision and dying his white hair a dark red. Alex didn’t dare wipe the blood from his eyes for fear of lowering his guard to the enemy. All he could do was to let it flow freely from his face until it healed. The wraiths once again began to encircle him and even though Alex was ready for their attack he wasn’t expecting what they were about to do. Five of the wraiths launched themselves at Alex, missing him as he jumped into the air. He wasn’t even able to take a breath before the remaining five launched themselves at him. Alex backhanded one towards the ground, but two from behind him grabbed both his arms in a vice like grip. Their talons dug into his flesh drawing more blood as Alex was sent crashing towards the ground. Alex landed in a cloud of dust with the wraiths still holding fast to his arms. Another wraith was standing before him holding his throat with one hand, preparing a deathblow with the other.
Aurora gasped as she saw what happened and started to move towards him when Alex’s voice filled her ears.”
“NO! This is my fight, don’t you dare get involved!” Alex yelled. Aurora’s heart went to her throat at the sound of his voice. It was tormented by emotional pain as his voice cracked with emotion.
“I’m not going to die here. Not at their hands. Not without seeing her one last time.” Alex said softly. Alex’s eyes began to glaze over with tears as he stared into the faceless wraith before him. “For me, death would be the just beginning.”
“See, this is what caring gets you.” Baou said in a mocking tone. “Nothing but pain, and eventually death!”
“I already told you. I’m not going to die.” Alex whispered. The heartbreak was apparent in his voice as he spoke. “As far as I’m concerned I’m already dead. When you can’t trust the one you love, the one you gave your heart to. There’s no reason to live.”
“My Lord, don’t you dare talk like that!” Aurora screamed. Tears were cascading down her cheeks as her voice cracked with emotion. “She loves you, and she didn’t want to lose your trust. She just needed someone to talk to that’s all! You of all people should know about that desire for comfort and the longing to be able to voice your problems to someone. That’s all she did. Please my Lord, I’m not about to stand here and watch you die knowing that if you do it would break her heart. She’d surely die of grief before these monsters could get their hands on her. You must understand!”
Alex’s blood caked lips formed into a smirk as he spoke. “What the hell are you people talking about? I already told you I’m not dying today. Not until I see her one last time. I want to hear from her lips what you just said. I love her, and I’m not going to let these bastards lay a hand on her no matter what they do to me!”
* * * * * * * *
A grey cloaked figure watched the scene unfolding from miles away perched on a cliff side. Even so the battle was as clear as day to his eyes as his furrowed brow wrinkled with concentration.
“Maybe my departure from this world was premature.” the figure said in an old, but gentle voice. “I left because the world no longer had a need for me now that they had their oh so precious Lord’s to look after them. I see now more than ever that I too was blinded by the darkness. Living in dreams that this world had finally found peace only by suffering a terrible loss. Now I too have awakened and I see how these new Lord’s have ravaged this once great land. I was a fool to believe in those who the Lord once trusted.”
The man frowned at the thought when his eyes caught sight of Alex’s capture, and his ears heard Alex’s vow. “I see in that man a light that I had long thought to be dead. I’m not sure where that light comes from, but somehow it is bright enough to cut through the darkness. I see now why Zanatos is so afraid of him.”
Magnus, you may choose your own path and lead the mages as you see fit. I am not long for this world, but while there is still breath in my body I shall continue on the path I have set for myself. I believe that this man may bring back the glory of this realm. Maybe by helping him I can somehow atone for the sins I have committed. I will not interfere with your choices, you have to make your own decisions, but so do I. I, unlike you, cannot put my faith into someone who rules with fear and power. I have given you as much aid and advice as I can, but it only falls onto deaf ears. If only the Lord were still alive, but Scion’s curse ensured that no matter what I tried I could not revive him. I too succumbed to the darkness and tainted my soul. I am just as responsible for Zanatos’s actions as Zanatos himself is. The Archmage is long dead, he died the day the Lord fell into the dark abyss. Now only Alcadan remains, but within me the tomes and spells of a hundred ages courses through my veins. Magnus will soon inherit these powers, but not before I try to right the wrong I have caused. I could have prevented Zanatos’s rule, but instead I stepped aside and allowed it. I truly believe that this man has the power throw this darkness.
“I am not one who gives my trust to those easily.” Alcadan said as a determined yet morbid look spread across his face. “So do not let me down.”
Alcadan threw away his cloak revealing his long white hair and flowing white beard. His golden eyes seemed to take in everything at once as his white and gold robes flowed in the wind. In his right hand he held his staff, which he pointed towards the battle ground.
“Now it is up to you. Fulfill your destiny.” Alcadan said as he stared at Alex. “As long as your heart is filled with love your light shall not fade. The girl that I’ve heard so much about has awakened the light within you. With that act you have ignited the fire within the hearts of all you’ve come across. Even your enemies are beginning to see and are finally breaking free of the darkness that has consumed them. Your actions have stirred up the hearts of those who have been oppressed by the darkness. Soon your light will stretch across this realm until the darkness shall cease to exist. I know now without a shadow of a doubt that the fate of this realm rests on yoru shoulders. Still, you cannot do it alone. You and that girl are the key to freeing this realm from the darkness. I will watch over you and do what I can. Now awaken and fight, show them the power of the light.”
Alcadan’s staff glowed with blinding light as he started chanting a spell his eyes never once leaving Alex’s.
Author's Note: Just when you think you've got everything figured out I throw yet another plot twist into this ; ). Don't you just hate me? So even though Alcadan tells Magnus that he can do what he wants, he will defy him because he believes in Alex. Now the only question is...how in the world is Alex going to get away from the wraiths. You'll have to wait to the next chapter and find out, that's if he does escape from them that is. *Insert evil laughter*
Cya,
Soulless Wanderer