MLIV C3, P2- "The Key"

"The Key" is the second Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 05.06.2022.
== Plot ==
After defeating a particularly mischievous band of criminals with the help of Donovan and Amelia, Alcander decides to make finding the masterminds behind this clearly planned attack his priority for the time being.
However, his journey toward the Kingdom of Goznor was long and exhausting. Travelling for miles away from his hometown has taken a toll on him. So, if he wants to survive another journey like this, he has to take a break first.
But his time away from villainy will not be a peaceful. His greatest nightmares are still there, still waiting for the right moment to make his life miserable again.
Can he escape from the past before he succumbs to it?
== Story ==
Donovan takes a better look at Alcander, barely believing what he just said.
"You are... Al? Alcander?"- He asks- "I don't think that I can believe you. My friend, he perished in battle long ago."
Alcander sighs.
"That's what they want you to think."- He says- "Do you really dare to believe them?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"I want to believe you. But I can't."- He says- "Not without some sort of proof."
Alcander reaches for his pack.
"Well."- He says- "Is this enough to convince you of my true identity?"
He pulls out a small necklace and shows it to him. A small red gem hangs from it, radiating warmth and confidence.
Donovan stumbles back slightly, amazed.
"I... is this Aiden's charm?"- He asks- "I thought that I lost it."
Alcander smiles.
"When that poor kid died, you wanted to preserve his memory. But you didn't want to simply keep it in a place where it will be forgotten by everyone. On the same day, you got saved by a mysterious person. You gave it to him, as a sign of your gratitude, and told him to keep it close, for it gives something that nothing else can ever replace- hope."- He says to him- "All this time, he never stopped thinking about it. He reminisced the days when he and his best friend knew each other. Time passed, evil was vanquished, cities were saved, but the memories of that day still remained. No matter what happened, he never let go of this priceless artifact, since it meant everything to him."
He smiles again.
"And that is how I came to be here."
Donovan smiles and pats him on the back.
"So, it was you."- He says- "I knew that there was something familiar with that person, but to think that it's the man with whom I've been friends since we were children... it's incredible."
He takes a better look at him.
"You don't seem to be the same anymore, though."- He adds- "What happened to you?"
Alcander looks down.
"I grew up."- He says- "That's the harsh reality that I've been living through for so long."
Donovan sighs.
"I'm sorry for getting your hopes up like this."- He says- "I... didn't know who you were. Your mention of Adam made me rather... nervous."
Alcander nods.
"It's okay. I forgive you."- He says- "The sole thought of knowing that he's still out there is keeping me strong. I know that I will succeed... someday."
Donovan looks at him.
"Are you sure that you want to do this, though?"- He asks him- "I'm sure that Adam misses you, but I can tell that he doesn't want you to get hurt. Maybe it's for the best if we think about working together."
Alcander looks down and shakes his head.
"Donnie. I... I'm not sure. I want to reunite with my brother, but it's been too long."- He says- "He wants me to be happy and safe. And what am I doing? Going against his advice, just to see him one last time?"
He sighs.
"What's wrong with me?"- He says- "Why am I so... protective."
Amelia nods.
"So, you're just like me."- She says- "When I was separated from my sister, I wanted to find her so bad. I looked under every stone, asked every person I found if they had seen her. But the results were all the same. I nearly gave up on ever seeing her again, until Donovan showed up. He listened to my pleas and offered to help me out. Thanks to him, I finally found Sharla. And now, I live a happy life, with my true family."
She smiles.
"My point here is that you shouldn't give up."- She adds- "I'm sure that your little bro is still out there. You just haven't looked hard enough for him yet. But when you finally do, you'll realize that I was right."
Alcander nods.
"I guess that you are right."- He says- "Thank you, umm... "
Amelia starts to respond, but soon looks down at her clothes and gasps.
"Oh no! My college clothes are ruined!"- She exclaims- "I'm soaked in that alien's blood!"
Donovan sighs.
"Come on, Ame. Stop being so dramatic."- He says- "Think of it as some foul-smelling ketchup. That will make you forget about it."
He thinks about what he just said.
"On the other hand, it sounds a little bit creepy. Your fear of blood will only make it worse."- He adds- "Let's just try to... clean it. Okay?"
Amelia sighs.
"Whatever you say, big bro."
As Amelia walks away, Donovan turns back to Alcander.
"I've got a lot of duties left to take care of."- He says- "If you don't have anything left to talk about, I'm afraid that our meeting has to end."
Alcander nods.
"There's no need to worry about that."- He says- "I was just thinking about leaving Goznor and being on my way."
Donovan raises his eyebrow.
"On your way?"- He asks- "But where are you planning to go?"
Alcander shrugs.
"Wherever the wind takes me, I guess."- He replies- "Something is bound to go wrong soon enough. And when it does, I must be there, to protect the innocent and slay the evil ones."
Donovan shakes his head.
"Look, Al. I know that you're a big man and that you can make your own decisions. I respect you a lot. But the plan that you have in mind, it's very unwise."- He says to him- "Do you really want to end up like my brother? He sacrificed his own life to save someone else. It's still taking a toll on me and I... don't want to see another person dear to me suffer because I didn't stop them in time."
Alcander nods.
"That is fine by me."- He says- "As long as the innocent people of this world are safe, I do not mind sacrificing my own life for them."
Donovan sighs.
"Fine. Do whatever you want. I won't stop you."- He says- "But consider this. When you go out there, do you really want to fight your enemies like this? My friend, you have gone a long way, just to be here with us. With Adam. You need help. You need a good night's sleep. I don't say that you should consider your own well-being above everything else, but it's not a good idea to neglect yourself." 
With that, he turns away and leaves as well.
"If you change your mind, you know where to find what you need."- He adds as he opens the door to the throne room- "Me and Sharla will be waiting for you, for a time."
As the door closes, Alcander turns around and walks outside, confused and conflicted.
"All this time, I've been exploring the world, thinking that I was doing some good. I claimed that I did it for my friends, for my family. And yet, I was only answering to my petty desires for justice, to the law that I forged with my own two hands."- He says to himself- "Why was I so... blind?"
He clenches his fist.
"I will not abandon them again."
As he goes back into the town of Goznor below, he looks around and notices that the sun is going down.
"Looks like I spent a lot of time back there."- He says to himself- "It'll be night soon."
He looks at the nearby inn.
"Maybe I can spend the night in there."
As he enters the inn, all eyes look at him. Since he is a new person, his arrival receives a lot of attention.
Fortunately, people in this town are not very suspicious of strangers. As soon as they get a good look, they turn back to their drinks.
Alcander takes a few steps forward and sits on a stool near the bar.
"Hey."- A nearby man says- "Are you new in here?"
Alcander nods.
"It depends."- He says- "Who is asking?"
The man smiles.
"Just a visitor, like you."
Alcander sighs.
"Then, yes. I am."- He says- "But not for long."
The man raises his eyebrow.
"Why?"- He asks him- "You don't... like this place?"
Alcander shakes his head.
"I am a wandering warrior."- He says- "My kind doesn't stay in one place for long."
The man nods.
"I've heard a few things about you."- He says- "The mysterious stranger who saved us from a huge bandit attack, right? Maybe you're more than what you claim to be."
Alcander sighs.
"As I said, I am just a hapless traveler who has gone far from home."- He says- "I just came here to help. Take a break from this monotonous life. Buy a drink or two. And then, I'll be on my way."
The man nods.
"Care for a game of cards?"- He says and pulls out a deck- "While you're in here, you might as well have some fun."
He sighs.
"Do you say this to every visitor?"
The man shakes his head.
"Just the most promising ones."- He says- "Come on. It won't be long."
When he notices Alcander's lack of interest, he smiles.
"How about we turn up the tides?"- He suggests- "Winner buys a drink for the loser. Sounds good?"
Alcander nods.
"Whatever."- He says- "Alright. Let's do this."
The man shuffles the deck a few times, carefully splitting the amount of cards in two moments later and giving one of the sets to Alcander.
"May the best one win."
He quickly explains the rules to Alcander, who seemingly understands them during the first try.
Satisfied that his opponent is no mere fool, the man draws his first card and plays it.
"There we go."- He says- "This card is known as The Deceiver. Powerful in Attack, but weak when faced in Defense. Now, it's your turn."
Alcander confidently draws his first card and plays it on the bar.
"The card that I drew is known as The Emperor."- He says- "When played, it forces an opponent's monster to switch into Defense Position."
He smiles.
"One more thing."- He adds- "When my Emperor attacks, it deals damage to you, even if your card is in Defense Position. However, the amount that you take is calculated between it and my card's Attack."
Having taken down his opponent's card, he smiles triumphantly.
"Well?"- He asks him- "What shall your next move be?"
The man grunts.
"Clever move."- He says- "Using your card's effect in a moment like this somehow managed to save you some pain."
He smiles and draws his next card.
"But don't think that you've won yet."- He adds- "Just because you cornered me like a rabbit doesn't mean that I can't bite back."
He looks down at the board and plays the card.
"Meet The Stalker- a versatile card with an outstanding effect."- He says- "When played, it targets an opponent's card that has higher Attack than itself. Then, it lowers it down to zero for the entirety of the turn when it's played."
He orders his card to attack and takes down Alcander's Emperor.
The man smiles.
"This game is supposed to represent the struggles of real life."- He says- "If you don't adapt to the environment, then you won't last for long."
Alcander nods.
"Of course."- He says- "I know it way too well."
He draws another card and plays it.
"You want a challenge, right? Well, you will get it. Starting with this."- He says- "Feast your eyes on The Redeemer. It's a monster whose power is to learn from its own mistakes and adapt to them. When played, I can target a card that was destroyed. Until the end of this turn, my card gains an Attack bonus that is equal to half of the one of the specified target."
He smiles.
"On top of that, when it attacks an opponent's card, half of the victim's Attack is deduced from your Health."
Now that he defeated his opponent's second monster, Alcander is much more confident of the eventual outcome. He patiently waits for his opponent's next move, carefully evaluating his strategies and using them to enhance his own.
"This is truly the end."- The man says and plays a card- "I'd like you to meet my ace- The Destroyer. When played, he destroys every card on your field and deals you damage equal to half of the combined Attack of your unfortunate cards."
With his monsters gone and his Health dropped to a small amount, Alcander is left defenseless against the incoming final attack of his opponent.
"And now, taste the scorns of defeat."- He says- "It's all over."
The people at the bar watch this duel with great interest. They wonder whether Alcander has some kind of trick left in his sleeve.
To their surprise, he pulls out the top card that his opponent destroyed and shows it to him.
"The Redeemer's effect activates when you declared your attack."- He says- "I can summon him back in Defense so he can intercept your attack, but I must exclude him from the game when he falls again."
The man grunts.
"Fine. Have it your way."- He says- "I attack your Redeemer."
As the card is taken out again, Alcander smiles.
"What's so funny?"
Alcander stares at him.
"When The Redeemer falls, he leaves a little gift for you."- He replies- "With his final effect, I can call out a card from my own deck with an amount of stars that is equal to my fallen warrior. As a cost, it must be played in Defense and its Attack is brought down to zero."
He pulls out a card at random from his deck, believing that he can place the right one on the field.
"My hopes and prayers go into this one card."- He says- "And now, let it be revealed!"
As he reveals the card that he chose, the lights in the inn glow a little brighter for a second.
"Interesting."- The man says to himself- "He has some kind of powers, for sure."
Alcander smiles.
"I bring forth a card known as The Angel."
The man smirks.
"How amusing."- He says- "And how will that help you out?"
Alcander smiles.
"I suggest that you should be more patient."- He says- "Good things come with time."
The man sighs.
"Alright."- He says- "Make your move, but it'll be your last."
Alcander nods and draws a card.
"Thanks to the effect of my Angel, I can stow it away to call forth this."
Taking The Angel away from the field, he plays something more powerful.
"I know that I can count on this one."- He says- "Shine your light, The Archangel."
The people at the bar gasp. The man playing with Alcander is shocked.
"But... how can this be?"- He asks him- "Drawing this card is like finding a four-leaf clover- nearly impossible."
Alcander smiles.
"Mama always told me that I am a lucky boy."- He says- "Playing with you just proved her point."
He looks back at the field.
"When The Archangel is played via The Angel's effect, it gains a special ability, exclusive only to this method of summoning."- He says- "Since my card is about to battle with one of yours, I can take a look at its Attack. Then, if it's higher than that of my card, I can switch them until the end of this turn."
He smiles serenely.
"In addition, when my target is a card that possesses the element of Darkness, my Archangel shall gain an additional bonus of 1000 Attack."- He adds- "The cherry on top, shall we say."
The man gasps quietly.
"Impressive."- He mutters- "And I dared to underestimate him... "
Alcander raises his hand.
"Alright, my Archangel. It is time to burn brighter than the Sun."- He says- "Melody of Hope!"
With the Archangel's final attack, the man's Health has been reduced to zero. Defeated, he collects the cards and smiles.
"Well, I'll be."- He says- "Nice one, kid. You definitely got game this time."
Alcander smiles.
"You played very well, too."- He says- "Were it not for my Archangel, I would have been a goner for sure."
He extend his hand.
"Friends?"
The man does the same and shakes his hand.
"Yes."- He says- "Friends."
He calls the bartender and orders a drink for Alcander.
"So."- He says- "What shall it be?"
Alcander looks down.
"Chocolate milk."
The man raises his eyebrow.
"Not much of a fan of alcohol, are ya?"- He asks him- "Anything to do with the duel?"
Alcander shakes his head.
"Not at all."- He replies- "I just... have a very low tolerance. That's all."
The bartender brings him a large glass of chocolate milk which he starts to drink almost immediately, since he only drank a glass of water before embarking on his journey to Goznor.
"From the cards that you played back there, I evaluated your reasons for coming all the way here."- The man says- "You're the son of a sovereign who didn't like his lavish life and wanted to go elsewhere, to start a new, happier one. You made some kind of mistake in the past and you want to atone for your sins by helping others. And you've been doing so for many years, making a name for yourself in this world of chaos and becoming a revered hero in the eyes of the civilians. Is that so?"
Alcander smiles.
"Perhaps you know me even better than I do."
As he takes another sip from the milk, he looks at the man.
"By the way, I didn't catch your name."
The man shakes his head.
"Names don't matter for us."- He says- "In here, we're all equal. We're not heroes or villains. Peasants or kings. We're just hard-working folks who do what they can to make a living. That's what matters."
Alcander nods.
"I see."- He replies, but refuses to go further into this.
As he continues to drink, the man looks at him.
"I heard that you've been looking for someone."- He says- "Who might they be?"
Alcander raises his eyebrow.
"Why would you ask such a thing?"
The man smiles.
"Everybody here has a little secret."- He says- "But they don't stay like this for long."
Alcander sighs, defeated.
"Have you heard of the Kaos surname?"- He asks him- "I have an... associate who is a part of their family. A friend of mine, so to say. Do you know anything about their arrival in Goznor or their current whereabouts?"
The man smiles and slips him a small key.
"Maybe you should see it for yourself."
Alcander looks at him, surprised.
"A key. To a house, I would assume?"- He says- "Where can I find it?"
The man looks at the window to the west of him and points at abandoned house in the distance.
"This is what you're looking for. Once you leave this inn, you can't miss it."- He says- "The place's been abandoned for years. Ever since Adam Kaos left Goznor, it became much more... lifeless. Maybe you can bring it back to life."
Alcander nods.
"I guess that I don't have another choice."- He says- "I'll give it a try, then."
He takes a few more sips. Soon, his glass is empty.
"So."- The man says- "You're ready to go?"
Alcander stands up and nods.
"I'm afraid so."- He says- "As soon as I find the truth behind my acquaintance's disappearance, I can finally make my move."
The man nods and calls for the bartender. He says that Alcander's drink is on him and kindly pays for it.
"Thank you for that."- Alcander says- "You are very kind."
The man smiles.
"Strangers like us have to support each other. I'm just doing my part."- He says- "Now go. Don't let me keep you waiting. I hope that you find what you're lookin' for."
As Alcander prepares to leave, the man approaches him and gives him a card.
"Before you go, I want you to take this."- He says- "I feel like you're gonna need it more than I do."
Alcander takes a look at the card and gasps.
"Wait!"- He exclaims- "But this is... The Archangel!"
The man smiles.
"It brought you luck in our duel, so I think that it'll bring you luck in battle as well."- He says- "Hold it proudly. You deserve it."
Alcander shakes his hand and smiles.
"Thank your for your help again."- He says- "I shall be on my way."
The man nods.
"Farewell, then."- He replies- "I hope that we can see each other again."
Alcander nods.
"And so do I."
With that, he bids farewell to the rest of the visitors and leaves the inn.
On his way to the abandoned house, Alcander thinks about what just happened to him.
"It's amazing how you can find friends in complete strangers."- He says to himself- "If only I knew it back then."
He approaches the house and sighs.
"Well, here we go."- He says- "This must be the new Kaos Residence.'
He takes a few steps toward the door and puts the key into the lock.
"The first step toward redemption is always the hardest, but I know that I can succeed."
Having said that, he unlocks the door and enters the house, carefully closing the door behind him.
"So, this is where my brother used to stay."- He says- "Not the most comfortable home, I have to say. But maybe that's just because I've lived with mom for way too long, spoiled and unable to see the harsh reality."
He sighs and makes his way toward the second floor.
There, he finds a large bed, perfectly maintained and cleaned.
"It's as if somebody has been keeping this place pristine."- He says to himself- "But for whom?"
He rummages through the shelves nearby, disappointed by the absence of any crucial information.
"What a shame."- He mutters- "Maybe it's best if I take a second look... tomorrow."
Suddenly, he notices something hidden in the lowest drawer. He pulls it out.
"A picture of my family?"- He says to himself as he takes a look at it- "I can see Adam standing here. Akira is with him. Mom and dad are present, too."
He notices that there is something missing.
"However, it looks like a large part of the picture is... gone."- He adds- "Did someone make Adam angry?"
He sighs and stores the picture in his pocket.
"This is not the right time to be curious."- He mutters- "For now, I must rest. A long day is just ahead of me."
As he lies on the big bed behind him, he hears someone knocking on the door downstairs.
"Someone is here? At this time of the day?"- He says to himself- "Ugh. Things can't get any better than this."
As he goes downstairs, the knocking gets even louder.
"Alright, alright."- He mutters- "Be patient. I'm coming."
When he opens the door, he takes a look at the person who is disturbing him.
"Amelia?"- He says, surprised.
Amelia smiles and blushes slightly.
"Hello there, Alcander."- She says- "Nice to see you again."
== Trivia ==
* The title of this Part is a reference to the clues that Alcander found regarding his brother's whereabouts, as well as the physical item that the stranger gives him after he is defeated.
* All of the cards played by the stranger during his duel with Alcander are references to different characters in Chapter II.
** The Deceiver represents the man who fooled Adam and his allies, making them think that he is the culprit behind the murders that happened in Duskwood. The high Attack is meant to represent the severity of his lies and the low Defense represents his cowardice when he is discovered.
** The Stalker represents Linus- former classmate of Adam and a good friend of his- who was charmed by a greater entity and forced to fight his own friends. While acting friendly at first, he was waiting for the perfect moment to strike them all down. In the end, his plan failed and the spirit possessing him was driven away, restoring Linus' sanity and making him redeem himself in the eyes of Adam and his allies.
** The Destroyer represents Phaerzon the Lich- a extremely powerful, ancient and dangerous creature who has been given great power by Mordred Darkthrop with the sole purpose to cause all manners of chaos and divide society, in a futile attempt to turn them into pitiful remnants of their former selves. He manipulated Linus into spying on his friends and eliminating them before they could have the chance to twart his plans. Fortunately, his plan backfired when Linus was defeated, giving the young man a chance to reveal the truth to Adam. He was defeated when Adam entered his throne room and confronted him, resulting in the destruction of both his body and spirit, as well as the recovery of a priceless artifact of old known as the Orb of Light.
* The game that Alcander and the stranger are playing in this part is a reference to popular trading card game Yu-Gi-Oh!.