Chapter 3: Love Scars

In Elfhelm the Flower Storm Monarch looked out upon the raging waters of the ocean. Under the night sky, she stood on the sandy shores of her kingdom of Skellig. She was accompanied by a few fairies that flew around her. She held her cherry blossomed staff as she seemed as if she was waiting for something. Then she noticed fog covering a section of the ocean approaching her. The fairies accompanying her floated Idle in the air when they took notice as well. They all saw the Skull Knight his horse galloping along the water. He stopped his skeletal steed as they reached the beach a few meters away from where she stood. The both of them locked eyes and stood quiet for a few moments. The fairies around Danan felt the tense air about them and flew off giving the two some privacy. The silence still filled the air for a few more seconds before Skull Knight spoke.

"... Expecting me as always, I see" Skull Knight spoke his eyes glowed like the moon in contrast of the night sky. Danan broke their eye contact adjusting her grip on the staff.

"You know just as well as I of the power I possess... Now what brings you to me, I am the one your seeking correct? Or are you looking for your blacksmith?" Danan asked, Skull Knight stared at her for a few moments more before answering.

"I came for you." He replied signaling his horse to the side so that Casca could be seen behind him. Danan saw the woman who was holding onto the Knight. She was studying the area in awe. Danan then turned her attention back to Skull Knight. "Her mental is in shambles, I need you to put the pieces back together for me."

"Oh? What's the meaning of this, who is this to you?" Danan asked, Skull Knight could tell that her mood was starting to sour. As if his mere presence didn't already do it.

"She's the lover of someone who treading the same path as I." Skull Knight answered her, Danan scoffed, he shook his head. "I'm trying to prevent history repeating itself."

"You call this making amends?" Danan asked him calmly, Skull Knight looked down upon her.

"Nothing could make up for what happened then..." Skull Knight said most coming from his mouth as he spoke. Danan shook her head in disappointment.

"Look at yourself King, how long has it been?" Danan asked him, Skull Knight shook his head feeling old emotions resurface.

"Too long, I can't change what happened back then or what I've become now. Although I can make sure that this one doesn't make the same mistake I did." Skull Knight explained, Danan cut her eyes at the spirit.

"I believe this is your attempt of making amends. I don't understand why she would even-"

"Don't" Skull Knight rasped cutting her off, Danan turned her head away clenching her eyes shut. "Don't you think I'm conscious of the fact of my error? It's been a millennium and it's not a day or night that goes by where I'm not." Skull Knight explained, he continued. "I chose my darkness over her the single gravest mistake in my entire existence. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. This is why I'm giving this woman to you." Skull Knight then picked Casca up by her robe and placed her on the sand in front of Danan. Who looked at him in exasperation. "Please, I beg of you, you have the power to ensure that I'm the first and last being that has to walk this path of damnation." Skull Knight pleaded, Danan paused then reached a hand out to Casca. Who was studying her features in amazement, she then grabbed it.

"I thank you, Lord, of Elfhelm, and by the way." Skull Knight spoke as he and his horse faced the ocean from which they came. "I still love her with all my being and once my quiet finally comes. My only wish is that I get to see her one last time." Skull Knight said sadly before giving a small kick to his horse's sides and riding off into the ocean.

—-

Inside one of the villages of Skellig, the Flower Storm Monarch was speaking to its governor Gedfring. A human mage, short in height with long grey hair and a goatee. He was elderly and had a warm aura about him. He stood there observing Casca that was with his ruler. She was telling him the situation at hand and entrusted him with recovering her mental fragments and restoring her mind. Gedfring agreed to help the woman and with that, the Flower Storm Monarch was about to take her leave.

"Before I leave you to it I must warn you. She has endured the eclipse." Gedfring eyes widened at the revelation.

"Mistress, her dreamscape will be a nightmare for sure." Gedfring stated, Danan nodded her head in agreement.

"I know, bring your best with you, shall you go. It goes without saying to equip yourself with all the tools needed to complete the objective." She advised, Gedfring turned to look at Casca.

"Milady if you don't mind my asking, who is this woman?" Gedfring asked while locking eyes with Casca. Danan watched Casca as well sympathy in her eyes.

"A savior of a man whose path leads the same as King's." Gedfring turned his head back toward her in shock.

"Well, I'll see to it that it is done Milady." Gedfring said regaining his composure, The Flower Storm Monarch closed her eyes in thanks.

"I thank you Gedfring please notify me as soon as it's finished." Danan spoke as she floated in the air, Gedfring nodded while holding Casca's hand.

"But of course Milady." Gedfring said and with that, he led Casca through the paths of the village. They walked through the peaceful meadow until they approached a big group of younger witches. They were in training awaiting a lesson for the day. They saw their master approach with Casca and ran up to him.

"Governor Gedfring! What is our lesson today?" A young witch asked as her fellow students gathered around the mage. Said girl eyed Casca standing beside him. "And who is this woman? Is she going to take part in our training today?" Gedfring shook his head as lifted a finger.

"No, she will not, for today just continue the lesson we went over from the day prior." Gedfring instructed, he then surveyed his group of students then settled on one witch who was the tallest and eldest out of the bunch. "Morda, please come with me, you and I both have a special tasking." Morda looked at the two who approached her.

"Oh really? What is it that we must do?" Morda asked, Gedfring signaled her to follow him.

"Her Majesty wants me to restore this woman's mind." Gedfring informed her, Morda sighed in mock annoyance.

"Is this some sort of punishment? Minuscule tasks such as these could've been accomplished by one of the smaller ones." Morda spoke, Gedfring shook his head yet again peering over his shoulder as he replied.

"She lost her mind from her experience while inside the eclipse." Morda's eyes widened as she turn to stare at Casca. She then regained her composure sliding a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I see, so this isn't going to be easy." Morda deduced Gedfring shrugged.

"Probably not, however, we must save her psyche." Gedfring spoke as they entered a place full of giant mushrooms. Casca ah'ed and oh'ed at the glowing spores that filled the atmosphere. "We're going in this blind because we have little knowledge of who she is. We stick together and keep in mind what happens in the dreamscape can potentially affect yourself in the real world. So stay on your toes, there's no telling what kind of monstrosities we are about to bear witness to." Morda nodded her understanding and began to feel drowsy. Casca began to tire as well as she laid herself down in one of the mushrooms. Gedfring sat down and crossed his legs and arms as he closed his eyes. Morda was the last to fall asleep the last sight she saw was Casca 'Who is this girl?'

—

Gedfring and Morda both opened their eyes. They looked around and took in their environment. A dimly lit world, the only light coming from a blackened sun in the sky. The soil was putrid and tattered with bones and skulls littered across the plain. Morda felt as if she had been transported to hell. Gedfring shared similar thoughts surveying his surroundings trying to pinpoint what they were looking for. Morda pointed at what seemed like a mountain at a far distance in front of them.

"That mountain sticks out and looks like the only other thing that's in this hell of a nightmare." Morda pointed out, Gedfring heard her words but was still searching.

"Yes that is right however before starting for the mountain I want to make sure tha- Ah there!" Gedfring said as Morda turned her head in the direction he was looking at. She could see a black hound not too far from where they were headed in the direction of the mountain. Its left front leg was half gone and his right eye missing. Wounds covered the dog's whole body, a few spears in its back. It had a spiked collar around its neck which was chained up to a coffin that it was pulling. It was headed in the direction of the mountain. Morda had covered her mouth with her hand.

"Oh my gosh what a poor dog." Morda commented in sympathy, Gedfring went over to the dog Morda right behind him. Once they got close enough for the dog to notice them it started to growl at them. Gedfring and Morda halted their footsteps, Gedfring then noticed the brand of sacrifice on the Dog's neck.

"This dog is a representation of someone, I wonder if he is the man that her majesty was talking about." Gedfring then held up his staff and bestowed it upon the dog. A slight glow sparked from the staff causing the dog to bare its teeth at them in a snarl. "Please tell us what's going on friend?" The dog's bark morphed into speech.

"Who are you? Don't come any closer!" The heated voice of a man spoke, Gedfring put his hands up in response.

"We want no trouble, we just want to know what's going on here and if you know where a certain woman is?" Gedfring asked, the dog looked back to the casket that he was pulling. He then turned back and growled.

"What do you want with her?" Morda was a little frightened by the dog now. His teeth were as sharp as knives and his whole appearance looked menacing.

"We're here to help her regain he consciousness, but we must collect her memory fragments to put her back together." Gedfring answered him, the dog snarled for a few moments longer before stopping.

"Well join the party the game is about to begin." The dog spoke standing tall, Gedfring and Morda shared a glance not knowing what the dog was getting at. "If you open up the casket you can see that I have collected most of the pieces. The last one is up that mountain, however, I've been up this mountain for days now. I keep getting kicked off, the weight of her and this casket slows me down." The dog explained, Gedfring looked at him in pity. Morda went to the casket and opened it. She saw a doll-like figure laying in the casket. She could see the broken pieces put back together except the middle piece. She figured that was the last piece that was located on the mountain. She also took notice of the brand of sacrifice on her chest. Then a very small version of herself right beside it. Morda figured that was what was left of her consciousness. It ran around in circles in an almost childlike fashion.

"Why won't you release her and go and get it then bring it back?" Morda asked, the dog growled at her causing her to tense up.

"Don't you think I've considered it, this is her dreamscape I can't relinquish these chains. Plus the monsters that are here they're after her. There's a lot of 'em too so if your here to help get ready for the fight of your life." The dog hissed, Gedfring then stepped closer to him.

"Let's heal you up, fore hopefully this battle will your last." Gedfring proposed as he dipped his staff toward the dog. The spears in him popped out of his wounds, which were healing quickly now. "You mentioned something about 'a game?'" Gedfring asked as the dog started shaking his self.

"I am the game, and it's time to play..." the dog muttered before taking off toward the mountain dragging the casket along with him. Gedfring and Morda watched as the dog and casket disappeared by a trail of dust.

"We must follow him, he's been through this a few times already and has made our job easier. We can obtain the last piece by aiding him in the upcoming battle. In your satchel, there should be a plentiful amount of scarecrows. In my elder age physically I can't manage much I won't be able to partake in the battle." Gedfring forewarned, he then reached into his scarf and pulled out a singular miniature pumpkin. "However my own forces will aid you as well if need be. I want to test you on this so I won't be deploying them so quickly." Gedfring briefed, Morda crossed her arms and grunted.

"Of course, you would take this opportunity to turn this into some sort of training." Morda spoke huffing, Gefring cracked a small smile. With a wave of his staff, a Markhor was summoned. He then hopped on it and looked down to Morda.

"Will you not summon your broom? Even with that casket tied to that dog, there's no way we're catching up to him on foot." Gedfring advised, Morda grimaced and then tossed her staff up in the air. When the staff fell it morphed into her broom, she climbed aboard and took off toward the dog at high speeds. Gedfring lightly kicked his goat-like creature and began a steady pace toward the other two.

On the other side of the ruined plains, the dog kept the same pace as he neared the mountain. Pretty soon he began to see the monster beginning to sprout from the ground. He kept running, not giving the monsters the chance to stop where he was headed. Morda was coming up quickly behind him, she decided to take a page out of his book and keep moving. She looked back at the demonic monsters who were halfway out of the ground reaching for them. Morda was a little creeped out but chose to keep her eyes forward wondering what else was to come. The dog then came to a screeching halt causing Morda to hit the brakes hard on her broom. Before she had a chance to understand what happened the dog had snarled.

"Here it comes the ground has become our enemy." The dog called out, Morda looked down and saw thorn bushes with mouths full of teeth on the end surrounding them. "At the top of the mountain is the last piece use your flight ability to grab it. I'll hold them off here." The dog ordered her as he crouched in a defensive stance baring his teeth. Morda took out a scarecrow in her satchel and threw it in front of him. The dog sniffed at it and cocked his head to the side. "What is this?" He asked Morda with her eyes closed began twisting her hands around an imaginary circle while whispering to herself. She then opened her eyes and pointed a hand toward the scarecrow. A beam of light coming from her hand enveloped the scarecrow causing it to multiply and grow in size. Most of them grow to be the same size as the monsters. They were black with pitchforks in their hands and a scowl on their face. Within seconds the numbers were looking pretty even. The dog was amazed at the magic he had witnessed.

Morda then made her way to the top of the mountain traveling at fast speeds to get there. After a while she saw it, it was a small cylinder-like ray of light. Something floated in the middle of it, Morda squinted to make out what it was before she saw a shadow cross over her body from above. She looked up and saw it, a dark hawk-like monster that was flying in the air. The Hawk locked eyes with her as it changed its trajectory and now flew toward her. Morda was about to high tail it away from the monstrous bird but a voice caught everyone who was on the battlefield's attention.

"GRIFFITHHHHHHHH!" The Dog had screamed at the top of his lungs. Morda could read his energy which was nothing but raw hatred. The dog then began gnawing at the chains that bounded him to the casket. Blood starts to seep from its mouth as the chains grind against his gums. Morda looked back at the hawk who was also staring down at the dog. Morda took this time to continue for the last fragment while she had the chance. Gedfring then called out for Morda, she turned around quickly searching the battle for her master. She finally found him behind the fight waving for her, she noted he seemed frantic.

"Don't let him break his bond with the casket! Their relationship is all she has left now. She needs to stay connected with him!" Gedfring shouted over the fight, he saw that he attracted some unwanted attention. Creatures that were insect-like and weirdly shaped heads sprouted from the ground. So he pulled out his one small pumpkin then lifted his staff and zapped the pumpkin. Causing it to also multiply this time however the numbers tripled from what Morda produced. The pumpkins grew taller as well, their faces were carvings and each one bore wicked smiles as they attacked the hell-spawned creatures that emerged from the ground. Morda turned back to the last fragment piece before turning back to Gedfring.

"But what if this is our only chance to get the last fragment!?" Morda asked, Gedfring pointed his staff toward the dog who was cracking the chains.

"This is what her majesty was talking about, she's the only thing that can prevent that man from walking the same path as King! She won't be able to do that if she feels as if he'll choose vengeance over her!" Gedfring shouted in explanation, Morda then zoomed off past the hawk and toward the dog. Before he could pierce the chain any further she grabbed the rage-filled hound. The dog was confused at first but then grasped the situation at hand when he saw Morda. He snarled with venom laced in his tone.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He said lowly, Morda was now on her feet broom in hand standing in between the dog and the casket. The dog took a step forward and lowered his head toward the chains still growling. "I'm gonna kill him, I'm going to kill Griffith." He swore, Morda put her hands out reassuringly.

"You do understand that this isn't real right, you can't kill a memory. That's what she thinks of Grif-filth or whatever his name is." The dog's eyes turned red as he narrowed them at her. Morda sighed as she pointed toward the top of the mountain. "That right there is going to put a stop to all this and you and she can live in peace after we get that but-whoaaaaa" Morda yelled at the end from being picked up by the hawk. She was in one of his talons being squeezed like a lemon. Gedfring from below started whispering to himself casting a spell. A large orb formed in front of him as he reached into his scarf. He then pulled out what was a small owl and placed it inside the orb. He then tapped the orb with his staff and it burst. Causing a giant white-colored barn owl to emerge from it, soaring toward the dark hawk. The owl jammed its talons into the hawk's chest causing it to shriek in pain and let go of Morda. She free fell for a few moments before getting onto her broom flying toward the top of the mountain again. She looked down to see where the dog and casket were. Once she spotted them she was relieved to see him still and watching the fight between the two birds and her scarecrows beating back the opposition. She then sped up going up to the beam of light that shined brightly. She wore a smile on her face in victory until she halted herself when she finally made out the last fragment of her psyche. Before her lay what seemed like a baby well a fetus for that matter. But grossly mutated into a demon-like entity. The fetus then opened one eye at her and shed a tear as it shrunk down into a heart. Morda paused for a second then reached out for it. She then hesitated when a picture of a man she had never seen before stomped on the fetus she had once seen. He shed a tear as he tried to hold the woman.

"I had to Casca... We don't want our child to have to live that kind of life... I-I couldn't let that happen, our child doesn't deserve that." The man spoke as he tried to comfort her and himself for that matter. Morda felt grave pain and sorrow, she figured that they were the parents of the child. Morda also assumed that somehow that the events that took place during the eclipse are what contorted the child in the first place. However the child was gone now, the father had killed it. The vision closed up and a heart was all that remained she grabbed it and turned her broomstick around. She gasped as she saw the Hawk of darkness staring into her very soul. While still battling the barn owl that Gedfring summoned. The hawk then disengaged and headed for the mountain. Morda bit her lip as she looked down to see the dog and the casket not too far away.

"Oh no you don't" Gedfring spoke as he signaled his pumpkin creatures. They looked to the sky and saw the black hawk. Two of them clasped their vine hands together. A third one pulled itself into a ball after hopping into the hands of the other. The two then got a little running start then threw the pumpkin aiming for the hawk. The pumpkin beast soared through the air. Morda took off in the direction of the casket. The hawk adjusted its flight but was caught off guard by the pumpkin who spread its arms out and tackled the hawk. It screeched I'm surprised as it began to descend to the ground. Morda rushed as fast as she could toward the casket. The dog opened it with his nose, Morda landed and ran toward the casket. Once there she fell to her knees placing the heart in the center of the doll's chest this completed it. Morda was breathing heavily as the little woman went and climbed into the doll's forehead waving as she did so. Morda looked up at the dog who stood watching her.

"I thank you for all that you've done and saving me from leaving what was most important behind." The dog spoke, Morda looked at the dog in awe as he transformed into a man. The same man that she saw in the memory of the last piece. "I hope we get to meet in person one day so I can thank you but for now this is goodbye." He said before vanishing in thin air, Morda looked back down in the casket and it was the woman that was with Gedfring when he first approached her.

—

Casca's eyes fluttered open as she rose from her slumber. She rubbed her eyes as she looked around. She saw Gedfring already awake sitting on the mushroom he originally laid at. Morda was the next to wake after her sitting up on her mushroom as well. She felt normal again, as if the past two days was just a dream that she vividly remembered. Gedfring was the first to speak catching both the girls attention.

"Welcome back, my apologies but I was never given your name." Gedfring spoke, Casca then stood up shakily.

"My name is Casca." She introduced herself, she then looked to the both of them. "And I thank you both for helping me in my time of need." Gedfring raised a hand.

"Don't thank us, thank the Flower Storm Monarch and King." Gedfring said, Casca remembered who they were as well. "Now we must deliver news of the success of our task. I don't think you'll be staying her very long." Gedfring spoke as he hopped off the mushroom. Morda stood as well and they both followed Gedfring out of the cavern. Once outside Gedfring turned to Morda. "Morda take her to her majesty and inform her of our success. Your broom will prove more efficient than foot. Plus my older legs aren't as agile as they used to be." Morda lifted her broom as she rolled her eyes.

"Fine" she simply said, as she mounted her broom first before giving a hand to Casca. She grabbed it and Morda pulled her aboard. "Hold on, cause it's always a little shaky for beginners." Morda informed her, Casca then held onto the girls waist and they sped off. As they flew through the sky Casca looked down upon Elfhelm it was truly beautiful in her eyes. She felt a sense of peace that she hadn't experienced before. "We're headed to the Great Cherry Tree, hopefully her Majesty will be there in the throne room." Morda stated, Casca then saw said Cherry Tree in the distance it was huge. They descended upon the entrance. Once there Casca dismounted first, Morda simply took the broom from under her and landed gracefully on the ground. She then stepped off with Casca following suit behind her.

Inside the tree Casca could see paintings and fairies flying all throughout the halls. A few other witches walking past them with smiles on their faces. As they made their way through the halls they finally came upon a door which was guarded by two witches. They saw Morda who gave them a smile and they opened the doors. As they walked in, they could see Danan standing in the middle of the room speaking with a few small hairy creatures that had brooms in their hands. Danan was giving them their tasking for the day before seeing Casca and Morda enter the room. She gave them a warm smile as they walked up to her.

"Ah I take it that the mission was a success?" Danan asked, Morda nodded before presenting Casca to her.

"Yes your Greatness, she's all patched up." Morda replied, Danan pleased with the quick work being accomplished gave Morda a curt nod.

"I thank you Morda for you and Gedfring's work, please give him my thanks when you see him." Danan thanked her, Morda gave a slight bow before leaving the two. Casca not knowing how to behave gave a slight bow as well.

"Thank you your majesty for helping me." Casca said, Danan lifted her up gently.

"Nonsense, you may call me Danan, and thank your friend King for the matter of regaining your conscious." Danan spoke, from what Casca could remember from the beach. Danan wasn't as sweet with Skull Knight and what was with his name King?

"I'll be sure to do so." Casca replied, Danan then clasped her hands together.

"Alrighty then, I must send you off back to where King is. I would send you back to your husband but I'm not familiar with his energy. So I won't be able to pinpoint where he is exactly." Danan spoke, Casca blushed at the reference that was made for Guts. She didn't bother correcting her, this was the first time Casca got to think about him as well. She wondered where he was or how he was doing. "But before I send you however I have a small gift for you." Casca looked up to see what she meant. "Ohhh Puck could you come here please!" Danan called out, a fairy then flew down to where seemingly out of nowhere to Danan's side. The fairy had blue hair and eyes with no clothes.

"Yes your majesty?" Puck asked as he saluted, Danan then gestures to Casca.

"From now on you shall keep miss?" Danan trailed off looking at Casca, she snapped out of stupor and introduced herself.

"Oh, Casca"

"That's a nice name, but you will be accompanying Miss Casca on her journey. Her journey will be somewhat perilous, please heal her and be a second pair of eyes." Danan requested of him, Puck nodded as he flew over to Casca's shoulder.

"Will do your majesty!" Puck said, Danan thanked him before raising her staff.

"Now Casca you will feel a slight discomfort during the teleportation but just keep your eyes closed until Puck tells you to open them." Danan instructed her, Casca nodded her head and with a shake of her staff and pink light shined brightly in Casca's eyes making her close them.