MLIII C3, P3- "Gloria"

"Gloria" is the third Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 08.01.2022,
== Plot ==
Although the Darklings who attacked Canonia are now dead, our heroes' problems are far from over.
Soon, an unexpected attack from a hostile organization, well-known by Adam and his family, will leave them shocked, confused and far away from the place that they call home. They must prepare well because, from now on, this is a point of no return.
Painful memories will be remembered. Settlements will be burned to the ground. People will cry for help.
... and there is only one person responsible for this chaos.
== Story ==
As Adam and his friends enter the cave where Canonia's shaman used to reside, a feeling of dread hits them like a storm on a rainy day.
"This cave used to be so peaceful. A place of wisdom and peace that invigorated anyone who visited it."- Jonathan says as he looks around- "I am glad that the residents kept it intact. She would br proud of them."
Adam looks down. A familiar feeling circulates in his thoughts, preventing him from thinking about anything else...
Regret.
Yes. The feeling that has been weighing on him for many years. Now, it is back. 
It is as if it mocks him for the decisions that he made in the past. For leaving the people dear to him get captured by his sworn enemies... or worse.
"I think that this place is wonderful."- Aiden says- "What do you think, Adam?"
Aiden's words manage to snap Adam back to reality. He looks up and shakes his head.
"Every time I step into this place, I feel like I am... lost. Confused."- He says- "The things that happened in this town, I will never forget them. And this place is the symbol of the struggles that we have to face. A testimony that has burned into our minds."
Jonathan nods.
"I know that feeling, cousin."- He says- "It's because of her, right?"
Adam turns to him.
"You know it better than anyone else, Jon."- He responds- "She was very close to you."
Suddenly, Jonathan clenches his fists. He tries to hit a nearby wall, but restrains himself and sighs.
"When we met, I vowed to protect her from anything and anyone who would dare to bring harm to her. To do what her foolish brother could not."- He says- "Steele's death has only made me more confident. More protective of her."
He looks down.
"But I... I... "- He says and sighs- "I failed. And now, I suffer because of my own mistakes."
Adam approaches him and places his hand on his shoulder.
"Back then, I said that it is not your fault. And I will say it again."- He says to him- "Even though you had to go all the way to Castle Goznor to save us, I know that Gloria did not feel disappointed. In fact, she wanted you to do it, because she knew how much I mean to you. When the Darkling attacked Goznor, she risked her life to stay in this cave alone, because she wanted to meet you again. To know you better than she did until now. Just because she is not here right now does not mean that you have to succumb to your inner despair. She does not want that to happen. I am sure of it."
Jonathan feels the rage rising in his veins. He wants to lash at his cousin, but soon realizes that he is right. 
No matter what he does, he cannot escape the harsh truth. Nobody can.
"I... I just wish we could have spent more time together. Away from all the troubles that we have to face."- He says and shakes his head- "I miss her, Adam. I miss her so much."
Adam sighs.
"And so do I, Jon. It is painful to know that my friends are now prisoners of a mad wizard who is planning to conquer the world."- He says- "However, I have sworn an oath to the people out there. And so have you. We cannot shy away from our responsibilities."
Jonathan smiles sadly.
"So you're just like me. You fight for the people out there, not knowing what you must face."- He says- "I see how it is."
Adam smiles.
"We are heroes, Jon."- He says to him- "Heroes never back down, even when we are forced to lose people dear to us. We fight until the end. We do our best to keep this world safe. And, best of all, we hold the trust of all the people in this world."
Jonathan sighs.
"I want those people to believe in us. I want to show them that we are capable of defeating villains like Derion's father."- He says- "But... without Gloria, such a mission is nearly impossible to achieve."
Derion looks down. He clearly feels guilty that Jonathan is talking about his father.
Adam looks at Derion and shakes his head.
"Listen. I know how hard it is for you to be separated from the ones that you love, but others feel the same way."- He says to Jonathan- "When I arrived in Canonia, I was forced to leave my family behind. My worried mother, my devastated father and my dear, troubled sister- they all stayed on Sucia Island, away from me. I was forced to leave with Miss Emela, because they wanted me to be safe. Because they cared about me. Because they wanted me to have a future, not to be chained to the past. Yes, I miss them a lot, but that does not matter. Not anymore. I became what I am right now, because I grew up. Because I was forced to see the evil in this world earlier than anyone. I did what I could to survive... and here I am. A broken boy who wishes to reunite with his family. Who wants to save the world, because he knows that everyone deserves a safe place to live in. I have devoted my life to protect those people, Jon. And you should do the same."
He glares at him.
"So, stop thinking about Gloria and focus on the task at hand."- He continues- "You don't want the elves to take us by surprise, do you? Because we felt like the past is more important than our future? Because we simply stood back when the people needed our help the most? Well, I do not want that to happen."
Derion nods.
"I agree with Adam."- He says and turns to Jon- "If you don't want to fight my father and his servants, go ahead and leave. Nobody will stop you. And, if that woman is more important that the entire world, then go ahead and try to find her. Rest assured that it won't be that easy, though."
Jonathan looks down.
"But I... "- He mutters- "I... "
He sighs.
"Fine."- He says- "Saving Gloria can wait, for now. I will try to help you out and defeat this vile king."
He looks up, his eyes beaming with confidence.
"Let's do this!"
Adam and Derion smiles.
"That is the spirit!"- Adam exclaims- "Now, let us explore this cave."
As Aiden and Derion inspect the inner sanctum of the cave, Adam and Jonathan remain in the main chamber.
"I sense something very powerful nearby. Wild, uncontrolled magic."- Adam says- "It almost feels like... "
He takes a step forward and inspects a rune in the ground. He steps on it, as if trying to activate it.
It does not take long for that to happen. When it starts to shine, our hero jumps back.
"A portal!"
Soon, a large portal appears in front of them.
"Incredible!"- Jonathan says- "How did you know about that?"
Adam smiles.
"Gloria taught me a few tricks."- He admits- "One of those allows me to trigger an inactive portal. It is simple, but painful."
He touches his right arm, as if he is hurt.
"This is the key to victory."- He continues- "Pain. It is something that we do not want to feel. And yet, we cannot avoid it."
Jonathan sighs.
"Yes."- He says- "I know."
Adam takes a step forward and inspects the portal. The magical door that will lead them to another, unknown land.
"However, I am not sure where this portal will take us."- He says- "Let us wait for everyone else. Then, we can act."
Jonathan nods.
"I agree."- He says- "It's best to do this together."
As Adam and his cousin wait for their friends to return, something happens.
Suddenly, Jon stands up and inspects the portal himself.
"Wait a minute."- He says as memories reenter his mind- "I remember this portal!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You... have seen it before?"
Jonathan nods.
"I have."- He says- "Before I left this place to save you, Gloria showed it to me."
Then, he starts to remember what happened.
"It all started when I decided to stay with her in the cave... "
----Jonathan looks at Gloria.
"So."- He says- "This is the portal that you were talking about?"
Gloria nods.
"That's right."- She says- "I used the knowledge that was bestowed upon me to create it."
Jonathan gasps.
"You're training to be a mage?"- He asks her- "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Gloria blushes.
"Well, no. Not quite."- She says- "I simply read books about portals and how to operate them."
She looks at the portal and smiles.
"I hired some of the kingdom's best engineers. They helped me focus the energy needed to create this marvellous piece of wild magic."- She says- "Amazing, isn't it?"
Jonathan nods.
"I admire portals like this one. Without them, our world would be... dangerous, so to say."- He says- "Hearing that you are working on such intricate pieces of magic fills my heart with joy, my dear. I applaud you for your bravery and determination."
Gloria blushes.
"I do my best."
Jonathan leans forward and kisses her on the cheek.
"Of course, you do."
The two of them hug each other.
"I have to go."- He says to her- "Adam is out there and he needs my help."
Gloria smiles.
"I understand, dear. Adam is your cousin and you need to stay close to him."- She says- "I know that you returned to see me again, but it's for the best if you focus on whatever task you were given. We can talk again later."
Jonathan sighs.
"I really hope so."- He says and hugs her again- "I missed you so much. Now that you're close to me, I... I don't want to let you go. Not anymore."
Gloria smiles and hugs him as well.
"Me too, my dearest."- She says to him- "Remember that I will always be here. I'll wait for you, even if I have to do so for an eternity. I won't give up."
Jonathan nods.
"I will return."- He says- "You can count on that."
Then, he carefully lets her go and helps her sit down on a nearby chair.
"Does it still hurt?"- He asks her- "After we learned about what happened, you haven't been the same."
Gloria looks down at her belly. She motions for Jonathan to touch it.
"Can you feel it?"- She asks him.
Jonathan raises his eyebrow.
"Feel what?"
Gloria smiles.
"Someday, this tiny creature will be a part of our lives."- She says- "It will need you more than I do right now."
Jonathan smiles and kisses her on the cheek.
"I love you both."- He says- "It still pains me to go, though. Knowing that you'll be all alone... "
Gloria smiles and gently pats him on the head.
"Relax. I'll be fine."- She says to him- "Mardek and Elwyen are here for me. So are the rest of Canonia's residents. They'll never let me down."
Jonathan sighs.
"I hope that they do."- He says- "I put my trust into Mardek and his girlfriend. If something happens to you when they're around, then I-- "
Suddenly, he hears explosions outside. Followed by screams.
"They're here."- Gloria says- "I... hoped that this wouldn't happen."
Jonathan draws his weapon.
"I didn't expect this."- He says- "However, I think that I will stay here. With you."
Gloria looks at him, confused.
"Didn't you promise that you will rescue Adam?"- She asks him- "What about that?"
Jonathan shakes his head.
"Adam can wait."- He says- "I don't want to leave a pregnant woman all alone. Especially in a time like this!"
He turns around just in time to see some of the attacking creatures enter the cavern. 
"Darklings!"- Gloria says- "There's probably more of them out there!"
Jonathan shakes his head.
"This is not the time to fear them."- He says- "I'm going to fend them off. Go into the inner sanctum! Now!"
Gloria slowly stands up and grabs her staff.
"I can't let you fight alone."- She says- "Let me join you!"
Jonathan shakes his head.
"It's too dangerous."- He says and watches as some guards enter the cave- "Those people will protect you. For the time being."
He turns to the guards.
"Protect the shaman!"- He says to them- "I will handle this!"
The guards nod.
"Yes, sir!"
Without hesitation, they run toward Gloria and protect her from a small group of Darklings.
"What are you doing?"- Gloria asks them- "Jon needs your help! Go there!"
One of the guards shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, mighty shaman. As much as we would like to listen to you, protecting you is our duty."- He says- "Shaman Jon said that we must ward those fiends away from you. And we will."
Gloria starts to say something, but stops. She realizes that it is pointless.
Realizing that the situation is getting out of hand, the guards take Gloria away into the inner sanctum.
"She's safe. Thank Goodness."- Jonathan says to himself- "I'm sorry, Gloria. However, it is my duty to keep you both safe. I won't make the same mistake again."
Just as another band of Darklings tries to attack him, he casts a spell and entangles them in unbreakable vines. Then, he swings his staff and watches as the wicked creatures are swiftly choked to death by them.
"Serves you right."- He says- "Now, where are-- "
Moments later, a Darkling jumps on him and forces him to fall on his knees. It tries to claw him to death, but is stabbed in the head by one of the soldiers.
"Are you okay, sir?"- He asks him- "Things are getting very bad!"
Jonathan smiles sadly.
"Stay strong, soldier!"- He encourages him- "We can do this!"
The soldier nods.
"Yes, sir."- He says- "That's what all of us hope for."
And so, the battle continues. For half an hour, Jonathan and his allies fight against the neverending horde of vile Darklings, attempting to keep them away from this sacred place.
In the end, the Darklings are defeated. The cave falls silent again as the survivors survey the carnage.
"At last."- Jonathan says to himself- "Now that Gloria is safe, I can go and find my cousin... "
Just as he prepares to leave the cave, the soldiers who helped Gloria earlier approach him.
"Sir! Sir!"- One of them says- "The shaman's gone!"
Jonathan looks back, shocked.
"What do you mean?"- He asks him- "What happened?!"
The soldier looks down and shakes his head.
"It all happened so suddenly. We didn't expect it."- He says- "While we were fighting the creatures who found their way into the sanctum. a small group of them sneaked behind us and they... they... "
Jonathan shakes his head.
"They took her away, didn't they?"
The soldier sighs.
"Yes."
Jonathan enters the inner sactum. Accompanied by the soldiers, he inspects the passage which the creatures used to sneak away from the cave.
He falls on his knees.
"I failed her. I failed my true love."- He says to himself- "Why was I so careless?"
The soldiers shake their heads.
"Do you want us to find her, sir?"- One of them asks him- "We can help you out."
Jonathan shakes his head.
"There is no need for that."- He says- "I endangered too many lives. Let them down. I can't do this anymore."
He stands up and brushes the dust off of his his pants.
"Leave this to me."- He says stoically- "You should stay over here. Protect the town from evil. It is your duty, so I expect you to stay strong."
The soldiers salute him.
"We'll do our best, sir."- One of them says- "Good luck."
Jonathan nods.
"Good luck to you, too."- He says- "I promise to bring her back."
The soldiers nod.
"We're counting on you."
Jonathan leaves the inner sactum and walks toward the exit of the cave.
He looks around, as if expecting to see his beloved Gloria. Hoping that she would run towards him and hug him before he leaves. However, it is clear that such a thing will not happen.
Sighing, he turns around and leaves the cave.
"Adam. Gloria. I'm coming for you."- He says to himself- "Rest assured that I will keep you safe... no matter what it takes."
----"And that's how I came to be here."- Jonathan says to Adam- "My love for Gloria is still burning bright. I want to find her... and that's why I joined you."
Adam sighs.
"I understand."- He says- "I hope that we can find her soon."
Jonathan nods.
"Me too."
As they continue to inspect the portal, Aiden and Derion return. They seem to be worried.
"Evil's in the air."- Derion says- "Can you feel it?"
Adam looks around and nods.
"Yes. I can sense it."- He says- "It is not far away from us."
Jonathan looks at them.
"Did you find anything?"- He asks them.
Aiden nods and hands him a small picture. 
Upon closer inspection, Jonathan realizes that it depicts him and Gloria.
"Where did you find this?"- He asks Aiden- "Was it... discarded?"
Aiden nods.
"I'm afraid so."- He responds- "Me and Derion found this while we were searching for clues. He said that we should leave it alone, but I thought that it might mean something to you. So, I took it with me."
He smiles.
"I hope that it helps."
Jonathan puts the picture away and pats his friend on the shoulder.
"I appreciate it."
He turns back to Adam.
"My faith has been restored."- He says to him- "This picture used to belong to her. Now, I know that she still loves me. That she still cares about me. I let her down, but she still trusts me."
He smiles.
"I know that we can do this."- He continues- "So, come on. Let's win this war. Together."
Adam smiles and nods.
"I am glad that you are ready."- He says- "Your enthusiasm encourages me to continue fighting. And I think that this is the same for all of our friends."
He turns around and looks at the portal.
"But now, we must focus on-- "
Suddenly, he feels that someone is getting close to him. He leaps around and parries his enemy's attack.
"Curses!"- The creature exclaims- "And I thought that this would work!"
Adam swings his weapon and pushes the creature's hand away.
"What are you doing here?"- He asks it- "How did youmanage to get in?"
The creature grins.
"I've been hoping to find you here, Adam Kaos."- It says- "It seems like our plan worked perfectly."
Adam glares at it.
"So, this was a trap!"- He says- "You wanted us to enter this cave and attack us!"
As the heroes prepare to defend themselves, more creatures emerge from the inner sactum. They draw their weapons and prepare to attack them.
"Does it matter?"- The creature says- "You and your sister killed them. I assure you that we never forgot about your deed. That is what matters."
Adam glares at the creature.
"Were you sent by the Griffin family?!"- He yells- "Is there no place left in this world that is safe from evil like yours?!"
The creature grins.
"Our commander despises you. For years, he's been trying to find you and make you pay."- It says- "And here you are, alone and afraid."
Jonathan shakes his head and leans close to Adam.
"I made a mistake."- He whispers to him- "I tried to hunt them down, but there were too many of them. Now, the situation's getting out of hand. It's my fault."
Adam shakes his head.
"Just try to forget about it, for now."- He whispers back to him- "We must focus on fending them away."
Derion and Aiden stand close to their friend.
"You're wrong. Adam's not alone."- Derion says- "As long as we're here, you'll never harm him!"
The creature smirks.
"Then you'll die alongside him!"- It yells- "We are the warriors of Griffin. The mighty demons of the Underworld who will bring you down!"
It draws its weapon and grins.
"And now, we have the support of Mordred Darkthrop."- It continues- "You'll never win!"
Adam draws his weapon.
"Vile servants of Griffin. I knew that you would ally yourselves with the evil sorcerer."- He says to them and prepares to strike- "I will show you no mercy!"
Having said that, he joins his friends in protecting the cave from the demons.
The demon who attacked Adam earlier spawns a circle of fire and traps them.
"Now, you've got nowhere to go!"- It says and attacks.
Adam shakes his head.
"I am already aware of this."- He says- "It is do or die... and that is how we want it."
His allies nod.
"However, it seems like you are the ones who are stepping into the fire."
Suddenly, he leaps forward and plunges his sword into the demon. Then, he watches as it falls on the ground and slowly bleeds to death.
"Another fiend has fallen."- He says stoically- "Just a small tiny shadow, part of the curtain of darkness. Nothing more."
As the demon gasps for air, it watches the rest of its allies get slain by Derion, Jonathan and Aiden.
"We thought that... we could win."- It mutters- "Were our efforts truly... in vain?"
It looks back and notices that one of the pillars that keeps the cave stable is close to crumbling. It grins.
"It doesn't matter."- It mutters- "If I have to die, then I'll take you down with me."
It prepares to cast a spell- its last one.
Adam tries to stop it, but is too weak to fight it further. The fatigue that is wearing him down prevents him from making another move.
Thus, he simply falls on his knees, unable to do anything.
"I am sorry, everyone."- He says- "I am so sorry."
"What's this creature doing?"- Derion asks.
Jonathan draws his weapon.
"Stop it!"- He yells and charges. So does Derion.
The creature pushes both of them away with relative ease. Then, it launches one last fireball at the pillar...
*BLAM*
As soon as the ball of fire touches the pillar, a large part of it shatters into pieces. Soon, the rest of it crumbles into dust.
Moments later, the ceiling starts to cave in.
"Run, everyone!"- Adam yells- "Get out of here!"
The four of them try to escape the cave. However, as soon as they get close to the exit, they realize that the ceiling has caved in.
"Oh no."- Derion says- "We're trapped!"
As Adam looks back, he notices that the demon who caused this chaos has succumbed to his wounds. Its eyes are closed and it has a smile on its face.
"Wicked fiend. This was its plan all along."- He mutters- "It wants to bury us alive!"
Jonathan desperately looks around.
"There must be an exit... somewhere."- He says- "There must be."
Aiden notices that the portal ahead of them is shining.
"The portal!"- He yells- "We must go through it!"
Derion shakes his head.
"This is madness!"- He yells- "What if it doesn't work yet?"
Adam seems to agree with Aiden's plan. He takes a step forward.
"Adam, no!"- Derion says- "It's too dangerous!"
Adam looks back and shakes his head.
"Do you want to die in here?!"- He yells at him- "This is our only chance to survive! We must take it!"
Without thinking twice, he runs toward the portal, intending to use it before the ceiling caves in.
Seeing that their friend has made a decision, his allies realize that they have no other choice than to follow him. They rush toward the portal themselves.
"We are so close."- Adam mutters- "Must... fight... back... "
He makes a leap of faith, successfully entering the portal.
"Come on, everyone."- Derion says- "Adam made it through the portal. We must do the same."
He jumps into the portal and escapes from the chaos.
Jonathan looks at the picture of him and Gloria.
"Gloria, my dear."- He says to himself- "Please forgive me. I will find you soon."
Aiden takes his hand.
"Come on, Jonathan!"- He yells- "We're going to die!"
Jonathan nods.
"R-right."- He says- "Let's go."
Just as the ceiling is close to fully caving in, the two of them step into the portal.
Moments after they leave, the ceiling finally gives in. Piles of rubble collapse and crush whatever is left in there.
Adam and his allies have narrowly escaped the clutches of death once again. Now, they are far away from home.
What will happen next?
== Trivia ==
* The Part's title ("Gloria") is inspired by the Shaman of Canonia- Gloria Korey, who has the same name.
** This makes the Gloria the first character in the "Miracula Luxia" universe overall who has a Part named after her.
* This Part has an alternative title- "Glory".