MLTO C3, P15

This is the fifteenth and last Part of "MLIV:TO" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 24.01.2023.
== Plot ==
After meeting Dillon the Centaur one last time and successfully convincing him that violence is not the answer, Geralt and his allies part ways with him. Now on good terms with the newly redeemed warrior, they suspect that they might meet him again someday.
But that is a matter that shall be left for the future to decide. For now, our heroes must focus on the present and devise a plan that will bring them closer to Redmark and his allies.
With the centaurs no longer being a threat to modern society, our heroes have managed to discover crucial information regarding the whereabouts of Geralt's father and the next source of disaster. Redmark's army grows weaker and weaker with each passing battle between the forces of good and evil, and Geralt himself gets more comfortable with the magical powers that he was blessed with.
Since the adventure is going to get a lot harder and the help of professonal adventurers will be needed for the next step, Geralt and Emela are forced to part ways with most of their allies. With the help of Geralt's mother and grandfather, Emela is able to send a group of ships to take the team back to the much safer region of Silverdale, in the hopes of keeping them safe and sound until the need to send them back arises.
It is known that not every story ends with a good ending, but this is too much for poor Geralt. Will he be able to cope with the absence of his dear friends?
== Story ==
The trio continues to watch the road, staring at Dillon's footsteps.
"Well, I still can't believe that we actually got to reason with this creature of the woods. He seemed very dangerous and I'm very relieved that we convinced him to do the right thing."- Emela says- "What we did out here today inspires me to keep trying. Maybe sparing our enemies won't be as hard as it seems to be."
Jett sighs.
"Not every enemy deserves to be spared, you know?"- He says- "Some of them are just misunderstood, that's true. But the rest of them, they're just out to kill us. To hang our corpses and laugh at them. Those freaks are bloodthirsty killers and we can't show mercy toward them."
Geralt looks at him.
"Have you ever tried to show mercy yourself?"
Jett sighs again.
"Many times. I've always tried and I still do."- He says- "But I can see that my mighty efforts are often in vain. People like my father always remain true to the villain's code, always causing chaos around the world until the sword of justice puts them all down for good."
He looks back at Geralt.
"So, yes."- He says- "I've tried to show mercy, but it's very hard."
Geralt smiles.
"Well, I hope that we can do it together someday."- He says- "We make a great team."
Jett shakes his head.
"It's true that I appreciate your help, Geralt. However, I can't trust you enough to be my friend. Not yet."- He says- "First, I must settle the scores that I left unfinished in the past. I have to get back in my hometown and do something that'll be helpful to our little society."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Such as?"
Jett sighs.
"I... am going to return to Brigantia. To the old ruin that my father used to call our home."- He says- "Once there, I will pick up whatever belongings managed to survive the destruction. I know that there will be something left. The looters are never smart enough to look everywhere."
Emela looks at him.
"Even if you do find something, what are you going to do with it?"- She asks him- "Use it for yourself?"
Jett shakes his head.
"No way! I'm done being the bad guy!"- He exclaims- "When I collect whatever I can, I'll donate it all to the ones who need it. Orphanages. Kitchens around the world. Even the military will get their own fair share. As for me, I will receive nothing out of this. The money belongs to my father and I'd never use expenses that I didn't earn myself. In a fair, noble way."
Geralt gasps.
"Wow, Jett! Your mindset, it has changed!"- He exclaims- "You do realize that you are turning into a different person, right?"
Jett smiles.
"But Geralt, I've always been like this."- He says- "My mother taught me that it's always a good thing to share with others. And those recent events made me believe that sharing is, indeed caring. And I'll gladly give all of my father's jewelery and money away, just to see a better world."
Emela smiles, as well.
"Gee, child. You truly have a heart of gold."- She says- "I'm glad that Geralt and his team spared you when they had the chance. Losing a person with an attitude like yours would have been quite traumatic for everyone."
Jett sighs.
"Back then, I was this close to throwing my own life away. I fought all of those heroes, thinking that I was doing a good thing. And yet, I was straying farther away from my mother's wish- to be a better person. I was slowly poisoning myself, even though I was unaware of it."- He says- "Geralt and his allies managed to find the cure for me, though. And I'll always respect them for that. They showed care for me when even my 'beloved' father failed to do so. Such memories always stay intact, no matter how much time passes."
Geralt smiles.
"You will always be a part of our humble team. You earned your place when you let go of your selfish ways and that place will always be permanent, as long as I am here with all of you."- He says- "But I know that you have a mission of your own. I am aware that you still want to get rid of the troubles in your life. So, if you ever dare to ask me whether you can have permission to go or not, know that I will always be able to grant it. You are a free spirit, so forcing you to stay with us like a bird in a cage is always very unwise."
Jett nods.
"Thanks."- He says- "I'll consider it."
Emela takes a step forward.
"Well? Are you two ready to go?"- She asks- "The rest of our companions are still waiting at the docks. They must be worried about us by now."
Geralt nods.
"We understand."- He says- "Then let us get ready. The less time we spend in this wild region, the better it will be for all of us."
The trio walks on the road for hours. On the way toward the destination, they discover the marks of many feet, some of them made by creatures with boots, some of them from ones who are barefoot.
Seeing a particularly interesting set of tracks, Geralt bends down to inspect them, as if they would reveal some kind of a secret. Emela and Jett stand behind him impatiently, wondering what is so intriguing to him.
After five minutes, Geralt turns around. He found what he wanted and he wishes to share it with his allies.
"The tracks belong to our allies. I recognizes those of Aurelia and Aaron."- He says- "In fact, all of them are still fresh. They must be recent."
Jett raises his eyebrow.
"How did you know that it was them?"
Geralt smiles.
"I have good eyesight."
Jett sighs.
"That doesn't make any sense!"
Geralt shrugs.
"Oh well."- He says- "Those who understood it will know what I mean."
Emela stares at Geralt.
"It sounds like you're talking to more people that just us."- He says- "Is there something that you're hiding, my dear?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"Someday, I will have to make a speech about all of my past feats in front of the people of our beloved world. And I do not want to sound unsure in front of all of them."- He says- "To convince others that you always mean well, you must always radiate an aura of confidence. The light in your heart always shines the brightest when you know what you are saying."
Emela smiles.
"Not only are you a capable leader, but also a wise and thoughtful one."- She says- "You always know what words to pick when starting a conversation and you never annoy anyone with your words. Perhaps your father was right- you are more than just an orthodox hero in the face of a rapidly changing world."
Geralt nods.
"And I shall prove that my father is not wrong."- He says- "The world may be changing, but so am I."
Emela nods.
"You're not alone in this battle, though."- She says- "Keep that in mind."
Geralt sighs.
"If only we could say the same thing about the people we lost along the way... "
Jett shakes his head.
"They may be gone, but they're still here. In spirit."- He says- "Haven't you learned about the Afterlife? How it houses noble human souls and keeps the memories of them intact?"
Geralt smiles.
"Of course I do!"- He exclaims- "I pray to the Eternal One above at least once a week!"
Jett raises his eyebrow.
"And what did you learn from that?"
Geralt smiles again.
"That there is no ending for the human soul."- He responds- "As long as it keeps burning, its existence shall be eternal."
Jett smiles.
"Well said, my friend."- He says- "Now let's move on and help more people, for we are also eternal."
Geralt nods.
"I would love to keep doing that."
The trio continues to walk on the road, until they reach a small dock. They notice that the boats that our hero's team was supposed to use are still there, in perfect condition and seemingly unused.
"Wait a minute."- Emela says- "Something awful is going on. Th-this can't be right."
Jett looks at the woods around him.
"Do you folks also have the strange feeling that we're being watched?"
Geralt nods.
"I can feel it, too. It is very onimous, almost to the point of madness."- He says- "Whoever scared our dear friends is still here. And they're hunting for new prey."
As if to prove Geralt's predicament, two centaurs leap out of the bushes, scaring Jett in the process. Then, three more of them do them same. And then five more. And then even more.
It seems like the centaurs are the remnants of Dimon's group, the ones that Geralt managed to spare. Apparently, some of them decided to stay behind and fight for their leader instead of simply sailing away to safer lands, like a bunch of cowards.
"There's the one who defiled our homelands!"- One of them yells- "Slay him!"
And then, the centaurs run forward and try to strike Geralt down. The young hero is able to parry their attacks, but he won't be able to do so for much longer.
"Umm, everyone!"- He exclaims- "I need some help over here!"
His two comrades listen to his call and join him as he attempts to repel the creatures of the forest. This turns out to be a difficult task, as they are both prepared for this confrontation and determined to have their revenge.
As the fight goes on, one of the centaurs manages to get very close to Geralt. He uses his spear to knock the youth's weapon down and attempts to stab him with it. Unfortunately, Jett sees this act of treason and rushes forward, standing between his friend and his enemy and getting stabbed in the shoulder in his place.
"Jett!"- Geralt exclaims- "No!"
The centaur laughs.
"I didn't get the right one, but it doesn't matter."- He says- "My job here's done."
As Jett stumbles back into Emela's arms, the two of them watch as Geralt's rage grows in intensity. He glares at the centaur as he starts to radiate an alarming amount of magical aura.
"You... you... "- He mutters.
Then, his eyes start to glow white.
"You will not get away with this, fiend of the forest!"
Geralt's rage reaches new heights when he unleashes it upon the terrified centaurs. He was not able to control it, so it controls him now. Instead of trying to restrain himself, he allows the magic to flow its way through his veins, lashing it out in powerful waves of pure light.
Emela anticipated this event, so she casts a magical shield around herself and Jett. The wall of magic is certainly strong enough to prevent both of them from being hurt accidentally by the young hero. They are saved from the worst part of this particular phenomena, with Emela lowering down this additional layer of defense as soon as the roaring rage subsides.
Geralt looks around, shocked to see that all centaurs are lying dead in front of him. All of them met their end when the young hero unleashed his powers and they were not strong enough to make it.
"N-no. This is... not what was meant to happen."- He mutters- "What have I done?"
Then, he tilts his head around, as if searching for something. Or someone.
"Wait! Someone is missing!"- He exclaims- "Where is my team? Where are they?"
Emela and Jett approach him.
"Calm down, dear!"- She says- "It's okay! We're safe!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"So, you made it?"- He says- "That is very good! I am glad that you are still here!"
He runs forward and hugs them both.
"Uhh, I think that I'll do without a hug."- Jett says- "Still, I appreciate it."
Geralt leans back and looks down.
"Once again, I unleashed my rage upon my enemies. I allowed my anger to consume me and I became one with all of the guilt that has been plaguing me for years."- He says to himself- "Why is this happening to me? Is there any way to prevent it from happening it? Will I stay like this... forever?"
Emela walks up to him.
"Even Akihiro's training wasn't enough to tame it, huh?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Is there any way to do so?"
Emela sighs.
"I don't know. I've never seen such a spectacular enigma and I can't tell for sure."- She says- "Your father was truly powerful, but he never had powers like those. His powers were not as wild as yours, and he certainly had a way to control his own anger."
She shakes her head.
"But then again, he didn't lose a lot of important people in his life. He still had his mom and dad. His sister. They never went anywhere."- She adds- "And yet, Alcander's demise left a huge scar in his heart. I felt that he was growing angrier with each passing day, but his magic never went out of control. He was always calm and composed, even though his entire soul was on fire."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Uncle Al?"- He asks- "Maybe the guilt of losing him... was transferred to me?"
Emela nods.
"That could be an acceptable explanation for your current attitude. Plausible, even."- She says- "However, we won't know for sure until we meet up with someone who knows how to help you out."
As the trio stares at each other, another group leaps out of the bushes. They draw their weapons and prepare for another ambush, only to find out that it's Geralt's very own group.
"Woah! Hold your horses, everyone!"- Aaron exclaims- "Can't you recognize a group of kindred souls?"
Geralt smiles.
"Hello, everyone!"- He exclaims- "I am so glad to see that you're alright!"
Aaron sighs.
"If only we were capable of keeping the docks in the same way as ourselves... "
Donovan takes a few steps forward and stares at the docks.
"When we arrived at the docks, everything was very peaceful. We were going to get out of here, never to return. However, a group of centaurs surprised us. We tried to fight them back, but their hatred for us was far too strong to ever be pacified."- He says- "Subdued and wounded, we were forced to flee elsewhere and watch as they stood guard at the docks, cutting off our only way out. We were doomed to hide for a long time until the three of you arrived."
Geralt nods.
"The centaurs are gone for good."- He reassures him- "And the rest of them who volunteered to stay behind will know better than to challenge us again."
Donovan sighs.
"I just wish we were a little stronger than this."- He says- "Aiden wasn't going to allow something like this if he were the King of Goznor."
Aaron shakes his head.
"But Aiden isn't here, sir. You're the one who's in charge of this group."- He says- "It is said that people learn for as long as they live. And I think that it's the same for you. You learn more and more with each passing day, until you're completely aware of what must be done."
Donovan nods.
"Wise words, my brave little companion."- He says- "But I prefer to be the leader of Goznor, not the entire world. Geralt's more than capable enough of doing that."
Geralt smiles.
"You are flattering me, Your Majesty."- He says- "I am just trying to assist people, not to lead them."
Donovan nods.
"You have the inner fire of a true leader."- He says- "You'll make a good sovereign someday."
Emela stares at Geralt.
"You should probably listen to him, Geralt."- She says- "Mr. Gonoru is a very wise man and he knows a true warrior when he sees one."
Aurelia takes a few steps forward.
"Umm. I know that you're talking about recent events and stuff."- He says- "But I have someone that I want to see."
Then, she runs to Geralt and hugs him.
"You know how much I missed you, right?!"- She yells- "Because I did! A lot!"
Geralt smiles.
"Of course, Aurelia."- He says- "I missed you, too."
The group stares at the boats, eager to get out of here as soon as possible.
"The end of this journey is near. Another one will start soon."- Emela says- "Whenever you're ready, we shall leave this horrible place."
Geralt nods.
"I think that we should not waste any time."- He says- "Come on, everyone. To the boats."
The entire team prepares to settle down into the boats. They seem to be too preoccupied with setting up the vessels, until another one gets closer to them.
"Woah! Another boat!"- Aaron exclaims- "Should we take our chances?"
Jett aims his bow at it.
"I won't take any risks."- He says- "Let's see how much they like fire."
Geralt takes a step forward.
"Wait, Jett!"- He exclaims- "I think that they are friendly! Leave them alone!"
The people inside the boat, a young man and a young woman, see Jett and wave their hands.
"Hey! Chill out!"- The woman exclaims- "We're not here to hurt you! We're here for something else!"
Jett lowers his weapon and watches as the duo sails towards the docks. Once their boat is safely on the pier, they emerge from it and approach our heroes, in a way that suggests that they have been looking for them, perhaps for longer than they expected.
"So. Are you ready to talk yet?"- The man asks them- "Let's hope that you won't try to attack us again. We mean you no harm and we're ready to show it."
The duo walk toward our heroes, their hands in the air. By the way they act, it is clear that they are good people, even though both of them are a bit... temperamental.
"We can see that you mean us no harm, but we still don't know whether we should trust you or not."- He says- "So, can you please identify yourselves?"
The man nods.
"Sure thing."- He says- "My name is Edward Moonglow. I am a master swordsman, trained by some of the strongest master and wielding one of the finest swords known to our kind. And my companion is Isabella Moonglow. She's my sister and together, we sail around the world to act as the envoys of Light."
Isabella grimaces.
"Or rather, you do."- She adds- "I'm just trying to help people, not to be some kind of a good soldier."
Edward clears his throat.
"Anyway, we heard about your adventures in the lands of the centaurs. It sounds like you've been quite successful. Their leader's gone and their forces are in disarray. This will make our job easier."- He says- "By the time we got here ourselves, we learned that a certain someone was travelling with you. Someone who is truly important to us, who helped us become who we are now. We haven't seen her in what would seem like decades and we'd really like to see her face again."
Not wasting any time, Aurelia reveals herself to be the person that the duo are looking for. She runs toward her siblings, her eyes filled with tears.
"Brother! Sister!"- She exclaims- "Oh, I can't believe it! You're alive!"
The entire team watches, shocked, as Aurelia embraces her siblings, reunited with both of them at long last.
"Aurelia dearest! We were confident that the rumors would be true. And yet, here you are, in all of your graceful splendor"- Isabella exclaims- "But what did you do to be here? What happened to you while we were gone?"
Edward looks at his sister.
"Did that freak manage to hurt you?"- He asks her- "Should we pay her a little visit and give her a lesson about disrespecting the sibling of two true heroes?"
Aurelia smiles.
"Oh, it's a long story! I can't even start explaining it right now!"- She says- "Can we go into a nice house and grab a nice meal, instead? Me and my team have been out in the wastes for days and we're starving!"
Edward nods.
"Actually, that's the reason why we came here. To take you all home and bring you back to our father."- He says- "Something happened in your absence and we were not able to deal with it. Everything's far too baffling for us."
Aurelia gasps.
"Oh no!"- She exclaims- "What happened to daddy?!"
Isabella shakes her head.
"It's nothing serious, sister dearest. Our precious father has just been very exhausted from his work. In fact, Edward and I had to take turns in replacing him as the governor, from time to time."- She says- "After mother's untimely demise, however, he hasn't been the same person. He's barely been eating his food and he doesn't want to go outside, fearing that the people of our region will mock him for being unable to save the person he cared about the most. It's almost as if he's shying away from his own duties, thinking that everything has been turned against him."
Edward sighs.
"Worst of all, there's always been this ominous feeling of a malevolent presence watching all of us."- He says- "Someone's trying to take control of our dear father and use him against us. We've tried our best to comfort him. but the only person he truly cares about is you."
Isabella looks at Aurelia.
"He needs you, sister dearest, even more than he did before."- She says to her- "You're the brightest light in his life. His little angel , whose presence he cherishes the most. Ever since you were rescued from the clutches of that vile slave master, he's been very worried about you. He wanted to make sure that you're safe and sound again, but you had to run away. And then, well, I'm sure that you'll figure it out."
Geralt nods.
"It sounds like Mr. Moonglow is suffering from a severe case of loneliness. I understand how it feels, because I felt the same way when I lost my sister. Her absence in my life has been affecting my sanity and I was barely able to recover. And that was only with the help of the rest of my loved ones."- He says and turns to Aurelia- "I would never dare to give you advice about something like this, but I think that it will be best if you listen to your siblings. When the life of a loved one is in danger, you must do your best to stand by their side. Every moment that you spend with them is a period of time that you will always be thankful for. So, please. Try to make the right decision. I know that you want to travel with us, but going with your brother and sister is for the best, both for them and for us."
Aurelia shakes her head.
"I'm sorry to say this, but I can't do that."- She says- "I made a promise to a certain someone that I'll always be there for them. I promised to accompany them on their adventures and I'm not planning to leave it all behind, even though my father... really matters to me."
Edward shakes his head.
"That wasn't a request, little one. It was an order."- He says- "Get in the boat. Now."
Aurelia shakes her head again.
"You can't make me, Eddie."
Edward walks forward and tries to grab her by the arm, but Isabella stops him.
"No, Eddie. Don't do it."- She says to him- "If this is what she wants, then we can't change her. Let's stop with this circus and get outta here."
Edward looks down for a moment. Then, when he looks up again, his eyes are filled with pure, unrestrained rage. He glares at Geralt and walks up to him, staring at him as if he were some sort of a criminal.
"You! You insolent excuse for a hero!"- He yells- "I can tell who my sister has been infatuated with! You've always been on her mind and she never stops thinking about you, even as our father begs for her to return!"
He continues to glare at him.
"Are you going to keep pretending that you're the innocent one?"- He asks him- "Or are you going to do it all again, like a time loop that never stops?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm, I have no idea what you are talking about!"- He exclaims- "Infatuated with me? Always on her mind? This is nonsense! Me and Aurelia have only been friends and we shall always remain this way! I am just a person who did something good for her! Nothing more!"
Isabella approaches her brother.
"Hey, Eddie. Let's all calm down and think this through."- She says- "If you try to harm this child, then the entire world will hate us. I can see it in his eyes, he's telling the truth. He didn't want any of this to happen and he only wishes to help others. Aurelia's infatuation was just a pure coincidence."
Edward looks at her, still angry.
"Stay out of this, Isa."- He says- "I'm busy."
Then, he glares back at Geralt.
"I'm not the type of guy to deal with others like this, but I'll make an exception for you."- He says- "If you ever dare to get close to my little sister Aurelia, I'll make sure that both you and your family pay for it. Do you understand it?!"
Geralt nods.
"Y-yes, sir!"- He exclaims- "I will not do anything! I promise!"
Edward prepares to say something else, but then he hears someone clear his throat.
"Excuse me, but are you trying to threaten my brother?"- The person asks- "That's not very nice of you, considering that you're a samaritan to so many people."
When he turns around, he sees that another person is approaching him. It seems like he arrived silently at the docks and decided to join the conversation when he heard about how Edward treats Geralt.
"Kai!"- Geralt exclaims- "Oh my goodness! You're back!"
Kaiden Kaos, the brave hero who has risked his life more than once, stands in front of the group. Even though he is still almost completely blind, his eyes can see everything. And the way Edward acts is very upsetting to him.
"Listen here, you freak."- He says to Edward as he gets closer to him- "You're making a very big mistake by threatening my dear brother. If you know what's good for you and the remnants of your broken family, step out of the fire before you get yourself burned."
Edward shakes his head.
"I'm not going anywhere until I deal with this kid!"- He exclaims- "All of our problems began when Aurelia left! And he's the main troublemaker who convinced her to do so! I must make sure that he'll never do it again!"
Infuriated, Kaiden grabs Edward by the throat.
"Then I'll make you relent."- He says- "With brute force!"
Having said that, he raises his fist in the air and slams it into Edward's skull, causing him to yell out in pain. The entire team watches, shocked, as Kaiden continues to beat him up without any remorse. Speaking in such a way against the person he cares for the most is where he draws the line and he's ready to prove it in a not-so-peaceful manner.
"How does this feel?!"- Kaiden yells at Edward- "Maybe now, you'll finally see how wrong you are about my brother!"
Geralt runs forward to stop him.
"No, Kai! Stop it!"- He exclaims- "You are hurting him! Leave him alone! I beg you!"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"I'm afraid that I can't do that, Geralt."- He says to him- "This freak tried to harm you with more than just words and I must teach him a lesson. A lesson that he'll never forget!"
Surprisingly, Isabella rushes forward as well, but instead of trying to pull Kaiden away from her brother, she hugs him.
"Please, Kai! Listen to your brother!"- She exclaims- "Eddie meant no harm to him! He was just very worried! Please, let him go!"
Kaiden stops for a second. He looks down at Isabella, surprised to see her. Then, he sighs and lets go of Edward, watching as he lands in Aurelia's arms.
"Perhaps that's enough punishment. For now."- He says- "I will show mercy, but only because I want to believe that he's a good person. So, please prove me right."
Edward wipes the blood from his mouth.
"Thanks for... that."- He mutters- "I guess you're not that bad, after all."
Kaiden smiles.
"And I guess that you're pretty good yourself."
Aurelia glares at Kaiden.
"You-you're a monster!"- She yells at him- "How could you harm my brother like this?!"
Kaiden sighs.
"I'm sorry, Aurelia."- He says- "I was really concerned about my own brother. I didn't want him to get hurt."
Aurelia continues to glare at him.
"So, you dared to harm another person, at the expense of saving someone else?"- She asks and sighs- "And I thought that you were honorable and wise. I guess that I was wrong about you. You're as bad as the rest of them."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"What is she talking about?"
Isabella shakes her head.
"The Kaos family ancestors."- She responds- "Apparently, she managed to read a lot of the stories about those old villains. She thinks that you're like them, and I... I can't change her opinion, as much as I want to."
Kaiden sighs.
"I guess that I deserved it."- He says- "I let my rage consume me once again. I... I should have stayed locked up."
Isabella smiles.
"I'm just glad that you made it out of that torture chamber."- She says- "Being together has always been best for both of us."
Then, much to the surprise of everyone else, Kaiden and Isabella kiss, showing that they truly love each other.
"Wait a minute!"- Geralt exclaims- "You never told me that you have a girlfriend, Kai!"
Kaiden smiles.
"Me and Isa have always been in love since the day we met. She's the most gorgeous, kind angel that I've ever met. Her presence has been always so invigorating to me."- He says- "I'm sorry that I never told you about this. I was afraid of what you might think. Seeing me as a man with a family would have been quite a change for you."
Isabella smiles, as well.
"In fact, it won't be long before it happens."
The two of them stare down at Isabella's belly, prompting the rest of the group to do the same. They see that it is quite big, revealing that Isabella is, in fact, pregnant.
"You're going to have a child as a teenager?"- Geralt asks- "Is this even allowed?!"
Isabella sighs.
"I carry your big bro's legacy. The new life that shall inherit our world."- She says- "It's true. We are a little bit too young for this, but we can't turn back time. Not anymore."
Kaiden nods.
"Yes. This is exactly the reaction that I expected."- He says- "But have no fear, Geralt. I'm sure that you'll be a great uncle, even though you'll be a little... young."
Geralt sighs.
"I... I need a moment to process this."- He says- "I will be right back."
Then, he turns away and looks down, not daring to look up at his brother again.
"Man. This must be quite traumatizing."- Aaron says- "I'll try to calm Geralt down a little bit. You try to understand what's going on yourselves."
Emela shakes her head.
"The gift of life is a truly wonderful thing. And yet, it's never wise to put it in the wrong hands."- She says- "Many young people make love, not knowing about the consequences of it. They pretend that nothing bad will happen, but here it is, raining down on top of them like a furious nimbus in the sky. The guilt of doing something like this is something that I hope we can all avoid."
Kaiden sighs.
"Love has always been a strange topic to me."- He says- "But now that I'm destined to become a dad? It's truly horrifying."
Emela nods.
"Indeed, my dear. I know that it must be hard for you."- She says- "But you should remember that you're not alone in this. We'll try to help you and your beloved maiden as much as we can, for the sake of helping the two of you to bring new life into our dark world."
Edward rises up, as shocked as Geralt.
"All this time, I thought that you were just a little obese. I never knew that you were... pregnant."- He says- "Isa, you keep on surprising me with your actions. I don't know if I should be thrilled or scared."
Isabella smiles.
"That's who I am!"- She exclaims- "The great Isabella Moonglow, always ready to surprise everyone!"
Having made a decision while lying down for a little bit, Geralt rises to his feet and approaches the group.
"After analyzing everything that happened here, I came to a conclusion about what must be done next."- He says- "And I assure you that it was not easy for me."
He looks at his allies.
"Aaron and Jett shall come back to Silverdale for you. You can take them with you to help Mr. Moonglow out. I am sure that they will do a great job, even in my absence."- He says- "His Majesty should go back to his kingdom and restore the damage that the centaurs and Redmark's servants did. We need to have a safe stronghold for our brave heroes, so making sure that the sovereign is in his place is our best bet."
He turns to Aurelia.
"As for you, my dear Aurelia, I had to make that decision for you. I got in trouble with your brother because he thought that I was responsible for what is going on, and I shall make sure to not make the same mistake."- He says- "You will go with your siblings and Kaiden on the first boat. Your father's condition is critical and he needs you far more than I do. And I will deeply regret it if something happens to him, just because you were always so infatuated with someone else."
Aurelia's eyes widen.
"But I can't go! Not without you!"- She says and holds his hand- "I need to stand by your side! Our worlds have been connected for a long time and I won't allow them to separate again!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"Acting against your siblings is very unwise. My own neglect caused by brother to go blind and I don't want anyone else to feel the same way as I do."- He says- "Return to the mainland and live your happy life, even if it is away from me. I know that we were never destined to be together and I think that it is for the best. Family always matters more than love and I will make sure to remind you as much as I can."
Aurelia raises her eyebrow. Her eyes fill up with tears as she realizes that her prince in shining armor does not love her back.
"So."- She says- "Does this mean that you don't like me? At all?"
Geralt looks down.
"Umm. I like you, but it is not like that."- He responds- "You are a good girl and a trustworthy companion, but... well... "
Aurelia leans close to Geralt and stares into his eyes.
"Look into my eyes, my dear."- She says to him- "You're-going-to-like-me. You're-going-to-like-me... Did it work?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"I feel like you are trying to charm me."- He says- "I am not sure how to feel about that."
Aurelia grins.
"Yes! I knew it!"- She exclaims- "You do like me!"
Kaiden stares at Edward.
"Wow, Edward."- He says to him- "You've got a weird sister."
Edward smiles.
"Charming, isn't she?"- He says- "Aurelia has always dreamed of finding the true love of her life. The knight in shining armor that she truly deserves. She's been fantasising about being swept off her feet ever since she was a child."
He laughs.
"I guess that seeing me hang out with other girls had a dramatic effect on her!"
Kaiden smiles.
"Big brothers like us are always acting as inspirations for our younger siblings."- He says- "Geralt also thought that I was great at being with girls. He always wanted me to show him how to talk with them without getting embarrased and, well, I did my best. Not as well as our father could have done, but I suppose that it was an acceptable result, in its own way."
Edward nods.
"I think that Geralt's doing pretty well. He's not a shy one, and it shows."- He says- "Judging from what you just said to me, I think that I see who helped him out!"
Kaiden smiles.
"I'm just trying to be a good brother."
Edward nods.
"When I met you for the first time, I doubt that you and Geralt are on good terms."- He says- "Now, I can see that you're inseparable. The kid loves you and it's definitely the same for you."
Kaiden sighs.
"I'd do anything for my little brother, no matter how far away we are from each other."- He says- "Time has proven it, again and again. It's all in the stars above."
As the rest of the group continues to talk, Emela motions for them to approach.
"Alright, everyone. The boats are ready."- She says- "I feel like there's no time left to waste, so let's get moving. Bid yourselves farewell and move on."
Geralt and Kaiden stare at each other for a few seconds. Or, at least it seems like that. Every second that they spend watching each other feels like an entire minute. It is almost as if time slows down when those two are together.
"Well, it seems like it's time for us to say goodbye again."- Kaiden says- "It's only been an hour since I came here, but I'm grateful that I saw you again."
Geralt smiles.
"You do not know how much I missed you. Every moment I was away, I thought about you. About your well-being. I wondered whether the doctors treated you well or not."- He says- "But now, I can still see that you're the same Kai that I've always used to know, only a lot more... protective."
Kaiden smiles back and hugs him.
"I love you, little bro."- He says- "Distance doesn't matter when a bond stays strong. Remember that I'll always stand by your side, no matter what happens next."
Geralt nods.
"I have always felt your presence wherever I went, Kai. You have always been like a guardian angel to me. Your holy power protected me from the clutches of evil, just like it does when you are truly around."- He says- "Stay safe, my dear brother. Continue to fight the blindness with all your might. Someday, you are going to become a normal person again. I am certain of it. And then, we shall be a happy family once again."
Even though Kaiden's eyes are blindfolded, tears are still able to roll down. He wipes them from his cheeks as he continues to speak.
"Tell me, brother."- He says to him- "Do you... still miss Kia?"
Geralt nods.
"I never stopped missing Kiki."- He says- "Sometimes, I feel like I inherited her innocent attitude."
Kaiden smiles.
"That's right."- He says- "You're just like her."
The two of them watch as Aurelia approaches them,
"Well, I guess that our adventure is over for good. I'm getting taken away to my eternal prison."- She says to Geralt- "But don't think that it's over! As soon as I get the chance, I will rejoin you!"
Geralt smiles.
"It does not matter what happens next."- He says- "I'm just glad that you're going to be with your father again."
Kaiden nods.
"Your mother would be proud that you put family first."
Aurelia sighs.
"Yeah."- She says- "I just... wish she were here, too."
Kaiden nods.
"And we wish that our sister were here."- He says- "We all want something back desperately. The question is how well we can cope with the reality around us."
Aurelia looks down.
"Before you go, I want to give you something to think about on the way."- She says to Geralt- "Do you want it?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm... sure!"
Aurelia smiles, leans closer and kisses him on the cheek.
"There we go!"- She exclaims- "My job here's done! My intentions are crystal clear!"
Geralt blushes. He has never been kissed by a girl before and the feeling of being loved is truly exciting for him. However, he manages to keep his own emotions under control, doing a surprisingly good job at pretending that it is something normal for him.
"I will miss you."- He says stoically.
Aurelia smiles.
"Me too, my dear."- She says- "Farewell, for now! Keep on being the hero that you always are! Even from afar, I'll keep rooting for you. Because we're a team, and a team always stays together! We're unbreakable!"
As she prepares to leave, Geralt stops her.
"Aurelia!"- He exclaims- "Wait!"
Aurelia raises her eyebrow.
"Yes, Geralt?"- She asks- "Is something on your mind?"
Geralt leans forward and takes her hands in his. This makes Aurelia blush almost immediately.
"Thank you."- He says- "For everything."
And then, he hugs her.
"Aww, Geralt!"- Aurelia exclaims- "And I thank you for everything, too! Had it not been for you, I would've been a slave for all eternity. I couldn't have done it all without you!"
Aurelia watches sadly as Geralt and his allies depart, waving at them as they disappear into the mists.
"Bye, Geralt!"- She yells- "I'll be waiting for you!"
Edward and Isabella approach her.
"Aurelia."- Edward says- "It's time to go."
Invigorated by the thought that Geralt might return soon, Aurelia looks up and smiles.
"Yes, big bro!"- She exclaims- "Let's do this!"
Meanwhile, Geralt and Emela approach the western coast. There, they find a second dock. A place that is hidden away from society, sitting here, lonely and unused.
"So, this is where you wanted to take me?"- Geralt asks- "What is so special about it?"
Emela smiles.
"You will see, dear."- She responds- "Just you wait."
Geralt and Emela wait at the end of the pier, as if expecting something to arrive.
"Umm. Is something supposed to happen now?"- Geralt asks- "I cannot help but see that there are no boats here. Is that is not what we are waiting for, then what is it?"
Emela nods.
"Every question has an answer, my child."- She says to him- "And yours will not stay unanswered for long."
Much to Geralt's surprise, a giant sea serpent emerges from the dark depths. It looks down at Geralt, but not in a way that would indicate that it wants to devour him.
"Is this supposed to happen?!"
Emela gasps.
"Oh! There she is!"- She exclaims- "Geralt, I would like to introduce you to my loyal friend. Don't worry, she doesn't bite!"
The sea serpent leans down and allows Geralt to pet her. He has never seen anything big and tame at the same time, so this must be quite the experience for him.
"What a majestic beast!"- He exclaims- "Is it going to be our ride?"
Emela smiles.
"Indeed, it is!"- She exclaims- "Normally, I don't use her a lot, but our current situation was pretty urgent. So, I had to call her and she came to my aid, gorgeous and loyal as she is."
She leans forward and pets the giant serpent, smiling as she does so.
"Who's a good girl?"- She asks- "That's right! You are!"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"So."- He says- "Where are we headed?"
Emela looks at him and sighs.
"We must go to Canonia and find Cyrus as soon as possible."- She says- "Maybe he will be able to decipher the information that we found."
Geralt shakes his head.
"I do not want to make Cyrus more worried than he already is."- He says- "Isn't there another way to do this?"
Emela shakes her head.
"I'm afraid not."- She says- "It's our best bet and I don't want to waste our chances."
Then, she hops on the giant sea serpent and smiles.
"So!"- She exclaims- "Are you coming or not?"
Geralt sighs.
"Alright then."- He says- "Let us go to Canonia and make sense of this mess."
He jumps on the serpent and watches as it descends from the docks, sailing into the open seas like a giant vessel. As the creature flaps its tail, it creates a few small waves that cool down the weather around it. Geralt and Emela immediately feel much more comfortable.
"You know, I never thought that I could ride a giant sea serpent in my life."- He says- "I thought that it would never happen, but I guess that I was wrong."
Emela smiles.
"Miracles happen everywhere, my dear Geralt!"- She exclaims- "You just can't see them!"
Geralt nods.
"It is the little miracles that matter the most."- He says- "I should have known it."
The duo watches as the serpent takes them further and further away from the docks. They left behind those lands of horror and are proceeding toward the next source of disaster, enjoying their free time while preparing themselves for the worst.
It seems as if the philosophy of the centaurs that humankind is responsible for all misfortunes in this world was, in fact, false. Our heroes were able to save the forests by stopping the madmen from spreading it. And not just in the usual way. They showed kindness, compassion, and everything that they did out here is going to be remembered as one giant act of mercy.
Once again, the road of destiny takes our heroes farther away from home. Every step that they take will be further into enemy lands. Things will get much more dangerous from now on and the current events will seem like a pleasant breeze in a calm evening. Nothing will ever be the same.
But there is a lot of time until then. For now, it is time for them to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Onward!
== Trivia ==
* The words that Aurelia says to Geralt when she tries to convince Geralt to like her are a reference to Rinoa Heartily- a "Final Fantasy VIII" character- who says the same words to Squall Leonheart- the Protagonist of the game.
** Interestingly, both Geralt and Squall are Protagonists in their own respective series, while Aurelia and Rinoa act as major characters.