MLII C3, P10- "The Heart's Desire"

"The Heart's Desire" is the tenth and final Part of "Miracula Luxia II" 's third Chapter. It was released on 25.12.2020.
== Plot ==
Having witnessed Rentar-Ihrno escape and defeated a large portion of her allies in the area, Jared, John and Matthew return to the Duskwood encampment to report of their victory... or lack thereof.
It is obvious that John wants to continue the hunt for the maddened Crystal Soul that took his little brother away from him and almost lead to his death due to his loyalty to the wrong side. However, it seems to be a bit different for Jared.
Although the boy agrees that Rentar-Ihrno should be hunted down and put out of her misery, he is still worried about his family and unsure whether he wants to help them out or not.
One thing is for sure, however. Our hero is torn between deciding whether to be by his family's side and protect them from Rentar-Ihrno's Vahnatai or remain loyal to his best friend- John Braveheart and fight the greatest enemy side by side with him, possibly risking his own family's lives in the process.
It is a very hard decision, but he will succeed. It is the heart's desire, after all.
== Story ==
It takes our heroes a few hours to return to the encampment, but they do not give up. Soon, they arrive at the entrance.
One of the guards approaches them, greets them and sees Matthew.
"Who is this boy?"- He asks John- "He seems familiar, but I'm not sure."
John smiles and pats his brother on the shoulder.
"Why, this is my dear brother- Matthew!"- He responds- "He's finally back!"
The guard looks surprised.
"M-Matthew?"- He says- "As in Matthew Braveheart- Mr. Braveheart's long lost son?"
John sighs.
"Believe it or not, this is my brother."- He says- "And our father won't appreciate you keeping us waiting to reunite with him."
Matthew is surprised. Normally, John does not use the word "we" when he is talking about their father. Instead, he refers to him as "his" father, rather than "their".
But it does not matter. The fact that he is finally reunited with his brother is way too emotional for him, no matter how hard he tries to hide it.
The guard nods.
"Well then. Don't let me keep you waiting!"- He says and points at the central campfire- "Your father is over there. He'll be thrilled to see both of you still alive."
Jared thanks the guard and enters the encampment with his two friends.
The residents look at them. They are surprised that the two boys survived and are amazed to see a familiar face again. The face of the boy that has been lost for many years and soon to be reunited with his whole family- Matthew Braveheart.
Our heroes arrive at the central fire. They see James standing there, asleep.
John gently pats his father's shoulder and wakes him up.
James yawns and looks at him.
"John! You're here!"- He says and stands up- "Does this mean that the raid was successful."
Jared sighs.
"We were indeed successful in infiltrating the fort and killing most of our enemies, sir."- He says- "But the greatest enemy got away. We tried to make her pay for what she did to us, but we ultimately failed. We are sorry."
James sighs.
"I knew that it wouldn't be easy to kill a creature like her."- He says to himself- "Rentar-Ihrno's storng, but not invulnerable. Perhaps if we attacked her again, we would end her once and for all... "
Lost in thought, he does not notice the boy with blonde hair standing next to John. However, once he catches a glimpse of him, he looks up.
Seeing that it is indeed whom he was hoping to make him happier, his eyes light up.
"Matty, my boy!"- He says and embraces his son.
He is soon in tears. The arrival of his long lost son is taking a toll on him and his hard personality has softened in the process.
Matthew, on the other hand, seems to be unaffected by the fact that he is reunited by his father. He hugs him back, but he does not show a lot of emotion, unlike him. It seems like he still despises him for being left behind by his family. He forgave his big brother, but it is different for their father- the man whose actions led to this chain of events that forced Matthew to join Rentar-Ihrno and her Vahnatai.
However, he still smiles when he realizes that he is reunited with his whole family once again. The feeling of joy cannot be avoided easily. Not at all.
"It's good to see you again, papa."- He says- "I missed you so much."
"Me too, kiddo."- James responds- "Me too."
Jared and John leave them to talk for a few moments and back away.
"So. Why did we come over here?"- Jared asks his best friend- "Is there something that you want to tell me?"
John nods.
"It's about Rentar-Ihrno."- He says- "The way she brainwashed my brother, in such a cruel, diabolic way... it was unbearable for me. On the way back to the fort, I realized that there is no other way out of this mess- we must either kill Rentar-Ihrno or die trying. It would be foolish to do otherwise."
Jared sighs. 
"Yes. That is true."- He responds- "But I am afraid that I cannot help you with that, at least for the time being."
John looks him in the eye. He sees that he has a sense of insecurity within him, thoughts that are clouding his judgement and forcing his mind to go towards a wrong path. A path that might lead to more destruction and pain for the whole world- a disaster that they ought to avoid at all costs, for the sake of everything sacred.
"What... what do you mean by that?"- He mutters, barely believing what he is hearing- "Why would you consider getting away from the real battle, especially after we have gone so far? Don't you know how catastrophic the consequences will be if this fiend is not destroyed, Jared?!"
Jared sighs.
"I am very aware of that. I know how hard it will be, but I have something else in mind right now."- He says- "And it is related to my family."
John raises his eyebrow, surprised by the fact that Jared's family is mentioned.
"Yes?"- He says- "What about them?"
Jared looks at the sky and sighs.
"All these years, I was forced to neglect them and think about facing my own demons. Forging my own future. Earning my own achievements to be proud of and defeat enemies all by myself. But I forgot the most important thing that my dad said to me when I was a child: "Family is what matters the most, Jared. No matter where you are, no matter what you do, they will always be with you and support you. And I hope that you will do the same." "
He wipes a tear from his left eye and continues:
"I know that you will mention it, so I will say this- I am indeed aware that my family can defend themselves, even when I am not with them. Even when they cannot rely on my support. But I cannot bear the fact that I will be without them for longer than I have."
He sighs.
"I will not lie. I will be honest with you, John."- He continues- "I want to return to Paris. I want to protect them, to keep them safe from the jaws of evil. To see them happy and protected, especially in a time like this. It is my duty and I want to fulfill it, as a true son. I owe it to everyone, especially to my mother and father who have done so much for me. I want to return the favor... somehow. In the way of protection, at the very least."
He looks at John.
"Yes, you are reunited with yours now. You are not truly happy, but you are together and this is what matters the most in a time like this. As for me, I am alone. Away from my family. Unable to feel the joy of being with those with whom I share the same bloodline."
He turns to a nearby rock and hits it with his fist a few times. Soon, he pulls it back and wipes another tear from his left eye.
"Why?!"- He yells- "Why must I be the only one who suffers? Why must I be the only one who is not with his family?!"
John looks at him and sighs. Jared's problems are clearly worrying him as well.
However, he knows that there is no time to visit his best friend's family, not even once. They have to act fast and defeat Rentar-Ihrno while she is still weakened. Otherwise, she would become too strong and nobody will be able to defeat her.
"You know the dangers and so do I."- He says stoically- "You either come with us to hunt for Rentar-Ihrno in Avernum tomorrow or you return to Paris, to help your family."
He turns towards his tent and walks towards it.
"The choice is yours. You have time until tomorrow morning. That's when we'll depart."- He adds and enters the tent, leaving Jared alone outside.
Jared looks at the sky and realizes that it is nighttime. He quickly enters his tent as well.
There, he lays on the floor, unable to decide what to do tomorrow.
"I promised John that we will find those Vahnatai together, that we will be side by side until the bitter end."- He says to himself- "But, at the same time, I want to help my family."
He sighs.
"Dear God. Why does Fate make those decisions so hard for us?"
With those in mind, he continues to lay on the floor, lost in thought.
Eventually, he closes his eyes and falls asleep.
In his dreams, he sees himself walking in a forest with his mother. 
Of course, this is just a fragment of a distant memory. It is of a time that dates well before this day and age.
"Mommy, why do we always care so much about our friends?"- Jared asks her- "Why do we value them so much?"
Seiko smiles and shakes her head.
"It's not always important why you're friends with them than how much you value each other's lives and you are willing to protect your friendship at all costs."- She responds- "You see, friends are like little jewels in a crown. They might be insignificant and purely serve as a decoration for it, but they are still very valuable. Every single one of them represents a memory from a tile long past, something that helps us remember who we are, why we are here and who we have to protect. All those things describe our friends very well and show us that each and every single one of them must be kept close in our hearts at all times, no matter where we are and how far away we are from each other. Friendship is one of the most valuable things in our lives. It's more precious than the most expensive car, shinier than the most perfect diamond and more durable than the strongest fort. Friendship may not be magic, but it is a key to happiness- one that we must always strive to obtain. At all costs, with no questions asked."
She smiles again.
"Did you understand that, my dear Jared?"
Jared nods, seemingly understanding his mother's words.
"Yes, mommy."- He says- "Friends are amazing. And whenever I find one, I will respect them for who they are and make them happy, just like you and daddy."
Seiko nods.
"And that's why you're so amazing."- She says- "I love you, kiddo... "
Suddenly, the memory fades away and Jared wakes up. He quickly realizes that it is morning.
Unable to keep his emotions in balance, he falls to his knees and begins to cry.
"Mom, I-I... "- He mutters, unsure what to do.
Then, just as suddenly as he fell to his knees, he stands up, seemingly sure about how to proceed.
"I understand what you meant by that."- He says- "For all these years, I wondered whether friendships are that important for me and whether I should cherish every single one of them or not.. But now, I know better."
He takes a step forward."
"And I know what to do."
He leaves the tent and sees that John, Matthew and James are waiting for him. 
John stands up to greets his friend.
"John, I have made my decision."- Jared says- "And I am ready to say it to you."
John nods.
"Me too, my friend."
They take deep breaths and say the same exact thing, at the same time:
"I want to join you!"
Moments later, both of them stumble back, surprised. They did not expect the other person to say the same thing.
"What do you mean by that?"- John asks him.
Jared shakes his head.
"No. What do you mean by that?"- He says- "Didn't you want to be with your family."
John looks at his father and sighs.
"As hard as it has been for all of us, my father decided that it's best for me and Matthew to join you in returning to Paris and helping your family out."- He says- "Maybe we can work with them in finding Rentar-Ihrno and defeating her."
Jared nods, though he is not satisfied with his best friend's decision. He turns to James.
"Mr. Braveheart, I am very sorry about having to take away your family from you. Especially after you recently reunited with it."- He says- "I promise to bring them back safe and sound as soon as possible."
James smiles.
"Oh, don't worry about me. I know how to defend myself from those aliens."- He responds- "Besides, I think that my boy is much happier when he's with you. Gives him a purpose to fight, someone to respect and protect. It's something that he's always wanted to do ever since he was a child."
John nods.
"So, shall we go?"- He says- "We shouldn't waste any time. We must return to Paris."
Jared nods.
"Yes. We shall."
He turns back to James.
"Farewell, Mr. Braveheart."- He says- "Stay safe."
James smiles.
"Same for you, child."- He responds- "We're all counting on you and we know that you will succeed. Come back to tell us about your victory against that alien, alright?"
Jared nods.
"I will. I promise!"
Having said that, Jared and his friends begin to walk towards the exit.
However, just as they go outside, John hears a familiar voice and turns around. He sees a person running towards him and realizes who it is.
"John, sweetie. There you are!"- She says- "Busy as always, I see!"
The person in question is a young woman named Kayla. She is James' second wife and John's adoptive mother. Ever since they grew close to each other, Kayla has been very worried about him and tried to help him out whenever she could.
Now, however, she can only provide moral support.
"So, where are you going?"- She asks her son- "Is it pretty far away?"
John nods.
"We're going to Paris, mom."- He says- "That's where Jared's parents are. We need to help them out and take them with us. They can help us defeat the alien leader."
Kayla smiles.
"I'm glad that you're working so hard to help your friends in need!"- She says- "That's my boy!"
She turns to Jared.
"I hope that you're taking good care of my boy, Jared."- She says- "He may be strong and confident, but he is also unsure at times. I hope that you're there to guide him towards the right path."
Jared nods.
"Yes, Ms. Braveheart. I am always ready to help my friend out, just like he always has."- He says- "We are a team, after all!"
Kayla grins.
"That's what I want to hear!"- She exclaims- "Good job, kiddo!"
She turns to Matthew and pats him on the head.
"And you, you better not do anything evil again. Okay?"- She says- "My heart broke when I realized that you've been working with those monsters!"
Matthew nods.
"Of course, Miss... umm, I mean mom!"- He says- "From now on, I will be a good boy!"
Kayla smiles.
"Come here."- She says to the three of them- "Let me hug you before you go out there."
Having said that, she embraces them.
"We will miss you, mom."- John says to her.
Kayla smiles.
"I'll miss you too, kiddo."- She responds- "I'll miss you a lot."
Moments later, she lets go of them and watches as they leave.
"Go beat those monsters up for us!"- She says- "We believe in you!"
In the forest, our heroes decide to speak to each other for a while.
"You made a good decision, Jared."- John says to his best friend- "Helping your own family is more important than helping friends like us. They need you more than we do, that's for sure."
Jared shakes his head.
"That is true. But that does not mean that it will get in the way of our friendship."- He responds- "We have been friends for years and I do not want to ruin our friendship with my actions."
John smiles.
"Ruin our friendship? Now, years after we met and bonded with each other?"- He says- "Jared, our friendship is very strong. No matter what happens next, we will always be friends. And I will always be by your side, ready to help you defeat evil. We will work as a team and defeat Rentar-Ihrno. When that happens, peace will return and we will be happy once again."
Jared nods.
"I am glad to hear that."- He responds.
Having finished their conversation, the three of them walk out of the forest, getting ready to walk through the many miles leading towards the city of Paris- Jared's home.
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And so, the story of the mysterious fort has been concluded. Its forces have been defeated, its army- in disarray and its remaining warriors- never to return.
However, although the Vahnatai have been defeated, their leader is still out there. She is still filled with hate towards all living humans and is ready to launch another assault soon, no matter if she loses or not.
Defeating such a powerful enemy will be a hard task fr our heroes, but they are not alone anymore. They will have the support of their friends and family- both physically and emotionally. There may be a light in the darkness after all.
But the question still remains- will Jared be able to defeat Rentar-Ihrno... or will he fail and let everyone down, dooming Avernum and the Surface in the process.
Fortunately, that question will be answered soon. It will be a hard journey for our hero, but he will do his best to finish this sacred does. And when he does, the world can finally rest from all the ordeals that it had to face.
Onward!
== Trivia ==
* This Part's name is the same as the Chapter in which it is featured ("The Heart's Desire").
* This Part was posted on Christmas (25.12.2020) and is the last Part for a Story that is published in 2020.