MLTE- Part 3

This is the third Part of "ML:TE".
It was released on 31.08.2023.
== Plot ==
Will and his allies make it to the Darkheart Temple with little trouble. However, things don't go as well as they hoped. This is peculiar, but not unexpected. Their enemies are a secretive and powerful bunch. No one is able to get away undetected.
Having to deal with danger, both on the inside and the outside, the four of them are forced to reconsider their decisions and make a plan, in the hopes of gathering the powerful Scroll of the Exiled.
Will the inevitable chase become a chance for Will and Mysta to turn the tables?
== Story ==
As our heroes prepare to leave, they hear the creak of a door. They soon realize that it is the one, leading to the Kaos residence.
Will and his allies watch as Aurelia steps out of the residence and slowly approaches them.
"Do you really think that a little poison... can stop me?"- She says and chuckles- "Hah! I bet those freaks use roach poison instead of the real deal! This... is weak!"
At the same time, Delia approaches the woman and attempts to drag her back.
"Please, Aurelia. Listen to the voice of reason."- She says- "There's no point trying to join them. It's futile."
Aurelia shakes her head.
"I can't let little Willy go there alone!"
Delia looks at the party and sighs.
"As you can see, that's not right."- She says- "William has a group of his own. Do not bother."
Geralt shakes his head.
"Getting hurt for the family has always been your kind of thing. But not today."- He says- "Those assassins are a cowardly bunch, but their suicidial parade is capable of causing real damage to us. Sticking together is always a good plan, but we must travel light."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Are you implying that I am not light?!'
Geralt shakes his head.
"Obviously not, love. You are beautiful, and nothing will ever change my mind."- He says- "It's just that... I have been very worried about your condition in the past few years. I was always on the edge, always cursing my own existence for bringing so much pain. I wanted to keep you away because I... felt that it was the best way to protect you. And Will, he is just doing this because he really loves you. After all, we are his guardian angels."
Then, he sighs.
"In other words, what I mean is that our thoughts must be light."- He adds- "The thought of falling victim to this particularly vicious force of mafia freaks is too heavy, anyway. Responsibility is a harsh thing, but we must come to terms with it. I am very sorry, my dearest."
Aurelia nods and holds Geralt's hand.
"I understand, honey. It's a tough choice, but I know you have the right thoughts in mind."- She says- "If Will wants to put an end to the freaks without my help, so be it. I know that it's for the good of our nephew, so I won't interfere."
Then, she turns to Delia.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience."- She apologizes to her- "I'm ready to go back."
Delia smiles.
"Sweetheart, you have such a kind soul."- She says- "To think that you wanted to do this for that little nephew of yours, it's such a kind gesture. I'm glad that I met you both when I had the chance. You're such a wonderful family."
She sighs.
"If only ours could be a little bit like yours."- She says- "We would've been so much better."
She nods to Will and Geralt, then takes the weakened Aurelia back home.
"Poor auntie."- Will says- "To see her like that... it was such a sad sight."
Mysta sighs.
"You said it."- She says- "She was so desperate to help. And we... had to send her away."
Alwyn continues to stare at the residence.
"I wish there was a way we could help her."- He says- "But I guess that it's best if we continue our mission, in the hopes that she'll get better in the end. My aunt's taking good care of her, though, so I trust her completely. I know that she'll be fine in our absence."
Geralt shakes his head.
"Kids, the reason why she always ends up in trouble... is me. I am the one who should be blamed for this."- He says- "When I rescued her from that flaming mansion, she saw the fire in my eyes. She admired my courage and wanted to be like me. And that desire still hasn't faded away."
Will looks at his uncle.
"Haven't you tried to pacify her?"
Geralt sighs.
"More than a few times."- He says- "However, none of the attempts were in my favor. Talking to her is like yelling in the water- there is no meaning of it, and nobody can hear you. Well, except maybe for the fish, but that is different statement. My point is that I should have never showed that vigor, that bravery."
Mysta shakes her head.
"With a person like you, it was bound to happen. Sooner or later."- She says- "I deeply regret the fact that I contributed to her current attitude. But it's best if we forget about that and focus on getting that scroll out of the temple. Maybe the gods will be merciful to her and allow her to live her life once again."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Maybe?"
Mysta sighs.
"The gods can be quite... mercurial. Sometimes."- She says- "We mist wraiths have always tried to provide them with advice them, but their pride has caused them to shun us. I don't like it, but I have to live with that thought in mind. And, in my opinion, you should do the same thing."
Geralt nods.
"Yes. I completely understand your concern."- He says- "I am not much of a believer myself, but Life turned me into a devoted warrior. And the way the gods treat us living creatures is not really fair."
Mysta blinks.
"Just like I said, forget about it. For now."- She says- "Now, how about we move on already? I'm looking forward to banishing some dark beasts."
Geralt nods.
"You do not have to say it twice."- He says- "Let us begin this expedition."
And so, they set off on another adventure, where the stakes are higher than the possible rewards. Quite a common trope, truth be told, but that is not a concern for those brave souls. All that matters is the defeat of the mafia that is causing so much trouble.
After a short and exhausting hike on the Darkheart Mountain, our heroes finally succeed- they arrive at the Darkheart Temple. Even from the distance where they are, however, it seems like a lot of things have gone wrong. At least on the outside.
First, a small clan of goblins have settled near the temple's entrance. They are aware of our heroes' presence and are glaring at them, in the hopes that they will be intimidated to leave. Second, there is some sort of malevolent energy inside of the temple itself. A beckoning force, tempting anyone who is close enough to step inside. Both are obvious traps, but the task at hand must be done.
Mysta carefully inspects the temple, as if looking for some kind of a flaw. Then, without knowing it, she stumbles into the lands of the goblins, causing them to attack her on sight and force her to defend herself.
It does not take long for her to dispatch them, though. After conjuring a particularly powerful wind spell, she blows every single fiend off the mountain, sending them toward their inevitable demise with little more than the blink of an eye.
"Woah, Myst."- Will says- "How do you manage to maintain such a level of self-control while you are under pressure? It is incredible!"
Mysta smiles.
"I have a secret. And it's called "not caring about it"."- She says- "It has worked well for me. Maybe you should try it, too."
Geralt sighs as he walks by.
"Or maybe you should stop being sarcastic and try taking things seriously, for a change."
Mysta looks at him.
"I am taking things seriously!"- She exclaims- "I took those goblins out! Wasn't that enough?"
Geralt nods.
"Well, it's a start."- He says- "But your father's not quite pleased. You need to do more."
Mysta rolls her eyes.
"Whatever."- She says- "He can blow himself away, for all I care."
Alwyn gasps.
"Woah!"- He exclaims- "Teen attitude!"
Will looks at him, confused.
"Alwyn, the three of us are teens."- He says- "Why are you so surprised?"
Alwyn looks back.
"Well, it's because we didn't have such a show of disobedience back home."- He says and thinks about home- "Or maybe it's because the other kids have always been timid and obedient. I can't tell for sure."
Geralt sighs.
"If only all children in the world could be a little bit more quiet and obedient, it would be a miracle."- He says- "But... I understand that every child has their own attitude. I can't blame Mysta for disliking her dad. Once, I disliked mine as much as she does now."
Will looks at him.
"But... I thought that you loved grandpa!"
Geralt nods.
"When I was around your age, yes. I did."- He says- "But when I learned how he ran away like a coward, hiding his face from the world, I realized that the stories that my family told me were fake. Made up, just like our feelings for this deed. That's when I started to see the world in a more... realistic way."
Will nods.
"So, you want us to understand that we are not subservient to our own emotions. We are capable of having our own thoughts, without being influenced by anyone else."- He says-"Is that correct, uncle?"
Geralt smiles.
"Well, I can see why everyone compliments you so much."- He says- "You are a smart child, Will!"
Will looks at him, in an incredulous way.
"But you have always complimented me and my intelligence!"
Geralt nods.
"It is true."- He says- "But the rest of the world matters more than I do. In many aspects."
While uncle and nephew continue their conversation, Mysta works on breaking the lock, holding the Darkheart Temple sealed. It does not take her long to decipher the gliphs on the wall. With them in mind, she uses her wind powers to blow her way through the solid door, sending it to the floor ahead in the temple with a loud *clang* and alerting our heroes.
"For someone who's been lying in the mists ever since they were a child, you have incredible potential."- Geralt says- "I'm impressed, Mysta. Well done."
Mysta smiles and blushes. A little bit.
"Thank you, sir."- She says- "It's an honor for me. To work with you, that is."
Geralt smiles.
"And it's an honor for me to be your mentor, in those dark times!"
As the party advances into the dark temple, Geralt hands his nephew a torch and smiles.
"You are the leader of this expedition."- He says- "If there's anyone who deserves the honor of crossing this ancient place first, it is you."
Will looks at the flimsy torch. Then, he looks at his uncle. He knows that he is the leader of the group, but the idea of using such primitive methods of light has never crossed his mind, He has to decide what to do for a while.
Then, he hands the torch back to his uncle.
"If that is what has to happen, so it be."- He says- "But there is a better method to dispel the darkness. Watch closely."
Using his incredible prowess in light magic, Will summons a large orb of light. Immediately, the inanimate object bends the darkness to its will, allowing the heroes to see past the veil of shadows all around them.
"Ah! One of the most simple spells in the circle of light- the light orb! I remember how I used to cast it when I was a student of light myself!"- Geralt exclaims and smiles- "Judging from the size of this creation, it is clear that your knowledge is definitely on a professional level. You are no mere apprentice anymore, Will, and I'm very proud of you."
Then, he walks up to the orb of light and extends his hand.
"But there is one method that helps you turn the tables even further."- He adds- "Watch this, my boy."
With a complex motion of his hands, Geralt empowers the orb that WIll created with his own energy. Suddenly, the orb grows bigger than it was before. Its rays of light start to burn the enemies hidden in the dark, revealing that this temple is more than just an abandoned landmark.
"Sir, that was impressive!"- Alwyn exclaims- "I heard many good things about the Kaos family, and I'm glad that you just justified them all to me!"
Geralt smiles.
"I like to put our family in a good light, if it means that the rest of the world will be illuminated by it."- He says- "My job is to help the people of this world. And this number includes my loved ones. I am always glad to help."
Alwyn nods.
"You have the look of a true campaigner, sir."- He says- "It would be an honor to learn from you."
Geralt continues to smile.
"And it would be an honor for me to teach you a thing."- He responds- "Or maybe even two."
As the party continues to step further into the dark temple, more and more creatures in the dark are incinerated by the orb of light's magical energy. Who knew that such a little thing could radiate such immense power? Not those fools, that's for sure.
Just as they approach a new part of the temple. however, a lone figure steps out of the shadows. He is unafraid of the orb of light, and clearly intending to prevent them from going further ahead. Could he be an enemy... or a guardian of the temple, meaning nothing but well for those who do not wish to desecrate it? It is not quite certain, truth be told.
The room is a little bit dim, but Alwyn is able to see the man's face. When he does, he freezes for a second. He realizes that he was sent by his father... and is his most trusted ally, no less. A really bad situation is just a few steps away from him... and he dragged his new friends right into it.
"Apori! I-it's you!"- He exclaims- "Your father sent you after me, didn't he?"
Apori looks at Alwyn and smiles.
"Well met, heir of Grayson. What a coincidence to... meet you in this dark place."- He says- "But no. My reasons for stepping into those sacred grounds are different. I came here to issue a warning- both to you and to your so-called "friends". And it is best if you listen."
Then, he clears his throat and begins to speak.
"My employer's mafia is an ancient force of lawkeepers and mercenaries. We have been maintaining the peace between clans and small communities for a long time. And our current leader, he's the most competent we've ever had."- He says- "In this temple lies a tool of destruction, meant to bring everything to an end. And if you do obtain it, I assure you that your suffering will be painful and slow."
To prove his point, he claps his hands. Two wisps of dark light are spawned and begin to circle around him. Even from this distance, it is clear that they are capable of incinerating everyone. A truly fearsome show of power, that is.
"Do you really want to mess with our group, dark elf?"- Geralt says- "I have dealt with many like you in the past. Pride can be quite a potent poison. And no painkiller can ease it. Be warned that we are worse than what you anticipate right now."
Apori nods.
"That is the reason why I came here, Kaos."- He says- "Your family is strong. And we respect that kind of power. People like you are meant to mind their own business, though. So, if you don't want to make some powerful enemies, I suggest that you leave this area. Bad things are going to happen to you otherwise."
Without thinking twice, Will and Mysta draw their weapons, surprising the dark elf. He takes a step, amused by their persistence.
"Hmm. How interesting."- He says- "Well, young William, the boss will make sure that you get a special treatment soon. Whether you like it or not... is not of our concern."
He points his staff at them.
"But first, business must be done."- He says- "So, please don't resist. If you don't mind."
Will takes a step forward.
"If you want us to mind our own business."- He says- "Then allow us to mind yours."
As Will and his allies charge, the dark wisps swoop toward them. They distract them with their burning light, allowing the dark elf to conjure a powerful spell and blast them back. Then, with little hesitation, he forms large cubes of darkness and starts hurling them at our heroes.
Fortunately, Geralt is able to form a shield of light just in time. He deflects the blows of his enemy, forcing him to try a different strategy.
And yet, even this effective strategy is not enough to scare Apori away. The dark elf's persistence finally pays off when the wisps, seemingly timid and weak on the outside, manage to shatter the shield of light into hundreds of pieces and locking them with a neverending loop of dark light.
Seeing that his allies are in trouble, Will approaches his orb of light and mutters a few words. The orb starts to glow light blue, indicating that the young hero managed to enchant it with water magic. Then, he watches as it floats around the dark wisps and easily dispels them, shocking Apori.
Even though he is alone, he was able to hold the heroes off for a while. However, with the tables turned (at long last), the dark elf is forced to retreat and reconsider his strategies. The mission to break the group is not an easy one for him, and he must find a way to bend them to his master's will.
"Truly a remarkable show of power, young Kaos. I admire your persistence. And your courage, too."- He says- "As much as I'd like to stay and fight you, though, I am afraid that my master needs me again. He is a needy fellow, you see, and my mission is to stand beside him."
Then, he raises his hands in the air.
"But, before I go, I will leave you one final curse."- He adds- "Enjoy it while it lasts, fools!"
Before our heroes could stop him, Apori casts a powerful spell and aims it toward Alwyn. Suddenly, the boy is held in place by chains of darkness, binded by the man who has served the leaders of the mafia for longer than he existed in this world.
"Now keep this in mind, troublemaker- your actions do have consequences."- He says and nods- "If you want to avoid them, you know what to do. And what not to do."
Having said that, he raises his head and fades away, leaving our heroes alone in the dimly lit chamber.
Almost immediately, the chains start to make Alwyn feel very uncomfortable. He tries to free himself, but it is clear that simple movements will do nothing to ease his suffering, Thus, he is forced to ask the rest of the group for help.
Geralt inspects the chains, then casts a few experimental spells to test their durability. Then, he tries to shatter them with his holy blade. However, both actions result in failure, forcing him to rethink his knowledge and the decisions that he made to lead his group into his temple.
"It seems like the mafia knows we are here. And they sent their finest wizard to torture and belittle us."- He says and sighs- "It is a pity. I hoped to avoid a confrontation with anyone who is not the leader himself. However, it seems like we have to be prepared for anything now. No place is safe for us anymore."
He looks at Alwyn, sympathetic and hopeful.
"I am very sorry for allowing this to happen to you, kiddo. That was painful to watch."- He says- "However, there is a way to undo the curse and bring life back to your tortured limbs. In order to do that, we must find the scroll as soon as possible. Only magic, meant for the exile, is capable of dispelling the darkness and freeing the exile from the dark temptations."
Then, he takes a step forward, the orb of light standing close to him.
"So, if you don't mind, I want to move on."- He says- "Immediately."
Will nods.
"You got it, uncle."- He says- "Dark and scary temple, here we come!"