Part 24
Final Preparations
Nash led the way to the Ceremonial Site where Luc is going to conduct his ritual to destroy the True Wind Rune.
Caesar-(in thought) Brother, I hope you're okay. We'll be there soon to help. Live up to the blood of Silverburg in your veins and don't die!
The group led my Nash enter the center chamber of the Ceremonial Site. Caesar sees his brother Albert lying on the floor, severely beaten and bloody.
Caesar-Albert! (runs to Albert and holds him)
Albert- (in pain) Argh! Damn it! I have to get to Lore before it's too late! I know where she is. She's with the True Fire Rune. I have to¼ argh!
Caesar- You can't go anywhere, brother! You need medical attention.
Geddoe- He's right. Don't worry, we're here now so we can take care of this.
Chris- I pledge an oath as Captain of the Zexen Knights that I will help stop Luc and protect you Albert.
Hugo- And I give my word as the son of Lucia, chief of the Karaya Clan and her successor, that we will save Lore and stop Luc. So don't you worry.
Sgt. Joe- Well said, Hugo!
Albert-Why do you all care about me? After all I've done. I was with Luc. I was your enemy.
Caesar- Nash explained everything to us. It's okay. What's important now is that we get your wounds treated.
Albert- Brother. Thank you for caring. When we were growing up, you were always the one with the soft heart. (smiles) I envy you for that.
Caesar- (shocked) Albert!
Albert-You have become a great strategist worthy of the Silverburg name. I'm very proud of you. And thanks for still looking at me as a brother instead of an enemy.
Caesar- (smiles) I'm proud to be your brother.
Albert- And I am honored to be yours. But I'm sorry that I must leave you now. I have to go to Lore. I have to save her. We'll see each other again, my brother.
Albert teleports out of Caesar's arms.
Caesar- Albert! ALBERT!
Albert's voice- Don't worry about me. This is something I have to do. You and the others to reclaim the other True Runes before it is too late.
Caesar- He's right. No time to lose. Look at these doors. Each one bears the mark of one of the True Runes. That means we have to split up.
Geddoe- My group and I will go for the True Fire Rune.
Caesar- And I'll be joining you. I have to get to my brother.
Geddoe- Iku, I'd like you to come along for support. Your knowledge of medicine will come in handy.
Iku- Thanks for believing in me Geddoe, but shouldn't you have chosen Dr. Tuta or at least his nurse, Mio? Both are far more qualified than me to be your combat medic.
Geddoe- I know, but Dr. Tuta and Mio and too busy taking care of the wounded from the last major battle. You're the only one we can count on.
Iku- (smiles) Then I shall do my best!
Geddoe- Thank you.
Chris- I will get the True Water Rune.
Boris- You already know we are coming along, Lady Chris!
Percival- A captain does not go anywhere without her knights.
Estelle- With my magic skills, you can't lose!
Viki- I'll do my best with my magic for you, Lady Chris!
Chris- Thank you all!
Hugo- Then I'll get the True Lightning Rune back. Are you with me, Sgt. Joe?
Sgt. Joe- Do you have to even ask? (laughs) We've been through a lot together and I promised your mother I'd help you make it back home.
Hugo- Thanks, sergeant. Sharon, Futch, will you help us?
Sharon- Of course, Hugo! Let's go get the bad guys and get your rune back!
Futch- It is my duty as a member of the Dragon Knights to aid you in this great time of need. But also, you have become my friend, Hugo! I shall fight by your side!
Bright- SCREECH!
Futch- Haha! Of course you can come, Bright! I'd never think of leaving you behind.
Hugo- After I get my rune back, I'll catch up so I can help save Lore.
Caesar- Okay, everyone. You all know what to do. Good luck. And come back alive.
Everyone splits off into their assigned groups and go onto their missions to reclaim the True Runes.
