MLTE- Part 8.1

This is the first (and only) Extra Part, featured in "Miracula Luxia: The Exiled".
It was started on 24.11.2023 and finished on 06.01.2024.
== Plot ==
After the defeat of Damien Grayson and the fall of the old mafia, Alwyn takes the leadership role in his hands, repairing the damage that his father did when he was ruling the lands and restoring the property that was once stolen from the many innocents that he framed.
But Damien Grayson is not the only troublemaker around these parts. Rufus Redmark, also known as the new Red Baron, has emerged from his hiding spot. An exile like Alwyn himself, he has escaped from the ruins of the Empire to form an army and restore it to its former glory. Vicious and ruthless, he has murdered many people he thought were responsible for the fall of his uncle's empire, seeing himself as the only hero this world needs.
Will and his allies embark on another journey, in an attempt to prevent Redmark's empire from rising again. Though there are many morals to be noted, one remains crystal clear- a person's tainted heroic ideals could bring the end to those who truly mean well.
The rise (and fall) of the Red Baron is near. Disaster is imminent. Resistance is futile.
== Story ==
Will and Alwyn travel on horseback toward a nearby village. According to certain rumors in the heart of the mafia, some of the former members seized the village and threaten to put an end to the residents if they do not comply. As a result, they have grown fat and happy, unnoticed by the authorities in the wastelands.
Alwyn thinks that they are just another pack of outlaws, but Will knows better. He has carefully analyzed the situation and came to a single conclusion- those villains did not work alone. And the people who subsided him are the new evil that they should be afraid of.
"I still can't believe that those fools would dare to raid a village that has never belonged to them!"- Alwyn exclaims- "During my father's rule, many of his goons were wild and disrespectful. But now that he's gone, they have become worse."
Will nods.
"They never had a say in this matter in the first place."- He says- "Those lands belong to the free people of the world. They worked hard to create this place- a tiny oasis in the middle of a neverending nightmare. Having it taken away in such a cruel way is so... terrible."
He looks at Alwyn.
"And that is why I spared your father."- He adds- "I wanted him to see how his army ravages the lands. I forced him to become a witness of those heinous acts. And, judging from his current state, I believe that this method is the only way to knock some sense into his tainted brain."
Alwyn sighs.
"I'm not sure, my friend."- He says- "I want to believe that we can change him. But my heart is still bleeding. My soul's still crying for vengeance. And sometimes, I fail to silence those screams. So, I turn to you."
Will shakes his head.
"A man with the heart of a villain can never become a hero. But we are doing what we can."- He says- "Just don't stop believing. Falling into despair is what caused your father to become the scum that he was when we defeated him."
Then, the two boys hear the screams coming from the village. The abductors seem to have anticipated their arrival and are now threatening the lives of the hostages.
"It seems like the situation has escalated."- Will says and draws his weapon- "Let's deal with those freaks."
Alwyn nods.
"I'll be glad to put them all down."
When the duo approaches the village, they see the group of renegade mafia goons. Some of the fiercest members have surrounded a group of innocent civilians, interrogating them and beating them up if they not give them what they want. 
Alwyn fires a shot in the air, getting the villains' attention. They all turn to glare at them.
"So you're here."- Their leader- "Hmph. Took you long enough."
Will takes a few steps forward. When the goons point their guns at him, he responds by lifting his hands in the air.
"We mean no trouble."- He says- "All that we want is to negotiate for the lives of those people."
The leader smirks.
"Oh. So you think that you're some kind of savior."- He says- "Face it, kid. You were too young when Mr. Grayson was around. Perhaps you were lucky to beat him, but you can't win all the time."
Will shakes his head.
"The times of barbarism are over. Right now, we live in an age of culture and civilization."- He says and looks at all of the goons, noting their ruthless behavior- "You turned to banditry because you had no choice. The world changed all of us, but it was not that kind to you."
The leader raises his eyebrow.
"You still believe that there's good in this world?"- He says and laughs- "Kid, you're on the wrong side of the rainbow. There ain't no heaven on earth! All that we have destruction and conflict! We fight for survival, and the reason why you're still alive... is because you're a survivor yourself."
Alwyn sighs.
"Just a moment ago, he called him weak for being a child. But now, he praises him for his survival skills."- He says to himself- "What a bunch of mercurial fools."
Will nods.
"And that is the reason why we should fight on the same side, even if we do not share the same views for this world."- He says- "Please, listen to the voice of reason. We are just trying to spare you from a fate worse than death. If the rest of the world's heroes find you, they will not be merciful."
The entire group laughs.
"Hah! What a joke!"- The leader exclaims- "Heroes?! Boy, there are no heroes left! All of them are dead or old!"
Hearing the way this man is mocking the heroes of the world, Alwyn angrily raises his gun at the group of goons. Despite Will's pleas for him to stop, he angrily glares at each one of them, blood and vengeance on his mind.
"I've had enough of this foolishness!"- He yells- "Die! And stay down!"
One of the goons close to the leader gets shot in the head, shocking the man. He ducks just as Alwyn starts firing at him and fires back, forcing Will and the rest of the goons to do the same thing.
"What are you doing?!"- Will yells at Alwyn- "You just triggered a conflict! And now, the two of us must face a large group! We are outnumbered!"
Alwyn smiles.
"Relax, my friend."- He says- "The situation may seem dire, but we have something that they've never had. And that's the power to change the world, one step at a time."
As if to imply his idea, Alwyn leaps out from his cover and fires at the goons. One of the bullets strikes the temple of the closest one. The second one's entire body is destroyed by them. Five more fall after the young man executes perfect headshots.
Seeing that his friend's strategy is working, Will decides that it is best to punish the outlaws himself. He sneaks behind one of the angry goons and stabs him in the back. Then, he grabs the man's body and throws it at another goon, making them both fall into a nearby pit.
When the goons start to fire at him, he raises his magical shield, blocking their attacks. Then, he grabs one of the chains that they used to torture the civilians and beats each of the goons to death with it.
The last goon shakily aims his gun at him, trying to bring him down before his demise. However, his feeble attempts to do something fail miserably- Will's shield is just too powerful. This annoys the young man, but does not make him feel angry.
"I am sorry about this."- He says as he approaches him- "But you did it to yourself."
Then, with a little hesitation, he kicks him into the pit. With sadness in his eyes, he watches as the man rolls down and falls to his death.
When he looks back, he realizes that some of his allies have arrived to assist them. Apparently, Alwyn had sent a distress signal shortly before the gunfight, which was seen by the guards on duty. They stand next to the final survivor of the battle- the goon leader himself- preparing to interrogate him.
Will walks up to the leader- the person who caused all of this destruction and despair. He stands close to him and, feeling very enraged, kicks him in the chin.
"Look what you did, you barbarian!"- He yells, unable to control his own emotions anymore- "I tried to give you another chance! I tried to spare you! Do you see what happens when you betray the trust of those who try to change your life?!"
The leader shakes his head.
"The Red Baron will never forgive you."
Alwyn raises his eyebrow.
"Red Baron?"- He asks- "What in the world are you talking about?"
The leader smiles.
"Tall. Red-haired. Merciless."- He says- "He'll be the end of you all."
Will nods.
"So I was right. Someone is helping those troublemakers."- He says to himself- "I should find out more about this so called Red Baron."
He turns away,
"We have no more business here. The villains have been defeated."- He says- "There is a bigger threat on the horizon. We should move."
Alwyn shakes his head and aims his gun at the leader.
"Not before I put an end to this animal.
The leader raises his eyebrow.
"Animal?"- He asks- "What makes you any better, kid?"
Alwyn sighs.
"Unlike my father, I am no monster. I restore the lands of those who were tortured by him, releasing the prisoners whom he falsely accused."- He says- "Times are changing, friend. In this world, you either adapt to the laws that are being carved or get punished by them."
The leader smiles.
"But don't you realize that you're wasting the finances of our mafia to help others?"- He asks- "What happened to the desire for power? The lust for gold?"
Alwyn shakes his head.
"Power and gold mean little to me. As long as the other people are happy, I shall gladly shed my own resources to contribute."- He says- "Besides, we still get a lot of income. My father's fair share of compensations and money for bribery are doing wonders when it comes to expanding our reach. We are no fools. Though we do give supplies to the good people, we keep the ones that we obtained from the bad ones."
The leader laughs.
"Yes! You're just like him!"- He exclaims- "The mafia has a new face, but it never changed!"
Infuriated that this man would compare him to a complete monster, Alwyn angrily raises his gun. 
"Do not. Compare me."- He mutters- "To. My. Father!"
Before the leader could mock him again, Alwyn blows his head off, killing him instantly.
"Alwyn!"- Will exclaims- "You didn't have to do that!"
Alwyn stares at his friend.
"Well, he didn't have to insult me!"
Will shakes his head.
"Just because he compares you to someone else, it does not mean that you are like him."- He says- "Your father was a horrible man. You may share the same blood, but you are nothing like him. I can see it in your eyes."
Alwyn raises his eyebrow.
"Then who am I?"
Will places his hand on Alwyn's shoulder.
"You are Alwyn Grayson. A skilled fighter. A talented tactician. A wonderful friend."- He says- "You helped me realize what kind of filth lives in this world and how to deal with it. And that is why you are better than the man who calls himself your father."
Alwyn nods.
"I appreciate your loyalty, Will."- He says- "But people like him still deserve to die."
Will sighs.
"I am not saying that those who wronged the nation should not be executed for their crimes."- He says- "What I am trying to imply that we need to make them see their own mistakes. See what they were in the past. If we simply kill them without revealing what kind of people they were to the good folks around them, what is the point of being a hero?"
Alwyn stares at his friend. Gears slowly turn in his mind, trying to process the information as efficiently as possible. He then comes to the conclusion that Will is right.
"I suppose that you do have a point."- He says- "Villains should be punished, but should first be exposed to the rest of the world. That will shame them even further."
Will smiles.
"See? You are capable of changing your mindset."- He says- "That is the reason why I respect you. Both as a warrior, and as a lawcarver."
The two boys check the area around them. They see that one of the houses has something painted on it. Looking closer, they realize what it means- "Red Baron". This makes them feel very concerned.
Geralt takes a look himself. Brushing away some of the dust above the blood red name, he discovers the familiar reversed crown- symbol of the old Empire. Shivers run down his spine as he realizes that the Red Baron may be a part of Redmark's old regiment.
"Oh no."- He says- "This... cannot be right."
Will looks at him.
"What is it uncle?"- He asks- "What is this crown?"
Geralt looks at his nephew. Tears fall from his eyes as he realizes how severe the situation is. He leans forward and hugs him, glad that he is not aware of the terror that he once felt himself, the nightmares that he witnessed firsthand.
"Willy. My boy."- He says- "I don't know if you understand this. However, we are in grave danger."
Will nods.
"It's the Empire, isn't it?"- He asks- "Are they back to kill us all?"
Geralt is surprised that his nephew knows about the Empire, despite the fact that he and his wife, on Kaiden's orders, never told the boy anything about it.
"How did you know?"
Will sighs.
"While attempting to keep the law in the wastelands, me and Alwyn met a mysterious man. He had blood red hair and black eyes. Confident, resolute and unbreakable. His black eyes housed the night itself, and his clothing was stained with the blood of his enemies."- He says- "He said that his name was Rufus Redmark, heir of the old Empire. He tried to convince me that he meant well, but I knew better. He wanted to deliver food to the mafia, in exchange for protection against the enemies who tried to hunt them down. We agreed, but we soon realized that it was a trap. Many of his men came out and he was on his red plane. They fired at us, killed so many noble warriors. Me and Alwyn are the only ones who came out of that battle. And that is when we finally knew- Rufus Redmark is the embodiment of the old Empire. The successor of the old emperor."
Alwyn clenches his fists until they turn red.
"I will never forgive him for what he did to our people."
Will nods.
"And neither will I."
Geralt sighs.
"It seems like Redmark's legacy is still burning. That's a bad thing, not just for us, but for the entire world."- He says- "Come on. Let's go home. We have a lot to discuss."
The group returns to Rainbow Sanctuary, only to find it under attack. A small group of Rufus's men is attempting to get inside, striking the walls with burning arrows and gunning down all of those who would try to stop them.
On top of a plane above their heads lies a terrifying man. A black eye to the left and an eyepatch on the right, he is a man who has faced many challenges and emerged victorious. Dressed like a pirate, but riding a large red plane. It is almost like something out of a bard's tale, only much more realistic.
When he sees our heroes approach, he aims his plane's machine guns at Geralt, recognizing him as the man who killed his uncle and ruined the entire empire. This is, without a doubt, Rufus Redmark- the man who betrayed Will and Alwyn's trust. The infamous Red Baron glares angrily at his target, ready to spill the red blood again.
"I'll never forgive you, Kaos!"- He yells- "Once you're gone, I shall restore the order that you took away!"
Before Geralt can respond, Rufus starts firing his lethal weapons at him. Only his Will's magical shield manages to save his life from the constant barrage of bullets and pain.
Rufus continues to fire at the old Empire's biggest enemy. However, as he does so, he catches a glance of Will. When he takes a better look at him, he realizes that he is exactly the person he thought he was- the same boy who subdued Damien Grayson and put an end to an entire mafia.
"You!"- He yells at him- "No! It can't be!"
He turns back to his allies.
"Everybody, retreat!"- He yells- "This is not the time to fight!"
Hearing his command, the soldiers stop firing at the walls and guards. Soon, the whole regiment withdraws alongside its leader, allowing our heroes to reach the gates unharmed.
"Wasn't that the same fool who tricked us?"- Alwyn asks- "What was he doing here?"
Will sighs.
"This is the same Rufus Redmark who tried to bring us down. He scorched our walls, just like he scorched our companions."- He says- "Now, it is time for us to drag him down from that fiendish plane. Once... and for all."
Our heroes return into the troubled settlement. Once thought to be an unbreakable paradise, now its walls have sustained serious damage. This makes our heroes realize- there is no paradise on Earth, no matter where you look.
At the planning table, several of Alwyn's most trusted men gather to help Will plan his next move. All of them seem to be concerned about Rufus Redmark, just like Geralt, and they want nothing more than to put an end to this madness.
"So,"- One of them says- "What do we know about this Red Baron?"
Will turns around and looks at the map behind him.
"From what I discovered, the man's full name is Rufus Riley Redmark. He is the nephew of Marcus Redmark- notorious emperor who spiled the blood of thousands of civilians who refused to accept his rule. That man was once one of the most terrifying leaders of all time, and it seems like our friend is trying to bring back the empire of his own uncle."- He says- "He was born when the old empire still existed. His mother was Claudia Redmark- a friend of my own aunt- who had nothing to do with her own brother. It is rumored that she became pregnant after an illegal affair, but that is not surprising at all. Either way, Claudia was soon killed and Rufus had to take care of himself, growing to hate the people who brought his uncle's empire down. He allied himself with the remaining members of Mr. Redmark's army and resurrected the horrors of the red empire."
He sighs.
"Rufus is a highly motivated individual. He will stop at nothing to make us pay, even though some of us are not even aware of it. From the looks of it, he does not care about other people at all, slaughtering all of those who stand in his way."- He adds- "He's been effective because he strikes from the skies. His way of transportation is the battle plane- a lethal engine of destruction. Killing his enemies from above is a much more effective tactic than trying a frontal assault."
The people nod.
"What should we do with him?"- Another one asks- "Is a conflict imminent?"
Will nods.
"Perhaps it is this way."- He says- "But do not give up hope just yet. He may be unwise, but his allies may listen to reason once he is gone."
He points at a burned spot on the map.
"After analyzing the reports of our comrades, I deducted that his group's HQ is located somewhere around here."- He says- "Don't get me wrong. This could all just be some sort of decoy, meant to distract us. Everything is possible during those dark days. And yet, this is our best chance at attacking back. The Red Baron must see red. There is no other way."
Alwyn nods.
"I have already sent scouts to inspect that rotten sinkhole."- He says- "From what they said on their walkies, it's clear that the whole base is still under construction. It seems our Red Baron is still gathering supplies and allies. Still licking his wounds."
Will sighs.
"And yet, even a wounded animal could be very dangerous."- He says- "Those vile souls who suffered pain want nothing more than to share it with others. He attacked Rainbow Sanctuary because he wanted to make his wishes come true. He may not be a psychopath, but he is definitely close to sociopathy. He claims that he has morals, but he cannot tell what is right and wrong."
Alwyn nods.
"Which is the reason why he should be put to rest immediately."- He says- "I won't allow a man like him to ruin everything."
Will shakes his head.
"Perhaps you are right. But do not write him out of the picture just yet."- He says- "First, we must learn more about him."
Geralt steps forward.
"If you do not mind my opinion, I want to say this."- He says- "I think that he wants to protect something dear to him, just like me and my wife want to protect our nephew. He goes to great lengths, just to save someone whom he cares about. He may look like a madman, but he is just another worried kid. He sees us as the bad people, but he fails to realize that he is the bad one. My suggestion is that we should make him surrender as soon as possible."
The people nod.
"Mr. Kaos is right. We can't just kill someone because he lied and tricked us."- One of them says- "Yes, he should be punished. But we can't risk the anger of the locals. Some of them may even like him."
Alwyn nods.
"Well said, my friend."- He says and turns to Will- "So. What should we do?"
Will turns back to the map.
"Our forces are only capable of walking on land. We are at a clear disadvantage."- He says- "However, I still believe that a frontal assault is our best option. We must draw that fool out of his lair before he draws the attention of something more dangerous."
He turns back to his allies.
"Tomorrow at dawn, we shall drag down the Red Baron from the clear skies."- He says- "Get some rest, my friends. Once the sun rises in the sky, we shall mark one of the most eventful days in our lives."
As Will and Alwyn leave the planning room, Anna runs up to Will and takes his hands in hers.
"I just heard what happened outside."- She says, very worried- "Are you two okay? Did that madman hurt you?"
Will shakes his head.
"Only emotionally."- He says- "This is no joke, Anna. That man is very angry at us. We must not show any signs of weakness."
Anna's eyes fill with tears. 
"But I'm worried about you!"- She exclaims and hugs him- "I don't want to lose you!"
Alwyn leans forward and places his hand on Anna's shoulder.
"I know that you care about us, sis. You've always been a vocal supporter of our bravery."- He says- "However, worrying too much about your loved ones is a sign of weakness. In order to be strong, we must think about bringing an end to that madman."
Anna nods.
"I know."- She says- "But... you said that he's a sociopath. That he's just like his old man. Does that mean that there'll never be peace for him?"
Will sighs.
"We just want to teach him a lesson. The old empire is no longer a thing, and he should be aware of it."- He says- "If he fails to realize it in time, well, that is his own problem. We cannot be responsible for every single deranged fool in our world."
As the three of them continue to speak, Aurelia approaches her nephew. During the six months of peace and prosperity, the woman who was once a slave to the darkness decided to become a maiden of light. Though she is still a healer, she also decided to become a nun at the local church and pray for the heroes who risk their own lives to change the future.
"Hello, dearest."- She says to her nephew- "I know that you're busy, but can you please come for a minute? It's important."
Will nods.
"Of course, auntie."- He says- "If that is what you desire."
As the two of them walk away, Aurelia looks back at Will's friends.
"You can join us too, if you want."- She says- "The church welcomes anyone who is willing to find inner peace."
Geralt stands next to them and smiles.
"I have been looking forward to praying for my loved ones."- He says- "Come on, children. Let's go."
As the group walks into the church, Aurelia approaches the holy altar. She notices the faint stains on it, shakes her head, and cleans them up with a tower. Then, she polishes the altar, making it shinier than before.
"You are being too protective, honey."- Geralt says- "That is a sacred artifact, but you should not expend all of your energy to clean it."
Aurelia looks back.
"It's the least I could do while I'm in here."- He says- "Taking care of this temple of light also requires menial labor. I can't just stand here and wait for visitors all day."
Alwyn nods.
"How is that going for you, by the way?"- He asks- "Is anyone being disrespectful?"
Aurelia sighs.
"A few vagrants pretend that they want to atone for their sins, only to commit more later."- She says- "I don't like them, but I choose to stay silent."
Alwyn nods.
"I will make sure that they get punished."- He says- "Nobody should disrupt the peace of this holy land. Even senseless vagrants like them."
Aurelia kneels near the altar and starts to pray silently. Will joins his aunt soon after.
"Today, we pray for the success and well-being of William Kaos- my very own nephew. My beloved angel. The savior of mankind."- She says as a group of people gathers behind them- "Our lands are besieged by a great evil, the likes of which we have only seen during the times when me and my love were children. A curtain of shadows covers the bright lights of our cities. My nephew will do his best to save our people, but we must continue to pray. Only then will he find the gate to victory and unlock it for us."
She raises her hands in the air.
"So rejoice, ladies and gentlemen! The light shall soon shine down on us again!"- She exclaims- "With this prayer, we give our strength to the young soul who keeps us safe! Amen!"
The rest of the people raise their hands in perfect unison.
"Long live William Kaos!"- They exclaim- "Amen!"
With the brief ceremony concluded, Aurelia watches as the people bow and leave the church. She lets out a sigh of relief, as if she had been running for a thousand miles. Being a nun is not an easy job for her.
Then, she wraps her hands around Will's neck and smiles.
"My dear Willy, you are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're the definition of my happiness, the source of my light."- She says- "If my words still mean anything to you, remember that auntie will always pray for you. We're in this together, and we shall remain this way."
Then, she gently kisses her nephew on the forehead. She smiles when his eyes fill with tears.
"I love you, auntie."
As the two of them embrace, Aurelia's positive attitude continues. Her radiant smile brings joy and hope to her loved ones and her kindness gives strength to her beloved nephew. She may be unable to fight, but she is capable of inspiring others to fight.
When she looks at Will, she sees the lovely sister she once had. The beloved Isabella, mixed with the valiant Kaiden, fused into a noble child who knows no bounds. Her sister entrusted this boy to her when he was just an infant, and she has loved him ever since. Even though the current situation implies that he and his uncle may be responsible for the destruction that the Red Baron and his army are causing, she does not feel angry, nor dispirited. She once made a promise to be a source of love and light, and she does not intend to stop, even when the entire world is falling apart.
Will and his aunt touch heads. She mutters a few words, infusing some of her wisdom into her nephew. Soon, Will feels more calm and composed, but also motivated and purposeful. He starts to see the Red Baron the way his uncle once saw Marcus Redmark- he might be powerful, but even the mightiest of emperors are not invulnerable. Sooner or later, he shall pay for his crimes. 
"In your name, I shall make the Red Baron see the light."- Will says- "He shall feel the true color of blood as I bring him down from the skies."
Aurelia smiles.
"I know that you will, my little angel!"
Once the group makes a silent prayer, Aurelia picks up a jug of holy water and picks some of it up, spraying it on Will's face. Due to his element, the boy feels happy and hopeful. This ritual gave him the strength to overcome his grief and fight for the people that he has left. With that thought in mind, he and his uncle leave the church and visit the graves of their deceased allies.
Geralt kneels next to his uncle Lucas's grave and bows his head. Losing a member of his family has made him feel terrible. It is mandatory for him to pay his respects, at least inside of his mind.
"Uncle Luke. I... didn't know that you were still out there. When you became an artist, I thought that I was never going to see you again."- He says- "But then, you met that metal fiend and risked your life for us. You sacrificed yourself so Grayson's freaks couldn't hurt us again. I'm so sorry. I should have been there for you, but I... I was so selfish. I thought about the strangers around me, but I failed to think about my own family. You're gone, and it's my fault."
For a moment, he feels like the scarred, desperate child that he was when his heroic career began. He remembers how he lost his sister Kiara to the forces of Redmark, how his beloved brother Kaiden sacrificed himself to seal the evil side of the Kaos family, and how he failed to save his uncle Linus from his imminent demise at the hands of his torturers. All of those horrible events make him remember than, at the end of the day, he is just like everyone else- a human being, capable of feeling emotions and fighting for his loved ones. He is not like the remorseless cyborg that Will killed, but he sometimes wishes he could be like that. The grief inside of his heart is a huge burden.
Then, he stands up and looks at his nephew. He sees him as one of the few precious things that he still has left. Then, overcome by the emotions inside of his heart, he hugs him.
"My boy. Tomorrow, we'll drown the Red Baron in a sea of red."- He says- "We will not allow him to hurt anyone else."
Will nods.
"You are right, uncle. This man has gone too far."- He says- "In the name of our loved ones, we shall drag him down from that plane of doom."
Geralt sighs.
"This is our new home."- He says- "We must do our best to protect our lands from villains like him, even if our lives are on the like. It is our duty."
As uncle and nephew embrace, Aurelia approaches and hugs them both. For a moment, the world stops around them. The Kaos family, even though it is fractured, is still whole. It is still unbeatable. No matter how hard their enemies try, the bonds between them cannot be broken.
And then, the feeling passes. The Kaos trio go back to their residence, eagerly anticipating the next day.
As Will brushes his teeth. the undead Stella shambles forward and stands next to him. She stares at her reflection in the mirror, seeing her pale skin and glowing eyes. Even though she is not a human anymore, one thing is clear for her- she has changed.
"What is it, dear?"- Will asks her- "Is something bothering you?"
Stella looks down.
"Not human."- She growls quietly- "Don't like."
Will sighs.
"It must be hard, knowing that you're not one of us anymore."- He says- "But do not worry. Human or not, I will always love you."
Stella looks up.
"Pro-mise?"
Will smiles.
"Yes."- He says- "I promise."
Will gently strokes his undead girlfriend's beautiful purple hair. Then, despite the fact that he is not fond of the undead, he leans forward and kisses her ice cold forehead. Feelings of love return to him as he remembers how he promised the same thing when she was still a human being.
"We were children back then. We did not know what love truly meant."- He says to himself- "And yet, we were still willing to love each other. We made a promise. And we never broke it. Our bond managed to last, even after the world tried to separate us."
Will looks at his Stella. He stares at her glowing eyes and, much to his surprise, sees glimmers of life inside of them. Knowing that a part of his childhood love is still inside, he smiles.
"You are still the beautiful girl that I met at the docks."- He says- "Unlife changed nothing."
Despite the fact that Stella is, most of the time, an emotionless undead, it does not mean that she does not have any emotions left. Tears roll down from her eyes as she stares lovingly at her boyfriend. The curse of unlife never broke their bond.
"I lowve... lo-ve... "- She growls quietly- "I.. love... yhou."
Will continues to smile.
"I love you, too."
Despite the fact that his girlfriend is an undead creature, Will hugs Stella. She feels an urge to bite him while he is vulnerable but, due to her love for him, quickly restrains herself. Then, she slowly hugs him back.
As the two of them embrace, they hear a strange noise coming from upstairs. It is coming from Geralt and Aurelia's room. Will and Stella slowly sneak upstairs, curious about the source of the sound.
And when Will finally opens the door, he sees something that truly surprises him. His uncle and aunt are making love. Despite the fact that he is older, he cannot help but feel disgusted.
Geralt and Aurelia see their nephew. They realize that he has seen them and lean back, putting their clothes back on.
"What exactly were you doing?"- Will asks- "A fateful battle is going to happen tomorrow. And you... you're having fun!"
Geralt sighs and shakes his head.
"You'll understand it when you have a girl of your own."- He says- "Me and your aunt are married. Why can't we make love?"
Stella growls faintly.
"A living love, Stella."- He adds- "Will still loves you, but he needs to marry a human girl."
Enraged that his uncle would dare to suggest what kind of girl he should love, Will clenches his fists.
"You said that bonds are unbreakable, even in unlife!"- He yells- "Why would you tell me what kind of species to love?!"
Aurelia shakes her head.
"We know that you love Stella. She has always been the love of your life."- She says- "But she's... not among us anymore. True, she's a living creature, but she's an undead. She might still have feelings for you, but she's dangerous. Sooner or later, a human girl will replace her. It's bound to happen."
Stella growls menacingly and lunges forward. However, places his hand on her shoulder and calms her down.
"Let's get out of here, Stel."- He says to her- "Uncle and aunt clearly do not understand what love truly means."
Then, without another words, the two of them walk out and close the door, leaving the couple alone in their room.
"I still can't believe that Will has feelings for that monster."- Aurelia whisperes to her husband- "Sure, she does look like the beautiful Stella that we once knew. But she's not a human anymore. Sooner or later, she will try to kill him. And I don't know if we can save him from her... "
Geralt shakes his head.
"I want to put her down. I want to lay her to rest."- He says- "But I knew that girl. I knew how she felt, Auri. Will's grief is something that I once felt myself. When you were in a critical condition. That day, I was worried if I would ever be able to put you down after you reanimated."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Well?"- She asks- "Were you going to do that?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"I... don't think so."- He replies- "Maybe me and our nephew are not that different, after all."
Aurelia smiles.
"He definitely inherited your love and compassion."- She says- "Isa and Kaiden were never like that."
Geralt sighs.
"If only Quinn could be like his brother... "
Aurelia nods.
"Once we find him, we'll make sure that he changes his selfish ways."- She says- "He's been straying away from the light for far too long."
Geralt nods.
"Yes. We will."- He says- "But that's a matter for another day. Let's go to sleep, my love."
Meanwhile, Will tucks the undead Stella in his bed. Then, he lies next to her.
"Can you believe it? Uncle and aunt had the audacity to make love. In a time of war and turmoil."- He says, ashamed by what he saw- "Uncle considers love to be more important than our duties. Doesn't he know what heroism is all about?"
Stella growls faintly, as if to say that she agrees with him.
"I know, Stel. I know. We need to convince them that you are still a sentient creature."- He says- "But for now, we need to do our best to get some rest. Try not to bite me while I am asleep, okay."
Stella looks down, doing her best not to succumb to her dark thoughts.
"I know that you will."- He says- "Good night, dear."
Then, he kisses his undead girlfriend on the forehead and quickly falls asleep.
In the night, Will hears footsteps coming from downstairs. Too sleepy to do anything, he barely notices the door to his room swing open.
"Uncle?"
To his surprise, the figure that is visiting him is not his uncle. It is a mysterious masked man, armed with a pair of curved daggers. Upon noticing him, the young hero experiences a sense of deja vu, as if he has seen a similar man before.
In this situation, he is also lying in a bed. However, he soon notices that his belly is very large. His hair is black, but it is longer than usual. And, last but not least, he feels the strange sense of extreme fatigue, almost to the point of collapse.
Then, he notices his uncle and aunt, fighting off a similar masked man. He tries to call out to them, but his voice is drowned by the cold night. He tries to stand up, but all of his energy is gone. It is almost as if he is forced to watch a pivotal event in the past, reminding him how the person in whose shoes he is now has also experienced the same horror.
And then, he comes to the realization of the person that he has briefly become. The woman is his very own mother- Isabella Moonglow, during the time when she was pregnant with him and his twin brother- Quinn.
"So this how you felt, mom. People were trying to kill you. And you just wanted to save us from dying in childbirth."- Will says to himself- "You were stressed out. From the looks of it, you were even close to falling unconscious. But you did not give up. You did everything you could. And, in the end, you succeeded."
Back to reality, Will reaches for the blade on the nightstand to the right of him.
"But I will fall victim to the darkness, like you once did."- He continues- "I shall continue our heroic legacy. I will survive."
When Will lunges at his attacker, the man avoids his blow. Then, he knocks the sword out of his hand, trips him and pins him to the ground. The hero tries to fight back, but he is far too exhausted. He tries to call out, but the man covers his mouth and begins to suffocate him.
"The Red Baron sends his regards."- He says- "You shall see the red sea, William Kaos."
Before he can end his life, the undead Stella stands up from the bed. Seeing her boyfriend in danger, she lunges at his assailant and bites him on the neck. The man stumbles back and tries to stab her, but Stella proves to be faster than him. Grabbing the dagger with her hands and tossing it away, she swiftly rips his stomach open, killing him in mere seconds.
However, Stella does not feast on her victims anymore, unlike the time when she was newly reanimated. Instead, she slowly stands up and backs away, waiting for her boyfriend to recover. She watches as he kicks the assailant and lets out a faint growl, seemingly glad that it's over.
"Atta girl. Well done."- Will says and smiles- "It looks like our haven is not that safe anymore. I did not expect something like this to happen to us."
Just as the dead assailant's skin starts to turn pale, Will stabs him in the temple with one of his own daggers. His reanimation is prevented.
Hearing the commotion happening upstairs, Geralt and Aurelia rush forward to assist their nephew. They find him standing over the corpse of the assailant, covered in blood. Stella sits on the bed next to him, her mouth blood red.
"Oh my God! Willy!"- Aurelia says and hugs him- "We heard that something was happening upstairs! Did this man hurt you?!"
Will shakes his head.
"Well, he tried. But Stella managed to kill him."- He says- "You should give her more credit, auntie. She may be an undead, but she is no monster."
Aurelia looks at Stella and smiles.
"Sorry for doubting you, dear."- She says- "Willy's right. You haven't changed at all."
Stella lets out a faint growl. Though she shows no emotion, she is glad that she helped.
Geralt stands next to his nephew and sighs.
"The Red Baron just won't give up."- He says- "First, that insolent brat betrayed us and killed our allies. Then, he tried to raid our settlement. And now, he sends assassins to murder us, one after the other."
He clenches his fists.
"What kind of a monster are we dealing with?"
Will sighs.
"One who has no regards for human lives."- He says- "He is a dangerous man, uncle. Even a child could tell that he is trouble."
Geralt looks at his nephew.
"But the question is- how can we make this source of trouble disappear?"
Will looks at the dead assailant. Then, he stares at the blood in his hands. Right now, he clearly doubts his decisions. Sending a full frontal assault is a bad idea. However, if the heroes don't attack their enemies back, the red militia will return and slaughter more innocent people without remorse.
"I do not like any of this, but my decision still stands."- He says- "However, there is no time left for sleep. We must prepare for the attack. Otherwise, the Red Baron will send more trained killers to stop us. In order to put an end to this madness, we must strike while his forces are exhausted."
Aurelia shivers for a little bit.
"If you don't mind me, I will stay at the temple and pray for all of you."- She says- "I hope that you succeed!"
Geralt nods.
"It is alright, my love. Do not go anywhere."- He says- "You are meant to stay at home, not on the battlefield."
The two of them kiss, causing Will to become slightly uncomfortable.
"The Red Baron likes to pretend, but there is one thing that he cannot hide- he and his allies are hurt."- Geralt says- "Let's strike them down while they are still licking their wounds."
Will and Geralt go to the planning room. They notice that Alwyn and his allies are already there, having heard the screams coming from the residence. Much to Will's surprise, Whisper is also here, waiting for his friend to arrive.
"Whisper?"- Will says- "What are you doing here."
Whisper shakes his head.
"The winds did not lie. You are facing great trouble."- He says- "My father is still sick, but my sister instructed me to come here. I shall serve as her eyes in this imminent battle."
Then, he sighs.
"Also, I was very worried about you. When you failed to message us back, we knew something was amiss."- He adds- "You may be a human being, but you are our friend. I cannot allow you to fight alone. I shall join you and teach this so-called Red Baron what the creatures of the winds are capable of."
Will smiles and pats him on the shoulder.
"I knew that I could count on you."- He says- "Welcome to the party, my friend."
Alwyn sighs.
"So. It seems like the time has come."- He says- "Shall we head out?"
Will nods.
"Yes. We will."- He says- "But I changed my mind. I know that it is much better if we face this monster together, but it is best if we do this alone. Risking the lives of our soldiers will only lead to chaos. I prefer to keep our order intact for as soon as possible."
Alwyn raises his eyebrow.
"You know that the result will be the same if we die out there."- He says- "Right?"
Will nods.
"That is true."- He says- "However, if there are still guards inside of this settlement, they will be able to utilize a stronger defense and repel the Baron's militia until help can arrive and rescue them. It is best if we don't waste them."
Alwyn smiles.
"Fair enough."- He says- "Let's get going. As soon as we get there, we shall make the Red Baron see how foolish it was to challenge us. March forward and have no fear. Today, we shall draw the blood of the wicked once again."
He raises his gun in the air.
"For Rainbow Keep!"
His allies do the same.
"For Rainbow Keep!"
Alwyn nods.
"That's the spirit."- He says- "Alright. Let's do this."
As the group emerges, a horrible feeling crosses their minds. It is almost as if they are anticipating another danger to occur. 
Unfortunately, they do not have to wait for too long. Seconds after they begin their assault against the red army, hidden alarms start to blare around them. Strange rockets rain from the sky, putting the settlement's magical defenses (and its residents) at risk.
"Impossible!"- Will yells- "Everyone! Get down!"
Will's command manages to save the lives of many innocent people. As they run inside the settlement's buildings and hide inside of them, they hear all-too familiar laughter above their heads. 
The heroes look up and see the infamous Red Baron, circling the magical barrier with his glorious red plane. Like a giant mosquito, he craves for the blood of his enemies... and is ready to do anything to reach them. Playing dirty is no problem for a man like him.
"You might have scared me last time! But that's over!"- He yells- "Your settlement is mine! Surrender, or I will turn you fools into ashes!"
Will shakes his head.
"Your ego knows no bounds, terror of the skies!"- He yells back- "It is true! You have cornered us! However, even the cornered rat can strike back!"
Rufus- the Red Baron- chuckles.
"I admire your persistence, William Kaos. You're not the type of person to give up. I am sure that you can be an outstanding adversary."- He says- "Still, I think that you're far too dangerous. I can't risk facing you, lest I shall lose my power and honor."
Then, he smiles.
"But don't get me wrong. I'm not here because of some personal vendetta."- He adds- "I came here, because my people need a new home. We've been wanderers for far too long. If you're not willing to share, then I'll make sure to erase you for good."
Geralt sighs.
"All bark and no bite. Typical youngblood."- He says- "Come on, Red Fiend! Show us what you've got!"
Rufus clenches his fists.
"You dare talk to me like that? Especially after what you did to my uncle?!"- He yells, losing his nerve- "You'll be the first to fall, Geralt Kaos! The people may call you a hero, but in the eyes of a true Redmark, you are nothing! The mighty Empire shall rise once again!"
He angrily points at the magical barrier.
"Show them our power, comrade!"
Suddenly, another plane joins the baron. It utilizes a pair of deadly missiles and prepares to fire them. However, much to the surprise of our heroes, they are not normal tools of warfare- some kind of experiment infused them with magical energy, making their explosion far more powerful (and fatality-inducing).
"They've brought the magical missiles!"- Alwyn yells- "Our defenses are not developed enough to withstand them!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"You cannot handle them. Not without the right training."- He says- "Watch closely, children. This is how a true hero defends his homeland!"
Using the power of wind, Geralt manages to make a giant leap. He is high enough to intercept the incoming missile launch, allowing him to use his powers to repel it.
"You've always been the kind who believes in miracles!"- Rufus yells- "Well, I'd like to see you make one happen now!"
Geralt smiles.
"Do not underestimate a hero, just because he is not in his prime anymore."- He says- "Be worried because he can still fight back."
Rufus clenches his fists. His face gets beet red. His eyes start to burn with barely restrained rage, ready to be unleashed as soon as possible.
Resigned to make Geralt pay instead of getting his people a new home, he points at the mighty hero. He might be a powerful and illustrious leader, but the rage inside of his heart sometimes prevents him from thinking rationally and clearly. 
"Fire!"- He yells- "Now!"
The pilot, obeying his master's command, aims the magical rockets at Geralt. 
As he fires both of them at the hero, time seems to stop. Geralt watches the giant rockets heading towards him, knowing that this is a matter of life and death. He remembers the time when both Will and Quinn were young and sees himself holding them in his arms. He sees his wife standing beside him, loving and loyal. He witnesses the world around him, filled with chaos but unbroken.
"This is the proof of our existence. The fire of motivation that has kept us going for so long."- He says to himself- "Villains have threatened us since the beginning of time. We have always been in danger. And yet, the greatest heroes of this world taught us one valuable lesson- nothing is over... until it's over."
Geralt smiles as the rockets get closer.
"Watch closely, Red Baron."- He says- "This... is the proof of our power!"
With two giant missiles homing on him, Geralt mutters a few brief words. A giant sword of light appears from thin air, shocking the people below and planting a seed of fear inside of the Red Baron's heart. Then, Geralt closes his eyes, waiting for the right moment.
When he hears the glint of his sword, he opens his eyes and unleashes the raw power of the energy blade. The massive impact forces the two rockets to head toward their sender, destroying him almost immediately. But they do not stop there. Once the plane is struck, it swiftly descends toward the ground below, causing a massive explosion that kills all of the approaching warriors of the baron, effectively putting an end to his assault.
Singed by the massive blast, the Red Baron spins around a few times with his plane. He tries to fire back at his opponent, but Geralt knows him better than he imagined. 
Pumped up on adrenaline, he rushes forward, ignoring the barrage of bullets coming his way. Headstrong and determined, the warrior of stars easily finds an opening in his enemy's attacks, striking down his vital engines with his massive blade and forces him to withdraw further into the desert, temporarily defeated. This gives our hero the chance to regroup with his allies, allowing them to repel the last of the baron's forces before they can gain entry.
"What a day, huh?"- Geralt says, bloody and exhausted- "I don't know about you, but this is just another day for Yours Truly!"
Will shakes his head.
"Your nature is weird, uncle."- He says- "And yet, you managed to save us. We are alive."
Geralt chuckles.
"God gave us another day on this planet."- He says- "Let's savor it before we get back into the storm."
Alwyn smiles.
"I'm just glad that we saw a legendary hero in his element."- He says- "You're a true champion, Mr. Kaos."
Whisper nods.
"Even the winds agree."- He says- "The human heroes are truly something else."
As the four heroes admire the results of their hard work, a lone figure watches them from a building above their heads. Seemingly angry, he glares at Geralt and spits at him. Then, he looks back and hits the prison bars with his head.
The man is Damien Grayson- former leader of the legendary mafia- now incarcerated and trapped inside of a high security prison. A pair of magical shackles prevent him from harming anyone, including himself. It also becomes clear that the infection did not doom him, because his captors amputated his arm before it spread anywhere else. 
Apparently, they thought that it would be better punishment for him to watch the happy people below him. And, from the looks of it, it is working.
"That pesky do-gooder! Always the star of the masquerade! Always the top vigilante!"- He says to himself- "Oh, how I wish I had a baseball bat and a grenade, to throw it at him and end his so-called heroism once and for all!"
However, he is not without power. As soon as he looks up, a suspicious man approaches him. It turns out that he is one of the mafia's last spies, still working for his former master without question or payment.
"It is done, my lord."- He says to his master- "Our supplies have been delivered to the Red Baron and his people. They promised us that they shall use them to drive the Kaos out of Rainbow Sanctuary. Everything's going according to plan."
Damien smiles.
"Excellent."- He says- "If I'm not able to conquer the lands myself, that doesn't mean that this world's truly safe. That kid may not be my successor, but he has the heart of a true warrior. That amuses me."
And then, he hears footsteps coming from downstairs. Whispering at his spy to hide somewhere, he watches silently as someone goes upstairs, with the intention to visit the only prisoner of the entire facility- him.
Adam Kaos opens the door to the prison cells and stands in front of Damien. Both men glare at each other, saying nothing that will break the silence. Tension rises as the two of them continue to stare. It is almost as if Adam's look says one thing to his incarcerated adversary- "I know what you're up to".
Then, without looking back, Adam turns away. Even though he is heading away, Damien can still feel the rage inside of his very soul. The man is infuriated by the recent attacks on the settlement, and he is clearly partially blaming them on Damien himself. This makes the former mafia boss a little bit shaken, but not afraid.
"No matter. Everything is going well."- He says to himself- "Soon, the Kaos and their allies shall face a true opponent- the Red Baron."
Then, he pulls out a small silver coin and starts flipping it, in a futile attempt to ease his boredom. Moments later, he also pulls out a small bottle, taking big swigs of alcohol as he continues his miserable existence and forcing himself into a drunken stupor to forget the chaos happening outside of his (relatively safe) cell.
As Adam joins the group, Will wonders what happened to his grandfather. All of a sudden, he has gotten far more serious, determined and foolhardy. He has forgotten about his own age, deciding to be a hero once again.
"Don't think you're going anywhere without me, kids."- He says- "If there's some crazy maniac who wants to destroy everything we've built, count me in. I don't want to miss all the fun. Heh."
Will shakes his head.
"It is not about the fun, grandpa."- He says- "We are going out to save the world from evil. There is nothing fun about it."
Adam sighs.
"I meant fun in a different sense."- He says- "But now is not the right time to educate a whippersnapper such as yourself. The young baron's insolence calls for a blood sacrifice. Let's hit him while he is still on the edge."
As the newly formed group ventures out of the settlement's gates, Will has a vision of a beautiful settlement, filled with happy villagers. Then, he sees the same place, razed to the ground and filled with the corpses of its former residents. 
The spirit of a lone man sits in the middle of it, watching the young hero ominously. A strong chill runs down his spine as he carefully chooses his next words.
"Are you feeling betrayed, young one?"- The spirit interrupts him- "Hmph. You're just like me."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"Who are you?"
The spirit sighs.
"I am the founding father of what you came to know as the Kaos heroes. The one who paid a price for trusting everyone."- He says- "Long ago, I became the victim of an elaborate scheme. My own brother plotted against me, planning to take all of the wealth that I gave to the poor folks and use it to build his own dark empire. The reason for that? I was once an esteemed pirate. But, unlike the rest of my money-loving peers, I pitied the poor and wanted to help them out. I greatly despised the rich swine all around me, so I took much of their wealth. I gave it to those poor souls. But my brother, who was so much different, did not like my attitude. He often complained to our parents how foolish I was. He even got me exiled from my own hometown."
He takes a good look at Will, carefully analyzing him and attempting to find out if he is trustworthy or not. After a few long, silent seconds, he finds what he sees to his liking and nods.
"Though I was a hero to many, I did not like being a pirate. Even simply acting like one was disturbing for me. Years later, I left my pirate job behind and became an accountant. Just like before, I helped people, but with valuable information instead of glorious treasures. Even though I was gone, the regular people still respected me and were grateful for what I had done for all of them."- He says- "However, I soon faced the sting of betrayal. Keenan Kaos- my very own brother- had developed a lust for greed and power. That bloodsucker was a always a pain in the gluteus maximus (i.e buttocks) and always pretended that he's the king of the world. The negative trait that I always ignored was that he was always quiet and reserved. He read his books in peace, refusing to socialize under any circumstance. And then, one day, he decided to start his sinful charade by doing the one thing even the worst of villains were incapable of- killing a member of his own family."
Will is horrified by this sudden revelation. He tries to respond, but the words get stuck inside of his throat. Whatever happened to his ancestor, it is too terrible to talk about, let alone listen to. 
He has never, ever felt this speechless.
"Frightening, I know. I think that it's best if I spare you the worst details."- The spirit says- "Long story short, my so-called brother tricked me into thinking that he was kidnapped by a powerful pirate gang. I traversed land and sea, falling victim to Keenan's elaborate scheme, until I reached the settlement in question. To my dismay, it was in ruins. The people who once lived there lied dead around me, their skeletons screaming for vengeance. Like you, I saw a vision of the past. A reminder of who I was dealing with. That place, unlike what I thought, was just a peaceful fishing settlement. People were living normal lives, happy and undisturbed by the rest of the world. But then, some madman came and ruined everything, putting an end to an entire clan of people who never meant any ill at all. And then, when I least expected it, I saw him. Looming over the dark hill ahead, his entire body shrouded in a cloak of darkness. And yet, even though he was meant to be scary, he still looked like the friendly brother I once knew. I tried to call out to him... and then, the rest is history."
Seeing that Will is even more speechless than before, the Kaos spirit looks at him. Despite the fact that he cannot say anything, he does not scream and attempt to run away. He does not burst out in pure, unrestrained anger. He simply sheds a few tears, feeling remorse for those who came before him. A true hero, he silently notes to himself as he carefully chooses his next answer.
"This is what you youngsters call a case study. Sort of."- He says- "I know that you are quite the thinker yourself. I hate to ask you about something at this moment, but I need to know. So tell me. If you were the central actor of a similar play, how would you react to such betrayal?"
Will sighs.
"I... would put a stop to my brother's rebellious thoughts."- He mutters- "Before it is too late."
The spirit nods.
"And how do you plan to do that?"
Will looks up.
"By showing him that he is on the wrong side of the rainbow."- He says- "First, by attempting to talk to him. And then, if that fails, to fight him until he yields. As much as I hate the second one, I understand that it may become necessary. My brother needs to return home, sane and sound."
The spirit smiles.
"You are wiser that most of your ancestors, young one."- He says- "Perhaps there is still hope for you and your family."
Then, he starts to fade away.
"Wait!"- Will exclaims- "Before you go, who were you?"
Continuing to smile, the spirit stares straight into Will's eyes. It is a brief, bone-chilling moment.
"My name is Alexander Kaos. The first of his kind."- He says- "And don't you forget it."
As Will snaps back to reality, his allies stare at him. From the looks of it, they think that he is experiencing a brief blackout while still standing on his own feet. But then, he opens his eyes, startling all of them.
"Woah!"- Whisper says- "The winds brought you back!"
Alwyn smiles.
"Good morning, prince."- He says- "Did you have a good sleep?"
Will rubs his head, barely remembering what the spirit of Alexander Kaos I told him.
"Urgh. What an eventful dream."- He says- "Did you see it, too?"
His allies shake their heads.
"The only thing that we saw was you acting like you were being possessed."- Geralt says- "We thought that the Baron charmed you... somehow. You were in a trance, not responding to us at all. And then, you started moving forward, unaware of where you were going. It was terrifying, to be honest."
Adam nods.
"Since you were pretty tired, we thought that you were suffering from somnambulism. Sleepwalking's quite common for hard-working heroes."- He says- "But. unlike the rest of our little team, I saw a faint visage. The... silhouette of a man, wrapped in pure light. It was a glorious sight, but also very worrying. Was he the one who haunted your dreams?"
Will shakes his head.
"More like the one who is trying to warn me."- He says- "His name was Alexander Kaos The First. He was one of the founding fathers of the Kaos's heroic side, or so he claimed. He told me his story, revealing how he was betrayed and killed by his own brother for some worthless sacks of gold. It was laid out as some sort of a lesson that I had to learn. A forewarning for a lethal event. He wanted me to look further into my own brother's disappearance and wanted to know how far I would go to prevent history from repeating itself."
Geralt sighs.
"Ah yes. The story of the infamous brotherslayer Keenan Kaos. I once met that man while your daddy was still around. I am lucky that I escaped with my life- he was incredibly powerful and wicked."- He says- "But... you claim that you met the brother whom he killed. Our holy ancestor. When we talk about Yin and Yang, he was definitely the Yin, just like you are when we compare you to Quinn. That man was canonized as a martyr for his noble deeds, but it appears that his vengeance still remains, even though Keenan lies in the deepest parts of the underworld forever."
He calmly stares at his nephew, trying to determine how much he has learned without making him feel nervous. Feeling that he is reaching a total breaking point, he makes the decision to withdraw and analyze it alone.
"It is true. He did teach you how to learn from your mistakes. However, he also scarred your life in the process. Haunted your dreams."- He adds- "But do not be alarmed. Every good deed comes with a price. Sooner or later, you have to pay it."
Will looks at his uncle, terrified.
"But how can I erase it?"
Suddenly, Geralt's paternal instincts kick in. He feels very worried for him. Such a revelation must not be taken lightly, and he knows that the best way to deal with it is to make sure that the victim is as calm and composed as possible.
"Look. I... know that it sounds scary. And, truth be told, it probably is."- He says to Will- "But you should not feel down. Chances are that you might avoid the same fate. Quinn is not that kind of person, at least not yet. Just... try to think about putting the Baron in his place. We shall deal with your brother as fiercely as possible. That little fiend will not trick you, no matter how hard he tries. He will not evade the hand of justice."
Will looks down.
"I just... want my old brother back."- He says- "I do not want a new enemy, in the face of him."
Alwyn raises his eyebrow.
"Then what should we do? Kill him?"- He asks- "He might be a dirty traitor, but I feel bad about taking him away from you."
Seeing that the situation is escalating, Adam decides to step in and cool everything down.
"Listen, children. You are worrying far too much."- He says- "Will, your brother might be a traitor, but he is not some kind of greedy and/or bloodthirsty killer. We must talk some sense into him, make him see that we're not the bad ones. A mimicry of fake heroes can only lead to the creation of more fake heroes. That child is a nuisance, but not some kind of existential threat."
He smiles.
"Think of it as a pool of lava above a person's head. If the pressure is too high, the lava will pour down on them, ending them for good."- He adds- "But, if an external source of pressure occurs on the other side, the flow shall be diverted toward the other targets- our enemies. It shall be twice as lethal, due to all of the pent up heat radiating from the dangerous liquid. Even a few softspoken words with true authority can make miracles happen."
Will sighs. He breathes a sigh of relief, feeling himself calm down. At least for now.
"I... think that I feel better."- He says- "Thank you, grandpa."
Adam nods.
"If you need to talk about it, feel free to bug me."- He says- "I am glad to help anyone, especially those of my own family."
Geralt stands next to his father and smiles.
"You are quite the smooth talker, dad."- He says- "Look. Will is much better."
Adam sighs.
"It is just my duty. Both as a parent, and as a grandfather."- He says- "I would never allow any of you to fall victim to fear and darkness."
Geralt nods.
"Well, you are definitely wiser than all of us combined."
Adam looks at his son and smiles back.
"Don't forget about yourself, kiddo."- He says- "You're the one who shed blood and tears to watch him grow. Ever since his birth, you and Aurelia have been the boy's guardians. You never let him out of your sight. And look at him now, righteous and determined to rid the world of the dark veil. Just like you once were."
He continues to smile as he looks at his grandson.
"Tell me, Geralt."- He says- "Doesn't he remind you of a certain person?"
Geralt tries to concentrate, hoping to witness what his father is seeing himself. Then, he recognizes the face of Will. He sees himself as a young hero, hot-blooded and indomitable. He does not fear man or beast and always fights for the right side of the world.
"He does."
Adam nods.
"Then you can finally see it."- He says- "Children see their parents as role models. You might not be that boy's daddy, but you definitely made quite the impression. He doesn't see you as some kind of a worthless nobody that he will forget tomorrow. You are a figure that he has trusted for a very long time. To lose you... is to lose himself."
Will looks back.
"Shall we proceed?"- He asks- "I am eager to knock that Baron down from the sky."
Adam sighs.
"And that is what brings you here."- He adds- "You have a role in little Willy's life. Don't forget it."
Geralt smiles.
"I will not fail my boy, father."- He says- "Rest assured of it."
Adam smirks.
"If only your mama could see you now."- He says, beaming with pride- "She would've been so proud."
Geralt wipes a tear from his right eye.
"I am sure that she already is."
As the warriors slowly approach the red army's HQ, they fail to notice the obvious absence of danger. Everything is quiet, as if they were locked in a soundproof room. Not a single person is in sight, even the members of the night watch. 
For such a mighty army, they would definitely have the resources to protect their own home. But where could they have gone.
"It is clear that the soldiers turned tail and ran for a more secure location."- Will says- "The rest of the settlers are trying their best, but I can tell that our vision is just an illusion. Many of them are desperately hiding in the buildings ahead.'
He turns away, looking at the vast sea to the east.
"But we are not some kind of bloodthirsty murderers. We want revenge against the militia, not the civilians."- He adds- "Those people do not deserve to die. I will not doom them, just because they joined a hopeless cause. Many of them were probably forced against their own will. I refuse to murder people who are just trying to survive in this harsh world."
He looks back at his allies.
"That applies for you, as well."- He says to them- "If you harm any of those people, you shall be dishonorably discharged."
Suddenly, the warriors become very serious. Will may look kind and benevolent, but he definitely means what he is saying. And when it comes to harming innocent people, he definitely draws the red line. He never allows such petty crimes to happen under his watch.
"If we allow ourselves to succumb to our own lust for vengenance, then our situation is truly precarious."- He continues- "We are not some kind of wild animals, men. Think about what those people have done to survive. In their eyes, we are almost certainly the villains. But does that mean that they are our enemies? Of course not."
The soldiers nod.
"Only punish those who let the spark of chaos loose in the first place."- He says- "Everyone else can either run to find a new home, far away from this madness. Or, they can submit and join us. We will bear no grudge either way."
Alwyn nods.
"That's a good plan, my friend. But I have a question."- He says- "Suppose that we find the infamous Red Baron. We survive the inevitable battle between the red and the blue, bringing that fiend to his knees. What should we do with him?"
Will sighs.
"It is a long shot for someone like him. But I hope that we can spare Rufus."- He says- "He is the one who started it all. But, when I look at him, I see the same fire that was once restrained inside of me. Unlike me, he likely survived on his own, and had to contend with all kinds of jealous landowners and vengeful vigilantes. His heart might be filled with vengeance, but he is not an incorrigible person."
Alwyn rises his eyebrow.
"That was a rhethorical question."- He says- "I'm not sure, though. Should we kill, or should we spare? It's a difficult choice... "
Will nods.
"I know how you feel, Alwyn."- He says- "Those poor soldiers were my friends, too. I have not forgotten about what Rufus and his goons did to them. I will consider sparing the baron's life, but that does not mean that he will remain unpunished for his crimes."
Alwyn sighs.
"Make sure to throw in a wolf to maul his arms."- He says- "That will make him feel the pain that our comrades once did themselves."
Geralt shakes his head.
"That is far too harsh, boy."- He says- "We can't go that far."
Alwyn lets out another sigh.
"Justice demands harsh measures."- He says- "I can't just sit, idle, as my allies suffer. No one has to go through this pain. Murderers and monsters must receive what they're due."
Will looks at his uncle.
"It is best not to argue with him, uncle."- He says- "I hate to punish that man harshly. Even the worst of villains deserve a little bit of mercy. However, if it means that would-be villains would take the hint and keep to themselves, I am willing to make him sweat. A little bit."
Geralt smiles.
"You are definitely the voice of reason here, my boy."- He says- "Let's hope that you can keep those poor souls afloat."
The team continues to inspect the abandoned settlement. Though most of the supplies have already been taken away, one thing catches Geralt's eye. An oar, possibly belonging to one of the HQ's escape vessels, sits discarded in a supply shed. He and Will ponder the reason why it was thrown away so deliberately, but are soon forced to emerge when they hear a loud explosion nearby.
As the group analizes the small hole, they find the charred bones of three members of the allied forces. From the looks of it, they seem to have tripped and triggered a potent magical trap, incinerating themselves without letting out a scream.
"The troublemakers may be gone, but they definitely have ways to slow us down."- Alwyn says- "Search for more of those enchanted landmines. We don't want anyone else to end up like that."
Everyone does their best to discover more traps. However, it turns out that they are firmly attached to the ground below, unable to be eradicated unless triggered. Just like how another pack of poor soldiers trips in another trap.
Having lost several good and capable allies, Will decides that this area is a Grade A danger zone (i.e. a dangerous place, meant to be put under constant monitoring). He motions for his allies to carefully back away from the perils ahead of them, avoiding all suspicious piles that they stumble across. However, this plan does not remain unnoticed for long, despite the fact that the young hero attempts to attract as little attention as possible.
A group of battle hounds emerges from a nearby forest, having tracked the scent of blood and smoke to their source. As they pounce, the warriors Will and Alwyn took to help them out are forced to defend themselves. Many of the warriors are taken by surprise, barely managing to escape from the savage jaws and sharp claws of those remorseless beasts. The battle seems dire, just like the hounds themselves.
But then, Alwyn finds a spare Molotov in his pocket. He throws it at the largest concentration of battle hounds, sparking a chain reaction that sets many of the beasts on fire. He and Will watch as the panicked beasts bump into each other and spread the flames of justice, just like a merciless wildfire in a wicked forest. Soon, most of the trained beasts are caught in the box of pain, leaving only the most crafty to find their way out of this mess.
And yet, even though many of the beasts are dead, more come to replace them. It is like a neverending loop of darkness and despair. The heroes kill their enemies, more of them arrive to replace their fallen comrades. Again and again, they emerge from the forest, until the human side is too exhausted to keep fighting back. 
One of Alwyn's closest men reaches for his back. Luckily, he managed to secure one of the baron's enchanted machineguns earlier. A barrage of glowing bullets is unleashed upon the unsuspecting horde. Though it does not manage to clear many of them out, the effort is enough to hold the line.
"Sir! There are lights up ahead!"- The man yells, his voice faint like a whisper- "Keep on running! We'll hold those mutts back until you return!"
Alwyn places his hand on his warrior's shoulder.
"Don't let the morale of our warriors fade away."- He says- "They might be doomed, but they must not know it."
The man nods.
"I... can't guarantee it. All of them are looking pretty pale."- He says- "But, if it eases your mind, I'll try to keep our order intact."
As our heroes start to run toward the source of the light, some of the hounds break through the human blockade. They leap at some unfortunate soldiers and maul them to death, shocking Alwyn who is just a few meters away.
Will feels some sort of a disturbance coming from nearby. He motions for his allies to go without him, then uses his magical shield to protect himself. However, when he approaches the nearby bushes, a lone girl leaps out and shatters his only layer of protection. The two of them wrestle for a while, but the girl proves to be the strongest combatant. She knocks the young hero to the ground, then presses a small dagger against his throat.
Then, she takes a better look at Will. Something in her brain tells her that he is not her enemy. Alarmed that she attempted to kill a completely unrelated person, she helps him to stand on his feet and hugs him, guilty and scared.
"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!"- She exclaims- "I t-thought that you were one of those empire haters! But you're no freak! You're a good guy!"
Will shakes his head.
"Well, lady. I am not the person that you wanted to see."- He says- "I came here to bring a wicked man to justice and bring peace to those lands. I have never hold a grudge against the Empire, not hated it with a passion."
The girl nods.
"Maybe you can help me out, then?"- She asks- "I lost my brother while trying to flee. He was trying to find some medicine for my massive headache. But I... feel like something happened to him. He stopped responding to my messages and rebuked my calls. I might be younger than him, but that doesn't mean that I'm just going to sit here and be his little princess of honor."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"You are a princess?"
The girl smiles.
"By the way, it's a polite gesture for both sides to introduce themselves before further conversation."- She says- "My name is Alicia Redmark. I'm the niece of the man who once led those miserable lands- good old Marcus Redmark. You see, my mama was his sister, and he loved her very much."
Will nods.
"So."- He says- "What was he like?"
Alicia thinks.
"Well, I don't remember him quite well."- She says- "But he was tall. Imposing. The color of his hair was darker than demon blood. His eyes were always filled with unrestrained anger. He felt like he needed some time alone, yet he never had the chance to make it happen. But that didn't stop him from treating his family in a fair way. He loved both me and my big bro, as if we were his actual children. I was being treated like a princess. I don't miss that life very much, but it was quite fun."
Will smiles and bows to Alicia.
"It is a pleasure to make you my acquaintance, My Lady."- He says and kisses her hand- "My name is William Angellus Kaos- a modern samaritan and hero-in-training. I fight for the world every day. My greatest reward is the gratitude and loyalty of all good people, no matter if I got to know them or not."
Seeing that Will is a kind and altruistic person, Alicia cannot help but blush a little bit. Though she is the type of person who often rebukes potentional lovers, something inside of this young samaritan gives her the resolve to be herself. When she is around him, she starts to feel like a woman again. His chivalrous attitude makes her melt, like chocolate in the desert sun. They have barely known each other, but she knows that she can trust him.
"I'm glad that I got to know you, Will."- She responds, still blushing- "Does this mean t-that we can be friends?"
Will nods and smiles.
"Of course!"- He exclaims- "I would love to be a friend with a wonderful lady like you!"
Alicia blushes again, this time a little bit more.
"You sure do know how to treat women, hmm?"
Will smiles.
"Uncle taught me how important it is to respect women."- He says- "I owe that to him."
Alicia grins.
"Good for him!"
As Alicia scans the horizon for her brother, Will analyzes the nearby sand dunes, in the hopes to find his allies. When both of them find nothing, they decide that it is best if they stick together for the time being.
Due to the fact that Alicia's hair is bright red, Will soon comes to the realization that her brother is someone that he knows painfully well. Steeling himself for the worst, he looks at the girl, mixed emotions swirling inside of his pure mind.
"I promise to bring you back to your little brother."- He says- "But I warn you- do not trust him. He might seem to care about you, but that is only on the surface."
Alicia shakes her head.
"Nonsense."- She says- "My big bro always tells me that he loves me."
Will shakes his head.
"Just like my twin brother- Quinn."- He says- "However, unlike him, your brother still has some sympathy left in his empathetic soul. Maybe we can arrange a truce and cease those hostile activities once and for all."
Alicia chuckles.
"You're a cute one, Willy. The world needs more folks like you."- She says- "But the facts are clear. In reality, my brother's a crazy maniac who will stop at nothing to restore our former empire's throne. And the worst thing is that he refuses to listen to reason."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"Can you give me an example?"
Alicia briefly reminisces her past, attempting to find a suitable moment.
"When I was a kid, me and Rufus used to play together. We had few toys, due to the fact that we were poor."- She says- "However, my dear brother refused to share his with me, even though I always did otherwise. Time and time again, I tried to convince him that sharing is caring. But he was just too stubborn. He always refused."
She sighs.
"I guess this foolishness got carried to the present."- She adds- "He's just as despicable as ever."
Will looks at Alicia.
"And yet, you still want to find him?"
Alicia nods.
"He might be a jerk, but he's the only family I have left."- She says- "Wouldn't you do the same for yours?"
Will sighs.
"Of course I would. My uncle and aunt mean everything to me."- He says- "I can tell one thing from your story, though. I don't know your brother very well, but it is clear that he is just like mine. Maybe we do have something in common- having big brothers who are not kind to us."
Alicia chuckles.
"Then we should definitely be friends!"
Will and Alicia stare at the dark sea ahead, staring at the bright lights in the distance. This mysterious sight is like a fever dream to them. Who would be foolish enough to set up a base, in the middle of a sea of shadows? From this vantage point, they can only assume who one would do such a thing.
"What do you think about those lights?"- Alicia wonders aloud- "Who might be out there?"
Will ponders Alicia's question.
"Maybe they belong to a settlement."- He says- "The most realistic scenario? There are likely pirates and their trusty vessels. And they probably do not welcome strangers like us."
Alicia looks up.
"Or maybe some seaward goblins?"- She says- "I mean, those little jerks can go anywhere. Why not the dark sea itself?"
Will nods.
"Perhaps."- He responds- "But what if it is actually a talented wizard, trying to create light in the vast darkness? Some of them are crazy enough to explore any piece of land, even the most uninhabitable of them."
The two of them continue to make suggestions, each of them more bizarre than the other. For once, Will has actually found a person who shares his interests, who understands him and reciprocates his feelings.
After a while, the two of them lay in the sand and chuckle, clearly enjoying themselves.
"You know what, Will? I'll admit it."- Alicia says- "For someone who spends most of his time out in the wildlands, you definitely bring some good memories about home. Most heroes care little about their places of origin. But you? Even though you've barely spent any time in yours, moving elsewhere as a kid, you still see it in a good light. You always talk so fondly about your hometown, about its residents and landmarks. It makes me feel like I'm there myself."
Then, she smiles.
"You're truly one of a kind."- She adds- "I like you."
Will smiles back.
"Well, me too!"
Alicia blushes again.
"R-really?!"
Will nods.
"Of course."- He says- "You are a wonderful friend."
Alicia sighs.
"And here, I thought that I hit the mark."- She says to herself- "Ugh. I need to find another way. He's just too precious to ignore."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"Is something wrong, Alicia?"
Alicia shakes her head.
"Nothing serious."- She says- "Just daydreaming. Again."
She attempts to make another excuse, but fails to do so. As she wonders what she should say, a battle plane passes by them, getting Will's attention.
"The baron is here."
Alicia raises her eyebrow.
"That's my brother?"- She asks- "But his plane's not red."
Will shakes his head.
"No. That is not him."- He says- "What I'm saying is that your brother and his army are in this region. Somewhere over the dark archipelago."
Suddenly, the two of them hear the sounds of battle in the distance. Gunfire erupts at random times. The screams of the wounded get engulfed by the night. The blood in the water- a magnet for apex predators- lies around the bright light ahead, a sure sign of an imminent disaster.
"Maybe you're right."- Alicia says- "My brother's one of the few people who can set fire to the rain. I won't be surprised if he turns the sea around us into a giant incinerator."
Will stares at her, concerned.
"What do you mean by that?"
Alicia stares back, just as concerned as he is.
"My brother has the heart of a madman. He's always been quite ambitious. Bloodthirsty, too."- She says- "If it means that he'll slaughter someone to achieve his goal, he'll gladly make it happen. He's a menace to everyone."
Will nods.
"That fool killed an entire group of our soldiers in the blink of an eye."- He says- "I still have to make him repent for that sin."
Alicia sighs.
"If it means that his cruel methods will be corrected, I'm all in."- She says- "Just don't hurt him too much. Okay?"
Will remembers how Alwyn- his companion and friend- vowed to feed Rufus to the wolves when he gets the chance. Even though he is unsure whether he can stop his friend from harming the baron or not, he decides to assure Alicia that everything will be alright. At first, she seems a little concerned, but her trust in Will outweighs her fears. She decides that he knows best, so she stands by his side, hoping that he will make things right again.
"My brother's somewhere out there. Still being a madman, probably."- She says- "Until we locate him, I can't rest. My conscience won't let me."
Will nods.
"I promise that we will find your brother."- He says- "Let's hope that he is still alive."
Alicia sighs.
"I might not be the bigger sibling, but I'll make sure to scold him for causing you trouble."- She says- "I won't let this slide."
The two of them head for the nearby docks, in the hopes of finding Will's allies before it's too late. According to Alicia, there are always boats parked there, so there will likely be no problem in finding one.
Unfortunately, two things become quite certain. One- Will's allies have already left. And two- most of the boats are already gone. Fear fills their young hearts as they realize that something made them run for their lives.
And then, they hear the howls of the last battle beasts.
"They're coming our way!"- Alicia exclaims- "Hurry!"
The duo reach for the only boat left in the docks.
"But there is only one."- Will says- "And it is not that impressive, to be honest."
Alicia shakes her head.
"That doesn't matter right now."- She says- "We need to go. Now!"
As the two of them jump in the boat, they hear someone yelling behind them. They pay little attention, but turn their heads when the yells get louder. They watch as Geralt- Will's uncle- runs for the boat, 
He jumps inside and tells the duo to row away. They do not need to be told twice- as the beasts get near the beach, the boat has already sailed a fair distance away from them, safely out of reach.
The three of them let out sighs of relief.
"That... was truly something out of my nightmares."- Geralt says- "Are you children alright?"
Will raises his eyebrow.
"What happened, uncle?"
Geralt sighs.
"More of those freaky mines exploded. More good people perished. I told Alwyn to send his soldiers back to Rainbow Sanctuary- there was no point risking their lives in a mercurial danger zone."- He says- "Shortly after we made sure that the warriors returned to our base, the explosions separated us from each other. I was left alone, having to fight more of those beasts by myself. And then, I found you."
Will nods.
"That was very noble of you, uncle."- He says- "Risking the lives of our brave warriors is the worst thing ever. It is best if we fight alone, for the sake of them."
Geralt smiles.
"Just like the Kaos philosophy says. If you are not willing to risk your life to help others, then you are a fool."- He says- "And I can see that you are, without a doubt, no fool."
Alicia sighs.
"But my brother surely is."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"So."- He says- "Who's the pretty girl?"
Will smiles and blushes slightly.
"This is my new friend. Her name is Alicia Redmark."- He says- "She is the niece of the former emperor, but is not like him. She and her evil brother are trying to run away from the vengeful enemies of the empire. I took it upon myself to protect her and take her somewhere safe. After we find her brother, of course."
Geralt stares at Alicia suspiciously. He has faced the cruel emperor himself and can tell if a person is like him or not. However, all that he sees inside of the girl's soul is innocence and kindness. She is a capable fighter, but she does not like to fight.
"For the sake of the future, I will forget about that vile tyrant."- He says- "Maybe we can teach the girl how to be his polar opposite."
Alicia nods.
"I hope so!"
Geralt smiles.
"Well. If you are not going to be our enemy, then you might as well be our friend."- He says- "Welcome aboard, little red lady. Please enjoy your stay."
As the three sail through the portal, an ominous feeling washes over them. However, it is not because of Rufus or the threat that he poses. It is something very ancient and powerful, definitely more dangerous than even Rufus himself. This means that someone is watching them from the back, analyzing their abilities and taking their emotions into account. A creature of pure evil, wicked and resourceful, awaits their arrival.
Will looks up at the crevasse above, as if expecting someone to appear at this very moment. Much to his surprise, he does not have to wait long. A lone figure, wreathed in shadows, stares back at him. Its crimson red eyes are the only feature that Will can see... and they can pierce right through his soul.
"Who... are you?"- He mumbles- "What do you want from us?"
The dark figure continues to stare. Ominous and fear-inducing, his stare makes Will afraid of everything around him. His sole presence is enough to send shivers down his spine, and that says a lot about the villains that the boy has met so far. It takes huge determination and concentration to keep the young soul for running away in fear, but he continues to stare back. Both of them are at a stalemate, neither of them wishing to yield to the other.
Finally, the dark figure snorts. It is clearly annoyed by Will's prolonged bravery. Without saying a word, it walks away, allowing Will and his group to move on.
"Umm, Will? Who was that?"- Alicia says- "It was not some kind of ghost, was it? In case you didn't know, I hate 'em."
Will shakes his head.
"A ghost is a powerful warrior from beyond the mortal veil. But his eyes do not induce nightmares, not to this extent."- He says- "No. I think that we are going to deal with something much more powerful. A force of hatred that goes beyond our expectations."
Geralt smiles.
"Well. Whatever it may be, we'll make sure that learns its place!"- He exclaims- "Just like the rest of those no-good fools!"
Will shakes his head.
"It will not be easy, uncle."- He says- "Especially since our enemy is an unknown entity. We do not know what we're up against."
Geralt sighs.
"I never said that it would be."- He says- "I'm just implying that we shall stand our ground. No wicked villain, human or not, shall ruin the balance between Light and Darkness with their selfish desires."
Then, he stares around.
"But... I have to admit. What you saw over there, it looked painfully familiar."- He says- "I do not know why, but it feels as if me and my group have met this figure before."
Alicia looks at him.
"Well, what was he like?"- She asks- "A little explanation might make it clear."
Geralt sighs.
"He was tall. Dignified. He said that he is a fallen angel, but few dared to believe him."- He says- "Unfortunately, the same folks who were too ignorant for their own good... were the ones who fell first. Many of them were obliterated when his army arrived. Few were able to warn us, the ones who were preparing for the apocalypse. We soon formed a defense in Silverdale and eagerly awaited the day when he would arrive. When he finally did, I was the one who challenged him. His flames of vengeance almost seared my flesh and his sword almost pierced my heart, but I prevailed. And yet, ever as I struck the final blow, something was not right. It was if he did not perish at all. And indeed, when we came back to investigate one week later, his body was gone. My comrades assumed that the wild beasts had disposed of his remains, but I knew better. So I continued to search, spending day and night to look for leads to his current location. Suffice to say, it was not enough. That mission was a failure... until today."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"So, you are implying that some kind of fallen angel is out there? And it wants us gone?"- He asks- "How long do we have until the countdown to oblivion starts?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"I do not want to alarm you, but that might well be the case. I don't know if he is allied with Alicia's brother, but if that is also true, then this means that the young Redmark is receiving aid from a powerful source."- He says- "As for the time that we have left before the storm, well, I am not quite sure. It could be months. Days. God, maybe even mere minutes. With villains like those, anything might happen. At anytime."
Alicia's hands start to tremble, but she manages to regain control. The thought of her brother being a servant of the darkness has never come to her. Maybe it's because she has always been too pure and naive. Maybe she was too blind to realize the truth. Either way, this realization hits her like a roaring wave in the dark sea, nearly drowning her as she attempts to walk back to solid ground. It will take her a long time to recover from her brother's treachery.
"This... this is not true!"- She quips- "My brother's not some kind of devil worshipper!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"I never said such a thing, little lady."- He says- "But your brother is definitely not a servant of the angels, either. He is stuck in the realm that is simply known as Limbo, incapable of going anywhere else. Neither Heaven, nor Hell wish to accept him. Deep inside, he is trying to make a choice. And if we don't help him soon, this might not be in our favor."
Alicia shakes her head.
"How could you think about something like that?!"- She yells- "I don't care if it's in our favor or not. My brother needs our help. Period! No matter what it takes, we will help him!"
Will stares at Alicia. He tries to determine whether her emotions are genuine or not. Then, he remembers how he and his brother always cared for each other in a similar way. Well, on his side, at the very least. Quinn did not care very much about him. And yet, despite the fact that he betrayed his own family, Will still wants to help him and bring him back. 
He has not given up, and it is the same for Alicia. Deep inside, he sees a kindred soul, a fire that cannot be extinguished easily. When he looks at her, he feels the same emotions that he felt when Stella was still alive. And then, he thinks to himself- "Is this what love truly feels like?"
Before Geralt could rebuke her claims, Will stands in his way and sighs.
"No, uncle. Alicia is right. Her brother is not the one who should be blamed, even though he murdered so many of our people."- He says- "Someone is fueling the flame of hatred inside of his heart. Rufus is confused, and that is the reason why he is so angry. He cannot tell between good and evil, and he does what his heart wants. His current condition is a cry for help, and even Alicia cannot assist him."
He looks at Alicia and places his hand on her shoulder.
"I know that we barely know each other, Alicia. But remember this."- He says to her- "Ever if your brother has gone completely mad, I will do my best to help him out. No matter what happens next, he will not die."
Overcome by emotions, Alicia hugs Will and kisses him on the cheek.
"Oh, thank you so much!"- She exclaims- "I knew that I chose well! You're truly one of a kind!"
Geralt stares at his nephew and Alicia, smiling as he remembers how he promised to stand by Aurelia's side when they were around their age. Those feelings of love awaken the old sparks inside of his heart, motivating him to fight for what matters the most- the people of this world. The ones whom he has always appreciated.
"It's so heartwarming to see you children bond like that. Those moments are the best things that can happen to us."- He says, wiping a tear from his right eye- "But we still have to make our dream happen. If you do not mind, of course."
Will and Alicia, still hugging, nod.
"Yes, uncle. We will."- Will says and grabs the paddles of the boat- "If this world wants to fight, so be it."
A few miles deeper into the dark sea, Will and his allies discover signs of Rufus's presence. One of his allied vehicles, injured by Will's group, has dropped a large amount of petrol. A thick, viscous puddle lies ahead of him. Carefully sailing around them, Will's group realizes that there are more of them not far away. It turns out that the forces of Redmark suffered heavy casualties... and it is only a matter of time before they capitulate and pollute the sea around them.
"I swear. My brother has never been this... careless."- Alicia says- "I mean, he's always valued the power of machinery. But to waste it so blatantly? Unthinkable."
Will sighs.
"Some things are hard to believe, until reality becomes too hard to ignore."
Alicia looks away.
"If only someone told us earlier."- She says- "Rufus never dared to see the truth like I did. He may be the brawns, but I turned out to be the brains."
Geralt smiles.
"And the beauty."
Alicia nods.
"Yes. That, too."- She adds- "Though I do believe that we have to bring him back, such waste of precious material should be punished. We can't allow him to put everything on the line."
Will stares at the vast sea ahead of him. Unfortunately, it is too foggy for him to see anything. Using his wind magic, he manages to blow some of the fog away, creating a thin tunnel. The vessel is barely capable of fitting inside of it.
"Is something visible yet?"- Geralt asks- "Do we have the enemy in our sights?"
Will shakes his head.
"Everything is still fairly chaotic. I cannot tell for sure."- He says- "However, I can hear the sound of talking ahead of us. I believe that we might be getting closer."
Alicia stares intently.
"Let's hope so."
Finally, the trio manages to emerge from the foggy tunnel. Soon, they travel back into the light. What they see ahead of them turns out to be a worrying sight, far worse than they had imagined.
It turns out that Rufus's warriors have regrouped in the same spot, away from their attackers. They heard about the arrival of the trio and decided to ambush them instead of retreating. Now, our heroes are stuck in the middle of a danger zone, surrounded by their enemies on all sides.
"Rufus! I know that you are still here!"- Will exclaims- "Show yourself, you chaosbringer!"
Not long after his call, Rufus makes his appearance. Bloody and battered, he still stands on top of his plane, his feeling of supremacy stronger than his fears. However, he seems to have developed a small fear of Will and his group. His hands are trembling and he is not as confident as he was before.
"What do you want, Kaos?"- He asks- "Didn't we do enough damage to you?"
Will shakes his head.
"We came here to prevent you from setting our lands on fire."- He says- "Don't you realize how foolish it is? Regular people are suffering, and it is because of your desire for vengeance. You are not thinking clearly, and neither are your comrades."
Rufus shakes his head.
"I am done reasoning with your kind, Kaos."- He says- "You came here, but not to bring me back. Don't think that you can fool me with your lies. I know how much you despise me."
Will nods.
"It is true. I still blame you for murdering our comrades on the battlefield. What you did back there cannot be forgotten."- He says- "But there is something that you have been hiding from us. A mystery, so well woven and intricate that it cannot be seen by the mortal eye."
He extends his hand.
"I know how troubled you are. You lost two people who were dear to you. And my family are the reason why you will never see them again. And, believe me, I am truly sorry about that."- He says- "But I do not wish to inflict harm upon you. I know how tough it is to lose people that you love, so I only want to help you. Remember, no man is too far gone until the contrary is proven. And you are still far from gone, my friend."
As a response, Rufus extends his guns and aims them at Will.
"Naive young fool. I told you already- in this world, I fight alone."- He says- "Your sweet talk may work on lesser beings, but not me. I, Rufus Redmark, have a dream. And your little pleas will not reach out to me. That, I assure you."
Will sighs and draws his weapon.
"Very well. If that is what you wish."- He says- "But keep in mind that you still have a second chance. If you wish to change, do not be afraid to ask."
Rufus smirks.
"We'll see how sweet you are when I fill your teeny tiny boat with my majestic bullets."- He says- "Let's go, Kaos."
Will nods.
"Time and time again, I tried to convince you that you are fighting for the demons, not the angels. But you always refused to listen."- He says- "Let's see if actions will matter more than words."
Then, he looks at the terrified Alicia, still standing behind him. Rufus has not seen her yet, but it is only a matter of time before he does. And if that happens, well, let's just say that he will go berserk. He does not enjoy seeing Alicia with strangers- something which Will clearly is to her.
"Willy, are we sure that there's no other way?"- She mutters- "I mean, that's my brother. We can't just rush in and put an end to him and his regiment. It's not fair."
Will sighs.
"I am perfectly aware of that, Alicia."- He mutters back- "However, the time that he spent isolated from the world has clearly made him go mad. Words cannot pierce the veil of mist that is surrounding his mind. If we are to remove the poison from his body, we must cut it open first."
Alicia suddenly turns pale. The thought of having to fight against her own brother has never crossed her mind. However, she quickly comes to terms with the requirements for his survival, willing to do whatever she can to save him from the darkness in his own heart.
"So it be."- She mutters- "Just... try to be gentle. I don't want him to get badly hurt."
Will shakes his head.
"Alicia. As much as I would love to twist the truth for you, such a thing is far too obvious to simply be ignored."- He mutters to her- "In battle, you can either hurt someone... or be hurt instead. There is nothing in-between."
Alicia stares at him, concerned.
"How many times have you been hurt?"
Will sighs.
"More than I can count."
As a response, Alicia hugs him tight.
"Then I'll do my best to heal you."
Will nods.
"I appreciate it."
As the first bullets fly forward, Will steers the vessel away, managing to avoid the incoming vortex of water and pain. Soon, he becomes the target of numerous enemies, being hunted down like a helpless animals. And it seems like his enemies are hunting him for pleasure and pride, not for honor and glory. That makes it even worse.
Though Will successfully avoids each bullet, one of the stray shrapnels manages to pierce the boat's engine. Suddenly, the entire vehicle starts to spin uncontrollably, involuntarily pushing the attack back to the attackers as several of the fighter jets get filled with bullets. Each of them falls into the sea below, creating a small wave that soon turns into a big tsunami, nearly knocking Will and Alicia off their feet.
Seeing that his forces are on the losing side, Rufus decides to make one more desperate move. Against his instincts for preservation, he pulls out a hidden department in his fearsome red plane, revealing a set of lethal molotov launchers.
"And how is that supposed to help you?"- Will asks him.
Rufus smiles.
"I shall set fire in the rain!"
Will shakes his head.
"This is not logical, genius."- He says- "Fire cannot burn in water!"
Rufus chuckles.
"Just like Santa Claus, right?"- He asks- "Well, both of 'em are real. And I'm going to prove it to ya."
Alicia sighs.
"My brother really loved Santa as a child. He always patiently awaited the day when he would get presents from under our special christmas tree."- She mutters- "Yes, Santa is real. But he's going too far, comparing the jolly old man to something that's truly unbelievable."
Will sighs.
"I guess that says a lot about his state of mind."- He whispers- "Let's just hope that he will not believe too much."
Alicia nods.
"Yeah."- She says- "I agree."
Rufus launches the first molotovs toward Will and Alicia. The two of them manage to avoid the initial impact. And, as expected, nothing bad happens. The flaming bottles simply disappear into the water, never to be seen again.
"Well, that was disappointing."- Will says- "Do you have anything else to show-- "
Suddenly, the water around their feet is set on fire! Flames of vengeance erupt around them, nearly setting their vessel on fire. Will has to expend a lot of his energy to keep their only source of survival in those dark waters from turning into a burning mess.
"This is how the Redmark family must fight! Vengeance is our virtue, as is the glory of taking back the throne that the vile Hawthorne family stole from us many years ago!"- Rufus yells- "Once, we were on top of the world. Nothing could stop us. Anything was possible when we were around. Even the dragons- mighty as they were- feared and hated us after we slaughtered their kind and banished them into the darkness. And now, history shall repeat itself once more!'
Alicia sighs.
"He's been reading too much history, especially the books regarding the Redmark family and their unquestioned rule over the mainland."- She mutters- "Personally, I hated all of the warfare mentioned within each of them. I enjoy reading more peaceful topics, like romance and adventure. But, as I can see, that didn't stop Rufus from absorbing all of the content, like a huge sponge in the middle of the great sea. Ugh. It pains me just to think about what kind of thoughts are swirling inside of his mind."
Will shakes his head.
"History is not the thing that defines us."- He says- "Once, my family was filled with deceit and evil. Our members wanted to rule the world, just like the Redmarks. And, truth be told, they were very close. But that kind of history is best left in the books, as a reminder for the people that we should not become. And it seems like Rufus did not take the hint."
Alicia sighs again.
"Trust me, he never does."- She mutters- "It's in his nature to be reckless and pseudo-patriotic."
Will nods.
"Just like my brother."
As the rest of Rufus's allies start to pull out their molotov launchers, Will decides that he has had enough of being played around. He draws his sword and jumps in the air. As expected, the foolish warriors launch their burning instruments of doom at him. However, that proves to be their ultimate downfall.
His adrenaline pumped up by the inevitable battle happening around him, Will spins his blade round and round, like an unstoppable ferris wheel. Soon, the pressure between the weapon and the empty air creates a barely controlled vortex of air, circling around Will like the Moon around humankind's homeland- the Earth.
Rufus's allies, seeing the destruction that is about to happen, attempt to flee. However, everything happens way too fast. As soon as the molotovs reach the ring of air, they start to spin themselves. And then, they continue to spin, and spin, until everything goes out of control. Soon, the impact creates a massive explosion, incinerating most of the young Redmark's companions in a wave of glorious, pure fire.
Rufus himself is flung in the air, crashing into a nearby giant rock. As he attempts to pull himself out of this awful predicament, the wave of fire starts to get closer. His left hand is slightly singed by the impact, but he remains unharmed otherwise. And yet, that did not help him pull out his plane from the giant outcropping. He still has to do it, all by himself.
Seeing that he has no other choice, Rufus sighs. He has planned not to use his powers against someone like Will, but he decides that this insolence must be answered appropriately. Using the power of wind, he creates a magical blade, forged with the power of the unstoppable gales in the sky. It easily cuts its way through the hard rock, turning into hundreds of small pieces as the plane is freed from its small prison.
"I have to admit, Kaos. You're far more determined than I imagined. Your attacks are well-planned and unique. Few warriors could think as quickly as you do."- Rufus praises Will, against his wicked soul's wishes- "But I can't just sit here and take it all in. I'm a warrior, and so are you. If it means that I'll have to perish here and now, I'll do it while standing on my feet, burned to death by the flaming engines of my own mighty plane. I will not retire, like my mom once did."
Will nods.
"If an honorable battle is what you wish, I will be glad to give it to you."- He says- "After all, a hero's job is to provide people with what they want. And what they deserve."
Rufus smiles.
"Then show it to me. The fire in your bright heart."- He says- "Let me see your inner lion."
Rufus unleashes a barrage of red bullets. As they fly toward Will's vehicle, he attempts to steer it away. However, much to the surprise of both him and Alicia, the bullets continue to follow them. Will analyzes them mid-flight and deduces that they are homing bullets. Unless he stops them, somehow, they will continue to chase them down until they cannot run anymore. 
Using the magic that he still has left, Will envelops himself and Alicia in a resilient magical shield. As the red bullets fly forward, each one of them is deflected and sent into the water, piercing the sand below.
However, it turns out that this was just a ruse. Rufus was planning an ambush, in the hopes to sink the vessel. However, just as he prepares to launch a nano-powered bomb at the seemingly helpless victims below, Will spawns a magical rope. Like a modern cowboy, he wraps the rope around the bomb and sends it flying into the sea below, a safe distance away from the vessel. Soon, it explodes, leaving both the Baron and his enemies alive and well.
As Rufus wonders what went wrong, Will throws his lasso and hits the plane's nose. With the speed of a jaguar, he climbs on top and lunges at Rufus, managing to prevent him from using another bomb. The two boys engage in a very fierce battle, fighting as if for the last time. Time slows down around them as Will rends his way through the thin air with his mighty sword, tearing reality with his desire. Rufus, in an attempt to prevent the boy from reaching him, launches two precise jets of fire toward him, sending his blade to the ground.
Will is forced to reach for his weapon. As he does so, Rufus approaches him and mercilessly kicks him out of the glorious red plane.
"The red fortress is no place for a fool like you!"
Mid-air, Will manages to toss his weapon at one of the plane's vital engines, watching as it gets destroyed in the process. As the sword returns in his hands, Will realizes that Rufus is not aware of the total meltdown just yet. He will realize it soon, but whether it will be in time or not, it depends on him alone.
To prevent himself from getting hurt (or hurting someone else), Will casts a wind spell on his feet. Suddenly, he starts to fall slower and slower, until he manages to land without any kind of difficulty.
"Hah! Nice landing!"- Rufus exclaims- "You're just like a cat, except that you only have one life!"
Then, he laughs at his own joke, as if it were actually funny. He looks around, expecting his allies to laugh alongside him. However, the eerie silence soon hits him, like a hurricane in the dark, silent sea.
And then, he takes a look at Will. He is not reacting to him at all. His back is turned on him, as if he no longer sees him as his enemy.
"Hello! William!"- He yells- "I'm right here, you fool! Did you forget that we're still in the middle of a battle? Or are you so senile that you need an actual reminder?"
Will does not respond to Rufus's taunts. From the Baron's point of view, it appears that he is holding the body of a young woman in his arms. Rufus gets a little pale, but decides that this is just another trick of the light.
As he aims his plane's machine guns at Will, the boy finally looks up at him. His eyes are filled with tears. The mere sight of the young hero's sadness causes the ruthless Rufus to lower his defenses. Temporarily.
"W-William?"- He asks- "What's wrong?"
Tears continue to fall from Will's eyes as he cradles the young woman's body in his arms.
"She is hurt, Rufus."- He says- "Your sister, she took the blow."
Rufus leans back, shocked. Without a doubt, he did not expect his sister to be with Will at the time of the confrontation between them. Thoughts swirl inside of his mind as his focus shifts toward the seemingly unconscious Alicia.
It is at that time that he notices the blood on her abdomen. From the looks of it, one of the stray bullets managed to severely wound her. However, she decided to keep it a secret from Will, falling unconscous before he and Rufus could do anything.
"What?! But... she was on the beach when I last saw her!"- Rufus says- "How? How did she end up with you, of all people?"
Will sighs.
"I guess that she saw something special inside of me. A kindred soul, capable of loving and being loved."- He says- "However, I fear that this might have been a horrible mistake. Believe me, I did not want to bring her along. But she insisted, so I had no choice."
Rufus shakes his head.
"Oh, my dear Alicia. You've always been so pure, so trusting."- He says- "I knew that, sooner or later, your pure heart would drive you toward the brink of oblivion. But why now? Why here? Why must the people closest to me always suffer the most?"
As the two boys continue to glare at each other, a huge explosion happens nearby. It is as if some kind of unholy ritual was just performed, unleashing a new horror into the world. And, much to Will's surprise, it is the same fallen angel that he and his group saw earlier.
While the fallen angel gets closer, so does a small vessel. Geralt rejoins the group, barely getting on Will's boat before his decimated vessel sinks into the dark waters for good. Panting, he looks up and realizes that his worst nightmares have just come true.
"Will! He's here!"- He exclaims- "The angel that we saw earlier has appeared! And he's angrier than I imagined!"
Will attempts to ask him for details, but the fallen angel gets his attention before anything could be made clear. He clears his throat, as if wanting to draw all of the attention toward himself.
"What he is trying to say is that the day of reckoning has finally come for you, Kaos."- He says- "My servant failed to get rid of you, so I arrive to take his place."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"Wait. Servant?"- He asks- "So, you were the one who was helping Rufus and his people? You were the true traitor all along?"
The former angel smiles.
"That is very astute of you, young hero. Perhaps I underestimated that intelligence of yours."- He says- "But it matters not. The one who shall make judgement rain down on you is known as Baal Banebringer. I have lived for hundreds of years and been at war with God himself. I armassed an army of fellow fallen, turned away by the likes of the heavens. I gave them the chance to forge a home of their own, and together, we did. Many of your human cities burned as he turned your measly structures to piles of ashes and rubble. Everything that you fought for was gone in an instant. And now, all of the members of your arrogant kind can feel the rage of the fallen."
Will shakes his head.
"While I do agree that humankind has turned violent and unpredictable in the last few decades, I do not agree with your merciless ways."- He says- "You talk in a way that makes you some kind of a savior. A samaritan with a heart of tainted gold. Your ideology is supposed to be the perfect vision of an untainted world, yet you dream of vengeance and destruction. And, let me tell you, that is not the right way to deal with the people of this world. What you are doing needs to stop."
Baal laughs.
"Oh. So you have the confidence of your peers. How amusing."- He says- "Do not test me, young one. I have seen far more things than you could imagine. I could tear your heart in two, then make you witness your worst nightmares with your own eyes. Believe it or not, I am capable of making your body twist and turn, until you cannot go on anymore. Then, and only then, will your soul melt like a candle. And when that happens, there will be nothing left of you and your precious dreams."
Will points at his left ear, then makes a swirling motion with his finger until it emerges from the right one. The message is simple, but straightforward.
"Your words are just the source of an empty promise. They are supposed to hurt like stones, yet they only tickle like a bed of feathers."- He says- "You may be a fallen angel, but in the end, you will only fall again."
Baal smiles.
"Well, aren't you a real sweetheart."- He says- "I wonder what would happen if I made you squirm like the insect that you are."
Suddenly, the water around Will's vessel stops burning. Slowly, it turns darker and darker, sending chills down the young hero's spine. As he attempts to stir his vessel away, giant tentacles emerge from the water and start to strike the boat, forcing the boy to protect both himself and Alicia from drowning. The faces of demons appear around him and start to laugh as he continues to fight for his life.
Using his expertise in various elements, Will manages to create a sawblade, forged from the magical energy of four elements. He unleashes it upon the raging tentacles, cutting many of them in half.
However, even his incredible efforts are not strong enough to prevent the inevitable from happening. More tentacles start to appear from the dark waters, recklessly trapping the small vessel, like a helpless rabbit by a pack of wolves.
Seeing that his opponent is severely weakened, Baal laughs. Deciding to put him out of his misery, he launches a ray of dark light toward him, successfully piercing his head. He watches as he falls to the ground, clearly enjoying his fresh murder.
However, much to his surprise, the young hero stands back up and fires a ray of light back at him, catching him by surprise. Of course, he is able to avoid it, but the considerable effort that Will put into casting that spell shortly after recovering makes him drop his guard for a second.
"You... omnipotent."- He says- "What kind of an immortal are you?"
Will smiles.
"The kind that always comes back."- He replies- "Like a phoenix."
Baal nods.
"And yet, even the phoenix can turn into ashes."- He says- "Just like you wi-- "
Suddenly, the watch on his wrist starts to beep loudly. He sighs, realizing that something has gone wrong. Again.
"Ugh. Stupid human technology."- He says- "It always ruins my fun."
He checks it, realizing that a vital group of comrades is under attack by the forces of Rufus. Apparently, the warriors have learned of their former allies's treachery and decided to take the fight back to them. This annoys Baal greatly, leaving him with no choice than to go there and put down the rebellion.
"Even though I am the dark gods' messenger and destroyer of the world, I still have allies that I must keep alive and well."- He says and spawns a small portal, barely able to carry a single person away- "Farewell, heir of Kaos. Your skills are noted. Soon, I shall see what you have learned. And when that happens, I'll take back what you took from me."
Without another word, Baal enters the dark portal. It vanishes as soon as his body disappears from this side of the world, leaving Will, Geralt and Alicia alone in the face of a new, impending threat.
"What in the world was he talking about?"- Alicia says- "What did you take from him?"
Will is startled by Alicia's voice.
"Ah! Alicia! You are back!"- He exclaims- "I thought that you were going to take a nap for the entire journey!"
Alicia smiles.
"And miss out on all the fun? No chance, hun. I'm all in."- She responds- "So, what's this about the fallen angel? Why was he so vengeful? What did he want?"
Geralt sighs.
"Well, it is obvious. We are the keepers of order. The bringers of light."- He says- "We took away his right to rule the world. And now, he wants us gone so he cound have it back. Baal is worse than most of the fallen angels. He will stop at nothing until we are all erased from existence."
Will nods.
"And we will stop at nothing to send him back to his wicked employers in the underworld- his true home."
Alicia shakes her head, dismayed by the recent events.
"Fighting a fallen angel definitely wasn't in my book of good deeds."- She says- "Welp. Back to the drawing board, I guess."
Geralt nods.
"Yes. We need to start our plans anew."- He says- "But first, we must find a way back. And I know just the friend who can help us out."
The powerful veteran pulls out an enchanted whistle from his pocket. Without any hesitation, he blows it, sending a brief signal into the dark winds. Soon, a deafening roar pierces the sky as the clouds are violently pushed away by a pair of red wings. A mighty dragon, mighty and unstoppable, pierces his way through the shadows to reach the ones who asked for his aid.
Once he descends, Will realizes that the dragon is Melanchion- the same creature who helped him and his allies many times before. It was thanks to him that he and Alwyn escaped the raging volcano alive and, were it not for him, he and his uncle would have stayed on the deserted island known as Sunrise Sanctuary until the point of collapse. His presence is truly a sight to see, that is for sure.
"Well met, my human companions."- He says- "The world has not treated you well, I see."
Geralt shakes his head.
"Just like the old times."- He says- "So. Can you bring us back?"
The mighty dragon lowers his wings, allowing each of them to climb on top of him.
"Fear not. The road back to the light is long, but not perilous enough for a dragon like yours truly."- He says- "Let us get out of this dark land. Hopefully, for good."
As the heroes sit on the dragon's back, Alicia realizes that someone is missing. She frantically looks around, but she cannot seem to find what she is looking for. Her attitude makes Will a little bit worried, as he knows what she is missing.
"He is not here, is he?"
Alicia looks at him, tears rolling down from her eyes.
"He's gone! My brother's gone!"- She exclaims- "I can't find him!"
Geralt sighs.
"It seems like the captain went down with his ship, after all."- He says- "I am sorry about this, but there is no time to mourn the fallen. The threat that we are facing is far greater. We must shirk our own emotions, to save the rest of humankind."
Suddenly, Alicia shoots a vicious glare in Geralt's direction. She is clearly angered by his words.
"Screw the rest of humankind!"- She yells- "I want my brother back!"
Melanchion shakes his scaly head, feeling ambivalent about Rufus's survival.
"The boy may still be alive out there."- He says- "However, there is also a good chance that the dark ones have gotten to him first. So, in my opinion, it is best not to take the risk."
Will, altruistic as always, decides that Alicia's happiness matters more than his own well-being. He gives her a brief hug, then prepares to jump into the water.
"Nephew? What are you doing?"- Geralt asks- "We're supposed to report back as soon as possible. Whatever you are about to do, you can do it later."
Will looks back at his uncle. His bright blue eyes are shining brighter than they usually do.
"There is no excuse for failing to keep a promise."- He says- "I told Alicia that I would bring her brother back. And that is exactly what I shall do."
Then, he looks at Alicia. He places his hand on her shoulder, making her blush once again.
"If I do not come back, remember me as the young man who only wanted to make you happy."- He says- "And please, do not cry. The sole thought of you falling apart because of me makes me feel guilty and sad."
Alicia, barely holding back her tears, nods. She tries to say something emotional, but the grief in her voice prevents her from forming coherent syllables. Then, deciding that actions matter more than a few measly words, she leans forward and hugs him, transferring her strength and warmth to the boy who decided to make her happy.
"Stay strong, Willy."
Will smiles and hugs her back, creating a circle of strength and warmth between the two unbreakable souls. Staring at them reminds Geralt about his unbreakable bond with Aurelia- the one and only love of his life- so he does nothing to stop the inevitable.
"You too, Alicia."
And then, without a moment of hesitation, he bravely leaps into the water, swimming toward the vortex of water and fire that was caused by Rufus's malfunctioning vehicle. His companions cross their hearts, hoping that the gods will keep him alive on this perilous mission.
When Will finally arrives, he comes across a severely wounded Rufus. Apparently, the Red Baron took significant damage from the plane crash, causing his old wounds to open again. He is dirty and tired, as if he has not seen civilization for months, which might be considered to be true. 
The sight of the young hero fills the young baron's heart with fear. He steps back as Will swims up to his lonely piece of land.
"Rufus! You made it!"- Will exclaims- "What happened to you? Your sister has been asking about you!"
Rufus shakes his head and motions his head toward a lone assailant- one of Baal's fallen angels. He is pointing his flaming sword at his head, making him feel even more afraid than he was before the revelation was made.
"So you're the youth he's been talking about."- The man says and smirks- "No matter. You are no threat to me."
Will draws his sword and walks forward.
"Now, I didn't say that you could just take it back."- He says- "You want him? Then you must first get through me."
He smiles.
"Of course, you could also go back the way you came, shake hands with the grand magus, and live for another day."- He adds- "That is a gift that comes for free."
Will shakes his head.
"Look, I do not want any trouble. All I want is Rufus to go back to his sister."- He says- "You see, both of them share a strong bond. Murdering him will only make her go berserk. So, if you want to avoid the trouble, maybe you should be the one to walk away."
The fallen angel laughs.
"Always the negotiator, aren't you?"- He says- "Well, you are not negotiating your way out of this one."
Before Will could try to negotiate some more, the fallen angel lunges at him. He swings his long, thin blade with deadly accuracy, sending Will into a state of total defense. The young hero is unable to do anything to stop this incredible force of nature and is forced to hide behind his magical shield like a cornered rat. Attacks from all sides send his mind to the brink of oblivion and despair.
But then, Will remembers something that he learned while at school. Apparently, a portion of the angels' powers is granted by their wings- their source of flight and might. Be it light or darkness, said power flows through the same veins that compromise their half-human bodies. This means that, if lucky enough, he could do some serious damage if he aimed for their weak spot.
Surely, the same thing could be said about the angels' fallen counterparts. Right?
Using this strategy to his advantage, Will takes a good swing at the fallen angel's wings. As expected, he manages to draw blood, forcing a pained yell out of the former angel's mouth. He, much like Will himself, is quite surprised by the fact that he was hurt.
Before Will could do anything else, Rufus lunges forward, intending to get revenge for this humiliation. Taking the fallen angel by surprise, he slices off both of his wings with the sharpened propeller of an ally's former helicopter. The creature falls to the ground, screaming as he is slowly disintegrated from the face of the world.
Then, Rufus takes a good look at Will. Despite the fact that they are enemies, he came back to save his life. This makes him experience mixed signals. Should he be thankful or rude toward his savior? Should we try to understand the boy's reasons for making this reckless move?
"Why?"
Will raises his eyebrow.
"Why?"
Rufus sighs.
"Why... did you save me?"
Will smiles.
"Remember what I said about people deserving a second chance? Well, I decided to put actions in front of my words."- He says- "So, it is not surprising that I came to bring you back. You are an important figure, after all."
Rufus looks at him.
"But... why would you do such a thing?"- He asks- "I killed your allies. Razed your homeland. You have every right to hate me, and yet, you don't. Why are you acting like this, William?"
Will sighs.
"It is true. I still feel angry about what you did to my brothers and sisters. Such things cannot be forgotten easily."- He says- "However, I can tell that you are not like the rest of the villains. While each of them lusts for power and total dominion, you only wish for revenge. You were harmed by the demise of your uncle and mother, so your heart fell into the abyss and the civilization inside of you stagnated for a long time. You want to make things right, but you do not know how. And in this dark world, people like you deserve a second chance."
Rufus raises his eyebrow.
"What about Alicia?"- He asks- "Is my sister out of this foul pit?"
Will nods.
"She is."- He says- "In fact, she is the one who has been looking for you the most. I was only the one who decided to find you."
Rufus looks at Will, barely believing what he is hearing.
"So, my sister. My own sister, she... still cares about me, despite the fact that I've been such a horrible monster?"- He asks- "She... forgave the Red Baron? For good?"
Will nods.
"And just like her, I also forgive you."- He says- "Rufus Redmark. You might be a criminal and tyrant. Many people might see you as their enemy. But to me, you are like a brother who has yet to shine. And what do we do with ones who still have to redeem themselves? We help them see the truth."
Rufus nods.
"The truth. That's what my sister always wanted."- He says- "I'll give it to her. But not in the way I once did."
He looks back at Will,
"William. I know we've had quite the beef in the past month or so. However, it seems like destiny wants us to work together, as it has given us a common enemy."- He says- "Alright. I shall join you, at least for the time being. However, I want to see my sister as soon as possible. If that doesn't happen, I'll make sure that you pay for playing with my heart."
Will smiles.
"Well, I am glad that you finally listened to the voice of reason."- He says- "It is time for us to head back."
Then, the two of them look at each other.
"But how?"- Rufus asks- "My red plane has been destroyed. Your ride's also gone. How could we possibly escape?"
Will smiles.
"Well, I am glad that you asked!"- He exclaims- "Watch closely, initiate!"
With a series of firm, delicate motions, Will casts a spell at the water. Slowly, a magical boat forms out of thin air, just in time for the two youths to escape.
"This is a miracle that I'll never fully understand."- Rufus says- "So, I'll just stay quiet. For now."
Will sighs.
"Unfortunately, this magical boat is only one-way. As they say, borrow, but be prepared."- He says- "Once we step back on the mainland, it shall disappear from existence. Until I summon it again, that is."
Rufus nods.
"Sounds good to me."- He says- "Alright. Let's go home."
The two boys climb on the boat and watch as it takes them through the dark waters, back to the familiar mainland. After a long hour of sailing, they finally manage to make it back. Tired and wounded, but still alive.
"Well. That was quite a ride."- Rufus says and shakes Will's hand- "It was a pleasure to travel with you, William."
William smiles.
"Patience, my friend."- He says- "We still have a long road ahead of us."
Rufus sighs.
"I know, comrade."- He says- "I am perfectly aware."
As the two of them start to get near Rainbow Sanctuary, Rufus remembers the things that he did to the people there. For a second, he reconsiders his decision, backing away from Will. He tries to escape unnoticed, but the young hero is far too vigilant.
"Rufus? What is it?"- He asks- "Are you... having second thoughts?"
Rufus sighs.
"I'm sorry, William."- He says- "I... can't come with you."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"Why not?"- He asks- "If it is about the living conditions, do not worry. We are not living like spartans."
Rufus shakes his head.
"No. It's not about that."- He says- "I'm not worried about the settlement. I... worry about the people within."
Will looks at him, confused.
"The... people?"- He asks- "Why? Did they do something to you?"
Rufus shakes his head again.
"No. Far from it."- He says- "In fact, I was the one who hurt them."
Then, he looks down.
"When I was a child, I was always on everyone's minds. Unlike my dear sister Alicia, people detested me. When I tried to help them out, they rejected my kindness. In their eyes, I was an outcast. The heir of an evil emperor, corrupted by his own heritage."- He says- "After I became a villain, they started to outright criticize me. I was publicly humiliated- both by my own people, and by those who always considered themselves their enemies. I became a huge nobody."
He looks up.
"So what if I changed my ways? What if I try to be a better person? They'll always hate me."- He adds- "Call me a coward, but I can't do it. But don't think it's because of me, or my people. My sister's probably staying there, safe and sound. Everyone probably loves her for who she is. But what if I, the monster, went in there? People would hate her as much as they hate me. And she has a fragile heart."
He shakes his head.
"I can't."- He says- "I'm sorry, William."
Will stares at him, deciding what he should do. Even though he saved this villain's life, the grief caused by his horrible deeds is slowly chipping his humanity away. Trying to be a better person is not helping, and it is up to him to decide whether he should be left alone or not.
Fortunately, the caring side of him shines once again. He kneels beside Rufus and smiles.
"Look, Rufus. We all have our flaws. Nobody is born perfect. Or liked by everyone."- He says- "Your retrospective is, to some degree, a useful concept. Acknowledging your past deeds can help you forge a brighter future, for yourself and the people around you. But there is also a downside that should be noted. Some people dwell too deep into the past. They spend too much time lamenting who they once were, forgetting about themselves in the present. As my uncle always used to say- "One who gazes at the abyss for too long... becomes one with it". So, why would you throw everything away, just to live in that dark, unforgiving land?"
Rufus sighs.
"You know. That sounds like a wonderful place to be right now."- He says- "Nobody to bother me. Nobody to insult me, to berate me. It's a perfect land for an outcast like me."
Will shakes his head.
"No. You are wrong."- He says- "You may consider yourself useless to the world, but you are just as important as all of us."
Rufus smirks.
"Heh. Before the world threw me away, I was as positive as you."- He says- "But no. I hate to say this, but I can't agree. You're a good kid, William, but you don't understand what it feels to be hated by everyone. In the eyes of those folks, you're an angel. A savior. As for me, I'm nothing more than a filthy demon. A destroyer. People like me deserve to be punished, and I don't want them to worry about how they're going to hurt me. So, I'm just going to hurt myself. By staying away. Hopefully forever."
Will sighs.
"Maybe you are right. In the eyes of the world, we are polar opposites."- He says- "But that does not mean that I cannot understand how you feel. Sure, I will never feel the scorn of the townsfolk, nor their anger. But I know what it means to be alone in this world. And I can tell that you have been alone for far too long."
Rufus is about to lash out at Will. However, moments later, he thinks better of it. He looks down and says nothing.
"I... just want my sister back."- He mutter- "Bring her to me, and you'll never see us again."
Will stares at Rufus, his innocent eyes betraying a lot of concern.
"Who hurt you, Rufus?"
Rufus sighs.
"The entire world."- He says- "Because of it, I hurt others. But I don't want to hurt. Not anymore."
Will smiles.
"You never lost your sense of humanity. Even though you always had that tough, hostile exterior, you were always feeling guilty. You hated yourself for becoming this way and strived to change."- He says- "And, as my uncle has always said, it is never too late to change."
Rufus looks up.
"Your uncle sounds awfully wise."
Will nods.
"It is that wisdom that made him one of the greatest heroes."- He says- "He is amazing."
Rufus shakes his head.
"I hate myself for despising a man who only wanted to protect the world from evil. Sure, my uncle meant a lot to me. But now, I realize that his demise... was well-deserved."- He says- "Perhaps I'll never get over what he did. Maybe I won't feel easy around him. But, at the very least, I can forgive him. After all, it's not his fault that uncle Marcus was a sullen jerk. He did what he had to do."
Will smiles.
"And this is the reason why you are so special."- He says- "You may pretend to be vengeful and unforgiving. But, deep inside your heart, you are just another gentle soul. The world was not kind to you, but you always found new ways to deal with it. And that's why most villains can never be like you."
Rufus sighs.
"If you think that this'll convince me to come with you, think again."- He says- "I ain't going nowhere. Period."
Will sighs, as well.
"Actually, it's not about that."- He says- "When I tried to talk to you, I wanted to ask you. For your blessing."
Now Rufus's attention has peaked. He looks at Will, curious.
"You want my blessing?"- He asks- "For what?"
Will smiles.
"It concerns a certain wonderful person. She happens to be your sister."- He says- "Despite the fact that we have barely known each other, Alicia became very dear to me. I always admired her iron will, her undisputable charm. Every time she stares at me, I feel like my entire world is shining."
Rufus raises his eyebrow.
"Really?"- He asks- "Wow. That's... awfully poetic of you."
Will nods.
"So. I wanted to ask you for your permission."- He says- "To be her friend."
Rufus can barely believe what Will just said. The boy is asking him to be his sister's friend? Why would he ask such a thing?
"You want to be her friend?"- He asks- "Why would you ask me, though? I'm not that important."
Will looks down.
"Well, I have always felt that she really loves you. You are her brother, after all."- He says- "So, I wanted to know whether you trust me enough to accept our friendship."
Rufus smiles.
"If that's what you want, fine."- He says- "You have it. Congratulations."
Will bows respectfully.
"Thank you, Rufus."- He says, grateful- "I will not betray your trust."
Rufus nods.
"Yes, yes. Nice work."- He says- "So. What should we do now?"
Will stares at the lights ahead. Even though he does not want to force Rufus to keep moving, the promise that he made to Alicia must be kept. She wants to see her brother once more, and that mission was left in his hands. He can't just go back empty-handed.
"The plan has not changed."- He says- "We are going back to Rainbow Keep."
Rufus sighs.
"Fine."- He says- "But I'm only doing this because I want to see Alicia. Then, we'll leave."
The two boys approach the formerly beseiged settlement known as Rainbow Sanctuary. They see that people are still repairing the damage done, struggling to keep themselves away. Supplies are becoming scarce, and people are becoming more and more tired. Staying ever-vigilant has become a hard task.
Even though the people are busy, everyone notices Rufus as he steps through the gates. Immediately, guards raise their weapons and townsfolk pick up their pitchforks. Even from his current vantage point, he can feel every single fragment of their hatred.
Before the situation can escalate, Alwyn and Anna emerge to investigate the situation. The young leader silences his people's hatred with a glare, then looks at Rufus.
"You!"- He exclaims- "What are you doing here?!"
Rufus sighs.
"Look. I don't want to be here as much as you don't want to see me."- He says- "I just want my sister back. Then, you'll never see me again."
Alwyn raises his eyebrow.
"What makes you think that she wants to see you?"- He asks- "After all the horrible things that you did, your only reward is to live. Away from us. Meanwhile, Alicia will stay here, safe from you and your goons. You don't deserve her in your miserable life, got it?"
Will shakes his head.
"Aww. Come on, Al."- He says- "It is not very kind of you to treat our guest like that."
Alwyn stares at his friend, shocked that he is standing by his side.
"What the... Will?!"- He exclaims- "What are you doing with that monster?"
Will gets annoyed by Alwyn's hostile attitude.
"Stop treating all of our enemies like monsters!"- He exclaims back- "What if some of them wanted to change, but never had the chance to do that? What if they wanted to make the wrong right again? You never give anyone a second chance. And this is why you are not always trusted."
Alwyn shakes his head.
"This man killed many of our comrades. Made fun of us in front of our own people."- He says- "Do you remember how he nearly destroyed our settlement? Because I clearly remember it all."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"And how does killing those villains make us better than them?"- He asks him- "Think about it, Al. You hate the world's villains because your own father was a villain himself. You want vengeance, because you never saw any when you were younger. And now, all that you do is hate, hate, and hate."
Alwyn draws his weapon. His warriors do the same.
"Stand back, Will. This man is far too dangerous to live."- He says- "I don't want to hurt you. But, if you refuse to back down, I have to make sure that you don't interfere."
As the young warrior prepares to lunge at Rufus, Anna stands in his way. She hugs Will and shakes her head.
"Stop! This is not the kind, loving Alwyn that I used to know!"- She yells- "Look at what you've become, big bro! Willy's right! You're nothing more than a broken soul, corrupted by his desire for vengeance! A jerk with no sense of humanity! Slowly but surely, you're becoming like our father!"
Stunned by his sister's interference, Always is left speechless. He does not respond.
"Just leave them alone. They have done nothing to you."- She adds- "Sure, we lost a lot of good people out there. Manpower cannot be replaced easily. But we can't just live in fear and hatred forever! Someday, we have to step into the light and see the truth... and I say we start now!"
Hearing the lovely Anna's words, the people of Rainbow Sanctuary start to have second thoughts. Then, they plant their pitchforks into the ground, clearly agreeing with the young woman.
"There! Mission accomplished!"- Anna exclaims- "Now, we can all live together! Peace and prosperity aren't far away!"
Will sighs.
"We appreciate your efforts, Ann. However, I think that your brother is right."- He says- "I came here, hoping to help my new friend see the light of modern society. However, I was met with hatred, betrayal, and even outright hostility. I saw nothing that our people once had. And, if I have to be honest, I am very disappointed."
He turns away.
"So, we are going to leave this place. At least for the time being."- He adds- "Thank you, everyone, for being our allies. It was a pleasure to fight alongside every single one of you. Especially you, Alwyn, my dear friend. I appreciate your bravery, but I cannot forget your hatred. So, this is where we part ways."
Anna runs after Will, shocked by his decision.
"No! Please!"- She yells- "Don't leave me, Willy! I beg you!"
Will looks at his friend, with sadness in his eyes. Leaving his new home behind to start something new is no easy decision. After all, he and Alwyn built this place themselves. But the thought of staying in a land where nobody could give a second chance is making him feel unwanted, so he refuses to change his mind.
"I am sorry, Ann. I really am."- He says- "But this is how it has to be. If your brother refuses to change, I cannot stick around anymore."
He smiles.
"But, if it makes you feel any better, remember that I will not be far away."- He says- "And I will always think about you."
Anna's eyes fill with tears.
"Willy... "
Then, she hugs him.
"I'll miss you!"
Will hugs her back.
"Me too, my friend."
As Will walks away, Anna falls to her knees. At this point, her entire self has become a complete mess. Knowing that her dear Will is going to be far away from her fills her heart with guilt and sadness. But then, to show her brother that she is no longer weak and scared, she stands up and smiles.
"I will eagerly await your return!"- She exclaims- "Farewell, Willy!"
Will, surprised by her self-control, looks back. In Anna's eyes, he sees a grown up girl who does not cry anymore. The scared maiden that she used to be is no longer there. What fear she had inside of her heart was replaced by kindness and love.
He nods and smiles, admiring her confidence.
"Stay safe, Ann."
Alwyn sighs.
"Well, this is it. I never thought that you would make such a hard decision, but here we are."- He says- "I wish you the best of luck my friend. May the gods protect you from the evil around us. I hope that you can find what you're looking for. Sooner or later, I know that destiny will reunite us again."
Will smiles.
"You know that this is not an adieu, right?"
Alwyn sighs.
"I do."- He says- "And that's what makes me feel guilty."
Will continues to smile. He places his hand on Alwyn's shoulder and pats him.
"You are a strong man, Al. Time and time again, you have always shown your iron will."- He says- "In the name of all that we built together, keep fighting for those people. Give them the bright future that they deserve. I shall monitor your progress from afar and admire your heroism. Because that's what true friends do, right? They always support each other, even when they are apart."
Alwyn smiles back.
"I'll always remember you, my friend."
The people of Rainbow Sanctuary cheer for Will as he and Rufus emerge from the gates, embarking on a brand new adventure. Where they will go, they are not sure. But they know that the people here are on their side, and they will never forget it.
Near the sanctuary's gates, Geralt waits for his nephew to emerge. He greets him and smiles.
"So. You actually did it, huh?"- He says and chuckles- "I didn't think that you would save this boy, but you begged to differ. You are not like the rest of our heroes, my boy. That is crystal clear, at least for me."
Will raises his eyebrow.
"What are you going to do now, uncle?"
Geralt smiles.
"I will join you, of course."- He says- "Wherever you go, I shall be there. I promised you that we will always be together. And I'll do my best to keep that promise."
Will smiles.
"Thank you, uncle."
Geralt takes a look at Rufus. He feels the rage inside of the boy's heart, but decides to take the risk.
"As for you, ex-troublemaker. I believe that we will not get along very well."- He says- "Even so, I am a fair man. I have forgiven people in the future, and I will gladly do it again. You know what they say- you should always be willing to forgive, if you want to be forgiven. But I am not doing this because I beg for your mercy. I only want you to know that, whatever grudges my family and yours once had, they are gone now. We are the ones who inherited this world. Fear and hatred will take us nowhere.
Rufus sighs.
"I... understand. I was a fool to hate you."- He says- "In fact, I should be the one asking you for forgiveness. I can never forgive myself for what I did. Nobody will forget what I did to them. So, sir, I simply ask you to give me another chance."
Geralt smiles.
"Well. If my nephew decided that you are worthy of one, then who am I to say otherwise?"- He says and chuckles- "Welcome to the family, kiddo. Just remember- bad deeds are not easily forgotten. We may forgive, but we cannot forget. Keep it in mind and try not to be a jerk like your uncle."
Rufus bows his head.
"Thank you for your kindness."
Geralt nods.
"Now that this matter is settled, where is your aunt?"- He asks- "I have not seen her anywhere today."
At this moment, Aurelia runs up to them. From the looks of it, she has been doing something really important. The resulting fatigue made her restless and concerned. Something happened to her... and her life will never be the same.
"Geralt! What we read in the reports, it's true!"- She exclaims, frantically handing him the evidence- "Isa was left broken by mama's demise! She was going to abandon all of us! She was going to run away!"
Geralt is shocked by this revelation. All that he can say is:
"Dear God... "
Will shakes his head.
"No. This cannot be possible."- He says- "Mama was a good woman! I may not know her well, but I know that she would never be a jerk!"
Aurelia sighs.
"Oh, my dear Willy. The thing I fear the most is how you would take it."- She says and hugs him, tears falling from her eyes- "I'm sorry that you had to hear this. You don't deserve a mother like her."
Rufus shakes his head.
"A mother who sacrificed her own life to bring her children into this world?"- He asks- "Listen, miss. I know that none of you know me well, but I know what the love of a mother feels like. And if that woman was willing to let herself perish and save her sons, then she's just like mine."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Excuse me. Do I know you?"- She asks politely- "You seem familiar, but I can't remember your name."
Rufus shakes his head.
"So, you don't even recognize me?"- He says and sighs- "My name is Rufus Redmark. Does that ring a bell?"
Remembering that one of her closest friends was Claudia Redmark, Aurelia immediately bursts into tears. And she is right to do so- Claudia was Rufus and Alicia's birth mother. During a battle against the enemies of the world, she was accidentally struck by her own friend. And yet, she bore no grudge against her. Instead, she made her promise to find and protect her children, something that she failed to do.
"Little Rufus. I-I'm so sorry."- She says and looks down- "I can't look at you without remembering her."
Rufus raises his eyebrow.
"So she did matter to you?"
Aurelia nods.
"Matter?"- She says- "Little one, she was like a sister to me. She made me feel the same warmth that I felt when my own sister- Isa- was still alive. Your mother, she was such a graceful angel. Such a beautiful creature, unmarred by the taint of this world. And I... I took it all away in an instant. Now, she can never see your face again."
Rufus looks at her, confused.
"You speak as if you didn't kill her."- He says- "What happened back there?"
Aurelia looks up.
"Hmm? Your sister didn't tell you?"- She asks- "Well, it all started like this."
Aurelia explains how she met Claudia for the first time. She speaks of how she bonded with her, how she started to adore her. According to her story, the two of them were inseparable. Until a fateful moment took them away. However, that accident was not Aurelia's fault. She was protecting what was dear to her. And yet, she was not careful enough.
At the end of the story, Rufus is left feeling remorseful and sympathetic. It is true- Aurelia was the person who killed his mother. But she did not mean to do it. And she mourned her demise as much as he and his sister did. They all want her back... but the best they can do now is to move on and remember her as she was.
"You... didn't want any of this. You wanted the best for both of us."- He says and sighs- "It's hard to forgive you, Miss Aurelia. After all, our mother was the dearest person to us. However, if your nephew is willing to forgive me for the heinous crimes that I committed against you, then I shall do the same. Let's hope that her memory will not be forgotten."
Aurelia smiles, tears falling from her eyes.
"It will not be, dear."- She says- "As long as we're still here, your mother shall be eternal. And, trust me, we don't plan to go anywhere."
Rufus nods.
"Amen, Miss Aurelia."- He says- "Thank you for telling me about our mother. It makes me feel that her sacrifice wasn't in vain."
Aurelia smiles serenely.
"Amen, my child."- She says- "It's true. Your mother's sacrifice helped us build the foundations for a new world. My spiritual sister will never be forgotten."
As the four of them prepare to leave, something happens inside of the boys' minds. They remember that someone is missing. And then, they quickly realize who it is- Alicia. They plan to go back to Rainbow Sanctuary to look for her, but that plan is quickly forgotten when she runs up to them. Her clothes and hair are clean, but her heart is on fire. She has walked many miles to be with her loved ones. It is no surprise that she came all the way here.
"You didn't think that you'll get rid of me, did ya?"- She says and hugs both of them- "I may be small, but I refuse to stay quiet."
Rufus smiles and hugs her back.
"Yes, Alicia. I know."- He says- "You're like the biggest storm I've ever seen."
Alicia nods.
"It brings me joy to know that you've changed."- She says- "If you didn't know that already, your little sis's really proud of you!"
Rufus smiles.
"I appreciate your kind words, but I'm not the one to thank for this."- He says and points at Will- "He's the one who gave me the strength to break free. He's the one you should be proud of."
Alicia turns to Will and wraps her hands around his neck, just like a loving wife.
"Willy, I want to thank you for keeping your promise."- She says to him- "Even though those people rejected my brother, you refused to give up on him. And now, he's safe and sound once again. I just can't thank you enough! You're the best!"
Will smiles.
"Well, your happiness is truly invigorating."- He says- "I am glad that I helped."
Alicia smiles and blushes.
"I... want to give you a reward."- She says- "Not the monetary one, though. We're not rich, you see. No, it's the emotional one. The one that you deserve, my dear hero."
As Will wonders what is going on, Alicia leans forward. Her lips get closer to his as she prepares to present him his rightful reward. However, after thinking about their future, she decides to postpone it for a while. Rushing into the fire has never done her any good. Instead, she decides to start with a small step, giving Will a kiss on the cheek as a reward.
"There! You got what's rightfully yours!"- She exclaims, continuing to blush- "Are you feeling motivated now, Mr. Hero?"
Will smiles.
"Absolutely!"- He exclaims- "Thank you, Alicia. That was very... thoughtful of you."
Alicia blushes a little bit more. Even kissing Will on the cheek was quite the experience for her. However, she soon gets back to her senses, taking a step back and letting out a long sigh, fit for the grand theater.
"I'm glad that destiny decided to meet us, Willy. People like you are very rare."- She says- "And now, we can all travel together, away from whatever fake promises that settlement had for us."
She smiles.
"Shall we go, my dear prince?"
Will nods.
"Of course."- He says- "If the people here do not want you, then there is no reason for us to stay here. Today, we shall begin a new journey. Together."
And so, the five of them seal their decision to stay away from society by leaving it behind. If it does not want them, then the world itself is now their home. And yet, despite the fact that they do not have a place to call their home, they are not truly without one. The world is their sanctuary, its people are their allies. And they are never going to betray their trust.
A month passes quickly after their departure. At this point, Alwyn starts to deeply miss his friend. He sends a search party and accompanies them, in the hopes of finding him. However, at that time, Will and his team are far away from Rainbow Sanctuary, and it is uncertain if they will visit him anytime soon.
As Alwyn is about to give up hope and go back to his settlement, a lone man on a horse approaches him. He tries to ask questions regarding his friend, but the man tells him that there is no need for that and gives him a small envelope, claiming that it is meant solely for him. After that, he leaves without saying anything else.
Alwyn is torn apart. He knows that this letter is from Will, but he does not want to read it aloud while his allies are listening. What if one of them turns out to be a double agent? What if his friend is actually right- that traitors are truly walking among them? His heart filled with desire to see his friend again, he decides to tell his group to wait while he deals with some business elsewhere. The warriors, loyal to their master, listen to his plea and allow him to leave without interfering.
In the middle of the harsh wasteland, Alwyn parks his horse and ties him to a rock. He unseals the envelope and reads the letter within. Immediately, it becomes clear that the handwriting belongs to his dear friend. A single tear rolls down on Alwyn's cheek as he begins to read it.
"Alwyn- I know that we have always been at the knife's end. You have always thought about your own people, and I have always strived to protect everyone else. Our disputes have always caused us to become distant. And for that, I am terribly sorry. I apologize for not agreeing with you, no matter how different your opinion may have been from mine. As I make my way through the frigid wastelands, far away from home, I begin to truly miss it all. I miss you, Anna, all of our friends and allies. I miss the beautiful sunset that we used to watch every day as we planned our moves. I miss Ann's kind words, her encouraging speech, her natural sweet behavior. And, last but not least, I miss your bravery and valor."
Then, he flips the letter and reads the writing on the back.
"On that note, I really wanted to come back and visit you. After all, I made a promise to you. I told you that we will never be truly apart. However, regarding my current circumstances, I cannot do that. The weather has become quite bad, and we are barely able to move from one location to another. However, I cannot just stay here and pretend that I care. To show that I mean what I said, I shall do my best to visit you next Sunday. Make sure to not tell anyone else- not even Anna or Aya. I want to see you, and you alone. Take care, my friend. - William Kaos, 4th of May"
At this point, Alwyn has decided to fully trust his friend. If he wants to meet him without anyone else interfering with their encounter, so it be. However, he has to prepare well. After all, he does not want to break down in tears in front of a person whom he has not seen for a long time.
And then, he comes to a quick realization. There are only two days left before the next Sunday. His time to prepare- both physically and emotionally- has been greatly limited. But that is of little concern to him. No matter if he prepares well or not, he simply wants to see his friend again. There is no need for him to worry.
But, in the end, he still does. What if Will encounters a large group of Baal Banebringer's warriors and has to fight them to reach Rainbow Sanctuary? What if a member of his group is not feeling well and he has to delay the meeting? Possible scenarios are swirling in the young leader's mind as he worries for his friend. And yet, in the end, one thing becomes clear. If something is truly wrong, then it will become obvious on the day when they are supposed to meet.
And so, the story skips to the day when Alwyn and Will are supposed to reunite. Alwyn wakes up, does his usual morning routine and then goes to the church where Aurelia used to work. He remembers her kind words as he makes his way through the golden gates.
After muttering a few prayers for the safety of everyone in the world, he takes some of his meager possessions and begins to leave. However, on the way there, his sister- Anna- stops him. She confronts him about his sudden behavior, believing that something really good happened to him. Unbeknownst to her, that is actually the truth. It is as if she is already aware of her beloved Will's presence, but does not want to reveal it.
Wanting to keep his promise to Will, Alwyn is forced to lie to his own sister. He explains that there is another gang of no-good outlaws, stirring trouble in a nearby village. He wishes to go there alone, to investigate and help however he can. Anna, actually believing her brother's lie, volunteers to accompany him. After all, she has been doing a lot of good things herself. She also worries that her brother, although very powerful, is not capable of dealing with an entire gang of villains completely alone. However, Alwyn shakes his head, stating that this is his own business. As his unofficial second-in-command, she is supposed to take care of their settlement while he is absent. He apologizes for the decision that he made, but states that it is for the best.
And thus, Anna's sense of duty outweighs her curiosity. She decides to accept her brother's advice, believing that he is wiser than her. Then, with a final hug, the Grayson siblings part ways for the time being.
Alwyn, riding his majestic steed, makes his way through the unforgiving wastelands. As he does, the words of his vile father echo into his mind- "Trust no one, but yourself. In the end, everyone is going to betray you. Including all of your loved ones". Though he takes those words seriously, he only uses them to remind himself that he is not alone in this world, not that he should be like him. With that in mind, he approaches the spot where the two boys are supposed to meet.
As he finally arrives, Alwyn notices the eerie silence. Will is completely absent. Nobody is on their way to the location. However, ever-faithful to his friend, Alwyn sits down and waits. And then, he keeps waiting. Then, he waits for a little longer.
When he finally decides to stand up and look around, a lone warrior approaches him. His blade is drawn. Alwyn is about to do the same, but sees the face of the lone one as he does so. He can barely believe his eyes.
"Will?"- He asks- "Is this really you?"
Will approaches his friend, but his blade is still drawn. He stops, raises his hand and salutes him. Then, he swings his blade a few times- a sign of their warrior's salute, invented only a few months ago.
Recognizing what his friend is doing, Alwyn does the same thing. The two boys swing their weapons, then salute each other once more. Their friendship is far more than just being nice to somebody that you know- it is a pact of law and valor, forged with the blood of the many enemies that they defeated together. And a bond like that is truly unbreakable.
"Well met, my friend. I am glad that you decided to accept my invitation."- Will says and smiles- "It has been a long time since I saw a friendly face in this world. Our group is stuck between the hammer and the anvil, and we still have a long way before he discover the source of this madness."
Alwyn nods.
"I know. It must he a hard thing for all of you."- He says- "But you're a brave one. You never gave up when our lives were in danger. I'm sure that you'll find the solace that you are looking for. Just keep searching. It's not far away."
Then, the two of them simply stare at each other. After all of those months of endless struggles, they can barely recognize what they once were. So many things have changed, and it is clear that this world is still not a safe place for them.
But then, the silence is suddenly broken. A lone girl runs through the wastes, barefoot. She runs toward Will, clearly recognizing him from the distance where she is. And, as it soon becomes clear, she is awfully familiar.
"Willy!"- She yells- "Oh my gosh! Thank goodness! It really is you!"
As Will wonders what is going on, the girl comes close and hugs him tight. That is when Alwyn recognizes his own sister- Anna. Apparently, she found the letter that Will wrote to him and came to see him, not even changing her clothes in the process.
"Anna! What a surprise!"- Will exclaims and looks at her bare feet- "My goodness, you really were in a hurry. Here, take my boots. You will feel better."
Alwyn looks at his friend, surprised.
"But Will."- He says- "Aren't you going to hurt yourself if you do this?"
Will shrugs.
"After all those months of wandering and fighting? The heat of the sand is the least I should worry about."- He says- "Besides, me and my group recently discovered a multitude of discarded boots. I will make sure to save one pair for myself, but it will be the worst one."
Alwyn smiles.
"You're such a kind soul."- He says- "The world needs more people like you, my friend."
As Will hugs Anna back, he smiles back at Alwyn.
"I am just doing what every selfless hero would do."- He says- "There is no need to thank me."
Then, he looks at him, clearly worried.
"Anyway, I recently heard about the siege. I am truly sorry that I was not there to help."- He says- "I analyzed the source of the attack and killed one of the masterminds behind the onslaught. The rest of them took the hint and dispersed, like the cowardly demons that they are. They will not trouble you anymore."
Alwyn smiles and nods.
"I appreciate your aid."- He says- "It feels good to know that you're still on our side."
Will nods.
"And I will always be."- He says- "No matter how far away I am, I will never stop thinking about any of you."
Then, he thinks about the people still in the sanctuary. He remembers that he left a dear person behind.
"Anyway, how is my grandfather doing?"- He asks- "Is he still fighting for the good of this world?"
Alwyn nods.
"The old man is completely fine. He is constantly watching over my sister, always making sure that she is happy and safe."- He says- "I think that he's a wonderful person. He sacrificed his own well-being, to make sure that we will be alright. Your family is truly a golden one, Will."
Will smiles.
"And he probably has not forgotten about us."- He says- "That makes me feel confident about my decisions. Thank you for informing me."
Alwyn nods.
"Just like you said before, I was glad to help."
Anna looks at her friend, clearly glad that he is alright.
"What happened to the rest of the good folks?"- She asks- "Are Alicia and Rufus still with you?"
Will nods.
"Both of them turned out to be faithful allies. And, I am glad to say, they will be valuable assets in the war between angels and demons."- He says- "Much like you, they also worry about the people of Rainbow Sanctuary. Even though they are exiles, they still consider this place a sanctuary for themselves. A true home, if you must. Just like me, they reallt want to return and help the people as much as they can."
Anna smiles.
"Then we shall await their arrival!"- She exclaims- "And yours too, of course."
As Will sighs, Anna looks at him.
"By the way, how are you doing?"- She asks him- "You're not getting in too much trouble, are you? Hmm?"
Will smiles and shakes his head.
"I already told you. There is nothing you should worry about."- He says- "Despite the fact that we are exploring the most unforgiving places, we have never been better."
Alwyn nods.
"That much is obvious."- He says- "You clearly possess a desire for adventure inside of your heart. It feels good to know that you still have it."
Will smiles.
"And yet, between the beautiful cities of the world and this seemingly unimportant backwater, I have always preferred our new home."- He says- "I mean, everything that we did to build this place, I can clearly remember it. Our efforts were not in vain. And now, the people are living peaceful lives, despite the fact that the dark angel is still out there. I wish I was like them."
Anna raises her eyebrow.
"So, why don't you return? Everyone clearly misses you."- She asks- "Besides, you'll feel much safer when you're staying at home. There's no need to worry about being murdered in the night, because our warriors will protect you."
Will shakes his head.
"Believe me, I really wish it were that way."- He says- "However, I have a duty to this world that must be upheld. My desire to keep this world safe is far greater than living in comfort. I just cannot allow myself to live in peace while so many people still live in fear. It is not fair."
Alwyn smiles.
"Then it's obvious. You're truly the great hero everyone claims that you are."- He says- "It makes me happy to know that you still have that white fire inside of your heart. You're definitely a great source of motivation."
Will sighs.
"Anyway, I have to get going."- He says- "Me and my team managed to find a fresh set of tracks. A new disaster is about to occur. We must be there to prevent it."
Anna looks at him, her eyes filled with tears.
"Aww. You're leaving already?"- She asks- "Shucks. Why can't you stay for a while longer?"
Will shakes his head.
"Maybe one day. If that happens, I will make sure to spend time with you. Maybe take you out for a while."- He says- "Until then, I must keep fighting for those people. The world is in the hands of people like us. And I will do my best to keep the darkness at bay."
Anna smiles.
"Do you promise it?"
Will smiles serenely.
"Of course I do."
Anna hugs him once more.
"Thank you, Willy!"- She exclaims- "You're the best!"
Will continues to smile.
"Well."- He says- "I am glad that you think so."
As Will waves at his friends and starts to leave, Alwyn stops him.
"Before you go, I wanted to say one more thing."- He says- "It's not that I'm glad that you're still doing okay. I mean, of course I am. But I'm happy that you're still out there. The fact that you're living your life is truly invigorating for my tortured soul, you know."
Then, he smiles.
"Also, thank you. For everything that you are."- He says- "Don't lose that light- the inner power that keeps us united."
Will nods.
"You are an incredible person, Al. You always honor the heroes of the world, never realizing that you are also one of us."- He says- "I chose you to be my friend because you are more than just that. You are a valiant warrior. A loyal ally. And, most importantly, a unforgettable hero. No matter how much time passes, I'll never forget you, nor the place that we rose from the ground with our blood and tears. So, I should be the one thanking you, for giving me the strength to build a better world. Not just for the people here, but also for everyone else."
Alwyn smiles.
"Take care, my friend."- He says- "See you soon."
Will smiles and salutes him.
"Farewell, Al."- He says- "Stay strong."
And with that, Will rejoins his allies. Anna watches as Alicia- the red-haired girl that she immediately recognizes- hugs him as he returns. She gets a little jealous, but decides to keep it to herself. After all, jealousy will only turn her into a spiteful witch, not the kind and loving princess that she has always dreamed to be.
"So."- Anna says to her brother- "If me and Willy fall in love someday, does this mean that I can become a princess?"
Alwyn sighs.
"That... is not how it works, Anna."- He says- "I may be the prince of my father's mafia. However, you were never accepted by our parents, just like I wasn't accepted by the world."
Anna looks at him.
"But this means that you accept me."- She says- "Right?"
Alwyn smiles.
"Of course, my dear sister."- He says- "We are family. And I will always love you."
Anna's eyes light up.
"You're always so sweet to me, Al. I love it."- She says- "However, I want you to be sweet to all the girls you meet. If you don't do that, I won't be happy. Got it?"
Alwyn sighs.
"I do not like talking to other women."- He says- "But, if that is what you wish, so it be."
The Grayson siblings embrace briefly, then return to Rainbow Sanctuary. Will's struggles in this area may be over, but theirs have only just begun. There is a long way toward the light, and they will do their best to reach it. No enemy shall be able to break their powerful bond.
Meanwhile, Will and his group begin their journey toward a familiar settlement. It is a long and arduous experience, but Will made a promise to honor a certain person when the day finally comes. Sure enough, they finally manage to reach the once-beautiful city of Silverdale, and he has the chance to seek her out.
Much to everyone's surprise, the person in question is Will's own mother- Isabella. As it became clear already, she was pregnant when Redmark's forces struck Silverdale and attempted to lay waste to everything (and everyone). A surprise attack by one of his assassins made her go into labor early and she perished shortly after giving birth to her twin children, never having the chance to hold them. 
Now, sixteen years later, her youngest son- Will- is holding a picture of her in his hands. His eyes filled with tears, he approaches his mother's resting place and lowers his head, out of respect for who she was in life. Everyone watches solemnly as he begins to speak.
"Hello, mom. It is good to see you again."- He says quietly- "Once again, you are looking very nice. It is good to know that the world did not treat you in an unfair way. Unlike me."
He sighs.
"Many things happened recently. I brought a powerful mafia boss to his knees. Then, I became friends with a close relative of the dreaded Redmark. If you were still here, I think that you would have loved her. She is a real sweetheart."- He says and sighs again- "Anyway, my point is that the world is still moving on without you. But, I have to admit, it is not the same. Many years may pass, but people refuse to forget you. And what you did on your last day on our planet... turned you into a world-renowned hero."
As he continues to speak, tears continue to fall from his eyes. Despite the fact that he pretends that his mother is still alive, he knows that he is just lying to himself. Isabella is nothing more than a pleasant memory, a wonderful person whom he has never met. He might be in a state of denial, but he surely knows how to respect his elders. This is a polar opposite when compared to his twin brother, who only truly respects himself.
After staying silent for a while, possibly out of respect for the fallen, Will remembers what he came for. He rises to his feet, grabs a small item from his backpack and stands next to his mother's resting place once again.
"You know. I never thought that Destiny would reunite us in such a curious way. But that implies something. Even though we are separated from each other, we are never truly apart."- He says- "Anyway, today is Mother's Day. I... know that you don't celebrate it anymore, but I had to give you something special. You know, from a grateful son to his wonderful mother. I did not want to miss my chance to thank you."
As Will continues to speak, Aurelia takes a few steps closer and stares at her sister's resting place. Something about it makes her want to cry, but she valiantly holds her tears back. After all, she does not want to ruin this emotional moment. She loves her nephew way too much to be a hindrance to him.
Will, after staying silent for a while, bends down and places the small item next to the his mother's picture. Upon closer inspection, it depicts both of his parents, standing next to each other in a still-functioning Silverdale. It is a beautiful, if not sad, sight.
Seeing his mother's face makes Will tear up again. He never thought that he would see her as she was back then, but reality can sometimes be harsh to him. After all, even the world itself can be a coin with two sides.
"In my dreams, I once felt your sorrow. I heard your pained words. And one thing became crystal clear to me- you are really missing dad. Neither his body, nor his soul is here with you."- He says- "I know that I cannot bring him back. He is probably too far away. However, I do not wish to see you cry. I know how it feels to lose someone important to you. Dad probably felt the same way once. So, I decided to leave this picture of you and him, to help you remember him a little bit better. Uncle and aunt gave it to me when I was a child, but I do not need to remember what I already know. So, as a son and nephew, it is a duty of mine to pass the torch when I cannot hold it anymore. I hope that you can do the same thing. Spreading the love is what our family has always been doing. And I hope that we can keep that tradition alive."
Then, he smiles.
"Oh. Before I forget, I want to thank you."- He says- "Not just for giving birth to me and Quinn, but also because you gave me the strength to not dwell in the past for too long. Maybe I cried a lot for you in the past, but now, I know that you are in a better place. Sure, it may be far away from us, but I know that you are closer than you ever were."
As Will stands up, he sees a cloaked figure standing next to his grave. The person is staring at the picture of Isabella and Kaiden. At first, he thinks that this might be his father, or another close relative, but his suspicions are dispelled when the figure lifts his hood.
"Who are you?"
The man, pale as a vampire, looks at Will and smiles.
"So this is the person you call your mother? You try to reach her, but she can't answer back."- He says and laughs- "How sweet. You're just like a sugar rush, except that you are not dangerous to anyone but yourself."
Will sighs.
"I know who you are. From the looks of it, I can tell that you are a servant of the Banebringer."- He says- "Why are you here? What is your desire?"
The man smiles.
"My desire, of course, is to see the entire world in our holy master's grasp. There's no other option for any of you."- He says- "However, you became quite the appealing target. Like many heroes before you, the master thought that you are quite... special. So, he told me to seek you out and see just how strong you really are."
Will shakes his head.
"I do not wish to fight anyone right now."- He says- "Step back, or you will deeply regret it. You do not want to make an enemy out of me."
Geralt nods and plants his sword in the ground.
"My nephew is in a forgiving mood. And so am I."- He says- "We know that we're enemies, but you should know that we are not monsters... unlike your so-called master. Leave now and take this message back to him- if he dares to disrupt the balance between Light and Darkness once again, we will far less merciful than we were when we met him for the first time."
The man stands silent for a few seconds. Everyone wonders what is on his mind. Then, without thinking twice, he approaches the picture that Will placed next to his mother's resting place and smiles. In a very mischievous way.
"Let's see if you'll listen better."- He says- "When I do this."
Much to everyone's surprise, the man kicks the picture away and prepares to break it. Only Rufus's quick interference manages to prevent him from doing that. The Banebringer's ally is shot in the arm, making him collapse to the ground and fail to do his task.
"Gah!"- He exclaims- "Why you-- "
Infuriated by the man's insolent attitude, Will approaches him. His blade is drawn, so this means that he clearly means business. What kind of business it will be, well, that depends on the unfortunate soul in front of him.
"Now, now. Let's all calm down."- Aurelia says, attempting to control her nephew's growing rage- "Willy, there's no need to be upset. At the end of the day, this was just another picture. That's not a good reason to start a fight, is it?"
Will stares at her, barely restraining his anger.
"Just another picture? Another picture?!"- He repeats. quivering in fury- "Listen, aunt. This picture has been in my possession ever since it was a child. It helped me remember my parents better than anything else. Seeing their faces filled my heart with hope and happiness. I love you and uncle, but this insolence must be punished."
Aurelia shakes her head.
"I'm sure that the man didn't do it on purpose. Maybe it was just some kind of a sick prank."- She says- "Right, sir?"
As a response, the man walks up to Isabella's grave and spits on it. Much to everyone's surprise, this is the last straw for both Will and his aunt, who get very infuriated by the fact that this villain could do such a horrible thing.
"Erase this wretched creature."- Aurelia mutters- "Now."
Will nods and draws his weapon.
"With pleasure, auntie."
As Will approaches the villain, his heart filled with rage, he does not attempt to restrain himself anymore. Instead of trying to make his inner anger subside, he becomes one with it, allowing its holy power to fill his heart. However, unlike the rest of the vengeful heroes, he uses it to prevent anyone from experiencing the same thing, not because he wants to make someone pay because of something that they did to him. This is what makes him special in the eyes of the world.
With that thought in mind, Will lunges at the dark warrior. However, much to his surprise, the man steps back and reveals a pair of black angel wings on his back. His human disguise, no longer functional, is torn off like butter by a flaming knife.
It is no lie. He is a dark angel- one of the Banebringer's most loyal allies- sent to make the world a darker place.
Will is not left to admire the mighty warrior for long. Seconds after his revelation, the dark angel flaps his majestic wings, creating a powerful gust of wind that blows the young hero back. He tries to dispel the magical attack with a spell of his own, but the creature is far too quick for him to do anything. As soon as he tries to mutter the words, the dark angel lunges forward, pins him to the wall and attempts to stab him in the neck.
"Wait, Mr. Evil Angel!"- Alicia exclaims- "Will doesn't deserve this! Please, don't kill him!"
The dark angel looks at her, amused.
"And why should I not do that?"- He asks- "Give me a good reason, kid. Otherwise, you'll be joining him s-- "
Suddenly, a huge magical blast throws the dark angel back. As he attempts to stand back up, he is blasted once again. Though his vision soon becomes blurry, he sees the incorporeal form of a young woman, standing next to the boy whose life he tried to take away. As merciless as him, she prevents him from getting close to Will, blasting him every time he tries to lunge at him,
"Isa?"- Aurelia says- "What kind of sorcery is this supposed to be?"
Geralt stares at the spirit of his sister-in-law, utterly dumbfounded by her sudden appearance. He is at a loss of words, unsure what to this about this.
"How... is this possible?"- He asks- "We thought you were dead. How is it possible for someone to come back from the great beyond?"
Isabella looks at him and smiles. It is as if she is saying "Do not underestimate the determined ones." .
"Are my eyes deceiving me?"- Rufus says- "Is this the same woman that we saw on the picture? I have so many questions."
Alicia shakes her head.
"Please be quiet, Rufus."- She says to him- "This is Willy's mama. Let's not ruin this precious moment."
Rufus sighs.
"Alright."- He says- "We won't."
The dark angel is barely able to believe his eyes. Isabella- in all of her ghostly glory- is standing before him. Her eyes are glowing red and she is clearly infuriated that he would dare to attack her son.
But that does not stop him from staying loyal to his master. Even though the situation does seem pretty dire, he refuses to simply run away from an angry banshee. Brandishing his huge sword, he swings it wildly, lets out a brief battle cry and charges at them.
And yet, this proves to be his biggest mistake. As soon as he gets close enough, Isabella loses her temper and attacks him. However, instead of simply murdering him, she uses shock device, giving the dark angel exactly what he deserves- a powerful jolt, coursing through his entire body. Like water in a river, it reaches its core- the brain- and starts to affect everything that he does.
As the vile warrior falls to his knees, seemingly defeated, Isabella looks back at her son. Pure love and kindness radiates from her as she smiles at him, satisfied that the villains did not manage to hurt him.
"Thank you, mom."- Will says, simple and straightforward- "I love you very much."
Isabella continues to smile. However, her current situation prevents her from saying anything back to him. And yet, she refuses to simply fade away. Reaching for her beloved child, she embraces him, placing his head close to her beating heart.
"I can still feel it, mom."- He says- "Your inner strength, it never went anywhere. You are just as incredible as you were in life."
Isabella, thrilled that she got to feel her own son's light, starts to glow slightly. The thought of keeping her son safe from evil gives her the strength to overcome all of her dark thoughts. All the doubts that she once had in life are not gone.
"I don't care what they say about you. You may have wanted to betray us, but that does not matter, because you are one of the kindest people that I have ever known. Even though I never had the chance to see you when you were still here."- Will continues- "In my experience as a hero, I learned that every person, even the most vile and unforgivable ones, deserve to be given a second chance. If they refuse to take it, well, it is up to them. But you took it as soon as you could. I always felt your warmth, your power. You were always there with us, even though nobody else felt your presence."
Will looks at his mother and smiles.
"In their eyes, I may seem like a madman. Talking to the departed is not something that everyone does."- He says- "But they just do not know how special you are. Your presence is always a sight for sore eyes, especially for my lonely heart."
Finding the strength to answer her son's sweet words, Isabella breaks in tears. Even in her faint, incorporeal form, it is clear that she is crying. Gently laying her own head on Will's shoulder, she smiles serenely, barely able to contain her own emotions.
"I love you, my son."
Then, without saying another word, she fades away. But that happens only for the rest of the people watching them. In Will's heart, he knows that his mother is still there, still watching over him. One thing is crystal clear to him- no matter what happens next, her love will be everlasting.
As he slowly remembers the current situation, he approaches the wounded dark angel. Instead of simply giving up, the creature angrily lunges at him. However, Will is prepared this time. When the villain gets closer, he takes a leap back and throws his holy blade forward, damaging his enemy's dark wings with incredible ease.
The dark angel starts to scream. Agonized yells come out of his mouth as his brave facade quickly fades away, just like the spirits of his foolish comrades. Will, torn between vengeance and mercy, wonders what he should do with him. He wants to make him pay for his crimes, but knows that killing him will not solve anything.
Finally, Will decides to look back at his mother's past deeds. He thinks about what she would do in a situation like this. Then, he raises his sword in the air, as if preparing to end the dark angel's life.
Everyone looks down, knowing what comes next. Will has killed almost every villain that he encountered, and it is clear that he rarely spares any of them. Geralt even shakes his head, slightly disappointed by his nephew's decision. But then, much to their surprise, Will simply stabs the man in the leg, partially paralyzing him instead of ending his life.
"This is not the way we fight your kind!"- He exclaims- "We are not monsters, unlike you!"
The dark angel, knowing that Will is capable of doing much worse, attempts to flee and report what he saw to his master. However, with a swift series of motions, the young hero manages to push the creature next to a large rock and trap his healthy leg under it.
Now at the mercy of everyone around him, the dark angel simply lowers his head, completely defeated. He knows what is about to come and is willing to accept it, for the sake of his vile kind.
"So. We got him where we want him."- Rufus says and smiles- "What's our next move?"
Will nods.
"Even though this imitation of an angel disrespected my mother, spat on her grave, and tried to humiliate me, I refuse to give him the sweet release. Not yet, at least."- He says- "I hate to do such a thing, but we need to interrogate him. Then, if he cares about his family more than his master, we shall let him be on his way. And if it is otherwise, well, bless his wicked soul. The gods will decide what happend to him afterwards."
Rufus sighs.
"Bold words, but I think that I understand."- He says- "If you wish to spend some quality time with this filth, so it be."
As Rufus and Geralt yank the dark angel's leg out of the rock and take him away, Will walks back to his mother's resting place. He looks at the picture on the ground, kneels and places it back where it was. 
Aurelia stands next to her nephew and smiles.
"So. Despite everything that happened in this place, my sister's remains still stand where they are supposed to be."- She says- "You know, part of me is glad that she's resting deep below. After all, she will not witness the horrors that are about to come and have to face them. Not in this world, anyway. But the other part of me still misses her very much. She might have been a dark angel, but she was an angel nonetheless."
Will nods.
"And that is why we are honoring my mother's memory. She made the ultimate sacrifice, just so we could keep living our lives. In the face of incoming danger, she never gave up on anyone, or anything, And neither would we."- He says- "Thank you for keeping me company, auntie. It is good to know that someone respects mom as much as I do."
Aurelia smiles serenely.
"I'm just glad that we got to see her again."- She says- "You know, despite all the years that passed, she's still very beautiful. Kind and loving, too."
Geralt approaches his family, hugs them and smiles.
"So this is where destiny decided to bring us this time."- He says- "You know, I always respected your mom. She was hotter than a chilli pepper, stronger than an ox. And yet, she secretly had the attitude of a sweet puppy- gentle and lovable. She had her honor, and once she left this world behind, she unknowingly passed the torch to you and your brother. Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing."
Then, he takes a look at Isabella's picture, reminding himself of what he and his family has become ever since her passing.
"But maybe it was for the best."- He adds- "Isabella gave her life to bring new power to this world. Her sacrifice, no matter how small it was, shall never be forgotten."
With that thought in mind, the Kaos family pays its respects to the late Isabella Moonglow and rejoins the group, not willing to let the girl's sacrifice be in vain. The fire in their bright hearts is still burning strong... and it shall keep burning. For all eternity.
As the group moves on from the sad remains of the once glorious city of Silverdale, two young doves land on Isabella's resting place. Though the city around them is a place of sorrow and anguish, those two pure souls managed to maintain the light inside of them. They stand close to each other as they watch the sun go down- a sign of the neverending hope that our characters have, as well as their desire to bring faith back to this world.
Perhaps this world is not doomed, after all.
The End.