Brekan and Vikona emerged from the ventilation shaft on the side of a mountain in a valley surrounded by towering peaks. The night sky blanketed the world, with stars shimmering above and a cool breeze rustling through the valley. Brekan gazed down the valley, which offered a distant view of Iskanda.
For a brief moment, Brekan stood in awe of the breathtaking sight of his beloved city. The tranquil vista stretched before him, bathed in the moonlight. It was the same city he had called home, filled with memories and happiness. But the innocent beauty of the city contrasted sharply with the harrowing revelations he had discovered beneath its surface.
Vikona transformed back into her human form and approached Brekan. She spoke with a sense of urgency, "We shouldn't rest here for too long. Our next destination is the headquarters of the Inquisition."
With that, she transformed once again, taking the shape of a raven, her black wings spreading wide. Vikona circled above Brekan, her feathers glinting in the moonlight.
As Brekan watched Vikona soar through the night sky, an inner struggle raged within him. Part of him longed to return to his familiar life, to lie in his bed, and to forget about the horrors he had witnessed. He fantasized about leaving his job and marrying Sari, embracing a simple, peaceful existence.
But reality quickly intruded on his daydream. Brekan knew that such an option was no longer viable. The darkness that had infiltrated the heart of the Sun Kingdom could not be ignored. With a deep breath, he unfurled his own wings, forged from his orange energy, and soared into the night sky, following Vikona's lead as they descended toward the capital.
Brekan and Vikona touched down in an old, dilapidated part of the city. They landed in the backyard of rundown houses, the distant barking of dogs echoing through the quiet night. Brekan recognized this area as Golgan, a district on the city's outskirts. It had few inhabitants and remained far from the important sections of Iskanda, perpetually cast in the shadow of the surrounding mountains, which blocked the sunlight.
Brekan let his orange Witch Power recede, and Vikona also assumed her human form, this time appearing as her younger self, devoid of the characteristic horns behind her ears.
With a solemn and intense look in her eyes, Vikona turned to Brekan and posed a crucial question, "Before we proceed, are you ready to finally embrace the truth-the truth I've been trying to convey to you all along?"
Brekan met her gaze and admitted, "You were right."
Vikona continued, pressing further, "Are you prepared to fully commit to our plan, to confront the Inquisition next?"
Brekan hesitated, his mind flooded with memories of his apprenticeship as an Inquisitor, his deep bond with Hanu, his godfather. He told himself that he couldn't bring harm to Hanu, not under any circumstance. Then, he spoke to Vikona, his voice resolute, "I'll join you in this, but only because the Sun King and his forces must be stopped. I won't harm innocents."
Vikona nodded, her expression revealing satisfaction with his response. She said, "Then let's proceed."
Brekan and Vikona continued their journey through the city, guided by the ambient light of the crystal lamps and the resonating sounds of the bustling nightlife. Brekan was aware that the path to the headquarters was lengthy, and it would be a while before they reached their destination.
On a particularly busy street, Brekan approached a waiting carriage. Although he was no longer wearing his Inquisitor attire, he still possessed his Inquisitor pass. He presented it to the carriage operator, securing a free ride for himself and Vikona to their intended location.
As they traveled through the city, Brekan gazed out the window, watching his beloved Iskanda and its innocent inhabitants. Vikona sat silently beside him.
When they arrived at a corner near the headquarters, the two disembarked from the carriage and waited until it had departed.
Vikona said: “Give me a moment, I am going to inform the cultists in waiting for the impending attack.”
Brekan stood alone on the corner for a moment, contemplating the idea of leaving, thinking that Vikona might not be able to locate him in the vast city with its millions of inhabitants.
However, before he could act on his urge to depart, Vikona returned to his side and suggested that they wait a little longer.
Brekan observed the surroundings as more people gathered before the building. Yet, these individuals were not just any bystanders. He noticed that the cultists were discreetly attempting to blend into the crowd, each finding their own way to camouflage their true intentions. Some pretended to be ordinary onlookers, while others hauled carts at a slow pace across the pavement. A few cultists sat inside their Augo, their presence blending seamlessly with the city's traffic.
The streets before the headquarters gradually filled with the cultists, all adopting a facade of normalcy. Brekan felt a rush of regret welling up within him as he watched them. Then, with a single raised hand from Vikona, the facade dissolved, and the cultists pulled out their swords and daggers, letting out fierce battle cries as they stormed the headquarters.
Brekan watched as they broke through the entrance doors, and for a brief moment, his thoughts drifted to the Inquisitors who might have been on night duty. However, he quickly pushed that thought away, unwilling to confront the grim implications.
After a few tense moments, Vikona guided Brekan into the headquarters.
Brekan and Vikona ventured into the headquarters, bypassing the reception area. A grim scene awaited them there. Beside the reception desk lay the lifeless body of an Inquisitor, her presence accompanied by two slain cultists. Brekan intentionally avoided closer inspection, unwilling to discover the identity of the fallen Inquisitor.
As they proceeded, a sudden, aggressive figure lunged out from a side room, launching an attack on Brekan. Panic surged within him, and he attempted to call forth his Witch Power. However, to his shock and dismay, it remained dormant. Just as the Inquisitor's blade was about to strike, a black flame erupted instantly reducing the assailant to ash right before Brekan's eyes. Vikona’s index finger was the source of the deadly fire.
Vikona, her voice underlined with impatience, asked, "What's the problem? Use your Power and eliminate them."
Brekan made another futile attempt to summon his power, but it stubbornly refused to respond. Vikona sighed and said: “Then just use your sword. It should be enough against Inquisitors.
Brekan drew his Inquisitor sword, feeling a bitter irony in the fact that the weapon of the Inquisition was now being wielded against its members, by an ex-Inquisitor no less.
After waiting for Brekan to draw his weapon, she asked: “Where is the Head Inquisitor located?”
Brekan answered: “We need to get to the highest floor.” He thought about the last time he encountered the Head Inquisitor. It was when the Agent of the White Sun appeared to talk about the Witch Storm.
They entered the elevator and, for a moment, fell into silence. Then Vikona asked: “What’s the problem with your power?”
Brekan simply stated: “I don’t know.”
Vikona asked further: “Is it because we are fighting your former colleagues?”
“No,” Brekan answered. “I just don’t know.” Brekan was confused himself. He knew how to use it but not about its inner workings. He could control his energy, but sometimes he couldn’t. And it appeared to be random.
Upon arriving at the highest floor, they stepped out of the elevator. Vikona promptly incinerated the Inquisitors who had been waiting behind the doors. Brekan felt a pang of pity but was also reminded of the atrocities committed by the Sun Kingdom, a grim justification for his actions.
Brekan and Vikona proceeded along the hallway, headed for the office of the Head Inquisitor, Kharun. Brekan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that his godfather, Hanu, was not present on this particular day.
As they reached the door to the office, they shared a meaningful look and nodded at each other before entering.
To Brekan's astonishment and shock, both the Head Inquisitor and Hanu were inside the room.
For a long moment there was silence before Vikona said: “I am going to deal with the Head Inquisitor.”
Hanu, on the other hand, couldn't conceal his surprise and disbelief at the sight of Brekan.
Hanu asked with doubts written on his face: “Is it really you, Brekan? I thought you were dead?”
Brekan’s throat tightened but he said: “I survived.” He could clearly see Hanu’s anger rise as he spoke those words.
Hanu yelled: “So Joven’s report was true? You became a traitor and joined the cultists?”
Brekan raised his own voice: “It’s not true. You are misunderstanding.”
Hanu’s rage intensified as he screamed: “You are literally storming the Inquisition headquarters with an army of cultists and a witch by your side!”
Without warning, Hanu launched an attack on Brekan, sparking a fierce sword fight. Brekan was taken aback by how much easier it was for him to dodge Hanu's strikes, despite Hanu's historical superiority in swordplay.
While their blades clashed, Brekan attempted to reason with Hanu: “Are you really willing to kill your own adoptive child?” This only fueled Hanu's anger further.
Brekan realized that Hanu's unwavering zeal was blinding him to Brekan's attacks. “If you don’t cease, I am forced to kill you.” He blocked another strong swing from Hanu. “And I really don’t want to do that, Hanu.”
But Hanu didn’t listen. It was then that Brekan fully realized that blind submission and zeal was the doom that gnawed at the Sun Kingdom’s heart. As he came to this comprehension, his Witch Power reawakened.
Though he chose not to employ it. Instead, he drove his sword through the Inquisitor’s chest.
Tears welled in Brekan's eyes as he watched Hanu slide down the blade. He had hoped for a glimmer of understanding or reason in his former mentor's eyes, but there was only hatred and fanaticism, even in the final moments.
Brekan remained there, staring at the lifeless form of his godfather until Vikona came to his side and took his hand. Brekan's gaze shifted to the other end of the office, where a pile of smoking ash marked the spot where the Head Inquisitor had stood.
Vikona said: “We need to leave before the Agent’s arrive.
Brekan blinked away his tears and said, "The landing spot on the roof."
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Brekan and Vikona exited out to the rooftop, greeted by a cold, biting wind. The city sprawled beneath them, its crystalline glow painting the night with a shimmering tapestry of light.
Vikona said with urgency: “We need to go. Templar will arrive soon.”
As they prepared to leave, the door behind them creaked open, and Joven stepped out, wearing his Agent attire, with two Templar flanking him. The sight of his once best friend, the person who had tried to kill him, filled Brekan with anger.
Joven said, "I thought you were dead."
Brekan said, "You tried to kill me.”
Joven, with a serious look on his face, waved his hand and said: “I told you not to do it, but you had to, betraying not only the Codex but also the people of the Kingdom itself."
Vikona whispered: “We really need to leave.”
But before they could escape, an invisible grip seized Brekan's mind, paralyzing his body.
Joven declared, "You're not going anywhere. I don't know how you survived, but I'm going to kill you again."
Brekan drew his sword and said: “You know, don’t you? You know and are even a part of what the Sun King and the Agency is doing down there. Not only was it the Agents who started the Witch Storms, but you also abducted and experimented on innocent people.”
Joven crossed the arms over his chest, staring into Brekans eyes with cold calculation. “You know the Codex. The life of the many over the life of the few. The price for our realms security, prosperity and advancements has to be paid with something.”
Brekan, filled with cold wrath, rejected this justification: “That’s just wrong.”
Joven said: “You had to become egotistical. Thinking your life, or that of Sari would be more important than everyone else's.”
Brekan was overcome with cold wrath and said: “Keep Sari out of this. This is between me and you.”
Joven laughed and said: “Did you know that you weren’t the only one trying to uncover old secrets? Sari herself was also snooping around and betraying the Muse Temple.”
Brekan, concerned for Sari's safety, pointed his sword at Joven and asked, "What have you done to her?"
Joven taunted Brekan: “Nothing. Yet.”
Vikona said again, this time with even more urgency: “We really need to leave. Now.”
Brekan simply said: “He won’t let me leave without a fight.” Brekan activated his Witch Power, using it within his mind instead of around his physical body, to break free from Joven's invisible grip.
Joven, surprised, asked: “Where did you get this Hero Power?”
Brekan said to Vikona: “You handle the Templar. I will focus on Joven.”
Brekan sensed Vikona's disapproval of his choice to engage Joven in combat instead of retreating. As they prepared to face off, both Vikona and the Templar accompanying Joven made way for the impending duel.
Joven attempted to seize Brekan's mind again, but the barrier of energy Brekan had erected in his head proved impenetrable. Brekan confidently asserted, "This is not going to work again."
Drawing his bone-like white sword, Joven reminisced, "I have always won our duels." Brekan countered with an unwavering, cold confidence, "Until now." Their blades clashed, and Brekan remained laser-focused, ensuring no doubts or distractions could infiltrate his mind.
Joven's strikes were as brutal, fast, and powerful as Brekan remembered from their past sparring sessions. In a moment of opportunity, Brekan launched an energy ball at Joven, who deflected it with his sword. Joven chastised Brekan, saying, "How honorless."
Brekan and Joven's attention diverted momentarily to the fierce battle between Vikona and the two other Templars. One Templar was encased in a block of black ice, with only an arm protruding. The other lay helpless on the ground, suffering the onslaught of a formidable black wolf that tore away one of its limbs with loud growling.
However, the rumbling below them in the city drew their attention. The building quivered, while nearby houses and streets resounded with loud crumblings. Brekan moved closer to the building's edge to see what was causing the chaos but kept a vigilant eye on Joven to prevent an ambush.
Down below, Brekan witnessed the emergence of a grotesque, phallic-shaped beast the size of one of the bigger skyscrapers, rising from the underground beneath the city. Its bright pink flesh was adorned with dark green orbs, some of which floated around its form. The creature levitated, with two long arms dangling from its sides. A deformed face protruded from the top front of the beast, while below the head, its body had been slit open, revealing an inner giant humanoid flesh body as green as the orbs.
Brekan's revulsion was evident as he asked Joven, "What in the Sun King's name is that?"
Joven replied, "Looks like an abomination created by the Witches to terrorize the people of Iskanda."
Vikona vehemently refuted this, declaring, "We didn't create such a thing."
Joven, with a malicious grin, responded, "True, but the people will think you did."
Brekan's anger flared as he pointed his weapon at Joven, telling him, "You disgust me, and everything you stand for."
Joven remained nonchalant, assuring Brekan, "Don't worry. We will let it rampage only for a little bit, before I am going to dispatch of it." Brekan launched another attack, but Joven evaded with ease. Suddenly, the night sky was filled with dozens of glaring headlights, blinding Brekan momentarily. Drones hovered around the tower, and more approached, carrying an object suspended by ropes. It was being transported to the top of the building.
With a wry smile, Joven sheathed his sword and took a step back, declaring, "I guess it's time to end this. Rest in peace, Brekan." Some of the drones directed their light onto the object, revealing a colossal Templar armor. It was of the sleek, modern design Brekan had seen underground, just much larger but still smaller than the rampaging creature below.
Vikona's voice cut through the tension, warning, "This is getting problematic. We leave. Now." Brekan could only watch as the Templar was released, plummeting onto the roof of the Inquisition building right behind Joven. It crashed through the roof, sinking at least one floor into the structure. Joven calmly approached the fallen Templar.
As Vikona urged Brekan to leave, he heeded her advice and summoned his energy to form wings. However, as he did so, he felt the invisible grip of Joven's power restraining him. Vikona intervened, sending a black flame towards the Agent. The interruption disrupted Joven's concentration long enough for Vikona to pull Brekan back over the building's edge. They descended in a controlled fall, and Brekan caught himself at a safe distance.
From his vantage point, Brekan observed the monstrous creature wreaking havoc in the streets. Its green orbs crashed like cannonballs, and it emitted a haunting, otherworldly screech-a bizarre blend of human and something altogether alien.
Amid the chaos, the colossal Templar began to stir. It slowly moved, drawing its massive sword. With a decisive step to the edge of the roof, it leaped off, hurtling straight toward the raging beast below.
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Brekan and Vikona stood on a neighboring rooftop, watching the fierce battle unfold between the monstrous creature and Joven. The creature relentlessly attacked Joven, bombarding him with its green orbs from all directions and using its tentacles to lash out and ensnare him.
Brekan couldn't hide his concern and remarked, "I don't think Joven is winning." He couldn't help but be horrified by the destruction wreaked by both combatants, and he insisted, "We need to stop them, both of them. They are killing innocent people."
Vikona held him back, her voice carrying an air of indifference. She countered, "Let them be. This is what Joven wanted. If he underestimated the monster, then it's his problem."
Brekan's resolve didn't waver as he pleaded, "If we can end this faster, fewer people will die."
Vikona, however, had a different perspective. She urged Brekan to focus on eliminating Joven, asserting, "Getting rid of him would make our plan to kill the Sun King so much easier." Brekan was taken aback, asking, "Do you not care about the innocent people?"
Vikona's response had a sinister edge to it, as she revealed, "You've seen my greatest desire in the labyrinth, haven't you? Sacrifices must be made if we want to defeat the Sun King."
Brekan had a moment of realization. Vikona, much like Joven, was willing to make sacrifices, but their approaches diverged. While Joven was prepared to sacrifice a few for the sake of the many, Vikona was willing to sacrifice the many for the sake of a select few.
Determined to take action, Brekan readied himself to join the battle. He asked Vikona, "Are you with me or not?" Without waiting for an answer, he took flight.
Brekan's energy-infused projectiles struck the monstrous beast with precision, creating visible rifts in its fleshy exterior. As the creature howled in agony, it started to regenerate and heal its wounds. Brekan couldn't help but wonder about the horrors hidden in the depths below the Sun Kingdom, given the grotesque nature of this abomination.
Brekan looked over, seeing Joven managing to break free from the monster's grip using his sword to slash through the tentacles. His voice, altered by the metallic suit, expressed nothing but disdain for Brekan: “I don’t need your help. You are not forgiven.”
The world around Brekan shook, as the creature unleashed an ear-splitting scream, causing nearby buildings to crumble and sending both Brekan and Joven tumbling. Brekan's energy shield protected him as he crashed into the side of a house, allowing him to crawl out of the wreckage unharmed.
Emerging from the ruins, Brekan saw the green orbs dropping to the ground. There they started to mutate grotesque leg-like appendages.
They skittered menacingly toward him and Joven. Brekan swiftly swung his energy sword, attempting to cut down the abhorrent creatures, but their ability to regenerate thwarted his efforts. But he was not out of options. He unleashed energy balls, causing explosive deaths among the orbs. However, Brekan needed to be careful. Just like in the Witch Trials, shooting his energy away would leave him vulnerable or powerless at one point.
In response, Brekan took to the skies, trying to evade the relentless orb creatures. To his dismay, the orbs sprouted wings and pursued him through the air. Brekan made daring maneuvers to avoid his enemies.
Back flames blazed past him, incinerating the orb creatures in their path. Brekan turned to see Vikona, her dark wings outstretched, wielding her black fire with deadly precision.
With a disappointed gaze she said: “I should have left you.” Another flame shot from her hands, killing the rest of the flying monsters. “My Black Fire will be able to kill it.”
Joven nodded relieved and looked at the Templar. Joven, ensnared by the colossal creature, struggled as smaller orbs swarmed over his mechanized Templar armor. They laid down on the plates and their body melted into acid, slowly eroding the integrity of the suit.
Brekan knew he needed to intervene. With his energy shots he attacked and swatted the orb creatures from Joven's armor, determined to free his former friend.
Green orbs suddenly shot from the monster towards Brekan. He was careless for a moment, watching Joven free himself, as he got hit. He crashed into another building, this time the upper floors crashing down on him. Before he could be crushed he created a small roof above him directing most of the debris to his sides. Brekan realized that this monster was strong. And it would take all three of them to kill it. Orbs shot again against Brekan but he formed a big club in his hands and batted them back. They thrusted deep into the monster.
The monster's voice started to swell up again, planning to create another sound wave but this time it was interrupted. Joven rammed his giant sword straight through it. And just one moment later black fire from Vikona’s hands cascaded down on it.
Brekan stood there silently, watching as the creature slowly melted away, its screams becoming gurgles. Brekan looked at both Joven and Vikona and he realized that he didn’t couldn’t have done anything to kill it.
Brekan saw Joven jerk his arm with the laser at Vikona. Without hesitation, he shot. As if she had foreseen it she dodged and flew backwards.
Joven shouted, his voice thundering across the district: “You are next. And then we will put you back down there.”
With terror, Brekan saw how Vikona transformed, but not into an animal but the creature that was born from the dying witch's body at the foot of the Witch Queen’s palace. A shadow being, as big as Joven as Templar, with glowing, hateful eyes.
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Joven shot again with Vikona creating a hole in her body to let the light beam through. She moved her hands and the ground below Joven turned dark. Black rock shot up and grabbed the Templar's legs. Joven simply broke free and started swinging his sword at her. She ascended and rained fire back down at him, destroying even more buildings in the process. But the armor protected Joven.
Brekan could do nothing but watch, as they rampaged and fought throughout the district. Buildings crumbled, people screamed and tried to flee before being trampled by Joven or burned to ash by Vikona.
Brekan had to stop them. He had to protect the innocent people. Ascending into the air he flew between them and shouted: “STOP! You are killing innocent people!” He created a shield to stop the raining fire and a big hand to catch the swinging sword of Joven. Both attacks damaged his energy and threw him down to the ground. When he looked up he saw both of them staring down at him.
Joven said with a serious and calm voice: “Join me Brekan. Together we can kill the Witch Queen, and everything can go back to normal.”
Vikona said with a hate-filled voice: “Let’s just kill him and go destroy this Kingdom once and for all.”
As Brekan looked at both of them, he realized something. Both of them wanted him to submit. Submit to their idea of the Sun Kingdom. To their way of thinking. To their ideals. And that was not the only thing that was clear right now. He was just a pawn in a game far greater than him. Playing a game willfully ignored for so long.
“No,” he said calmly and collected. “I’m not going to follow either of you anymore.”
Vikona screeched, her form flickering in anger: “All of this for nothing? You are just gonna waste it?”
Joven laughed. “A betrayer’s stain endures.”
Both of them attacked Brekan at the same time. He was so surprised that he had to conjure all his power to protect himself from the consuming flames and burning laser. From what was left of his power he created the Quiven and pulled himself up. He saw the blade of Joven swinging down on him when a black rock needle shot out the ground and punched his Templar chin.
Brekan didn’t wait any longer and blitzed away on his mount, looking over his shoulder to see the two forces battle against each other.
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Brekan rode his Quiven energy mount through the darkened streets, the night air heavy with the scent of fear and chaos. The district had become a battleground, and he couldn't bear the thought of inadvertently harming fleeing civilians. In a display of agility, he leaped with his mount onto the rooftops of smaller houses. From there, he had a clear view of the ongoing battle behind him.
The colossal Joven Templar was locked in a fierce confrontation with Vikona, her dark mist forming a stark contrast to the mechanical might of the Templar. Their fight wreaked havoc in the surrounding area, demolishing buildings and sending shockwaves through the district. Joven’s laser beams illuminated the night and Vikona’s dark fire consumed everything she touched. Around them swirled countless Templar drones like fireflies, shining their light onto the battle.
Brekan couldn't help but second-guess himself for a moment. Fleeing felt like an act of cowardice, but he quickly realized that this wasn't his war. Even if he possessed the strength to face them head-on, it would not change the inevitable outcome of this colossal conflict.
In the grand scheme of things, he was but a small piece in a much larger puzzle, a puzzle that didn't seem to care about the well-being of its individual parts.
As his realization settled in, Brekan made a firm decision. He summoned his energy wings and took flight, ascending into the night sky. His first destination was his grave. He needed to see them to reassure himself. After that, he wanted to find Sari, to ensure her safety.
Brekan soared through the night sky, the city of Iskanda below becoming more peaceful, as he glided above the Valley of Fallen Heroes. His eyes gazed upon the colossal bones of the mighty Hemah, now a grim reminder of a history marred by conflict and bloodshed. The thought of history repeating itself, with Vikona wielding the power of the Phoenix to wage war on the city, filled him with a sense of dread. However, a conflicted thought nagged at the corners of his mind: Didn’t the Sun King and his kingdom truly deserve the destruction that might come his way? Brekan scolded himself for even entertaining such a notion, but he had to admit that at this point, his only genuine concern was for one person - Sari. She was the one he longed to protect, the one for whom he even went into the Witch Realm and betrayed the Codex for.
As he descended into the Valley of Fallen Heroes, he landed beside the resting place of his parents. The moonlight cast a serene glow over the gravestones, and for a moment, he stood in silence, contemplating the path he had taken and the decisions he had made. His refusal to marry Sari, his betrayal to tie Inquisition, his choice to go with Vikona’s plan. The weight of all of them bore down on him, and he couldn't help but question if he had truly made the right ones.
Brekan looked at the grave and whispered: “What would you have done?” Of course, no answer. “You were also victims of the same made up war. Sacrificed for the greater good.” He closed his eyes and listened to the whispering wind flowing through the valleys. With clenched fists Brekan said: “I can’t just leave the people to their grim fate.”
Finally, Brekan decided that he needed to find Sari. He couldn't continue down this path without her by his side. Rising from his parents' graves, he gave it a long last glance. His resolve was unwavering, his mind set on seeking Sari.
However, his moment of solitude was abruptly shattered when Vikona touched down nearby, her wings rustling. Brekan's muscles tensed as he instinctively prepared to defend himself, his energy-infused sword materializing in his hand and a protective cocoon forming around his body.
Vikona's eyes bore into his, her expression a mix of anger and curiosity. “Why did you betray me and leave me alone against the Templar?”
Brekan met her gaze, his voice steady but filled with sincerity. "I don't want to destroy the Sun Kingdom. I want to save it, and I want to be with Sari."
A hint of disbelief crossed Vikona's face as she replied, "Is that so?"
In an instant, she cast her black flames at him, launching a fierce attack that forced Brekan to block with an energy shield and defend himself. He had to put in a lot of energy to replace the layers the flames peeled off. The attack ended.
Vikona, in a spiteful tone, said: “And now you are crawling back to lick the Sun Kings boots!” She launched another wave of black fire.
Brekan, seeking refuge behind the statue of Avelia, held out his hand in a plea for a ceasefire. He didn't want to fight Vikona, not after all they had been through. "I don't want to kill you," he said. "I've seen the good in you. You don't have to destroy the Sun Kingdom. You could come with us, start anew. Maybe even become best friends with Sari."
Vikona's response was chilling, her voice like ice. "I will never forgive the Sun King for what he has done. And if you're not going to help me, Brekan, I see you as a threat to overcome."
Brekan stood his ground, unwavering. "I won't support the destruction of the Kingdom."
Vikona's tone shifted, and her words bore a sinister edge. " Then I’m going to ask Sari if she wants to help me."
Brekan's heart sank as the true meaning of her words became clear. She intended to use Sari as leverage, to manipulate him into supporting her cause through the one person he held dearest.
Brekan asked with concern, lacing his voice: “Are you really that ruthless? Do you really not care for anyone? Do you not even care for me?”
Vikona fell silent for a moment. Then she said: “You were nothing but a tool. From the moment I met you, I saw the power within you and a weapon to destroy my enemies. Combined we would have been powerful enough, not even needing the phoenix to kill the Sun King.”
A strong wind rushed through the canyon and then there was silence. Brekan braced himself for an attack, but it never came. Carefully he peered around the statue, but Vikona was nowhere to be seen. A cold shiver ran down his spine. “Sari.”
Brekan shot up into the sky, his wings flapping desperately. He looked back at the city, to the place where the Muse temple was shrouded by the night.
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Brekan's heart raced as he approached the majestic Muse Temple of Iskanda, its grandeur now marred by the chaos and destruction that Vikona had wrought. The temple, a symbol of inspiration and beauty, stood as a testament to civilization, and yet it was under a dark shadow. Black fire rained down upon it, and massive obsidian stones crashed through the structure.
He couldn't help but fear for Sari. He hoped beyond hope that she was safe, that she had managed to escape the impending devastation. Every fiber of his being longed to see her again, to hold her and tell her how much he cared. The thought of losing her was unbearable.
Brekan, fueled by desperation, didn't hesitate. He summoned his energy and shot a massive ball toward Vikona, who dodged the attack with eerie grace.
She taunted him, her voice laced with a sadistic amusement. "You are already quite exhausted from the fight against the monster. Do you really think you can win?"
Brekan's answer was resolute, his eyes unwavering as he focused on the task at hand. Sari's life was at stake, and he would stop at nothing to protect her. With a surge of energy, he created an energy sword in one hand and a shield in the other, preparing for the impending battle.
Vikona, unrelenting, transformed into her shadowy mist form, her dark silhouette weaving and shifting like a haunting specter. Brekan knew from his experiences in the Witch Trials that he needed to target the core body within the shadow form, but it was easier said than done.
Drawing upon his experience and instincts, he conjured blades attached to chains, weaponizing his energy to strike at Vikona's heart. He flung them with precision, watching as the blades made contact with something within the dark mist, causing it to ripple and contort. Vikona's sinister laughter echoed, her voice warped through the enigmatic form.
The blades did hit their mark, but Brekan soon realized the grim reality of his situation. Vikona's shadowy form, infused with the essence of black fire, incinerated the chains and blades with ease. It was as if his attacks were mere embers in a tempestuous blaze.
The exhaustion from his previous battles gnawed at him, and he could feel his energy reserves depleting rapidly. The odds seemed overwhelming, and despair began to creep in.
Brekan clenched his jaw. He couldn't falter now; he couldn't give in to despair. He had to find a way to break through Vikona's defenses, to save the one he loved most.
As Vikona's dark hand extended toward Brekan, her words carried a finality that sent a shiver down his spine. He had faced formidable adversaries in the past, but the power of a Witch was something he had never truly comprehended, even after spending so much time with their Queen. He braced himself for the incoming assault, expecting torrents of black flames or some dreadful curse that would mark the end of his existence. To his astonishment, there was no immediate attack.
Instead, Brekan felt his very life force slowly being drawn away from him, an insidious drain on the energy that had been his constant companion. He watched helplessly as his wings diminished, no longer able to sustain him in the air. He descended, landing amidst the wreckage of the once-majestic Muse Temple.
Vikona continued to siphon away his energy with a cruel smile, until there was no more, leaving him weak and on his knees. She stopped the drain and looked down on him.
As he anticipated the searing flames that would soon consume him, they didn't come. Instead, he felt a warm, familiar presence hugging him from behind. Sari's energy, gentle and reassuring, encircled him.
Brekan marveled as the dark fire of Vikona's attack fizzled and dissipated on an invisible barrier that surrounded them. The barrier was like a transparent crystal dome, radiant and protective.
Sari's voice whispered in his ear, carrying words of comfort and hope. "They are safe, and so are you." Brekan couldn't help but smile through his weakness. Sari's energy surged into him, revitalizing his spirit, but there was something different, something more potent and boundless about it.
Overcome with gratitude and astonishment, Brekan asked Sari: “How did you become so powerful?"
Her reply was cryptic yet reassuring, "Don't worry right now. All you need to know is that I am strong now. You don't need to protect me anymore."
Confused but trusting in her, Brekan could feel a profound connection between them. He looked up at Vikona, determination in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Vikona. But you attacked my wife."
Vikona's fury and frustration were palpable as she tried to strike out against the crystal-like barrier, her dark energy hands dispersing on impact. Brekan, bolstered by Sari's strength, rose to his feet.
Brekan hugged Sari close for a moment, their bond strengthening as he prepared to confront his former ally, who had become an enemy in the quest for vengeance and power. Sari's voice was bold as she spoke to Brekan. "Go fight her, our connection will protect you."
Brekan soared into the night sky, leaving behind a trail of radiant energy as he created a body of pure energy, matching Vikona's form in size. Even at this distance, he felt the powerful connection with Sari on the ground, her boundless energy flowing into him, invigorating his very essence.
Four additional arms sprouted from his energy form. Each starting to shoot energy balls. Brekan unleashed the barrage of energy projectiles toward Vikona, who responded by engulfing her entire body in a shroud of dark flames. As the energy balls collided with her fiery form, they dissipated, unable to harm her.
Vikona attempted to drain Brekan's energy, but to his astonishment nothing happened.
She voiced her disbelief, "That's not possible."
Brekan created swords in his six energy hands. His first energy sword already slashing through the air. Vikona's claw-like appendage, composed of black fire, intercepted the blade and began burning it away. Brekan watched in amazement as the sword regenerated faster than Vikona could incinerate it. The source of this boundless energy was clear - Sari's unfaltering support.
With all six arms now armed with energy swords, Brekan attacked with relentless fever. Vikona's form was struck and sliced, and she tumbled down into the rubble of the Muse Temple. Brekan wasted no time, using his six arms to generate a colossal energy bow and arrow. With a powerful release, the arrow shot toward the fallen Witch, causing a cataclysmic explosion that temporarily turned the night as bright as day.
Brekan gazed at the aftermath, his heart heavy with the truth that Vikona, despite her malevolent actions, was ultimately a victim in this larger conflict. Made a tool, just like him.
He landed right in front of her figure. Her young and beautiful human form lay mangled, her body marred by cuts and burns. She was grievously wounded, unable to move, with one eye fixed upon him. Blood seeped from her mouth as she spoke her final words, "Now I will forget." With that, Vikona's life flickered out.
Brekan didn't revel in her demise. He understood that she had been ensnared by the malevolent forces, and the true mastermind still occupied the throne in the Sun Kingdom.
Suddenly, the city resounded with screams and turmoil. The ground trembled, fires rose, and chaos erupted throughout the streets. Brekan turned to the foot of the Temple ruins and witnessed a Kioni rampaging. Sari approached him, her hand in his, her expression marked by concern. "What is that?" she asked.
Brekan's voice was grim as he replied, "The Witch Storm. It's starting."
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As chaos reigned over the city, Brekan's attention was drawn to the crystal lights that began to flicker and extinguish one by one in the vicinity. At first, he was perplexed by the phenomenon, struggling to comprehend its cause. However, as his eyes fell upon the crystals, which had turned an ominous shade of black, recognition washed over him like an icy wave.
"No," Brekan whispered in alarm, his eyes widening with dread. He spun around to gaze upon the place where Vikona's lifeless body had laid moments before. Thin, energy strings danced through the air, originating from the tainted crystals and converging on the lifeless Witch's form. Immediately, Brekan activated his Witch Power and released a potent arrow of energy toward Vikona. However, his attack was intercepted by a surge of black flames that erupted fiercely around the Witch's lifeless body.
A fiery beak burst forth from Vikona's body, an immense, flaming entity that screeched with a deafening intensity, forcing Brekan to clutch his ears in agony. The flames and the body continued to grow, merging into an enormous, black phoenix, reminiscent of the one Brekan had encountered during the Trial of Transformation but now significantly larger. Its immense wings stretched out over the temple's ruins, casting a shadow upon the already darkened night.
Brekan readied himself for another grueling battle, willing to confront the malevolent entity that had emerged from Vikona's remains. With his connection to Sari, an unyielding source of endless energy, he felt more prepared than ever.
Suddenly, a luminous presence descended from above, casting a radiant glow upon the darkened battlefield. Joven landed, clad in his Templar armor, which now bore additional layers of glowing white crystals, serving as supplementary armor. His Templar form had also evolved to include magnificent wings composed of white light and glistening crystals.
Brekan glanced at Joven, his voice filled with urgency. "We'd better leave. We don't want to get caught in the crossfire of these two titans." As he spoke, the dark phoenix, now fully born and unleashed, soared into the sky, descending upon Joven with the ferocity of a predatory hawk.
Sari's voice reached Brekan's ears. "The Garden of Heroes."
Without hesitation, Brekan reached out and scooped her into his arms. His energy wings spread wide, and with a powerful surge, he lifted off the ground, soaring into the night sky, away from the impending battle that raged between Joven and the monstrous phoenix.
From a safe distance, Brekan turned to observe the breathtaking yet perilous aerial confrontation. The dark phoenix unleashed flames even more formidable than before, but Joven's newfound powers seemed equally matched. The two titans clashed in the air, trading powerful blows, with flames licking crystal armor and the energy sword clashing with the fiery talons of the colossal bird. Brekan was grateful that he and Sari were not ensnared in the midst of this cataclysmic battle.
Brekan swiftly arrived at the Garden of Heroes, his energy wings propelling him through the night sky with Sari in his arms. As he touched down within the hallowed garden, he couldn't help but notice the hundreds of women and elderly individuals who appeared disoriented and uncertain about his presence. Some of them, their faces etched with fear, hesitated, unsure whether he was a part of the Witch Storm that had unleashed chaos in the city.
Brekan gently lowered Sari to the ground, and she immediately assumed a soothing presence, attempting to calm the nervous refugees.
“It’s fine, he is an ally,” she said with her hands raised. Nervous murmuring wandered through the crowd.
From the midst of the people, Head Muse Gretana approached Sari, her gaze flickering with skepticism, and she pointed at Brekan.
“Did you bring the enemy to us,” Gretana said with a scolding tone and pointing at Brekan.
Sari grabbed Gretanas hand and slowly pulled her down. “No Head Muse, that’s Brekan, remember.”
Gretana's wariness lessened slightly, although her suspicion lingered.
Brekan felt the weight of the scrutiny from those around him but was grateful for the brief respite from the tumultuous events in the city.
Sari took Brekan's hand and said, "There's someone I want you to meet, the one who helped me find my power." She led him through the crowd, which respectfully parted for them, allowing them passage. As they reached a distant pavilion, Brekan noticed a figure reclining on a cushioned bench, one leg crossed, hands folded behind the head, and eyes closed.
Recognition dawned on Brekan, and he whispered in astonishment, "Nightjewel."
The woman opened her eyes, her lips curling into a smile. "Brekan, glad you could make it," she greeted him.
Sari, her voice filled with surprise, inquired, "You know her?"
Brekan was conflicted; he felt a mix of emotions, an underlying anger he couldn't quite place, even though he recognized Nightjewel's role in his life. He responded, "Why do I feel like you've played a part in all of this?"
Nightjewel reassured him, "I'm just a helper."
Sari intervened, "I trust her. She showed me how to become strong and access Lova's power."
Brekan hesitated before he asked, "If you want to help, do you have any ideas to end the destruction in the city?"
Nightjewel considered Brekan for a moment before responding, "Don't worry. It will end when the Agents have triumphed, as they always do. It will happen before sunrise." Her gaze analyzed him, and she continued, "But do you truly care? Do you wish to insert yourself in this struggle, fight battles in a war in which the outcome will be decided without your input? I've told you once at the graveyard, and I'll tell you again: Walk away. Refuse to pledge allegiance to either side. Find Sari and start a new life together somewhere else."
Brekan exchanged a glance with Sari, no words needed between them. Sari tightened her grip on his hand.
Nightjewel sighed and said, "Do you remember when your Hero Power awakened?"
Brekan recalled the term Joven had used, "Hero Power." "I thought it was called Witch Power," he replied.
Nightjewel clarified, "It's both false and true simultaneously, if you will. You activated the orange Akash power, with a little assistance."
Sari smiled, and Nightjewel continued, "In my time, it was called Hero Power and wielded by only a select few who managed to conquer their inner darkness. In your case, the darkness embodies submission and the willingness to place the well-being of the many above your own."
Rising from her reclined position, Nightjewel stretched and added, "The witches employ the same powers, albeit corrupted by darkness, their own and…"
She paused, her brow furrowing as she seemed to ponder something. Eventually, she stated, "Nonetheless, there's at least one thing you could do, if you chose to do so. I'm not saying you should, though."
Brekan was intrigued. He inquired, "What is it?"
With a cryptic smile, Nightjewel replied, "You could ask the Sun King to halt these artificial threats."
Brekan was taken aback by the suggestion. Could he truly approach the Sun King and make such a request? He voiced his concern, "What makes you think he'd even listen to me?"
Nightjewel's smile persisted, enigmatic as ever. "Oh, don't worry," she reassured him, "he will."