MLTO C3, P11

This is the eleventh Part of "MLIV:TO" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 16.01.2023.
== Plot ==
After a perilous encounter between Geralt's allies and the centaurs of the woodlands occurs, something unexpected happens. The centaurs managed to use some of their abundant abilities to trap our heroes, nearly bringing their mission toward an inevitable doom. 
However, thanks to the help of a certain young and brave heroine, our mighty leader- Geralt Kaos- managed to escape from the clutches of his enemies and wander off into the wilds, in the hopes of finding the strength to overcome the invisible bonds that were placed upon him on his way out.
Demoralized and alone in the middle of his enemies' lands, Geralt wonders how he will be able to come back from this one. Everything in this place seems to be against him and the rest of the woodlands creatures would rather hide in their little holes than join forces with him.
Will the young hero be able to shine once again? Or will he become one with the earth below his own feet, never to return again?
== Story ==
Geralt keeps on running away from his enemies, completely aware that they are somewhere behind him, ready to strike whenever he shows the smallest amount of weakness. Bloodied and tired, the young hero uses his strength as well as he could, although the odds are not in his favor.
"Come on, you annoying human!"- He hears a voice behind him- "Stop running and surrender yourself!"
Geralt shakes his head.
'In the name of all of those who believe in me, I will never surrender!"
Then, he hears laughter coming from behind him.
"Suit yourself!"- The voice behind him exclaims- "You're coming back either way!"
A centaur that is standing a few feet away from him readies his spear and throws it forward. However, Geralt managed to predict this and nimbly avoids the incoming weapon, watching as it lands on a patch of grass instead.
As he lies down to catch his breath, the centaurs surround him. Their spears are drawn and they look like they are ready to spill some blood.
"It's over, Kaos. You've lost."- One of them says and walks forward to grab him- "Hand yourself over. The Firestarter needs you, not those useless fools."
Geralt sighs.
"It seems like you are quite persistent. This is a trait that is quite common within your humble race."- He says- "Alright. You got me where you want me. But do you think that I will stay here for long?"
The centaurs are left confused by Geralt's statement. He seems to be up to something, but they fail to figure out what it could be.
"Wait!"- One of them exclaims- "What are you-- "
And then, they hear the sound of beeping from below their own feet.
"Hasta la vista."- Geralt says victoriously- "Babies."
Then, just as the obvious trap that the centaurs struck is about to go off, he rolls away and nimbly avoids the unavoidable explosion, watching as the creatures are immediately incinerated.
A pair of charred sunglasses flies up and lands down on the ground in front of Geralt. Apparently, the creature managed to steal those froma human being, thinking that they might have some sort of special ability.
Triumphantly, the young hero puts on the sunglasses and smiles, satisfied with the events that unfolded before his eyes.
"And now, it's time to be heroes once again!"
Somewhere in the distance, he can hear the angry yell of Calus the Centaur. He curses the young hero and swears that he will get him someday, but Geralt couldn't care any less. He nonchalantly walks away from the scene, planning his next move as he enjoys his fresh victory over the villains.
On his way out of the battlefield, Geralt stops for a few seconds. He takes off the sunglasses, places them on the ground and sighs.
"Argh. Who am I kidding?"- He says to himself- "I am a failure. I might have escaped from those creatures, but my friends are now at their mercy. I failed to be a hero and I failed to be a friend."
He shakes his head.
"Perhaps I am not worthy of being who I am destined to be."
With that, the young hero walks away, not intending to go back the he came from.
A few minutes spent in tedious walking allow Geralt to reach a small riverbank. He stands near the coast and sits down, contemplating about his own misfortunes.
"I made so many promises. I performed so many deeds."- He says- "And for what? For some worthless imitation of a villain to take everything away from me? In just a few minutes?"
He shakes his head. Tears start falling down from his eyes as he briefly remembers the one who is his source of strength and passion.
"I am very sorry, Kiki. I failed you."- He says- "I promised that I would keep your legacy alive, but I cannot even ensure my own."
He looks down.
"I... am not worthy of seeing your face again."
As he silently contemplates about everything that happened to him, a small group of bandits surrounds him. They point their weapons at him, but he does not react.
"Just get on with it."- He says and sighs, not even daring to look up at them- "I know that you might hold some kind of a grudge against me. If that is so, then you have my permission to finish me off.'
The bandits stare at him for a few seconds. Then, they look down and sigh.
"This isn't worth it, man."- One of them says- "It ain't fun to torture someone who's already broken."
He turns around.
"Let's go. boys."- He continues- "Leave the hero be."
With that, the bandits shake their hands and leave Geralt alone near the riverbank.
"So, I am not even worth the trouble anymore?"- He says and sighs- "How unfortunate."
He stares at the riverbank ahead of him, reminiscing the times that he spent with his brother. The adventures that they experienced. The villains that they managed to defeat together. And then, he remembers the fact that he was the one who made him go blind, just because he was unable to save himself.
"Everyone I've ever loved has suffered because of me. Deep inside, I was always a nuisance to them and they just wanted me to go away as soon as possible."- He says- "Maybe I should take my chances elsewhere. I... do not want to hurt them anymore."
As he continues to talk aloud, he hears someone clearing his throat behind him. Curious, he turns around, expecting to find another regular villain, but soon realizes that the person who is stalking him is no other than Gaspar- the evil alien.
"Hold on."- He says- "It is you again."
Gaspar laughs.
"YES, YOU LITTLE INSECT. I FINALLY FOUND YOU."- He says- "IT SEEMS LIKE YOU'VE MANAGED TO CAUSE A LOT OF TROUBLE WHILE I WAS GONE."
Geralt sighs.
"Well, this insect's buzzing has stopped long ago. I am nothing more than the shell of a former great hero now."- He says- "Do whatever you want with me. I will not resist, I promise."
Gaspar nods.
"AH. THIS WILL BE TOO EASY."- He says- "I WOULD'VE FELT PITY FOR YOU, IF I HAD ANY. BUT I AM GASPAR AND I DON'T FEEL ANY. BECAUSE SUPREME BEINGS LIKE MYSELF ONLY LIVE TO GATHER POWER AND CRUSH THEIR ENEMIES. FEELING PITY ONLY MAKES US WEAK."
He laughs.
"OH WELL. IT WAS A FUN RIDE."- He says- "BUT IT HAS TO END, HERE AND NOW."
Drawing his scythe, he lunges at Geralt, intending to mow him down with a single blow.
"I'LL PUT YOU OUT OF YOUR MISERY, LITTLE WORM."- He says- "PREPARE YOURSELF. I AM COMING FOR YOU."
Geralt sighs.
"Of course."- He responds- "Suit yourself."
As Gaspar closes in for the easiest kill in his entire life, the air around him suddenly changes. The area becomes a little brighter and the villain manages to feel some sort of powerful energy. An oppressive one, to be exact.
Before he is able to react, a lone figure jumps out of the bushes and lunges forward. It strikes the alien, sending him flying far away.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, LONE WOLF!"
Geralt looks up, surprised.
"Lone Wolf?"- He asks- "Could it be... ?"
As the man approaches Geralt, he lifts his hood, revealing himself to be Deugan Selmae.
"Hey there, kiddo."- He says to Geralt- "Looks like I came at the right time. Are doing okay?"
Geralt sighs.
"Well... not really, Mr. Selmae."
Deugan raises his eyebrow.
"What's wrong?"- He asks- "Are you experiencing some sort of loneliness again? Do you need any help?"
Geralt looks down.
"I... will be fine."- He says- "I just need some time, away from everything else."
Deugan sighs.
"It seems like something very bad happened. Just by looking into his eyes, I can see just how broken he is."- He says to himself- "I really want to respect his privacy, but I can't leave him alone like this. I must provide him with aid, even though he denies it."
Deugan sits next to Geralt and sighs again.
"You know, you and I have so much in common. We've always been the wiser heads in our groups. We've always been serious about our missions and we executed them perfectly. And we never, ever stopped caring about our loved ones."- He says- "But you, my boy, are a flower that has yet to bloom, whereas I am one that is starting to wither away. And yet, we both have a lot to learn. Everytime we think that we understand the world, it always surprises us. It always makes us head back, unaware of our true purpose."
He looks at him.
"Do you want to hear a little story?"
Geralt sighs.
"Well. I have got nowhere else to go."- He says- "So, yes. I would love to."
Deugan smiles.
"Alright then."
He looks up.
"When I was younger, I travelled with two wonderful people. Their names were Mardek and Emela. They were always so kind to me and treated me as a valuable part of their team. We were inseparable and went on many adventures together... until that fateful encounter, that wretched encounter, the one that forced me to make a very painful decision."- He says- "I managed to survive, but only with the help of a certain someone I really cared about. And I... I never really had the chance to thank her, because I was too busy thinking about saving the world. I was infatuated with the thought of bringing justice upon those unfortunate lands, so I was forced to leave her alone. And, trust me, she was truly alone after I left. No one ever dared to stay with her, even for a little bit."
Geralt raises his eyebrow. He is clearly curious about the person that Deugan was forced to betray, but decides that it is a good idea to bring it up.
"Is that the reason why you became Lone Wolf?"- He asks.
Deugan sighs.
"Indeed, kiddo. My guilt and my inability to see my loved ones again made me take on the mask of this unknown hero. I became an inspiration to many others, but a bane to my own existence."- He says- "Many times, I met with my old friend who had changed a lot, just like myself. I told him about how friendship can only drag a person down. I wanted to convince him that it's best to let those feelings go. And yet, I never truly meant it. I wanted to lecture him, but only because I truly cared about him. Because I wanted him to live a happy life, even though I was completely aware that I was never going to be a part of it. But all that I managed to do was cause him more pain. The regret enveloped my entire soul again and I had to let go of my made-up persona, for the sake of making my friends and family happy once again."
Deugan smiles.
"Do you know what are the most important things in this world, Geralt?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm."- He says- "Are Hope and Faith in the list?"
Deugan nods.
"True. Hope and faith are two of the most important things in our very existence."- He says- "But there are two things that are far more important than them. And they both start with the letter 'F'."
Geralt looks at him.
"Friendship and family?"- He asks- "But very few members of my family have truly cared about me! And the friends who stand by my side, they just can't stop making self-sacrifices. I want to believe that they are worth it, but how can I do that?"
Deugan smiles.
"Well, Geralt. It's easy."- He responds- "Hope and Faith are incorporeal forces of goodness that often manifest themselves into something that's important to you. Something that you value more than everything else. And the things that you truly value are those friends and family, as well as the rest of the world. You have hope that everything is going to get better for everyone someday and faith in your loved ones, who have faith in you."
Geralt looks up.
"Hope and Faith are powers that I never came to understand."- He says- "And yet, I think that I can see your point. If one does not respect his own friends and family, what good will it do to direct his greatest wishes toward making a better world for everyone else?"
Deugan nods.
"It's those friends and family that helped you become who you are and it's those friends and family who can unknowingly take it all away."- He says- "You are clinging toward that little sliver of hope, hoping that you can find an answer to your own prayers. And yet, you're left unanswered, so you do the one thing that every brave hero has ever experienced in the past- become secluded and distant."
Deugan places his hand on Geralt's shoulder.
"I can see how you feel right now and I sympathize with your sorrow, even though I'll never be able to fully understand you."- He says- "But the promises that you made are still burning bright. You're the hero of this world, the savior of the universe. Every person in this world, whether they know it or not, owes you a huge debt for your services, and they must repay them with respect. You're a figure of legend, even though you're nothing more than a clueless youngster with visions of a better world."
Deugan stands up.
"So tell me, Geralt."- He says to him- "Are you simply going to stand here, helpless and deceived, as your entire world falls apart in front of your eyes? Are you going to simply let them take it all away, just because they were a little bit too strong for you?!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"Of course not!"- He exclaims- "They may have taken away my homeland, but they will never take away my hope and faith! My pride and wisdom! For as long as I am here, I shall make them see the light, in its purest form!"
Deugan smiles.
"Yes! I can see it again!"- He says- "Your spirit's burning brighter than ever! Your power has returned!"
Geralt smiles back.
"It is true. I have managed to conquer my own fears."- He says- "But I could not have done it without you. Your words became the source of my strength and your past deeds allowed me to learn how to be a better person. If it makes you feel better, then you should know that you're the second biggest motivation in my life right now."
Deugan raises his eyebrow.
"Second?"- He asks- "But who is... "
Then, he looks down and smiles.
"Ah. I see."- He says- "I am glad that you still care about them. They are wonderful people."
He hears the sounds of a boat coming from behind him and takes a step back.
"It seems like help has finally arrived. For you, that is."- He says- "I shall let you see it yourself. I'm sure that you'll receive a pleasant surprise."
Geralt looks at him.
"Wait, Mr. Selmae!"- He exclaims- "Where are you going? Shouldn't you be helping people in need, like us?"
Deugan looks back. He stares at Geralt for a few moments and shakes his head.
"As much as I would love to help you out, I'm afraid that I have to go."- He says, regretfully- "I recently received a distress call. It was coming from the person who matters the most to me. And he... he doesn't have a lot of time left before the monsters reach him. I must stand by his side and help him out, even though he's too far away from here."
Geralt smiles.
"Of course. I understand that you are worried about him and I can't blame you. He's a great hero and so are you."- He says- "So. What are you waiting for? Go ahead an help that friend of yours! I am sure that you'll do great!"
Tears fall from Deugan's eyes as he continues to stare at Geralt. With each passing moment, he reminds him more and more of the brave knight who helped him become the hero that he is now.
"I hope that Fate will allow us to meet again soon."- He says and waves at Geralt- "Farewell, my boy. May the gods bless you and your wonderful family."
Geralt smiles.
"Safe journey, Mr. Selmae!"- He exclaims- "And remember this. We are all in this together, no matter how far away we are!"
Deugan nods.
"You've always been such a hopeful and cheerful child!"- He exclaims- "Don't let the world take it away from you!"
Having said that, he runs back into the bushes, just as the incoming boat finally reaches its destination.
Geralt walks forward, eager to meet the allies who decided to risk their lives to help him out. When he sees the first person emerging from the boat, however, he cannot help but become very amazed.
The person who is standing in front of him... is King Donovan Gonoru- sacred leader of the Kingdom of Goznor. Here, in the endless wilderness that is filled with all kinds of danger, fearless and calm. A true warrior in the face of impending doom, this man is the force that was needed to turn the lever of Geralt's mind once again.
"Your Majesty!"- Geralt exclaims- "I cannot believe this! You are here!"
Donovan is equally surprised. Seeing that Geralt is still alive and well is truly a sight for sore eyes, especially for those who have sailed through the treacherous seas for so long.
"I'm glad to see that the fiends haven't brought you down, young Geralt. Your presence brings a lot of morale to me and my troops."- He says- "However, I can't help but see that you're alone out here. Weren't Aurelia and Aaron supposed to be with you? What happened to them?"
Geralt sighs and shakes his head.
"It is a long story. A very long story."- He says- "And we have no time to waste. Perhaps your fateful appearance can be our chance to turn the tides."
Donovan nods.
"Say no more, my boy. I know what you mean."- He says and readies his spear- "Me and my men are at your command. Together, we shall go ahead and defeat the evil, just like we did when we were with your dad."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Do I look like him right now?"
Donovan smiles.
"Look like him?"- He says and chuckles- "Geralt, you never stopped being just like him! Ever since that brave man disappeared from the face of the earth, I noticed how a part of his soul was transferred into your very being. You have always been a hero like him. And, if I may say so myself, you may become a much better one."
Geralt sighs.
"Better or not, I still have a mission to complete."- He says- "And we must succeed, in the name of my father who is still out there!"
Donovan looks at him.
"So you still believe that he lives?"
Geralt nods.
"I never stopped believing, Your Majesty."- He says- "Ever since he was forced to leave us behind, I believed in him and knew that he would return someday. And, sooner or later, I know that my prayers will be answered!"
Donovan nods.
"And we shall make sure of that."- He says- "All of us."
He stares forward.
"But this mission is far from over. The enemy is still deep within their own territory and we must be the ones who make the first move."- He says- "So, let's keep fighting and teach those fools a valuable lesson- to never disrespect the sacred laws that we, the human beings, have forged with our own hands for the entire world.
Geralt nods.
"Then our goal in entirely clear."- He says- "Let's go out there and free my friends from the clutches of evil."
As the group prepares to leave the riverbank, a lone figure appears in front of them. Upon closer inspection, it is revealed that this creature is Gaspar- the villainous alien who mocked Geralt and tried to kill him.
"AHA! SO THAT'S WHERE YOU ARE!"- He exclaims- "I TOLD YOU THAT YOU CAN'T ESCAPE FROM ME, INSECT!"
Donovan steps between Geralt and Gaspar.
"Leave the child alone, villain."- He says- "I don't know who you are, but I know that you should-- "
He looks closer and gasps.
"Wait a minute! I recognize you!"- He exclaims- "You're one of the creatures who killed my father!"
Gaspar laughs.
"YOU MUST BE DONOVAN GONORU. OR KING DONOVAN GONORU, IF I AM LED TO BELIEVE."- He says- "NICE TO MEET YOU, YOUR MAJESTY!"
Donovan sighs and shakes his head.
"Spare your humility. It won't work against me."- He says- "Now tell me! Why are you here? What do you want from us?!"
Gaspar glares at him and Geralt.
"LONG AGO, YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TOOK IN A DANGEROUS CRIMINAL. YOU TREATED HIM LIKE A HERO AND PRETENDED THAT HE WAS YOUR ALLY. BUT HE WAS THE ONE WHO TRIED TO DESTROY OUR ORDER AND BRING US BACK INTO CHAOS. SO, WE SENT TWO OF OUR OWN KIND AND YOU KILLED THEM. IN COLD BLOOD."- He says- "IS THAT A GOOD EXPLANATION, YOUR MAJESTY?"
Donovan glares back at him.
"But your freaks were the ones who ruined our order with their actions!"- He says- "First, that Moric tried to revive all of the deceased people on our planet and use them against us. Were it not for Mardek and his friends, we would have lost a lot of good people. A lot of beautiful lands, reserved for our children."
He points his spear at him.
"And that Qualna. That abominable creature with twisted views who thought that it was bringing us wisdom, but only bright us pain and destruction. He was the worst of them all."- He says- "He was the one who killed my father- the King! And I hated him, just like I hate you!"
Gaspar laughs.
"YOU'RE QUITE A BRAVE ONE, IF YOU DARE TO INSULT MY COLLEAGUES. I HAVE TO GIVE YOU THAT."- He says- "BUT THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF YOUR TROUBLES. YOUR PATHETIC HUMAN RACE TORE US ALL APART AND WE SHALL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THAT!"
Donovan raises his spear in the air.
"Well, I'm glad that we're on the same page, you fiend!"
Filled with rage over the deaths of his loved one, Donovan screams and charges. He tries to stab Gaspar, but his blow gets through the alien's body, leaving him completely unharmed.
"NO. NOT YET."- He says- "THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME. NOT THE RIGHT PLACE."
He starts to disappear.
"I JUST WANTED TO SEE HOW POWERFUL YOU'VE ALL BECOME. AND NOW, I KNOW IT."- He continues- "YOUR DETERMINATION... IS NOTED. BUT YOU'RE NOT READY. YET."
He turns around and looks at Geralt.
"AS FOR YOU, YOUNG HERO, YOU SHOULD WATCH YOURSELF."- He says to him- "I MIGHT BE GONE FOR NOW, BUT THE MANIFESTATION OF YOUR TROUBLES LIES ELSEWHERE."
He chuckles.
"AS I SAID BEFORE, BEWARE THE EMPEROR."
Having said that, he vanishes.
"Once again, this creature managed to outsmart us."- Geralt says and sits on the grass- "What is this about Redmark that I don't know about? Why is he always so important?"
Donovan sighs.
"Well, I guess that we shall discover the answer as time passes."- He says- "Until then, there's one thing left for us to do."
Geralt nods.
"Right."- He says- "My poor friends."
The group moves through the grasslands, cutting their way through the malevolent weeds that are slowly replacing all of the blades of non-enchanted grass.
"With every passing day, the curse on those lands keeps getting worse."- Geralt says to himself- "I wonder if we will be able to find the cure in time."
Soon, they reach the exact same spot where the centaurs attacked Geralt and his allies. They see all three of them, tied up and prepared to be executed.
The centaurs are unaware of their presence, for now. They all cheer for Calus, who gives them his most inspiring speech, in the hopes of motivating them to fight their common enemies.
"And together, we shall bring down the villains known as Mankind. Nothing shall stop us."- He says- "Our leader is wise. Our strength is undeniable. Wherever we go, we cause havoc. And we'll continue to do so, until there's nothing left of what those humans created."
He turns around.
"Today, we shall make an example that'll be remembered for many decades! We shall sacrifice many humans to our benevolent gods and receive their blessings!"- He exclaims- "Starting with those three lost souls!"
Aaron raises his eyebrow.
"You claim that we're the lost ones, but it seems like you're the ones who already lost."- He says to Calus- "With or without us, Geralt is still out there. And I know that he'll make things right! He'll make you see the light and you shall remember that you're not superior to us!"
Geralt looks at his friend.
"Aaron... "
Calus shakes his head.
"Argh. This insolent speech again."- He says, clearly annoyed- "Fine. If you want to act like a hero, then we'll give you a heroic ending."
He waves at one of the butchers, watching as the creature gleefully approaches the young hero and prepares to execute him.
"This is not good."- Geralt says- "There are too many of them and Aaron is in big trouble. We cannot do anything from this vantage point."
Donovan stands up.
"Not on my watch."
As the butcher tests his sacrificial weapon a few times, Donovan grabs one of the centaurs at the back of the crowd and silently throws him on the ground, choking him before he can alert his comrades. Then, he takes the creature's weapon and prepares to take aim.
"Alright, Donnie. Remember all of the training that you received. All of the promises that you made."- He mutters- "It's all or nothing. Make it worth it."
Just as the executioner is about to end Aaron's life, Donovan launches the spear, piercing the powerful creature in the chest and making it drop on its knees.
Shocked, everyone turns around and sees our heroes.
"No!"- Calus screams- "This can't be happening!"
Donovan looks back.
"Go, Geralt!"- He yells- "Now's your chance to redeem yourself again!"
Geralt nods.
"You can count on me, sir!"
The executioner continues to use the little lifeforce that he's got left. He brandishes his massive spear and tries to finish his task before he perishes., Howeve, Geralt jumps in the air and prepares to descend, like a lightning, upon him. Very quickly.
"Die, you fiend!"
Just as the executioner looks up, he is struck by the falling star that is Geralt Kaos. His entire body is torn in two and he dies while experiencing agonizing pain.
Determined and unafraid, Geralt turns around and fearlessly stares at the terrified creatures. He has become much more dangerous than he was before and this only means one thing for his enemies- more trouble.
"Calus! I came back to take what is mine!"- He yells- "And this time, I am not alone! I told you that I would find friends to help me, and I did! And unlike yours, they are much more honorable and humble than you will ever be!"
He points his weapon at him.
"Together, we shall knock your treacherous self back into the bottom of the earth!"- He yells- "You will not resist us anymore, you villain!"