MLTP Part 15- "Reunion"

"Reunion" is the fifteenth and final Part of "Miracula Luxia: The Prequel". It was released on 05.02.2020.
== Plot ==
After a few days of traveling towards the city of Paris alone, having to face a lot of dangers and meet new friends, Aleks finally arrives in the city and reunites with his family.
It seems like there will be a happy end this time... or will there really be? Find out in the last Part of "Miracula Luxia: The Prequel" !
== Story ==
Aleks stopped and looked at his arms. He realized how much he had chanced ever since he was separated from Seiko, James and Kayla.
He pulled out a mirror and realized that his eyes were a little red as well. Possibly because of all the dangers he had to face without his friends.
His clothes were dirty. His face looked like that of someone who has been adventuring for his whole life. All he needed now was to find a place to sleep and lie there for as much time as possible.
He was very close to the city. Before entering it, he found a small sign, saying that something was located to the right of him.
An encampment for lost refugees.
Aleks reaized that this could be a trap.
"I know that this is a stupid move... but I want to make sure that it's legit. A poor, unarmed refugee might stumble upon that camp and end up shot down by crafty bandits. I will not allow that."- He said to himself as he went to the right to check the area for anything suspicious.
He realized that he was close to the said camp and hid behind a tree.
"There's no need to hide."- A voice said from nearby- "Show yourself with your hands up."
A little afraid to do so, Aleks decided to comply.
He got out of his hiding spot with his hands up in front of the entrance to the encampment.
The people looked at him and nodded.
"You don't seem like a danger. You can come in, if you want. We won't mind your company."- The person who called him out said.
The people's inspection gave Aleks enough time to look at them. He realized that the people he was looking at were not bandits, spies or any other kind of miscreants.
They were well-armed soldiers, equipped with rifles and high quality leather armor, ready to repel anyone who seems like a threat to them. They had insignias on their vests, indicating that they come from the city of Paris, possibly sent by the military to help the refugees in need.
Aleks smiled, realizing that the people in front of him are fighters for what is right- just like him. He entered the camp.
He passed some of the soldiers, who saluted him and he did so. He saluted them back.
Aleks approached the campfire in the middle of the encampment. A soldier sitting near it motioned for him to come closer.
He did so. The soldier smiled, stood up and shaked his hand.
"Greetings, fellow warrior. I'm glad that you have decided to come here, to see us. Welcome to the "Paris Refugee Center". I know... it's not much of a name, but we help refugees. And that is what matters."- The soldier said, seeing a fellow warrior in Aleks.
Aleks greeted him back and interoduced himself as Aleks Kaos.
"Ah, yes. I heard about you. Three people came here, looking for you. They asked me if I've seen you. Unfortunately, I haven't. I sent them on their way, but not before they told me that they're going to Paris and, if you ever came here, told me to explain what happened and direct you in that direction."
"My allies? I have to... "
"Now wait a second, young soldier. You have to stay with us for a while first, keep us company in these hard times. Plus, it's almost night, so I advise you to not travel at night. You know, bandits and other such hostiles might hunt you down."
Aleks nodded.
"I understand. But, I didn't catch your name?"
"Oh."- The soldier said- "How rude of me to not introduce myself. I am Captain Maxwell. Nice to meet you, Aleks."
Aleks smiled.
"Same for me, captain. So, what brings you here?"
"Just like you help the people in need, we do the same. However, we just sit in this encampment and try to direct lost refugees to us, so we can help them out and send them on their way. It is out duty, after all."
"As for soldiers like you, we always look for a little help in our day-to-day struggles. Your arrival boosted the soldiers' morale in the encampment and we have you to thank for that."
"I hate to ask you about doing something for me, but... maybe you want to?"- Maxwell wondered.
"Well."- Aleks said- "I am always eager to help. How can I help you guys out?"
The captain pulled out a message from his pocket. Some blood was smeared on it, but it was otherwise pretty much readable by someone with a good eyesight.
"This message was pinned on a tree with an arrow by some goblins. They told us to flee this area or they will "attack and destroy everything we hold dear". So, it's more than obvious that they don't want us here. Maybe you could stay for a day or two and help us fend those annoying creatures off? I know, it's a minor menace, but it could get worse at any moment if we don't eradicate it completely. So, what do you say?"
Aleks nodded.
"I see that you folks are in more trouble that I am. Alright, I will stay here for a while and help you out. My allies can wait."
Suddenly, Captain Maxwell became worried.
"I hate to say it, but... don't you have a pregnant wife, ready to give birth?"
Aleks sighed.
"Yes. Yes, I do. But this matter is much more urgent."
"But... you know that your wife might get into labor earlier, due to stress? If she worries about you way too much?"
Aleks sighed. Again.
"I'm going to take that risk and miss the birth of my son. Helping other people is much more important than seeing my son being born. I just cannot bear this as a burden. If I do, it will burn in my mind for a long time, knowing that I haven't helped someone in their time of need."
"Understandable."- Maxwell said- "I was just testing your morale. How much you care about people outside of your friend circle. Or your family. Well, you passed it. You truly are someone who cares about other people's well-being."
Aleks smiled.
"Of course I am. My morale compass is always ready to guide me in the right direction."
"Well then, let's not talk about this anymore. Now we'll be going to sleep. You can join us, if you want."
"You can also patrol the encampment with the rest of the soldiers who volunteered for this. It's your choice."
"I know that I need a good night's sleep. A lot. But protecting the encampment from goblins in the night is much better than simply sleeping in the tent."- Aleks said to himself.
"Well, I think that I'm going to patrol. I want to make sure that this area is safe from those dirty creatures."
Maxwell nodded.
"As you say, brave hero. Good night in advance. See you next morning!"
'Good night."- Aleks responded and joined a small band of soldiers patrolling the encampment.
Quite a few hours passed. It was now 11:00 PM
Some of the soldiers became tired and decided to sleep in the tents.
After a few more hours, only three people were let to protect the encampment who were still awake- Aleks and two soldiers.
One of the soldiers shared his story with Aleks- how he was forced to flee after his village was destroyed by goblins and his wife was killed by them.
"I saw how she fell right in front of me, shot by those little green jerks."- He said- "What happened on that day made me hate the goblins more than I ever have."
The other soldier shared how he and his squad were attacked by Ogres on the road.
"I was the captain of the squad."- He continued- "My whole squad, safe for me, was killed by those dumb beasts. But I became hardened and decided to take my revenge on them. In my time as a soldier in this encampment, I managed to kill five of those fools. And I hope to kill more."
Aleks shared how he was separated from his family near a forest- how he told them to run without him. How he barely survived the fire and how be battled bands of dangerous hostiles (who also almost took his life in many occasions).
"Sounds like you suffered more than we have."- The first soldier said.
"And you have the looks to show it. You're a hardened survivor and no one can deny it."- The other soldier added.
Aleks smiled.
"I hope to see my allies again one day. My two friends. And my beautiful girlfriend."
Guard #1 smiled.
"You will. Don't you worry. Once this is all over, you'll be free to go and see them in Paris. They went there, correct?"
"Indeed."- Aleks said stoically while looking at the starry sky.
After a few hours of patrolling, Captain Maxwell woke up and approached a sleepy Aleks.
"Hey Aleks."- He said- "I know that you want to patrol and protect, but... maybe you should leave this to me. You and the two fellows with you can rest, if you want. As for me, I'll wake up some of the soldiers to help me protect the encampment while you're asleep. Does that sound good?"
Aleks tried to refuse, but saw his companions's faces. He sighed and decided to change his mind.
"As you say, captain. I think we all need a rest, after all the patrolling we had to do."
The two soldiers smiled. Captain Maxwell grabbed his sword.
"Well then. It's time for us to patrol."
He woke up some of the soldiers as Aleks and the two soldiers entered their tents to sleep.
Surprisingly, Aleks's sleep was pretty uneventful. No memories about his past memories or the people he met. No visions of the future. Nothing. It was just a good night's sleep.
However, he woke up around 8:00 AM, being woken up by the sounds of battle coming from outside.
The captain entered Aleks's tent.
"Aleks, we've got goblins! You need to help us!"
Thinking fast and not waiting to fully wake up, a sleepy Aleks grabbed his sword and shield and charged outside.
Seeing the nearest goblin, he swinged his sword at it, managing to catch it by surprise and stab it in the chest.
As he was about to be attacked by another goblin, it was slain by a furious soldier.
Aleks looked up. It was the same soldier with whom he patrolled yesterday! The one whose wife was slain by goblins.
"Those jerks are becoming too many, man. You can help us, right?"
Aleks nodded.
"You can count on me. Let me handle this."
Aleks charged at the small band of goblins, managing to slay three of them and wound two.
The rest of the goblins tried to run away, but were shot down by the soldiers.
Aleks inspected the dead goblins and sighed.
"This was not their main force, that's for sure. Those were just their scouts. The real army will be coming soon."
"Looks like there won't be any rest for us. Well then, let's protect the encampment."
Aleks, Captain Maxwell and the soldiers worked on creating extra defenses for the encampment. As some of the soldiers were natural war engineers, they managed to build a few turrets to help their allies out.
Some of the turrets were Healing Turrets, helpful to keep the soldiers alive for a while. Others were Blessing Turrets, to strengthen the soldiers. And the last ones (also the most) were Bolt Shooters- turrets ready to spray pain towards the enemy in the form of sharp arrows.
Satisfied with the new defenses, the captain sat near the campfire to wait for the next assault. The soldiers and Aleks did so, too.
Unfortunately, they didn't have to wait for very long. Soon, more of the goblins were near the encampment, trying to get in.
Unfortunately for the goblins, there were now turrets protecting the encampment. The Bolt Shooters managed to shoot down all of the goblins with relative ease.
"Heh. Nice."- The captain said- "They won't be causing us that much trouble anymore."
After a few more failed assaults, the goblins realized that their strategy was not working. They decided to send their best forces to crush the encampment.
Now the army had not only simple-minded goblins, but also powerful Ogres, as well as one Giant heading for each entrance.
The soldiers became scared. They have never handled such a powerful force in their lives with just a bunch of turrets and crude weapons.
Aleks noticed their discomfort and turned to them.
"Listen, soldiers. I know that you are pretty worried about the force that is coming toward us from both sides. I am too. But we definitely must not give up! If this is our last fight, let's fight with honor and show those pathetic creatures what it means to "fight valiantly". So, are you ready to fight those creatures like real heroes?!"
The soldiers understood Aleks's words and cheered for him.
Captain Maxwell smiled.
"We're both on the same page, Aleks."- He said, drawing his sword- "We must fight until our last breaths only then we will make a difference. To arms!"
The soldiers split and headed towards the two entrances, with the captain joining the right force and Aleks joining the left one.
The goblins were easy to take down. A few arrows from the Bolt Shooters managed to put them out of their misery.
The giants were much more different. The left giant managed to smash one of the Bolt Shooters without much trouble.
It seems like the giants were going to cause the most trouble for the brave soldiers.
"Shoot him in the head! The shots will distract it!"- Aleks yelled.
The archers drew their bows out and began firing them at the giant. The creature didn't feel any pain, but stumbled back a little, leaving it a prime target for Aleks.
He asked one of the woodsmen for an axe.
"How is my axe going to help you, if ya don't mind me askin'?"- The man wondered.
Aleks explained his plan to the woodsman. The man liked it and lended him his axe.
With a few well-aimed blows at the bottom of the tree Aleks managed to chop one of the trees down and block the direction where the giant was headed to- the entrance to the encampment.
"I'm sorry for chopping the tree down."- Aleks excused himself- "But it's the only way we can stop the giant."
The soldiers watched as the stunned giant tripped on the fallen tree and fell down with a mighty thud.
Aleks approached the giant and drew his sword. He stabbed the giant in the eye, finally putting the huge creature out of its misery.
Meanwhile, the soldiers and Captain Maxwell to the right managed to take down the other giant.
The rest was pretty easy. A few shots took down the Ogres as well, leaving the area safe at last.
After the last Ogre's death, the camp suddenly became very silent.
The soldiers cheered, having survived the double attack alive.
However, one of the soldiers was wounded in the attack. He succumbed to his wounds, but not before telling Aleks how much his girlfriend misses him and how she told him to say it to her boyfriend.
Aleks began to cry- not only for the dead soldier, but also for his girlfriend.
"Don't worry, Aleks."- Captain Maxwell comforted him- "I'm sure that she and your friends at the city are fine."
"I hope so."- Aleks said.
He sighed.
"Well, I guess it's time for me to go. I have to gather my things and travel to Paris."
"It's for the best."- The captain mumbled- "All we can do now is wish you good luck and hope that you will succeed in your final goal."
He looked at the soldiers. They nodded.
"It is very kind of you to say that, captain. I hope I helped you guys out with this problem."
The captain smiled.
"You definitely helped us. If it wasn't for you, we could have died to those beasts. Your help turned the tables around. Now that the hard work is finally done, don't worry about us. We will handle the rest. With those turrets by our side and the enemy forces severely weakened, they stand no chance against us."
"I'm glad that I helped."- Aleks said as he packed his things from the tent.
He left the encampment with cheers form both the captain and his soldiers. He waved them goodbye and moved on.
As he left the area, he smiled and looked back.
"I came to the encampment, thinking that this place was just a trap for refugees. Now, I stand corrected, because I found some new friends here. Fellow soldiers whom I can trust with my life. How we worked back there... I've never worked with a big group of people like that before. But i'm glad that I did. It was an amazing experience and it taught me that it's best to work with a team rather than work alone. Now, it's time to go to Paris and see my allies."
It took Aleks several hours to travel to Paris via the encampment. When he arrived there, he was approached by a worried James.
"Aleks, Thank God you're here!"- He said- "You need to come with me!"
"What? No "Hello"? No "How are you"? What's wrong, buddy?"- Aleks was surprised by James's sudden attitude.
James sighed.
"I would love to say that, but there's almost no time left."
"What's the problem?"
"Seiko. She's... giving birth."
Now Aleks was really surprised.
"Seiko? She's... really?!"
James's words had left him barely able to talk. Out of excitement, of course.
"Come on. Come with me. Maybe we'll be able to go there in time and see the birth."
Aleks and James went to a nearby hospital (where Seiko was located). There, they saw that Seiko had already given birth with Kayla standing by her side.
"She did it, James. She did it."- Kayla said and smiled.
Aleks approached Seiko and looked at his newborn child. She hugged him.
"I knew that you would come, honey."- She said.
Aleks smiled.
"I'm here, honey."- He replied- "I won't leave you ever again."
"I'm sure of that. Now, look at who came into this world, at last."
Aleks looked at the little creature Seiko was carrying. It was a little baby.
"So, what is it?"
"It's a boy."- She said and smiled as she looked at the baby.
James looked at the child and patted Aleks on the shoulder.
"You know what?"- He said- "He actually really looks like you!"
Aleks stared at his newborn child, surprised. James was right. Indeed, the child looked a lot like its father. However, there was something weird about it. Aleks could feel some sort of... magical energy radiating off of it.
"Congratulations, Aleks. You're a father now."- Kayla said.
"Thank you, Kayla."- He replied- "This is a really exciting moment for me."
"I mean, who wouldn't be excited when a child is born?"- James wondered- "I felt the same when my son came to this world."
"So, where have you been?"- Seiko asked her boyfriend- "What happened? And why do you look so tired?"
Aleks told them everything he experienced ever since he was separated from them. How he had to battle many powerful creatures and barely got away with it. How he barely had any sleep while searching for them. And, most importantly, how he helped the people at the refugee encampment to fight against a big army of goblins, ogres and even two giants.
"You shouldn't have helped them, Aleks."- Kayla said- "They could have handled this themselves, you know?"
Aleks sighed.
"My honor demanded that I should do so. I mean Jesus, Kayla. I couldn't leave those people in need struggle against a powerful enemy alone!"
"Well, it sounds like you did a great work."- James said- "How you killed a giant back there... even I wouldn't have succeeded. Such powerful humanoids are very hard to kill. You really are a capable leader and tactician."
"Well, the problem is in the past now. Now we have to think about the future."- Aleks said as he looked at his newborn son.
He noticed that the child wasn't breathing. Worried, he picked it up and gently tapped it on the back.
Suddenly, the child started crying.
James and Kayla were surprised.
"So... it wasn't stillborn?"- James wondered.
"No."- Aleks replied- "It just needed a reason to continue. Like myself. When I tapped it like that, I reminded it that it has to live to make us happy."
He held the child in his arms.
"Well, I am a father now. For the second time."- He said to himself- "Now all we have to do is get Marinette here and we can all live happily ever after."
"Aleks?"- Seiko unintentionally interrupted his thoughts.
"Yes, honey?"
"What should we name our son? I've had a few names in mind, but I need your advice."
Aleks looked at his son. Then at Seiko. Then at his son again.
He had only one name in mind. One that was going to represent the child as a brave, intelligent and capable person in the future.
"Yes. Jared."- He said and smiled.
A few months after the birth of Aleks and Seiko's son- Jared they finally became married. After putting rings on their fingers, Aleks promised Seiko that he will always protect them from harm.
After another month, James decided to leave the city.
"I know that I shouldn't leave you when you need me the most."- He said to Aleks- "But my family needs me, too. I have to go back to my wife. My son. I hope that you don't mind that."
"It's okay, James."- Aleks replied- "Go to your family. They need your presence more that we do. Good luck."
Kayla decided to go back with him, to make sure that he'll be fine. They looked at each other, then looked at Aleks one last time. Finally, they left the city, leaving Aleks and Seiko alone.
As for Aleks and Seiko's daughter, she happily lived in her aunt's village with her two aunts and her grandfather while her parents happily lived in Paris with her newborn brother.
Of course, after a few months they decided to take her in Paris.
"She'll feel better in your care."- Aleks's father said- "And don't worry about us. We'll live in your sister's village and help establish the defenses there. Good luck."
After seeing his newborn grandson and playing with him for a little bit, he and his daughter left Paris to go back from where they came.
Aleks, Seiko, Marinette and the newborn Jared lived in Paris for many years, even buying their own home to live in- the building that is now known as the "Kaos Residence".
And so, Aleks finally felt at home, doing what he loved to do the most- helping people, with his family by his side.
And that is how this story ends. A happy end. We may not get many of those, but that doesn't mean that they never happen. And this is one such occasion.
May the Kaos family live happily ever after and enjoy their live as citizens of the beautiful city of Paris. And may they bring joy to the people around them with their good deeds.
The end.
== Trivia ==
* This is the true final Part of "Miracula Luxia: The Prequel".
* At first, "MIracula Luxia: The Prequel" 's creator- AleksProdzBG wanted to make only 13 Parts for the prequel, but decided to increase the amount of Parts to 15 for good measure.