Chapter 25: Darkness is here, are we prepared?

The time had come the Crawler is attacking Bowerstone, the shadow creatures spread throughout the city as well as the rest of Albion. Hannah-Rose did her best and succeeded in raising enough gold to fund a great army to battle this darkness. All her allies joined her at the front gates of the castle she already had her visit to Theresa who gifted her with spiritual wings that appear when Hannah does a concentrate melee or ranged attack. She pulled out her blade raising it into the air.

"Today we will vanquish this darkness, let it be heard that this is our Albion and we will fight to the very end for it!"

Everyone "Here, here!"

Angelia ordered Jasper back into the castle telling him to help keep the staff calm and barricade the doors if need be. Meanwhile Walter, Hannah-Rose and Ben charged down one street. Kalin, Paige, Logan and Sabine went down to Bowerstone industrial to defend that. Angelia, Treacle, Reaver, Garth and Hammer fought down the path that connects Bowerstone market to the castle. Before Logan and Hannah separated they gave each other a hug saying they'll see them on the other side then the children gave each of their parents a hug reassuring their parents they'll be safe and won't take any unnecessary risks.

"You better not! I would hate to waste the bullets *smirks*"

"Ha have no fear dad we've got it covered"

"Please stay safe my children"

"We will mum, promise"

With the old hero group reunited it felt like all those years ago on Smuggler's beach battling Lucien's spire guards and the giant shard. Reaver changed back into his pirate attire for this battle as did Angelia wearing the exact same outfit she wore when she battled on Smuggler's beach. Angelia used force push to keep the demons away whilst Garth charged a large explosive of Blades skewering anything that was attacking. One demon was about to hit Angelia, but Treacle lunged for the creatures neck pulling it to the ground giving Reaver the opportunity to shot it in the head.

"Well done mutt"

Treacle woofed at Reaver as if acknowledging his praise, but the dog nearly stepped in a black demonic puddle, reacting quickly Reaver rolled forward grabbing the dog narrowly missing the puddle as a black sea of blades shot up out of the puddle. Letting go of the dog Reaver used his cutlass to protect himself as 5 shadows surrounded him they were too close for him to grab his gun in time. A charging roar caught his attention as Hammer charged through using her hammer to smash them out of the way putting enough distance between them that Reaver could use his dragonstomper to shoot them.

"And you say you don't like me?"

"Oh, can it Reaver! I only saved your ass, so I don't get a bollocking from your wife"

"Well my 'ass' certainly appreciated the gesture"

"Oh, avo sake"

Angelia somersaulted past them doing four flips landing elegantly on her feet spinning around landing a high kick on the side of the demons head sending it flying. She pulled her gun firing at its back then head killing it before it touched the floor.

"When you two are quite done"

"*gasp* It wasn't me! It was your ass of a husband Reaver"

"Well that's one hell of an introduction Hammer"

"I should bang your heads together, honestly you're both as bad as each other"

A sentinel suddenly appeared stomping its foot sending a black shock wave of spikes directly at Angelia, she quickly rolled out of the way. It was the same attack the commandants used from the spire. The stony creature stalked Angelia clearly setting its sights on her, it used two more stomp shockwaves which Angelia avoided. Getting frustrated the sentinel leapt into the air landing right in front of Angelia, it lifted its scythe ready to strike but a magical blade distracted it. Garth fired a series of Blades at the creature hoping to weaken it. The creature back-handed Angelia standing her flying, her body smashed into a nearby house whilst the sentinel stalked towards Garth.

"Angelia!"

Reaver dove into the burning building lifting the rubble out of the way trying to get to Angelia. He spotted her, she was ok her clothes were ripped in places and she had a few bloody bruises, but she was alive. He helped her lift a heavy beam off her as she crawled out of the rubble.

"Can you walk?"

"Yes, I'm ok just knocked the wind out of me Reav"

"*sigh of relief* Don't scare me like that"

"Why Mr. Reaver Bloodstone you getting scared? I can hold your hand if you like? *wink*"

"Mrs. Angelia Bloodstone, don't push your luck"

Reaver slipped his hands around her waist pulling her in for a deep kiss not caring her lips were cracked and bleeding. Pulling away from the kiss Angelia licked her blood off his bottom lip then bit his teasing him. They then turned their attention back to the battle at hand as Garth and Hammer struggled to take down this sentinel. Angelia took a sip of health potion as Reaver watched her cuts and bruises disappear he gave her another long kiss then they joined in the fight.

"Garth! I don't think our individual attacks are working"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Concentrated attack by all of us, pick a point and stick with it"

"I vote head, you can't go wrong with a head shot!"

"Good suggestion Reav. Garth, Hammer aim for the head"

"That's easy for you lot to say, you don't have a hammer as a weapon"

"Sucks to be you Hammer dear"

"Shove off Reaver"

"Hammer you can deliver the final blow!"

"Ok Angelia"

The four heroes circled around the sentinel; Garth fired multiple fireballs, Angelia fired her pistol as did Reaver. With the attacks not stopping they could see the sentinel was getting weak, Angelia shouted 'now' at Hammer. With a running jump Hammer swung her weapon up then smashed it down cracking the stone driving her hammer through the sentinel until it was rubble on the cobbled street.

"We did it!"

"Yes Garth, but they'll be more"

"Enough of that Hammer, we need to keep moving. Hannah-Rose and Logan might need our help"

"Reav's right, c'mon"

The heroes were alerted when Treacle barked getting their attention, she was at the bottom of the street. She pointed her nose to a bridge leading to an alleyway when the heroes caught up with the dog they saw what she was pointing at. Hannah-Rose was struggling with a sentinel on her own, Ben was preoccupied with a group of shadows and Walter was collapsed on the ground. As the group of heroes ran towards the courtyard where Hannah was Ben spotted the burning building above them, he quickly killed the shadows near him.

"Look out!"

He ran at them pushing Angelia and Reaver back into Garth and Hammer, they all stumbled falling into a pile avoiding the burning building that collapsed onto the street blocking their path to Hannah. Ben got up off Angelia and Reaver offering them both a hand pulling them to their feet. Angelia looked at the burning rubble looking past it she saw all other paths to that courtyard were cut off.

"We need to help Hannah she's all alone now!"

"What about Walter? Ben what happened to him?"

"I don't know, didn't see. I heard him yell out then this terrifying creature appeared right in front of his face, but I was distracted by the shadows. When I looked again the creature wasn't there and Walter was on the ground"

Garth knew what the Major was describing, the Crawler.

"We need to get in there. Now!"

"Garth? What is it? What was that creature Ben saw?"

"The Crawler, Angelia. It has incredible dark powers including possession you will see, hear and feel it all but powerless to stop yourself as you murder those around you"

"Are you saying the Crawler is inside Walter now?"

Garth slowly nodded in agreement, Ben's face turned to horror as he looked across at Hannah alone in this fight.

"Come on, follow me. We can at least give Hannah cover fire"

The group of heroes followed Ben as they ran through a burning building heading for the upper levels, they climbed up onto the roofs then jumped for the high stone walls surrounding the courtyard. Garth and Hammer remained on the ground fighting any shadows that might try to ambush them on the wall. Angelia saw a good lookout point to provide some cover, but they also needed two on the current side of the wall to provide Angelia cover and Hannah.

"Don't worry my love, me and Benji here will provide cover"

"You sure?"

Reaver slipped an arm around her waist capturing her mouth in a sensual kiss breaking away with wink smoothing his hand over her behind before stepping back.

"We'll be fine, won't we Benji boy?"

"Yeah, don't worry about us your highness. I'll keep this one out of trouble"

"Moi? Out of trouble? How absurd"

Reaver watched Angelia make her way to the other side of the courtyard walking along the narrow wall path. A few shadows tried to grab her ankles pulling her towards the flames below but Reaver picked them off with his well-trained eye. Treacle was helping Garth and Hammer bringing down any shadows by going for their necks or barking to alert them of surprise attacks. Ben helped Hannah as she charged her melee attack her white spiritual wings appeared catching Ben off guard, but he focused lining up his sights on the sentinels head blasting it into pieces. Hannah looked up seeing Ben and Reaver giving them a wave, but her face turned to horror when Walter stood up completely possessed by the Crawler. His whole body turned black like he was a shadow demon, Hannah-Rose had no choice she had to fight Walter.

The two men saw what happened to Walter then looked across the courtyard at Angelia she shook her head as if to say, 'I won't harm Walter'. The men felt the same way, they didn't want to do it, but they left Hannah to fight the possessed Walter. Reaver looked down at his daughter he whistled loudly to get her attention.

"Swap!"

Reaver threw his trusty Dragonstomper towards Hannah-Rose, she caught the gun then threw her one at Reaver. He inspected the weapon then did a salute with the barrel of the gun following Ben down the wall to help fight more shadows. He knew she'd be ok and having his weapon made him feel more at ease.

"Can't believe you gave her your gun?"

"What's a father to do Benji old boy? Couldn't let her fight a demonic version of her mentor with 'this' thing"

Reaver held the gun up like it was infected before twirling it between his fingers shooting three shadows quickly in the head. Hannah-Rose's pistol was a Reaver Industries Perforator, a pistol he designed but nothing compared to the Dragonstomper.

"You seem to be doing fine with her gun"

"Psh barely"

Meanwhile Angelia was fighting a group of shadows that climbed onto the wall, she avoided their attacks jumping off the wall swinging from a broken beam she landed on a nearby street avoiding the raging flames at the base of the wall. She ran around the wall killing any shadows she came across, soon she was reunited with Hammer and Garth. She could see Reaver and Ben further down the street standing side by side firing off their guns.

"I must say Benji you're not a bad shot, if I do say so myself"

Ben had incredible skill with his rifle making short work of any shadows he spotted.

"I didn't realise we're keeping count, mate?"

"Haha, we are now"

With that Reaver shot 6 shadows in a row not even hesitating like he did when he showed off his impressive skill to Angelia in the passageway of his old Bloodstone manor.

"Meh, not bad"

Ben was clearly winding Reaver up but Reaver wasn't having any of it he twirled his gun around shooting a shadow that creeped up behind Ben giving the man a half bow.

"Thanks for that Reav"

"Ah, ah that name is reserved for my wife's use only, Benji"

"Really? No-one else has called you Reav except Angelia?"

"Well if anyone has they aren't around to say it now"

"Hear you loud and clear, mate"

"Haha good boy"

"Speaking of your wife, looks like she could use a hand. I'm sure you know what to do *smirks"

"Why Benji, you're not referring to the War Room where you rudely interrupted us?"

"Did I say anything?"

Reaver rolled his eyes at the Major panning around to where Angelia was fighting with Treacle by her side. The dog brought down a shadow which Angelia stabbed with her katana, but three more shadows surrounded her. The first one kicked her blade away, she quickly drew her pistol again it was smacked out of her hand, all she had was her fists and Will. One shadow punched her in the gut making her collapse to her knees, Treacle snarled at the shadow lunging for its throat, but it grabbed the dog throwing her across the cobbled stones.

Treacle was badly injured she hobbled out of harms way whimpering at Angelia who was still on the ground. Reaver took aim landing two perfect head shots killing two of the three shadows. With only one left Angelia quickly recovered, as the shadow brought its arm down to deliver a blow with its blade Angelia caught its wrists snapping her head up to look at the creature she did a crooked smile then pushed back landing a kick to its chest sending it stumbling backwards. Getting up Angelia held up her fists ready to fight, the shadow lunged with its blade, the hero saw the blade as if in slow motion moving effortlessly around the blade. It sliced into thin air multiple times, each time Angelia moved around the blade not once letting it come into contact with her.

"Whoa, how is she doing that?"

The Major watched in awe as the old hero queen moved effortlessly around the attacks, Reaver flashed a mischievous grin at Ben a feeling of pride swelled in his chest.

"Well, I expect nothing less than perfection from my wife. Though I suppose it has something to do with her being the fourth hero. A sexy deadly combination of Skill, Will and Strength"

With that Angelia placed her hand on the side of the opponent's blade pushing it back on itself impaling the shadow, she then kicked the blade deeper into its chest putting enough distance between them to use force push sending the dead creature flying past Ben and Reaver.

"Gentlemen"

Angelia casually walked over to the two men doing a small curtsy before running over to Treacle to give her some doggie elixir.

Just as the fight was turning to their favour, the shadows were getting less, they all heard a scream. It was definitely Hannah-Rose, fearing the worse Garth and Angelia ran up to one of the burning blocked paths charging their Will together they used combined super charged force push to break through. When they all ran to the source of the scream they saw Walter was back to his normal self, no longer possessed and tainted black, but he was pale and motionless. Reaver and Angelia cautiously approached their daughter kneeling to her level. Hannah was on her knees with her arms around Walter's motionless body, he weakly lifted a hand brushing a tear off her cheek.

"You've always done me proud… *cough* Do you remember what you use to say to me when you were growing up"

Hannah couldn't stop the tears rolling down her cheek, her mum and dad knelt either side of her placing a comforting arm around her.

"Teach me how to be a hero"

"Heh, now look at you *groans* Angelia, Reaver it has been an honour serving you both"

When Hannah recalled her line she use to say over and over again as a child, Logan joined them, running up to his family he saw Walter on the ground with Hannah comforting him. Angelia held Walter's hand as he slipped away, not able to hold back her tears.

"Goodbye, old friend"

Everyone hung their heads as Walter died, Reaver gently pulled Hannah away from Walter turning her around in his arms embracing her as she sobbed into his chest. Logan allowed a few small tears to fall, Angelia noticed giving Logan a tight embrace. Treacle howled sadly at the night sky feeling the sad atmosphere. Even Ben let a few tears slip since he knew Walter for a very long time, it was Walter who helped Swift push for Ben's application into the army. Soon they all made their way back to the castle, Kalin's people agreed to carry Walter's body to the castle gardens for his immediate funeral.

Chapter 26: A new chapter for Albion

All of Hannah-Rose's allies gathered in the gardens as they unveiled a statue of Walter to commemorate him. Reaver and Angelia agreed to put Walter in the tomb beneath the bandstand in the castle gardens. The tombs were built in case anything happens to them but since that crypt is where it all started for Hannah's road to rule they thought it was fitting to build a third tomb for Walter placing another statue of him down there.

"Let's send our friend off in style"

Major Finn gave the signal as 6 soldiers fired off their rifles to honour a great man.

As the rifles fired into the sky Hannah-Rose stood proudly at the front, just behind her was Angelia, Reaver and Logan, then behind them surrounding the service was all Hannah's allies. Angelia had an arm around her husband's waist resting her head on his shoulder, Reaver put his arm around her shoulder holding her close resting his head on hers comforting her. Reaver was back in his industry black and white outfit while Angelia wore a black dress. When the firing ceased Hannah turned around to address the crowd each of her allies gave their condolences then one by one they each went back to their homes except for Ben. When everyone disappeared leaving only Hannah's family, Ben, Jasper and Treacle they all turned to admire the statue of Walter.

"He was a great man Hannah-Rose, never forget that"

"I won't dad, but thank you for saying that"

Very unlike him but Reaver gave Hannah a hug then stepped back next to his wife.

"Myself and your father will be moving back to the Millfield's mansion. Are you ok with that? Do you need us to stay in the castle longer?"

"No mum it's ok… I'll be alright"

With that Ben stepped forward next to Hannah, she looked at him smiling sweetly lacing her fingers around his holding his hand then they both looked at her parents.

"I can see that *addressing Ben* You best be good to her or Reav will make sure there's trouble"

"Heh, have no fear. I'm not going to mess around when it's your bloodline"

"Good boy Benji"

Before Angelia and Reaver left for Millfield's they said more goodbyes to Logan and Hannah-Rose telling them they are both proud of them. Hannah and Ben entered the castle since Hannah was still queen she had a tight agenda to still stick with. Logan gave his parents a final hug goodbye then joined his sister in the castle, he took over as her new advisor. The only ones left in the gardens were Jasper and Treacle, the dog skipped over to Angelia sitting by her feet panting happily.

"Well it certainly has been an adventure, Jasper old friend"

"It most certainly has, princess Angelia"

"Really? After all that's happened you're still going to use my official title?"

"But you are princess Angelia. You know I'm not one to harpoon tradition"

Smiling at her old butler friend Angelia gave him a big hug, it caught him off guard as he looked a little lost then awkwardly tapped her on the back accepting the hug.

"I've done my bit Jasper. Theresa's vision of the future came true, my child helped defend Albion against a great darkness. The kingdom is Hannah-Rose's to command and maintain, I've had my reign I just want to live out my immortal years with my husband"

As she said that Reaver slipped an arm around her waist pulling her close to him kissing her neck making Jasper look away awkwardly.

"Come my dear, this is not goodbye. We will see our children and old Jasper here plenty of times. Right now *whispers* I want you"

Pulling away from each other Angelia gave Jasper a firm handshake saying goodbye and that they'll visit soon anyway. With a whistle to Treacle the pair left the castle heading for their home in Millfield's. Reaver walked down the battered cobbled streets of Bowerstone, it would take some time, but it will be rebuilt, Treacle was trotting alongside him whereas Angelia slowed down turning her head back looking up at the castle. With a sigh of relief she turned back around to carry on walking she saw Reaver looking at her with a sympathetic smile offering out his arm. She graciously accepted, looping her arm around his as they walked the battle torn streets heading for home. The couple got a few odd looks from villagers passing by, since they kept their relationship hidden for so many years it shocked a lot of people to know who Hannah and Logan's father is.

"*quietly speaking* Do you think it's the fact you are Reaver or because you're married to me?"

Reaver lifted his head looking around seeing all the confused faces, some were astonished others disgusted. Either way Reaver couldn't give a damn.

"I couldn't care less my dear. I am married to you. Whether my reputation causing any kind of upset I will gladly address their concerns with a bullet"

"Reaver! Do you have to be so hostile?"

"I'm sorry, was that a trick question?"

Angelia pulled Reaver's hand she was holding guiding it around her waist. With his arm around her waist as they walked Angelia smoothed her hand down playfully pinching his behind making Reaver whip his head around to her. She ignored him looking forward smiling, raising an eyebrow at her Reaver used his free hand to cup the side of her face making her face him then he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. They stopped as they kissed which got them more people staring in disbelief. As they pulled away from each other Reaver winked at her then continued walking down the street with his arm around her waist.

"And that's why I married you"

"For my devilish good looks and charm?"

"Hm while those might be a factor… No… For the way you can still take my breath away"

"Aw, my dear Angelia. I'll be doing more than that later *wink*"

"Oh?"

Angelia couldn't stop the blush spreading through her cheeks as she thought back to all the ways Reaver took her breath away. They continued walking in silence as Angelia's mind played out all sorts of potential fantasies, Reaver caught her blushing cheeks flashing her a crooked smile he leant forward placing a soft kiss on her cheeks. Then they suddenly stopped dead when they saw Bowerstone industrial, it was in ruins, the factories that were still standing were only half erect the rest all crumbled into piles of rubble. Pulling away from Angelia, Reaver took a step forward surveying the damage across all his factories his wife stepped up behind him putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry they were all destroyed sweetie, but they can be rebuilt no?"

He remained silent for a moment contemplating his next course of action.

"*sigh* I suppose. Looking on the bright side I never liked the first design of these dreary factories, I have much better ideas to make these the best in all of Albion"

Reaver did a big gesture with his arms stepping forward looking at all the rubble then pivoted round to his wife. He gently pinch her chin tilting her face up to his as he softly kissed her lips then cheeks moving down to her neck. Before it became too indecent they heard a cough from a familiar voice, they both reluctantly pulled away from each other looking at the source of the noise.

In unison "Paige"

"Reaver… Angelia"

The leader of the rebellion spat out Reaver's name like it was poison then softened her voice when she addressed Angelia.

"What? Can a man not appreciate his wife in public?"

Ignoring her death glare Reaver hummed a chuckle then carried on walking through Bowerstone industrial leaving his wife to converse with the rebel leader if she so pleases.

"I better catch up with him and make sure he doesn't get into trouble, it was nice seeing you Paige"

"Wait! Angelia"

"Yes?"

The rebel stepped up to Angelia holding an apologetic smile.

"I'd like to apologise to you for my behaviour in the caverns last year when we were in the midst of the rebellion. I was angry, and it blinded me, I'm sorry"

Angelia rose her eyebrows up in surprise as she heard Paige's apology, but it wasn't good enough in her eyes, she tried to shoot her husband after all.

"Paige… *sigh* You don't have to apologise to me, it's Reav you need to say sorry to"

"You know I can't do that"

"I know. So woman to woman let me tell you…"

Angelia grabbed Paige's wrist yanking her forward talking down to her in a hushed voice.

"If you ever think about pulling a gun on my husband again you won't be breathing again. I know he's despicable, but I love him, I'd give my life for him. And I certainly won't let someone put him deliberately in harm's way, capiche?"

For a moment Paige couldn't breathe it was like the air was smacked out of her, she's never seen this side of the old hero queen. She swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat then slowly nodded.

"Good, I'll see you around then Paige"

Angelia let go of her wrist doing a half wave over her shoulder then did a short sprint to catch up with Reaver.

Angelia caught up with Reaver on the bridge, he did stop waiting for her to finish talking to Paige. Treacle followed Reaver across the bridge sitting down next to his feet when he stopped. She approached him shaking her head saying don't worry about it, hooking her arm with his they carried on their journey to Millfield's.

"Do I want to ask what that was about ma Cherie?"

"Haha. No. You don't want to know"

"Girl troubles?"

"Psh hardly. I merely stated with earnest that if she dares attempts to shoot you again I'll get to her first"

When Reaver heard her say she was defending him he quickly spun her round to face him as he crushed his lips against hers in a tight passionate embrace. He pulled away still holding onto her, a small quiet moan escaped her lips as she licked her lips enjoying the tingle from the kiss.

"That's why I married you my dearest Angelia"

Biting her bottom lip Angelia reached up removing Reaver's top hat to run her fingers through his hair then carefully put his hat back on. She pulled on the front rim playfully with her other hand wrapped in his black bowtie.

"We need to get home, now!"

"Oh, you are a riot my delectable little frisky minx"

Angelia grabbed Reaver's hand pulling him along as they made haste making a beeline for their home. Within the next hour they saw the mansion on the horizon, getting impatient himself Reaver scooped Angelia up in his arms carrying her bridal style all the way to the front doors.