Chapter 2: Light of My Life

Meanwhile in the midst of the snowy Unknown, a conflict had reached its climax, an emotional battle that could change the fate of many in its outcome.

The sudden realization that his daughter's soul had not been in the lantern crushed the old lumberjack with an unbelievable force, regret and disbelief rushing through him in great waves. He had cut down dozens and dozens of Edelwood trees to keep the dark lantern's flame going all in attempt to save his daughter's spirit from fading away into the darkness, never to be seen again. The man had been grinding the remains of lost souls for seasons upon end, using the trees of hope-stripped life. But it had all been a lie. Everything. All so the Beast could continue to haunt the woods in peace and not have to worry about a lantern's flame slowly flickering out.

The Woodsman looked up at the Beast in a mixture of shock, horror and sadness, all of his deeds catching up to him. His voice was shaky, but not uncertain as he asked, "She was never in the lantern, was she, Beast?"

The creature of shadows matched the Woodsman's gaze, his eerie eyes glowing brightly through the dimness. The contrast held a creepy air, as if they were peering into his mind to find his deepest, darkest secrets. "Listen, Woodsman," the Beast commanded as a chilly gust of wind swept across the ground between them. "Listen to me."

The Woodsman felt the monster speaking behind him, directly in his ear, although the old man had only glanced away for a brief second. Even if the Beast wasn't a physical form, he was still fast and unpredictable. It was a miracle that that wasn't an issue in terms of getting rid of him. The Beast couldn't touch the lantern, nor the Woodsman no matter how much he wanted to. So if he wanted to take a chance . . . The Woodsman lifted the lantern up high, so he could see inside its fiery depths. The glow of what seemed to be countless lost souls swirled inside, the deep orange hue he knew so well radiating from the object.

"The boy was wrong. I just wanted to protect her. I've always wanted to protect her. For you, Woodsman, " the Beast explained, gesturing to him with a shadowy hand. "Everything I've done so far has meant to help you."

The Woodsman took in a quick breath, beginning to doubt himself. Was the Beast really telling the truth? Or was this all a ploy? Turning around to face him, the grieving father searched the Beast's face for sincerity, but none was to be found in the dark void broken only by his piercing orbs. Despite that, the Woodsman lowered the lantern, if by only an inch.

Encouraged that the Woodsman was swaying from his threatening position, the Beast continued, "I've only been reminding you all this time that your daughter needed your attention so she could continue to live. The two boys were against you. So I had to get rid of them. But the older boy was so lost already that I hardly had to give any effort in removing his little brother from the Unknown. He was so determined to do what he felt was right that it was easy for me to get him to help you and your daughter. The small one brought me the things I needed to turn him into an Edelwood willingly, after all."

The Woodsman fought to keep his will, but it was fading fast.

"And the elder nearly blew out your daughter's flame," the Beast added, his tone becoming malicious. "I couldn't let that happen, now could I? Not after you've worked so hard to keep it lit."

The old man's grip on the lantern began to weaken, as he visually trembled with the memory. Perhaps the Beast was telling the truth after all and the creature had been on his side the entire time.

"You see, Woodsman?" the Beast offered convincingly. "All who perish here will become trees for your lantern. Cut them down with your axe! Go! Now!"

For a moment, the man stood motionless, save for his hand tightening once more. Could he really do that? Could he really continue on as before, chopping trees with this knowledge? It would save his daughter's life, but how many more would he have to take? Hundreds? Thousands? It was unacceptable. The man, unable to take the pressure of keeping the accursed flame lit, lifted the lantern to eye-level once more.

The Beast, noticing what he was about to do, let out an aggressive cry, "Stop! You'll never see your daughter again, Woodsman. Are you really ready to go back to that empty house?"

The Woodsman took a breath, beginning to tear up. But it had to be done. It had to.

"No! Woodsman!" the Beast wailed, a horrifying sound, although a tad bit early for panic. The old man had not let released his breath, unable to blow it out at the last moment. Tears left their marks on the his face, wet streams of distress that reflected the orange light of the lantern. To the Beast's astonishment, the Woodsman lowered the lantern completely, only then allowing himself to let out his breath. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to let the light go out, much to the Beast's relief.

The Woodsman stood with his head tilted towards the floor, in indescribable emotional pain. "All these poor lost souls . . ." he mumbled, his eyes clenched tightly shut as he mourned. "I'm sorry. I've failed you all."

All but the Beast, who held in his smugness as he gazed upon the Woodsman. A pathetic figure, one that could not even blow out a candle. The old man had proved himself useful all these years and now the Beast was certain that he needn't worry ever again that the lantern would stay bright. "Are you done yet, Woodsman?" The dark figure tipped his head to the side. "The flame will run out of oil to burn soon."

The Woodsman glanced up at the Beast, defeated finally. Without a word, he retrieved the axe near Gregory's Edelwood sapling and disappeared into the forest, axe in one hand, lantern in the other.


Chapter two already! Wow! I have to say, I'm quite impressed with this one, although it's a bit short. From here on out it will all start to get more original, so you won't have to read the show again. XD (Can't say watch because this is a fanfic . . .) How did you feel? Any speculations on what might happen next? Leave a review and tell me what you think!