Chapter 6: Salt Lake City
The helicopter descended gracefully, its blades cutting through the air with precision, before finally touching down on the ground. As the engine quieted, Elizabeth and Kurtis emerged from the aircraft, their eyes fixed on the unfamiliar surroundings that marked their arrival in America. They had embarked on this journey to meet the last remaining members of the dying order they belonged to, and a safe house had been meticulously arranged to facilitate their reunion.
Elizabeth couldn't help but gaze out of the window during the flight, observing the sprawling landscape below. Time seemed to have slipped away in the blink of an eye. It felt as though it was only yesterday when she first encountered Kurtis, their paths converging in an unexpected twist of fate. The passage of years had left its indelible mark on both of them, and Elizabeth marveled at the bewildering passage of time. She also fondly recalled how her relationship with Kurtis's brother had blossomed later in life, as if a serendipitous tale woven by destiny itself.
Pulling out her weathered notebook, Elizabeth indulged in the memories it held within its pages. This cherished companion served as a repository for her thoughts and experiences, a tangible repository of her private adventures that she seldom shared with the outside world. Just as she was about to delve into its contents, she detected a sigh escaping Kurtis's lips. Intrigued, she turned to face him, noticing his nervous fidgeting as he absentmindedly played with his fingers. Elizabeth understood the source of his unease. The last time they stood on this soil, they had defied convention together, rebelling against the established order.
"Kurtis," Elizabeth uttered his name softly, hoping to capture his attention.
"I'm fine," Kurtis replied, glancing up at her briefly. However, the hint of unease lingered in his eyes, betraying his true emotions. He fell silent, aware that his response did little to alleviate Elizabeth's concerns. Fixing his gaze back out the window, he murmured, "It's just the thought of returning... it scares me."
"I... I'm scared too, Kurtis," Elizabeth confessed, her voice filled with empathy. "But we have to face this. We can't turn away now."
Kurtis hesitated for a moment, grappling with his emotions, before finally finding the courage to speak. "Elizabeth, I..." he began, his voice trailing off uncertainly.
She understood the weight of his unspoken words, the burdens they carried. "I know," she interjected gently, her voice tinged with sadness. "It hurts me too, after everything that you and I have been through... not to mention Chris."
"My mother is still missing, and my father..." Kurtis's voice trailed off, the painful memories welling up within him. He couldn't bear to confront the reality of how he had turned his back on his family.
"We will find her, Kurtis," Elizabeth reassured him, her gaze drifting to the clouds outside the window, seeking solace amidst their ethereal beauty. "Your mother is strong and brave. She knows how to survive." She nodded, a silent affirmation of her unwavering support, and the cabin descended into silence once more, allowing their thoughts to linger in the heavy air.
After what seemed like an eternity, the helicopter touched down a mere block away from Kurtis's childhood home. As they disembarked, their eyes surveyed the desolate landscape, the abandoned buildings standing as somber witnesses to the passage of time. This once-thriving town had transformed into a ghostly shell, haunted by memories that had long faded into obscurity. The duo set foot on the quiet streets of Kurtis's hometown, proceeding cautiously as they walked past the empty houses that lined the path to their final destination.
"I still remember the day you saved me," Elizabeth murmured, more to herself than to Kurtis, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
"I remember too," Kurtis replied, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I just can't believe my father is gone. I wasn't here for them, and I don't even know how he met his fate."
Elizabeth's gaze remained fixed on the darkening sky, her expression tinged with a sense of gravity. Unspoken words lingered on her tongue, for she had yet to reveal the full extent of what had transpired in Cappadocia. On that fateful day, the grounds had become a battleground for the ultimate clash between good and evil, a war that had unfolded right before her eyes. She had been the one to rush to Kurtis's aid, to offer support before delivering the devastating news of his father's demise. Yet, she had withheld a crucial part of the truth, shielding him from the harrowing details.
"I know how he was killed, Kurtis," Elizabeth confessed, her voice laced with a mix of sorrow and apprehension. Her gaze met his, her eyes filled with empathy. "Chris and I were there."
A frown etched itself onto Kurtis's face, a bewildered expression crossing his features. "You never mentioned it," he said, his voice laden with a tinge of reproach.
Elizabeth's features softened, and she took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she began to recount the events that had unfolded. She understood the weight of her silence, the burden it had placed upon their bond. "You were so consumed by anger when I shared the news of your father's murder that I couldn't find the strength to tell you the whole truth," she explained, her words laced with remorse. "I wanted to protect you from the additional pain."
Kurtis's gaze flickered with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. He leaned in closer, his eyes searching hers for answers. "What really happened, Elizabeth?" he implored, his voice filled with a blend of curiosity and trepidation.
(Flashback to 2001)
Konstantin and the remaining members of the Lux Veritatis had ventured into the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey, engaged in a battle of epic proportions against the insidious Cabal. Guided by their unwavering conviction, they had made their way through treacherous caves until they discovered the elusive Temple. Stepping into its ancient halls, they were met with a sight that chilled them to the bone—a city hidden beneath the ground, devoid of life, and steeped in an eerie silence.
As they advanced towards the central plaza, the Knights of Lux Veritatis found themselves ensnared in a deadly ambush from all sides. The Cabal attacked with ruthless aggression, their forces seemingly unstoppable. Yet, the Lux Veritatis fought back, their spirit unyielding in the face of overwhelming odds. With unwavering bravery and a fierce determination to protect all that they held dear, they resisted the Cabal's onslaught, striking blow after blow.
But the Lux Veritatis was gradually outnumbered and overwhelmed. Their valorous efforts could not stem the tide of their adversaries' brutality. One by one, their comrades fell, leaving behind a trail of fallen heroes. Their sacrifices painted the somber canvas of a battle fought with unwavering loyalty and unflinching courage.
In the midst of this cataclysmic clash, Elizabeth had embarked on her own journey. Having recently departed from the army due to inexplicable supernatural occurrences she could not divulge to her superiors, she had sought solace and answers. Her exiled uncle had revealed Eckhardt's sinister plot to exterminate the remaining members of the Lux Veritatis, and Elizabeth desperately hoped she wasn't too late to warn Konstantin and the others.
Thus, she had set out on a quest to find this hidden city, traversing the rugged terrain of Turkey until she reached the coordinates that had been imparted to her. It was there, upon entering the cave, that she discovered the bitter aftermath of the battle. Slipping into the shadows, her heart sank as she beheld the lifeless form of Konstantin, suspended from one of the towering buildings. The rest of the Lux Veritatis, their lifeless bodies prepared for the same fate, were being dragged to their macabre display.
"Shit, I'm too late," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible, as if afraid to disturb the desolation that enveloped the scene.
As she approached, her gaze locked with Konstantin's weakened eyes. Despite his precarious state, he attempted to establish a mind connection, seeking answers and bidding a final farewell.
'Kurtis isn't here; he is safe in France,' his voice resonated in her mind, filled with both sorrow and resolve.
Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in Elizabeth's eyes as she sought guidance. 'What must I do?' she implored, her voice quivering with a mix of fear and determination.
'Find him. Look for the other six brothers. Stop this madness from continuing,' Konstantin's fading voice responded. 'The eight brothers are the last of us, and they are our only hope to save this world from the Cabal.'
Elizabeth nodded, her heart heavy with grief and purpose. She attempted to compose herself, but before she could gather her thoughts, a hand covered her mouth. She tensed, ready to defend herself, only to hear a familiar voice whisper in her ear, dispelling her fears.
"Hush, I won't harm you, Elizabeth," the man said, his voice filled with familiarity. She turned to face him, and to her astonishment, it was the same man she had met during her time in the army—the man with whom she had fallen in love. Questions swirled in her mind as she struggled to comprehend his presence in this bleak setting.
"We need to wait until everyone is gone," he urged, and she nodded, her attention shifting back to Konstantin, his life slipping away with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Karel, the embodiment of malice, reveled in the sight of Konstantin's impending demise. With a sadistic smile, he taunted the dying Knight, relishing in his triumph. "Such hatred for me," Karel gloated, the noose constricting Konstantin's voice. "Know that in your death, I will thrive, hunting down the remnants of your kind. Your son fled, betraying you. He is not like you, but we will find him and exterminate him along with the others still lurking in the shadows."
Elizabeth's blood boiled with rage, but Konstantin, his mind touching hers, urged her to remain concealed. However, she shook her head, defiantly rejecting his plea. She responded, defying the shadows that imprisoned her, her voice a whispered declaration of determination.
"I cannot stay hidden and watch you die! Kurtis would never forgive me for that!"
Konstantin's voice wavered with fading strength as he conveyed his final message. "No, he will not. You two need each other now more than ever. Stand united, fight together, and put an end to this madness."
With those parting words, his connection severed, and Konstantin breathed his last, his countenance still etched with defiance even in death. Karel lingered for a moment, savoring his victory, before turning away and departing from the haunting scene.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Chris remained hidden in the cavernous expanse, sheltered from the torment unfolding above. Overwhelmed by grief, Elizabeth collapsed to her knees, her tears flowing freely, as the weight of her perceived failure consumed her.
"I should've arrived sooner," she sobbed, her voice choked with anguish.
Chris crouched beside her, his presence a comforting balm amidst her pain. "Elizabeth, you must accept that you are only human," he reassured her, his voice filled with empathy.
In a surge of anger and frustration, she suddenly shot up, her emotions manifesting in an explosive burst. Her fist lashed out, aiming for Chris, but he evaded the blow, witnessing a profound revelation—the manifestation of yellow energy radiating from her clenched hand. In that moment, they both realized that they were not mere mortals; they were Lux Knights.
Chris, undeterred by the display of power, reached out and enveloped Elizabeth in an embrace. "Do not apologize," he whispered, his voice laced with affection. "I have always loved you. Yes, you heard me right—I am in love with you. But this..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken words lingering in the air between them.
They broke apart, their gazes locked in understanding. Elizabeth turned her gaze toward the underground city, her resolve reignited. "I will put an end to this. Rest in peace, Konstantin," she vowed, determination etched across her face.
United by their shared purpose and their burgeoning love, Elizabeth and Chris embarked on their journey, side by side, their steps resolute as they emerged from the shadows of the cave. The weight of the world rested on their shoulders, but they carried within them the flickering flames of hope, fueled by the sacrifice of their fallen brethren. Together, they would confront the Cabal, seek out the remaining brothers, and strive to bring an end to the madness that threatened to consume their world.
(Flashback ends)
Kurtis stood in silence, his mind swirling with a mixture of grief, anger, and determination upon hearing of his father's cruel demise. He turned his gaze towards the familiar house, the same one they had left thirteen years ago, and clenched his fists, the intensity of his emotions hidden beneath his grim expression.
Elizabeth, sensing his turmoil, stood beside him, offering her unwavering support. "Kurtis, I'm here for you every step of the way, but we have to go in," she said gently, her voice filled with empathy.
"Yeah, I know," Kurtis responded, his voice tinged with sadness, before he opened the door, with Elizabeth following closely behind.
As they entered the house, a wave of nostalgia washed over them. The interior remained unchanged, as if frozen in time. The paintings adorned the walls, the furniture stood in its familiar places, but one thing was painfully absent—his parents. Kurtis paused in the hallway, his gaze fixated on a photo hanging on the wall. It depicted Chris, taken just a month before his abduction, a tragic event that had left them in the dark ever since.
'At least he escaped...' Kurtis thought, a mixture of relief and curiosity mingling within him. Elizabeth noticed his contemplation and found herself standing before another painting. Catching his gaze, she inquired, "What's wrong?"
Kurtis sighed, his thoughts still occupied by Chris's escape from Karel's clutches. "Looking at this picture, I still don't know how Chris managed to escape. It's been so many years, and he still doesn't want to talk about it."
Elizabeth nodded understandingly. "Trust me, I know as little as you do. All I know is that he had help from the inside, but Chris remains tight-lipped about the details."
Kurtis frowned, his mind grappling with the weight of unanswered questions. "But he knows about what happened here, doesn't he? About your past."
Elizabeth sighed, her voice tinged with sadness. "Not entirely. I've told him only half the story. We've been together for almost two years now, and he's amazing, but there's a level of trust that I haven't reached yet, and I don't know why."
Moved by her vulnerability, Kurtis stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. Elizabeth leaned into the hug, finding solace in their shared bond. Kurtis couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for leaving her behind in Germany, allowing his anger and thirst for revenge to blind him to those who cared about him.
"I understand," Kurtis said softly, his voice filled with compassion. "We'll handle this together, just like we always have."
Elizabeth's tears subsided, and a renewed determination sparked in her eyes. "Yeah, you're right," she agreed, her voice steady once more. "We should get going. The others are waiting."
With a nod of agreement, Kurtis and Elizabeth made their way to the living room, their minds focused on the daunting task that lay ahead. Kurtis's thoughts lingered on his brother, yearning to have a conversation with him, to understand his father's legacy and his own burgeoning powers.
Gathered in the living room, the other Lux Veritatis brothers awaited their arrival. Warm greetings were exchanged, but the purpose of the meeting soon took center stage.
Elizabeth took the lead, revealing Karel's plan to find the Black Angel, while Kurtis recounted the events that had transpired in Paris and Prague a month ago. As they shared vital information, each brother retrieved their unique weapons, symbols of their heritage and the responsibilities they carried.
Kurtis, feeling the weight of his father's absence, looked at his brothers and took charge. "Solomon Limoux, I'm trying to fill my father's shoes as best I can, but we have limited information about Karel's intentions with the Black Angel. All we know is that he aims to awaken the sleeper within the sarcophagus."
Limoux, sitting with his time spinner—a Y-shaped device with two sharp points and a timer in the middle—nodded in understanding, sipping his coffee. "So, Kurtis Heissturm, what are our orders?"
Kurtis glanced at Elizabeth, who subtly nodded, signaling him to proceed. While she could guide them to a certain extent, the rest was up to him. He took a deep breath, his eyes sweeping across the room, and began outlining their strategy.
"When the time comes, Camrin, I want to use your shield to protect us when we confront Karel," Kurtis declared, referring to the necklace Camrin held in his hand. The pendant on it depicted a shield with the LV logo.
Camrin, displaying unwavering loyalty, held up the necklace. "My shield is yours, Master Heissturm."
Kurtis accepted the necklace, placing it around his neck, symbolizing his acceptance of their collective protection. "Furthermore, I want you to use your powers to shield our base from Karel's detection once we arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo," he continued, his gaze fixed on Camrin.
Camrin nodded in agreement, acknowledging his role in safeguarding their operations from their powerful adversary.
Addressing Martin Vassily, Kurtis requested, "Martin, I need you to delve into the past, searching for any information on Karel that we can use against him."
Martin, rubbing the bag that contained his crystal ball, nodded solemnly. "Yes, sir. I can start my investigation at your home in England once we return."
Kurtis turned his attention to Stephan Decombel and Solomon Limoux. "Stephan, I want you to utilize your dream-walking abilities to gather any insights you can. And Limoux, you'll coordinate with Stephan, controlling time to give us the advantage in our mission to stop Karel."
Both brothers nodded, their eyes meeting, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They were ready to fulfill their assigned tasks.
Kurtis directed his final orders to Charle Aircard and David Bogomil. "Charle, I need you to infiltrate Castle Krieger, observe Karel's activities, and report back to us. And David, your expertise in locating artifacts will be crucial. Guide us to their locations."
Charle and David, synchronized in their response, acknowledged their roles with a simultaneous "Yes, Master Kurtis."
Elizabeth excused herself from the meeting, stepping out to make arrangements for transportation. The room was filled with a sense of purpose and determination as Kurtis prepared to lead his brothers into battle against the formidable Cabal.
Together, they would face the trials ahead, armed with their unique skills and unwavering dedication to the cause. The weight of their fallen brethren rested upon their shoulders, fueling their resolve. The fate of the world hung in the balance, but the Lux Veritatis stood united, ready to confront the darkness and reclaim their shattered legacy.
After Elizabeth finished her phone call with Edward, the pilot who would be flying the helicopter to their location, she informed the group that the estimated arrival time was within ten minutes. With the plan in motion, she sought out Kurtis, concerned about his well-being. Knocking on his door, she called out to him, "Kurtis, are you okay?"
A grunt from the other side indicated his presence, prompting her to enter. The room she found him in was his old bedroom, a space that had remained untouched for years. It contained a single bed, a cupboard, and a desk on either side, but it was evident that no one had set foot in there for quite some time. The air was heavy with dust and cobwebs, a silent testament to the passage of years.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking," Kurtis replied, his voice carrying a hint of contemplation.
Elizabeth walked over to the desk, scanning the books and items placed upon it. "I told you we would find her," she reassured him, her gaze lingering on the desk's contents.
Kurtis sighed, his mind burdened with worry. "I just wish I knew where to look for her. What if Karel has her somewhere, waiting for me to make a mistake?"
Elizabeth gently placed her hand on his shoulder, offering support and encouragement. "Don't think like that. Your mother could very well be among her people, the ones who know how to hide effectively. If anyone can disappear when they need to, it's them."
A small smile tugged at Kurtis's lips as he reminisced. "I hope she's with them. My mother was one of the few who treated me like a normal person, aside from you."
Elizabeth's smile widened, her touch conveying warmth and reassurance. "Kurtis, let's focus on the task at hand. Standing here won't get us any closer to finding your mother."
Realizing the truth in her words, Kurtis nodded in agreement. Together, they left the room, ready to face the challenges ahead. The other Lux Veritatis brothers were already on board the helicopter, waiting for their departure.
As they took their seats, the helicopter lifted off, soaring through the sky toward their destination. The tension and anticipation within the chopper were palpable, each brother lost in their own thoughts, preparing mentally for the upcoming mission.
Kurtis sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape below, a mix of determination and concern etched upon his face. His thoughts wandered to his mother, hoping against hope that she was safe and hidden among her people. He knew that her strength and resourcefulness would serve her well in evading Karel's clutches.
Elizabeth, sitting beside him, reached out and gently squeezed his hand, a gesture of solidarity and support. In the face of uncertainty and danger, they found solace in their bond and the unyielding determination to reunite Kurtis with his mother.
The helicopter cut through the air, carrying the Lux Veritatis toward their destiny. The mission to stop Karel, find the Black Angel, and uncover the truth behind their father's death was underway. Their resolve was unshakeable, and together, they would confront the darkness that threatened their world.
As the chopper pressed forward, the landscape shifting beneath them, the Lux Veritatis brothers steeled themselves for the battles that lay ahead. United in purpose and fueled by their shared legacy, they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them, in pursuit of justice and the restoration of their shattered family.
Surrey, Britain
Alex, driven by his curiosity, had ventured off to search for more books in the vast library. Meanwhile, Lloyd had left the room to assist Edward with the technical aspects of their research, leaving Lara alone amidst the sea of ancient texts. Determined to uncover clues about the elusive ancient artifacts that had consumed their attention, she meticulously combed through the pages, her eyes scanning each word.
Lost in her quest for knowledge, Lara suddenly stumbled upon a passage that piqued her interest. Excitement welled up within her, and she couldn't help but call out to Alex from the other room, her voice filled with anticipation.
"I found something!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of eagerness and intrigue.
Alex, hearing Lara's call, hastily abandoned his search and made his way toward her. However, fate had other plans. As he hurried through the room, he accidentally knocked over a nearby glass, the sound of shattering glass echoing through the air. Frustrated, he muttered a string of expletives under his breath but managed to navigate the obstacle course of shards unscathed. Finally reaching Lara's side, he eagerly inquired about her discovery.
"What did you find?" he asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.
Suppressing a laugh at Alex's misfortune, Lara focused on sharing her newfound information. "Two of the artifact locations were concealed within the text," she explained, her voice filled with excitement. "In this passage, it mentions a place where the heat is stifling, the air thin and suffocating, where nothing but sand stretches as far as the eye can see. The only place that matches that description is Egypt. I'm still trying to determine the exact location within Egypt, though."
As Lara rose from her seat, intent on continuing her search, a thought crossed her mind. She recalled her father's journal, which she had carried in her backpack. Eager to delve deeper into the mysteries that surrounded their family, she headed towards the kitchen, where she found Henry busy preparing lunch. Taking a seat at the table, Lara retrieved the journal from her bag and began perusing its pages.
As she delved into her father's words, a particular entry caught her attention. It spoke of a visit from Konstantin, their trusted ally. According to the journal, one of Konstantin's sons had been abducted by the nefarious Cabal, a sinister organization that seemed to lurk in the shadows. Remarkably, Konstantin had managed to rescue Kurtis, his other son, who was believed to be the Chosen One. The journal hinted at a profound connection between the Chosen One and Klara, a name that made Lara's heart skip a beat.
In the midst of processing the astonishing revelation that she might be the enigmatic Klara, Karel's long-lost sister, Lara's mind was consumed by a whirlwind of questions and uncertainty. Her father's journal presented conflicting accounts, as he adamantly denied the possibility of Lara being Klara. Confusion and doubt clouded her thoughts as she attempted to reconcile the pieces of her identity.
Lost in contemplation, Lara was abruptly jolted back to reality by the sound of gunshots ringing out. Instinctively, she ducked for cover, her heart pounding in her chest. The abrupt interruption served as a stark reminder that danger lurked just beyond the confines of their research sanctuary.