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Lightbringer
o-o-o
My body floated in a never-ending void of pure darkness. Isolated from even a mere whisper of life. The cold embrace of nothingness wrap around my body. Her touch slowly drained my body of feeling. My sense began to numb, my sense of self decayed.
Warrior, what is it that you crave?
Nothing.
Do you wish for infinite knowledge?
No.
Do you wish for bountiful riches?
No.
Do you wish for an immense power like no other?
No.
Then warrior, what is it that you wish for?
Love.
The voice stopped. I felt the encroaching loneliness return. What was the point of those questions anyway? I didn't even know why I answered them the way I did. It was an automatic response. I had no recollection of anything. I must have lost my memory. Why would I even say love? That was a stupid thing to say.
Rise warrior. Today, your life begins anew. You will become a God.
Pain! Throbbing pain! Pain encircled my body, wrapping me tightly in its cruel embrace. I could feel body twist and writhe.
At that moment, I felt like had been awakened from a deep slumber. The numbness was gone, I felt warmth. My eyes flashed open and a translucent and glorious light from the winged figure entered my vision. A seraph?
"I am the Highland Commander, Celeste."
"Highland…? Ahh!" My head began to pound. My breathing accelerated and my heart rate skyrocketed. I slammed my fist against the ground cracking it to a great extent. Had I always been this strong? Wait ground? I was lying face down on a stone floor. I wasn't in void of darkness but a temple?
"Ahhh!" I began screaming in a voice that didn't resemble my own. It was cool and soothing. My skin burned, my body felt like it was on fire. My eyes began glowing a bright ivory white. I felt like a monster at that moment, I didn't feel like myself, whoever I was. It was like someone else had taken over my body, like there was another presence living within me.
"Ronan Erudon, Ronan Captain of the Kanavan Knights, Prince of Kanavan…these titles you will shed." I was in too much pain. I couldn't reply. Was I all of these things? If so I must have had an eventful life. "You will now carry a title that you will bare for the rest of your existence. It will reflect who you are."
"And…who am I exactly…?" I managed to speak up.
"You have been a valiant warrior. Brave, courageous, a destroyer of evil and a savior bathed in the light of order. You have brought light in places filled with nothing but darkness. You shall be Ronan the Lightbringer."
"The Lightbringer…?"
"You shall need a partner to assist you in your daily activities. I shall assign Aegis-"
"Wait. I shall take responsibility for this one." A knight covered in nothing but black stepped up. I couldn't look up to see his face but something in his mind told him that he wasn't such a bad guy. At the time, I was naïve. I was completely wrong.
"Who…are you?".
"I am Vincent. I'll be taking care of you after today."
"Vincent, are you sure? He is new here and your methods of training are a bit…challenging." Aegis The Breaker took a step forward "Leave him with me. My methods are safer and more suited for beginners."
"Where is the fun in training him the easy way?" Vincent grinned.
"I only have one question, Vincent." The Highland Commander said with a curious expression on her face. "Why do you want to train him? You haven't trained anyone since…Sieghart." The Commander wore a pained expression.
"I have no real reason. I'm just interested in his answer to your question."
My answer? Love? He was interested in me because I said that? I regretted saying that word.
"I see." The Commander turned away "I will leave him in your care."
"Don't break him." Aegis shrugged her shoulders before she walked away.
"Coming from you that's saying a lot." Vincent chuckled.
"Um, could someone explain what's happening to me? It feels like something is forcing itself into me." I began to pant. I rolled over on the ground and stared at the ceiling. I was in a large dome adorn with paintings and sculptures of Angels. Beautiful creatures, the Angels.
"Ah yes. That is your 'Godly power' trying to wiggle its way into your body. Since the human body is a frail thing, it is a very painful process."
"I…see." So it was true. I was becoming a god. It wasn't a pleasant feeling. Not the pain but there was something that nagged at the back of my head. I felt like I had forgotten something extremely important.
"If you want I could do something about the pain your feeling now."
"Please do." I couldn't believe him. If he could have ended this pain why didn't he do it in the first place!
"This will only hurt for a second." He stretched his arm outwards and materialized a large ball of dark energy in his hands.
"…what?" The last thing I remembered that day was being enveloped in darkness before I feel unconscious. Like I hadn't seen enough darkness for the day.
That was when my training began. It wasn't training to attain skill with both weapons and magic. I was already mastered of both arts. I thanked my previous life. It allowed me to keep pace with Vincent's training which I could only describe as hell. My 'training' was simply a term used for the management my godly powers. Vincent had said that a god's power was only limited to his/her own imagination and will. If a god ever fell in battle it was because the will of the victory was stronger than that of the gods. As so it follows that Vincent push my will to live to the limits with his relentless attacks of grandeur.
"You said that you lost your memories right?" Vincent asked calmly. After his session (from hell), he randomly asked. After weeks of training, he only taught me a few techniques and increased my will considerably. I was still nowhere close to ending my training.
"Yes. What of it?" I spoke between my heavy breathes.
"That is abnormal. Most gods retain their memories of their past lives when become immortal."
"I assumed that I didn't want to remember my past. Maybe it was too painful for me to even want to remember." Vincent wagged his finger at me.
"Remember what you told the High Commander?"
"Honestly I didn't know why I said that. It was automated response. I wasn't thinking clearly."
"As cheesy and cliché as this sounds, you weren't thinking with your head but feeling with your heart."
"What?"
"There is something that your heart desires above power and wisdom, above anything and everything else."
"You think I'm in love with someone?"
"Indeed I do. But that is a case for another time. For now, I think it's time for you to learn the Ultimate Highland Technique."
"What? I'm not even one fifth of the way done with my training! Why teach me this now?" Was he insane? I could barely keep up with his so called training!
"Let's just say, I feel that something big is coming and I want you to be able to protect yourself and those you care about."
"I don't hold anyone in that high of regard." I meant no disrespect with my words but the relationship between the highlanders and myself was strictly professional.
"Oh? I was under the impression you had your sights set on Aegis," Vincent grinned "I mean she is always looking out for you."
"That…" I didn't really know how to explain that. Whenever Vincent was done tormenting me, she was always the first one on the scene to pick up the pieces. She really did seem attracted to me in a sense. But I thought of it more as maternal instincts like protecting a baby (a newborn god in my case) from anything that would cause it pain.
"Anyway! About this new technique," I cleared my voice "What is it?"
"Only few highlanders have learned it. Originally it was developed by me, but Celeste learned it and altered for the highlanders that she has trained. My version, however, is infinitely more powerful and dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"You could be consumed by its power. I have only taught it to one person before and he seems to be doing well with himself. Although, I warn you, this will take a month to learn and years to master. Are you ready?"
"…yes."
"Let us begin." Vincent grinned devilishly. I won't go into detail about the training. Just remembering it would kill my senses and make me vomit. It traumatized me to a certain extent.
The symbols of the gods were like badges which proved that you were a god. Without it, it simply meant that you were low ranked. They were yellow symbols that resembled whatever the god wished it to look like. My symbols resembled twin wings that spread out stretching from my back. I attained these after I made my Oaths to the High Commander.
"Do, you Ronan the Lightbringer, swear by your life that you will serve the Highlanders?" Every Highlander was present for the ceremony. Vincent hovered near the paintings on ceiling as he watched down. Aegis had a weary expression as she watched from the back. Celeste was in front of me initiating the ceremony.
"I, Ronan the Lightbringer hereby swear to serve the highlanders in their endeavors to uphold the Order of the world. To shine light where there is darkness, to bring order to a chaos infused world. This is the duty of the Lightbringer. This I swear."
"Excellent." Celeste smiled. She raised her sword and tapped my shoulders lightly "Rise, Lightbringer."
I stood up feeling a bit proud of myself. Just then a yellow light emerged from my back followed by a wave of pain as twin wings emerged from my back. Did everything hurt here? Geez.
"Welcome to the Order."
Remembering that day, I shouldn't have done it. It lead me into a spiral of chaos.
It was after my training that I had been sent on my first mission as a highlander. My training wasn't complete but I had made some progress. That was something at least. It was there did I start feeling regret. It was there that my fall as a god began.
"Only a few weeks and the greenhorn becomes a full-fledged god. I'm impressed, SpellBoy." Vincent seemed pleased with himself.
"I'm only a god in title. I still don't have it takes to become one," I turned back and laid eyes on my godly symbols. "And I rather you not call me that. It's degrading."
"Whatever you say," Vincent shrugged. He stopped and peered through the nearest window gazing down on the earth below "There seems to be a lot of activity going on in Archmedia. The High one says that it's going to become a blood bath if the Dwarfs and Elves can't control themselves."
"Someone should really stop their stupidity. Don't they see that Ashtaroth is just using them?" The blue knight shook his head.
"Yeah, someone should." The dark knight gazed over to the blue, as if he was sending him a message.
"Oh fine, I'll stop them." I shook my head "I thought being a god had perks." Ever since I got here, all I had been doing was train and feel pain.
"It does. You won't die anytime soon."
"Thrilling." Is that anyway to motivate someone?
"This will be your first assignment. Prevent the bloodshed." Vincent spoke seriously. Something he rarely did. I simply nodded and teleported to Thunder Hammer. It was a simple enough mission; stop a war. Nothing too big, right?
…
"My my, look at what we have here. The infamous Grand Chase made their way to Archmedia. Let me be the first to welcome you. Kill them all!" Ashtaroth order and elves followed.
Oh boy, seems I was too late.
The horde raced towards a group of children yelling and chanting out in their elfish tongue.
Guess I had better do something about that mob.
I charge a rune of energy and lashed it against the ground creating an oversized surge of celestial energy shot across the large barren wasteland creating a split between the two fractions. All eyes turned scanned for the origin of the attack until they laid eyes on me.
Alright what are children doing here? It was there that I unconsciously made my first mistake. When my vision fell onto the group, I couldn't help but stared at the girl in red in front. I saw a girl, medium height with an arrogant air surrounding her. Her face seemed so very familiar.
Who…is she? I froze as tears began to stream down my face.
How could I…? How could I forget her? Elesis…
It was there that the images of past events entered my head. My memories were slowly entering my head. That girl, that lone girl…she was…everything I held dear in the world.
She looked...horrible. She looked as if she hadn't slept in days. The dark rings under hers eyes were proof of that. Her skin was dry, and as pale as Dio's. Her pride and joy was in a mess. Her long luxurious hair was tangled and lacked it's luster. She let herself go.
Why? Why…? Oh god…I did this to her.
"Elesis! Dark elf at twelve o' clock!" Ryan shouted from the back. An elf proceeded to attack her. I gritted my teeth. I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself.
The elf slashed downwards with his curved blade but I appeared in his face and grabbed it, crushing the steel with ease. I made quick work of him by blasting him away.
"Who are you suppose to be?" Elesis huffed dashing backwards. What…was I suppose to say? I couldn't tell her my identity. I…made an Oath to the Highlanders. I...can't be with her anymore…
"I am a highland god sent down here to prevent this war from taking place. Worry not for I am not your enemy." I spoke hiding my sadness with a forced pride "If you wish to address me, I am…"
"Xavier" Vincent appeared. "And you may call me Vincent." Xavier? Why was Vincent here? Did he notice my troubled state?
"Well that's all good and dandy but if you will excuse me, I have a war to deal with."
"Wait, Miss…" No…I can't let her out of my grasp again…
"Elesis. Elesis Sieghart."
"Miss Sieghart, I must warn you that this war may be a little much for-" Elesis raised her hand to my face. She looked up to me with an angry glare.
"That never stopped us before. And before you give me the entire, this is too dangerous speech; I would appreciate it if you didn't stick your head where it isn't wanted. We can handle ourselves." And with that she began walking. She seemed…anxious, like she was in a rush to go. But why?
"Then…allow me to be of use to you." I…can't show her who I am but I want to help her. I…want her to be happy at least. This was my second mistake.
"What?"
"Allow me to be your guide while you explore the remaining dangers of Archmedia." This is all I can do for her "Xavier at your service."
Oh my lord! My hair! I cut it! What was I thinking! All those wasted years of growing it out… Anyway, after our meeting I…couldn't help but visit her. I still loved her but I made an Oath to the Highlanders and as a knight it was my duty to uphold my honor not matter what the cost. But why…? Why was this cost so high?
I tried. I tried so hard to help her. But in the end I just ended up getting her angrier.
"I can understand why you don't trust gods but-" Elesis whipped her body around, sheathed her sword and pointed it at my face.
"Don't you dare act like you know me! You got everyone's affection and respect but you won't get mine! Get that through your goddamn head. You should be freakin' happy I finally agreed to you being our guide so don't screw that up! Stick to your job and I'll stick to mine. Keep out of my affairs and leave me alone!"
I just ended up hurting her even more. What was I suppose to do?
"But don't think this changes much! I can understand why you don't want to kill others but don't think my arguing with you is over yet!"Even though Elesis said it harshly, she still had a smile across her face.
"It would be my pleasure to argue with you." I bowed and chuckled.
"The hell is that suppose to mean? Do you get some sick enjoyment out of arguing with people?"
"What if I said I did? Ya got a problem with that?"
"You freak." She laughed for the first time in a long time.
That smile…I wanted to see her smile. But what was I doing? I couldn't be with her but I couldn't leave her alone either. This was my third mistake.
It was there I made my fourth mistake. I…chose to give her up.
She told me that she dreamed of me. I used a spell to remove myself from her dreams. I choose to come less often but when I did I felt happier than I ever did. What was I doing wrong? Maybe it was better if I just disappeared? But before I could go through with it…
"If you take this helmet off…you're going to regret it."
"Make me regret it...Ronan…"
I couldn't let her go.
"Wow," Amy said not really knowing how else to respond. "You've been through a lot." The Grand Chase had gathered around a camp fire as they listened to Ronan. Obviously, he couldn't tell them everything. Especially what happened with him and Sieghart. As well as his other encounters with Elesis. That would be their little secret for now.
"Yeah, but its fine now," Ronan smiled as he combed his hands through Elesis' hair. She laid down on his lap comfortably, not wanting to leave his side for a minute "I've made my choice."
"Glad to have you back." Jin smiled.
"It's good to be back." Ronan responded.
"Well we'll listen to the rest of your story tomorrow. It's getting late and Amy's barely awake," Jin lifted Amy by her armpits.
"Hey! I'm not a little kid! I can…stay up…late if I wanted too…" She yawned and rubbed her eyes.
"Sure, sure." Jin smiled as her carried her back to their tent. As everyone else welcomed him back, he couldn't help but notice Arme stare at him for a while before she turned away.
"You were Xavier, huh?" She muttered under her breath. Ronan noticed that the entire time that he had been back, Arme had an uneasy expression. There was still her to deal with. She loved him and she told him to his face. But that was something he would have to deal with tomorrow. He had bigger things to deal with.
"Hey you, I know you're not asleep." Ronan spoke softly.
"I'm not moving from this spot." Elesis replied curtly.
"Before you'd turned red if you did anything like this. Where did my easily teased Ely go?"
"She's not here right now. Could I take a message?" She smiled as she looked up into his eyes. He returned her gentle gaze. He held her hand and rubbed it against his face.
"I've missed you so much Ely."
"At least you saw me, I thought you were dead." Elesis raised her hand and entwined it with his.
"Yes, but I couldn't do this with you. It was like I was watching you through someone else's eyes."
"Well you're here now meaning I can finally do this." Elesis held his head between her hands. Ronan caught on quick. He removed the loose strands of hair from her face and she smiled. She brought her face closer, and slowly he did as well. She crushed her lips against his gently; tenderly making sure that she got the most out of the kiss. It wasn't a passionate or deep kiss but a kiss to establish their feelings for one another. They both broke away slowly, with eyes yearning and hungering for more. Ronan lifted her and carried her back to her tent. They kissed tenderly once more before they heard wolf calls from the other tents.
"Go easy you two. If you two are going to go at it, make sure it's quiet." Ryan chuckled.
"Yeah! Last time I had to wear my earphones to block out the noise!" Amy giggled.
Ronan and Elesis flushed red before they rushed back into their tent.
Ahem. This ending is self-explanatory.
Ronan told them of his time with the highlanders but he is keeping a very important fact away from them. Won't the highlanders come for him? What of Arme? How is he going to confront her?
Next Chapter:
Empty Spaces
