MLTO C4, P1

This is the first Part of "MLIV:TO" 's fourth Chapter.
It was released on 02.02.2023.
== Plot ==
It has been one week since the fateful event that happened in the centaur forest. Geralt and Emela have been wandering around the region of Canonia, searching for signs of enemy activity. Even though there has been nothing of particular interest, they sense that their troubles are far from over. Someone is watching them and it will not take long for them to find out who it is.
Their exploration leads them into the location where they were supposed to go in the first place- the seemingly peaceful town of Canonia. And the signs of evil in there are everywhere. Shady people are walking on the streets, staring at the strangers suspiciously and evaluating them. And the feeling of malice is present, wherever they go.
Is it just a feeling of Deja Vu? Or is it something much more sinister? There is only one way to find out.
== Story ==
Geralt and Emela walk toward the town of Canonia, intending to find answers for the recent signs of evil that they discovered. They have been very busy in the past week and never managed to get a break after the centaur incident, forcing them to jump into the next disaster right away.
"Look. You know that I trust you, but I just can't understand what you mean."- Emela says- "A figure, cloaked in shadows? A feeling of pure malice? Well, you definitely lost me."
Geralt shakes his head.
"The signs are everywhere, even though we're unable to see them."- He says- "The fires of vengeance. The screams of the doomed. It is clear that something is destined to happen and we must stop it as soon as possible."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"And you think that we, a ragtag team of adventurers, can stop some kind of a super powerful villain? Completely alone?"- She says- "Not without the help of an expert. That's why we must wander into Canonia. Cyrus might be able to help us out."
Geralt sighs.
"Sometimes, I wish we could do everything alone."
Emela shakes her head.
"I know that you don't want anyone else to get hurt, but you're only hurting yourself when you're doing this."- She says- "Now, let's get in there. I'm sure that the townsfolk will welcome us with open arms."
As soon as they step into Canonia, however, they notice that not everything is going well in the town. Although the place has become much bigger in the past decade or so, it has also become more unsafe. People are doing their jobs, but they are staring at the ground and not daring to look up again, as if they are afraid about something. Or someone. One of the buildings to the west seems to have burned down for some reason, and a group of workers is trying their best to remove its charred remains. 
It is clearly a place filled with disaster, and the signs are everywhere, just like Geralt predicted.
"Yes. I can see it now."- Geralt says- "Redmark struck a deadly blow to this unfortunate town. It is still recovering from the damage that was done to it, slowly."
Emela shakes her head.
"The people here are looking at us as if we're complete strangers. No trust at all."- She says and sighs- "Let's move on. I'm sure that Cyrus will explain what's going on."
The two of them make their way past the concerned townsfolk. Even though they do not look at them, they can tell that their eyes are on them. Visitors in Canonia are far from rare these days, but their arrival seems to have attracted some attention. Perhaps unwanted, perhaps not.
"This is uncomfortable for all the right reasons."- Geralt whispers to Emela- "How far do we have to go?"
Emela sighs.
"The shaman's cave is at the far end of town, in a place that's secluded from the rest of it."- She whispers- "The villagers don't go there often nowadays. They're too engrossed in fixing their own misfortunes to ask a full shaman about it. This is our only chance to recruit Cyrus while we still can."
The duo continues to walk further into the town, impressed by how much it has improved in the past few years.
"Incredible!"- Geralt exclaims, unable to hold back his own excitement- "Canonia has become such a lovely place!"
Emela smiles.
"Impressed, aren't you?"- She asks- "Ever since the demise of Mordred Darkthrop, Canonia has turned into a small metropolis. All kinds of merchants visit it nowadays. bringing some precious suppiles from the farlands. The town's officials hired a competent team of builders and they've been doing their best to improve the place ever since. It's truly a miracle, in the eyes of a simple town."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"I haven't seen Canonia since I was a child. I loved to play in the town square with the other children. I often went to aunt Gloria in the shaman's cave and learned about the miracles of Nature. It was so peaceful, so enjoyable. But now, I can see that this is not the case anymore."- He says- "With all of those upgrades, I think that this town's infrastructure was truly improved, but at the cost of all this peace and quiet. I can never feel the same. Not anymore."
Emela sighs.
"I know the feeling, dear."- She says- "I miss the old Canonia. But... I guess that we must accept it, even if we don't want to."
She takes a few steps forward.
"Let's go."- She says- "This place is making me very anxious. We need to get out of here as soon as possible."
Geralt nods.
"I agree."- He says- "Let's find cousin Cyrus and find the next signs of trouble."
As the duo continues to walk further into the town, everything seems to get a little bit more peaceful. People are leaving them alone, not aware of who they actually are. That is a good thing for them, but they are too concerned to see it.
Just as they get close to the shaman's cave, however, Geralt sees something suspicious. A simple glimpse of a dark silhouette, unmistakably belonging to someone that he knows about.
"Wait a minute."- He says to himself- "Is that... ?"
The silhouette 'stares' at him for a few long seconds, as if evaluating him. Then, it turns around and flees.
"Hey!"- Geralt exclaims- "Wait!"
Geralt tries to run after the mysterious figure, but Emela stops him.
"Geralt? What has gotten into you?"- She asks him- "Did you see another ghost?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"It was real this time, Miss Emela!"- He exclaims- "I swear!"
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"I understand, dear. I believe you."- She says- "But I don't think that you understand how dangerous it is to follow them, no matter who they are. Even if you manage to catch up, you'll surely get yourself in trouble and I won't be able to save you. And then, the promise that I made to your father will be... be... "
She shakes her head.
"It doesn't matter."- She says- "Just don't go where you aren't welcome. That's all."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"You mean all the places that I visited in the past few weeks?"- He asks- "What could be more dangerous than a band of madmen trying to murder you?"
Emela chuckles.
"Touche, Geralt. You got me."- She says- "Now, let's visit your cousin and try to understand what's going on."
The duo approaches the shaman's cave, eager to find the answers that they've been looking for.
Just as they get inside, however, they notice that the same feeling of unrest that is so prominent in Canonia has spread in here, as well. Even though this place is still a peaceful respite from the boisterous town outside, the heroes cannot help but feel a little queasy, as if they were struck by some kind of a curse.
Further ahead, they see the shaman of Canonia- Cyrus Braveheart- dealing with a group of visitors. Though this might seem completely normal to the regular human, Geralt and Emela cannot help but notice that there are a bit too many of them. Apparently, they're concerned about something very important and ask the shaman for guidance.
"And don't forget to meditate at least twice per day. This will improve your inner peace and cleanse your insecurities."- He says- "Is there anything else that you wish to know?"
The people shake their heads.
"No. That's all."- One of them says- "Thank you, mighty shaman. Maybe your advice will give us the help that we need."
Cyrus smiles serenely.
"I sincerely hope so, dear citizens."- He says- "Farewell, for now. Thank you for visiting me."
As the people walk out of the cave, they notice our heroes and stare at them, as if they haven't seen a group of heroes before. After a few awkward moments, Geralt stares back at them and raises his eyebrow.
"Umm."- He says- "Can we... help you?"
One of the people takes a better look at Geralt.
"Are you Geralt Kaos, son of Adam Kaos?"
Geralt nods.
"Well."- He says- "If that is what you are looking for, then you found it. I am Geralt Kaos."
The man smiles.
"Maybe there is hope for us, after all."
Having said that, the people turn around and walk out of the cave without another word.
"That was weird."- Emela says- "It is as if they knew that you'd arrive."
Geralt shrugs.
"People can be very strange nowadays."- He says- "What can you do?"
Emela chuckles.
"I suppose that you're right."
The duo approaches the concerned shaman. Surprisingly, he doesn't even look up at them. He just waves them forward.
"Yes, yes. Another group of humans, looking for my help."- He says half-heartedly- "What do you want? I am listening."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"Come on, Cy."- She says to him- "Can't you recognize a familiar face when you see one?"
Hearing a familiar voice, Cyrus becomes very curious. He looks up and realizes that the new visitors are more than just some simple citizens.
"Oh! What a surprise!"- He exclaims- "I never thought that I might see you again!"
Geralt smiles.
"Well, my adventures led me back here."- He says- "And this time, I am not alone."
Cyrus nods.
"Yes. I can see that you've grown stronger. More confident. You've become a figure of hope and justice in the face of the inevitable evil."- He says- "But I'm sure that you are not here just for some small talk, are you? What is on your mind?"
Geralt sighs.
"Ever since we came in the region of Canonia, I had this feeling of unease, as if someone is trying to make me feel unsure about myself. I have been looking for answers ever since."- He says- "Me and Miss Emela thought that you might be able to help us out."
Cyrus nods.
"I'm always eager to help those who are dear to me."- He says- "Tell me everything that happened to you. I'll try to make sense of it."
Geralt goes into a long monologue, explaining how he and Aurelia travelled to the temple of Akihiro and studied there for a little bit more than an entire week. Then, he talks about the incident with Shura and how he and his allies managed to defeat him. Then, he fills him in about the centaur problem and explains how they barely managed to prevent a worldwide disaster. And finally, he talks about the shadow that he saw on the way to the cave, the mysterious person who ran away when he was discovered by Geralt and Emela.
Having heard the story at its fullest, Cyrus nods and sighs.
"It seems like you've had a very eventful week, my dear cousin. Few heroes are capable of holding on against such inhuman pressure, and you? From the looks of it, you were able to survive it all unharmed. That is good, of course, but it also leaves a lot of clues that point out what we're trying to deal with."- He says- "If I remember correctly, I think that you mentioned something about some kind of a mysterious stranger, right? Some kind of a figure that radiates pure evil? Well, I think that your visions are not just simple illusions. There is truth in that, and Emela was unable to see it herself."
He walks around the cave, seemingly lost in thought for a few moments.
"A few weeks ago, the disaster reached our little settlement. At first, we faced nothing more than a few small raids, and our warriors were capable of repelling them. But then, it seems as if Redmark's allies found help somewhere else. Then, they sent a massive group of raiders to attack us. Despite our best efforts, they managed to burn down some of our buildings, as if to teach us some sort of a lesson that I can't understand yet. And they, they simply left. They killed a few people, but stopped before they did too much damage. Strange, considering the fact that Redmark's butcherers raze every enemy settlement to the ground. Maybe they needed us for something, maybe not."- He says- "But that's not the weirdest thing on the list. Ever since that event happened, a few strange figures have been appearing in town. Mysterious individuals who spy on our citizens from afar. I tried to get the mayor to do something about it, but he said that we can't harm people without knowing their allegiances. Thus, I've been sitting here, my hands tied up, unable to do anything to investigate this mystery."
Geralt sighs.
"It seems like Redmark's people have been doing more than just slaughtering innocent civilians."- He says- "They are getting more cunning with each day. And their spies are trying to go anywhere. Something must be done about this, as quickly as possible."
Cyrus raises his eyebrow.
"But how?"- He asks- "Even if those people are loyal to Redmark, we're just going to risk enraging him. And I can't have that, not on my town."
Emela glares at him.
"Have you ever thought about how much we've done for you, dear?"- She asks him- "It was Geralt who saved your skins from getting destroyed during the bandit attacks. It was him who stopped the centaurs from coming into this very town and crushing everything that stood in their path. He is the person who will save you from threats unimaginable, ones that you won't be able to comprehend with your young, untrained mind. If there's anything that you owe him, it's respect. So, go on and show it. Don't be a stranger."
Cyrus sighs.
"You're asking for too much."- He says- "Leaving my cave in dark times like those could only cause trouble for my people. Even though I truly appreciate your help, I can't just go out there and cause trouble for those miscreants. We need a plan, a clear path and hearts of fire. Only then, we shall succeed."
Geralt nods.
"And that is exactly what we have."- He says- "Have you ever heard of the Blackflame Mountains? The rocky region, filled with malice and despair? Well, I found signs that my father still lives. It is clear that he is being chased by Redmark's lackeys and the things that happened here confirm it. We must find him as soon as possible."
Cyrus gasps.
"You mean that uncle Adam is... still alive? And he visited Canonia without coming to me?"- He asks- "But why? Why would he be so mysterious?"
Emela sighs.
"You just don't understand it, do you?"- She asks- "Adam was forced to escape from the fire after saving his family. The guilt in his heart prevented him from coming back home, so he decided to embark on another adventure all by himself. He visited many settlements and helped them out, and the people knew nothing about his true identity. He's a true samaritan, but is too afraid to reveal himself."
Cyrus looks down.
"I... should have stopped him while I had the chance. Maybe I was going to convince him to reunite with his family."- He says- "But that won't be possible. Yet. For now, we must find a way to make his job easier. Maybe this will help him regain his lost pride."
He looks around the cave and nods.
"My father has been telling me that he can take charge of Canonia if I have to do something, so I'll notify him about my temporary absence."- He says- "In the meantime, why don't you wait outside for a while? An enthusiastic proprietor recently build a hotdog stand to the east. Maybe you can treat yourself to some good food while you wait?"
Emela smiles.
"Cyrus is right, dear,"- She says to Geralt- "We need to spend some time away from danger."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"But... the villains... "
Cyrus sighs.
"We'll deal with them as soon as we get the chance."- He says- "Now go out there and enjoy your free time while you can."
Geralt and Emela walk out of the cave, leaving Cyrus alone for the time being. They visit the hotdog stand and buy two hotdogs, eager to enjoy the peaceful moments that they were given.
"You know, there is this one girl that is always on my mind."- Geralt says- "She has always been so kind so me. So caring and loving. She is like an angel, a blessing from God himself. And I... I think that I'm starting to like her."
Emela chuckles.
"It seems like you and Aurelia are getting very close, huh?"- She asks- "Good to hear! She's a very sweet girl!"
Geralt blushes.
"N-no! I wasn't talking about her!"- He exclaims- "I have my own preferences and she is not part of them!"
Emela smiles and rolls her eyes.
"Of course she isn't, dear."- She says- "I totally believe you."
As the two of them continue to chat amicably, they are surprised by a young man who walks up to them. Seemingly in his 20s, with blonde hair and a friendly attitude, he seems to be nothing more than a regular person. However, something about him tells our heroes that he is not what he seems to be. It is as if they are looking at some sort of an alien.
"Hello!"- He exclaims.
Geralt turns around.
"Umm, hello there."- He says- "Are you talking to us?"
The man smiles.
"Yes, hello! I am just a normal human being, doing normal human things. Nothing out of the ordinary, hehe."- He says- "I can't help but notice that you seem to be quite special. Well? Are you, young mister? Hmm?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"What do you mean by 'special' ?"- He asks- "Are you asking if I am a hero, or something to that extent?"
Emela sighs.
"I don't like where this is going."
The man nods.
"My name is Melchior and I am a... a... (Drat! What's the word the humans use for this?)... a visitor of Canonia! I came here because I sensed that there are signs of my k-- umm, of my friends! Here, in this big, big place! And I wanted to help a good, caring hero find where they are."- He says- "They're not exactly friendly, you see. No, no. That's why I wanted to... remind them that we're one of a kind. Because friendship is power, y'see?"
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"So, you want us to help you take care of some villainous individuals."- He says- "Is that correct?"
Melchior looks at him, as if spacing out for a second or two.
"Umm, what in the holy pickle are you saying?"- He asks- "I don't understand you!"
Geralt sighs.
"Are you here because you want us to stop some bad guys?"- He tries to elaborate- "Are they making you feel worried?"
Melchior gasps.
"Oh! Yes! Yes!"- He exclaims- "And they're very, very evil! Like, beyond what y-- umm, we fellow humans understand as the concept of evil!"
Emela's eyes flash blue for a few seconds.
"What a pathetic imitation of the human being. Melchior has never been good at this."- She says, in a different voice- "Anyway, I can tell that my kind are somewhere in this world, as well. If that is the case, then it seems like Moric and Qualna are far from the only members that our governance are sending against you humans."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm, Miss Emela?"- He says- "Now you are the weird one!"
Emela smiles.
"But I am not acting like this man, you see?"- She says- "I am a completely normal human being."
Geralt sighs.
"Alright, you completely lost me."- He says- "I don't what is real anymore."
Melchior gasps.
"Gasp! The voice that I'm hearing... "- He says- "Balthy! Is that you?"
Emela sighs.
"You don't need to talk to me like that."- She says- "I'm not some kind of child."
Geralt looks at Emela.
"Can somebody explain what is going on, please?!"
Emela sighs.
"Well, I suppose that you deserve to know it. It's in your favor, after all."- She says- "My name is Balthazar. I am an alien being that shares this body with your beloved 'Miss Emela'. I was forced to transfer my soul here after my original body was destroyed and have been living here ever since. However, I've been sort of... quiet in the past few years. Nothing of interest happened and I was forced to hybernate, in the hopes of regaining some of my former powers. But it's better than being busy all the time, myes?"
Geralt nods.
"I can tell that you are a kindred spirit. You are not acting against us like the rest of your kind."- He says- "This probably means that you are aware of the strange being that attacked me earlier. The one that wore those orange robes, with the fiery eye in the middle of his face? You know, the one who can stare straight into my soul?"
Balthazar nods.
"That is correct, my boy."- He says- "Gaspar is one of the most powerful members of our governance. He has always wanted to go all the way here, and it seems like his dream finally came true. If we allow him to roam any further, I'm afraid that your entire planet is in danger."
Melchior gasps.
"Gaspar is here, too?!"- He asks- "Ahh! That's not very nice! Gaspar is not good! Not good, at all!"
Balthazar sighs.
"Calm down, Melchior. You're only making everything worse."- He says to him- "Now tell us what you know. It might be able to help us."
Melchior smiles.
"The king of this humble region hides a terrible secret. He is like a puppet whose strings are being pulled from far away, but there's something that you're not aware of."- He says- "Whoever is going this is not far away. In fact, he must be hiding in plain sight, away from the prying eyes of hunters and heroes."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"I do not know much about you, but I can tell that you are became mysteriously intelligent all of a sudden."- He says to him- "Is your act of foolishness and stupidity just a ruse, meant to hide your true colors? Or are you, like Miss Emela, being controlled by some kind of a mysterious entity?" 
Balthazar sighs.
"This is becoming ridiculous for all the wrong reasons."- He says- "Stand back, m'boy. I'll take care of this one."
Balthazar forces Emela's body to face Melchior. Then, he starts to glare at him, seemingly annoyed by this predicament.
"Can't you just spill it out like a normal person?!"- He yells- "I'm tired of your riddles!"
Melchior takes a few steps back.
"Sorry! I've gotta go eat some food!"- He exclaims- "Take care, you guys!"
Having said that, he runs away, leaving Geralt and Emela alone.
"What a strange man."- Geralt says- "And to think that he might be some sort of creature in disguise... "
Balthazar sighs.
"It's just a normal day for our kind. Don't worry about it."- He says- "Anyway, it was good to meet you, Geralt Kaos. You're exactly what I thought you would be- a true hero, bravely facing against the darkness around you. I'll stay quiet for now, and allow the host to speak freely. Farewell."
Emela's eyes continue to glow blue. She shakes her head and sighs.
"Ugh."- She says- "I hate it when he does that."
She looks up at Geralt, seeing that he is still concerned.
"Well?"- She asks- "Did you... hear him?"
Geralt nods.
"It seems like you are more interesting than I thought, Miss Emela."- He says to her- "Sharing your body with another creature is something that might seem surreal to many, but I am genuinely impressed to become the witness of such an extraordinary event."
He smiles.
"I would love to talk to your companion in the future."
Emela chuckles.
"Well, I'm sure that Balthazar would love to do the same!"- She exclaims- "He's never been trying to hide his true identity. Many of the people I know are aware that he lives inside of me. However, getting him to know you was the most exciting experience so far. The two of you think in a very similar way and I'm sure that he can be very useful to our mission, even though he doesn't like to talk that much."
The two heroes stare at the town ahead of them.
"Anyway, what do you think about that guy?"- She continues- "Did he say something that could be of importance to us?"
Geralt sighs.
"To be honest, he only spoke in riddles. It was almost as if he wanted to test our abilities to understand the signs of danger and eliminate them. A worrying amount of intelligence, if you ask me, especially when it comes from someone with such chaotic thoughts."- He says- "From what I heard, I can see that there is something wrong with His Majesty. But it is best if we let it slide, for now."
Emela shakes her head.
"It's truly sad that Donovan is in trouble, but I'm sure that his warriors will do their best to save him."- She says- "In the meantime, why don't we focus on completing the mission that we came for? I'm sure that it'll be a nice way to pass the time. We might even find your father!"
Geralt smiles.
"You know, maybe it is for the best."- He says- "If His Majesty has a problem to take care of, I am sure that the rest of our allies will be there for him. We are free to help everyone else for the time being. And I am sure that he would applaud us for setting this minor matter aside, at least for the duration of this mission."
Emela sighs.
"Even so, I still have a very bad feeling. It's almost as if someone's clawing at my mind, trying to break free."- She says- "There's a mysterious force out there, Geralt. And it's far more powerful that what we, mere humans, have seen so far. I know that it's not my place to advise you anymore, but I think that you should always have your hand close to your weapon. Sleep with one eye open, if you must. Grip your pillow tight in the coldest nights. Everything will only get worse, I assure you." 
Geralt attempts to respond. However, he soon shakes his head and turns away. He knows that there is no point to argue with an expert and does what he is very capable of- being loyal to his allies.
As they prepare to leave, Cyrus walks out of the cave and joins them. He seems to be a little desperate, but is otherwise ready for action.
"Are you ready to go?"- He asks them- "I'm sure that we have enough time left."
Geralt nods.
"Alright. We are ready."- He says- "Let us embark on this adventure."
And so, the trio leaves the relative safety of Canonia behind them, preparing themselves for another inevitable journey.
== Trivia ==
* The advice that Emela gives to Geralt at the end of this Part ("Sleep with one eye open, if you must./Grip your pillow tight in the coldest nights.") is a reference to "Enter Sandman"- a popular song by Metallica whose chorus features lyrics similar to those.