The Fallen arc

The Azalea Forest

Oak Village

TRIGGER WARNING!! Contains violent scenes

The group head over to the house where Luca Gremorary is staying. On the way, Jayden had some questions he needed answers to.

"Hey guys, if you don't mind me asking, who's Silas? Henro mentioned him before." Jayden said.

"You don't know him?" Ziera asked.

"To be honest not much. I said I read all I could but I stepped away from anything imperial related because my dad died so I never had the chance to really look into him. All I know is he's some big wig scientist from within the empire." Jayden said.

Ziera looked to Henro for approval. "It's fine." Henro answered.

"Silas is the empire's most exceptional scientist. He is president of the empire's R&D. As well as a member of the Crimson Knights. Amongst all of Zenal's subordinates, Silas isn't the strongest but one of his most valuable assets. He's the reason why the empire had been targeting demons, half-breeds and Fallen." Ziera explained.

"Because he sees them as valuable assists for the empire right?" Jayden asked.

"Wrong." Henro interrupted. "Zenal sees them as valuable assets. But for Silas, it's more than that. Demons, angels, half-breeds and Fallen. He's obsessed with all of them. Especially Fallen."

"But why? Because of your magic and regen?" Jayden questioned.

"That's part of it. But it's not just them. To Silas all hybrid races are the next form of evolution. Fallen are just one example, Silas wonders just how far hybrid races can go with the amount of different DNA in their bodies. Like imagine a hybrid between a dragon and a fallen. Sounds scary right?" Henro asked.

"Uh very." Jayden started to sweat.

"Relax. Silas only had different elemental dragon types to work with from years ago. Dragon DNA isn't easy to replicate and infuse into other people." Ziera explained.

"Anyways, the bottom line is he's a monster who's obsessed with the concept of hybrids and evolution. That's why he kidnaps people for his inhumane experiments. All using the power of his drug, draugr". Henro said bitterly.

"Draugr? You mean that monster?" Jayden asked.

"Those creatures are the result of Silas' experiments. His power is also called draugr. A deadly drug that he mixed with the blood of anyone with demonic blood in their veins. Zenal wants loyal mindless soldiers, but Silas wants to create monsters to see how far he can take his theory for evolution. The result was those monsters. That's what he did to all the villagers he captured." Henro explained.

"That's...horrible. Hey you don't have to tell me but the way you spoke about Silas earlier. Were you...?" Jayden cautiously asked.

"His pet project? Yeah. My cells for some reason can resist becoming a draugr that's why I even held out for as long as I did until Reisha healed me. Till Emilia and Ziera broke me out." Henro with venom in his voice. Emilia

"I'm sorry." Jayden said sympathetically. Henro looked back at him. Emilia placed her hand on Henro's shoulder. Henro looked at her and saw her give a pleasing look. Henro sighed and then looked back at Jayden.

"Thanks." Henro said. Jayden was surprised but smiled at Henro. The group then kept on moving.

***

The group had arrived at the house Luca was staying at. Arkin has just informed them that Luca is currently in a dire situation but with the group no longer being divided, they are more determined than ever to save him.

"Inside. He's asleep right now." Arkin said. The group enter the house and go upstairs where they find Luca asleep on the bed. Standing next to were Reisha and Rudy, the Kasa-Obake that brought Emilia and Henro to the village.

Luca had bandages wrapped around his forehead under his black and white spiky hair. But worse, half his body has already mutated into that of a draugr.

"LUCA!" Henro shouted.

"OH NO!" Emilia shouted as well. Both rushed over to the young boy immediately.

"As I already said the boy is unconscious. He has been sleeping for two days now." Arkin said. Henro ignored him and observed Luca's body. He took notice of Luca's right arm. It had a large scratch mark and around the arm were purple veins. Luca had been cut by that draugr.

"This is...!" Henro felt enraged.

"No! Luca!" Emilia raised her voice with worry.

"Holy shit! What happened to him!?" Jayden shouted. Ziera started scanning Luca's body.

"He's been infected. It's spreaded all the way to his head. My gods, he's almost at that stage already!" Ziera said.

"Hold on what stage!?" Jayden asked.

"It's the final stage of a victim becoming a draugr. After a short period of time, the poison reaches the brain of the victim and the victim loses what's left of their mind. They become a pure killing machine. Case in point, a full on draugr." Henro stated.

"No way!" Jayden shouted.

"Once you reach that state it's over. Silas designed his poison to where it can't be cured by regular angels and even fallen. Only some people like me can do that. Luca must have been like this for over a day now!" Henro shouted.

"I'm terribly sorry! I've tried all I could but it would seem his body isn't nearly as resistant to the poison as you, Henro." Said Reisha.

Not nearly as resistant? Even if that were true could there be more to it? More to that creature? Ziera thought.

"Shut it! Grr! Arkin you bastard! Why didn't you tell us that Luca was attacked by that thing!?" Henro asked with frustration.

"If I did you would have gone to see the boy by force. Did you really think I would have let any of you near him back when you were all at each other's throats? In case you have forgotten, your negative emotions affect this forest and yourselves." Arkin said.

"Who cares when this kid's life is in danger!? How could you risk his life like that!? And furthermore why haven't you healed him yourselves?" Henro yelled.

"Did you not hear a word I said? It's because of your negative emotions that you wouldn't have been able to use your magic to save this boy in the first place. And we have tried healing him but he was like this when we found him. Reisha could only do so much." Arkin said bluntly.

"Wait, are you talking about what you mentioned earlier? About how the negative emotions from people can create yokai? But what does that have to do with Henro and Emilia not being able to use their magic?" Jayden asked.

"It has to do with everything Jayden Cortez. You see, outsiders with strong negative emotions not only affect the flow of our mana, but also the entire forest." Arkin said.

"The entire forest?" Jayden questioned.

"Yes. The Azalea Forest isn't like any other magical forest, it is the forest of yokai. A forest of dark spirits that are not like the demons from the demon realm. As I said earlier we are as you would say anomalies. Because we possess abilities and feats that normal demons are not capable of obtaining. As for the forest itself, No one, not even I know how it came to being but we know one thing for certain. The Azalea Forest speaks to us." Arkin stated.

"This forest has been around since the age of the gods. No matter how many hardships it faced from the gods, Zenal or Circe, it would prevail and protect us yokai for centuries. It is immensely powerful and above all else alive. You could even say the forest is like a yokai itself." Arkin stated.

"A YOKAI!?" Jayden was stunned.

"NO WAY!" Emilia shouted in shock.

"Is that even possible? Wait a sec. Is that why those vines attacked us before? Because we were affecting the forest with our negative emotions?" Ziera asked.

"Yes, that is precisely right." Arkin answered.

"Who cares!? We're here to help Luca remember!? So how do I get my magic back, old man!? You must know something! He'll die at this rate if I don't heal him!" Henro yelled.

"Henro stop! Arkin is trying to help us!" Emilia said, reprimanding him.

"It's fine Emilia. If you want to regain your magic, you must calm yourselves and conjoin your mana with the mana of the forest." Arkin stated.

"Huh? What does that mean?" Henro asked.

"It means you must cease all conflict you have with each other. Negative emotions such as anger, fear, envy, greed, and sadness, all things that give birth to a yokai are what keep you from using your magic here. Those emotions affect your flow of mana which in turn affects the forest's flow of mana. The two flows cannot coexist."

"Just as it would badly affect a yokai, it would lead to dangerous repercussions for the forest. So the Azalea forest shut down your mana flow. In order to regain your mana flow, you must make peace with each other and yourselves to regain the positive flow." Arkin explained.

"But we already did. Didn't you catch the wholesome reunion between all of us?" Henro asked with sarcasm.

"Have you? You may have seemingly ended your quarrel with Jayden, but what of Emilia? Have you made your peace with her yet?" Arkin questioned.

Henro looked towards Emilia who looked unsure and conflicted.

That bastard is right. I still didn't mend things with Emilia. Why can't I!? I'm not angry at her anymore but...

["So why!?" Emilia interrupted him again. "Why were you so adamant in keeping me out of that fight!? Do you have so little faith in me now!? Do you think I'm a burden!? Please just tell me! Just for once please tell me what you truly feel! Please Henro!" Emilia pleaded with tears dropping from her eyes].

["I thought we made a promise to each other? That no matter what, we'd stay together forever and have each other's backs. But now it seems that you think I don't have your back anymore. Or rather, you think I never did." Emilia said sadly].

I took it too far. And now I can't take it back. Even if we settle things, Emilia will never look at me the same way. It's like I'm losing her as time goes on. And I got no one to blame for that but myself. Heh. I called that greenhorn worthless but nah. I hurt both Emilia and my mom and still play the victim.

I'm worthless.

"I-....". Henro started but was interrupted when he heard grunts. They were coming from Luca.

"H-Henro?" Luca asked in his sleep. Henro and Emilia knelt down next to him.

"Luca! Yes it's me, Henro! I'm here with Emilia and my comrades. You remember her right? The pretty lady that sang you songs?" Henro asked.

"Luca hi. It's me, Emilia. You remember me right?" Emilia asked gently as she grabbed onto his hand.

"Emilia?" Luca asked in his sleep.

"Yes, that's me! And these are our new friends. Come on guys, introduce yourselves!" Emilia suggested.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

"Sup little man! Names Jayden Cortez. Your certified new defender is here!" Jayden said.

"Says the guy who just cut down plants." Henro jeered.

"And says the guy who was a chew toy not too long ago." Jayden snapped back.

Both Jayden and Henro were reprimanded by Ziera and Emilia. Ziera smacked Jayden beside rhe head and Emilia pinched Henro's cheek.

"OW". Both said in unison.

"Anyways, my name is Ziera. It's a pleasure to meet you, Luca." Ziera said happily.

"Listen buddy, I'm going to do everything in my power to help you. Then we'll get you out of here. I promise." Henro said.

"We all promise." Emilia corrected.

"But where are you? I can't see you." Luca shivered.

"Luca. We're right here." Henro assured.

"No you're not! I can't see you! You promised you'd come back for me.That you would help me. But you never did." Luca said.

"That's not true Luca! I'm right here! We both are!" Henro argued.

"No you're not! Only thing here...is that thing! That monster!" Luca shouted.

"The Draugr?" Henro asked.

"I-I see it! It's coming towards me again!" Luca panicked in his sleep.

"Luca, it's okay! It's just a nightmare!" Emilia comforted as she squeezed his hand.

"NO! It's getting closer! Help! Somebody help!" Luca panicked and cried out. Suddenly the draugr disease on Luca's right arm began to spread across his arm up to his right cheek.

"It's getting worse!" Jayden shouted.

"Adrenalin makes the poison spread faster! We have to calm him down!" Ziera ordered.

"Luca! It's okay! It can't hurt you anymore! I'm here! We're all here!" Henro said reassuringly.

"NO! It's gonna kill me! Please help! HENRO!" Luca screamed and shuffled around on the bed.

"LUCA!" Henro shouted and held Henro down.

If this keeps up he'll turn!

"LUCA HANG ON!" Emilia cried out.

"AAAGH!" Luca cried out. His arm began to mutate into that of a draugr's arm. The purple veins reached up to his right eye and soon that began to mutate as well.

"NO! LUCA!" Henro cried out.

"Rudy! Calm him down!" Arkin ordered.

"Right! Right!" Rudy replied. His eye glowed red and he aimed it at Luca. Luca slowly stopped screaming and began to calm down. He eventually stopped moving around and fell back to sleep.

"Hey! What did you do to him!?" Henro shouted.

"No harm! No harm! Just sleep!" Rudy replied.

"That is correct. Rudy's species, the Kasa-Obake, have the power to cast illusions on their targets. In Luca's case, I had Rudy on standby here to put the boy to sleep in case he panicked and lost control. He'll be asleep again for a while but it won't last." Arkin said.

"I see. Thank you Arkin. And you too Rudy. You both saved his life just now." Emilia said.

"Yeah. Thanks." Henro said lazily.

"Think nothing of it. But back to the matter at hand. Henro, as you are now you can't help Luca at all. As I already told you many times you must make peace with those around you and yourself in order to regain the positive flow of your mana. Only then will you be able to use holy healing magic again to save the boy." Arkin stated.

"I know that already okay!? It's just...I...". Henro couldn't find the right words.

"Henro." Emilia said sadly.

"I had a feeling this would happen. Which brings up the other reason why I brought Rudy here with us today." Arkin said. The group looked at Arkin with confusion.

"Henro, Rudy can make his targets see illusions of their greatest fears. Only way to break those illusions is to confront those fears. Luca can't do that by himself in his condition but that's where you come in. I want Rudy to use his power on you and send you into the dream world where you can confront your fears." Arkin said.

"Say what!? You can't be serious!" Henro argued.

"I agree! That sounds too dangerous! Emilia shouted.

"Yeah uh, is that really necessary? Isn't there another way to go about it?" Jayden asked.

"Do any of you have a better idea in mind? You've tried talking it out with each other and only one relationship was mended. Henro refuses to talk about his problems and because of that he can't use his magic so as of this moment he's completely useless to Luca." Arkin said plainly.

Henro was in disbelief.

I'm useless? He thought.

Henro took in what Arkin said and replayed all the events that happened ever since they came to this village. When he snapped at his friends, when he lost his magic, when he nearly died to the draugr and worst of all, when he hurt the person he cared about the most. And now realizing that he can't succeed at the one job he came to do, Henro's resolve began to break.

No. He's right. I haven't done anything since I got here. Except get in the way. And yet I had the nerve to call Jayden worthless. What a joke. The only one here who's worthless......is me.

"That's not true! With or without magic Henro is a highly capable doctor! Don't ever say such things about him!" Emilia voiced angrily.

"Emilia, stop. He's right." Henro said.

"No it's not! He doesn't know you! So he can't-."

"YES IT IS! I haven't done shit since I got here! All I've been is a liability!" Henro shouted.

"That's not true!" Emilia argued.

"Guys stop it!" Ziera shouted but Jayden put his arm in front of her. Blocking her path. "Jayden?" Jayden didn't face her but still kept his vision on Henro and Emilia.

"They need this Ziera." Jayden had a serious look on his face. Ziera was taken back a bit but realized what Jayden meant shortly after. So she backed off.

"Henro, why are you putting yourself down!? This isn't like you!" Emilia said.

"No Emilia. This is me! It's always been me! All I've done is make things worse for everyone! For my mom, for Luca, for you, or anyone who's ever been in my life! Because of me being this! A fucking Fallen! No matter what I do I'll always be a target just for being born a Fallen! And I'll end up dragging the people I love down with me! Don't you get it!? My entire existence has been nothing but a fucking mistake!" Henro cried out.

Tears began to fall from his eyes as he poured his heart out to Emilia. Jayden and Ziera had their own thoughts on the matter.

Henro. I think I finally understand you now. Jayden thought.

Henro, is that what you've been feeling this whole time? Ziera thought.

["He died because of you Ziera".]

I...know that feeling.

"That's why I have to do this! I have to face my past so that I can save Luca! And I have to do it alone! Because if I don't ....I'M WORTHLESS!" Henro shouted as he looked down at the ground not facing Emilia. Emilia sighed. She had heard enough of this.

"Henro, look at me." Emilia said. Henro didn't so she reached over and cupped his face. "Henro Akumura, I want you to look me in the eye right now and listen to me. Your life is not a mistake. You are not useless and you are especially not worthless. You've been helping us every step of the way. You always look after me while we're out in battle. You heal our allies when they are injured or sick. Henro, you are one of the most capable people I've ever met. I know Luca feels the same way. And so do our friends." Emilia said.

"She's right. Or did you forget my speech from earlier?" Jayden smirked.

"Yeah. After all, you two are besties now." Ziera snickered.

"Drop it Ziera." Jayden retorted.

"But he's right Henro. A wise woman from Lockwood actually told me that it's never a crime to help people. In that town people look after each other, and it's the same for us. We've got your back." Ziera said with a smile.

Mom told her that? She really is the best mom ever! Jayden thought.

"Plus I'm a Cortez. Helping people is just in my blood. So no matter what I won't turn my back on you man. I've got you. We all do." Jayden said.

"See. Our friends are here for you Henro. You can't push us away that easily. I'll admit, I may not have fully appreciated that before and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so reckless back at Lockwood and I promise I won't make that mistake again. Because I can't lose you either Henro. You're my best friend. I know you have to do this so I won't stop you but you don't have to do this alone. We are all here for you." Emilia said. Henro was stunned.

Even after all those times I treated them like shit. They still stick by me? Even knowing what I am? Are they crazy? Or.....am I the crazy one? Henro thought.

["Listen Henro. I know it may be hard for you to understand now but there are people out there who will accept us for both who and what we are. Someday, you will find people like that as well. People who will accept and love you for not what you are. But who you are. Henro Akumura"].

"Emilia. You guys." Henro said in awe.

"You haven't forgotten our promise from three years ago, right?" Emilia asked as she lifted up her pinky finger. Henro's eyes widened. He recalled the day he and Emilia made a declaration together. He opened up his pinky finger and went towards hers.

"That...we would stay together forever." Henro replied.

"That's right! I told you back then that I don't care that you're a Fallen Henro. What I know is that you are Henro Akumura. My best friend. My big brother even. You are family to me." Emilia said.

"Emilia. What are you...?"

"I love you Henro. And more than anything, I need you to love yourself." Emilia said with a beautiful smile.

Henro began tearing up again. At that moment he felt truly blessed. Blessed to have someone like her in his life. And people he could call his friends. He wiped the tears from his face.

"Sheesh. What's with all the sappy speeches today? Plus I finally get to take a nap and all I'm gonna get are nightmares. Can't I ever catch a break?" Henro asked sarcastically.

"Nope! No rest for the wicked right?" Emilia gleefully asked.

"Who are you calling wicked?" Henro asked.

"Huh? Aren't we still talking about you?" Emilia innocently asked.

"As I said you're not as innocent as you think you are." Henro retorted.

"Hm?" Emilia didn't get it.

Both Henro and Emilia ended up laughing. Both Jayden and Ziera smiled at the two finally starting to make progress on reconciling.

"Thanks, Em. Same to you two weirdos. And...I'm sorry." Henro said.

"It's okay. We're used to you being a dick at this point." Jayden said jokingly.

"Yeah you're like the annoying brother we definitely didn't want but we accept you anyways." Ziera gave a thumbs up.

"Yep exactly." Jayden also gave a thumbs up.

"On second thought both of you can go fuck yourselves." Henro jeered. Meanwhile Emilia had a cute surprised look on her face.

"You...you called me by my nickname again!" Emilia shouted with excitement.

"Good thing too. Didn't feel right just saying your full name." Henro smiled as he placed his hand in her head and ruffled her hair.

"Hey! Cut it out!" Emilia giggled. Henro chuckled.

"Alright. I gotta go. Luca is waiting for us. Look after him for me will ya?" Henro asked.

"We will! That's a promise!" Emilia cheerfully said.

"No worries." Ziera replied.

"Enjoy your nap!" Jayden playfully jeered.

"Okay Arkin I'm ready. Send my ass to bed." Henro said.

"Very well. But be careful not to let your fear consume you while in your dreams. Otherwise you may not awaken and may be trapped in a comatose sleep." Arkin advised.

"Understood. Let's do this." Henro said.

Armin nodded. "Rudy." Arkin called upon his name. Henro faced Rudy as Rudy's eye began to glow red.

"Henro! Come back to us! Okay!?!" Emilia said.

Henro smirked and nodded. "See you guys in the morning." Henro said. And then just like that he was out.

***

Henro Pov

12 Years Ago

The Republic of Midgard

Where am I? What is this place?

"HENRO! "HENRO!"

Who said that? I can't see.

"HENRO WAKE UP! HENRO PLEASE WAKE UP!"

Wait. I know that voice. It can't be.

"HENRO WE HAVE TO GO! PLEASE STAY WITH ME! HENRO!"

MOM!?

Suddenly I woke up. Gasping for air as I looked up to see smoke and fire everywhere. I was in some kind of building and right next to me was...

My mom! And....a kid version of me!?

My mom was shaking the kid version of me trying to wake him up. The kid coughed and finally woke up.

"Mommy?" Said younger Henro. My mom looked overjoyed and teary eyed then hugged him tightly.

"Yes sweetie I'm here! It's okay! We're going to get out of this I promise!" Mary cried out.

What the hell is going...wait. My mom is covered in scratch marks and blood on her face that's not from her. The kid version of me is covered in bruise marks that began to heal. All three of us are in a burning building. Wait! I know this building! It's the cathedral of the holy church! I know this memory! This is the night I lost the happy life I knew. The day that me and my mother would be captured. The day....

"RAAAAAAAAH!"

"A screech!? That sound! No!" I yelled out.

My mother turned around and guarded the kid version of me behind her. In front of the two were the entrance doors to the cathedral. Something was trying to break down.

"Stay behind me Henro!" Mary ordered. She transformed into her demon state and used her shadow magic to conjure a long black speer. "I'll kill anyone who tries to harm my son. They'll never take you! I promise!" Mary declared.

"No! No! No! I remember what happened! You have to run!" I shouted but my mom didn't listen.

Finally the doors gave in and in came two big draugr's.

"RAAAAAAH!" The Draugr's screeched.

"You have to take the younger me and go! I remember what happened, you can't beat them! Mom, listen to me! Please!" I begged but she still didn't listen. She didn't even look in my direction.

"Mom, why aren't you listening to me!? I said you have to go now!" I demanded. I went to grab her but my hand phased through her body. "What the fuck!?"

That's right. I'm such an idiot. I forgot this is a memory of the past so I can't affect anything. Only look and relive my worst memories. Fuck! Why did I agree to this shit!?

"RAAAAAH!" The draugr screamed again.

"If you try to take my son! I will take your lives!" Mary threatened in demon tongue.

"Mom. I'm scared." Younger Henro said while hiding behind her.

"It's okay Henro! This won't take long! Just stay behind me!" Mary reassured him.

"No! No! No! No! BOTH OF YOU GET OUT OF THERE!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

"RAAAAH!" The draugr roared and jumped towards my mom and younger me. My mother roared, baring her fangs towards the draugr and launched herself at both of them. They were about to clash until...

"BEHIND YOU!" I roared but she didn't listen.

"GAH!" Young Henro cried out. Mary looked behind and saw her son get pierced from his back through his stomach by a large pointy tail. It impaled him completely.

"HENRO!!!!!" Mary screamed.

"M-Mommy?" Young Henro barley called out as he fell into unconsciousness. The tail that impaled him though the back lifted his body up in the air.

"YOU! YOU!" I raged. My demon eyes were showing and I felt more angry than I ever have in my entire life. What came out of the fire and held up my younger self was the most disgusting piece of filth I ever had the displeasure of seeing. The man that toyed with me and my mother. The monster that ruined our lives.

"SILAS!" I roared.

There he stood. Silas of the Machina Empire. A member of Crimson Knights. He was a very tall, intimidating android. His mechanical body was colored in black and red. He looked like a giant humanoid insect. He had four arms, an insect-like face with four eyes, two horns sticking up, claws, and a large long tail with a pointy tip. He also has a creepy ass voice and disturbing way of speaking. He spoke slow with a distorted voice.

"Come....quietly". Silas said threateningly.

"LET HIM GO!" Mary screamed. She tried to jump back towards Silas and younger me but the draugr was right on top of her. The draugr started biting into her shoulders and digging their claws into her sides. "AAAAH!" Mary cried out.

"LEAVE HER ALONE YOU BASTARD!" I roared. I began conjuring up my shadow magic and began charging up

"DIVINE DARK MAGIC: BLACK CLAW!"

I formed shadows around my hands and chatted at Silas. I tried clawing at him but my attacks passed through. I didn't care if it was an illusion. I couldn't just stand there and watch him hurt my mother again.

"GODDAMMIT! Why!? Why!? Why do I have to relive this shit again!?" Henro roared and cried my tears out.

"If you....won't come quietly. Then you both can come....in bags." Silas said as he grabbed onto both of young Henro's arms and began pulling on them trying to rip them off.

"AAAAH!" Young Henro began crying his tears out as he felt his arms beginning to rip off.

"STOP PLEASE! Don't hurt my son anymore!" Mary begged.

"That...is what...I like to hear." Silas stopped pulling on young Henro's arm. Silas then snapped his finger and the draugr stopped attacking my mother. They got off her and picked her up letting her legs drag across the floor. The boy eventually drifted into unconsciousness. My mother cried her eyes out as she watched helplessly as her boy was at the mercy of this monster.

"RAAAAAAAH!" I roared, still trying to claw at the past memory of Silas. "FUCK! GODAMMIT! YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU DO YOU FUCKING HEAR ME! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Now. Shall we be off? We are going to spend...so much time...together." Silas said.