MLTO C2, P8

This is the eighth Part of "MLIV:TO" 's second Chapter.
It was released on 06.11.2022.
== Plot ==
Having recently defeated the bandits that plagued Goznor with their presence and freed, both from debts related to them and the violence that they caused, Geralt must now come face to face with the ones whom they foolishly supported with their actions and free a young soul who is close to withering away for good.
At the dawn of yet another fresh disaster, his abilities to discover culprits behind the mask shall be questioned. He shall become the judge of the criminal who abused the daughter of the emperor and bring her to justice. Or try to do so, at the very least.
Will he uncover the mystery that has worried the officials of Goznor for so many years and unveil the curtains of chaos that hide the true culprits?
== Story ==
Donovan looks at Geralt and sighs.
"Well, Geralt. It's been quite a journey for both of us. Bandits. Traps. Even clues toward another disaster."- He says- "But I must leave you for now. I need to speak with my wife and inform her of the course of recent events that we had to go through."
He smiles.
"In the meantime, why don't you go to the icecream stand and get yourself some delicious icecream?"- He adds- "Just mention me to the proprietor and he shall grant you something really good."
Geralt nods and takes a few steps back.
"Of course, Your Majesty."- He says- "I sincerely thank you for allowing me to join you on this perilous journey. It has been an honor to fight alongside a mighty person such as yourself."
He smiles back.
"I shall take my leave. For now."- He says- "Please tell me when you decide what shall be done with the governor's daughter."
Jared looks at Geralt and then, at Donovan and Sharla. He seems to be rather confused by Geralt's words, but pleased nonetheless.
"So little Aurelia is still alive? This is truly a small miracle!"- He says to himself- "Perhaps I should offer my aid in this investigation. We could work together against the threat that illegal slavery poses to our poor world."
He sighs.
"But then, my time as a hero is long past. I am little more than an old man who wishes to protect his family. I don't think that I'll be capable of saving a troubled maiden. Not anymore."- He adds- "Maybe I should just stay silent for the time being. See what the greater authorities decide."
Having said that to himself, he joins his grandchildren just as they go outside.
"Well, we did it!"- Geralt says to his brother- "We managed to defeat the evil bandits together!"
Kaiden nods.
"Yes, little bro. It has been an eventful journey for those two brothers. Those two pure and kind souls who try to help whenever they can."- He says- "But I fear that this investigation is far from over. The governor's daughter is still trapped in the dirty hands of whatever slaves forcefully took her in. I fear for the poor girl's life, so we should stay prepared, in case something goes amiss."
Geralt sighs.
"You are talking about something that I am already perfectly aware of."- He says- "It is not my place to tell you what you should do with your life, but I think that it's best if you stop worrying about things that have yet to happen. Take the free time that you are given and use it to do something that you consider fun."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"The way you speak, little bro, you almost sound like our sister."- He says- "Perhaps you two have more in common than I thought."
Geralt smiles.
"Her gentle personality has always been an inspiration for me. She was always so pure, so kind. She always cared for others, even though they were not a part of our family."- He says- "Some might say that what was left of her vanished years ago, but that is not true. We are the ones who keep her legacy alive and that is why I try to be like her."
He places his hand on his chest.
"Sometimes, I could feel some sort of kindred energy. A soul of pure light that merges with mine and makes me feel like a true hero. Or one that is close to that, at the very least."- He says- "Kiki died for us, Kai. She gave her own life away so we could live and be the heroes that we deserve to be. We must not let her sacrifice go to waste."
Kaiden sighs.
"Right."- He responds- "Well, I'll leave you to whatever activities you've got in mind. See you around."
With that, Kaiden leaves Geralt and Aaron alone.
"Your brother's been acting rather weird lately."- Aaron says- "Is he doing okay?"
Geralt sighs.
"Well, I know my brother and I know that he is alright."- He says- "It is just his way of saying that things could have been better for the two of us."
Aaron shakes his head.
"This is not the time to be unwise. We need to help him out."- He says- "But... I guess that you're right. It's his life, after all. We can't change it."
Geralt sighs.
"I will try to help him whenever I can."- He says- "But the mending of his soul shall take time. So we shall focus on the task at hand first."
He turns to Aaron and smiles.
"But before we do that, it's ice cream time!"- He exclaims- "Come on, my friend! Let's enjoy our free time together!"
Aaron smiles.
"Right after you!"
The two of them approach a nearby icecream stand and talk to the proprietor. They mention his name almost immediately, so the man immediately recognizes who they are. He gives Geralt a free icecream.
"I see that you're a friend of his."- The man says to Aaron- "Well, you can have one as well. We can't ignore you when you're looking so sad, can we?"
And so, Aaron also receives an icecream. He and Geralt sit on a nearby bench and enjoy their well-deserved rewards.
"You know. As icecreams come and go, this one is quite spectacular."- Geralt says as he stares at his icecream for a few seconds- "It reminds me of my dear sister. The colors that compromise it are just the same. White, red, orange. They're so beautiful."
Aaron raises his eyebrow.
"Was your sister also spectacular?"
Geralt smiles and nods.
"Without a doubt in my heart, I say that Kiki was the most spectacular girl I had ever known."- He says- "She is one of a kind and I will never forget her."
Aaron nods.
"And neither will I."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"But you barely knew her!"
Aaron smiles sadly.
"That doesn't stop me from respecting her!"
Geralt sighs.
"Alright."- He says- "I see your point."
As the two of them slowly eat their icecreams, Geralt's step mother- Amber- approaches them. She seems to be worried about something, but takes great pains not to show it straight away.
"Geralt, honey."- She says- "May I have a moment of your time?"
Geralt looks at his mom.
"Yes, mama?"- He asks- "What is it?"
Amber sighs.
"I know that you're trying to enjoy some free time while you still have it, but a single issue occurred and I can't solve it myself."
Geralt sighs.
"Don't tell me."- He says- "Kai is drunk again, isn't he?"
Amber nods.
"Unfortunately, you are correct. Kaiden went to the local bar shortly after he left you alone."- He says- "However, it seems like your dear brother's gotten himself in big trouble. Apparently, some gang of mercenaries mocked him for taking Kiara's demise so heavily and he flew into a violent rage. He's currently in there and nobody's able to stop him!"
Geralt springs to his feet.
"I will save my brother!"- He exclaims- "Again!"
As the three of them run into the bar, they witness Kaiden punching one of the mercenaries in question to the ground. As another one tries to strike him in the stomach, he lunges forward and grabs both of his arms, restraining him and forcing him to lay on the ground.
"So you're going to mock my sister for being so weak, huh?!"- He yells- "Well, how does that feel? How do you like being the weak one?!"
The mercenaries continue to fight and attempt to beat him down. However, Geralt's quick interference prevents them from harming him whatsoever.
"Stop!"- He yells at his brother- "You are only causing yourself pain?"
Kaiden looks at him, surprised.
"Whose side are you on, Geralt?!"- He yells- "Those freaks insulted our sister! They told me that she was weak and that she deserved what happened to her!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"And you really think beating them up will teach them a lesson of humility and sympathy? I hate to say this, but you are deluding yourself, my dear brother."- He says to him- "Violence is not always the answer for every single problem that we have. You may think that this is something morally right, but I advise you to take a look at the way others stare at you. They think that you are a liability. A worthless peon that was scarred by the ages of pain that he was forced to endure. They think that you are yet another murderous vigilante that attacks others without question, just because they provoked you in some sinister way. And you know what kind of impression you are giving them right now? Well, they think that they will be next. They fear you, Kai. It should not be like this."
Kaiden glares at him.
"Then you're just like them!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"I am not like anyone else, but myself."- He responds- "I am simply trying to warn you of the consequences that you have blindly ignored for so long. By attempting to cause harm to the people who tried to hurt you, you are no different from them."
He turns to the angry mercenaries.
"Look. I understand that you mocked my sister and I am deeply angered by your reckless attitude."- He says to them- "But this is not the way to handle something like this. If you truly thought that my sister is weak, then perhaps you should have kept those opinions to yourselves."
One of the mercenaries raises his eyebrow.
"Oh yeah? And what makes you think that?"- He asks- "We live in a world of democracy, kid. Everyone can say and do whatever he wants."
Geralt sighs.
"I believe that you are not aware of the fact that I have dealt with people like you before. Senseless cronies that put their sword on sale, in an attempt to earn some cash and cause pain to others."- He says- "I know a lot about your kind, mercenaries. So, step back before I am forced to join my brother and teach you a lesson."
The mercenaries smirk.
"You don't scare us, heir of Kaos."- One of them says- "We know about your kind of heroes. You always try to be nice and kind, until you reach someone and stab 'em in the back. If there's anyone who's always the same, that's you."
Geralt continues to use reasoning to calm both the mercenaries and his brother down. However, it seems as if the situation shall escalate even further than it did now. A fight seems to be inevitable and even Geralt's best efforts to prevent it from happening turn out to be in vain.
Just as the mercenaries draw their weapons, they hear someone standing up from the bar and approaching them from behind. A young woman, possibly in her thirties, points her wand at a mercenary's neck and sighs.
"You lackeys never learn that you should stop being so reckless."- She says to them- "My advice for you? You should have never come here?"
The mercenary shakes his head.
"You're going deep in dangerous territory, lady."- He says- "Drop that weapon. Now."
The woman raises her eyebrow.
"And allow you to hurt the children of the most valued person in my life?"- She asks- "Think again, fool. I'm not going to let you do anything to those poor souls."
The mercenaries laugh.
"We're not scared of you, lady!"- One of them exclaims- "Bring it o-- "
Suddenly, the doors to the bar swing open. A lone warrior with a greatsword jumps into the building and points his weapon at the mercenaries.
"Halt, intruders!"- He yells- "I am tired of watching others suffer because you're being stupid again! Drop your weapons or face the wrath of the Lone Wolf!"
The mercenaries gasp.
"Oh no! The lone wolf!"- One of them exclaims- "This is not good!"
He turns back to his friends.
"Let's run!"- He yells- "It's not worth it!"
With that, the mercenaries leave the building without even daring to glance back at the person who scared them away.
Deugan Selmae- the legendary hero known better as the Lone Wolf- stares at the vagabonds as they make a run for it and stands out of the way, allowing them to become cowards in the eyes of everyone who saw them today.
"Despicable, aren't they?"- He says and sighs- "And to think that I have with rabble like this every day. It's very unfortunate."
Geralt takes a closer look at his savior. He thinks that his eyes are deceiving him. And yet, they are not. What he is seeing right now is the truth in its purest form.
After confirming that the man standing in front of him truly is who he seems to be, he lies back and chuckles.
"Well, this is something that I did not expect to see today!"- He exclaims- "We were saved by the mythical Lone Wolf! My hero! My most influential idol came here when we needed him the most! I did not think that such a thing could ever happen!"
Deugan smiles.
"Perhaps you should start believing in miracles, kiddo."- He says to him- "They're all around you. All you need to do is to find them."
He turns to Kaiden and sighs.
"So."- He says- "Is this boy another member of that rabble? Another mercenary for hire?"
Kaiden takes a step forward and glares at him.
"I advise you to watch your language, mister!"- He exclaims- "Hero or not, I am not afraid of teaching you a-- "
Geralt gently pushes his brother back and sighs.
"Well, Mr. Lone Wolf. I think that you misunderstood this person's loyalties."- He says- "You see, this young man is my brother. He's a little bit older and is suffering from the tendencies of a teenager. He's brash, reckless and prone to violence. But I still love him and vow to protect him whenever I can, just like I did when you arrived."
He smiles.
"Kai may not be very wise or particularly merciful, but he has a big heart. He means well and his actions are only the cause of something that happened to both of us several years ago."- He says- "Unfortunately, his heart was tainted by his sense of guilt. He's been drinking himself to sleep for years and always got into fights with those who didn't respect our sister's sacrifice. I tried to correct his attitude, but he's always been a little bit... weird."
Aaron sighs.
"And that just proves my point!"
Deugan shakes his head.
"I understand."- He says- "Perhaps we could help him take control of his own body again. But it will take time and I'm afraid that we don't have much of that."
He turns to the woman behind them.
"So, Emela."- He says to her and smiles- "Did you enjoy your time with those two kindred souls?"
The two brothers look back. That's when they realize that the person who held the mercenaries back until Deugan arrived is Emela.
"Well, Deugan. I did."- She says and smiles back- "Having to hold back those fools reminds me of the days when we were royal guards of Goznor. You do remember Muriance, right?"
Deugan sighs.
"Yeah."- He says- "People like him are the reason why I became who I am in the first place. Their malice had gone unnoticed for far too long."
Emela nods.
"And that's why we're working together."- She says- "To purge evil and bring peace and light to the Known Lands."
She turns to Geralt.
"But I think that I'm rambling far too much. I wasn't always this talkative, you see. Time changed me a lot."- She says- "Now, where are my manners. I am Emela Innanu and I'm-- "
And then, she stares into Geralt's eyes. She sees something that is seemingly invisible to everyone. Some sort of a feeling that only she is able to comprehend, a color of life that has always been prominent for her.
Moments later, she looks down and starts to cry.
"Um, Miss Emela?"- Geralt asks- "Is something wrong?"
Deugan takes a few steps forward.
"What did you see, Emela?"- He says- "Speak to me, my friend. I need to know."
Emela looks up. Tears are still falling from her eyes as she continues to stare are Geralt.
"Deugan, we found him."- She says- "This is him. The son of Adam Kaos."
Everyone left at the bar gasps.
"But you said that the young man died in the fire earlier this month."- Deugan says- "Are you saying that he survived somehow?"
Emela nods.
"It was quite traumatic."- She says- "When his father vanished, I thought that the boy would meet the same fate. And yet, he made it all the way here, alive and well. It's truly a miracle. One of a kind."
Deugan nods.
"Let me take a look."- He says- "I want to see for myself. Judge whether your claim is correct or not."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"You don't trust me?"
Deugan looks at her.
"Of course I trust you!"- He exclaims- "It's just that I'm curious to see it myself, that's all!"
Deugan takes a few steps closer and stares at Geralt. Like Emela, he sees something that others are barely able to recognize. The pleasant aura of a kindred spirit, perhaps?
"It is him."- He says, a few seconds later- "It really is him... "
Emela's eyes fill with tears again. She approaches Geralt and embraces him.
"I'm so glad that we met again, honey. It's such a relief to see that someone made it out of that mess."- She says- "Your father was truly important to me, perhaps the most important person in my life. And I... I'm just glad that his legacy lives within you!"
Geralt looks down.
"Miss Emela... "
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"Excuse me for being rude, but who are you?"- He asks- "I feel like I've seen you before. And yet, the memories of you seem so... distant. So faint."
Emela turns to him and sighs.
"Good to see you two, young Kaiden."- She says- "To answer your question, I will say that I'm your father's mentor. Or was, since he's not here for me to advise him. When your brother was born, I was chosen to be the one who would pick the name of the young hero. I chose "Geralt", because it fits well for a pure-hearted hero like him and because I thought that it might be a name that people would be proud to pronounce. One that would cause fear inside of the hearts of his enemies."
She smiles.
"I'm your little brother's godmother, Kaiden."- She says- "Your father chose me to be."
Kaiden nods and shakes her hand.
"It is good to meet you, at long last."- He says- "Our father told us many good things about you. You are... the Water Guardian. Correct?"
Emela smiles sadly.
"I am."- She says- "Or rather, I was until your father's disappearance broke my heart."
Deugan sighs.
"Emela has never been the same since Adam was lost in that fire."- He says- "She was worried that Geralt would meet the same fate, so she rushed in to protect him. She feared that she was too late, though. Her hope was lost until we found you."
Emela looks down.
"I'm sorry about your daddy, little Geralt. I really am."- She says- "It's all my fault. I knew about the attack and I tried to warn your family about it, but I was not fast enough. My incompetence really did curse us all on that miserable day."
Geralt sighs.
"No, Miss Emela. Don't blame yourself. Please."- He responds- "I carry my own pain and I think that the fault is rightfully mine. I was the one who made a mistake. I was the one who allowed Kiara to throw her own life away to protect me. And finally, I was the one who failed to convince our father to run when he had the chance. If there is anyone to blame for our misfortunes, then that is me."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"You still blame yourself for Kiara's demise, don't you."- She says and sighs- "I understand. It's your burden to carry, after all."
She places her hand on Geralt's shoulder.
"But I want you to know one thing."- She adds- "Wherever you go, there's always hope to be found. You've been doing it until now and I'm confident that you can do it again. It's in your nature to be a good person and I think that such events are nothing but stepping stones in your way."
She shakes her head.
"Some memories are best left forgotten. All that you manage to do when you remember them is to cause yourself pain and let the guilt take over your actions in the name of humanity."- She adds- "Do you understand it, honey? This is not what your sister wants. You must honor her wish and not allow your emotions to change you."
Geralt sighs.
"This is exactly what Kiki kept saying to me."- He says- " "Don't let the world change you, my dear brother. Fight against the current and drive your soul toward the gates of victory.". If only I had been wise enough to listen... "
Emela smiles.
"Well, you still have us."- She says- "I know that we can never fill the hole in that broken heart of yours and that we could only prevent it from breaking further. But I believe that you still value us. And that's why I think that we'll get along great."
Geralt smiles.
"Of course I value you!"- He exclaims- "What I am experiencing is just another part of me. Other people are truly important to me and I would never allow such an obstacle to hinder me in my attempts to help others feel the hope that I once started to feel again. So, I want you to know that I appreciate how you helped my father and how you're going out of your way to do the same for me. It is what connects us and I am glad that I met you."
The conversation between Geralt and Emela attracted the attention of the bar attendants. They stare at them as they talk, making Geralt a little bit nervous.
Deugan sees this and takes a few steps forward toward the crowd.
"Alright, people. That's enough."- He says- "There's nothing to see here anymore. The brawl is over. Return to whatever business you've got in mind."
The people sigh and turn back to their drinks, allowing Geralt, Kaiden and Emela to leave the bar without having the eyes of many souls aimed at themselves.
"I suspect that you and Kaiden are trying to solve a great mystery. A task of huge importance of some sort."- Emela says- "Perhaps we could be of use to you? I know that we aren't the best heroes to take with you, but you might still appreciate us."
Geralt sighs.
"I guess that we need every single ally we could get."- He says- "You are welcome to stay with us."
Deugan takes a step forward.
"I'm sorry to say this, but I can't come with you."- He says- "There's a breach in the western sector of Canonia and I must take care of it. Then, I must travel to the southern lands and calm down some sort of vicious riot from the natives in the desert. It's a lot of work and I'm afraid that I have to get it done before it gets worse."
Geralt smiles and nods.
"I understand, Mr. Lone Wolf. Your duties as a hero are many, so I suspected that you would have to leave us at some point."- He says- "Farewell, then. I hope that we will get to fight alongside each other someday."
Deugan nods.
"I hope for the same thing, young hero."- He says- "Goodbye, Geralt. Say hi to your family from me."
With that, Deugan hugs Emela and leaves Goznor.
"Hmph. Look at him go."- She says- "Always busy. Always in trouble. Why does he always act like this?"
Geralt sighs.
"It is the risk that we heroes must take in order to maintain the faith in our common world."- He says- "To be honest, it is nothing new. Just the usual case of righteousness, with a pinch of true heroism."
Emela smiles.
"You know."- She says- "Even as you talk, you remind me of your father. He was so wise, so caring and lovable. And you're just the same as him, maybe even a little bit better."
She stares at something large in the distance and sighs.
"Do you want me to show you something before we get our job done?"- She asks Geralt- "I promise that it'll be worth your time."
As Geralt's allies attempt to step in, she shakes her head.
"But it should be just the two of us."- She adds- "Just a remembrance of a great man. Nothing more."
Geralt nods.
"If this is what you want to do, then I shall join you."- He says- "Let us honor the person who brought life back into your soul. Together."