MLHM- Part 4

This is the fourth Part of "MLU".
It was released on 30.01.2024.
== Plot ==
Sophia and her new allies prepare for their new adventure. The road to Rainbow Sanctuary is still a long one, but they know that they can reach it when they work together. However, before that could actually happen, there is one more task that must be done.
The self-righteous paladin that Sophia befriended- Zander- explains his part of the story, revealing how his own mother and sister were murdered. One after the other, they fell to the forces of darkness, trying to protect Zander. And now, he feels too guilty to continue without putting them to rest. So, he gives them a deal- either they will help him put down his undead family, or they will be forced to part ways.
Once again, it is Sophia's choice. Will she appeal to her ally's request... or will she ignore it and go back to the train before more villains arrive, just as she promised the train master?
== Story ==
As the group proceeds to fulfill Zander's request, Sophia walks up next to him. Curious about his current predicament, she decides to speak up, in the hopes of making him divulge something important.
"Look. I know that you don't want to share what happened to you."- She says- "But we're your friends. You don't need to be afraid."
Zander smirks.
"I never said that you are."
Sophia is taken aback by his sudden change of mood.
"But... this isn't right."- She says- "Aren't you paladins supposed to think that all living beings are your brothers and sisters?"
Zander shakes his head.
"That's something different."- He says- "Sure. All good ones are our brothers and sisters. But that doesn't mean that they're our friends. Just because we're allies on the battlefield, it doesn't mean that we're friends in life as well."
Ella seems very sad by Zander's claim.
"Why are you humans so mean to each other?"- She asks- "We live in a world where evil lies around every corner. Aren't we supposed to respect others and honor their requests?"
Zander smirks.
"You don't know what monsters are capable of."- He says- "First, they pretend to be innocents that need your help. And then, when you least expect it, they start to tear you apart, like the filthy predators that they are. Even if you beg them, they never show any mercy."
Sophia shakes her head.
"Who scarred you, Zander?"
Zander sighs.
"The world did."
Bridgette approaches Zander and looks at him. For some reason, her soft expression makes him let go of his tough guy demeanor, at least for a little while. For some reason, this sweet, pregnant girl is just the right cure for the paladin's nerves.
"I... lost my family before I became a paladin. At that time, I was just another wannabe. Just a feather in the wind. I didn't care about my future, let alone an entire planet."- He admits- "However, it all changed when we were attacked. My sister- Clementine- became the victim of a vicious pack of filthy outlaws. I pleaded for them to spare her. I even told them that I'd gladly give away my own life to keep both her and mama alive. But they just didn't listen. All they wanted to do was lie and murder. Rinse, and then repeat. All humans were the same to them. Sometimes, I wonder if they were actually demons in disguise. Or... something close to that. So, one of the freaks even thought that it would be "funny" to taunt me and make me miserable. He shot my sister in the chin. Killed her in cold blood."
Zander pauses to wipe several tears from his eyes. Remembering the time when he lost everything makes him very emotional.
"She didn't want to do anything to them. Gods, she didn't even hate them."- He adds- "Clemmie, she was just an innocent child. She was training to be a maid, in the hopes of helping people. And she was so pure. So sweet. A naive child, perhaps, but she was my sister. She didn't deserve to be treated like that."
Sophia, disgusted by the outlaws' behavior, shakes her head. Learning that human beings are capable of such horrible deeds upsets her greatly.
"I'm so sorry, Zan."- She says- "I... don't know what to say."
Zander sighs.
"And neither do I."- He says- "Anyway, the troubles did not end there. Me and my mama escaped after we slaughtered all of the outlaws. But... we didn't manage to bury my sister. God knows what happened to her fragile body after her demise. And yet, that was not the end of our suffering. Shortly after the battle, we got into another one. Demon rebels encountered us and decided to feed on us, like the filthy wannabe vampires that they are. While protecting each other, one of the demons tried to drain my life essence. My mother, valiant as she was, leapt straight into the fire. She allowed that fiend of the night to consume her strength. All that was left of her... was the hollowed husk of a brave woman, drained of life and humanity. Even though I ripped all of them apart afterwards, it did not help. She was too far gone. And she just... expired in my arms. There was nothing I could have ever done. It was... too late. Too late... "
The three girls look down. Such things are not easy to comprehend, and they know it well.
"But that's not the worst part, sisters."- He says, wiping more tears from his eyes- "Not after she was gone, she... came back. Life returned to her body. And yet, it was... warped. Malevolent. Uncanny."
Ella raises her eyebrow.
"Your mother came back?"- She asks- "That's wonderful! But... why didn't you bring her with you?"
Zander sighs.
"Oh, you poor thing. You just don't understand it, do you?"- He says sympathetically- "My mother came back, but not as a human being. What she turned into... I can't describe it in any normal way. She was a monster-like creature, with absolutely no rational thoughts inside of her mind. Imagine taking a human being and draining all of its emotions, except for the ones meant for self-preservation. That's what she actually was."
Sophia looks at Ella.
"What Mr. Zander means is that his mother turned into a horrible undead."- She says- "You know, those things in the horror movies that would love nothing more than to tear you apart. And, from the look on his face, it's clear that she almost did."
Suddenly, Zander falls completely silent. Ella lies down next to a nearby tree, quivering in fear. Bridgette, upset that her best friend would say such a thing, confronts her.
"Why did you say such a thing?!"- She yells- "Look what you've done! She's scared!"
Sophia sighs.
"I'm sorry, but we can't always stay pure and ignorant."- She says- "Sometimes, we need to breathe the corrupted air. Feel the darkness around us and understand it. Only then, we can survive against the villains that try to take us down."
Bridgette shakes her head.
"Maybe. But you're not doing it right."- She says- "You have to treat her like a child. Children are pure, innocent creatures. She has yet to see the horrors of the world. And you need to-- "
Sophia shakes her head.
"Bribri, are you trying to lecture me again?"- She asks- "I hate to say it, but I don't want to listen. I did what I had to. We can't always be princes and princesses, staying in our castles of gold and living in ignorance while others suffer and fight for their lives."
Zander sighs.
"I think that the fair maiden has a point."- He says- "After what happened to my family, I can't help but admire those people whose lives are better than mine."
Sophia turns back to him.
"By the way, we didn't hear what happened to the rest of your family."- She says- "What happened to your dad? Did you have anyone else left?"
Zander sighs again.
"No one else. Just my father."- He responds- "But that man, he was always a jerk. He always had something to do, some disaster to take care of. At the time when I was conceived, he and my mama were boyfriend and girlfriend. And, like he always told me, I was an unplanned child... unlike my sister. One day, my mother just became pregnant. They didn't even know that it happened until it was completely obvious. And yet, my mama didn't want me gone. She convinced my dad that it was worth having me, and so she did. 
Zander looks at the road ahead, eager to continue his journey.
"To my father, I was like an outsider- a worthless one, at that. He often ignored my very existence. And, during those rare times when he noticed me, he told me how talented my sister is. "The planned one", he liked to call her. She was his pride and joy, and I was just the black sheep."- He says- "Eventually, he grew tired of us. Said that his job as a member of the mage's guild is far too important to simply leave behind. So, instead of getting rid of his allies, he got rid of us. We had three days to leave the city, but we ran away before my father could even say anything against us to the city's council. We became outcasts, just like many warriors of the past."
Sophia raises her eyebrow.
"That's very interesting, but I can't understand your father's true intentions."- She says- "If he truly valued his job more than his own family, why did he have one in the first place? If you were an unplanned child, why did he strive to have another one?"
Zander sighs.
"Good question, fair maiden. But that's the worst part."- He says- "My parents always wanted a daughter to succeed them. When I became their firstborn child, their dreams were crushed. Even though they had my sister afterwards, she was not my father's legitimate successor. It was poor, little me. And I didn't even know it."
Then, he looks down.
"As for why he had a family in the first place, I don't know."- He adds- "Maybe my father had succession plans for when he got older. Or maybe he simply wanted a more... normal life. Either way, their true intentions are unclear to me. I've been living in ignorance for far too long."
Bridgette looks at him.
"Do you ever dream of taking the fight back to your father?"
Zander looks at her. For a brief moment, his expression softens. What could he be feeling right now?
"N-no. Not really."- He says- "Maybe just to teach him a lesson. But that's just another fever dream."
Ella looks up.
"Why?"
Zander sighs.
"Because he's gone."- He says- "Not long after we departed, justice struck right into the core of the corruption. A band of organized demon warriors pierced their way through the feeble human defenses and ravaged the city, in their typical daemonic fashion. Every building sustained a serious amount of damage, including the Mage's Guild. From what I speculated, it was clear that my father was involved in the grand battle. That fool actually thought that demons could be driven away by fighting them off with just a few allies. I don't know what happened after that, but I doubt that he made it out alive."
Bridgette shakes her head.
"He could still be out there."
Zander sighs again.
"Maybe as an undead. Or as some other kind of monster, animated by dark magic."- He says- "If that's the case, I'll be glad to put him back where he belongs."
Then, he takes a step forward, even more determined than he was before.
"And that's all I have to say."- He says- "Come on. We're losing daylight. The sooner we start the hunt- the sooner we'll be able to come back."
The four of them begin their journey by going to the nearest town- Sunspire. They refer to the highest authority- the sheriff. When the sheriff learns why they came, he tells them about the creatures that they saw recently. Both of them were undead, but held hands as if they were human. And, much to Zander's surprise, they frequently visited the spot where Zander fought his grand battle against the demon invaders, as if they were looking for someone. It is at this time that our team realizes where the battle happened. This is the town that the fiends wanted to invade... and the battlefield is not far away.
However, when they finally arrive, they see nothing out of the ordinary. They see a huge number of tainted bones that once belonged to the wicked demons. And yet, they feel that they are not truly alone in this place. When they look around, their worst fears come true. The bones of the former demons reform, reanimated by the dark magic within the tainted soil. Those seemingly crude skeletons pack quite a punch as one of them manages to bring down both Ella and Bridgette, attempting to stab them with their wicked blades- the same ones which they wielded in life.
Thanks to Sophia and Zander's help, the skeletons are crushed into a bunch of bonemeal. After making sure to uncurse the evil within (with the help of an exorcist) and donating the untainted material to the farmers of Sunspire as a good gesture, they confront the sheriff about this sudden occurence. The sheriff, clearly surprised that anyone would dare to do such a thing to that landmark, immediately directs them toward the next town- Oakheart- located many miles away, in the hopes of finding the answer.
The sheriff there is just as helpful as the first one- not at all. However, he does mention one interesting detail. When a pack of undead migrates, some of the creatures tend to recognize the places that they visited in life. At times, they may even remember some of the events that happened there. And if there is a living relative, they separate from the horde, in an attempt to find them and turn them into an undead, just so they could be together in unlife. 
This makes Zander very sad, because the way his undead mother moved when she approached him meant that she just wanted him to be like her, to tell him that she's not afraid. He begins to wonder if it was best if he just perished alongside them. However, that feeling soon passes, and his group moves to the next location- the abandoned caravan where Zander's family was ambushed.
After taking a long walk toward their destination, filled with many small skirmishes with goblins and other pesky humanoids, the four of them finally arrive at the destination. As expected, the fake caravan is nearly torn apart, destroyed by the ravages of time. Soon, nothing will remain of the place. And yet, the bones of the former bandits still lie in the sands, undisturbed by anything.
As if fearing another undead ambush, Zander takes a few steps back. His allies ask if he's being afraid, but he doesn't say anything. And then, when he least expects it, he bumps into a huge skeleton, formed from the bones of many small ones. A terrifying monstrosity, brought to life by the forces of darkness. Before he could even think about drawing his weapon, the creature beats him to it by raising its huge fist and punching his face, making him crash into a nearby giant rock.
The giant creature attempts to attack again, but is distracted by the sudden attack of Sophia. Ella, seeing that her new friend is attempting to save another life, grabs a large bone and starts whacking the monstrosity in the leg. Annoyed by the interference, he kicks both of them away.
However, this distraction proves to be good enough for Zander to recover and strike back. Just as the skeleton master turns around, Zander jumps on his ribcage. When the creature tries to smash him with its fist, he jumps and slices its ribs. Then, he climbs upward and reaches the head. Though it may seem impossible to a normal man, Zander uses his holy powers to slice the creature's arms and send a wave of light toward its neck, knocking the massive creature's head off with just a single blow.
"Wow. That was impressive."- Sophia says, clearly in awe- "Can you teach me how to do that someday?"
Zander shakes his head.
"Mind your business, young one."- He says- "Only the holiest of paladins are allowed to learn those powerful abilities."
Sophia shrugs.
"Oh well."- She says- "It was worth a try."
Suddenly, Sophia's watch beeps again. Jeff the bartender attempts to contact his friend. When his hologram appears, he seems to be slightly worried.
"Sophia! There you are!"- He exclaims- "I noticed that your signal's been getting lower. Did you move too far from the train?"
Sophia shakes her head.
"I'm afraid so, Jeff."- She says- "There's a person in my group who wants to do a good deed. I wish to help him out."
Jeff shakes his head.
"You made a promise, Sophia. Going to that city was your biggest priority."- He says- "Why did you listen to the words of some chump that you just met?"
Zander is clearly infuriated by Jeff's words.
"Argh! I ain't no chump!"- He yells- "Get this non-believer out of my sight!"
Sophia shakes her head.
"Look. I'm not here for small talk."- She says- "Are you here to advise me? Or are you here to annoy me?"
Jeff sees how serious his friend is. Regretfully, he decides to change his tone.
"What do you need, friend?"
Sophia sighs.
"We're trying to find the remains of Zander's family. They were killed in an unfortunate series of incidents."- He says- "Can you help us find them?"
Jeff shakes his head.
"First off, I'm sorry about what happened. Must be quite painful for him to move on without them."- He says- "But, if it means that we could do something good again, I'm always ready to help. Just give me a minute- I'll be back with the results."
After carefully analyzing the dark energy around their current vantage point and taking every single anomaly into detail, Jeff looks at Sophia and sighs.
"I have your answer."- He says- "However, I don't think you're gonna like it."
Sophia raises her eyebrow.
"Is it that bad?"
Jeff sighs again.
"I'm afraid so."- He says- "Unfortunately, I only caught signals from what seemed like an older undead woman. No little undead were found. But the worst thing is, she's located in the ruins of a tower, not far away from the city of Lawton. And that place is very haunted."
Ella shivers in fear.
"H-haunted?!"
Sophia looks at Jeff.
"Is there a way to draw her out before we get in trouble?"- She says as Jeff's image starts to flicker- "Your clients can wait, Jeff! Answer me! Dealing with this woman is of utmost importance right now!"
Jeff shakes his head.
"I've already done my part."- He says- "How you want to deal with that woman, it's up to you. I wish you good luck."
And then, his hologram disappears.
"Oh dear."- Bridgette said- "I didn't like how he said the thing about the haunted tower."
Ella continues to shiver in fear.
"Are we really going to visit that place?"
Sophia sighs.
"I'm afraid so."- She says, regretfully- "It doesn't seem like Zander's going to just drop the task and leave his undead mama alone. And I don't want to let him go to that horrible place alone."
Zander nods.
"You got that right."- He confirms her words- "I'm not going anywhere until my mother's back in the afterlife."
Sophia sighs again.
"If that's what you wish."- She says- "Just be warned about this. When my friend says something, he's usually right. Going into a haunted settlement has always been a hero's worst nightmare. And I'm sure that it's even worse for normies like us."
Zander takes Sophia's words very seriously. Just not the way he has to.
"Normie? Fair maiden, you are talking to Sir Zander- one of the kingdom's holiest paladins."- He says- "I've saved many people in need. Forced many evil towers to cpllapse. And you think that a simple ghost nest will break my spirit? If so, think again."
Sophia shakes her head.
"Okay, Prince Charming. We got it."- She says- "But if your charm doesn't save you this time, I don't know if we can do it ourselves."
Zander sighs.
"Just do as I say."- He says- "We'll be fine. I promise."
Ella leans close to Sophia. Zander's attitude is clearly bothering her.
"He might be promising something to us, but I can't believe him."- She mutters- "Can you, big sis?"
Sophia sighs.
"To be honest, I'm not sure. He sounds honest, but that could just be a holy facade that hides his inner fear."- She mutters back- "He's just as scared as we are, even though he doesn't want to admit it. A typical show of recklessness, if you ask me. However, we must do our best to kepe him alive. Otherwise, we might not be able to make it all the way to Rainbow Sanctuary."
Ella raises her eyebrow.
"Rainbow Sanctuary?"- She asks- "What's what?"
Sophia shakes her head.
"I'll explain it later."- She mutters- "Just stick close to me. We're in this together, and I'm not going to let some crazy ghost hunt you down."
Ella looks up. Her eyes are glowing faintly.
"Can I hold your hand?"
Without thinking twice, Sophia decides to agree to the girl's request. Even though it is kind of weird and uncomfortable for her, at least her new friend is going to feel safe.
"Very well."- She says- "Just don't pull too hard. Please."
Ella smiles.
"Thank you, big sis."
Bridgette walks up to Ella and smiles.
"You can hold mine too, little one."- She says- "Then, you can feel even safer."
Ella smiles again.
"Thank you, miss Bridgette!"
As the four of them approach the haunted tower, they start to hear strange sounds. At first, it sounds as if they are very far away. Then, they start to become louder. And louder. Until the point when they finally become deafening.
"Argh! Enough of this!"- Zander says, infuriated by the spirits' insolence- "Stop, you non-existent fiends! Don't you dare try to break us, because you can't!"
Hearing Zander's words, the voices start to get even louder than before. The sudden cacophony is close to making the girls go deaf. This infuriates Zander even further, and he angrily swings at the empty air.
"I said stop!"
Zander's holy slash slices through the dark membrane of the haunted air. The spirits, all at once, fall silent. After Zander's aggressive show of power, they can say nothing else. It is clear that the paladin managed to silence them.
"Hmph. And you better remember it."- Zander says, thanking the heavens that it's over, and starts to look around again- "Now, where is she?"
Ella notices a lone figure emerge from the tower and points at it.
"Umm!"- She exclaims- "I think that this is the person you're looking for!"
Zander looks at the undead woman that shambles toward them. In an instant, he recognizes the person who gave birth to him, her face still recognizable after all of the years of unlife. For a moments, he considers running away once again, too weak to deal with the corruption inside of her. However, his wise voice soon takes over and tells him to step forward. 
When he does so, he gets close to his mother, making sure that she doesn't hurt him. Then, he gently touches her cheek, making Ella cry as she thinks about the fate of her own parents.
"Mama. It's been far too long."- He says- "I'm not sure why, but fate brought me back to you. I... wanted to forget you. I wanted to move on. But I guess that one thing is far too clear- some things just can't be forgotten. And I just can't let you go."
The undead woman attempts to attack her son, but he simply pushes her back. A little bit.
"I made a promise to you. I said that I wouldn't allow you to become a monster."- She says- "As you can see, I am a very big liar. I didn't even try to bury you, let alone put you down for good. Your soul must be crying right now. Waiting for rescue."
He draws his weapon.
"Well, you shall wait no longer."- He adds- "Stand still, mama. This has to be quick."
Zander attempts to pierce the skull of his undead mother. However, just as the blade is about to touch her head, he has a sudden change of mind. Much like Ella, he curls up into a ball and starts to cry, showing just how broken he truly is.
"I... I can't! I can't do it!"- He exclaims, tears rolling down from his face- "Dad was right! I'm too weak for this world! I never should've turned away! I-I'm sorry, mama!"
Just as the undead woman gets closer, Sophia rips off a brick from the tower and uses it to bash her teeth in. Then, she uses the same brick to pin her to a nearby wall, preventing her from attacking anyone.
"Excuse me for being rude, but what are you even fighting for?!"- She yells at Zander- "You promised your sister that you'll protect your mother. You promised your mother that you'll remain true to your beliefs! Is this the spirit of a true warrior?!"
Zander looks up at her.
"What... do you mean?"
Sophia shakes her head.
"I mean that you're growing weak. A true paladin would never leave a task unfinished."- She says- "My brother always told me that a hero is always true to his word, but a true one always strives to keep the promise alive. We all have reasons to fight, reasons to live. And yet, I can see that your mind has been warped by the ideals that you believe in. Do you really think that your mother would agree with your decision? That your father's words are actually true? Stop being such a useless sheep and get up! So many people are relying on you! Stop disappointing them!"
Reluctantly, Zander gets back to his feet. He draws his weapon and approaches his undead mother.
"I'm sorry, mama."- He says to her- "I hope that you have a good life up there."
Then, he drives the powerful blade through her delicate temple, putting down the undead woman with ease. 
Soon, she starts to collapse, but Zander grabs her and gently lays her to the ground. He wipes a few tears from his eyes, kisses her on the forehead and gently closes her eyes, as if he is saying good night to his child. He goes to the ruins, finds a shovel and moves his mother's remains away from the wicked place. Then, with the help of the girls, he buries her in a rare piece of untainted land, making sure that the darkness does not corrupt them.
"See? It wasn't that hard."- She says- "Sure, this monster looked liked your mother. But it was nothing more than a shell. What you did back there shows that those things, though powerful and determined, are not undefeatable. Give them a good jab, and they will stay down."
Zander shakes his head.
"I still can't believe what happened."- He says- "I've been dreaming of seeing my mother again for so long. And then, when I finally see her, I start to regret everything. I forget who I am and turned into that scared, clueless kid again."
Sophia sighs.
"Like you said before, some things just can't be forgotten."- She says- "You should be glad that you had the chance to say goodbye. Some people can't even do that."
Zander glares at her, gritting his teeth.
"At least you still have your parents left, fair maiden."- He mutters.
Suddenly, a vengeful banshee swoops down from the top of the tower and starts to scream wildly. It swoops toward the helpless Ella and circles around her, attempting to take control of the innocent soul. However, Sophia and Zander use their powers to tear the ectoplasmic fiend in two, shattering its dreams in one fell swoop.
As it starts to fade away, something strange happens. The creature's remaining ectoplasm form a translucent arrow, pointing to the left. Then, they disappear along with the rest of the creature's "body".
"What kind of sorcery is this?"- Zander says- "Is this some kind of a trick?"
Bridgette thinks about the spirit's final message. Something in it worries her, but she decides to let it slide. For now.
"Most curious. That ghost just gave us a sign."- She says- "I'm not sure if it's worth our time. However, since Zander's sister is still out there, this could be a potential lead toward her. Maybe we could still have a chance to find her."
Sophia sighs.
"Let's get this over with."
As the two of them cross the searing wastelands, they feel as if their entire world is swirling. The effects of the heat make them see things that aren't there, making them act like total maniacs. However, that feelings only lasts for a few minutes, letting go of them as soon as they reach a location of interest.
"How interesting."- Sophia says- "It's the same caravan that we saw before. However, the bandit bones are all gone. Maybe the wind swept them away?"
Zander shakes his head.
"Or maybe someone's messing with us."- He says- "And we don't even know it yet."
Ella looks at them.
"Maybe they just want to help?"- She asks- "What if the ghost wanted to do something good?"
Bridgette sighs.
"Honey, I think that your big sis is right. Maybe you're being a little bit too naive."- She says to her- "An evil apparition that tried to take you away from us, attempting to lead us toward the right way? Didn't you notice how suspicious it was?"
Ella shakes her head.
"Still, we shouldn't give up hope."- She says- "Maybe Zanny's sister is around here. Somewhere."
Zander nods.
"I agree with the little one."- He says- "My sister might be trying to reach me. If so, I can't just stand here and watch. I have to help her."
As he tries to say something else, his undead sister rises from the timeless sands and approaches him. Somehow, her undead form has been warped by years of exposure. Her head is twisted to the left and her legs are looking a little uneven. At the same time, her face looks much more rotten than the rest of her body, and her eyes glow orange. In other words, she looks very creepy.
As Ella runs into Sophia's arms, Zander stares at his undead sister, barely believing his eyes. Then, he does the same thing he did while trying to put down his mother- curl into a ball and start crying like a little child.
"No, sis! I'm not strong enough!"- He says- "I can't do it! This is too much!"
Sophia shakes her head.
"Oh, come on!"- She yells- "Are you really going to act like a scared brat again?!"
Zander shakes his head.
"I can't help it!"- He yells- "She meant too much for me! I can't murder her!"
At this point, murdering his own sister (even in her undead form) is too much for feeble, little Zander. His tough demeanor is easily replaced by his true cowardly persona. At this point, he doesn't know what is right... and, obviously, what is wrong. So, he simply awaits the inevitable, not knowing what he will do next.
Sophia considers doing the same thing to the undead girl. However, she soon takes a better look at her. Something inside of this husk reminds her of Ella- the girl whom she loves like her own sister. She seems the same energy, the same innocence. Even though they hidden under mounds of taint, they are still clear to her. And she would never dare to hurt a person like her, even in her undead form.
"We'll deal with her someday. I promise."- She says and yanks Zander out of the sand- "Let's get out of here before the desert beasts show up."
Zander looks back at his undead sister. She feebly attempts to reach him, hindered by the sands of time. Seeing how his own beloved sister was not spared from living a horrible life as an undead proves to be the last straw for the poor man. As soon as Sophia pulls him out, he screams wildly, pulls out his blade and attempts to pierce himself.
When he sees that it won't work (possibly due to his strong metal armor), he drops his weapon, throws his hands in the air and runs off into the desolate wasteland, not caring where he goes. The girls attempt to chase him down, but soon realize that he is too fast for them.
"Zander, you coward! Don't make me count to three!"- Sophia yells- "This is your new destiny! Don't try to deny it!"
Zander is done listening to anything, let alone anyone. He continues to scream like a madman and run further into the wastes, until he is well out of sight. Soon, the girls can only hear his muffled yells. Not long later, they are drowned by the veil of night, never to be heard again.
"And thus, the tragic tale of Zander the Paladin comes to an abrupt end."- Sophia says and sighs- "The poor man just couldn't come to terms with his past and tried to avoid it. And then, when it all came crashing down, he was far too unprepared. His own arrogance led him forward... and his own cowardice stopped him in his tracked. When he tried to make it right, he just made it worse. And now, he runs in the wastes, until his poor body finally gives out."
Bridgette smiles.
"That was awfully poetic of you, hun."- She says- "Have you ever considered furthering your dream to be an actress?"
Sophia shakes her head.
"I never thought too much of it."- She says- "However, I might take a better look. Once we reach my uncle, that is."
Bridgette gets very excited.
"Ooh! You mean Mr. Kaos?"- She says- "I'd love to meet him!"
Ella continues to stare at the sands ahead, as if she is still hearing Zander's screams. She looks back at her friends and sighs.
"You humans are such a strange race."- She says- "First you, claim that you are brave and determined. Then, when faced with a real situation, you become cowards and flee as if a thousand wasps are chasing you. Is this what the human mindset feels like?"
Sophia sighs.
"More or less. We humans are a complicated race."- She says and smiles- "But look on the bright side! We managed to get rid of potentially rogue element, without even drawing our weapons! Maybe Zander's going to take the hint and leave us alone for good!"
Ella looks at the undead, warped girl behind them.
"What about his sister?"- She asks- "Are we going to leave her like that?"
Sophia takes a look at the undead girl. Once again, she sees the same inner beauty that she sees in Ella herself. She wants to draw the blade and put her down, but she is far too hesitant. This poor girl died in a very horrifying way, not even realizing what happened to her. And now, she is roaming the wastes as a terrible monster. Speechless, the young do-gooder can only back away from the girl and allow her to roam the wastes once again.
"I hate to say this, but we should leave her alone."- She says- "Maybe Zander's going to stumble upon her during his crazed state and put her down once and for all. Or maybe the girl is going to turn Zander into a fellow undead. Either way, it's best if we leave this poor girl. She has suffered for far too long. I don't want to make her suffer further."
Bridgette nods.
"I agree with your big sis, little lady."- She says- "Let's leave as soon as possible. This undead girl's givin' me the creeps."
Sophia sighs.
"Let's get going."- She says- "There's a long way to the train. And if we don't return soon, they might simply depart without us."
Before they leave, Sophia notices that Zander dropped something while running away from his problems. She picks it up, dusts off the sand particles, and realizes that it is a small picture. And, from the looks of it, it is of Zander's very own family.
Taking a better look, Sophia manages to make out the faint names under each person. She assumes that Aiko is the mother's name, Clementine is the daughter's name, and Nikolas is the father's name.
Strangely, there is a question mark near the father's name, likely added by Zander himself after the demise of his family. There are also several marks to the left, indicating that Zander tried to tear off his father's part of the picture. She takes a note of the little clue and puts the picture in her pack, for safekeeping.
"Interesting. I need to find out where this Nikolas person is."- She says to herself- "Maybe he could tell us something about Zander's true nature."
As the undead Clementine slowly shambles toward them, the trio leaves her behind. Soon, they manage to reach the Sunspire once again. They ask for directions and soon head back to their original destination- the train to Sunrise Sanctuary.
In just a few hours, everything that happened to them- Zander, his undead family, and the unforgiving wastes- are nearly forgotten.