MLTO C1, P1

This is the first part of "MLIV:TO" 's first Chapter.
It was released on 30.09.2022.
== Plot ==
Four years after the slaughter of most members of the Kaos family and the downfall of the perfect order that they have been trying to establish, life continues to move on as usual. And yet, something is not quite right. It is as if whoever planned the assault only retreated for a short amount of time and is preparing to do something even worse than what they did so far.
Thus begins the story of young hero enthusiast Geralt Kaos who was looking forward to experiencing a peaceful childhood, yet unraveled something that changed his life forever. Desiring only to accompany his big brother- Kaiden- to a prestigious academy that he was accepted it, he will come face to face with things that no sane young man should see.
Will he pull through this mess and continue to shine?
== Story ==
Sometime into the future, Geralt sits in a training room, all alone in the middle of a mass of training dummies. He brandishes his wooden sword and hits them left and right, trying to achieve some kind of equilibrium.
"This is not the end."- He mutters- "I've got to keep training. I will make Kiki proud of me."
Meanwhile, Geralt's brother- Kaiden- arrives in the building. Unaware that his brother is in the same place as him, he goes in the main room to train, only to find that the young boy is there earlier than him.
"Umm, Geralt?"- He says- 'What... are you doing here?"
Geralt looks up.
"Oh! Kaiden"- He exclaims- "I thought that you were going to be away for a while!"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"I have some time left."- He replies- "Don't worry about it."
He sits next to him.
"So."- He says- "Are you feeling angry again?"
Geralt sighs.
"I never stopped being angry, Kai."- He says- "Ever since we lost Kiki, I have been looking for ways to redeem myself."
Kaiden nods.
"Well, perhaps you should take a break."- He says- "You're starting to lose your focus. Each passing day, another small part of you is consumed by the fear in your heart. Sometimes, I worry about what will happen in another tragedy occurs."
Geralt glares at him.
"You think that I should take a rest? While the entire world is still on fire?"- He says and shakes his head- "I am afraid not. As long as my soul is still burning, there is always a purpose out here for me. And where there is purpose, there is hope."
Kaiden shrugs.
"Suit yourself, little bro."- He says- "I'm just trying to help you relax."
He backs away.
"But if you wish to have some privacy, I'll respect it."
As he walks away, Geralt looks at him.
"What about the academy?"
Kaiden looks back.
"Umm, academy?"- He asks.
Geralt nods.
"You were meant to enroll in some sort of academy. Become a master warrior and defend the world from evil."- He says- "How is that going for you?'
Kaiden sighs.
"I keep thinking about it every day."- He says- "Sometimes, I wonder if it's even worth it. If I even have the motivation to do what it takes to be there. But then, I remember that you're still counting on me. And that's when I realize that I'm not alone."
Geralt nods.
"No matter what happens next, we'll always be together- be it in darkness, despair, turmoil and even poverty, in the worst of times."- He says- "I'm happy that you are going to study what you love the most. And yet, I would never force you to do it, unlike aunt Akira. I would never consider you a failure, even if you don't succeed."
Kaiden looks up.
"Does this mean that you'll always be there for me?"
Geralt nods.
"Absolutely."
Kaiden approaches his brother and hugs him.
"You're the only one who truly matters to me, Geralt. Hearing that you think the same way makes me very happy."- He says and smiles- "Don't ever change. Please."
Geralt smiles back.
"For the people who still care about me, I never would."
Kaiden nods.
"I know it."
He looks back and stares longily at the door.
"And now, I have to be on my way back."- He says- "Officials from the academy contacted me yesterday. Apparently, I made it very far in their chart and they're looking forward to interviewing me. I must prepare my application well if I am to enroll in there."
Geralt gasps.
"So this is why you've been so happy lately!"
Kaiden smiles.
"I'm trying to stay positive for the time being."- He says- "What's going to happen next is left to fate."
Geralt nods.
"It would make me happy if you finally stopped worrying about everything, too."- He says- "Bad things happen in life, but we must learn to accept them and, therefore, adapt to it."
Kaiden sighs.
"It's easy for you to say, little bro. You always have hope on your side."- He says- "But me? I'm just a wreck. Nobody will ever love me. Nobody would respect me for who I am. That's why I worry about your future, because you're the one who matters."
Geralt shakes his head.
"I appreciate your concern, but you are as much of a hero as I am."- He says- "Someday, we will follow dad's foosteps and become like him. People will depend on our generosity. And when the world starts falling apart, they'll need people who are not afraid of making the right choice."
He looks at him.
"And I want you to stand by my side."- He continues- "Even if we make some questionable decisions, I know that I could still count on you. You're the only one who sees me for who I truly am, after all."
Kaiden nods.
"Maybe you're right. Our paths as heroes have yet to cross."- He says- "I wonder how long it would take?"
Geralt sighs.
"Nobody knows what fate has in store for us. Perhaps it will be next year. Or maybe next month. Or maybe even tomorrow. Even as we speak, we are being tested by the ones above."- He says- "But that is of no concern to you right now. Go! Be yourself and don't let life drag you down!"
Kaiden nods.
"That's what I'm hoping for."
He turns to leave, then looks back at Geralt and smiles.
"Oh, and one more thing."- He says- "Thank you... for believing in me."
Geralt smiles back.
"And it is an honor for me to be your brother."
Kaiden nods. Then, he turns and leaves.
Soon, Geralt is alone in the training room, contemplating his decisions and wondering if it is wise to let Kaiden go just like that.
"Perhaps there's something that I am missing right now."- He wonders to himself- "But what could it be?"
He turns back to the training dummies and sighs.
"Oh well."- He says- "Back to work, I guess."
----A few hours later, Geralt finally emerges from the training room. Tired almost to the point of complete exhaustion, he sheathes his sword and walks back to the Kaos residence.
On the doorstep, he notices that his entire family is preparing for something. There is a strange feeling in the air, something that Geralt himself has not felt in a very long time- excitement.
Geralt's aunt- Akira- finally notices him. Excited, she approaches him and smiles.
"Oh! There you are, sweetie!"- She exclaims- "We've been looking for you!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Why?"
Akira continues to smile.
"I feel like who deserves to know the wonderful news before anyone else."
She leans closer to him.
"Remember how we were talking about the academy that Kaiden wants to be a part of?"- She asks him- "Well, it's done! Your brother has been accepted and he's now ready to study and become a man!"
Geralt grins.
"That is wonderful!"
Akira nods.
"However, they only allowed him to travel there with someone who is as talented as he is. Someone who has undiminished potential and is eager to learn more."- She says- "We figured that you're the most perfect candidate, so we sent word to the officials. And you know what? They agreed!"
Geralt smiles.
"I would love to accompany my brother on the adventure of his lifetime."- He says- "When shall we go?"
Akira smiles.
"Well. Me and your uncle Linus spoke about it. For quite a while, too."- She says- "We soon decided that it would be best to send you on your way as soon as possible. So, it will be tomorrow."
Geralt gasps.
"Tomorrow?!"- He exclaims- "But there is not enough time to prepare!"
Akira nods.
"It's no secret. Time is quite precious."- She says- "But don't be afraid. It's all just a part of your life. You'll soon get used to it, just like Kaiden himself."
Geralt nods.
"So."- He says- "Tomorrow?"
Akira smiles.
"Yes!"- She exclaims- "You better get ready! It's going to be a big day for both of you!"
Geralt nods.
"I will get ready, then."- He says- "Thank you, auntie. I'm looking forward to helping my brother make a difference."
Akira smiles and hugs him.
"I'm very proud of you, dear."- She says- "The way you care about Kaiden so much is truly inspiring to little, old me. It reminds me of the person who cared about me in the same way."
Geralt looks up.
"Is that person Dad, if you don't mind me asking?"
For a moment, a single tear runs down Akira's cheek. She looks down and sighs.
"It was, dear."- She says- "It was."
And then, just like that, she looks up and smiles again.
"Well, enough deep delving in the past! It's time for the future to shine again!"- She exclaims- "We'll be waiting for you at the train station tomorrow! The train arrives at 10 AM! Don't be late!"
Geralt nods.
"I will be there, aunt."- He says and stalks off.
As his aunt continues to clean the kitchen, he enters his room, closes the door and lies on his bed. The dim light coming from the chandelier above him illuminates the room, giving him an eerie feeling of peace in those dark times.
"Could aunt Akira be right?"- He wonders to himself- "Is the future more important than our past?"
He sighs and shakes his head.
"Ugh. I do not have time for this."- He says- "It's too late to wonder what to do. I'm tired."
He quickly closes his eyes and falls asleep.
In his dreams, he sees visions of his late mother. Strange, considering that fragments of her very being appear every night. But this time, it seems to be a little different. Not surprising, considering that she already knows what is going on.
"Geralt?"- She says- "Are you there, honey?"
Geralt nods.
"It is alright, mom. I am here."- He says- "What is going on? You sound very... happy."
Aalia's spirit appears in front of her son, her face clearer than the brightest crystal. She smiles.
"I heard that your brother's finally coming out of his shell."- She says- "How could I not be?"
Geralt nods.
"It is about the academy thing, isn't it?"
Aalia smiles.
"My boys are finally emerging from the past that has been plaguing them for so long. The long line of suffering will soon be broken."- She says- "But tell me, honey. How are you feeling? It's a big day for you, too, and I can sense that you're a little concerned."
Geralt shakes his head.
"I keep having visions about something very dangerous and I... I just can't get them off my mind."- He says- "Can you see them? Do you feel the same way as me?"
Aalia shakes her head.
"Sometimes, I wonder why you keep on believing this nonsense."- She says- "But then, it could be more than just mere paranoia and that I'm the one who refuses to let go of her ways. I'm not sure anymore."
Geralt nods.
"What should I do next?"
Aalia smiles.
"Whatever your bright heart tells you to."- She says- "The world is your canvas, my dearest. And you are the painter. Now go out there and paint the world in the signs of hope. Give those people what they deserve."
Geralt nods.
"But what will happen to you?"- He asks- "If I stray away for too long, you will just vanish again. And I... I don't want to lose you."
Aalia smiles sadly and hugs her son.
"Honey, I'm never going to leave you."- She says- "Your memory of me is still burining bright. And as long as you continue to love me, this will give me the strength to fight back against the currents of time itself. I won't be forgotten, as long as someone still remembers me."
Geralt smiles.
"Then I will keep on remembering you, if it is what it takes for us to be together."
A single tear runs down Aalia's cheek. She continues to smile as she starts to disappear.
"I'll always love you, my dearest."- She says- "Don't forget that."
Having said that, she disappears, allowing Geralt to wake up.
As the boy stands up from his bed, he approaches the nearby mirror and looks at it. He notices that the reflection that is staring back at him is not quite the same. Its eyes have a darker shade, its mouth is curned into a little smile. Its fists are cleched and it has scars on its arms.
"What is this?"- He wonders aloud- "A vision of the future?"
And then, in little more than a few moments, the eyes become completely back. The entire world around Geralt starts to swirl and it is as if whatever is inside is trying to change him.
"No!"- Geralt yells- "I will not become like them!"
He viciously punches the mirror, but bruises his knuckle and yells out in pain.
As the visions finally stop, a person rushes into the room, concerned about his well-being. It is Amber- Adam's second wife and Geralt's adoptive mother- who immediately realizes that something is amiss.
"What is it, dear?"- She asks him- "Is it those demons again?"
She stands next to him and takes his hand in hers.
"It's okay. Don't cry."- She says- "It's over. I'm here."
Amber used to be a very good friend of Aalia when they were teenagers. They used to play a lot of games together and their bond strengthened even further with each passing year. Amber is the person that Aalia has always trusted the most, considering her one of the greatest inspirations in her life. When Aalia got married and had children, Amber never left her side and even helped her with the chores when she felt tired. She was, of course, devastated when she heard the news of her best friend's untimely demise. Like Geralt, she has been seeing Aalia as a spirit ever since she left this world and has been communicating with her. Urged by Aalia to continue what she had already started, Amber met Adam Kaos- Aalia's widow. The two soon fell in love and married, making Aalia very happy... despite the fact that she was not there to witness the marriage in her physical form. Now, Amber acts as Geralt's second mother, providing him with all the love that was stripped away from him ever since his birth.
"No, mom. It's just... I'm alright."- He says- "It was an accident."
Amber shakes her head.
"It's accidents like those that get people hurt."- She says- "Here, let me stitch you. Just stand still. I've got a few bandages for you."
As Amber slowly bandages her son's hand, he smiles sadly.
"Thank you, mom."
Amber smiles.
"Don't mention it, kiddo."- She replies- "Whenever you need help, know that I'm never too far away."
Once she's done, she looks up and smiles again.
"So. It's a big day today."- She says- "Did you hear? Your big brother's getting enrolled in the academy he's been trying to get into. And he'll receive the best education the Known Lands have to offer!"
Geralt nods.
"Of course!"- He exclaims- "I have been looking forward to that!"
Amber smiles.
"Well, you're in luck!"- She exclaims- "Because you'll be on the front lines with him!"
Geralt starts to respond. Then, he realizes that Amber means something else and raises his eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Amber giggles. Then, she gleefully stares at him and smiles.
"You'll see, dear."- She says mysteriously- "You'll see."
She helps him stand up and approaches the door out of the room.
"Well, there's no time to waste!"- She says- "Come on! Nobody wants you to be late!"
Geralt nods.
"I will not be late."- He says- "Not on this special day."
Having said that, he leaves the room and goes downstairs.
As Amber stares at him, she sighs and shakes her head.
"Poor kiddo. He's been through so much that he refuses to see the truth."- She says to herself- "But I'm sure that he'll understand. Akira is right- he still has a lot to learn. And I can tell it myself- a bright future is waiting out there for him."
Meanwhile, Geralt grabs his bag and prepares to leave, but is soon stopped by Amber when she rushes toward him.
"Oh no, you don't!"- She exclaims and gently pulls him back- "You're not going anywhere without eating your breakfast first!"
Geralt rolls his eyes.
"Can we skip it? Just this once?"- He asks- "I'm sure that I can buy something on the way to the academy."
Amber shakes her head.
"I'm afraid not."- She replies- "It's my duty to keep you well-fed and I won't allow some barely trained chefs to do that job instead of me!"
Geralt sighs.
"You're being weird again, mom."
Amber raises her eyebrow.
"Look. Are you going to argue with me again?"- She asks- "It's my thing to be weird. You have to learn to accept it."
Geralt sighs.
"Trust me, I have really been trying to."
Amber grins.
"Atta boy!"- She exclaims- "Now, open your mouth wide! Breakfast's coming your way!"
She turns and pulls out something from the over. Then, she places it on the table and removes the large handkerchief that has been covering it until now.
"Umm. Strawberry pie?"- Geralt asks- "Are you sure that this is the right food for a healthy breakfast, mom?"
Amber looks at him.
"What? It's your favorite food!"- She exclaims- "Sure. You'll gain a few pounds, but you'll be well-fed. And that's what really matters to me."
She winks.
"I'd never send my boy away on an empty stomach!"
Geralt smiles.
"Alright then. Fair enough."- He says- "Thank you, mom. I appreciate it."
It takes about fifteen minutes for him to eat most of the pie. However, when he finally decides to stop, something makes him want to eat more. And he does.
Soon, the entire pie has been devoured. There is nothing left, except for a few loose crumbs.
"Alright!"- Amber says- "Now you're ready to take on the world!"
Geralt rolls his eyes.
"Mom, I'm just going to accompany my brother to school."- He says- "Nothing exciting is happening right now."
Amber smiles.
"Nothing exciting's happening yet!"- She exclaims- "Who knows what kind of great things you two are going to experience up there?"
Geralt rolls his eyes.
"Maybe you have a point."
He stands up and grabs his bag.
"I will be on my way now."
Amber smiles and kisses him on the cheek.
"You'll be a good boy out there. Right, dear?" 
Geralt nods.
"Of course, I will."
Amber smiles.
"Alright!"- She exclaims and waves at him- "See ya soon!"
As Geralt leaves the household, he sighs and shakes his head.
"Mom is a very good person. She always tries to enforce the righteous law, but family is always her number one priority."- She says- "However, she's also got a bit of a temper. She needs to calm that spark as soon as possible." 
He stares at the train station ahead of him and readies his bag.
"Kiki, just watch us."- He continues- "We will make you proud."
Half an hour later, Geralt finally arrives at the train station. He consults the trains ahead of him and soon finds Train #7. While approaching it, he meets his entire family who were waiting for them to arrive.
"Ah! My favorite grandson!"- Jared exclaims- "How are you doing my boy?"
Meggy sighs.
"He's always like this."- She says- "Don't mind him"
She looks up at Geralt and smiles.
"It's been a long time, dear."- She says- "How are your studies going?"
Geralt smiles.
"Pretty well, grandma."- He says- "Thank you for asking."
Meggy nods.
"Of course, dear."- She says- "It's great to know that our boys are doing so well."
Akira clears her throat.
"Umm, mom?"- She says- "Me and Amber have been taking care of them... "
Meggy gasps.
"Oh, of course! How could I forget that?"- She says- "Sorry. I just got a little carried away."
Jared nods.
"It is what wisdom does to us."- He says- "As you get older, you get wiser. But you also forget. That is not a very good thing."
He and Meggy look back at the train and smile.
"And things like those are the ones that help us remember."
As the Kaos family stands together, Linus and Kaiden approach them.
"There you are!"- Linus says- "You finally made it!"
Geralt smiles.
"I would never dare to miss this, uncle."
Linus nods.
"Of course."- He says- "I know how much you've been expecting it, so it's no surprise."
Kaiden stands next to his brother and smiles.
"Thank you for honoring my wishes, little bro."
Geralt nods.
"It is an honor for me to be standing by your side."
Akira looks at Geralt.
"By the way, dear. I have some wonderful news for you!"- She exclaims- "When the mail that declared Kaiden a student arrived, another mail from the same people arrived as well. Apparently, someone has been very interested in you and wanted you to read this."
She hands him a small, white envelope.
"It's your choice, of course."
Geralt looks at his aunt.
"A message?"- He asks- "For... me?"
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"What?"- She says- "Didn't your mother tell you about it?"
Geralt remembers something that Amber told him last night. And then, he reminds himself of how she never actually revealed the entire truth.
"Well... it is hard to explain."
Akira rolls her eyes.
"Yeah, right."- She says- "Amber always has a fun way of telling good news. I'll give her that."
Then, she smiles.
"Well, what are you waiting for?"- She asks him- "Go ahead and read it! It won't bite you!"
Geralt sighs.
"Alright then."
As Geralt unseals his envelope, the writing on the letter inside immediately catch his eye. With great fascination, he reads its contents, excited about whatever knowledge is being offered to him, in exchange for his humble services.
And then, in front of his surprised family, he tears it up into many little pieces that fall on the ground below his feet.
"I appreciate the courtesy. It is truly nice to hear that those strangers care about my talents... whatever they may be."- He says- "However, I have firmly decided that I only wish to accompany my brother to the academy, not join them alongside him. Sure, it is a prestigious opportunty and I might not be able to find one like that again. But that is fine. I wish to forge my very own destiny, find my very own place in this world, but I guess that this is not the right path. So, I am afraid that I will have to refuse. I am very sorry."
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"You know, the offer's still standing."- She says- "Maybe you could change your mind later... "
Linus shakes his head.
"It's okay, Geralt. We understand your decision."- He says- "If the life of true freedom is the one that you have chosen, we would never dare to interfere."
Jared nods.
"We just want you to be happy, my boy."- He says and smiles- "And if that's what you want, so it be."
Kaiden notices that the train is preparing to leave. He looks at Geralt and smiles.
"Well."- He says- "Are you ready for adventure?"
Geralt smiles and nods.
"You know it!"
As the two of them get on the train, they look back at their family. They wave at them as it finally leaves the station, leaving their old life behind.
"Well, it is done. Our adventures have finally begun."- Geralt says to himself- "However, there is still something that is worrying me. Something is amiss, but I cannot tell whether it is just a bad feeling or something worse than that."
He sighs.
"I guess that there is only one way to find it out... "