MLTO C2, P9

This is the ninth Part of "MLIV:TO" 's second Chapter.
It was released on 08.11.2022.
== Plot ==
Geralt and Emela go to the town square. There, they plan to honor one of the greatest treasures of the entire kingdom of Goznor- a large, beautiful statue of Adam Kaos- Geralt's legendary father.
However, it seems like they are never safe, no matter where they are. Mercenaries for hire are always looking for them and it is only a matter of time before they do. The mission to find the Governor's daughter is becoming increasingly difficult, but that is to be expected when you're under such pressure.
Will a twist of fate get the young hero and his allies close to the source of disaster... or will they walk away in shame, further away from their goal?
== Story ==
As the two of them walk past many people who clearly know who they are, Geralt cannot help but wonder if some of this sudden popularity is caused by his father's actions. Were they somehow influenced by what he said and started to like him? Or did very his own actions cause them to admire him?
It does not matter, though. From the looks of it, the citizens of Goznor's capital have started to revere him. And there is nothing he could do about it.
"So."- Emela says- "How does it feel to be famous?"
Geralt looks at her.
"A little bit terrifying."- He says- "I was not made to be this popular."
Emela chuckles.
"Don't worry, dear."- She says- "I'm sure that you'll do great."
She looks at the people as she passes them.
"And I'm sure that those folks feel the same way."
The people cheer as they pass, proving her point.
"Well."- Geralt says- "If my father managed to get long with this much popularity somehow, then I guess that there is no reason for me to not do the same thing."
Emela grins.
"That's the spirit!"- She exclaims- "Your words convince me that you're just like your father! I'm glad that a part of his spirit made it inside of you!"
Geralt looks down.
"Wherever I go, I can still hear my father's voice inside my heart. Guiding me. Advising me. Giving me the strength that no one ever did."- He says- "He and mom have always been the two brightest lights in my life. And yet, I sometimes think that I'm alone in this world. Is it strange to feel this way?"
Emela shakes her head.
"Nonsense! It's completely reasonable!"- She exclaims- "Just like you, I've always been a little distant. There's always this feeling of apathy that corrupts my thoughts. Sometimes, I even feel like an empty shell with no purpose whatsoever. That's the impression that the demise of my parents gave me decades ago."
She looks up and smiles.
"And yet, there is one thing that always restores my faith. One young soul that gives me a purpose that I never had when I was around his age."- She says- "Geralt. I want you to meet the dearest person in my life. Or rather, the most majestic statue of him that you've ever seen."
Geralt looks up and realizes what Emela is talking about.
"This... is a statue of my father!"
Indeed, a huge statue of Adam Kaos- Geralt's heroic father- looms over him. It is thirty feet tall, made out of some of the finest marble that the young hero has ever seen. Every time he takes a look at it, he cannot help but feel like he is at the top of the world, soaring through the skies as a choir of angels accompanies him. He feels like everything in this world is beautiful and pristine, like there was always hope in his heart and that the despair that he once felt is nothing more than a past memory that is of no importance to him.
The statue of his father that he sees before him is a symbol of the never-ending light, an emblem of hope and faith that stands eternal, even in the face of impending doom. It is almost as if Adam himself is standing in front of his son, smiling at him and telling how much he loves him. 
"I understand it now, dad."- He says- "You never left us behind. When you were standing there, you wished to protect what we had built together. The tower of faith that we formed with our hands, your greatest legacy, stood strong against the darkness below. Even as it creeped close, it always protected our greatest treasure- the bright feelings that we have always had in our hearts."
He takes a few steps forward and bows.
"Thank you for everything, dad."- He adds- "Rest assured that your dream rests in my soul. As long as I am here, I shall make sure that it stands as an example of what we truly are. Of what we fight for."
He looks up and smiles.
"The Kaos family shall prevail in this neverending battle!"- He exclaims- "Our future has never been brighter! And together, we shall make others feel the same way!"
As the crowd applauds him for his brave words, Emela embraces him.
"See?"- She says- "Just like your father!"
She wipes a few tears from her eyes.
"His soul never faded away from this world."- She says- "It has always been here with us."
A few minutes later, the crowd disperses, respectfully leaving Geralt and Emela alone on the town square.
"Well. I've got to admit it, dear."- Emela says- "I feel enlightened. And I'm ready to be a hero again!"
Geralt smiles.
"If you were a trusted ally of my father, I am sure that we will get along well."
Emela nods.
"Even though your father's not with us, I know that I can still live up to his legendary name."- She says- "In the name of everything that he once felt dear, Redmark and his allies shall pay for taking him away from us!"
Geralt nods. Then, he prepares to respond, but soon hears something suspicious. Like the rustling of a nearby bush. He looks around, but fails to see anything. It is as if his own eyes are deceiving him in a very strange way and he is unable to tell why he feels this way.
And yet, something is quite clear to him.
"Miss Emela."- He says- "I think that we're being stalked."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"And what gives you that impression, child?"
Geralt looks around.
"The feeling of dread is unmistakable."- He responds- "Someone is spying on us. Acting like we are his prey. Waiting for the right moment to pounce, like a mighty predator."
Emela nods.
"Hmm."- She says- "Now that you mention it, I do feel like something bad's about to happen."
She lightly grabs Geralt's hand.
"Be on your guard, dear."- She warns him- "Who knows what kind of monster is lurking in those shadows... "
As the two of them make their way through the empty streets of the capital, Geralt starts to feel something else- a corruption, deep inside of his heart. A tint of darkness that tries to taint his soul.
And then, he feels a sharp pain in his chest. He falls on his knees and starts to cough.
"Oh my god, dear!"- Emela exclaims as she rushes to his side- "What's happening to you?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"So... this is what they were trying to do."- He says- "They... planned to execute me well after they were gone. Filthy traitors."
Emela looks at him.
"What are you talking about?"
Geralt looks up.
"It was a family that me and my brother met a while ago. They were acting friendly and docile... at first. And then, they showed us their true nature. They unleashed their hatred for the world and tried to use us as their scapegoats from the nightmare that they willingly dumped themselves into."- He says, lifts his shirt and reveals an infected stab wound on his abdomen- "Although Kai and aunt made it out unharmed, I was... poisoned by one of them. The cowardly Toby Goodman injected a lethal dose of poison inside of my body and slashed my stomach with an infected knife to make it spread faster. Even so, we still managed to escape. But the damage was already done."
Emela takes a look at her godson. Her eyes are filled with sadness as she realizes that he might meet the same fate as his sister.
"Geralt, honey."- She says- "We... need to get help! Now!"
Geralt coughs again. This time, a tiny amount of blood trickles out of his mouth. He is not feeling well and it shows.
"No, Miss Emela."- He says- "I've already... done my job. I know that others could do as well as me, maybe even better."
Emela shakes her head.
"I refuse to let another soul perish!"- She yells- "Come on! We're getting you to a shaman! Just... try to survive! I'll handle the rest!"
Geralt looks up.
"A... shaman?"
Emela smiles.
"The best one I've ever met!"- She exclaims- "Now, let's go! We don't have any time left to waste!"
Directing a caravan to take us to the town of Canonia, Emela rushes Geralt toward the shaman, in a desperate attempt to give him another chance for life.
"Miss Emela... I can feel it inside of my bones."- Geralt says- "I was made to be a hero. But... perhaps not here. Not in this life."
Emela shakes her head.
"You are a hero, my dear!"- She exclaims- "And I shall prove that you're worthy! Right here and right now!"
Then, she looks around, as if expecting something (or someone) to jump out at them.
"What is this malicious feeling? That sign of eternal dread?"- She says to herself- "Is it more than just another nightmare... ?"
Even though she is safe in the caravan, her hand is always laying close to her wand. It is as if she expects some kind of a mysterious entity to attack them... and this is more than just mere paranoia.
But could it be connected to the person who was stalking them earlier? Could he still be following their trail, searching for an opportunity? If so, could she be able to handle this dangerous villain all by herself?
Although the presence of a dangerous villain is on her head, it is not of great importance right now. At this moment, the child of her beloved Adam Kaos is in danger, and she must do her best to keep his legacy alive.
"Keep up the great work, dear!"- Emela exclaims as the lights of a small town shine ahead- "We're almost there! Just keep fighting for your life!"
Geralt coughs.
"I... will do my best."
As the caravan finally reaches Canonia, the caravan master helps Emela lift Geralt. The two of them take the young hero to the shaman's cave where they meet the region's current spiritual leader- the folk hero known as Cyrus Braveheart.
"Emela! You made it back!"- He says and smiles- "Good to see you! But why did you bother to visit me again?"
Emela looks at him.
"I'm glad to see you too, Cyrus."- She says- "But there is one thing that you must do for me. A kindred soul that you must help. It's your duty as a shaman, after all."
Cyrus nods.
"Well, where is the unfortunate soul?"
Emela motions at the severely weakened Geralt, lying on a large slab of rock.
"Oh my god!"- Cyrus exclaims- "Is this... this... ?!"
Emela nods and smiles sadly.
"Yes, Cyrus."- She responds- "The boy that you see over there is your cousin- Geralt Kaos. He's gotten through a lot of pain in the year since he left his family, but the effort to survive has left him with a powerful curse. A vile taint that's been getting in the way of his heroic feats."
She looks at Cyrus.
"I know that you're quite busy. Ever since your mom was forced to withdraw from her post, you've had to take all of her responsibilities on your own shoulders... and I suspect that it's been quite painful for you."- She says- "But please. From the bottom of my heart, I beg you to help this young man. He doesn't have a lot of energy left within his body and may soon become nothing more than a memory if he does not receive the aid that he deserves so much. Show some humility and give Geralt a second chance in this miserable life."
Cyrus nods.
"Emela, it is my duty to help people in need. My aid has saved many souls and brought them back from the brink of despair."- He says- "And I will not allow my cousin, the young man who's actually capable of doing something good for this world, to perish in such an unfair way!"
He rushes to his cousin's side and gently lifts his shirt. He sees the stomach wound and nods.
"Ah, yes. A severe case of blood loss, paired with... something else."- He says- "I can tell that my cousin has been poisoned through a very unfair method that led to the contamination of his blood."
He presses his hands on Geralt's wound and mutters a few words.
"To start this tedious process, we must first cleanse the source of this curse."- He continues- "Even though it will not be the most helpful action right now, it will make sure that Geralt's body will not get infected further than it already is."
He looks back.
"Emela!"- He exclaims- "Bring me the herbs in the bowl to the right! Those will relax his muscles and allow me to cast the curing spell!"
Emela nods.
"You got it!"
She rushes toward the bowl, takes it and brings it to Cyrus. He takes a few pieces and smiles.
"And now, the purity shall infuse your body once again, just like it has done for so many years."- He says to Geralt- "Stand strong, cousin. Your time is this world is far from over."
As he applies the substance on Geralt's abdomen, the young hero starts to feel like he is laying on cotton. His entire body becomes more relaxed and this allows Cyrus to continue to process.
"Since Geralt is feeling better now, I am sure that our work will be much easier."- He says- "The second thing we must do is to put his mind at ease. Bad thoughts might cause the entire process to repeat itself, so I must make sure that this step is made a rea-- "
Suddenly, a tall, muscular man barges into the cave. He leaps toward the center, pulls out two sharp daggers and points them at Geralt's stomach.
"Excuse me!"- Cyrus exclaims and stands up- "Just what do you think you're doing?!"
The man smiles.
"I'm just cleansing the world from all heroes who try to stop us."- He says- "But don't worry. This process shall be fast. He won't even feel it."
Emela whips out her wand and points it at the invader.
"You're making the wrong move, buddy!"- She yells- "Stand back or I'll blast you down!"
The man laughs.
"Oh yeah?"- He asks- "You and what army?"
Cyrus grabs his staff and prepares to cast a spell.
"By the power of nature, I demand that you leave my cousin alone!"- He exclaims- "Just because your kind has hated his father for some reason doesn't mean that you must focus your rage on him!"
The man smirks.
"Nature means nothing to us, kid."- He says- "All that we think about is the future of our empire. And we can't make it happen when heroes like your dear cousin are still here to torment us."
Emela rolls her eyes.
"Torment is a word that you've interpreted yourselves."- She says- "Geralt's saving the world from scum like you. And he's doing a very good job."
She glares at him.
"Throughout my years as a wanderer, I've seen many who tried to execise control over others. Ones who were foolish enough to think that they're above everyone else."- She continues- "And your beloved leader is the worst of them all."
The man is enraged by Emela's words.
"How dare you insult our mighty leader?!"- He yells- "Those are fighting words! And I shall make you swallow them back!"
Emela takes a step forward, still glaring at him.
"Bring it, interloper!"
As the man rushes toward Emela, the guardian leaps back and launches a massive blast of energy in his direction. He easily avoids it and throws his weapons at her, but Cyrus stands in their way and uses the power of nature to shield both of them from the attack.
"Ganging up on me, huh?"- The man says and laughs- "Well, I've got some tricks of my own!"
He lets out a loud whistle, alerting the bandits that were hiding behind the rocks of the cave. Suddenly, ten of them emerge from the shadows and surround Emela and Cyrus.
"I'll take care of those vagabonds!"- Cyrus yells- "Focus your attention on their leader! Don't let him hurt Geralt!"
Emela nods.
"I won't let you down, Cyrus!"- She exclaims- "I'm on my way!"
She turns toward the man, just in time to see both daggers appear in his hands.
"What kind of sorcery is this?"
The man laughs.
"Redmark gave me a lot of abilities when I was trained by him."- He says- "And now, it's time for me to utilize them all against you."
Using his incredible speed, the man rushes toward Emela, delives a few sharp blows and sends her flying to the ground. Emela attempts to defend herself, but he continues to strike her with all of the fury inside of him that was barely controlled until now.
"You're a weakling, just like that person you call your husband."- He says to her- "You might have been great heroes once, but your time is long past!"
He expects Emela to simply lay down, but that is not to be. Much to his surprise, she stands back up, continuing to fight with newfound resolve.
"Nobody insults my loved ones and gets away with it!"- She yells- "If it's a fight that you want, then I'll give it to you! And you'll receive far more than you expect!"
The man prepares to lunge at her again, but Emela blasts him down with a force of pure magic. As he stands up, she mercilessly blasts him again.
"This is the power of our bond!"- She exclaims- "This is the power that you took away from us!"
The man smirks.
"If this is all that you've got, then you're pathetic!"
Having said that, he throws his knives again. This time, the weapons are easily able to pierce through her defense and break her stance, barely missing her but sending her flying into a nearby wall, forcing her to hit her head.
The man laughs.
"Hah!"- He exclaims- "Is that the best that you've go-- "
Suddenly, he feels a sharp pain in his back. He looks down and realizes that he was struck by a large, sharp greatsword.
Looking back, he realizes that the man who is responsible for this is Kaiden himself.
"I made many mistakes in the past. I allowed my very own sister to perish. I fought with others because I thought that what I'm doing is right. I betrayed my dear brother's trust."- He says- "But this is my time of redemption. Today, I shall start slaughtering all of those who caused us pain... starting with you!"
The man falls on his knees and coughs blood as he glares at Kaiden.
"Curse you, Kaos."- He says- "I was so.., close... "
Then, he falls on the ground and vanishes in a cloud of black mist.
"He's gone!"- Emela exclaims- "We did it!"
Kaiden sighs and shakes his head.
"Far from it."- He responds- "A wily fool like him doesn't give up that easily. He may have been wounded, but his fight is far from over."
He looks at his weakened brother and sighs.
"Whoever he is, he will be back."- He adds- "I am sure of it."
Cyrus nods.
"Then we shall be prepared for whatever raid he's got planned for us."- He says- "The forces of Redmark are strong, but I know that we'll be stronger."
Kaiden turns to Cyrus and smiles.
"Ah! Cyrus!"- He says- "Positive as always, I see!"
Cyrus smiles.
"Hello, cousin."- He responds- "Not the best moment to meet again, eh?"
He looks down at Geralt and sighs.
"But... your brother... "
Kaiden nods.
"I was informed of what happened out in Goznor."- He says- "My brother needs my help again. And I'll be glad to provide it."
Emela smiles.
"You're such a good kid, Kaiden."- She says- "Thank you for standing up for your brother when he needed you."
Kaiden smiles.
"It's the least I could do for him."- He says- "After everything that he sacrificed for this world of ours, standing by his side is the least a brother like myself could give to his dear sibling."
He kneels and holds Geralt's hand.
"Little bro."- He says to him- "If you could still hear me, know that I'm always here for you. We're in this together and no force of darkness shall tear us apart."
He looks down.
"And I'm not doing this just because I want to honor our father's legacy. Far from it."- He adds- "My reason is quite simple- I want you to be safe and sound. I mean, it's what every brother and sister would want for their sibling, right? And that's my purpose in this world- to be your guiding light in those perilous times."
Geralt slowly turns his head toward Kaiden. He smiles weakly.
"I... love you too, Kai."
Kaiden wipes a few tears from his eyes. All of those traumatic events are really taking a toll on him.
"Geralt... "
Cyrus takes a step forward and sighs.
"Well, I think that it's time to continue."- He says- "I would like you to move away a little bit, Kaiden. This is a dangerous process."
Kaiden nods.
"Of course, Cyrus."- He says- "I'm counting on you to save my dear brother. Don't you dare let me down."
Cyrus smiles sadly.
"I never would."
After a few hours of hard work, Cyrus manages to achieve some success. Even though the vile poison is already deep in Geralt's bones, he is still able to pull some of it out using his incredible magic. This leaves Geralt a little bit weakened, but, much to everyone's surprise, he is still able to stand back up and smile at them.
"Impressive!"- Cyrus exclaims- "I've never seen anyone with such a strong will to live, such a burning soul! It's truly a miracle!"
Geralt nods.
"When I felt the poison boil inside my blood, I thought that I was done for. But then, I heard my brother's voice. I felt his desire to keep me alive and the strong will that keeps his gears running."- He says- "I would never give up on this world. Not when there are still people who still love me, who still believe in me."
Kaiden nods.
"Well said, little bro."- He says- "And I shall be one of those who always stay loyal to you."
Cyrus smiles.
"That's quite a daring proclamation, cousin."- He says to him- "Still, I think that you're ready to go. Even though the rest of the poison will take time to be cleansed completely, it shall not be fatal to you. You are safe, Geralt. At long last."
Geralt nods.
"I appreciate your help, Cy."- He says to him- "Thank you for standing up for me."
Cyrus smiles.
"This is my job, Geralt. I live to help others."- He says- "But helping you was my greatest task. I'm glad that my hopes and prayers were not in vain."
Geralt nods.
"We are on our way to find a dangerous slave trader."- He says- "We must go now."
As the three of them prepare to leave, Cyrus stops them.
"Wait."- He says- "Did you say... something about a slave trader?"
Geralt nods.
"Indeed, I did."
Cyrus smiles.
"You know what?"- He says- "I think that I'll be able to help you out."
He motions for the three of them to join him as he approaches a large map in the back of the cave.
"See the region over here?"- He says as he points at a large town- "This is the home of Redmark's greatest allies. It is ruled by the dreaded town of Brigantia- a place of pure chaos, filled with all kinds of mercenaries, bandits and even bounty hunters. An insolent bunch that has always disgusted me throughout the years."
He sighs.
"Of course, I was unable to do anything. I am nothing more than a simple shaman of little importance, just like my mother."- He adds- "But I will gladly aid whoever is brave enough to step into that settlement and return the order on its blackened streets."
He turns to look at them.
"In order to reach the place without being confronted by their militia, you must hide behind a curtain."- He says- "And I think that I have just the perfect thing for you."
He leaves the cave and returns with three long, dark robes.
"Wear those around your usual clothes and put the hoods on."- He says- "The dark priests of Redmark wear those. While in this clothing, you shall be left unbothered by them, although you will still make their kind a little disgusted."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"And why would they hate their own priests?"
Cyrus sighs.
"Well, let's just say that those people are doing... sinister things. Deeds that have always reached my ears, that have always made me feel disgusted by their vile practices."- He says- "Once you've done the job, dispose of the clothing. We should hide all of the evidence that you were ever there."
He looks at them.
"So."- He says- "Are you ready?"
Geralt nods.
"You got it!"
Cyrus smiles.
"Then the stage is set!"- He says- "Farewell, and good luck!"