How in the world does a cyclops get its hands on a Swordslayer?
Joshua slumped against a gnarled tree, wiping sweat and gore from his face. Earlier that day, he and the rest of the army lead by Eirika and Ephiram had marched on Darkling Woods, with the dragon Myrrh leading the way. Even though over half their forces were staying in Rausten to recover due to the surprise attack from the previous night, the remaining troops had geared up and armed themselves for what many were saying was the final march of the war. Seeing the dark storm clouds building over the cursed woods, it was clear there was no more time to waste. Leading the charge, the royal twins and their elite forces plunged into the gathering darkness, determined to put an end to the evil within.
"That was much too close for my liking. I pray there aren't any more of those monstrosities nearby."
Natasha stepped up to the weary sword master, offering him a vulnerary for his exhaustion. Since setting out, she had stayed by Joshua's side, providing him support and strength on their expedition. After a brief meeting between the royals, it was decided that the war party would be split into two groups, one traveling from the south and the other by the north, that would meet at the Black Temple, where the Demon King's body was sealed away. Joshua and Natasha had joined the northern band and had encountered several cyclops coming from the mountain ranges situated near the woods.
"I second that. Guess they're just as fearsome as the stories say. Thankfully, their speed doesn't even compare to their strength."
After downing the revitalizing drink, Joshua nodded his head in thanks. While intimidating to say the least, the hulking behemoths were slow in movement and attacks, making them easy prey for Joshua once he figured out their weak points. That is, until he ran into one with thicker skin than the others and an axe that nearly broke his blade as well as all his ribs. Thankfully, Natasha was ready and disintegrated the cyclops with an almighty Aura spell.
"Pardon the intrusion, but we cannot tarry any longer here. If we are to regroup with the others, we must move with all due haste."
Knoll, a former sorcerer from the Grado Empire, approached the pair, casting a wary gaze towards the mountains and forest surrounding them. As a seasoned practitioner of the dark arts, he was able conjure skeletal soldiers to aid in combat, a skill which had set many members of the allied forces on edge the first time he used them. In addition to using them as soldiers, they were also utilized as scouts, which when combined with Knoll's strategic mind made him a surprisingly effective tactician in addition to his mastery of magic.
"Thank you for your concern, Knoll. We will follow after you shortly," Natasha said kindly, giving the robed figure a nod of assent. Tilting his head in reply, the dark mage moved further into the woods, his reanimated warriors trailing after him in a slow procession.
"You two seem a lot more comfortable with each other lately. Were you able to smooth things over with him? I heard you got into an argument with him a few days ago."
Joshua rolled his shoulders back, checking to see if his Sacred Twin was still secure on his back.
"Yes, everything is fine now," Natasha replied, averting her eyes briefly. "If it's alright with you, I'd rather not speak about it right now. I'll share with you what transpired after-after this battle is finished."
"Fair enough, all things considered," Joshua chuckled lightly, gently rubbing her shoulder as they headed back into the darkening woods. "One problem at a time and all that. Let's get this over and done with. I want to start thinking about us, and what the future has in store for us."
Natasha nodded, smiling at the optimism in his voice. "As do I, Joshua," she murmured, frowning into the gathering darkness in front of them. "As do I…"
The Black Temple, the only sign of civilization within Darkling woods was a building of immense scale and had perhaps served a different purpose in ages past. Now though it was only known as a prison, a tomb wherein the original body of the Demon King lay sealed away, as the Five Heroes had not possessed the strength to destroy it. With his influence and power growing once more, this forsaken temple had adopted an oppressive air, with the stench of rot and decay as rampant as the overgrowth draping the walls and floor.
None of this hindered Joshua, or any of the other members of the army that had entered the enemies' stronghold. While a handful had volunteered to guard the entrance from monsters trying to enter from the woods, the rest or the troops charged in, battle hardened and seeing this as the last fight to be had, one way or another.
"So, this is the power of a Sacred Twin," Joshua marveled, looking down at the gleaming blade of Audhulma in his hand. Despite bearing the length of a longsword, the sapphire weapon was as light as a training blade and was far stronger than any other craft he had ever used. He was cutting down ghouls and gargoyles like grass, and not even a cyclops slowed him down anymore.
Glancing around, Joshua saw many of his comrades taking advantage of the power the Sacred Twins granted. L'Arachel was positively cackling with glee, raining down holy judgment on all demonic foes with the Ivaldi tome, while Tana and Innes worked in tandem, picking off mogals or gorgons that were skulking in the shadows with the lance Viodfnir and bow Nidhogg respectively. Even Ross had grown into his own, wielding the almighty axe Garm with such skill he was able to fell a necro dragon with one strike. Most impressive of all though were the twins of Renais Eirika and Ephiram, who while wielding the sword and spear Seiglinde and Seigmund and astride horses dressed in ornate armor, appeared as legends reborn to slay evil in all its forms.
The evil they faced now was none other than their former friend: Lyon, the crown prince of the Grado Empire, turned puppet of the Demon King. He was chanting in an ancient language, the words laden with terrible power and absolute authority. With looks of pained determination, Eirika and Ephiram surged forward, aiming to put a stop to their old acquaintance's plan. Moving faster than the eye could follow, Joshua dashed ahead, intercepting a pack of lambdas who were looking to petrify the twins. With the aid of the paladin Seth, they made short work of the monsters, and were nearly blown back by the force of the magic Lyon was unleashing. He was conjuring a storm of pure arcane energy, launching bolts at the twins, who were assailing him from different sides. Shrugging off a blow to his shoulder, Ephiram lunged forward with his lance, making Lyon stagger enough for Eirika to swoop in and Impale her sword into his chest, making him finally fall to his knees as his magic finally stopped.
Taking a breath, Joshua cast his eyes around the temple, taking note of all his allies who were gathering around the altar where the last blow had been dealt. While there had been a few injuries incurred during the conflict, they were being tended to by L'Arachel and Natasha, with the former lavishing her poor retainer Rennac with so much attention he was practically squirming in his boots.
Heh, poor guy, but I can tell he secretly likes it. I wonder if that's how Nat and I look to everyone else…
Hearing a quiet sob behind him, Joshua turned to see Eirika cradling Lyon's head, her brother putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Then Lyon's body began to glow and before anyone could react, it vanished and the whole building began to shake.
The time has come…My resurrection is at hand…
The voice spoke unlike any human had ever heard in centuries. It was a deep guttural rumble, a snarl that carried the power to make all life tremble in fear.
Now humans…Lament your fate. Weep for the dead. Despair for the living.
A chill ran up Joshua's spine, every fiber of his being screaming at him to run and hide.
Wail and tremble in grief. Grovel in awe and fear.
The whole room was plunged into darkness, an endless void where no trace of light could be found.
I AM RETURNED.
Out of the depths of the impenetrable dark rose a creature born from the furthest reaches of hell, a twisted behemoth who made even the largest cyclops seem puny in comparison. Ebony skin with red vein-like traces, a head bearing a crown of horns, fangs that could crush bone, and eyes that gleamed almost as malevolently as the jewel situated on his forehead. He appeared to loom ever higher over the humans caught in his presence, an unstoppable tidal wave that would sweep all aside in his path to dominion.
"You shall not hold sway over us any longer!"
Suddenly, a blazing beacon broke through the gloom, banishing the darkness and causing the Demon King to reel back. When Joshua could see properly, what he witnessed left him speechless. Natasha, one of the humblest people he had ever known, was standing firm, holding the Sacred staff Latona aloft and staring down the monstrosity in front of them without a trace of fear.
"Ancient enemy of man, Great calamity of this world, Demon King Fomortiis! You have caused untold pain and suffering, brought kingdoms to ruin, and seek to bring humans beneath your heel. By the power of all that is good and righteous, we will end you once and for all!"
"She's right," Ephiram said firmly, wheeling his horse around to look at his companions. "This is the cause that started this war. The one who corrupted Lyon and brought monsters into our lands. While he may be stronger than any of us alone, together we have the will and power to put this beast down for good. Let us finish this long campaign at long last and show the strength of human virtue!"
"Well said!" chimed in L'Arachel, holding the Sacred Stone of Rausten aloft. "Now let us complete the task the Five Heroes started and vanquish the evil before us!"
Fomortiis began writhing, his body being consumed with a binding white light.
Abominable Sacred Stone…I will not suffer imprisonment again…
A veiled light started floating out from his head, his body thrashing even harder.
How? You only possess only one…Do not fool yourselves. You cannot fully imprison me.
As the light flew from the Demon King into the Sacred Stone, his body let out a terrible roar as his voice reverberated through the chamber.
I will grind that wretched rock and your accursed bones into dust!
"Is it done?" Eirika asked in wonder, gazing at the glowing stone in L'Arachel's hand.
"Yes, the Demon King's soul has been bound once more. All that remains now is to destroy his soulless body!"
"We stand ready, Your Highness," Seth declared solemnly, raising his sword as monsters started spawning around the Demon King's husk. "We all know what must be done and are ready to do what is necessary."
As everyone glanced at each other and nodded, Joshua briefly locked eyes with Natasha. The fire that burned within hers remained strong but shifted focus as she shared a smile with her beloved.
"So," Joshua mused as he charged forward with all his other comrades, "what's Lady Luck have in store for me today?"
Several months had passed, and Jehanna Hall had been restored to its former splendor. In the renovated courtyard, two Swordmasters were engaged in a fierce bout, their third one of the week. Joshua was wearing a loose-fitting tunic, sweat beading down his forehead and back as he made several quick cuts in an effort to land a blow on his opponent. Marisa, a former mercenary known as the Crimson Flash, was able to deflect all his blows and followed with a swift counterattack. After the war had ended, she pledged herself to Joshua's service, and became his countries' greatest swordfighter, and his personal sparring partner. They had agreed to have weekly matches to keep each other sharp and had grown to become close friends and confidants.
I haven't had a partner who pushed me this hard since Caellach. Sure helps she's far nicer to look at than he was.
Joshua grinned, and Marisa saw this as an opening to push through. Feinting to the left, she then leapt into the air, aiming to bypass his defenses with a strike to his right shoulder. Having successfully cast his bait, Joshua calmly parried the strike and moved into her landing position. Her eyes widened as in one smooth motion, he seized her sword arm, twisted her into a loose bind and placed his blade against her throat.
"Looks like I win this one," Joshua panted, his grin widening as he moved his blade to his side.
"Huh. I thought I'd learned to pick up your tendencies in fighting. Guess not." Marisa leaned back into Joshua's chest, a smile of her own picking up the corners of her mouth.
"To be fair, you're a fast learner," Joshua said lightly, letting go of her hand and patting her shoulder. "You got me pretty fast last time, made me think hard on how to adjust my fighting style. I'd say we're still close to even."
"True, but you still lead by two wins," Marisa replied calmly, stepping forward to sheath her sword and stretching her arms, showing off her athletic frame in her sleeveless vest and shirt. "Fighting you is like facing the wind, fluid and completely unpredictable. It's no wonder people have started calling you the Tempest King."
"Oh, don't act all unassuming with me, 'Crimson Flash'," Joshua teased, sheathing his own sword and wiping his brow. "We both know I'm the only swordsman in all five kingdoms who can give you an actual challenge, since you haven't found any recruits worth training yet. You just want me all to yourself."
"I don't know what you mean," Marisa said coolly, though Joshua could see the flicker in her eye as she tossed back her pink hair. "In any case, you should get cleaned up. We need to be ready to head out tonight if we want to arrive in Renais in time."
"Yes, for Eirika's wedding, thanks for the reminder," Joshua replied nonchalantly, "It's a wonder it took Seth this long to tie the knot. Though I suppose there's no need to worry about your prospects."
"Of course not," Marisa said stoically, quirking an eyebrow as she casually showed off her striking feminine curves. "My life is to the blade I carry, and the one who I pledged it to. Or do you plan to play matchmaker for me?"
"Wouldn't dream of it," Joshua laughed, tipping his favorite hat at her as he passed by. "See you later tonight, Marisa. We'll go over plans for our route then."
"Sounds good, Joshua," Marisa replied promptly, nodding as she headed off to her quarters to wash up.
Still chuckling, Joshua weaved his way through the renovated corridors, stopping as he entered the throne room. Sitting in the throne his mother once ruled over was his newlywed and queen. Natasha had changed her outfit since becoming royalty, replacing her traditional habit with a flowing white dress that showed her beauty for all to see. With her flowing golden hair on display, and a simple circlet on her forehead with an emerald to match her eyes, the only word that could describe her was divine. However, what instantly caught Joshua's attention was the frown on her face, the worry plain in her eyes as she stared at her hands.
"Natasha, what's wrong?" Joshua asked, concerned at the state he found his wife in.
"Joshua," Natasha started, not looking up from her lap. "I…I don't think I'll be able to join you on your expedition."
"Huh? Why not?" Joshua was confused; while a little nervous after their wedding, Natasha had never shown him any doubts until now.
"I can't possibly show my face to the other nobles," she said sadly, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. "I'm nothing more than a commoner, a traitor to my kingdom who led it to ruin and dragged the others into a terrible war. While your people have come to accept me, I don't think anyone else ever will…or should."
Joshua sighed, understanding where this was coming from and determined to put an end to it.
"Look Nat, we've talked about this: nobody thinks of you as a traitor or blames you for the war. Remember all the lives you saved, including mine on multiple occasions. Hell, L'Arachel has been working on granting you the title of Saint. You really should see yourself in a better light; everyone else does."
"But I'm no Saint," Natasha frowned, unable to let go of her guilt. "So many people have died because of me, including my former master. Every death in the war was due to my ignorance and folly. There is no amount of work I can do to repent for my sins."
Joshua closed his eyes, then smiled as he came up with the perfect solution.
"Natasha, there's something you need to hear," Joshua said gently, stepping up to join her on the dais with the two thrones. "I want you to hear me out fully before saying anything. Can you do that?"
Natasha nodded, blinking fast as he tenderly cupped her head in his hands.
"You can't put all the burden of the war on yourself; everyone was a victim and perpetrator of this tragedy. Your selflessness and caring for others is one of your greatest strengths, but it also robbed you of thinking one very important thing: your life matters."
Natasha's eyes widened, but before she could respond, Joshua had taken her right hand and clasped it in both of his.
"Think of all the friends we made, every person you saved, and imagine what they would think if something had happened to you. I want you to start thinking of yourself as someone worth saving, because that's what everyone thinks, especially me."
Natasha frowned, looking down at the hand he was holding.
"I…I'll try. But…what is this?"
As Joshua pulled back is hands, Natasha opened hers, revealing his favorite coin.
"Th-this is…but why?"
"Because I don't need it anymore," Joshua said simply, smiling at the look of amazement on her face. "I always let fortune guide my life, favoring Lady Luck to make the calls for me. But ever since you came into my life, it's been you who's been my guiding light. You are my Lady Luck, now and forever. Whatever the future holds, I want to face it together, for there's no one else I'd gamble my life on but you."
Natasha was blushing deeply, and tears were streaming down her cheeks. However, a smile that would put the sun to shame illuminated her face, and she leaned forward to give him a passionate kiss, the first one she had ever initiated. Joshua melted into the kiss, embracing her, and spinning her around, before landing expertly on his throne.
"Thank you, Joshua," Natasha whispered tenderly, caressing his cheek as she looked deeply into his eyes. "I am so blessed to have met you. You make me better each, and every day. I look forward to sharing my life with you, and all the joys that come with it."
"Same here," Joshua replied, stroking her hair lovingly. "I can't wait to tell our children about the time you saved everyone from the Demon King."
"I'll be sure they know how you saved me so many times during our travels," Natasha said warmly, then leaned forward to rest her head on his chest. "They'll learn how their father stole my heart by the flip of a coin, and that I won the greatest bet of my life by placing my faith in him, when all seemed hopeless."
"Only after you stole mine first," Joshua responded warmly, leaning back at grinning at ceiling, confident that no matter what fortune threw at him, his Lady Luck would always pull through for him, no matter what.
Happy New Year! What better way to say goodbye to 2020 than wrapping up one of the stories I started a long time ago. You know, inspiration is such a tricky thing; you can't always find it when you're looking for it, and it can come to you when you least expect it. Everyone has been affected by 2020 in one way or another, and I'll admit there were a few times I broke down from anxiety and fear. But what I've come to realize, is that no matter how hard things get, there's always someone who can make everything better just by being there for you, and that by supporting each other despite our differences, we can endure anything. I want to thank everyone who has followed me, posted a review, or just read my stories. It helps me keep going, knowing that my fanfictions can entertain even just one person for a time. I would love to have reviews and thoughts on how this little saga turned out, as this will help me out as I continue some of my other stories down the line. I don't know what the future holds, but let's make 2021 a year worth remembering!