Fan Fiction ❯ The Four Lords ❯ Tragedy of the Elves ( Chapter 58 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Soulless Wanderer 
They manage to sneak into Zanatos's castle and are able to free the elves, but can it really be this easy.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.20.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.9K | Visits: 113 | Status: Completed
They manage to sneak into Zanatos's castle and are able to free the elves, but can it really be this easy.
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.20.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.9K | Visits: 113 | Status: Completed
Alex pulled the black demon bone armor over his battle clothes and attached his sword to his belt. Aurora was helping Brittany with her armor when Alex checked on her. “Don’t waste any time. We’ve got to hurry.” Alex said in a hushed voice.
“Don’t worry. Everyone’s already formed up and ready my Lord. As soon as the lass is ready we will leave.” Kiba said patting Alex on his shoulder. He then looked down at the sword strapped to Alex’s waist and smiled. “That sword suits you lad.”
Brittany and Aurora looked up and smiled as Alex pulled the sword out of the sheath and held it up for all to see. Rire, Simera, Yaza, Scriar, Shadow, and Baou were coming up when they saw Alex draw the sword.
“I still can’t believe Alcadan gave you the Lord’s sword.” Baou said shaking his head in disbelief.
“He deserves it a hell of a lot more than you do.” Kiba replied.
Before Baou could comment Simera cut in. “If Alcadan believed that he should use the sword than it is only right that he wield it.”
“She’s right. If Alcadan believes in him then we should have no trouble placing our faith in him. The only person the Archmage trusted was the original Lord. The fact that he’s put his faith in our Lord is a good sign.” Rire commented.
Brittany smiled as she hugged Alex’s arm. “You once fought and won by the person that wielded this sword. It’s only right that you fight by the side of the one wielding it again. You can’t honestly think that everything that’s happened has been by chance. The realms reuniting to fight, the clerics, the Archmage, and now Alex has the Lord’s sword. Everything his happening just like it did last time. Who know’s maybe that sword is blessed.”
“Let’s hope it is blessed and not cursed.” Kiba said softly. Everyone understood what he meant. Everyone except for Brittany.
“What do you mean?”
Kiba hesitated, not wanting to fill her with even more worries. Baou saw his hesitation and spoke. “Remember, the last person to wield that sword died for his cause. Which means if this is exactly like last time, your pretty boy there will end up six feet under.” Baou said with a smirk.
Baou’s smirk was short lived as everyone’s fiery glares made him shrink.
“There was no need for that!” Aurora snapped.
“Hey someone needed to tell her. I don’t mind being the bastard especially if what I’m telling her is true.”
Brittany looked up at Alex who’s face had hardened and become cold. He sheathed his sword and turned to her. “Don’t worry about me. I might not have my full powers, but at least I have luck on my side. Also I have something the original Lord didn’t have.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Baou said. Scriar and Yaza both elbowed Baou in the sides causing him to double over.
“Like I was saying.” Alex continued looking irritated as he glanced in Baou’s direction. “I have something the original Lord didn’t have. I have friends that are willing to help me, and most importantly I have a mate that loves me.”
“That’s got to be one of the corniest things I have ever heard mister.” Brittany said with a smile. “But, it works.”
Alex leaned down and kissed Brittany before turning his attention back to his warriors. Well so much for leaving to battle being lighthearted. This is going to be interesting.
Alex isn’t going to die. He can’t...can he? He’s been through so much already, there’s no way that he could.... Dammit, I can’t keep thinking that he’s going to die. Alex will be fine, he just has to. Brittany thought as she tried to drive the images of Alex’s death from her mind.
“Okay then. Let’s move out.” Alex commanded. Everyone nodded as they quickly ran to their posts. The wolf demon’s brought up the front followed by the northern demons. The eastern and western one’s bringing up either side. The clerics marched behind the army while the elves rode the pegasus’s afraid that if they took to the sky they would be spotted. Alex and Brittany walked ahead of everyone as the silent procession moved through the forest. Everyone was absorbed by their own thoughts as adrenaline pumped through their veins.
“You know no matter what happens I will always love you right.” Alex said in a low voice breaking the silence. Brittany was startled by his sudden intensity as he spoke. She was even more startled by what he was saying.
“Of course I do Alex.” Brittany said, but realizing the hidden meaning of his words she continued. “You don’t really think....”
“I don’t know what will happen; but I know that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I would gladly die to save you.”
“Alex you can’t be serious. Do you really think I’d let you die to save me? I can take care of myself Alex.” Brittany stated. She wasn’t as upset with Alex as she was upset with what he was saying.
“I know, but Brittany the thing’s you’ve seen the enemies you’ve fought, they’re nothing compared to the horrors of war.” Alex said. He could see the anger and hurt rising in Brittany’s eyes as he added in a much softer tone. “You know I’ve died once before. Death is not something that is a mystery to me.”
Brittany felt tears rising in her eyes as she looked at him. “I know, but Alex you can’t die. I won’t let you. I couldn’t live without you.”
“Heh, this is coming from Ms. Independent herself. You could manage just fine without me.” Alex said softly. “The only question is wether or not you would want to. I love you, and if I could die to save you I would. I died once before and I was all alone when I did. Even if I died I wouldn’t care as long as I knew you were safe. I’ve lived more in the short time I’ve known you than I ever did before. “
“Alex...” Brittany said as tears began to fall from her eyes. Alex wiped the tears as he gently caressed her cheek.
“Don’t cry, smile. I feel in love with your smile. We don’t know what the future will bring so don’t worry about it.”
“You’re just trying to prepare me for the worse right.” Brittany said coldly. She didn’t want to look at Alex mainly because she didn’t want to see the hurt in his eyes. She knew he could sense her anger due to their bond. Alex didn’t know what to say but he knew he needed to give her her space. He slowly moved away from her and kept silent for the rest of the journey.
Brittany shook her head sadly. Why is he saying these things? I know all about Alex’s past so I know more than anyone what going into battle again is like for him. There’s no way he can push aside the memories of what happened last time. Still, history doesn’t repeat itself...it can’t. I don’t care what he says I’ll be the one protecting him. I won’t let him die.
They continued walking in silence until finally they reached the edge of the forest. Alex raised his hand to halt them. He knelt low to the ground and moved silently forward towards the clearing. There in front of him was an enormous castle. It was much larger than Alex’s castle and had an ominous look to it. Alex gazed at the castle’s perimeter and not seeing any guards he motioned for everyone to follow his lead.
Alex looked back at Brittany silently cursing himself for saying what he did. Still he knew he had to put those thoughts aside he had more important things to worry about. Alex led them around to the side of the castle until he reached a part that was covered in vines. He stopped and turned to Brittany.
“There’s the entrance to the castle. I’ll have to unlock it. Stay here until I do okay.” Alex said softly. Brittany nodded but still didn’t look at him until he turned around sadly and silently crept towards the castle wall.
“What’s he doing lass?” Kiba asked as he walked up beside her.
“He’s unlocking the entrance to Zanatos’s castle.” Brittany said unable to hide her frustration.
“Listen lass I heard what the Lord said. He was only trying to help lass. He care’s about you and he...he didn’t want you upset in case anything does happen to him.”
“Don’t you think I know that Kiba.” Brittany said sadly. “It’s just I don’t want to be reminded that he might die. He wants to protect me, that I get. What I don’t get is why he has to bring up him dying in the process.”
Before Kiba could reply they turned to see Alex draw his sword from its sheath. In a quick motion he flipped it in his hand and stabbed it into the wall. Alex charged some of his demonic energy into his right hand and hit the hilt of his sword. His sword glowed a bright red and soon red cracks formed on the portion of the wall which he stabbed. It was then that the wall slid back allowing entrance to the castle. Alex yanked his sword out of the wall and walked back towards everyone else.
“I’ll go through first. Kiba, Aurora, Shadow, and Rire will follow after me. After we have secured the elves and freed them I want everyone to make their way in to. Does everyone understand?”
“Alex I’m coming with you.” Brittany said sharply. Alex didn’t flinch at her words but Brittany knew she they had hurt. Instead he thought for a moment before nodding.
“Okay, but you’re going through with me.”
Alex and Brittany were already inside and Alex had already scanned the area to make sure there was no one waiting for them by the time everyone else had made their way into Zanatos’s castle.
“This place is huge. How are we going to find the elves?” Brittany asked softly.
“Don’t worry, Rire will be able to find them.” Aurora assured her quietly. Sure enough Rire was already heading towards one of the black marble buildings. There was no visible entrance into the building. Rire placed his hand on the building wall and closed his eyes. When he opened them he nodded.
“They are in here.” He announced. Alex nodded and turned to Brittany.
“There’s a magic barrier covering the entrance of the dungeon. Do you think you could disperse it?” Alex asked.
Brittany thought for a moment as she ran her hand across the smooth stone. “Yes, but if I do there will be a back charge which will result in a bright light. If that happens someone might see us. What about Alcadan’s ring? Would it have the same effect?”
“I don’t know.” Alex admitted as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. He placed it on his finger and smiled grimly. “There’s only one way to find out.”
Alex walked over to the wall and gently placed his right hand on it. He closed his eyes as his hand began to glow. There was a surge of heat and power released from his hand, but then everything returned to normal. When Alex opened his eyes and looked back at everyone else he could tell by their relieved faces that it worked.
The building’s appearance had changed once the barrier was broken. It was revealed to be nothing more than a gray stone building with a solitary door leading to steps that went far beneath the ground. Alex turned back to Brittany who was beaming proudly about the fact that her idea worked. Alex pulled her into an embrace and kissed her gently. “That was great. Good thinking, you probably just saved us a lot of trouble.”
“You see, I’m not some little girl that needs protecting Alex. I can take care of myself.” Brittany stated. Alex nodded and whispered in a lower tone.
“I know.” Alex was about to say more when he quickly flicked his wrist and drew his sword from its sheath. Alex pulled Brittany closer towards him pressing her hard against his chest. In a flash of movement he twirled his sword around him and Brittany slicing at the shadows. Brittany wasn’t sure what happened until Alex lowered his sword and she heard the unmistakable sound of blood spurting and bodies falling to the ground.
Brittany turned around to see three large black demons similar to Baou’s demonic breed laying on the ground in pieces. She looked back up at Alex whose eyes were glowing as he gazed into the darkness.
“We’d better hurry.” Alex commanded. With that everyone turned and hurried down the steps and in the darkness of the dungeon. What they saw when they finally reached the bottom of the dungeon sent cold chills down their spines. Hundreds of elves were chained to the walls with tubes inserted into their bodies. The elves were severely beaten, and looked as if they had been starved. Their bones were visible through their tightly stretched skin, and it was easy to tell that the only reason they were being kept alive was for their magic.
“This is awful.” Brittany said covering her mouth with her hand to stop from gagging at the awful sight and smell of the place. “What are those tubes for?”
“Those are for draining their magic.” Rire said coldly. Anger flashed behind his eyes as he quickly began break their chains and remove the tubes that was sucking out all their magic.
Alex motioned for Kiba and the others to help him. “We must be quick. The fact that we were spotted by some of Zanatos’s guards does not bode well for us.”
“We need to get them to Simera so she can heal them.” Brittany said after freeing one of the elves and noticing that they could barely stand on their own. “I can’t believe Zanatos would really do this.”
“You shouldn’t be surprised by Zanatos’s cruelty by now.” Alex stated as he sliced through some more of the elves chains.
“He shall pay for what he has done to my brother’s and sister’s.” Rire vowed as his rage began to consume him.
“Rire, I know how ye feel to see your clan done like this. I know only to well what it feels like. Still, you cannot let your anger get the better of you. If you do it will only hurt you more than help you.” Kiba told him.
Rire sighed and continued releasing his fellow elves, but it was obvious that he had not given up on his hatred. Finally after what seemed like an eternity all the elves had been freed. The elves were to weak to speak, but it was apparent that they were extremely grateful to be free.
“Rire, lead them to Simera so that she can heal them. Listen, those of you that can walk follow Rire. If you can help those that are too weak to walk on their own.” Alex ordered. Alex then turned to Rire and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Listen, go ahead and take them to Simera. We will stay behind and ensure that there will be no guards to stop you okay.”
“But my Lord, you do not need to risk your life.” Rire protested. “If anything should happen to you.”
“Rire, we can take care of ourselves.” Brittany said coming up beside Alex and taking his arm. She smiled softly at him causing Alex’s features to brighten momentarily.
“I don’t want to hear anymore of it.” Alex told him. “Just go, we’ll cover you.”
“Don’t worry. Everyone’s already formed up and ready my Lord. As soon as the lass is ready we will leave.” Kiba said patting Alex on his shoulder. He then looked down at the sword strapped to Alex’s waist and smiled. “That sword suits you lad.”
Brittany and Aurora looked up and smiled as Alex pulled the sword out of the sheath and held it up for all to see. Rire, Simera, Yaza, Scriar, Shadow, and Baou were coming up when they saw Alex draw the sword.
“I still can’t believe Alcadan gave you the Lord’s sword.” Baou said shaking his head in disbelief.
“He deserves it a hell of a lot more than you do.” Kiba replied.
Before Baou could comment Simera cut in. “If Alcadan believed that he should use the sword than it is only right that he wield it.”
“She’s right. If Alcadan believes in him then we should have no trouble placing our faith in him. The only person the Archmage trusted was the original Lord. The fact that he’s put his faith in our Lord is a good sign.” Rire commented.
Brittany smiled as she hugged Alex’s arm. “You once fought and won by the person that wielded this sword. It’s only right that you fight by the side of the one wielding it again. You can’t honestly think that everything that’s happened has been by chance. The realms reuniting to fight, the clerics, the Archmage, and now Alex has the Lord’s sword. Everything his happening just like it did last time. Who know’s maybe that sword is blessed.”
“Let’s hope it is blessed and not cursed.” Kiba said softly. Everyone understood what he meant. Everyone except for Brittany.
“What do you mean?”
Kiba hesitated, not wanting to fill her with even more worries. Baou saw his hesitation and spoke. “Remember, the last person to wield that sword died for his cause. Which means if this is exactly like last time, your pretty boy there will end up six feet under.” Baou said with a smirk.
Baou’s smirk was short lived as everyone’s fiery glares made him shrink.
“There was no need for that!” Aurora snapped.
“Hey someone needed to tell her. I don’t mind being the bastard especially if what I’m telling her is true.”
Brittany looked up at Alex who’s face had hardened and become cold. He sheathed his sword and turned to her. “Don’t worry about me. I might not have my full powers, but at least I have luck on my side. Also I have something the original Lord didn’t have.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Baou said. Scriar and Yaza both elbowed Baou in the sides causing him to double over.
“Like I was saying.” Alex continued looking irritated as he glanced in Baou’s direction. “I have something the original Lord didn’t have. I have friends that are willing to help me, and most importantly I have a mate that loves me.”
“That’s got to be one of the corniest things I have ever heard mister.” Brittany said with a smile. “But, it works.”
Alex leaned down and kissed Brittany before turning his attention back to his warriors. Well so much for leaving to battle being lighthearted. This is going to be interesting.
Alex isn’t going to die. He can’t...can he? He’s been through so much already, there’s no way that he could.... Dammit, I can’t keep thinking that he’s going to die. Alex will be fine, he just has to. Brittany thought as she tried to drive the images of Alex’s death from her mind.
“Okay then. Let’s move out.” Alex commanded. Everyone nodded as they quickly ran to their posts. The wolf demon’s brought up the front followed by the northern demons. The eastern and western one’s bringing up either side. The clerics marched behind the army while the elves rode the pegasus’s afraid that if they took to the sky they would be spotted. Alex and Brittany walked ahead of everyone as the silent procession moved through the forest. Everyone was absorbed by their own thoughts as adrenaline pumped through their veins.
“You know no matter what happens I will always love you right.” Alex said in a low voice breaking the silence. Brittany was startled by his sudden intensity as he spoke. She was even more startled by what he was saying.
“Of course I do Alex.” Brittany said, but realizing the hidden meaning of his words she continued. “You don’t really think....”
“I don’t know what will happen; but I know that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I would gladly die to save you.”
“Alex you can’t be serious. Do you really think I’d let you die to save me? I can take care of myself Alex.” Brittany stated. She wasn’t as upset with Alex as she was upset with what he was saying.
“I know, but Brittany the thing’s you’ve seen the enemies you’ve fought, they’re nothing compared to the horrors of war.” Alex said. He could see the anger and hurt rising in Brittany’s eyes as he added in a much softer tone. “You know I’ve died once before. Death is not something that is a mystery to me.”
Brittany felt tears rising in her eyes as she looked at him. “I know, but Alex you can’t die. I won’t let you. I couldn’t live without you.”
“Heh, this is coming from Ms. Independent herself. You could manage just fine without me.” Alex said softly. “The only question is wether or not you would want to. I love you, and if I could die to save you I would. I died once before and I was all alone when I did. Even if I died I wouldn’t care as long as I knew you were safe. I’ve lived more in the short time I’ve known you than I ever did before. “
“Alex...” Brittany said as tears began to fall from her eyes. Alex wiped the tears as he gently caressed her cheek.
“Don’t cry, smile. I feel in love with your smile. We don’t know what the future will bring so don’t worry about it.”
“You’re just trying to prepare me for the worse right.” Brittany said coldly. She didn’t want to look at Alex mainly because she didn’t want to see the hurt in his eyes. She knew he could sense her anger due to their bond. Alex didn’t know what to say but he knew he needed to give her her space. He slowly moved away from her and kept silent for the rest of the journey.
Brittany shook her head sadly. Why is he saying these things? I know all about Alex’s past so I know more than anyone what going into battle again is like for him. There’s no way he can push aside the memories of what happened last time. Still, history doesn’t repeat itself...it can’t. I don’t care what he says I’ll be the one protecting him. I won’t let him die.
They continued walking in silence until finally they reached the edge of the forest. Alex raised his hand to halt them. He knelt low to the ground and moved silently forward towards the clearing. There in front of him was an enormous castle. It was much larger than Alex’s castle and had an ominous look to it. Alex gazed at the castle’s perimeter and not seeing any guards he motioned for everyone to follow his lead.
Alex looked back at Brittany silently cursing himself for saying what he did. Still he knew he had to put those thoughts aside he had more important things to worry about. Alex led them around to the side of the castle until he reached a part that was covered in vines. He stopped and turned to Brittany.
“There’s the entrance to the castle. I’ll have to unlock it. Stay here until I do okay.” Alex said softly. Brittany nodded but still didn’t look at him until he turned around sadly and silently crept towards the castle wall.
“What’s he doing lass?” Kiba asked as he walked up beside her.
“He’s unlocking the entrance to Zanatos’s castle.” Brittany said unable to hide her frustration.
“Listen lass I heard what the Lord said. He was only trying to help lass. He care’s about you and he...he didn’t want you upset in case anything does happen to him.”
“Don’t you think I know that Kiba.” Brittany said sadly. “It’s just I don’t want to be reminded that he might die. He wants to protect me, that I get. What I don’t get is why he has to bring up him dying in the process.”
Before Kiba could reply they turned to see Alex draw his sword from its sheath. In a quick motion he flipped it in his hand and stabbed it into the wall. Alex charged some of his demonic energy into his right hand and hit the hilt of his sword. His sword glowed a bright red and soon red cracks formed on the portion of the wall which he stabbed. It was then that the wall slid back allowing entrance to the castle. Alex yanked his sword out of the wall and walked back towards everyone else.
“I’ll go through first. Kiba, Aurora, Shadow, and Rire will follow after me. After we have secured the elves and freed them I want everyone to make their way in to. Does everyone understand?”
“Alex I’m coming with you.” Brittany said sharply. Alex didn’t flinch at her words but Brittany knew she they had hurt. Instead he thought for a moment before nodding.
“Okay, but you’re going through with me.”
Alex and Brittany were already inside and Alex had already scanned the area to make sure there was no one waiting for them by the time everyone else had made their way into Zanatos’s castle.
“This place is huge. How are we going to find the elves?” Brittany asked softly.
“Don’t worry, Rire will be able to find them.” Aurora assured her quietly. Sure enough Rire was already heading towards one of the black marble buildings. There was no visible entrance into the building. Rire placed his hand on the building wall and closed his eyes. When he opened them he nodded.
“They are in here.” He announced. Alex nodded and turned to Brittany.
“There’s a magic barrier covering the entrance of the dungeon. Do you think you could disperse it?” Alex asked.
Brittany thought for a moment as she ran her hand across the smooth stone. “Yes, but if I do there will be a back charge which will result in a bright light. If that happens someone might see us. What about Alcadan’s ring? Would it have the same effect?”
“I don’t know.” Alex admitted as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. He placed it on his finger and smiled grimly. “There’s only one way to find out.”
Alex walked over to the wall and gently placed his right hand on it. He closed his eyes as his hand began to glow. There was a surge of heat and power released from his hand, but then everything returned to normal. When Alex opened his eyes and looked back at everyone else he could tell by their relieved faces that it worked.
The building’s appearance had changed once the barrier was broken. It was revealed to be nothing more than a gray stone building with a solitary door leading to steps that went far beneath the ground. Alex turned back to Brittany who was beaming proudly about the fact that her idea worked. Alex pulled her into an embrace and kissed her gently. “That was great. Good thinking, you probably just saved us a lot of trouble.”
“You see, I’m not some little girl that needs protecting Alex. I can take care of myself.” Brittany stated. Alex nodded and whispered in a lower tone.
“I know.” Alex was about to say more when he quickly flicked his wrist and drew his sword from its sheath. Alex pulled Brittany closer towards him pressing her hard against his chest. In a flash of movement he twirled his sword around him and Brittany slicing at the shadows. Brittany wasn’t sure what happened until Alex lowered his sword and she heard the unmistakable sound of blood spurting and bodies falling to the ground.
Brittany turned around to see three large black demons similar to Baou’s demonic breed laying on the ground in pieces. She looked back up at Alex whose eyes were glowing as he gazed into the darkness.
“We’d better hurry.” Alex commanded. With that everyone turned and hurried down the steps and in the darkness of the dungeon. What they saw when they finally reached the bottom of the dungeon sent cold chills down their spines. Hundreds of elves were chained to the walls with tubes inserted into their bodies. The elves were severely beaten, and looked as if they had been starved. Their bones were visible through their tightly stretched skin, and it was easy to tell that the only reason they were being kept alive was for their magic.
“This is awful.” Brittany said covering her mouth with her hand to stop from gagging at the awful sight and smell of the place. “What are those tubes for?”
“Those are for draining their magic.” Rire said coldly. Anger flashed behind his eyes as he quickly began break their chains and remove the tubes that was sucking out all their magic.
Alex motioned for Kiba and the others to help him. “We must be quick. The fact that we were spotted by some of Zanatos’s guards does not bode well for us.”
“We need to get them to Simera so she can heal them.” Brittany said after freeing one of the elves and noticing that they could barely stand on their own. “I can’t believe Zanatos would really do this.”
“You shouldn’t be surprised by Zanatos’s cruelty by now.” Alex stated as he sliced through some more of the elves chains.
“He shall pay for what he has done to my brother’s and sister’s.” Rire vowed as his rage began to consume him.
“Rire, I know how ye feel to see your clan done like this. I know only to well what it feels like. Still, you cannot let your anger get the better of you. If you do it will only hurt you more than help you.” Kiba told him.
Rire sighed and continued releasing his fellow elves, but it was obvious that he had not given up on his hatred. Finally after what seemed like an eternity all the elves had been freed. The elves were to weak to speak, but it was apparent that they were extremely grateful to be free.
“Rire, lead them to Simera so that she can heal them. Listen, those of you that can walk follow Rire. If you can help those that are too weak to walk on their own.” Alex ordered. Alex then turned to Rire and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Listen, go ahead and take them to Simera. We will stay behind and ensure that there will be no guards to stop you okay.”
“But my Lord, you do not need to risk your life.” Rire protested. “If anything should happen to you.”
“Rire, we can take care of ourselves.” Brittany said coming up beside Alex and taking his arm. She smiled softly at him causing Alex’s features to brighten momentarily.
“I don’t want to hear anymore of it.” Alex told him. “Just go, we’ll cover you.”