MLII:TB P3- "Cold Blood"

"Cold Blood" is the third Part of "Miracula Luxia II: The Bond".
It was released on 09.09.2021.
== Plot ==
Although Jared and his allies eleminated most evil creatures that threatened to ruin the peace on Avernum and the Surface (Including all of their leaders), there are still stragglers from the previous wars who will stop at nothing to wreck havoc among everyone and put them all into disarray.
This is the case for today's battle. A small band of demons has managed to find Akari and her daughter and has decided to attack them, with the intention to provoke Jared, knowing that he will try to help them out immediately when he learns that they are in trouble.
What they were not counting on until now is the fact that a new hero will help them out. A courageous young man who will join his battle and destroy the remnants of Grah-Hoth's army once and for all.
However, even though the creatures are horribly outnumbered, they're not going to back down. Whatever happens next, it is clear that they will try to take our heroes down with them or, failing to do that, turn their attention on one of them and plunge them into the everlasting darkness.
Like Jared's father once said, every battle is a risk that a hero takes. You can win it, but not without losing someone that is important to you.
Unfortunately, Jared is going to realize that his father's words are going to become a reality very soon.
== Story ==
Jared rushes forward and manages to push Akari out of the way. 
However, he is not lucky enough to avoid the incoming attack himself and is struck in the shoulder by a demon's claw.
Adam manages to pull his father away before the said demon can finish him off and stabs him in the chest.
"What are those creatures?"- He turns around and asks him- "I have never seen them before!"
Jared takes a look at them and sighs.
"I suppose that I owe you an explanation for this one. You are my son and I cannot keep this away from you anymore."- He says- "Those creatures are demons- some of the most powerful denizens of the Underworld. Vicious and bloodthirsty, they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, even if it means that they must kill someb-- "
He realizes that both of them are under attack and manages to avoid a huge fireball while also pushing his son out of the way.
"It does not matter, though. History is something that you will learn someday in the future and I do not want to reveal its contents way too soon."- He continues as he stabs a demon that has gotten too close to them- "There is one thing that I am going to tell you and it will explain their personalities perfectly. They are evil. They are stupid. And, most importantly, they are very, very dangerous. And, if we cannot stop them right here and right now... "
He sighs and shakes his head. Then he draws his finger across his neck.
"I am sure that you understand what this means."- He finishes- "Because it can happen to all of us. There are no exceptions."
Adam nods.
"I understand."- He says- "Those creatures are a true menace. A danger to the human world. And, when I defeat them, I can finally say that I am ready to fight whatever evil stands in my way. That is all."
His father hands him Demonslayer.
"Then go ahead and slay them. Show me that you are worthy of being called a "true hero". "- He says- "I am counting on you, Adam. Do not let me down."
Suddenly, the look on his face gets very serious. His friendly demeanor vanishes within seconds.
When Adam looks in his father's eyes, he sees his huge dedication, his unwavering loyalty towards the good people in this world. And there is one thing that is clear about him. He will not take any signs of weakness lightly.
Steeling himself for the worst that has yet to come, Adam lets out a war cry- his first one ever since he became a hero- and attacks the demons that are trying to kill Akari.
Since he is young, they are a struggle for him. When he tries to attack them, they turn around and bombard him with a barrage of fireballs, forcing him to fall on his knees.
"Weakling!"- One of them growls- "You shall die along with them!"
The five of them prepare to strike him down for good.
Just as they are about to cast their spells, Adam's eyes start to glow in a dazzling white color.
"You should not underestimate a child like me."- He says in an otherworldly voice- "Even though I may be weak and dependant, I have the strength to slay all of you."
A second later, he stands up and points Demonslayer at them.
"Die, fiends!"
The demons try to defend themselves, but it is too late. Whatever otherworldly force has possessed the young hero, it allows him to slice through all of them and to leave them bleeding on the ground. One after the other, the fearsome beasts fall like giant trees that are chopped down by a brave woodsman.
Soon, all five of the attackers bleed to death. It is clear that the magic within the magical blade known as Demonslayer is responsible for this, since it has the ability to speed up their bleeding.
Either way, they are gone. Adam approaches Akari and she hugs him.
"Adam, sweetheart! Thank you for saving me!"- She says and lightly pats him on the head- "I can see that you've finally become the hero that you were destined to be. Good job! I am so proud of you!"
Adam nods and smiles.
"It is my honor to help people like you, Ms. Minamino. I am always eager to protect those who are in danger."- He responds- "However, I can't help but notice that someone is missing. Is Akira okay?"
Suddenly, Akari becomes terrified.
"Now that you mention it, she was around here somewhere when I last saw her."
She looks around nervously.
"Akira! Akira, dear!"- She calls out to her- "Where are you?!"
"Akira?!"- Adam says as well- "Akira, if you can hear us, scream once!"
Surprisingly, a scream does come out.
"It came from nearby."- Adam says to Akari- "Let's go, Ms. Minamino!"
Akari nods and follows him to a dark corner.
She sees her daughter, surrounded by a band of demons and tries to run up to her. However, she is stopped by Adam before she can get herself in any danger.
"Wait!"- He says and points at someone next to her- "My father is already there! He can handle this!"
Akari nods and smiles.
"Very well."- She says- "I'm sure that he will succeed."
The two of them step back and watch as Jared fights the demons all by himself while making sure that none of them will attack Akira in the process.
"It's amazing how he's still so good after so many years of heroism."- Akari says to herself- "Maybe Jared does have someone to look up to. And, if I may say so myself, a perfect avatar of Light and Justice."
She looks at Adam and smiles.
"Your father taught you lot, right?"- She asks him.
Adam nods.
"He is my role model. A hero that I admire and respect."- He responds- "I want to become a hero like him and make him proud. That is my biggest dream."
Akari nods.
"That's a very noble goal, my dear."- She says- "I wish you luck in your future endeavors."
Adam smiles.
"Thank you, Ms. Minamino."- He says- "Your opinion means very much to me."
Then, without thinking twice, he hugs her. She hugs him back.
"He is such a pure sweetheart."- Akari says to herself- "It's a shame that he has to face all of this evil and try to correct a world full of chaos. I'm so sorry for him. He doesn't deserve a life like this."
Tears start falling from her eyes, but she manages to wipe them off before Adam can see her.
It is clear that Adam and Akari have a mother-son relationship, even though Adam's mother is a very good person as well. Sometimes, Adam comes to her and asks her for advice- something that she is always very happy to give. She loves him as much as her own child and it is clear that she cares about him nearly as much as his own parents do.
Meanwhile, Jared manages to defeat the last demon and strikes down a few more that try to flee.
He walks up to Akira, pats her on the head and smiles.
"Everything is okay now, Akira. The evil ones are gone."- He says to her- "You can rest assured that nobody will hurt you."
Akira smiles back.
"Mr. Kaos, I... I don't know what to say."- She says to him- "Thank you. You've always been a hero in my eyes, but today, when you saved me and mommy, you became a saint."
Even though Jared and Akira are not related to each other, she bears a strikingly close resemblance to him. Her hair is long and black, her eyes are light blue and her smile is as wide and bright as his.
Jared nods.
"We will make it through this, dear."- He says to her- "Just keep believing in us. We'll make sure that you and your mother are safe."
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"We?"- She asks him- "You and... someone else?"
Jared points at his son and smiles.
"This young do-gooder recently became a hero and he is eager to prove himself."- He responds- "So, give him a chance. I promise that he will make it worth your time."
Akira looks at Adam. She waves at him and smiles.
Meanwhile, he waves back and does the same.
"He's amazing, sir."- She says to Jared- "I can see a lot of potential in him. He'll be a great hero in the future."
Jared nods.
"We are on the same page, dear."- He says- "This boy is a miracle. He will become a hero in no time and I am sure that he will make everyone proud when it happens."
Akira nods.
"Well, I'm already proud of him."- She responds- "And I'm eager to do whatever I can to help him out."
Jared nods again and turns to her.
"So."- He says- "Shall we join them?"
Akira smiles.
"You don't need to tell me twice!"- She responds- "Seeing that my mother is safe makes me very happy! And I'm eager to see her again!"
Jared and Akira run up to Adam and Akari.
Akari runs up to her daughter and hugs her.
"I'm so glad that you're okay, my dearest!"- She says to her- "Did those monsters scare you? Hurt you?"
Akira shakes her head.
"Not at all, mommy."- She says, looks at Jared, smiles and turns back to her- "Mr. Kaos protected me from them. He saved my life, just like he saved those of many people before me. He's a true hero and I'm glad that I got to know him!"
Akari smiles and nods.
"Of course, sweetie."- She says to her- "Heroes like Mr. Kaos are always here to protect us from evil. They are very couragerous, strong and determined to do what is right. And, when they are around, there is nothing that we should be afraid o-- "
Suddenly, she is interrupted as a massive sword slices her stomach open from behind.
"Mommy! NO!"- Akira screams and watches in horror as she falls on the ground and starts to bleed at an alarming rate.
As Jared tries to seal her wounds with his healing spells, she turns to Adam and smiles weakly.
"Adam, sweetie. It seems like my time is almost up."- She says to him- "I'm afraid that the flame in my heart is going to be snuffed away very soon, However, there is something that I've always wanted to tell you. Something that I want to say to, because I might not able to do that in the future."
Adam shakes his head.
"Ms. Minamino, this is not the time to lose faith like this!"- He says, his eyes quickly filling up with tears- "Please, do not give up! We can still save you!"
Akira shakes her head.
"He's right, mommy! Please, don't go!"- She says- "Stay here! I can't go on without you!"
Akari smiles and shakes her head.
"I know how much you always want to be with me, my dearest. I feared that this day would come, sooner or later."- She says to her- "However, there is nothing to fear. You will have a much better life, even if you must carry on without me."
She turns to Adam.
"Adam, my dear. Ever since you were born, I always admired your parents for raising you in the etiquette of a true hero. I was amazed by the dedication and intelligence that you showed at a very young age and I was thrilled to learn that they improved when you got older."- She says to him- "But there... there is still one thing that's bothering me right now. Even though your parents claim that you're going to be a great hero, you still have a long way to go. You still have a lot of new people to meet and a lot of enemies to fight. My question is: Will you always care about the family that you still have left, even when you have a whole world to protect from evil?"
As Adam wonders what to say, Akari turns to Jared.
"Jared, I know that you and Meggy have been through a lot lately, but I want you to do me a favor."- She says- "Can you do something for me, your childhood friend who has always cared about you?"
Jared's eyes are filled up with tears. He clearly has difficulty speaking while grieving, but he still does his best.
He nods.
"A... anything, Aki."- He says to her- "What can I do for you?"
Akari smiles and points at her daughter.
"I want you take my dearest child into your home and raise her as your own daughter."- She continues- "I know that it might be tough for both of you. She has lived with me for fourteen years and it'll be very hard for her to live with a new family. However, I know that she will warm up to you very soon. You, her, Adam and Meggy will be a wonderful family and she will see that her life is still as beautiful as it was until now. I trust your judgement during this situation and I know that you'll make the right decision. However, I am begging you. As a wife and as a mother. Take my child with you and give her the bright future that she deserves."
Jared nods.
"I see. As a true friend, I am eager to help you with whatever I can."- He says to her- "However, I am still confused about why you don't trust your own husband to do the job. He seems to be a good person. He has always helped you take care of Akira. Why do you think that I will be a better father than him? I am afraid to say that I cannot take this child away when it still has a living relative!"
Akari and Akira stare at each other for a few seconds. Akira shakes her head and looks back at Adam.
When the young hero looks into her eyes, he sees that her inner world is crumbling apart. For some reason, when her mother mentioned her father, she immediately became nervous. Sad. Even terrified, from the looks of it.
But why? Why would this girl be terrified of the man who gave life to her? The person who swore to always protect her from harm?
"Akira's father is... not a good parent. He tries to be a better person, but he's always been a bad influence for her."- Akari says to Jared- "You might think that we both took care of this little girl, but in reality, I was the only one who took this responsibility seriously. He's always been away from us, doing God knows what with people that we don't even know. And, during the little time when he was actually with us, he paid little attention to me, let alone his infant daughter. However, the fact that I always ask him to take care of Akira is somehow infuriating for him. Most of the time, he simply ignores us. However, when we anger him way too much, he... he... "
She shakes her head.
"It doesn't matter. He's not worthy of being a single parent to such a wonderful child. And I'm not going to give him the chance to completely ruin her life when I'm not around."
She looks at him. From the look in her eyes, it is clear that she is serious. That she wants Jared to become her parent.
"Jared, you can see what I've become right now. I am a desperate, dying woman who wants to give her own daughter a better future. And I know that she won't have it when she's with her father."- She says to him- "Please. Take her with you and give her as much love as you do for Adam. I want all of you to be happy and safe and I don't want this madman to take her away. Please. Hear the pleas of this unfortunate maiden and make her last wish come true. It's all that I want and I will be grateful to you if you decide to make it happen."
Hearing his childhood friend's last wish and seeing the tiny tears in her eyes makes Jared's decision very obvious. Without a second thought, he nods, calls for Akira and, when she is close enough to him, he takes her in his arms and hugs her.
"I will do it, Akari. If this is your last wish, I will make it happen. This child will see a better future... and I will make sure of it."- He says to her- "However, there is one thing that worries me. When I take Akira with me, it is clear that her father will come looking for her. What should I tell him? Should I send him away? And, if he threatens to hurt my family, what should I do with him?"
Adam steps forward.
"Maybe it's better if we just bring Akira back to her father."- He suggests- "Judging from what Ms. Minamino just said, I can tell that he's a very dangerous person. Maybe it's not worth getting in trouble? We can always take her back if he tries to hurt her."
Akira stares at him, horrified. Her eyes show signs of extreme anger. It is clear that she does not want to see her father anymore.
Akari looks at him and shakes her head.
"I appreciate your desire to keep the Minamino family united, Adam."- She says to him- "However, the situation's far worse that you've anticipated. Since I'm going to die soon, Akira's father will not treat her nicely (Not that he ever did in the first place). He's going to do... horrible things to her and the only way we can save her is by taking her into your family."
She smiles.
"Look. On the bright side, you will have the sister that you've always wanted."- She continues- "Remember when you told me that you've always wanted a bigger sister? Well, I think that your dream will come true very soon. Akira has always wanted a little brother herself and I'm sure that she will always take care of you. All this time, you've been very dear for her and I'm sure that you'll become the dearest person in her life when she moves in. I know that the two of you will live in harmony and I wish you a good life."
She turns to Jared and closes her eyes.
"Jared, it's time."- She says to him and gives him her dagger- "I know that it's tough for you, but it's clear what will happen to me in a few moments. You know what happens to those who die, right? That they always turn into undead monstrosities, as long as their brains are still intact?"
She shakes her head.
"I don't want to hurt you when I become one."- She continues- "So, please. Spare me from a fate worse than death. I... I don't want my daughter to see me like that."
Jared nods.
"I... I will do it."
He tries to stab her in the head, but fails to do so. He tries to do it again, but to no avail. The fact that Akari has always been a dear friend of his prevents him from killing her himself.
As Akira watches Jared trying to stab her mother in the head, she realizes that she has fallen limp. She tries to wake her up, but nothing happens.
All that she can hear is a faint groan- a sign that she will reanimate very soon.
Meanwhile, Adam steps forward and takes the dagger from his father's hand.
"Dad, I understand that she meant a lot to you. Don't force yourself to do something like this."- He says to him- "I will do it instead."
Jared nods and watches as his son looks at the dagger for a few seconds. Then, he tearfully stabs Akari in the head, moments before she can reanimate.
As the young hero silently walks away from his mentor's corpse, he hands the bloodied dagger to Akira.
"I feel like you deserve to use this more than I do."- He says to her- "Here. Use it wisely and remember that we will always be with you. And it is the same for your mother."
Akira reverently takes the dagger into her hand, puts it into her pocket and hugs Adam. As she stares at her mother's corpse, she begins to cry.
"She did not deserve to die like this."- Jared says- "This world is so cruel."
Adam and Akira stare at each other for a few seconds, but are unable to say anything. Then, they turn around just as a demon walks over to them.
Our hero immediately recognizes him. It is the same demon who stabbed Akari, then ran away into the shadows to hide.
He laughs.
"So. The pathetic human finally died? Good riddance!"- He growls- "People like you deserve to burn in the deepest depths of the Underworld!'
All three of them turn to look at him and draw their weapons.
"You... you monster!"- Adam yells at him- "You just killed Ms. Minamino! You plunged your sword into her and ran away like a big coward! You just turned my friend into an orphan!"
He takes a step forward and points Demonslayer very close to his chest.
"Do you even have a heart in that body of yours?!"- He yells- "How do you live every single day of your life, knowing that you've killed people like her and that you are eager to keep killing more of them? Why are you always so evil and uncaring? Why?!"
Jared shakes his head.
"It is in their nature, child."- He says to him- "I am afraid that demons like him will never feel any remorse for killing someone dear to us, even when their deaths bring us to tears. They are like pillars of stone- they cannot be moved by anyone... or anything. And the only thing that can make them stop... is their own demise at our hands."
Adam takes another step forward and angrily grabs the demon by the neck while preparing to stab him.
"Then I will gladly do so!"- He yells- "I will slay him and every single member of demonkind! I will make them pay for hurting us and hurt them back in the worst way possible! And I will not stop until all of them are dead before me!"
He swings his blade at the creature.
"Die, you heartless monster!"- He screams and tries to kill him.
The demon grins and avoids his blow. Then, he kicks him and makes him lose his balance.
He falls to the ground, unable to protect himself for a few moments.
Meanwhile, the demon stares at him, clearly amused by his struggles. He laughs.
"Yes! That's right!"- He roars- "Suffer! Rejoice as the last pieces of Heaven and Hope fade away and leave you a helpless shell of a man! Soon, nothing will be left. Your courage will be gone and so will be your desire to kill us! Everything dies, including heroes like you!"
Those words make Akira incredibly angry. She steps forward and takes Demonslayer from Adam's hands, not caring whether the sword will accept her or not.
Surprisingly, it does. It begins to shine as soon as it is in her hands.
"You've hurt the ones dear to me too much! And it ends right here and right now!"- She yells- "Begone, creature of the dark!"
Having said that, she surprises him by jumping on his back and plunging the legendary sword deep into his neck.
As he weakly throws her back, she immediately stands to her feet and runs up to him.
Then, she plunges the sword into his chest. She pulls it out and plunges it somewhere else. 
The same process continues quite a few more times as she slowly loses her sanity with each blow that she deals. It is clear that she has gone mad after the death of her mother and that she is more than eager to avenge her death by killing the one who is responsible for that.
Suddenly, years of barely controlled rage are unleashed upon the unsuspecting demon as Akira angrily stabs him and reduces his chances of survival with each blow that she lands (Which were not very good to begin with). Her eyes show the signs of a madwoman who is enraged by the demise of her own mother and wants to make her killer pay for his crimes.
"I will kill you! I will stab you until every single bit of energy has left your body! I will drain it all and do the same with every single one of you!"- She screams- "None of you will survive! Rest assured of that!"
She stabs him many more times, so much that Adam and Jared have to stop her before she goes completely mad.
When they do, Akira angrily turns to Jared and lunges at him. She swings the blade at him.
However, Adam manages to grab both of her arms before she can have the chance to hurt him... or worse.
"Let me go, Adam!"- Akira yells- "I... I will kill him. I will kill all of you! I will avenge my mother!"
Adam shakes his head.
"No, Aki! Stop it! This is not the good friend that I have always known!"- He yells- "I know that you miss her, but you are not going to fix anything by killing everyone in your path! You are not going to bring her back! Please, step back an move on! This is what she wants you to do and you will only get hurt if you try to do otherwise!"
Akira looks back at Jared. She stares into his eyes and sees his concern for her.
Suddenly, the madness in her own eyes dissipates. She drops Demonslayer and begins to cry.
"Adam. I... I'm very sorry!"- She says to him- "What am I doing? I am a monster! A monster!"
Adam and Jared hug her as she continues to cry.
"It is okay, my dear. You are safe with us. We know that you would not do something like this and we forgive you."- He says- "Your mother might be gone, but there are still people who care about you. And we do not want you to go mad because of this. We want to make you a better person and we will do out best to keep you safe and sane during this long journey."
He looks at her. His eyes radiate a large amount of warmth and make her feel much safer, much more confident.
It is clear that he is ready to take care of her as if she were his own daughter.
"There is a long road ahead of us, but do not be afraid."- He continues- "Whatever happens next, we will make it past the times of chaos and despair that have yet to come. And we will make your mother the proudest parent that has ever existed. Mark my words, it will happen."
Akira looks at Jared and hugs him. She starts to cry again.
"Mr. Kaos!"- She says- "I... I'm scared! I'm scared!"
Jared hugs her back and kisses her on the forehead.
"It is okay, Aki."- He says to her in his most calming and reassuring voice- "As long as we are here, you will be safe. Nothing will ever happen for you. And, if anyone tries to harm you, we will make them regret their decisions."
He looks at Akari's corpse and smiles sadly.
"Now then. I am afraid that time is still running out and that we still have a lot of things to do."- He says- "Shall we go home?'
Akira looks at her mother.
"What about mommy?"- She asks him- "We can't just leave her like... like this!"
Jared looks at Akari's corpse and nods.
"You are right."- He says- "I will be the one to take care of this."
Then, he picks up Akari's corpse and takes it to a nearby garden.
Both Adam and Akira watch sadly as he finds a shovel in a nearby storage shed and starts to dig a hole in the ground.
"This used to be her favorite place to relax when she was younger."- He says to them- "When we sat here, she always admired the trees and the flowers around here. She used to smell the flowers and tell me how much they remind her of our hometown."
He sighs and wipes a tear from his eye.
"Those were some very good times."- He continues- "It is a shame that they will not happen anymore."
Soon, he finally digs a hole that is large enough to fit a person. He carefully places Akari in it, looks at her for a few moments and shakes his head.
"Akari. It has been an hour since you died, but I miss you so much."- He says- "You have always been my rarest jewel. My brightest sun. My special girl. And I... I let you down."
He looks down for a few moment. Then, he looks up and smiles sadly. 
Tears fall from his eyes as his lips get close to hers.
"Goodbye, my sweet princess."- He says- "I know that I was not the perfect man for you and that I failed to be what you've always wanted. But I will always love you. No matter how important Meggy is to me, I will always keep you in my heart and treasure every beautiful moment that we experienced in our lives. Good night, my beloved. I will never stop loving you, even when we are universes apart. Never."
Adam and Akira watch as Jared kisses Akari for the last time. This emotional scene brings her daughter to tears as she hugs Jared.
Tears continue to fall from the hero's eyes as he buries her. 
He turns to the children.
"I... I know that it may not be the most perfect place to rest, but I bet that she would have been happy to be laid right here."- He says to them- "Akira, you can always come here if you want to see her. We will be glad to let you talk to her. We know how much she means to you and we know that she would like to see you, as well."
Akira nods.
"Thank you, Mr. Kaos."- She says, trying to hold back her tears- "I... will try to do that in the future. But now, we must go home."
Jared nods and stands up.
"As you wish."- He says- "We shall begin our journey home, then. It will be a long one, but I promise that you will be safe there."
He takes a step forward.
"Come, children."- He says to them, not looking back- "Let us leave this chaos behind and live a new, better life."