MLIII C4, P5- "Stand With Us"

"Stand With Us" is the fifth Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's fourth Chapter.
It was released on 10.03.2022.
== Plot ==
As Adam and his allies continue to fight their way past their enemies and attempt to get to the city of Paris as soon as possible, Aiden and Jonathan wonder where they are. Worried that their friend might get in trouble, the two heroes speak with Gloria and, with difficulty, she teleports them to the place which he is going to visit soon.
However, Paris is not a peaceful sanctuary anymore. Most of its residents are either gone or hiding somewhere and the guards are nervous. Something is amiss... and, from the looks of it, it does not look like a minor problem.
Aiden and Jonathan have managed to willingly drag themselves into another mess. And now, they are in the center of it. They are in the heart of the conflict... and there is no going back.
== Story ==
Aiden sits on a bench, wondering how they managed to get separated from Adam so easily.
"Everything happened so fast."- He says to himself- "The screams. The explosions. It was inevitable and we knew it. But we... we... "
He looks down and clenches his fist.
"And it was all his fault."- He continues- "When we met him for the first time, we thought that he was just a hapless traveler who was lost in the forest. But then, we realized what happened out there and questioned him. If it wasn't for Jon, I would have slain him on the spot. No questions. No mercy. He had to pay for the mistake that he made... but we were just too nice to him."
He looks up at the sky.
"When we find him again, I will personally take care of him."- He says to himself- "I will not let him harm Adam and Mr. Kaos again."
Meanwhile, Jonathan approaches him and sits on the bench.
"So."- Aiden says- "Any signs of them?"
Jonathan shakes his head.
"If they really headed west, then they left no clues for us."- He says- "I'm afraid to say this, but we can't find them alone."
Aiden nods.
"You're right."- He says- "But who should we ask?"
Jonathan's eyes light up.
"Most of the residents said that they walked into Gloria's cave. And then, they joined some sort of a caravan that was supposed to head west."- He says and says up- "I am going to visit Gloria and see what's going on."
He looks at Aiden.
"Are you with me?"
Aiden stands up and nods.
"You and Adam taught me that there's something else that's more important than your own well-being- the safety of your friends and family. You revealed the way to a brighter future, a time where heroes are given the respect that they deserve."- He says to him- "In other words, yes. I'm ready to go."
Jonathan smiles.
"You're learning fast. That is good."- He says- "Now, then. It's time to make our move."
The two heroes waste no time to visit Gloria in the shaman's cave.
When they enter, the girl is sitting down and looking at her belly.
She sighs.
"Don't worry, my dear."- She whispers- "He'll be back soon."
Jonathan takes a step forward.
"Gloria, my love."- He says to her- "Fear not. I have returned."
Gloria shakes her head.
"It's no use."- She says- "I keep hearing his voice, but it's just a wishful thinking. I can't get it out of my mind."
Jonathan approaches her and holds her hand.
"It's me, Glo."- He says- "It is no lie. I made it back. Aiden is here, too."
Suddenly, Gloria's mind leaves the realm of dreams. Her eyes start to focus on her surroundings.
Then, she sees her beloved.
"Jon!"- She exclaims, stands up and hugs him- "I can't believe it! It's you!"
Jonathan smiles.
"Yes, my dear. Your boy has managed to survive the nightmare outside."- He says- "I came here as soon as possible. I missed you so much and I could not bear the thought that you are not beside me anymore."
Gloria nods.
"I'm so glad that you chose to come back."- She says- "We've been waiting for you. Impatiently."
Jonathan raises his eyebrow.
"We, you say?"
Then, he looks at her belly and smiles.
"Ah, yes."- He says- "We."
Gloria smiles back. 
"Well, here we are. Reunited, at last."- She says- "But something is still bothering me. If you decided to come back this early, does this mean that you have something in mind? If so, don't be afraid to speak up."
She smiles again.
"You're with the girl you love the most, after all."- She adds- "If something's bothering you, I'll be glad to help you out."
Jonathan looks up and sighs. His right hand clenches into a fist and he looks rather concerned about... something.
"Sorry. It's just... I've been thinking about him for so long that I forgot that there are other people who are dear to me."- He says- "Still, I have to find him as soon as possible. I fear that he is in danger... and I don't want to leave him alone."
He stares at Gloria, as if knowing that something is amiss.
"Have you seen my cousin recently?"
Gloria looks down. She does not want to endanger Adam by telling his allies where he is going. However, she knows well that he needs all the help he can get, so such an act can be forgiven with a clear conscience.
"You want to know if Adam came here, don't you?"
Jonathan nods.
"The truth is... *sigh*... yes. Yes, he did."- She says- "Not too long ago, Adam came to me with a girl that he saved, seeking my advice regarding his future endeavors. At that time, we were attacked by a large band of vile darklings. Canonia was surrounded by the dark forces and, were he not here to wipe them all out at once, all of us would have perished. After the coast was cleared of our enemies, Adam and his companions decided to leave the town and join a caravan that is currently heading west."
Jonathan sighs.
"So, he... is gone?"
Gloria looks down.
"I'm sorry, Jon. I couldn't stop him."- She says to him- "He wants to stop Darkthrop at all costs and, even in a dark time like this, he's still ready to help whenever possible. Nature took him elsewhere and he heeded its call without a single drop of doubt in his heart."
Jonathan smiles.
"I am so glad to hear that he's not given up."- He admits- "What a legend."
He looks back at the entrance.
"And you know what?"- He adds- "I think that I already know where he went."
Gloria raises her eyebrow, surprised and amused.
"Is that so?"- She says- "Then I don't have to worry about that. You've already got the lead."
Jonathan nods.
"Indeed, I do."- He says- "However, my love, I want to ask you a favor."
Gloria's eyes widen.
"A favor, hmm?"- She asks- "Well, it depends on your desires, my dear Jon. What do you wish of me?"
Jonathan points at the circle in the middle of the cave.
"I've always admired that contraption of yours. Such a magnificent piece. It truly brings a smile on my face, knowing that you are following the lead of your ancestors."- He says- "In the time when I was away from you, I've studied the magical circles. I harnessed their power. And now, I know something that you are not aware of yet. Such a powerful device can be used for much more than just simple, shamanic rituals. With the right preparations, it can take people far away from their current destination. They can travel wherever (and whenever) their heart desires."
He smiles.
"So. Tell me, Gloria."- He says to her- "As the Shaman of Canonia, are you able to wield such a great power? Are you ready to do the impossible?"
Gloria tilts her head down.
"Look, dear. You know that I love you and I know that you love me. But this... is ridiculous."- She responds- "To use a magical circle for such a mysterious and complicated technique? This is unheard of!"
Jonathan sighs.
"I know the risks of using it. I am aware of them."- He says- "But the safety of my cousin depends on this. And I am willing to do anything to save his fragile soul from the darkness. He saved me many times and I'm always glad to do the same. I refuse to let him go."
Gloria looks up. She sees the determination in her beloved Jonathan's eyes, the iron resolve that will bring victory into his hands. 
She knows that there is no reason to argue with him about such a thing, so she silently approaches the circle and looks at it.
"Yes. That's right."- She says- "This circle, it's not an ordinary one. It can take people from one place to another, just like a magical portal."
"However."- She adds- "Such a method will result in a one way trip. This means that, once you get to your destination, you will not be able to go back."
She looks at Jon.
"Do you understand this, Jon?"- She asks him- "Do you really want such a thing to happen to you and Aiden?"
Jonathan looks at Aiden. Then, he looks back at Gloria.
Both of them nod.
"We are aware of the risks that we have to take."- He responds- "One-way or not, this is an emergency. And, if we don't make our move, Adam might get hurt. Or captured. Or... worse."
He sighs.
"I must take my chances, Glo."- He says to her- "Prepare the device. We are ready."
Gloria looks down. She realizes that Jonathan will soon leave her again and she feels really bad about not being able to stop him.
"As you wish."- She says and places four candles around the circle- "Stand in the middle. I'll handle the rest."
As Jonathan and Aiden do as they are asked, Gloria mutters an incantation. 
Moments later, she stops and opens her eyes. The lines of the circle who were, moments ago, unlit and inactive are now shining in a dazzling, white light. They are ready to take its users to their desired destination.
"Jon."- She says as they start to fade away- "When you find Adam, please tell him that I'm worried about him. That I want to see him again."
Jonathan raises his eyebrow.
"You want me to... tell him about that?"- He asks her- "But Paris is just a breath away from us? Why don't you join us and talk to him yourself?"
At first, Gloria considers it. She loves Adam like a brother and would like nothing more than to tell him how much she loves him.
But this is not to be. With regret in her heart, she shakes her head.
"I... I can't."- She says- "As much as I regret it, this place is my home. Canonia needs me more than ever and I can't leave them alone. I can't join you. Otherwise, this entire town will fall apart... piece by piece. It's a tempting target, so Darkthrop's forces would not hesitate to do such a thing."
She sighs.
"I'm sorry, Jon."
As Aiden fades away, Jon smiles.
"I forgive you, my dear. I know how tough it is for you to be the shaman. I understand that."- He says to her- "Very well. I will say hello to Adam from you."
At this point, Jon has almost vanished.
Gloria watches as he waves and smiles at her. Tears fall down from her gorgeous, green eyes as she starts to regret her decision.
"All this time we've been separated... it was hard for me."- She says to herself- "But I can't do this. Not anymore."
She takes a step forward.
"I must... decide what to do."
Moments before Jon disappears, she changes her mind. She rushes forward and hugs him.
"I don't want to lose you, my dearest!"- She yells- "Please! Don't leave me alone!"
Jon realizes that it is too late to send her away. He smiles and gently kisses her forehead.
"I'm right here, Gloria."- He says to her- "And I'm not going anywhere."
Moments later, the two of them vanish and teleport elsewhere.
The three of them find themselves in the ruins of a huge city. 
"What... is this place?"- Aiden wonders aloud- "Is this Paris?"
Much to their surprise, their suspicions are proven correct when a tattered flag of France falls down in front of them.
"This is it."- Gloria says and sighs- "We've reached our destination"
Yes. As much as they pretend that this is not the Kaos family's hometown, they cannot deny it. The three heroes have reached the legendary city of Paris.
Upon closer inspection, they realize that something is terribly wrong. There are no people on the streets. The shops are closed and the smell of smoke is omnipresent.
"Dear God."- Jonathan mutters- "This... is not what I expected."
The city of Paris, once a thriving community of survivors and home to some of the world's greatest heroes, is now nothing more than fields of darkness and despair.
As the young heroes explore the city, the head of a young man peeks out from a nearby house. They look at him, realizing that this place is not completely deserted.
"Hey!"- Jonathan says and takes a step forward- "It's okay! We are friends!"
As he gets closer, the man starts to panic. Thinking that they are invaders in disguise, he backs away and shuts the door.
Jonathan turns back and sighs.
"I guess that this is the reception that we're going to receive from the french people nowadays."- He says- "Let's get going. Maybe we'll learn what happened to this city soon. Who knows?"
As they walk away from the ruins, Jonathan stops and falls on his knees.
Gloria and Aiden try to help him out, but soon realize that something is happening inside his head.
"What's going on, dear?"- Gloria asks him- "Please, answer me!"
Jonathan shakes his head.
"I can see them. The citizens, screaming and fighting for their lives."- He says- "I see the pain that they were forced to endure. It is painful! So painful!"
Deep inside his mind, Jon is the sole witness of a battle that happened weeks ago. A massive army of demons swoops into the city, destroying everything and everyone who stands in their way. The guards try to stop them, but it is clear that it is futile to fight back against a force that is this big.
And, in the middle of this conflict, stands a tall, strong demon. He wears armor made from dark steel and wields a massive broadsword. Darkness emanates from him as he grins and watches the helpless citizens defend themselves against his army.
"Soon, Kaos."- He says- "Soon, you will pay."
Moments later, the vision clears. Jon opens his eyes.
He sees the ruins and starts to cry.
"Gloria, I... I saw what happened here."- He says and looks down- "We failed our duty to protect those people. We never knew that... that... "
Gloria sighs and hugs him.
"It's okay, my dear. Nobody is guilty of what happened here, except the forces of darkness."- She says to him- "I'm sure that Adam will make everything right."
She smiles.
"Until then, let's try to help those people out."- She adds- "There are still people in this city. And, if we don't take care of this problem soon, their deaths might be inevitable."
Jon looks up and sighs.
"Y-you're right."- He says and nods- "The people matter. We must do our best to save them."
With a heavy heart, Jon and his allies approach the city hall, wondering if anyone is still inside.
As they get closer, they notice that someone is coming this way. Gloria and Aiden want to hide, but Jon does not fear them.
He bravely holds his staff in his hands.
"I don't care if they are an enemy or not."- He says- "If this city is going to fall, I will fall alongside it."
Then, he takes a step forward and prepares to face the intruder.
Upon seeing that he might be someone of importance, the stranger stops his horse and examines him.
"Hail, shaman."- He says, clearly recognizing his clothing- "You're not who I was expecting to see."
Jon grips his staff and glares at the intruder.
"And to whom do I owe the honor of sparing some of my precious time?"- He says- "You can introduce yourself, at least. It's a nice set of manners for both sides, you know... despite your appearance."
The stranger sighs.
"I suppose I owe you this much. You're an amusing one."- He says- "Well, my name is Arzen. I am a demon general and I recently emerged from the deepest depths of the underworld to get my revenge on someone who killed my liege. Someone who does not deserve to get away without being punished."
As the stranger introduces himself, Jon takes a closer look at him. It does not take him long to realize that this is the same demon whom he saw in his dream.
"You're the one who destroyed this city, aren't you?"
Arzen nods.
"Although I do not like to brag about it, I had to send my forces to destroy this place, So yes, I am the one you're speaking of."- He responds- "Although I did not do anything to destroy this place, I still regret my foolish attitude. I wanted to spill the blood of my enemy's supporters and, once I get away from here, I am more than eager to do it."
Gloria and Aiden stare at each other for a moment.
"What a monster!"- Gloria whispers to him- "How is he not in jail already?"
Aiden sighs and shakes his head.
"It's always like this."- He whispers back- "Villains like him, they are never chained and taken away. They either die on the battlefield or lay waste upon the innocents around us. And it seems like he is of the latter."
Gloria sighs.
"Of course."- She whispers- "Nature may be kind to us, but it's clear that it still wants to preserve heartless fiends like him. I hate it."
Jonathan glares at Arzen.
"Then this means that you are our enemy."- He says and points his staff at him- "We won't let you go any further, monster!"
Arzen stares at them and smirks.
"Really? A bunch of foolish kids, challenging one of the greatest generals the underworld has ever known?"- He says and shakes his head- "Listen, children. As much as I want to slay all of you at once, I have other things to do. You're not the people that I'm looking for, so scram. Get out of here before I change my mind."
He tries to get closer to the city hall, but Jonathan stands in his way.
"So, you think that I am just going to forget the atrocities that you have committed and walk away? Live my life, knowing that you are still out there?!"- He yells- "No way!"
He glares at him.
"I don't know who you are looking for, but there is one thing that I am quite aware of. When you destroyed this city, you made a lot of enemies. And we are some of them."- He continues- "So, come on. Do your worst. We are not afraid of you, no matter how old or powerful you may be!"
Gloria and Aiden clearly agree with Jon. They stand by his side, ready to fight until the end.
Arzen smirks. He gets down from his horse and draws his greatsword.
"You made a huge mistake, children."- He says to them as he prepares to attack- "Maybe you will realize how foolish you were... in the afterlife."
Having said that, he jumps in the air and slams his blade in the ground. The strike is so violent that it throws the three of them into the building behind them.
Realizing that he has already won, Arzen sighs.
"Another party of fools, taken care of."- He mutters- "Now, let's see if the mayor knows something about Adam."
He prepares to enter the city hall. However, as he tries to open the door, he realizes that it is protected by a magical barrier.
He tries to dispel it, but fails.
"What is going on?"- He says- "How is this possible?!"
Then, he looks back and sees the smile on Jon's face. He is clearly responsible for this.
"You insolent mortal!"- He yells at him- "How are you still alive?!"
Jon blows the rubble away from his robe and stands up, seemingly uninjured.
Arzen is surprised.
"Wait. I know what's happening. I know who you are."- He says- "You are... Jonathan Braveheart. Son of John Braveheart, cousin of the dreaded Adam Kaos. You helped your cousin destroy my people and you're almost a guilty as he is."
Jon wipes a trickle of blood from his mouth and nods.
"We are both cold-blooded killers, Arzen."- He says and takes a step forward- "However, I am not a monster. I kill other creatures, because I respect the people who are dear to me and I want to make sure that they are safe and sound, away from those denizens of the dark... unlike you."
Arzen draws his weapon again.
"You were sent by him, weren't you? Weren't you?!"- He says and shakes his head- "Well, it doesn't matter. When I kill the three of you, I will make sure that your heads are brought to them."
He takes a step forward.
"They will realize how dangerous it is to mess with me!"
Then, he charges and prepares to slice Jonathan's head open.
However, Jon easily parries the attack and strikes Arzen in the chest.
Arzen looks down and smiles.
"Ah. A fresh wound that doesn't even faze me."- He says and looks at Jon- "However, I have something much worse in store for you."
Having said that, he rushes forward and grabs Jon by the neck. The young shaman tries to get away, but it is too late, as the demon jumps up and violently slams him into the ground.
Once again, the demon thinks that he has won, but soon realizes that this is not the truth. 
Jon stands up and, as if he was not badly hurt from the impact, rushes forward and prepares to attack him back.
Arzen casts a powerful dark spell and envelops Jon in shackles of magical darkness.
He watches as the shaman struggles to break free, but soon realizes that he is getting attacked by his allies.
As he prepares to fend them off, Jon breaks free. Then, he casts a powerful earth spell which binds the demon's soul to a nearby tree.
Having decided what to do beforehand, Jon teleports Arzen away from Gloria and watches as he falls from the tree and breaks some of his bones.
Then, as if nature itself wants to help Jon out, the nearby free breaks and falls down on top of Arzen, shattering a small part of the demon general's skull as he tries to get away from it.
"Grrr. Surely you are a strong one, mortal. I truly admire your battle prowess."- He says- "However, I cannot risk my life here. I must continue my mission, trying to find and kill your cousin and his family."
He lifts his hand in the air. When he does, its palm turns pitch black and starts to glow.
"Sometime in the future, I will return. I will take my revenge on you and your friends."- He says- "If you survive the onslaught of my minions, that is."
He smiles as he starts to fade away.
"Later, humans."- He says- "I hope we won't meet again."
Jon and Gloria try to stop him, but it is too late. He vanishes moments later.
As Gloria and Aiden watch the demon army ahead of them, Jon falls on his knees and shakes his head.
"I am a disgrace to the shaman society."- He says- "Am I truly worthy of holding this title, if I was unable to defeat such a dangerous fiend?"
Gloria kneels beside him and hugs him.
"You're the best shaman ever, my love."- She says to him and kisses him on the cheek- "The way you valiantly stood in his way and fought him to protect those people was... fascinating. Formidable. Few shamans would ever dare to come face to face with inevitable doom all by themselves and fight until the end."
She smiles.
"Adam would be proud of you."- She adds- "I'm sure of it."
Aiden approaches them and points at the demon army.
"Um, guys. I hate to ruin your conversation, but they.... are getting closer."- He says- "We don't have much time left. We must run away before we get in trouble!"
As Gloria gets up and stares at the army, Jon looks at the city hall. He hears the muttering coming from inside and wonders if it's just his imagination or not.
"Jon, I... hate to say this, but there are too many of them."- Aiden says to him- "If we want to survive. we must get away from here."
He tries to convince Jon to leave this place, but he is not going anywhere.
"There's nothing else we can do here, Jon."- He says to him- "They're doomed. We can't save them."
Hearing Aiden's words makes Jon very angry. He looks back and shakes his head.
"I'm not leaving those people alone!"- He says and approaches the door- "Come on! We have to save them!"
Gloria and Aiden stare at each other. They are clearly amazed by Jon's recklessness and selflessness.
They decide to join him without thinking twice.
Once they are in the city hall, they see a small group of people, sitting in the lobby.
"A living human!"- One of them, clearly someone with a high authority, says and approaches him- "We're looking forward to hearing news of the outside world. What do you have to tell us?"
Jonathan shakes his head and points at a nearby window.
"There's no time to exchange pleasantries!"- He yells- "The demons are outside! And they will kill us if we stay for too long!"
The man gasps. He looks at the window and realizes that the demon army is very close to them.
He looks back and shakes his head.
"It's no use, stranger. We... tried our best, but it's futile."- He says- "Leave us to die here. Save yourselves. We don't want to drag you down with us."
Aiden starts to say something, but Jonathan silences him.
"Don't even think about it."
He turns to the man and shakes his head.
"No. We are not going anywhere until all of you have been evacuated."- He says- "It's a matter of survival and we refuse to leave anyone behind. You are coming with us."
The man raises his eyebrow.
"But how?"- He asks him- "My people are strong and determined, but there's just too many of them!"
He looks at the window and shakes his head.
"We can't fight the forces of darkness!"- He continues- "We are just a bunch of civilians. Nothing else!"
Jon shakes his head and points at a nearby wall.
"There is only one way out of this place."- He says- "And we must blast our way past the fiends."
The man gasps.
"But this... this place is sacred to us!"- He says- "You can't just destroy it!"
Jon sighs and glares at him.
"Look. I know that it's tough for all of you, but it must be done. Otherwise, we will all die here, helpless and worthless."- He says- "In other words: Do you want to get out of here alive or not?!"
The man realizes that he is right. There is no other way to escape this place.
Regretfully, he decides to agree with Jon's plan.
"Very well, stanger."- He says- "Lead the way."
Everyone approachs the wall and wonders what is going to happen.
Then, Jon steps forward and hurls a fireball at the wall, breaking it and crushing a bunch of demons who were trying to get in.
"Now is our chance!"- He yells at everyone- "Go! Run like the wind and don't look back!"
Heeding his advice, the citizens get out of the city hall and rush for the gates ahead of them.
Together, the large group of heroes and civilians manages to outrun their enemies and escape into the outskirts of the city. As they look back, they realize that their work there is done. The demons have given up and are now retreating, away from them and the city hall.
Jon lets out a sigh of relief as he lays on the grass.
"Well, we did it. Well done, everyone."- He says and smiles- "We survived this ordeal."
The man (who Jon finally recognizes as the mayor of Paris) nods and smiles.
"And it's all thanks to you, stranger."- He says- "You saved our lives. And we're grateful for it."
He looks at the sky above and sighs,
"But it's clear that the city hall has been lost."- He continues- "What are we going to do now?"
Jon stands up and looks at the ruins ahead of them.
"Now, we must wait."- He responds- "There is a certain hero out there. A pillar of hope and justice who will liberate this place from the darkness."
He smiles.
"And I am sure that he's not far away."