MLIV C2, P1- "Sparks"

"Sparks" is the first Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's first Chapter.
It was released on 21.05.2022.
== Plot ==
Once a soul wanders too far from home, there is no going back. Advancing toward the dark future and hoping to make a change, they strive to reach the stars, for they are never too far from them. They know that the truth always prevails in the end and believe in those who truly deserve it.
And yet, they never forget about the evil, left to plague the modern world and corrupt the hearts of our modern society. Shrouded in mystery, its servants are feared by many, and it is no secret that the world is slowly falling into chaos because of them.
But there is always a ray of hope, even behind the darkest curtains.
Now that Adam and his allies have learned of Darkthrop's involvement in the mess that they stumbled upon, they are aware that something will go amiss. Having learned of a mysterious slayer who operates in Duskwood, the young hero and his companions begin their investigation, confident that they will find the answers to this troublesome riddle soon enough.
First, however, Adam must prepare himself for the worst. He knows that every day, his life will get much worse. And he must be ready for the consequences, no matter what they may be.
== Story ==
Adam and his allies bravely step into the newly-reformed town of Duskwood- home of many heroes, including his uncle.
"Ah. So, this is Duskwood."- Emela says as she inspects the crowded streets- "Never been here before, but it does feel like home."
Adam smiles.
"This is the proof of our existence in this world."- He says- "Civilization may have stagnated, but it never fell apart. The darkness was strong, but they fought back and made a name for themselves. Such is the reason why the people here never left the ruins of their common home behind."
He stares ahead and sighs.
"Of course, some believe that they deserve everything. That nobody should question them for what they do."- He adds- "And when chaos creeps its way through, order must be maintained at all costs."
Emela sniffs.
"Even if we have to kill them?"
Adam sighs.
"I understand how you feel, Miss Emela. Killing monsters is one thing, but ending the lives of fellow people is quite... perilous."- He says- "When you told me about how you almost murdered Steele, I felt horrified. But you were not the person to blame. When a villain makes a wrong decision, the bring trouble upon themselves. And thus, they risk the wrath of people like us. Punishing them for what they did is just natural and I believe that it is more beneficial than harmful for society."
Emela shakes her head.
"I'll never understand those criminals."- She says- "They're just too... foolish. Always aiming for the wrong side of a conflict, even though they're completely aware that others will get hurt in the process. It's so... despicable."
Akira stares ahead and crosses her arms.
"If only more people thought the same way... "
Adam takes a step forward and notices that a group of soldiers is approaching them. He prepares to greet them.
Surprisingly, once those people get close, one steps forward and bows to him!
"Well met, prince. It's an honor to meet someone of your grandeur. Blessing our little home with your presence is truly great news."- He says and gets up- "How can we be of assistance?"
Adam is surprised that those people know about the title that he was born with. Few are wise enough to acknowledge his royal status, but everyone knows that he is more important than what he claims to be.
Without any pride in his own heart, Adam steps forward and smiles.
"The pleasure is mine, warriors of justice. I am glad to see that this place is finally returning to its former glory, especially after we fought so hard to make it happen."- He says- "As the prince of Avernum, it is my job to bring the light back for you. Seeing everyone happy is my greatest reward, letting me know that I did well."
He looks around and sighs.
"But the reason why I decided to risk my own life and arrive in a time like this is not quite as bright, I am afraid."- He says- "On the day when a notorious killer made his appearance again, I learned of his existence and tracked him down. The evidence of his crimes says that he operates from this place. Is that so?"
The guards stare at each other and look down.
"We've been hunting him for too long. We tried to draw him out, but he's always one step ahead of us."- One of them says- "How can we ever win this fight, sir?"
Akira leans close to her brother.
"Sounds like Darkthrop tried to traumatize those people to the bone. Unfortunately, it worked way too well. Extracting valuable information from their corrupted minds is like pulling a rope across the planet itself- in other words, quite a challenge."- She whispers- "At least they gave us some hints of where to look."
Emela nods.
"Fear not, citizens of the world. Whoever this evildoer may be, his true motives shall soon be exposed to the light."- She says, confidently- "In the name of the balance that we're trying to preserve, we shall not rest until they are brought to justice. So, keep trusting the law and you shall be rewarded with the peace that you have sought for so long. Mark my words."
The soldiers nod.
"Anyway, we've got to resume our duties."- One of them says- "Villains and all, our schedule's quite... messed up. Best to keep it this way, until things get better."
With that, they march away from them, eager to continue guarding this place.
"Paranoid, ain't they?"- Akira says and sighs- "This is the first time we've stepped in this town after the mess cleared up. And it feels like it never left."
Adam looks around.
"This is an ugly bit of business. Knowing that someone very dangerous is in town must be painful."- He says- "But that does not matter. We travelled all the way here, not just because we had to. We did it because we wanted those people to be safe. And I can tell that they need us more than ever."
Akira nods.
"But how can we take care of this?"- She asks him- "Whoever this criminal may be, he or she has a mind of their own. We've been asking every person that we met about their whereabouts, but we only received vague guesses."
She sighs.
"Sometimes, I feel like we're hunting a real-life phantom."
Emela smiles.
"Don't shrug them off just yet, dear."- She says- "I have the feeling that there's some truth in what they said to us."
Akira turns to Emela and clenches her fists.
"And what may it be? That the person is some kind of a carnivorous monster that leaves no traces behind? That it comes from another planet and its biggest desire is to conquer us all?"- She asks- "Get real, Emela! We lost too many people to act so... lenient."
Emela shakes her head.
"Being cold and hostile to everyone won't get you anywhere."- She responds- "You should try to be more understanding, Akira. People are more than just a bunch of helpless souls that want to be protected. Deep under that meek surface, there's a soul that has suffered more than we have. And it's in our best interest to show some initiative in being a more compassionate toward the victims that we're saving, not just to act like a bunch of spoiled, serious brats whose only sense in life is that of the duty that we try to keep alive. Do you understand that?"
Akira glares at her and snorts.
"Do you really think that I haven't considered it?"- She asks her- "Listen here, missy. Just because you were born in a wealthy and loving family that taught you how to be a good person doesn't mean that you can force others to be the same way. People have their own ideas, their own desires and ways to make them happen. And you're just going to make them... throw them all away and start thinking about how much the others have suffered?"
She takes a step forward and stares into her eyes.
"For the record, we've already done that."- She adds- "And we know what must be done."
Adam joins them and shakes his head.
"I hate to say this, but both of you are wrong to argue."- He says- "What we are fighting for is not just those tortured souls who have went through the hottest flames of the underworld. Not just for the fact that they can smile, at long last. We are doing this, because we have a common future. We light the flames of justice, because we want to let the others know that there is a destiny worth fighting for. That cowering in fear is not the right way to be useful to society. Every single person is a dreamer, just like us. And yet, they do not have the courage to do the right thing."
He smiles.
"Even though we never get to speak with them for a while, they do not feel angry. They see the pain go away and know that we truly care about them and sympathize with their greatest fears, even though we never say a thousand words to make them feel better."- He continues- "The spark of life connects us. Hope and faith run in our veins, like a calm river through the most ravaged lands. Trusting the other is something that comes naturally, as we are one and the same. We fight to survive, to keep the balance intact and protect those that we love. Again and again, we make the same mistakes, yet always emerge victorious. And do you know why it is this way? Because we never ceased to believe."
Seeing that Akira and Emela have finally calmed down, Adam realizes that his words have gotten through them.
"So, let us keep being the lights of this world. The beacons of justice that never burn out."- He adds- "Our road is bright and paved with good intentions. The light will always-- "
Suddenly, something makes Adam trip. He falls on the ground and draws his weapon.
Just as he finally realizes that something is amiss, he sees that a human is trying to kill him. But it is not... quite normal.
His skin is light gray. His eyes are yellow, like the midnight sun. And his teeth, oh his teeth, it feels like he never brushed them at all.
As the smell of rot and decay slowly emerges from his mouth, Adam realizes something while trying to defend himself. Whoever this person may be, he needs to see a doctor. And a dentist. Definitely a dentist.
He kicks him away and stabs him in the chest, making him fall on the ground. However, he soon gets up and crawls toward him, shocking him.
"This is no normal human."- He says to himself- "I know not how they got this superhuman agility and strength, but an outside force was definitely involved."
As he wonders how to take care of this strange opponent, Akira stands in front of her brother and confronts him.
The creature emits a warning growl, but Akira does not care. Using her dark magic, she grabs his skull with her ghostly hands and tightens her grip without thinking twice.
Despite her opponent's initial squirming, she soon reaches his skull and pierces it.
The change is nearly instant as the hollowed shell of a man falls on his knees and plants his face into the asphalt.
As Akira helps her brother stand up, they notice that some people have gathered around them, curious about what just happened. When they see that there is nothing new, they walk off, slightly disappointed.
"Akira, what have you done?"
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Adam stares at the dead person, horrified.
"You just... killed that man!"
Akira sighs.
"Heh."- She says- "It seems like you've still got a lot to learn."
She approaches the corpse and gives it a light kick.
"Are you aware of what happens to those touched by necromancy, dear brother?"- She asks him- "Those who've got the darkness running in their veins, even in death?"
Adam stares at the corpse, unfazed.
"They become... something else."
Akira smiles.
"And that is what we just met."- She says- "A poor victim of someone else's filthy desires, brought back to life to serve a greater power."
Adam nods.
"I never had the chance to meet one before."- He says- "They look even worse up close."
Akira shrugs.
"Looks like uncle and aunt never bothered to describe the greatest dangers in life."- She says- "That's alright. I wouldn't have done it either, out of fear that you would have to experience them yourself someday."
She stares at the road ahead, seeing a few "people" shambling toward them. As soon as one of them approaches, she picks up one of the throwing knives in her pocket and throws it into the creature's skull.
"They may look formidable, but they're nothing more than bags of bones, brought to unlife to terrorize the living."- She says- "Back in my time as a mistress of darkness, I had to watch our people bring hundreds of them into our city. Restrained, filthy, hungry. They desired for nothing more than to feed on the living and make them miserable. Quite an unfulfilling existence, isn't it?"
One of the undead gets close to Adam, but he is prepared. He lunges forward and skewers its forehead with his sword, putting it down.
"I see it now."- He says- "When you deal with the fallen, you have to treat them as monsters. Not sick, unfortunate people. Just monsters that must be laid back to rest."
Akira smiles.
"You're finally catching up!"- She exclaims- "Now, how about we help the guards kill some more of those shamblers? They'll appreciate a few extra hands, I'm sure."
As Adam and Akira step toward the road ahead, Adam looks at his sister, still a little dumbfounded by the entire experience.
"Do you think those creatures still have minds of their own?"- He asks her- "Do they ever share our feelings?"
Akira shrugs.
"After all those years that I've been slaying those creatures of the dark, I still can't give a proper answer."- She replies- "Are they just the replicas of their former selves? Or are their souls still in there, watching helplessly while their bodies are used by some kind of malevolent force? We can't be sure."
Adam sighs.
"I see."- He mutters- "Then, this means we will never understand what is going on inside their minds."
He turns to her again.
"So"- He continues- "Where are we going now?"
Akira smiles.
"I know a person who can clarify this mess to us."- She says- "Come on. Let's get this party started."
A few minutes later, they arrive in the office of Duskwood's leader. However, they are empty. It feels like nobody has ever called this place their home.
But this is only on the surface. As soon as they get closer to the desk, a tall man jumps out from behind the nearby barrels and aims his gun at them.
"I don't know who you're lookin' for, kids. But this ain't your playground."- He says to them- "I hate to send you away, but duty calls. Go. Now."
Akira looks back.
"Actually, we've been looking for you."
The man lets his guard down for a split second, but soon raises his gun again.
"So, you're one of those responsible folks?"- He asks- "Trying to find a good pastime, aren't you?"
Akira sighs.
"More than that."- She says- "We're trying to join the fight."
The man smiles and motions for them to sit down.
"Then go ahead and join me."- He says- "I like hard-working people."
Once he gets the chance to look at them closely, he realizes who they are and chuckles.
"What is so funny?"- Adam asks him- "You almost mistook us for a bunch of flamboyant bandits!"
The man smiles and bows his head, revealing the scar on his right cheek.
"I'm sorry about that, prince. It's just that you... came at the wrong time. Everyone in town's trying to be cautious, and I'm twice as much as them."- He says- "Your uncle warned me that you would find your way here. I refused to believe you would be that... foolhardy, but let's just say that I underestimated your travelling spirit."
Adam nods.
"Are you uncle John's father?"- He asks- "Great-uncle James Braveheart? Hunter of evil souls and general malcontents?"
James grins.
"Ah. It has been years since someone mentioned my name in such a clear, innocent way."- He says and nods- "Well. If you're looking for the famed headhunter of outlaws, seeker of righteous justice, then you're not mistaken. You're in the right spot."
He smiles.
"In my free time, I am also the mayor of Duskwood. Day-to-day commander of whatever brave souls decided to resume their rightful duties as its warriors. And, most importantly, a man who has been living alone for nearly two decades."- He says- "Not the best type of existence, I'm afraid to say, but I'm still alive. Many of my fellow comrades became victims of the dark and I'm lucky that I'm not one of them."
Adam nods.
"We came all the way here because of a murder that happened in various small towns."- He says- "We believe that, whoever this person may be, their base of operations is set on the grounds of your beautiful, little town. They are too dangerous to be kept alive and we must hunt them down at all costs. Any kind of help is greatly appreciated."
James smiles.
"I knew it. Getting all the way up here, just to protect a bunch of people that other heroes are too afraid to keep safe."- He says and chuckles- "You're just like your father. The positivity and courage that you've got in those veins of yours, they're truly awe-inspiring, my boy."
Akira nods.
"So, can you help us out?"
James's smile fades away in an instant.
"Help you?"- He says- "Kids. I've been tracking this guy down for months. You think that any of this is new to me? Did you really doubt my skills?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Not even for a second, sir."
James nods.
"It shows."
He pulls out a large map from behind his desk and lays it on its surface. 
"Somewhere in this place, a flamboyant, no-good fool is on the loose. And he is causing a great deal of chaos for our people, whether he sees it or not."- He says- "The way he uses the terrain as an advantage makes me think that we're dealing with a professional. He's done it before and he has no qualms about doing it again."
Adam shrugs.
"Well... that is just everyday life for us."- He mutters.
James sighs.
"After narrowing down the possible jobs down to a few possibilities, I came to the conclusion that he is some kind of butcher."- He continues- "I questioned the butchers. Confiscated some of their goods. I even had to punish a few who were openly aggressive toward me. In the end, I never found an answer."
Adam nods.
"Maybe we can find an answer to this dilemma?"- He says- "I have the innate ability of finding concealed tracks with my magic. I can force the truth out of those insecure souls. And, finally, I can be a moral compass for those who lost their faith in the order."
James smiles.
"When you came in this town, I thought that you would be a sight for sore eyes. I guess that I wasn't wrong."- He says and nods- "Alright, kid. I accept your offer. If you think that you can do better than me, please be my guest."
Adam smiles and nods.
"You will not regret it, sir."- He says- "Whoever the culprit may be, they will pay for their crimes."
James shows the map to him and points out some of the key locations where the criminal causes the most mayhem without attracting unwanted attention. He teaches him a few techniques that will help him call for help if he is surrounded by the villain and his lackeys and tells him about the undead-infested spots that he should avoid.
After bringing most of our heroes' questions to light, James leans back and smiles.
"Well. That sums it up."- He says- "Good luck. And, if you find evidence of someone else who's manipulating the culprit, let me know. I'll make sure to let all legal authorities know what to be aware of."
Adam nods.
"If that happens, rest assured that we will waste no time to tell you, sir."- He says- "In the end, all of the villains will be brought to justice. Or smitten by it."
James chuckles.
"That's the Adam that I've expected to see."- He replies- "Keep on shinin', kiddo. You've got a bright future ahead of you."
As Adam and his allies leave James's office, Akira looks around suspiciously.
"If the culprit hasn't been caught for so long, then this means someone is helping them. Hiding them from plain sight or somesuch."- She says- "Do you think that Darkthrop is responsible?"
Adam nods.
"Maybe his servants were not docile and helpless this entire time."- He says- "If so, this means that we are going to deal with something much more widespread. Not just a few simple murders and a man behind them. Something much more well-devised and fueled by ill intentions."
Emela sighs.
"Oh, great. Another problem that humanity failed to solve."- She says- "As the former Water Guardian, I felt like they had the courage to save their own planet. But now, I can finally see who's saving it for them."
Akira nods.
"You said it yourself, Em. Those are our people, and if they can't learn to trust, they'll feel the pain of losing something."- She says- "However, most of them always fail to show any initiative. Leaving a bunch of lowly heroes to handle a problem is quite disrespectful, but I can't blame them. I would've been afraid too, were I in their place. It's just too much to handle."
Adam shakes his head.
"It does not matter whether those people are able to help or not. We are their sworn guardians and have been protecting them for many years."- He says- "The duty in our veins compels us to do what they cannot. We are their light and, therefore, must solve this problem before it becomes worse."
Emela smiles sadly.
"I think we can both agree to that."- She says- "Let's go. We don't have much time left.'
As they walk on the broken roads, under the searingly hot sun, they notice someone in the distance, looking at them. He or she has a knife in his hand.
Even from this distance, it is clear that the stains on its surface are not ketchup or some kind of red sauce.
Akira aims her bow at them.
"Stop, in the name of the law."- She says and takes a step forward- "Lift your hands up and show us your face."
Instead of complying like a normal, law-abiding citizen, the person smirks, lifts his knife and throws it at her, narrowly missing the right side of her neck.
"Jerk!"- She yells as she stands up- "Get him!"
Adam and Emela draw their weapons. They use some of their magic to enhance their speed and chase the mysterious man.
However, the person proves to be too fast for them. No matter if they have magic on their side or not, this person seems to know some kind of tricks that greatly enhance his speed without the use of magic. This gives him the advantage in this high speed chase.
Finally, he finds a good opportunity and disappears into the mist.
Adam and Emela reach the spot, only to find a giant wall blocking their way.
"Oh, dear."- Emela says- "Looks like he's gone."
Adam sighs.
"Whoever this person may have been, they made it out."
They turn around just as Akira rejoins them.
"So."- She says- "Did you get him?"
Seeing the sad looks on their faces, she realizes that the answer is "no".
She sighs.
"Well, at least we know that the culprit truly exists."- She says- "Come on. We must find more evidence before night falls."