Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Sacrifice ❯ A Fading Light ( Chapter 25 )

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Sacrifice

By: Melissa Norvell

Chapter 24: A Fading Light

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"You failed me."

Elf Kaizer shouted her companion's name in a fit of emotion and hopped down from her current position, which was perched on the tree branch in a nearby tree. She ran as quickly as she could as her Arabic shirt and pants fluttered in the wind and her gold bracelets and anklets jingle behind her. A sea of fiery red tresses flowed behind her and large, red emotion-filled eyes glimmered with sorrow.

Her blue elf dropped the Crimson Blade, the weapon made a clanking sound as it hit the ground. Blood ran in a heavy stream down her mouth and out of her stomach wound. The life essence spilled upon the ground below, the pure earth tainted once again with bloodshed. Lumina heaved and coughed a little in pain before she noticed that Elf Kaizer was hugging her from her right. She cried her name once more.

"What's going on?" Keiji asked from his kneeling position as he tried to regain as much strength as he could. He was utterly confused at what had just happened. It seemed the Flora killed off her own guard but why? Why would she help them by getting rid of something that protected her with its life? 'How did that happen?'

"I'm so sorry…" The red-haired elf cried into the dying woman's shoulder as she squeezed her form tight, not wanting to let her go for if she did, she would lose the life she had once had in her body.

"Don't be…" Lumina looked over her shoulder, her eyes full of emotion and pain. Elf Kaizer lifted her head slowly as eyes of dark red met those of a light blue.

"Remember? I was created especially for you, so you wouldn't be alone," Lumina explained.

"But, I'm alone again. I've always been with you…and I'll kill them for what they've done." Tears streamed down the elf's face as her mouth twisted in to a bitter frown. Flora wouldn't have done this if it weren't for them. They were the reason that Lumina had to die. It was all their fault. Because if they hadn't been here, Lumina could have proven herself powerful but they had to come in and screw everything up and make Lumina out to be weak. Flora could never stand the weak and only the strongest were even considered her bodyguards.

"I remember seeing you for the first time," the blue-haired elf recalled.

"I remember too…"

The two of the reminisced as a flashback overcame their senses and sent them back to a time where Elf Kaizer was young and Lumina was just bestowed upon her as a companion.

Being about fifteen in age, Elf Kaizer looked different than what she did now. Her hair was short and bushy and her eyes were dark and sad, versus the large, innocent ones that most children possessed. She was dressed in small, white poofy pants and a black, short-sleeved Chinese shirt of sorts with a red sash.

Before her as a majestic being that looked like a giant dragon's head and neck that was composed of many vines, her eyes were slanted and red with a few lashes on each one. A large pink flower grew upon her back and she was as tall as a five story building. This being spoke to her, being female in gender with an ancient, deep and feminine voice. It was a voice that belonged to a true woman of power.

"You seem forlorn today," Flora told her.

"I'm so lonely," the small elf-child sighed. For the longest time it had only been she and Flora who resided in the Forest of Illusion. Flora was alive, just as she was but she needed another entity- at least one that looked human and could travel with her. Flora was a goddess and she could not ask of anything from her. It would not be in her place to ask if she could have a companion so she kept quiet about her feelings. By doing that, she would be more of a burden to Flora then a help.

"You have the flowers and plants to keep you company. After all, you are the same as they," Flora remarked. Elf Kaizer was born of a giant flower and as such a being the plants should have been the one thing that would always keep her company but even in their midst, the elf was still lonely- for the plants and flowers were not like her. While they possessed the same elements, they were not of the same would or earthly body.

"But there's no one around who's just like me," Elf Kaizer tried to explain. "I feel like I'm the only one in the world…and it makes me sad…"

"You've been like this for a while."

"Please Goddess Flora, can't I just have one person who will always be with me?" She couldn't stand the solitude any longer. She didn't care if it seemed disrespectful. Elf Kaizer couldn't stand to be lonely any more. "It's so lonely here…I always see humans who come here and most of the time there are one or two others who are with them. It makes me feel sad because here they are, surrounded by love and friendship and there I am…so lonely…I feel like I'm all by myself."

"Sometimes, it's best to be alone, child," Flora's voice was wise, yet a bit of grief and sorrow hung in it. It was true, the Goddess had never longed for the presence of others. Elf Kaizer didn't want to be miserable like that. Something bad must have made her feel that way about people but she wanted to be around someone. Elf Kaizer had once thought that being around people made you feel that way but now she had found that not being around people could also make you feel that way.

Perhaps secretly, Flora was lonely.

The red-haired elf hung her head in sorrow. "I understand." She said ruefully.

"It's better than having to deal with loss when the things that are closest to you die or betray you," the goddess had loved a long life and through the course of it, she'd come across this realization. She was an ageless, timeless being who existed as long as the plants on the world did. Nothing could live as long as she and it was all too disappointing to let it all fall apart.

"I understand. I'm sorry for bugging you."

"However…"

"Huh?" The elf's eyes were widened slightly. She couldn't believe that Flora would change her mind or rethink anything so quickly. Usually the goddess was stubborn and what she said went. Secretly, she was happy that the plant was able to show some type of understanding for her.

"I shall grant you this wish- as long as you and the one you are in love with fulfill your duties, I shall give you an abundance of plants, the use of anything you desire in this forest, and a place to live as long as you serve me as you have in the past," Flora commented.

"Of course I will!" The small one cheered. "Thank you so much, Flora-sama!"

The giant dragonesque being lowered her head and closed her blood-red eyes as a giant flower shot up from the ground, the bud still closed tightly. The flower was massive and looked to be a type of giant lily or iris that was a light blue, nearly white in coloration. It slowly bloomed and within the core of this massive flower was a single girl. She was small and looked to be only a couple of more years older than her. She had long hair that was a silver-blue color and pale skin. This flower-born child was nude and glowed with a white celestial light. This only accented her beauty.

"Here she is, my latest creation- an elf like you, born from the very plants that make up the forest," Flora spoke as the small elf looked around. Everything was so new to her, like a child that had just been born the girl was curious about everything.

Elf Kaizer gasped and smiled at the girl. She finally had a friend who was just as she was- an elf created from flowers. Her wide, red eyes took in every inch of the figure before her. This elf was more elegant then she and had far paler skin. She was a magnificent sight and she felt very happy in her presence. 'She's so pretty.'

"Hi, I'm Lumina. Who are you?" The curious flower-elf blinked upon noticing her standing below one of the flower's massive petals.

"They call me Elf Kaizer."

"I was created especially for you," Lumina smiled.

"Let me help you down," Elf Kaizer extended her small hand to the blue-haired elf. Her hand was taken as Lumina agreed to let her help her. When her feet touched the ground she stumbled and nearly fell but the red-haired elf caught her and hugged her tightly.

"Sorry," Lumina pulled away with her hands on the other girl's chest. "It's my first time walking."

"It's okay. I was that way too. I fell a lot," Elf Kaizer remembered how hard it was to get bearings on the ground.

"I think we'll be great friends."

"Me too!"

The young elf blinked as she took in her new attire. It was very Arabic inspired and consisted of a flowing shirt, tube top and undershirt with long sleeves. The bottom of it was cut at an angle and she wore black armor over it that consisted of a chest plate and one large piece of armor that folded over the shoulder.

"Sorry, I know they don't fit you too well but you have to wear them until I can find some clothes that are better," the red-haired elf sweat dropped. She knew that Lumina was of a slimmer and less muscular build then she. Of course the clothes would be a little baggy. Lumina didn't have the muscle and her breasts were of normal size, while Elf Kaizer was quite 'gifted' to say the least. This extra cloth would provide some baggage but it could not be helped.

"It's okay!" Lumina beamed. "I like them!"

"You…You do?" The red-haired elf stammered. She couldn't help but feel strange inside. The more Lumina hung around her, the more she felt as if she were the happiest person on earth. They were just alike and more than anyone, even Flora, Elf Kaizer was the closest to Lumina.

"You dress very nicely," Lumina complimented.

"Thanks."

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The forest was vast as the two elves looked out over it. They were atop of a giant tree root which was uprooted itself from the ground. The tree was large and most likely the oldest in the forest. From this angle, they had a good view of the forest floor. This way they could stop any intruders that didn't get lost from running into the illusions.

"I don't see anything so far," Lumina made her report.

"Me either," Elf Kaizer sat atop of the massive root. "Bo-oring…"

"We've been together for a while now."

"Yeah."

"Elf, do you think we're good friends?" Lumina asked, looking to her friend. She wanted to make her happy in every way she could. The elven girl felt compelled to do her very best to accommodate the red-haired warrior. She could do anything for her friend and wanted to make sure that her actions were pleasing Elf Kaizer.

"The best," the red-haired elf smiled.

"I'm glad," Lumina smiled in return.

"Me t-" The spunky elf started to agree but then a beam suddenly whizzed by the two of them at lightning speed. It nearly hit her in the back of the head and she could still feel the burn of the heat that was emitted from it. She could hear her companion shout for her to look out but it was already too late.

"The planet gatherers are here!" Elf Kaizer shouted.

"We've got to protect Flora-sama!" Lumina agreed and assumed a battle position.

"Wind Blast!" They heard a distinct male voice call out as they were both sent flying back by a powerful wind blast. The two women screamed in horror as their bodies were flung about. They had landed several feet away in a pile of shrubs and bushes. There was a brief silence before they emerged. The red-haired woman sat up and looked at the bunch before her, who was dressed in dark clothes and armor.

The man who stood out the most was their leader. He was a young and handsome man with black, shaggy hair, slender eyes which were blue in coloration-well the one she could see anyway. His right eye was hidden behind a simple black eye patch. He appeared to be in his early twenties as was of a muscular build.

"Who the hell are you?" Elf Kaizer shouted at him. She didn't like anyone who entered the forest without authorization, especially men. Men always came into the forest and she could never stand them. They were always either arrogant and lusty for power or extremely sexist and doubted her ability as a woman.

"And what do you want?" Lumina stood, putting her battle face on.

"My name is Eagle and I am from Hikari Country," their leader spoke.

"That's a desert country, isn't it?" Lumina asked. Flora had taught her the structure of the land and many surrounding countries and she'd had most of them memorized. There were hardly any plants in Hikari Country. Of course someone like them would seek out the riches of the forest.

"I don't know," Elf Kaizer replied. She'd only known the forest because she'd never been outside of it. The elf never thought she'd have to leave, so she never bothered asking Flora about the land around it.

"We need those plants, so stand aside," Eagle demanded.

"Wait a minute! No one takes these plants without proper judgment!" Elf Kaizer told them sharply, enforcing her authority.

"Hm…" Eagle narrowed his eye in irritancy. It looked like things would have to be done the hard way.

"Do you have proper authorization to be here?" Lumina wanted to make sure that they weren't sent by Flora. If they were, it would be a mistake to try and kill them and it would spell her death by Flora.

"Flora-sama hasn't told us of any visitors to let in."

"Needle Rain!" Eagle called out as he lifted a staff. Thousands of giant needles fell from the sky like an evil hail which rained upon the world and covered it with destruction. The two women screamed and barely avoided the malicious attack by hiding under the tree root that they'd been perched on. They could hear the repetitious thumping as the needles relentlessly attacked the tree.

"That was close," Elf Kaizer sighed.

"We would have been pin cushions if we would have stayed up here," her partner replied in the same relieved tone.

A beam came from behind her shoulder and bathed them both in white light before they jumped out of the way to dodge it. It crashed into the tree root, destroying it in an explosive light show. Pieces of wood and other debris were flung around everywhere.

"I'm all riled up now!" The tough elf said with excitement. The thought of a battle excited her beyond belief and she couldn't wait to show these men what the true skills of a woman. "So, let's get this party started!" She replied as she pulled something out from behind her back. It was a yo-yo. She then flung the object at Eagle as it spun at an incredible speed. "Magic yo-yo! Go!"

Eagle's image faded and two men behind him were hit with the tool. It hit one man in the neck, the force of it breaking it on contact and ricocheting off of him and hitting another man in the face, where it nearly went through his head. Their blood sprayed through the air in a thick red mist as their crumpled forms crashed to the ground. Their screams were all that could be heard as their lives drained away along with their blood.

"Damn!" The elf cursed.

"I'll get him! Solar Flare!" Lumina shouted, throwing her hands out as fire shot from evenly spaced spots along the ground. This fire was highly explosive and bright. It literally looked like a solar flare on the ground and several men from Eagle's army were hit with the violent explosions. Eagle himself was surprised at the attack and barely jumped out of the way.

"You'll have to pry those plants from my cold, dead hands," Elf Kaizer said arrogantly.

"That won't be a problem," the dark-haired man said in a calm voice. He seemed level-headed and not like most of the men that Elf Kaizer had run across.

"Yo-Yo! Go!" She shouted as she flung it out again towards him. She refused to be mocked by someone like him.

"What a pain," Eagle said simply as he held up his staff. The yo-yo simply wrapped around it, unable to move. This only made the mischievous girl grin with excitement as a new plan emerged in her mind. Lumina smiled as well, she knew the routine. Every human had tried this at least once in battle.

"Electric Shock!" She pointed her finger at the wire that the yo-yo was suspended on and sent electricity up it. The voltage shocked the young man and he quickly let go of the staff and held his wrist. A little shock had gone through him but not enough to keep him suspended there as the currents ran through his body.

That would have spelled his death.

The red-haired elf spun the yo-yo up and down on its string with a smirk. "Take that."

"We told you that you weren't getting past us. Did you think that we were lying? What a shame that we'll have to kill you. You're kind of cute!" Lumina remarked with a smile.

This only made Elf Kaizer's glare intensify on the man. How dare he get such a compliment from Lumina! He was not worthy of her any affection of hers! The only person who was worthy was…wait! What was she thinking? They were both female here! Then it hit her. She didn't know why she was so furious at the man. She just called him cute? She became confused with her thoughts so she decided to act on her emotions. Jumping forward the elf shouted 'die' in an irate tone as she jumped towards Eagle, poised to kill and show no mercy.

"Oh my, seems someone's jealous," Lumina remarked. "Poor Elf-chan."

"Barrier," Eagle reflected her attack, sending her back a few feet. She called out the words 'Yo-yo Bomb' as she flung her weapon forward and causing it to burst on contact. It sent both of their bodies flying backwards in opposite directions. Lumina caught her comrade.

"Are you okay?" She asked as worry crossed her features.

"Do you really…think that guy is cute?" The elf had to know. She wanted to know.

"You're silly," Lumina smiled at the red-eyed girl in her arms. "I think he's good looking but I'm not interested if that's what you're referring to."

"I won't let him take you away from me," she seethed.

"Aw, thanks. You're so protective of me. Just remember," she winked playfully, "you're still my dear Elf Kaizer and no one will ever replace you in my heart. I was created especially for you."

"Huh?" This produced a small blush on Elf Kaizer's face. She felt a fluttery and tingly feeling deep within her stomach at the words of kindness. They may have been two girls but it just felt so right this way. To be with her. To be held by her, her dear friend…or something more?

"Enough with the sentiment," Eagle began to write kanji in green energy with his finger. When he had written a couple of lines in the air he letters began to glow and become bright. "Go, Green Energy Dragon!" He shouted the name of his attack as a large, long, thin stream of energy which resembled a dragon ripped through the ground popping in and out of it like a sowing needle would to mend a piece of fabric. Lumina pulled her secret love close and shouted the words 'shield of protection' as the green dragon collided with a giant bright pink dome that she had created with her own magic.

Elf Kaizer decided to attack from the barrier. Surely Eagle would not expect this!

"Now it's time for my best attack! Vicious Onslaught!" She shouted as everything around the two elves went up in white light and burst in one massive explosion. Eagle braced himself with an arm over his face as he disappeared within the white light. The attack lasted about seven minutes and there was nothing but white light around the two of them. Lumina's pink barrier was the only thing that protected them from certain death.

They were completely alone in the world for those brief minutes.

The smoke from the explosion soon cleared and the two of them were all that was standing.

"Cool!" Lumina shouted in joy as she put her hands together.

"Did it! Hopefully they won't be back!" Elf Kaizer smiled victoriously. She had won the fight and with Lumina's help at that. She truly had a lot to be thankful for.

"I think you killed them," Lumina put a finger to her pale lips as she looked out over the bodies that were scattered about.

"Good," the red-haired woman replied as she grabbed her friend's hand. "Let's go back to Flora."

"Okay!" The other girl nodded and hugged her.

Those familiar feelings crept back into her being.

"Hey."

"Yes?" Lumina pulled back and looked at her. She wore a serious expression on her face.

"Is it bad to like another girl?" Elf Kaizer didn't know why but she felt compelled to ask her this. She wanted to know how Lumina thought on the subject and in a way, she'd know if she could ever feel the same way about her that she did about Lumina.

"I don't think so," the other elf looked a little confused. She had never been asked a question like this before. "I like you." She said innocently.

"Could you see us…together?" Elf Kaizer felt a little pressured and embarrassed at this question.

"We are together." The blue-haired elf stated the obvious.

"I mean like a couple."

"We are a couple! A couple of elves!"

"No."

"A couple of girls?"

"You dork that's not what I mean," the red-haired girl was getting a little tired of her absent-minded comments.

"What then?" Lumina was curious.

"I think…I love you."

"Then I love you too," she said simply.

A little too simply.

"What?" Elf Kaizer looked surprised. She didn't know if Lumina was being dense or if she really meant it and she was half0way taken aback by the answer. This wasn't what she thought was going to happen. There were no complications or anything.

"I was created especially for you to make you happy and I'm really close to you. We've been friends since we were little. I always liked how you held me. It made me feel safe and I want to hold you and make you happy in the same way," Lumina admitted her feelings. She too, had been feeling that they were a little more than friends and she didn't seem to care that they were both female. She loved her friend and she had no doubt that their love was more than that of close friends.

"You mean that?" Elf Kaizer sounded a little innocent upon asking that question. Now was the time. It was her one moment of vulnerability.

"Yes," The other girl replied and leaned in for a kiss.

Their lips touched as the two girls shared a passionate kiss. Elf Kaizer wrapped her strong arms around her friend. The two of them had always shared a close bond and this moment was one that only made them closer.

"I always was attracted to you, love," the wounded girl admitted. "I think I loved you from the beginning and I'm so sorry that I've got to leave you alone…forgive me…" Lumina's last words barely escaped as she died, silent tears ran down her cheek, in regret that she'd put Elf Kaizer through so much pain.

"Oh Lumina…" The red-haired elf cried as she held her mate's dead body close to her own. There was nothing more that could be done. No matter how close she held her, she would not be coming back.

She was alone once more.

The only one of her kind.

From behind him, Keiji could feel Hiroshima's familiar aura and form loom over his being. He slowly looked up to see the legend. There was something different about him that Keiji was trying to figure out. His eyes weren't devoid of emotion and cold as they usually were and his features weren't as chiseled or riddled with malice.

Could it be that he was trying to show him sympathy?

"Kid…" His voice held emotion…He sounded as if he were actually human for that moment in time.

"Hiroshima…" Keiji didn't know how to feel in a situation like this. It was odd that Hiroshima was acting this way around him.

"You're going to run into trouble," his voice took on an informative tone, it wasn't harsh or cold.

"I know…"

"Are you alright?" Hiroshima sounded as if he actually cared and could even feel his pain.

"I'll be fine." Keiji was confused at the angel's show of concern and kindness.

Elf Kaizer called out her mate's name in grief over and over again. She refused to believe that she was gone and was now going through a fit of pained denial. The body in her grasp glowed a light pink color as it morphed into its original form; the pink flower in which it had emerged from. She could feel the warmth from its glow as it then shattered like fragile glass. The petals scattered themselves through the air, brushing her tear-stained cheeks as she looked at her hands, the petals falling all around her and coming into contact with the ground.

She trembled becoming unstable as she watched the glowing pink petals.

"LUMINA!!!" She shouted towards the sky as she fell to her knees, a fragile heart that the world forgot.

To Be Continued…