Chapter XI Part III_Stranded in a Magical World with my Lightsaber

The night air is cool as Talia, Nikko, and Apollo make their way into the village of Lindórinan. The city is serene, with quaint, ivy-covered cottages nestled among towering ancient trees. The cobblestone paths are illuminated by soft, glowing lanterns, casting a warm and inviting light. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of a babbling brook. Talia let's out a sigh of relief seeing the city's inhabitants behave friendly towards them.

Apollo, carrying the unconscious Ryu on its back, leads the way through the village, its mechanical movements contrasting with the natural beauty around them. DP-7 stays hidden with the speeder bike outside the city, ensuring their transportation remains secure.

They arrive at a charming stone house with a thatched roof, the home of Elandor. Talia, her heart pounding with urgency, knocks on the wooden door. Growing impatient, she knocks harder and continuously until the door finally creaks open.

Elandor stands before them, his silver hair tousled from sleep and his piercing blue eyes squinting in the dim light. He is dressed in simple sleepwear, looking both weary and curious. "What brings you here at this hour?" he asks, his voice a mix of concern and irritation. His pointed ears and elegant features mark his Elven heritage.

Talia steps forward, her voice trembling with desperation. "Please, we need your help. Ryu... something's happened to him."

Elandor's eyes widen as he notices Apollo carrying Ryu's limp form. "Bring him inside," he says, his tone shifting to one of urgency.

They enter Elandor's home, a cozy yet spacious interior filled with bookshelves, mystical artifacts, and the faint glow of enchanted crystals. The air is thick with the scent of herbs and incense. Apollo gently lays Ryu down on a plush, well-worn couch. The room is warm, with a fire crackling in the hearth and soft rugs underfoot.

Elandor kneels beside Ryu, placing a hand on his forehead and closing his eyes. A soft, golden light emanates from his hand as he delves into Ryu's mind. Moments later, he opens his eyes, his expression grave. "Something dark and malevolent has latched onto him, lingering deep in his subconscious," Elandor says, his voice tinged with worry.

Talia's heart sinks. "It must be the Shadowfell," she whispers. "We encountered one, and since then, Ryu hasn't been himself."

Elandor nods solemnly. "It's feeding on his life force and using his guilt to manipulate him. He doesn't have much time."

Nikko's eyes fill with tears, and she clings to Talia, her small body trembling with fear. Talia feels a surge of hopelessness wash over her. "Is there anything you can do to help him?" she pleads.

Elandor shakes his head, his expression filled with regret. "This is beyond my abilities," he admits. "But there is someone who might be able to help."

Talia and Nikko's eyes light up with a glimmer of hope. "Who?" Talia asks urgently.

"The High Priestess of Lytharia," Elandor replies, rising to his feet. He quickly dons an overcoat and gestures for them to follow him. "She has the power to cleanse such darkness. We must hurry."

Without hesitation, they follow Elandor out into the night, the urgency of their mission driving them forward. The city of Lindórinan remains peaceful and undisturbed, unaware of the dire struggle unfolding within its borders.

Elandor leads them through the winding streets of Lindórinan, their destination looming ahead. The temple of Lytharia, the goddess of the moon, stands as a massive structure, its spires reaching toward the night sky. Moonlight bathes the temple in a soft, ethereal glow, making the white stone shimmer. As they approach, the intricately carved doors of the temple creak open, revealing an interior that is both grand and serene.

The main hall of the temple is vast, with marble floors that reflect the light of numerous candles and silver chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting the phases of the moon and the legends of Lytharia. At the end of the hall stands a magnificent golden statue of Lytharia herself, depicted with her arms outstretched, welcoming all who seek her guidance. Her eyes seem to sparkle with a divine light, and her flowing robes appear almost lifelike in their detail.

A group of priests, dressed in silver and white robes, approach them. Their expressions are calm but curious. One of them steps forward and asks, "What brings you to the temple of Lytharia at this late hour?"

Elandor bows slightly and explains, "We seek the help of the High Priestess. My friend here is in grave danger, and only her divine intervention can save him."

The priests exchange glances, concern flickering in their eyes. "Please wait here," one of them says, before they disappear through a door to the side of the hall.

Talia paces anxiously, her eyes frequently darting to the unconscious Ryu still carried by Apollo. Nikko stands close to Talia, her eyes wide with worry as she watches her father, his breathing shallow and ragged.

After what feels like an eternity, the door opens, and the High Priestess steps out. She is a tall, graceful figure with long, raven colored hair that cascades down her back. Her eyes are a striking shade of violet, and she wears a flowing gown of white and silver, adorned with intricate patterns that seem to shimmer in the light. Her presence is both calming and commanding.

"Welcome," she says in a soft but firm voice. "I am Llamiryl Cainala, High Priestess of Lytharia. How may I assist you?"

Talia steps forward, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please, High Priestess, help our friend. His mind has been afflicted by something dark and powerful. A Shadowfell."

Llamiryl smiles gently and gestures for them to follow. "Come with me," she says, leading them to the base of the golden statue of Lytharia. "Lay him here," she instructs Apollo, indicating the feet of the statue.

Apollo carefully places Ryu on the ground. Llamiryl kneels beside him, her hand gently resting on his forehead. She closes her eyes and begins to murmur in Elvish, her voice a melodic chant. The air around them hums with a faint, mystical energy.

Talia watches anxiously, her heart pounding. "What are you doing?" she asks.

Llamiryl opens her eyes, looking deeply into Talia's. "To rid him of the Shadowfell's influence, we must enter his mind and confront the darkness there."

Talia's eyes widen. "How is that possible?"

"With the help of the goddess Lytharia," Llamiryl explains. "We will need to link hands, forming a circle of trust and unity. Talia, you will hold my hand, and everyone else must link hands."

Talia, Nikko, and Apollo quickly form a circle, linking hands. Llamiryl takes Talia's hand and places her other hand on Ryu's forehead. She begins to chant in Elvish once more, her voice rising and falling like a gentle wave.

Suddenly, Ryu jolts awake, his hand shooting up to grab Llamiryl's wrist. The motion startles everyone, and Llamiryl pulls back slightly, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Please," Ryu begs, his voice hoarse. "Don't... do this. I don't... want you... to see."

Talia steps forward, her voice firm. "If we don't, you'll die, Ryu. We have to do this."

Ryu shakes his head, his eyes filled with desperation. "Leave... me. It's better... this way."

"No," Talia says firmly. "You didn't leave me to the undead dragon, and you didn't leave Nikko to the bandits. We're not leaving you either."

Nikko clings to Talia, nodding vigorously. "We won't leave you, Papa."

Apollo stands resolute. "We are with you, Ryu."

Ryu's eyes flutter, and he falls unconscious once more. Llamiryl, regaining her composure, asks, "Is everyone ready?"

Talia takes a deep breath, feeling Nikko's small hand squeeze hers reassuringly. "We will save Papa, right?" Nikko asks, her voice trembling.

Talia nods, looking at Llamiryl. "Yes, we're ready."

Llamiryl places her hand on Ryu's forehead again and resumes her incantation. The light from her hand grows brighter and brighter, filling the room with a radiant glow. The light becomes so intense that it blinds Talia, and she feels herself being pulled into another realm.

At one point, we find ourselves in a village where the people refuse to speak to us. They watch us with blank, unblinking eyes, their silence unnerving.

"I don't like this place," Nikko whispers, clutching my hand.

"Stay close, Nikko," I tell her, my senses on high alert.

We complete the mission, driving away a group of feral boars, but the villagers' silence remains. It's as if they are being watched, controlled by something beyond our understanding.

As we finish another mission, a woman approaches us, her eyes wide with fear. "I heard whispers last night," she says, her voice trembling. "They told me to hurt my neighbor."

"Did you?" Talia asks gently.

The woman shakes her head, tears streaming down her face. "No, but it was so hard to resist."

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We offer her reassurance, but the sense of unease grows. Something sinister is spreading faster than we anticipated.

Finally, we reach a village where the villagers seem almost lifeless. They move mechanically, their eyes void of emotion. We complete the mission, dealing with a pack of rabid foxes, and return to find the villagers staring blankly into space.

"This isn't normal," Apollo says, breaking its silence. "There's a malevolent force at work here."

"We need to find a way to counteract it," Talia adds, her voice determined.

As we gather back at the speeder bike, I feel a sense of accomplishment tempered by the growing darkness. The map shows we've covered significant ground, but the red dots are still numerous.

"We'll need to keep going," I say, my resolve firm. "We can't let this darkness win."

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We set up camp in a quiet meadow under a blanket of stars. The villagers' coldness forced us to find shelter outdoors, and the air is thick with tension. The fire crackles, casting dancing shadows on our faces as we sit in a circle. Nikko listens intently as we discuss the strange occurrences we've been witnessing.

"I've never seen people act so strangely," Talia says, her brows furrowed. "It's like they're not themselves anymore."

Apollo, standing vigilantly by the fire, nods. "Their behavior is inconsistent with typical human responses to distress. It's as if something or someone is manipulating them."

"I can't help but think about the Shadowfell we encountered," I say, glancing around the group. "Its presence... it felt malevolent. Could it be spreading its influence?"

"Do you think it's behind all this?" Talia asks, her voice steady but laced with worry.

"I think it's very likely," I reply. "Once we finish these remaining missions, we need to head to the capital and request an audience with the king. He needs to know what's happening."

The fire dims as we settle into our tents for the night. I drift into a restless sleep, only to find myself enveloped in darkness. A sinister voice begins whispering to me, its tone dripping with malice.

"They doubt you, Ryu. They will betray you, just as Eldrin and his companions have. It is only a matter of time."

"No," I argue, trying to push the voice away. "They trust me."

The voice chuckles darkly. "Trust? They see you as a threat. You are not worthy of their trust or love. You failed before; you will fail again."

Images of Lyra's death flash before me, and I feel a wave of guilt crash over me. "I won't let it happen again," I whisper, my resolve wavering.

"Oh, but it will Ryu. You cannot run from your destined fate."

I jolt awake, my heart pounding. I find myself over Talia, my vibro blade pressed against her neck. She is still asleep, unaware of the danger. Nikko lies beside her, deep in sleep. Horrified, I drop the blade and stumble out of the tent, my breathing frantic.

"What's happening to me?" I mutter, tears streaming down my face. I collapse to my knees, my body shaking.

Talia stirs and wakes up, hearing my distress. She rushes out of the tent and kneels beside me. "Ryu, what's wrong? What happened?"

"I... I almost... I almost killed you," I choke out, my voice trembling. "I need to leave. You and Nikko aren't safe with me."

Talia places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It wasn't you, Ryu. Something was influencing you."

I shake off her touch, the fear gripping my heart. "That's exactly why I need to go. I can't control it."

Nikko wakes up, her eyes wide with fear. "Papa, you promised you'd never leave me. Why do you want to go?"

Suddenly, the dark voice returns, louder and more insistent. "Kill them. Kill them all!"

"No!" I yell, trying to fight off the voice. "Get out of my head!"

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Talia watches as he clutches his head, yelling at the unseen force. She steps forward cautiously. "Ryu, it's me, Talia. Please, calm down."

Ryu suddenly looks up, his motion unnatural. He ignites his lightsaber and raises his hand, using an invisible force to lift Talia off the ground. She gasps, struggling to breathe as the force chokes her.

Nikko screams, "Papa, stop! Please!"

Talia feels herself being pulled toward Ryu, the air growing thinner. Just as she starts to lose consciousness, a blue circle of energy hits Ryu from the side, breaking his concentration. He collapses to the ground, the lightsaber deactivating.

Talia falls to the ground, gasping for air. She looks up to see Apollo retracting its blaster back into its wrist. "Thank you, Apollo," she manages to say, her voice weak.

The droid nods as it steps forward and kneels before Ryu, checking on him.

"Is... is he-" Talia stutters but the droid shakes its head.

"I merely stunned him. He will be unconscious for several hours but otherwise he is unharmed."

Nikko rushes to Talia's side, tears streaming down her face. "What's wrong with Papa?"

Talia hugs her tightly, her mind racing. "I don't know, Nikko, but we'll figure it out. It has to be connected to the Shadowfell."

Talia nods, trying to think of a solution. "What can we do for him, Apollo?"

Apollo considers for a moment. "There is a mage in the Elven village of Lindórinan who has helped with nightmares before. Perhaps he can help Ryu again."

"Then that's where we'll go," Talia says, determination in her voice. She looks down at Nikko, who is still clinging to her. "We'll get help for him, I promise."

Nikko nods, still crying but holding on to hope. They quickly pack up the camp, with Apollo driving the speeder and Ryu lying unconscious in the wagon. Talia holds one of Ryu's hands, and Nikko holds the other, their minds filled with worry and determination.