MLII C4, P7- "Hero Under Pressure"

"Hero Under Pressure" is the seventh and penultimate Part of "Miracula Luxia II" 's fourth Chapter. It was released on 12.03.2021.
== Plot ==
After talking to the members of the Council, Jared receives valuable information from the High Councillor which will help him track down the main force of the Slithzerikai in their central settlement and hunt down their leader before they cause more harm than they already have.
At the same time, his best friend and his wife- King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thais, arrive in Formello and force everyone in the city to leave and join them in the capital, claiming that they will protect them from the incoming army of non-humans.
Our hero is forced to make the hardest decision that he has ever made- to deny the help of a friend and continue hunting for the ones who are responsible for the chaos, even if he must do it alone.
Times are changing. So are the people of this world. This is no time to show fear, to cower before the enemy. It is a time when you must do... or die. 
== Story ==
As John's hand keeps getting closer, Jared steps back.
"Jared, this is no time to be scared."- John says- "Come. We will protect you."
Seconds later, Jared stops next to a wall nearby. He looks at John and realizes that he is not going to back down.
Forced to act, he slaps John's hand away when he gets close and shakes his head.
"You do not understand."- Jared says- "What we are doing is of vital importance to this world. And you are disrupting our plans, forming a sea of chaos in our minds. If anything, you are just making us more unsure in the future. You are not helping us out!"
Jared glares at John.
"Is this why you came here? To make me into the weak, defenseless boy that I used to be a long time ago?"- He says- "If so, you are just wasting your time. Leave us alone. We can handle this situation by ourselves. Thais relies on you and Avernum relies on me. So please, back off and protect what is yours. I promise that I will do the same."
John shakes his head.
"Remember what you said earlier, Jared? When you told us that people should stick together, especially in a time of chaos and turmoil?"- He asks him- "Well, that time has come. I'm here to help you, to protect you from our common enemies and stop you from making a horrible mistake. You know it as well as I do- those lizards are very powerful and it would be a grave mistake to underestimate them, to attack them like that."
Meanwhile, a guard tries to restrain Jared and push him forward.
"Being separated is going to be painful for me. For all of us."- John continues- "So please, don't resist. Come with us peacefully and we will accept you with open arms. We won't let a hero like you fall victim of those monsters in such a foolish, insignificant way."
When he hears the last words, Jared grows very angry. He elbows the guard behind him, picks up his bow from the ground and aims it at John.
"Insignificant?!"- He yells- "Nothing that I have done until now is insignificant! All this time, I fought for those people. I protected them from everyone that tried to kill them. Rentar-Ihrno's worshippers, the Darkside Loyalists and even an ancient evil like the barbaric Slithzerikai! I did not shy away. I did not fear what is going to happen next. I did not sit, holed up in my home, and wait for the problem to simply go away, as if it would actually happen! I fought valiantly, I defeated my enemies and I won! I won, because I knew that people depended on me, that it was no time to be afraid and to have doubts in my abilities!"
Jared points at the open door that is leading towards the rest of Formello.
"Look around, John!"- He continues- "Everything that you see around you. Every person that walks on the streets. Every settlement that you can see in the distance. The small lights that shine from within, inside and outside. This is a small victory that was achieved by all of us. We fought for those lands, John! We protected them and gave them what what they wanted- the peace that they deserved, the happiness they craved for. We made it happen, because we knew what is good for this world."
He sighs.
"And now, you try to crush the dreams of those people. You try to provide a false sense of security, to make them think that they will be safe and that the enemy will never attack the city of Thais."- He finishes- "Sure. You have good intentions. I do not doubt it. You wish to protect us. But nothing is eternal. Not even the sun. Not even Life itself! You may be able to protect yourselves from the Slithzerikai, at least for a while. However, until the main source of the infestation is not taken care of, it will always advance and destroy everything in its path, including the city that you love so much."
A small tear falls from his left eye.
"I know that it pains you to let us go, but please, think about it. Try to understand how your best friend would feel about your actions. Put on my shoes and look at the world around you with my eyes. See how the people suffer, how they cry out for help and then, you will understand that I am right, no matter what you think about me right now."
John looks down. He does not say anything. He is unsure what to do in a situation like this.
Uma steps forward, intending to continue what her husband could not.
"Jared, my friend."- She begins- "You are leading those people into a war, from which there may be no escape. Do you understand how they feel? Do you ask them how they feel?"
She stares into his eyes.
"And, most importantly, do you ask yourself how you feel about doing this?"
Jared is surprised by those questions. He looks back at his father, Annie and Devin.
Neither of them dares to look at him. They seem to be ashamed by something. 
Maybe John and Uma are responsible for this?
"What do you say, friends?"- Uma asks them and smiles.
Annie takes a step forward and sighs.
"Jared."- She says- "They're right. It's futile to fight those humanoids anymore. We must stand back and wait for what comes next."
Devin also steps forward.
"I'm sorry, Jared. We can't do this anymore."- He says- "My family will protect us from the Slithzerikai as best as they can. There's no other choice left for us."
Aleks does not say anything. However, he stares at his son, in a way that implies that he has not given up yet.
Jared is horrified by what he just heard. He takes a step back, draws Demonslayer and points it at Uma.
"Why? Why did you do this to them?!"- He yells at her- "Why did you break their morale? What kind of heartless tyrants are you?!"
Uma is offended by those words, but she swallows back her rage. Instead, she watches as two guards approach Jared and try to capture him.
"You think that you're going to make it? You think that you're going to save the world from this evil?"- She says- "Stop deluding yourself, Jared. There is no path towards salvation anymore. Only pain will come to those who try to fight the Slithzerikai back. Do you prefer to risk your life for everyone, even those that you never came to know before?"
She shakes her head.
"You're fighting for a bunch of strangers, thinking that they're going to repay you for your good deeds! Well, that isn't going to happen! Most people in this world are ungrateful and will never even move a finger to protect you!"
She calms down. The rage in her eyes subsides. For a moment, she thinks that she can reach out to Jared with words.
"Your family will be safe with us, Jared."- She continues- "However, they will never forgive themselves if you die in this futile war. And that's why we're trying to convince you to join us. We promise that everything will be fine. Join us, and we will make you feel safe, at least once in your life. And, if we have to die, let's do it together."
Jared shakes his head. Tears fall down from his eyes. The palms of his hands start shaking and he almost drops his sword.
"I do not care if those people will ever repay me or not!"- He yells- "So what if they are strangers? So what if they do not care about me? Every good person in this world deserves to live, no matter how ungrateful or ignorant they are! I will always protect them from evil, no matter how hard you persuade me to do otherwise, even if it's for my own good. I will fight in their name until the enemy dies, or I die. It is God's plan and I will not ruin it, just because of a situation like this!"
Uma shakes her head. She clearly regrets what she is about to say.
"I tried to reach out to you. I tried to give you a chance. But you just don't listen."- She mutters- "I'm sorry, Jared, but you made me do this. Prepare for the worst."
She looks at the two guards next to her.
"Guards, capture him!"
The guards draw their weapons and approach Jared. Other guards join them and surround him.
In a few moments, Jared is left with no escape route. Guards get closer and closer to him, blades drawn.
"There's nowhere left to run, Jared."- Uma says- "Submit and I will show you mercy!"
Jared realizes that he is surrounded. For a few moments, he considers giving up.
However, he soon hears the voice of his mother, in the deepest corners of his mind.
"Jared, my sweet, sweet boy! This is no time to have doubts!"- She whispers loudly- "Stand up and get away from your wanna-be friends. The world needs you and there is no time to waste in trying to believe what they say, what they try to fool you with!"
"Go!"- She continues- "I will be with you!"
His faith restored, Jared stands up. His eyes are icy cold. He lip quivers a little as he takes a step back, ready to act.
"Get... out... of... MY WAY!"- He screams.
Moments later, he charges towards one of the guards. The man tries to push him back, but ultimately fails as he is thrown on the ground by the massive impact.
Uma is shocked by Jared's aggressive attitude. She tries to stop him, but is pushed away before she could do anything.
In the meantime, John watches sadly as his friend tries to leave the building.
Sadly, he is unable to do so. He steps back as two more guards enter the building and block his only way out.
Uma approaches him and points her staff at his back.
"You're coming with us, whether you want it or not!"- She says- "I'm sorry Jared, but this is how it is. Stop resisting! There's no way out!"
As the guards close up on Jared, he points his weapon at them.
"If I have to fight my own allies to save the lives of those innocents, I am ready!"- He says- "Kill me if you want, but I will never come with you! I will go out there and protect the people of this world, even as a wandering spirit!"
The guards try to attack them, but they freeze when someone behind them yells:
"Guards, stop this madness!"
Everyone turns around and sees that John has joined them.
He looks at Uma.
"Dear wife, I want to speak to my friend."- He says- "Please, be kind and leave us in peace."
Uma looks at Jared. She sighs and approaches the guards.
"Guards, it's time to go."- She says stoically.
She turns around and sees Aleks, Annie and Devin. She says:
"We're going to round everyone outside."- She says- "Join us whenever you can."
Having said that, she and the guards leave.
Jared looks at John. His expression is calmer, but he still watches him closely.
"What do you want, John?"- He says stoically.
John takes a step forward.
"Jared, I see it all now. I see that there is no point in convincing you to come with us, to drag you away from your future like we did to the rest of our friends."- He says and sighs- "Before you do what must be done, tell me this. Are you serious about fighting this massive horde? And are you still ready to do it, even when nobody is by your side?"
Jared smiles.
"I understand this, John. You want to join me, to help me out. Just like you did before."- He responds- "However, this is my fight and my fight alone. I do not want to risk the lives of anyone, let alone close friends like you and Uma. Both of you have a kingdom to rule now, people to protect, victories to achieve. And I am sure that you do not need my help anymore. Our paths may be different, but we will always be together. I will always cherish the memories that we had, no matter if they are good or bad. I will never forget how important you are to me, as a close friend and as a valuable ally whom I respect very much."
He pats him on the back.
"Please, my friend. Do not give up. Fight those enemies and ensure the safety of your kingdom."- He continues- "Do not fall victim of your own emotions. Show the Slithzerikai that you are not afraid of them, that the cornered prey can indeed bite back. Make them regret their foolish decisions and push them back. If not for me, then for the people who live in your new home. Return Thais to its former glory and make His Majesty, King Edward, proud of you, just like you make me proud."
Suddenly, John starts to cry. The sea of emotions has overwhelmed him and he cannot hold his tears back anymore.
"Jared. All this time, you were more than just a friend. You were more than just a mere ally with whom I fought, side to side. For me, you are like a brother. A younger brother whom I came to respect and treat as my own. One of the few people who was able to guide me towards the right path, the path that leads to peace and joy."
He wipes a tear from his eye and shakes Jared's hand. 
Then, he looks down.
"Thank you."- He continues- "Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you, for making me a better person. But now, I want to ask you about something. Something which I regret, but have to ask nonetheless."
He looks up at his friend.
"Can you make a promise... to a person like me? To the man who tried to force you to turn away in your path, just to ensure your safety? Can you do something like this and forgive me?"
Jared smiles.
"I understand that you had no choice in this matter. I forgive you, not only because you are a dear friend of mine, but because I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Especially people like you, John."- He says.
Without thinking about the second part even for a second, he continues:
"Yes. I can make a promise to you, John. It is for a friend, after all. A true friend. And a true friend always tries to be true to his word."
John lets out a sigh of relief. Then, he looks at Jared again.
"Can you... can you promise me that you will always be brave? That you will always fight for the good of everyone, even if it seems impossible? That you will those poor, tortured souls until the bitter end?"
Jared nods and smiles.
"Yes, my friend. I will make sure that those vagabonds will pay for their crimes and destroy the one who is responsible for their uprising. I will fight them until the end and show them that there are still brave heroes in this world that are not scared of what they send at us. I will never be tempted by their cowardly offers, by their bittersweet lullabies. I will live to see myself victorious... or I will die at the hands of evil and know that I will die a hero, not a villain."
He hugs his friend for a moment and approaches his father, who is very ashamed by the horrible things that happened just a few minutes ago.
"Son, I... I think that I'm speaking for all of us. Me, Annie, Devin."- He says- "We're very sorry for... for betraying you. For letting you down when you needed us the most. I promise that we will do anything to repay you for this cowardice."
Jared smiles and pats his father on the shoulder.
"You do not need to be sorry, dad. It is not your fault, not at all. You tried to send them away, but you were unable to do so."- He says and shakes his head- "And you know what? I feel your pain. I know how it feels to deny the offers of our allies, to stay in the darkness and search for a light without their help. It hurts. It really, really hurts."
He looks up at him.
"For now, I want you to stay with the refugees and the people of Thais. I want you stay with our friends, the people that we truly care about. Help them gather whoever they can and protect them until this is all over."- He continues- "Leave everything else to me. I promise that I will make it happen, even if I have to pay the price with my own life."
Aleks nods.
"Very well. I will gladly protect them and ensure their safety, both in the name of them... and you."- He replies- "But what about you? Are you really going to travel to the surface all by yourself and risk your life in the process? Are you really sure that you can do something like this alone?"
Jared walks outside. Aleks does the same.
They look at the ceiling above them, imagining the sun above. They remember how happy they were when Seiko- Jared's mother and Aleks' wife, was still alive. They remember how they were forced to separate from her. They remember how everything fell apart, how they lost her and how they grieved. 
And then, they remember the time when they moved back to Paris, with John and Annie. When Jared reunited with his grandfather and sister. When they forgot the pain that they felt, at least for a short time, when they were happy once again- the way Seiko wants them to be.
Jared sighs as the distant memories fade away from their minds.
"This life has always been cruel to us, dad. The way it made us feel all this pain, it was horrible."- He says and smiles- "But there is nothing to worry about. Everytime a problem gets in the way of your inner peace, you should always face it with a smile, knowing that nothing is over yet. That there is still a candle of hope burning in our minds, no matter how hard they try to put it out, to erase it and plunge our inner world into eternal darkness."
He looks at his father.
"Dad, I hope that you see the world like I do right now. If you do, I am sure that you will understand the truth."- He says- "Those people still need me. They rely on me and see me as their hero, their savior. And my sacred duty is to protect them. There is no turning back, no escape from reality. You must face it without any fear, even if you have to do it alone."
He sighs again.
"This is the way I will fight. This is the way a proud member of the Kaos family fights, in the name of those who have been wronged."- He continues- "And I will continue doing so, no matter how far I have to go and whom I have to fight to make them happy and safe."
Aleks smiles and hugs his son.
"You've always been like this. Such a young, brave soul that is always ready to prove himself to the world."- He says- "At first, I thought that you were foolish. Such heroic acts do not always lead to a happy ending, at least for the one who is performing it."
He sighs.
"I admit it. I wanted to stop you. I wanted you to be a normal person, just like the rest of the children around us."- He continues- "But then, I saw the determination in your eyes. I knew that it would be cruel to say something like that to a child, to crush its hopes and dreams. So, I never did. I let you dream of becoming a hero and helping the people in need. I encouraged you to do good things and make everyone proud. And you know what? Back then, I thought that it was the best decision that I've ever made in my entire life. And I still think so."
He smiles and looks at Jared.
"Seeing how much you've changed during the last two years has given me hope. Hope that the Kaos family will become a family of heroes."- He continues- "I even dreamed about it once. Generation after generation, young heroes who are ready to risk their own safety in order to protect the world from the clutches of evil. Something that changed our bloodline for good, that erased all of the bad deeds our wicked ancestors were responsible for. A touch of light that illuminated the night and brought hope and joy with itself."
He sighs.
"I just hope that I can see the day when my grandchildren will fight evil by themselves. When people will look at them like they look at you right now. It will be like a dream come true for an old man like myself."
Jared smiles and hugs his father.
"You will, dad. You will."- He says- "Rest assured of it."
Aleks nods and smiles. Then, he looks at the ceiling and sighs.
"There isn't much time left."- He says- "If you are to go to the Surface by yourself, you must rest well. It will be a long journey, after all."
He looks at him, curious about what he is going to say.
"What do you think, son?"
Jared does not say anything. Instead, he sits on a nearby bench in Formello's garden and looks at the nearby fountain.
As his father sits next to him, he turns around and smiles.
"Normally, I would refuse to rest. It is a time of chaos and every second must be spent planning and fighting our enemies."- He says- "But, since you were the one to tell me about this, I do not mind to... to... "
Suddenly, his eyelids start to get heavy. He is unable to hold back any longer.
"Too tired."- He mutters- "I need to... sleep... "
Moments later, he lays his head on the bench and falls asleep not long after.
Aleks smiles and lightly pats his son on the head.
"Sleep well, my child."- He whispers to him- "Don't worry. I'm here. And I will always be by your side, no matter how far away you are from me."
"I will always protect you, my brave boy."
Having said that, he hugs his son, careful not to wake him up.
Then, he sits back on the bench next to him, staring suspiciously at the citizens of Formello as they leave the city's gates, eager to join their saviors outside.
== Trivia ==
* "No escape from reality" is a reference to the lyrics of a popular song by "Queen" known as "Bohemian Rhapsody", namely the beginning of them.