Chapter 52: War in the Family
Outside of Greatwood, the battle raged.
The Templar, driven onward by their rage, hatred, and savage faith, slashed and stabbed at those around them. Blood flowed freely and soaked the ground. Samuel's people fought back, orbs of karmic energy flowing from their hands and driving the Templar away. The shadows screeched and cackled in battle, claws of darkness tearing through armor and flesh like it was wet paper.
And suddenly, a blinding light shone through the battle.
The three armies stopped and stared at the frail old Raposa woman who floated in the air. Like a miniature sun, a sphere of light shone around her. Her eyes had turned into perfectly golden orbs. The light shone forth like physical spears, causing many shadow creatures to disintegrate.
The Templar began to leave. Many threw down their weapons and stormed off in disgust. The golden light was the ultimate symbol of the Creator's power, and seeing a figure they were commanded to kill wielding such power... in an instant, many recognized the Templar for the liars they are and, in disgust, left the order, disappearing into the woods. Those that remained faithful to the intoxicating fire of hate, fled simply because they feared what the Druid's were capable of.
The battle was not over, though. The Shadows, though weakened were still there, and the fighting continued.
Circi opened her eyes. She stood, alone, in a pitch black chamber. Feeling around to get a grip of her surroundings, she realized she was in a cave with wooden walls: the interior of a Tree. She saw a light in the distance.
That was pretty quick. Greatwood said nonchalantly. The darkness in your life is VERY strong, Circi. Doesn't that concern you?
Circi ignored Greatwood and went towards the light.
Circi. Greatwood sighed sadly. I have seen what you've been through. You deserve justice, you are right about that. But can't you see what you've put others through? The pain you've dealt out unto those around you?
Let them suffer. Circi thought coldly. The Light is just as painful as the Dark. And just as blinding.
Don't do this. Greatwood said. You can still be Heather's mother. You can still be the hero you're supposed to be. It's not too late.
"It is too late!" Circi yelled in response. "No one will forgive me for the things I've already done, and if I stop now, it will be for nothing!"
Circi finally entered the light and found it's source. One of Greatwood's roots glowed with pristine power. It was the last thing Circi needed for her plans.
Please. Greatwood begged. Circi, this is not the way. If you keep going down this path... there's no going back.
"Don't you understand?" Circi said, pain obvious in her voice. "There already is no going back. I've made my choice, and if I must burn in hell for it, so be it."
She grasped the root, and ripped it free. Where the light once was, other roots began to blacken and rot.
Ow. Greatwood said sadly. That hurt.
Circi smiled coldly to herself. With the branch, she had all that she needed to finally end the war.
"Well, Greatwood, I'm sorry about this." She said. "Really, I am. But people will understand when it's all over. People will see."
She turned and walked away. The darkness bent to her will, and allowed her exit.
Circi walked out and looked upon the war. A Templar lunged at her, screaming hymns of hate, and she knocked him aside with a bolt of darkness.
Circi walked calmly through the battle. With a wave of her hand, battalions were thrown aside and she made her way through the battlefield. But before she could leave, she heard a voice behind her.
"Circi!" It called.
She turned around, and there, standing alone, was the elder of Samuel's people. The woman was mostly hidden behind her robes, but Circi recognized her immediately.
The two stood alone, facing one another, as the rest of the world was distracted with the storm of violence. Mari struck down a Templar, and noticed the two standing at the heart of the conflict. Jowee tore a Shadow Walker in half with his bare hands, and looked to see Circi and the elder confronting one another. Heather left the confines of Greatwood, to realize she was too late: Circi had the root, and the only person in her way was the Elder.
"I thought you had died." Circi said.
"I thought the same about you." The Elder replied. "I see the truth is far worse. Put that root down, child. You do not need it."
"You don't understand." Circi said. "I don't think you ever understood."
Heather watched in confusion. Did they know each other?
"I understand far too well." The elder retorted. "After all, no one knows a child in the same way a mother does."
Heather's eyes widened. The elder was Circi's mother?
"Maybe you do." Circi sneered. "But if so, you will surely understand why I can not - why I WILL not - stop in my plans."
The Elder sighed sadly. "I do. You were always stubborn."
"That has nothing to do with it." Circi snapped. "Whoever you remember me as - that innocent little girl, that bright, brilliant young woman, she's dead. I buried her with Wilfre."
The two stood silent for a moment.
"Give me the root," The old woman said, finally, "Or I will take it from you."
Circi's eyes locked with the Elders. "Fine. Come and take it."
Circi was engulfed in shadows as she charged the Elder.
The crone fired a bolt of searing light directly at Circi, but she swatted it aside like a bug.
The Elder's body flared up with golden light, and the two locked hands.
Like two primordial forces pushing against each other, they fought, the Light shining in all directions and the Darkness roaring like an all-consuming beast. The Elder's face was one of melancholy calmness, whereas Circi's was twisted into a visage of rage and madness. The Elder pushed Circi back, causing her to stumble. The Elder then struck in quick succession, punching Circi across the face and kicking her square in the chest, sending her flying backward.
Circi was splayed on the ground, lying on her back, winded, where the Elder pressed her foot upon Circi's heart before she could move.
Despite the apparent defeat, Circi seemed completely indifferent.
"Do it." She said coldly. "Send me to Wilfre. I want to be with him. Please."
The Elder stared down at her daughter, and stopped. She couldn't do it. This woman, Circi, who had committed acts of war on a worldwide scale, who had raised an army of darkness against all cultures and peoples, who's only desire is to kill the Creator himself - she was still her daughter, and she couldn't kill her.
Before she could restrain or bind her to prevent her from escaping, Circi shot the Elder at point-blank range with a bold of Shadow Magic, sending the Elder flying back with a burn wound in her chest.
"No!" Heather screamed.
Circi turned around and looked at her. She then scanned the battlefield, witnessing the destruction. The entire village of forest Raposa was here. They would all die if Circi's armies pressed on. Already, the blood was in far too great supply, and Circi felt guilt, that cruel oppressor, weigh down on her.
With a snap of her fingers, she, and her army, disappeared. Leaving the Forest Raposa safe and victorious.
Only a beat of silence passed, before the entire village sprung into action.
The battle had been far less deadly that most had anticipated. Most of the men and women harmed were alive, but wounded, and all of the children were safe: they were barricaded closest to Greatwood, and the adults had positioned themselves between them and the attackers. But no battle was without costs: Mari, Jowee and Heather could solemnly see wives weep over the corpses of their husbands, husbands weeping for their departed wives, and children trying to get their dead loved ones to wake up.
The battle had been a village-wide trauma, but each of them was far less hysterical than they would be on other battlefields: A golden light emanated from Greatwood, calming everyone's nerves, healing wounds, and in some cases, even reviving the dead.
Itzara and Samuel limped towards the three heroes. Samuel's left arm was scarred, and Itzara's left shoulder was covered in blood.
"We survived." She said, her eyes seeming distant. "By the Creator, we survived!"
Samuel suddenly hugged her. "I was so worried we were going to die. I just... I couldn't imagine life without you, Sister."
Itzara smiled, teared up, and hugged back. "I couldn't imagine life without you, bro."
Suddenly, Greatwood sighed weakly, and the entire village went silent.
Well done. the Tree croaked. You drove back the Darkness. But... there has been a cost. Circi has claimed the final item for her Ritual, and I... I have never been this weak.
The people started to panic. "No!" Some screamed. "Don't leave us!" Yelled others.
Fear not. Greatwood assured. I will survive, but to do so I must enter a deep, rehabilitating slumber. I will be as right as rain in time, but for a while, I will be silent. You will be alone.
The people immediately lamented. The hierarchy of their village, the culture they had built, all their spiritual teachings... they had all derived from Greatwood's guidance. What would they do without him?
I implore you, do not give in to despair. Greatwood said calmly. I am but a conduit for the forces of this world. The forest around you, the ground beneath your feet, the hearts and minds of yourself and your friends and loved ones... they are just as powerful as myself. Gain power from one another, continue your search for oneness with the Creation, and have hope. Not faith, not stoicism, no... Hope is what you need to grasp to.
The people still wept, but they tried to dry their eyes.
Oh, and Love. Greatwood chuckled. Almost forgot about that one. Yes, it's kinda cliche, but it's true.
It is time for my slumber. Goodbye, my friends. I will return. I promise.
With that, silence. The sun shined through Greatwood's branches, and the people wept, but they held unto hope.
Heather, Mari and Jowee embraced one another. They knew, without a doubt, that their journey was coming to an end.
