Introduction:
In the wake of the battle a battered Guild gathered around a single body. It glowed with a familiar hue, but fading brilliance. Guildmaster James approached the body of his would-be son with trepidation, hoping that his fears were unfounded and that he would discover some signs of life upon inspection. He kneeled down on his weak, brittle knees, pressing his ear to the boy's chest. He stayed there for a long while, shutting out the world in order to discover the faintest trace of life. James' eyes began to fade as did his hope, and he shook his head, not ready to mourn the loss of the Hero.
The rest of the Guild took that as a cue and collectively bowed their heads. Willow began to weep and Shunt held her close to his chest to comfort her, though Shunt himself was unable to hide his own sadness at his death. Shunt was one of the few people who never ridiculed him for his differences. Indeed he found him as much of a friend when Speer was off garnering success and glory for himself and left him behind.
Even Speer could not withhold his frustration. Speer seethed as more anger than sadness overwhelmed him. Though Speer was always the most vocal of his disapproval of Michael's mere existence let alone his presence and training there in the guild, he always saw him as a rival. Though he would never admit it, Speer appreciated that Michael's mastery of fire and other magic always pushed him to become better so not to be overshadowed. It fueled him, and now he had no one close that he could compete with. He would stand alone on a pedestal, complacent in his dominance, which he knew was the recipe for a colossal downfall.
Guildmaster James sat up and whipped his teary eyes, remembering that not long ago Michael's father paid the very same price in order to save his life and the life of the Guild. He now owed his life to two generations of Heroes, and he thought of only one way to repay them. Acknowledge the demon inside of him that has caused both men so much pain…as the one thing that saved them all.
"Thank you…whatever you are…for protecting Michael as well as the Guild. We owe you a great debt. One we may never be able to repay."
Guildmaster James stood to look at Michael one last time before he motioned for the Guild to take him to the mortality chambers, but as soon as they began to move he motioned for them to stop. A brilliant vibrant red glow began to shine from Michael's runes. Nobody could see a thing through the blinding light and all had to turn their heads and shield their eyes. The light persisted for nearly 30 seconds before finally dissipating and returning to normal levels. When everyone turned to see what had happened they were all staggered and let out a collective gasp. Michael's chest, albeit ever so slightly, raised up…and down again. The entire Guild sat in silence, wondering if it would happen again.
Up…and down…up…and down…
"He's alive…HE'S ALIVE!" Willow cheered aloud much to the surprise of the Guild.
"Quickly! Get him to the infirmary!" Guildmaster James ordered and several Heroes gathered around Michael to bring him to the Guild's hospital. Today was a grand day: Skorm was defeated, the Guild stands strong, and the conquering Hero responsible for it all lives to see another day.
All were elated…except for Speer, who stood back from the crowd bringing Michael back to the infirmary with spiteful resentment.
"I'm the Hero…not him…and it's time I proved it…"