Incredibly long ending. Sorry 'bout that! But I just couldn't stop writing!
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Crimson Endings:
Hehe, I don't think Oscar ruins EVERYTHING. This chapter proves that. :) Thank you for reading and reviewing! I appreciate it! :D
-mozzi-girl (Beast!)
AWWWW THANK YOU SO MUCH! :D I really do appreciate that, Molleh! It means a lot to me. :) Thank you for reading and reviewing!
So, the last few days have been incredibly stressful with homework and auditions, but I think it's all slowing down today. I mean, most of the reason why I was so upset was because my room was a mess (I am a very clean person; messes irk and bother me until they're cleaned.) But I just finished cleaning my room and I am at ease...But not completely.
I hate to let stories go, especially this one. I started this way back in June and now it's December. Most of the time was procrastination, but hey, 21 chapters is amazing for someone like me.
So I want to quickly thank everyone who read this, and a special thank you to Mozzi-Girl and Crimson Endings! You all are amazing!
And I hope you enjoy the final chapter of Fable of Death. (Now we can continue with Family Relations!)
THANK YOU!
The next two days passed by almost too quickly, though all Mal did was hang around the castle, refusing to talk to anyone unless it was important—though most of the time, it wasn't.
When Oscar mentioned more casualties, it turned out that nearly half of the kingdom had been slaughtered by the Darkness and since Mal was lacking money to fund hospitals to take care of those seriously wounded, more were dying every day. Aurorians were shipped in to help remove the Darkness, but at a few days too late. Only one-third of the population survived.
The streets were silent. Children no more laughed and women no more gossiped. Men were working hard to care for dying loved ones, and Mal blamed himself.
Though Kai had spent the last bit of the Treasury on whiskey, the reason why there wasn't a lot of money was because of the choices Mal had made. Sure; they were all good and he kept his promises, but very few were able to enjoy the outcome of Aurora becoming a part of Albion or the restored orphanage in Bowerstone Industrial. This all weighed down on Mal, causing severe depression that would have overcome his life...If it weren't for Natara.
She visited during the few days after the battle, making sure Mal was doing alright. Oscar often accompanied, which Mal didn't mind as much. He had amazing war-stories about Walter that Mal found amusing. Though Oscar had already claimed Natara, Mal's only choice of life-long partner, there were no hard feelings between the two of them. In fact, they grew a little closer when they expressed how much they cared for Walter and how bad his death was affecting them.
On a calm, bright, sunny Sunday, Mal woke up, sick to his stomach. He had been fearing this day since the Darkness was defeated.
"I'll simply stay inside the whole day," he muttered and turned to his side before somebody tapped the door lightly.
"Mal..." It was Oscar. "You in there, Buddy?"
Mal sighed heavily and decided not to reply. Maybe he would go away.
"C'mon Oscar," another voice replied; Natara. "It's no use calling out to him."
"But..." Oscar began but was stopped immediately. Mal sat up, raising an eyebrow as hushed voices were exchanged between the couple.
Just a few seconds later, the door was kicked off its hinges, causing Mal to jump and curse loudly. Natara stood in the entrance, smirking. She and Oscar were both dressed in black armor. Though scared out of his wits, Mal began to wonder if the two ever wore normal clothing.
"Get up, Your Majesty," Natara commanded and strolled to his bedside. Oscar stepped in too, carrying a suit in his hands.
"Was it really necessary," Mal began, "to kick down my door? What if I wasn't wearing any clothes, huh? What would you say to that?"
"Considering you're not," Natara began and gestured towards his wrinkled, dingy outfit he had been wearing the past few days, "I figured it would be a good idea, since you weren't coming to the door either way."
"I'm not going," Mal replied flatly and he fell back onto his pillows and pulled the blanket over his head, much like a whiny two-year old refusing to visit the doctor's office.
Natara sighed and shook her head. Mal expected her to rip off his covers and drag him out of bed, but she didn't. Instead, she sat at the edge and looked at the ground. "Mal...We can't do this without you. I know you don't want to do this, and I know you think you'll be much better if you don't say goodbye, but you and I both know that your thinking is wrong."
He glanced over at her and then sat up. "I can't go, Natara."
"Why not?"
"Because I've failed him. He told me that Albion was safe in my hands...But two-thirds of our people are gone because of the choices I made. I thought being the good guy would be easy; no more lives lost. But the guilt of it all is killing me."
"You couldn't have saved them either way," Oscar spoke up. "Not that I'm doubting your abilities, Your Majesty. You cannot have a war and expect it all to turn out alright. There will always be those who die, and always be those who win, but feel the heavy weight of guilt on their shoulders. Take it from me...I've been in all too many of Logan's battles."
Mal considered this and pulled himself to his feet. "Alright," he said. "I'll go...But only for the funeral part."
"That's all we're asking," Natara replied with a smile and Oscar threw him his clothes.
"Now get dressed," he demanded, "we're already running late...And Kai said he'll entertain if you're not down there in the next five minutes."
That alone was enough to further convince Mal.
-C.O.D-
A small crowd awaited past the tomb. A large, white-marble statue of Walter glimmered in the rising sun. Strapped to the statues back was Walter's sword; a relic Mal wished to forget for the moment.
A line of Bowerstone Guards were behind the statue, all holding out their rifles, as if ready to shoot down the crowd. When they caught sight of Mal, they bowed simultaneously, muttering a welcome. Mal gave them a short nod before standing at the front. He bowed his head as Oscar stood up and welcomed the others who had come. Maria and Amy stood further away, Kai next to them. For once, he didn't seem entirely insane. He kept his eyes focused on the statue, even though he looked a bit hungover.
Sabine, Saker, and Boulder took their place in the middle. Sabine gripped his staff and leaned against it, closing his eyes. Boulder crossed his arms and looked down while Saker fiddled with his gauntlet.
Natara stood just behind Mal, accompanied by Logan and Jasper. All three bowed their heads.
Oscar finished his thoughts and a heavy silence fell among the group. Natara noticed Mal standing absolutely still, looking off into space, and she gripped his hand, pulling him back into reality. He looked towards her and sighed before removing his hand from her grip. Logan watched quietly.
The soldiers released their fire, six shots in honor of Walter. As the crowd shuffled amongst each other, Sabine approached Natara, Oscar, Mal, and Logan.
"Funerals," he began, "are just full of sorrowful goodbyes. Why not think about the wonderful hello you are saying as you exit this world of pain and suffering, huh?" He shook Mal's hand firmly. "And let's especially greet the new reign that is about to fall upon our Albion because of your bravery, Malachi." Sabine bowed, his nose nearly brushing against the ground. "It has been an honor, Your Highness. But I must return to my people."
"Thank you," Saker added and Boulder grunted, nodding his head. The three of them trekked off, and Maria was the second to approach the king. She bowed lightly, Amy following her lead.
"You're a hero," she said, smiling. "I never thought the blood of Logan would do so much good to the once fallen kingdom. You have gained my ultimate respect, as well as the respect of the villagers of Aurora."
"Yes!" Amy added in. "Highest respect!"
Mal nodded. "Thank you, Maria. Are you traveling tonight as well?"
"I'm afraid so," she replied solemnly. "But this won't be the last time we meet." She shook the King's hand and smiled. "Farewell, my friend."
Maria began to walk away, before noticing that Amy wasn't following. The young Aurorian was looking past the crowd and towards the goofy butler. He rubbed his temples, biting back the hangover as best as he could. The Aurorian chief strolled over to her companion and gripped her shoulders, before whispering something in her ear. Mal tried his best to make out what she was saying, but noticed she was speaking in a different tongue; Arabic.
Once finished, Amy grinned, pulled her chief into a tight hug—which Maria attempted to recreate—and ran towards Kai, tackling him into a hug. Mal raised an eyebrow.
When did those two get together, he questioned thoughtfully. His train of thought was interrupted when Oscar and Natara stepped in front. Of course, they both delivered a bow, Oscar removing his hat and placing it against his chest.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow," Oscar recited quietly and smirked. "Never really thought that quote meant anything...Up until now."
"What do you mean?" Mal asked and Oscar straightened up.
"Well...Ever since Major Greene's death, Walter took the major positioned. Now that he is no longer..." Oscar paused, choosing his words very carefully, "suffering, I have been appointed to major."
Mal nodded. "Congratulations, Old Friend."
"That's not all," Oscar informed. He waved Natara closer and took her hands within his. "For awhile now...I've hoarded a treasure and refused to give her light. I didn't treat her as I should have and I regret everything." He smiled sadly. "I still love her...But she's not mine."
Mal raised an eyebrow once more, before Oscar placed Natara's hands within Mal's. The two looked at each other, then to Oscar.
"My duties call me elsewhere," he replied quietly. "And if I married Natara...Our kids would never have a dad...And Natara wouldn't have a comforter. However, if she went to you...Her life would change for the better; no more running away from the law, or living in the damp sewers, or watching children die. She deserves only the best and I believe that you can give her the best."
"Oscar..." Mal began, but the major hushed him.
"I am trusting you with the love of my life, Your Majesty. I don't want any complaining."
"But...Where on earth are you going?"
"Beyond Albion's boundaries...I'm almost positive." Oscar bowed. "Farewell."
And he walked off without saying or hearing another word.
Mal looked down at Natara, who instantly leaned against him. "How long..."
"Oscar decided just a few days ago," she answered, "ever since he was awarded with Major..."
"He's a great man," Mal complimented, as Logan stepped up.
"Mal..." he began, drawing in a sharp breath. Mal feared a scolding, but instead, Logan spoke quietly. "I won't be here to protect you..."
"Won't?" Mal asked and he nodded in response.
"I will abandon Albion; but this time, in good hands. I don't want you to fall like I did, but I won't be present to make sure of it."
"Where are you going?"
"Well...I found a group of fugitives the day I was released from captivity. I told them I needed to stay in Albion until the Darkness attacked, but they offered me a chance to get away, and I leave tonight."
Mal nodded slowly, a sudden realization hitting him. I'm losing my family. Dad...Mom...Walter...Logan?
"I don't want you to go," Mal blurted and Logan smiled.
"I don't want to leave either...But you and I both know it must be done." He bowed towards his brother. "I will never forget your kindness, Malachi."
Mal looked towards Natara, who nodded and pushed him forward. When Logan stood straight again, Mal pulled him into a hug. Though taken aback, Logan returned the gesture and they stayed like that for a minute, as Mal muttered, "I forgive you...For everything Logan. I said I never would...But I do now."
Logan pulled away and stared quizzically at his brother before breaking into a smile. "After everything I've done...You're the only one who has forgiven me. You don't know how much this means to me, Mal. I can leave Albion with a lighter heart. Thank you."
He waved towards Mal and bowed towards Natara and began to walk away, leaving no one else to recite their farewells.
"They're gone," Mal muttered.
"Not forever," Natara replied.
Mal nodded and turned to speak to Natara, but noticed she was still. "Nat?" he asked, and she didn't reply. "Natara, what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong, Your Majesty," a wispy voice replied. The king turned around, facing a cloaked woman. "I simply stopped time."
"Theresa?" Mal questioned and the woman nodded.
"Congratulations," she replied. "You have done so much for Albion within this past year. You have gained the trust of Mercenary Leader, Saker, who was set on slaying you. You brought peace unto many troubled villages, including Saker's, who is more than grateful for what you have done. Natara's rebels no longer live in fear, and Oscar is living his dream of becoming Major."
"But Ken...Walter...All of the people who died because they were in the way..."
"With war comes casualties. There is nothing you could have done to save them; their fate has been fulfilled."
It was hard to hear; the fact that even if Mal tried harder...Those lives couldn't have been saved. He sighed heavily, Theresa taking note of this.
"But don't dwell too much upon loss," she assured and stepped closer to Mal. "Look at the beauty of everything you have done so far."
"I know, I know," Mal said and looked down. "I just know I could've done more."
"True," Theresa said, "but that would've resulted in breaking promises. If you turned Mistpeak into a mining area, more lives would be lost. Money could not solve that." She placed her hand upon her shoulder. "Everything is done, Mal. The wars are over. But what happens to Albion from here on out is your choice. I m not going to be with you anymore to guide you on the remainder of this journey. Whether if Albion succeeds or fails, that is your doing. And now, I must also say farewell."
Theresa stepped back, a portal opening up behind her. A small smile spread across her lips as she stepped back and disappeared into the mist.
Time resumed it's cycle and Natara looked at Mal, frowning.
"One second, you're next to me and the next, you're all the way over there," she called out and Mal faced her.
"Oh," he replied, noticing the change as well. "Sorry about that, Natara. I...Just got a visit from an old friend of my father's."
"Really now," Natara asked and Mal approached her.
"Really," he responded and smiled.
I haven't lost Natara yet.
"Things are going to get better," he stated, "I promise."
Natara smiled and threw her arms around his neck.
"I bet they are, Your Majesty," she replied and they fell into a sweet, lingering kiss. Mal pulled Natara closer and prayed that this moment would never falter.
-C.O.D-
"And, of course, the King lived happily ever after, and eventually, was blessed with two amazing sons," the Old Hero King replied with a smile. "However, his legacy does not end there."
"What do you mean, Dad? You just said he lived happily ever after," Six-year-old Mal questioned and his father chuckled.
"Well, for starters, there's you, Son. One day, you'll become King of Albion."
"But Logan is next in line," Mal replied and the King nodded.
"Yes, yes I know, but when Logan steps down, you'll be in line next. You, Mal, are my legacy."
"But what about Logan? Isn't he your legacy too?"
The Hero King glanced towards said boy, who was fast asleep in his own bed, having drifted off early into the story. The King smiled, though it seemed sad.
"Logan is different, Son. He has the power to be a fantastic leader, but he chooses to be bitter towards those who don't follow in line. He's had a rough life, and that tends to rub off on people."
"But what about Auntie Rose?" Mal kept questioning. "A bad man killed her when you were just a little boy. If someone killed Logan, I wouldn't be as nice."
The king smiled. "No, I'm pretty sure you'd be more than just nice Mal; you'd be forgiving. Forgiveness is essential to being a great leader. And I pray one day you will realize its power and I also pray that no matter what goes down, no matter who hurts you, that you'll forgive them."
Mal nodded and sat back in his bed, fatigue washing over him. "Daddy?"
"Yes, Son?"
"When I'm king, I'll make sure everyone forgives each other, no matter what."
The king chuckled and ruffled his son's hair. "I bet you'll find some way to do that, Malachi. I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."
The king stood up and left the room, leaving Mal to wonder about his future reign.
"Yeah...I'm going to be the greatest king Albion will ever see!"
And Mal remained true to his word.