MLIII C5, P8.2- "Look At The Stars"

"Look At The Stars" is the second (and final) Extra Part in "Miracula Luxia III" 's final Chapter.

It was released on 28.04.2022.

## Plot

At last, they are truly reunited!

Despite all of the things that happened to them recently, Adam and Akira are finally together again. The world will no longer keep them apart from each other, no matter how hard it tries.

And yet, their problems are far from over.

Even though they want to leave the outskirts of the evil city of Underfall and never return again, they still wish to honor the wish of the man who saved them and help him recover the body of his beloved adopted son from the ruins, to give him a proper burial and return home, with a clear conscience.

Fighting their way past the remaining forces of Darkthrop, the few remaining magical traps left and a very dangerous renegade outlaw who turns out to be the former Sheriff of Canonia, their mission is soothe those wounds that run too deep.

***Will they survive the onslaught or perish in the incoming disaster?***

*There is only one way to find that out...*

## Story

As Adam and Akira hugs, Sheriff Dawson approaches them and smiles.

"So, umm, sheriff... "

Sheriff Dawson clears his throat.

"Just call me Victor."- He says- "Makes it less awkward."

Adam nods.

"Yes, umm, Mr. Dawson."- He says- "Why did you go through all this trouble, just to save my sister?"

Victor looks back at the ruins of Underfall and sighs.

"I found her near that city, bloodied and hopeless. At that time, she was being hunted down by a large group of darklings. The wretched creatures wanted her dead."- He says- "And yet, I did not allow this. When they got close, I stepped in. Told them that it's against the law to kill innocent civilians. They refused to back away, so I had to shoot them down."

Adam's eyes widen.

"That is all?"- He asks- "You just... happened to be nearby?"

Victor smiles.

"What did you expect, kiddo?"- He says- "As the Sheriff of Canonia, my greatest motivation is the law. I save people, not because I'm some kind of a hero or something, but because I don't let my heart get corrupted by the new world that we live in."

He looks down at Akira, A single tear appears in his right eye as he remembers something that happened a while ago.

"You know."- He adds- "There's probably something that made me do it. Something incomplete."

Adam recognizes the look in his eyes. It is the one that many who lost someone important to them always have.

No matter where they go, they can't stop thinking about the mistakes that they have done. They can't stop regretting the fact that they failed their loved ones. And, worst of all, they cannot forget those whom they lost along the way.

"I understand how it is."- He says- "And you know what? I think that I feel the same way."

He smiles.

"Little things like those connect us. Make us feel more... determined. Eager to prove ourselves."- He adds- "I am glad that life decided to meet us in a time like this. Thank the gods for allowing us to know a legendary man such as yourself, sir."

Victor smiles sadly.

"Do you want to know how I ended up like this?"- He asks him- "A little piece of history?"

Adam raises his eyebrow.

"We have little time left, but I suppose that it would not hurt."- He says- "I am ready to hear what you have to say, sir."

Victor sighs.

"A few years ago, long before the world came to know you, the citizens of Canonia were living normal lives, bereft of almost any kind of danger. The only thing that troubled us was the boredom that always seemed to stay with us."- He says- "At that time, I used to live as a simple citizen, watching as the world changed before my very eyes. Unlike now, I used to be a retired farmer, weakened by the years of constant exposure to the sun and moon. Still, I liked my life and wouldn't want it to be otherwise."

He smiles.

"Best of all, I had one of the most beautiful daughters you have ever seen. Gorgeous young woman with a smile that shined bright like the sun. Her words were music to my ears and a soothing melody to those who used to know her. Many came to her cave, seeking guidance and trusting her wisdom. And she helped them all without hesitation. She was a blessing to us all and a gift from the heavens to me, her lowly father."- He says- "It is as if the stars themselves reassembled every night, just to form a shape that resembled to her beautiful face. Oh, it was wonderful. A sight for sore eyes."

Akira smiles sadly.

"His daughter used to be the Shaman of Canonia, a few years before Gloria came to take her place."- She whispers to Adam- "Sadly, everything went wrong for her, as you're going to hear now."

Victor looks down and sighs.

"But then, it is as if life itself was torn apart by the evil that ravaged our lands. Broke our spirits and made us weak."- He says- "Just when I thought that it wouldn't get worse than that, the mayor revealed that something terrible happened to our humble town. Our shaman, my gorgeous daughter... was gone."

His eyes fill with tears as he remembers those painful memories.

"Immediately, I commanded the captain of the guard to assign a few soldiers to help me look for her."- He says- "And then, I looked. When I failed to do anything, I looked even further. My heart was beating and my hand were shaking, but I never stopped. I desperately tried to reunite with the one who brought so much happiness into my life, who illuminated it with her light. I even entered the grotto that was tainted by a former shaman's foul magic, despite the warnings of the guards."

He falls on his knees.

"Yes. I did find her. But at a terrible cost. When I did, it was too late to save her."- He says- "I met with a band of soldiers on their way out. After I explained whom I was looking for, they shaked their heads and accompanied me to the central cavern. And there she was, lying on the ground, her flawless skin turned green, her soft hands turned into sharp claws. Blood was still dripping from her head, where one of the soldiers had struck her with his blade. I couldn't believe my eyes. My daughter, my beautiful baby girl, she was gone. Gone, because of her desire to gain more power. Because she made a deal with the Reaper and didn't want to listen to my advice. **Gone.**"

He sighs and gets up.

"The soldiers apologized for what they did. Claimed that she was beyond saving, that only certain demise would cure her madness."- He says- "And yet, I never dared to believe it... until I saw the Dark One with my own eyes. Until I felt the joy of burning his corpse and avenging my daughter. He gave her no choice, so I didn't give him one either."

His eyes fill with tears again.

"But the tragedies didn't stop. No, it only got worse for me."- He says- "Long ago, I also adopted a young boy. A child whom I never dared to leave alone, because I loved him as if he were my real son. He was always so excited to do good deeds and dreamed to be a hero. When I became sheriff, I had the authority to send him on whatever mission was left incomplete. So, I did. I sent him out there, because I knew that it was what he wanted. I gave him the chance to redeem himself, in the face of Canonia's ignorant citizens who shunned him because he was different. For many days and nights, I dreamed of seeing him one last time before he got himself in trouble. And yet, the day when he promised to visit me once he was done with his sacred task... was the one when I lost him to the forces of evil."

He falls on his knees and looks up at Adam, his eyes still filled with tears.

"So, Adam. I beg you now, not as the mighty sheriff you might have known until now, but as a lowly citizen and unfortunate parent."- He says- "Please. Let me be a good father one last time. I helped you out when you were most desperate, so can you do the same for me?"

Without thinking twice, Adam nods and smiles.

"I never came to know you well, but it is clear that you are a man of honor. When you promise to help, you are true to your word."- He says- "You sacrificed a lot just to reunite me with my sister, so who am I to refuse? Of course I will help you!"

Victor nods and smiles.

"Gloria was right."- He says- "You have a heart of gold, just like your father!"

Adam nods.

"I am flattered by your words."- He says- "And yet, it is nothing special. I help people, because I have always sworn to do so. My duties lie in protecting the world from evil."

Victor nods.

"Yes. I understand."- He says- "Anyway, we have to do this. So, listen closely."

The three of them enter the small hut, where Victor points at a nearby table.

"Be my guest."- He says- "For as long as you stay with us, you are welcome here."

As Adam and Akira sit down, he picks up something from a nearby frame and shows it to them.

It is a large sword fragment. And Adam immediately recognizes it.

"So, you know who he is."

Victor nods.

"When I came here, I surveyed the ruins of Underfall. There, I stumbled upon the remains of a great battle. Moving the rubble away for hours, I found this fragment of my son's weapon, hidden deep beneath. And yes, I am absolutely certain of it because I have seen it in his hands before he left to join this fateful adventure of yours."- He says- "But my luck ran out almost immediately. A large group of darklings noticed me and gave chase. I barely stumbled away from them."

He looks at a nearby window, hope gleaming in his eyes.

"My son is out there. I know it."- He adds- "And, until he is given the burial that he deserves, I'm not going anywhere."

Akira sighs.

"He's been talking like this for days."- She whispers to her brother- "I told him that we can send a rescue team once we got home, but he still refused to leave this place. I had no choice, but to stay by his side until someone came to our aid. And you just happened to be the one."

Adam nods.

"Then, we will find your son... no matter what it takes!"- He says proudly- "As one of his most ardent allies when he was still alive, I greatly valued our friendship and fought by his side until the end. Truth be told, he was like a brother to me. Even as he fell, he always strived to prove himself. So, I wish to prove myself to him."

He looks at Victor.

"Rest assured, Mr. Dawson."- He says- "Together, we will take your son away from this nightmare. We will honor the courage and valor that he showed back there and applaud his determination in the face of danger. We will not let him down!"

Victor's faith is restored. As he listens to Adam's words, he fails to hold back his tears.

He approaches the young hero and hugs him.

"Thank you, Adam. Thank you."- He says- "My words are not enough to show how grateful I feel right now."

Adam smiles.

"It is alright. I completely understand how you feel."- He says- "If you do not wish to say anything, it is fine by me. Your smile says many things that a thousand words never could. It makes me happy to see that you are happy."

He looks back.

"For now, try to stand by my side."- He says- "We will go in there. Take Aiden away. Back out. Return home. The mission is clear as the sky, so let us get on with it."

The three of them plan their next move for a few hours. They study the entrances that are not obstructed by lava and rubble yet, scout the area for any holes in the walls and soon come to the conclusion that the whole place is going to fall apart soon. If they are going to rescue Aiden, they have to do it as soon as possible.

And thus, their task is clear. With no hesitation, they embark on this perilous adventure.

On the road toward the ruins, they meet a vengeful patrol of darklings, looking for a group of unfortunate travellers to waylay.

At first, they disrespect the three and laugh at them. Then, they see Adam.

"You! You're the one who killed our leader!"- One of them yells- "We've been looking for you! Any last words?"

Adam does not say anything to them. He looks back at his allies.

"Close your eyes."- He whispers.

Then, he looks back up.

"I do not regret what I have done."- He says- "And soon, you will join him in the underworld."

The darklings draw their weapons and charge.

Before they can get close, however, Adam casts a powerful spell that makes his sword shine in a beautiful light, forcing the fiends to stumble backwards.

As they try to cover their eyes, Adam swings his sword. Waves of powerful light-elemental essence burst forward and strike down any dark creature in their path. And those darklings are in the middle of this mess...

"No!"

Suddenly, all of the creatures are incinerated and turned into ashes.

Adam sighs and sheathes his sword.

"Even after they lost their reason to fight, those creatures never forgot who they are."- He says- "I admire their courage, but they are still our enemies."

Victor nods.

"So, we must destroy them."- He says- "Just like we always have."

Adam nods.

"Someday, Darkthrop will be reawakened. And they will be more powerful than ever."- He says- "When that day comes, we will be ready to take back our world from them."

Having said that, he and his companions march forward.

Once inside the city, they search the ruins. Many things are still unclear to them, but it is obvious that Aiden's remains are still somewhere around here.

"My dear boy, where are you?"- Victor says- "I can't take it. I need to see you again."

Adam sighs.

"Stay strong, sir."- He says- "Aiden does not want you to be like this."

Victor shakes his head.

"But I... I... "

He sighs.

"You're right, kid."- He says- "I must strive to be a better person. For the sake of my children."

As the three of them survey the ruins, another group of darklings runs in and attacks them.

"Again?"- Akira says- "Didn't we just deal with one earlier?"

Adam sighs.

"I guess that they planned this from the start."- He says- "Their numbers are just too well-organized. Someone must be behind them."

Victor shoots his pistol at the attackers, jumping left and right to avoid the arrows that they are shooting at them.

"But who would be foolish enough to help them?"- He asks- "Nobody would dare to join Darkthrop when he's not even here!"

Adam nods.

"In this battle, they lost it all. Their hopes. Their dreams. Their impenetrable empire. Many of their numbers were lost and they became a bunch of outcasts. Malcontents."- He says- "And yet, the flames of evil still burn bright. As long as there are intelligent units left among their numbers, we can only guess when they will make their next move."

Someone laughs from a nearby roof.

"You don't know how *right* you are!"

Suddenly, a tall, imposing man jumps from a nearby rooftop and fires a few gunshots at them, barely missing Akira's left arm in the process.

"A human person?"- Akira says as she stumbles back- "Now I see why they know so much about us. Whoever this is, he's on their side. And it was thanks to him that they know when the time to strike is right."

Adam draws his weapon.

"Who are you?"- He asks the man- "Why are you here?"

The man smiles.

"Why am I here, you say?"- He says and laughs- "Boy. I've been a part of this battle long before you even stepped in here with your dirty shoes."

Although Adam and Akira fail to recognize him, something in his face makes Victor stand on his guard.

"You seem familiar."- He says- "Are you the sheriff who ran away from us? Anton Robbins?"

Anton grins.

"I'd rather call myself a lawful outlaw, but that'll have to do."- He says- "Yes. I'm the man that you're looking for. The one and only."

Victor glares at him.

"I knew that I would find you here, traitor."- He says to him- "Put your hands in the air or face our judgement. I will not repeat myself."

Anton smiles.

"No. I'm too far gone to be fooled by the likes of you."- He says- "All this time, I've been dispersing justice left and right. No mercy. And I regret nothing!"

He points his gun at Victor.

"Once I'm done with the current Sheriff of Canonia and his squad, I'll be seen as his sole successor."- He says- "And, when they see that there's no other way than welcome me back, I will be sheriff again!"

Adam looks back at Victor, horrified.

"This man wants to be a sheriff?"- He asks him- "But *why?!*"

Victor sighs.

"I suppose that you need to know it."- He says- "Now that we work together, it's best if you hear something about the man who's always been on my mind."

As Victor starts to speak, Anton watches with clear amusement. He clearly wishes to remember what he used to be and this is a chance to do so.

"Before I became the Sheriff of Canonia, things were rather... chaotic. Anton Robbins, the man that you see over here, used to work there. And he took his job *very* seriously."- He says- "Whenever he heard that there are criminals, he went to face them himself. And he was *merciless*. He asked no questions. Showed no mercy. He killed them on the spot. And those unlucky few who made it in his cells, oh man... I can't even describe how terrible it was for *them*."

He sighs.

"But life was benevolent. It punished him for his mistakes by making him unworthy in the eyes of those whom he has protected for decades. Thus, he was exiled from Canonia forever, taken far away from his family and never to return."- He says- "Even though he continued to kill criminals as he did back as a sheriff, disaster struck almost immediately. News spread that the former sheriff's family was slaughtered by elves. According to them, the two were dirty and desperate and looked a lot like spies. The matter was easily forgotten, but his hatred was absolute. One day, we heard of a skirmish between elven warriors and a very dangerous madman. The creatures were killed as a result and he got his revenge."

He glares at Anton.

"After that, he disappeared in the shadows."- He says- "We never heard of him again... until now."

Anton smiles.

"I can see why your daughter gave in to the darkness, Dawson."- He says to him- "Having so much power feels almost unfair."

Victor shakes his head.

"Your crimes will not go unanswered!"- He yells- "Joining the dark ones has guaranteed your demise!"

Anton raises his eyebrow.

"Oh. Is that so?"- He says- "But the canonians are not here to see what's going to happen to their beloved sheriff. So, we're both dead men walking."

He grins.

"We've both suffered a lot, Dawson."- He says- "Now, fire your best shot at me... if you dare."

Victor points his gun at him.

"If this is what you want, then I'll give it to you!"

Adam shakes his head.

"Mr. Dawson, stop!"

Victor fires a bullet at Anton, but he easily dodges it.

Instead, it hits an explosive barrel on the ground.

Anton grins.

"Catch!"

He picks up the barrel as it hisses and throws it at Victor.

"Mr. Dawson!"- Akira yells- "No!"

As Anton laughs, he receives a nasty surprise when Adam jumps in the air, enchants his sword with the power of water and slashes the barrel in two, spilling the wet gunpowder on the ground below and putting the fuse out simultaneously.

"Darkthrop said it all. You're really an exemplary challenger."- He says- "But can you survive a barrage of bullets?"

Having said that, he ducks behind a nearby rock and fires bullets like a wildman.

Due to the constant onslaught, Adam is forced to stumble back, taking his allies away as well.

"Let's see if your awesome powers can save you from this!"

Anton fires a massive flaming bullet at them, shattering the ground below Adam's feet and throwing him back.

"Even so, I still have not given up."- Adam says- "You will have to try harder than that.'

Anton grins.

"Oh, I will! I will!"- He responds- "And once I'm done, there will be nothing left of you!"

Adam glares at him.

"Bring it on, outlaw."

Anton starts to shoot another barrage of bullets, but Adam manages to yank the gun out of his hand.

Realizing that he has to change his strategy to survive, he uses his enhanced senses to predict Adam's next move and take his gun back before he can react.

Then, just as Adam starts to cast a spell, he pulls out another gun from his pocket.

"Good thing I have an extra right here!"

Akira and Victor are shocked by this revelation,

"Two guns?!"- Victor exclaims- "Oh, dear. It's going to get very dangerous."

Adam nods.

"Dangerous or not, this man is an outlaw."- He says- "And he must be aware of how we deal with those of his kind."

Anton grins.

"There's nowhere you can hide!"- He yells- "Just accept your fate like a good little soldier!"

With that, he fires an even faster and more widespread barrage of bullets, forcing Adam and his allies to hide somewhere else.

As the madman continues to shoot wildly in their direction, Adam shakes his head.

"I have fought warriors of darkness. Evil sorcerers. Even pretentious demons with immeasurable power."- He says- "But this is far beyond my capabilities."

Victor sighs.

"So you claim that you can repulse the enemy's swords and magic, yet you cannot finish of a crazy outlaw with a gun?"- He says- "It's understandable. Few can face Anton in battle and live. He's a very skilled fighter, after all."

Akira nods.

"But what can we do?"- She asks- "Even though we technically outnumber him, he's still got the battle prowess needed to outsmart us."

Adam looks out at Anton, looking for a flaw in his attacks. However, for the first time during his heroic career, he is unsure whether there are any.

"This is not a task for a lone hero, that is for sure."- He says- "And there is only one solution for it."

He looks at Akira and Victor.

"In order to defeat this man, we must work together."- He says- "I know that we have never been a team, but destiny has decided that we have to fight side by side. So, it is our duty to show the former sheriff that we are able to use every trick in the book to bring him on his knees."

He nods, noting their enthusiasm.

"Are you ready to disperse some justice?"

Akira nods.

"Let's send his wacko to his beloved sorcerer!"

Victor smiles.

"Your words just struck home, my boy."- He says- "Powerful or not, nothing beats a good teamwork."

Akira jumps out and points her weapon at Anton.

"Hey, sheriff."- She says- "You might want to check your eyesight, because you've gone blind."

Anton grits his teeth.

"Still living, aren't you?"- He says- "Oh, well. It doesn't matter. Once I'm done with you, there'll be nothing left to live!"

Having said that, he whips out his pistols again and shoots at Akira. However, the young heroine manages to leap to the left, firing a few bolts of magic as she goes.

Even though her attacks prove to be ineffective to the mad sheriff, they serve as as a perfect distraction for him and allow Adam and Victor to sneak somewhere else.

As Anton slowly loses his mind even further, Adam jumps out behind him and fires fives arrows of light in his direction, managing to pin him to a neaby rock with one of them.

The former sheriff manages to pull out the arrow, but is still shocked by the group's sudden teamwork.

"*It looks like those three have the guts to work together. Even after so long, it's truly a sight to see.*"- He says to himself- "*And yet, it won't be enough to scare me off. Try as much as you want, but this sheriff will always stay on top.*"

He points both of his guns at them.

"I might be outnumbered, but I'm still strong enough to beat y'all in one fell swoop!"

Some of the darklings outside prepare to enter the ruined city, but Anton shushes them off.

"Stop being so anxious, you fools!"- He says- "This is your battle, not mine! Go away!"

Regretfully, the darklings listen to the sheriff and go somewhere else... for the moment.

Anton looks back at his enemies and smiles.

"It's not just power that Darkthrop gave me when I joined him."- He says- "I'll show you a technique that makes me one of his most feared allies!"

Before Adam and his allies can respond, he holsters both of his guns and vanishes. Then, he appears behind them and shoots at the ground below, creating a small shockwave that throws them back.

As they recover from the attack, he teleports away and surprises them by appearing in the sky above, shooting another barrage of bullets and throwing them back with an even stronger shockwave.

"Now I see why this outlaw has not been dealt with yet."- Adam mutters- "He has the shadows on his side and is too hard to find."

Akira nods.

"But what can we do?"- She says- "Such an enemy is too strong, even for us. We must retreat."

Adam shakes his head.

"Look. If you want to leave me alone again, be my guest. I will not stop you."- He says- "However, I made a promise to Mr. Dawson. We are to bring Aiden back to his homeland. So, I will not stop until all obstacles in our way are cleared out."

He glares at Anton.

"We will not retreat!"- He yells- "We will fight until we are turned to dust!"

Victor nods.

"Wise words, my boy."- He says- "With each passing minute, you remind me more and more of my son. I guess the time that you spent with him has changed you for good."

Adam smiles.

"And this is how I want it to be."- He says- "Rest assured, sir. No matter what it takes, we will bring your son to his rightful home."

Victor draws his gun.

"Then let's give it our all, in his name."

The three of them jump out at once, surprising Anton as he prepares to attack them again. Just as he uses his teleportation abilities again, Adam fires an arrow of light at his feet, piercing him in the leg and temorarily immobilizing him.

"This is our chance!"- He yells and draws his weapon- "Charge!"

Wounded and desperate, Anton attempts to fire his gun at them again. However, he soon realizes that he's got no chance to win while his leg is in this condition.

Having another trick in his sleeve, he weakly stumbles back and draws a small pair of shivs. Then, as Akira gets closer to him, he manages to pierce her in the arm. Twice.

As she stumbles back, he laughs.

"This is why I'm the greatest outlaw in the known lands!"- He says- "My body is made to fight! And it will until I there's nothing left of me!"

Swinging his weapons a few times, the sheriff charges at his greatest enemy- Sheriff Dawson.

"Anton, listen to the voice of reason."- Victor says to him as he avoids his numerous attacks- "Your mind is tainted by guilt, but you're still a man. Don't let the darkness tell you what to do. Fight it and show your family that you're more than just a puppet in the hands of an evil sorcerer. Are you really going to let their deaths be in vain?!"

Victor's words confuse Anton. He pauses for a moment, reminiscing the terrible events that led to his alliance with Darkthrop.

Then, he looks up and shakes his head.

"I no longer have a reason to fear."- He says- "My family is gone. I fight alone. And this is how it will be, day after day."

He points his weapons at him.

"So, either kill me or leave me."- He says- "There's no other way."

Victor nods and takes a dagger out of his pocket.

"Then I will save you, old friend."- He says- "I will let you reunite with your family. No longer you will be shackled to the curtains of the past."

Having said that, he lunges at him just as he prepares to attack, taking him by surprise and clashing their weapons against each other.

"I know that I promised to stay with you. Yet, I can't leave him to suffer like this."- Victor says to Adam and Akira- "You must leave this area. Find Aiden's corpse and take him with you. If I have the chance to join you on the way out, then I will not hesitate."

Adam shakes his head.

"We cannot leave you like this!"- He says- "It is too dangerous to fight this man alone! Let us help you!"

Victor smiles and shakes his head.

"I know that my chances of survival ain't high. But that is of little concern to me."- He says- "So long as the people whom my son helped are still out there, still living their lives, I will be happy to perish while protecting them."

He looks back at Anton and glares at him.

"Now go!"- He yells- "Find my son and make me proud!"

Adam and Akira see that they have no other choice. Forced between meeting certain demise and trying to find Aiden's remains, they decide that if they honor his father's wish instead.

Before they go, however, Adam mutters a few words and casts a blessing spell on Victor.

"Even when you are left to fight alone, your life is not meant to be forfeit."- He says to him- "Keep on being yourself and you will certainly win!"

Victor smiles.

"I appreciate it, kiddo."- He says- "Now go. Don't let my sacrifice be in vain."

Having said that, he sends the two heroes away before they can say anything else.

Turning back to Anton, he glares at him menacingly.

"I long feared that this moment would come, Anton. And yet, I knew that it would happen... eventually."- He says- "Now, it's either you or me."

He smiles.

"So, let the best macho win."

Anton smiles and swings his blades a few times.

"Rest assured that it'll be me!"

Having said that, the two men let out their battle cries and charge.

Meanwhile, Adam and Akira sneak away, aided by Sheriff Dawson's diversion and start to search the ruins as soon as possible.

"So, brother. I guess that we're together again."- She says- "But why did you decide to go all the way over here, just to see your dear sister again?"

Adam shakes his head.

"I may have despised you for siding with Darkthrop, but that is a matter that shall remain in the distant past."- He says- "I came here because I love you, Aki. Even as I finally saw what you became, I never stopped caring about you. And, as a sibling, I felt that my duties were not done yet. So, I came all the way here, just to see the one who risked her own life to save me again."

Adam smiles.

"Aki, I have to admit it. You have saved my life many times. And I am very grateful for that."- He says- "But this one meant so much to me. Your courage and valor were still there and that is what kept the darkness from fully corrupting your heart. Deep inside, you were still a good person, and I am glad that my prayers were answered."

Akira looks up at the sky and smiles.

"Up until I joined Darkthrop, my mission was to inspire. To lead the world toward a better future. And yet, when I joined him, I forgot who I truly am."- She says- "Thanks to you, I remembered the most important thing a person like me will always have- a family. No matter what I do, they will always love me. And it's the same for me."

She sighs.

"And yet, I still feel like I betrayed our father. I almost killed him back there and it's because of me that he feels so desperate to save the world right now."- She adds- "Do you think that I'm worthy of being forgiven, even after all of the crimes that I committed against all of you?"

Adam smiles and pats her on the shoulder.

"You already have the answer engraved in your soul, my dear sister."- He says to her- "Search for the light that was taken away from your heart and you will soon realize how much we truly care about you."

Akira looks down. She is close to breaking down.

"But I... I... "

Adam hugs her and smiles.

"Now, now. Do not be sad."- He says- "Just because you made a few mistakes out there does not mean that you are one with the darkness. On the contrary, you have always been a part of the light. You just did not know it. And, trust me, it is nothing to be concerned about. Little by little, you can still redeem yourself."

He takes a step back.

"So."- He says- "What will it be?"

Akira looks up and nods.

"All this time, I've been hiding in the darkness. Like a coward, I directed the forces of evil, yet never came to see how much I hurt the people out there."- She says- "Now that you showed me the true meaning of faith, I think that I am ready to search for the light."

Adam and Akira search the ruins, eager to find Aiden and return home.

"I saw how your friend fought Darkthrop back there. Even when the tables were turned against him, he still showed no sign of weakness."- Akira says- "And yet, when you tried to help him out, he still risked his own life to save you. Why would he do such a thing?"

Adam smiles sadly.

"Friends always support each other, no matter how dare a situation may be for us."- He says- "Aiden had an iron resolve. His will did not break, even as the arrows pierced his body and he bled out in his brother's arms. In my eyes, he died as a hero, doing what he has been always dreaming of."

He sighs.

"And yet, his soul is still out here. It lingers restlessly in the ruins of this fallen empire."- He says- "As a faitful ally and good friend of his, my duty is to save him from the darkness and put his soul to rest."

Akira nods.

"Then let's go."- She says- "I hate to leave a friend of yours in this place, so I will do my best to pull him out."

Adam smiles.

"Of course, sister."- He says- "Thank you for your kindness."

The two of them search tirelessly for the remains of the fallen hero, disregarding the fact that they are still surrounded by their enemies and could be attacked at any moment.

Half an hour passes as the two sheriffs continue to fight. Adam realizes that there is too much rubble to clear, but Akira does not mind. She keeps on pushing it away until something pops out.

"Come on."- She says- "We're almost there. We can do it."

Finally, after a long investigation, they find the foot of a human person, trapped underneath the ruins.

Adam immediately recognizes it.

"Aiden!"

He starts to remove the rubble around the leg, slowly revealing the rest of the body that it belongs to.

After spending five minutes trying to discover who the corpse really is, their efforts are rewarded with success.

Adam manages to pull Aiden's corpse from the rubble.

"It's surprisingly intact, despite lying in those ruins for weeks."- Akira says- "Perhaps the magic of this place kept it like this."

Adam smiles.

"It is an honor to see you again, my friend."

Aiden, despite being a lifeless shell of a man, is more or less the same. All of his facial features are still intact, and so are his clothes.

In his lap rests the sword that he used in his last battle. A single shard was broken and taken away from it.

"Yes. This is him."- Akira says- "So. What should we do?"

Adam looks at the hole in the wall to the west of him and nods.

"Our mission is done."- He says- "It is time to go back home."

Having said that, he motions for Akira to grab Aiden's feet.

Slowly carrying him out, they stumble upon a rogue band of darklings that have been waiting for them.

"Avenge Darkthrop!"- One of them yells- "Slay the intruder!"

Adam sighs and gently lays Aiden's body on the ground below.

"I think that it is time to teach them a lesson."- He says- "Are you ready, sister?"

Akira draws her weapon and nods.

"Whenever you are, dear brother."

Adam smiles.

"Then let us fight those fiends one last time."- He says- "In the name of the light and justice, we shall prevail!"

Having said that, he charges and enchants his sword with light magic while on the move.

Three swings are enough to bring a sizable portion of his enemies down, leaving the rest confused and divided.

While the darklings attempt to retailiate, Akira casts a moon barrier spell on her brother, hiding him from plain sight and doing the same to herself as soon as he is gone.

The creatures are shocked that their former leader is fighting against them. They never expected to be betrayed like this.

"Traitor! Non-believer!"- One of them yells- "We'll kill you both!"

Suddenly, Akira appears behind them and smiles.

"Are you sure about that?"

In a matter of only a few seconds, Adam appears in front of them and launches a barrage of powerful attacks, backed up by his sister's strikes from behind.

Soon, the entire group of darklings lies dead in their feet.

"Mission accomplished, I reckon."- Adam says- "Now, I think that it is time for us to bury Aiden back in Goznor. Are you ready?"

Akira looks back at Victor and notices that he is in trouble.

"Not yet."- She says and motions for her brother to stay where he is- "I promise to be back soon. Just don't go anywhere."

Adam sighs and pulls Aiden's corpse away from the battlefield.

"Very well."- He says- "We will wait for you here."

Meanwhile, Anton fires a flaming bullet at Victor. Although it doesn't manage to kill him, it still pierces his right arm, causing him a lot of pain.

"Hah!"- He says- "You didn't expect this, did you?!"

As Victor prepares to strike again, Anton approaches him and kicks him in the leg. The impact is enough to make him wince in pain.

"Anton... why?"- He asks him- "Why are you doing this?"

Anton smirks.

"Justice, my friend."- He says- "You might think that you're the hero, but you're the biggest outlaw I've ever had the chance to know. And you dared to risk your life, just to save those pathetic brats."

He grins.

"You're nothing more than those I killed."

Victor shakes his head.

"I guess that they were right. You're not the same anymore."- He says- "I've been trying to save you from Darkthrop and his allies, but my efforts are always in vain. I think that I see it now. You, my friend, have gone mad. There is no way to reason with someone like you. Not anymore.

Anton laughs and raises his gun.

"So, you finally see the truth. I'm glad to hear that."- He says- "But it's *too late!* You're a dead man walking! Nothing can save you now!"

Victor hangs his head down.

"If I am to die, so it be."- He says- "I already lost everything. There's no point to fight for people like you."

Anton smirks.

"It's over, Dawson."

Then he raises his gun, eager to perform this dirty deed.

Just as he does however, he hears a gunshot nearby. Like a lead bee, the bullet buzzes its way past his skin and pierces him in the back.

"What?!"- He yells- "No! This cannot be!"

As he falls on his knees and starts to bleed to death, he looks up to see who delivered this fatal blow.

He sees Akira.

"Kid, you've lost your mind."- He says- "Did you really think that this... will kill me?!"

Akira smiles.

"Maybe not."- She says- "But this one begs to differ!"

Having said that, she points her pistol at his forehead and fires a single bullet into his head.

Anton Robbins, former sheriff of Canonia and dedicated servant of Mordred Darkthrop up until the end of his life, falls on the ground. Blood drips from both of his wounds, painting the ground below red.

There is no trick, no chance to come back. The old man is dead for good.

Victor notices that Akira has saved him. He stands up and shakes his head.

"Akira, my girl. You... you should have left me back here."- He says- "I'm not meant to be the sheriff. There's better people out there."

Akira shakes her head.

"Maybe you're right. But it's not true for me."- She says- "When you saved me back there, I saw you as my father. My savior. My ally. I trusted you with my life and was rewarded with your kindness. Remember that promise that I made before you went to save my brother? That I would never abandon you, no matter how much you beg me? Well, those words struck home today. I saved you from this man, because I care about you. And I'll never stop. Never."

Victor smiles and hugs her.

"You're a true warrior of justice, my dear."- He says to her- "The world needs more people like you."

Akira smiles.

"Then let us finish what we started back here."- She says- "We found your son's corpse. You have a purpose to live now, so get on with it. Be the father that you've always dreamed to be. I know that you can do it."

Victor nods.

"Of course I will. In your name, I'm ready to do anything."- He says- "To Goznor!"

The three of them get past the wastes. For days, they cross ruins and find the shattered hopes and dreams of those who came before them.

And yet, they do not give up. Seeing the ones who desperately fought for their lives motivates them to fight for their own. Thus, they manage to reach Goznor in just a few days.

The citizens of Goznor welcome them with open arms. They offer to bury Aiden's corpse themselves, but Adam politely refuses, claiming that it his family and friends' job to perform this good deed.

As Adam and Akira start to dig a hole, Donovan emerges from Castle Goznor and approaches them.

Once he gets close enough to see what is going on, he looks down and shakes his head.

"So, you managed to find him."- He says- "You found out that I lied to you."

Adam sighs.

"I understand that it was hard for you to accept that he is gone."- He says- "But that is alright. Now that we rescued him, he can finally rest in peace."

Donovan sighs.

"My little brother is back. At last, we're together again."- He says and wipes a tear from his left eye- "Thank you, Adam. Today, you made my life better. I owe you one."

Adam smiles sadly.

"It is an honor to help you out, my friend."- He says- "At last, we can let Aiden's soul rest."

While he and Akira continue to dig the grave, Victor approaches Donovan and sighs.

"You must be my boy's brother."- He says- "Nice to meet you. My name is Victor Dawson. Sheriff Dawson, if you prefer."

Donovan nods.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Dawson."- He says- "I am Donovan Gonoru- Aiden's older brother and best friend. In life, I meant a lot to him, so I came to honor him one last time."

Victor smiles sadly.

"Then let's respect the child who risked everything so we could be here."

As the ceremony continues, everyone stays silent. There is no speech to honor the fallen. No wailing or reminiscing the times that they spent with Aiden. Just an act of silent respect for a true hero.

"And now, let us pray for a brighter future."- Adam says- "A chance to honor Aiden's last wish and to respect who he used be in life."

Everyone looks down and closes their eyes for a minute.

"Amen."

Once the ceremony is over, Adam and Akira bid farewell to their friends and set out to one last adventure- the one that leads them back home.

"Are you sure that you want to go with him, my dear?"- Victor asks her- "You can always stay with me, if you would like."

Akira smiles and shakes her head.

"I'm sorry, sir."- She says- "As much as I'd like to stay with you, Adam is a part of my family. I love him very much and I don't want to get separated from him again."

She smiles sadly.

"So, this means that I have to go."

Victor smiles back and hugs her.

"I'll miss you, Akira."- He says to her- "Stay safe out there."

Akira nods.

"I will Mr. Dawson. Thank you for everything."- She says- "I'll make sure to visit you sometime soon."

Having said that, she approaches Donovan and shakes her head.

"I'm sorry for what happened to your brother,"- She says to him- "But this is not the time to cry about it. So, what will you do now."

Donovan sighs.

"Well, I will do what I've always been meant to. Lead the Kingdom of Goznor toward the light and attempt to burn away villainy with the power of the law."- He says- "It's hard for someone like me, but I know that Aiden and Dad are always here, by my side. With their help, I will make a difference in this world of ours."

Akira nods and smiles.

"Good luck, buddy."- She says to him- "I hope that I can see you again. And when I do, I hope that we can be allies, not enemies."

Donovan smiles.

"I hope so, too."- He says- "You're a good girl, Akira. I think that you'll be a valuable ally. To me. And to the entire kingdom."

Akira pats him on the shoulder, smiles and joins her brother outside the town's walls.

"Farewell, Donnie."- Adam says- "And remember. Whenever you feel down, remind yourself of the ones that you fight for. That will cheer you up."

Donovan smiles.

"I will, Adam!"- He says- "Safe travels!"

A few days later, Adam and Akira arrive in the settlement which they call their home now.

As they pass through the gate, Emela runs toward them, holding a small baby in her hands.

"Oh, thank the gods! You're alive!"- She says and hugs Adam- "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Adam smiles.

"I am sorry about this."- He says- "I have been looking for someone important to me."

He looks back at Akira.

"And I found her, at long last."

Emela smiles and hugs Akira as well.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, my dear!"- She says to her- "We thought that you were dead out there!"

Akira sighs.

"Well, I guess that I was. I almost lost the fight when you left the city."- She says- "But then, I remembered whom I'm fighting for. With the help of a very kind man, I managed to escape from my enemies and await my brother's return."

Emela smiles.

"Sheriff Dawson, I assume."- She says- "It may sound surreal, but he already told me everything. He put in a good word for both of you and said that the world is in capable hands, when you're around."

She looks at the baby and hands it to her.

"Now that you're back, can you take this little guy with you?"- She asks her- "He's been quite a loud one since you left him in our care."

Akira nods and takes the child in her arms. She kisses it on the forehead and watches as it peacefully sleeps in her arms.

"He is so adorable."- Adam says- "In this sea of darkness, he is the sun that illuminates it all."

Akira nods.

"I guess that I'm a mother now."- She says- "So, I must act like one."

She rushes forward.

"Excuse me."- She says- "I have to go now."

With that, she leaves Adam and Emela alone.

"For a woman who recently used to be a part of the forces of darkness, she sure knows how to be a hero."- Emela says- "She's got your father's spirit, just like you."

Adam smiles and nods.

"It is an honor to have her by my side."- He says- "Many would claim that she is not fit to be my sister, but I strongly disagree. She is perfect and nobody will be able to convince me otherwise."

Emela nods and looks at the sky.

"It's getting late."- She says- "Maybe we should go home."

Adam sighs.

"Of course."- He says- "Lead the way, Miss Emela."

As the two of them enter the house, the sun goes down. Night falls and the streets become empty.

A few hours later, Adam sits near the only window in his room and watches the town outside. He notices Akira sitting on a bench and decides to join her.

Carefully going outside while everyone is sleeping, he sits next to Akira and smiles.

"The sky is bright tonight."

Akira nods.

"And so are our dreams."- She replies.

Adam looks up and sighs.

"We did so much to be reunited. And now, our dreams came true."- He says- "Life is truly beautiful."

Akira nods.

"This is why we fought so hard."- She says- "We had a purpose. And we still do."

Adam looks at her.

"So, I would like to ask you a few things."- He says- "I have been quite curious since you joined us again."

Akira blinks a few times.

"What would you like to know?"

Adam sighs.

"Well. For example, how you got to be in this predicament."- He says- "Why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant back then? Who is the father of your child? And why did you fall in love with one of the dark ones in the first place?"

Akira shakes her head.

"I don't know. I don't care."- She responds- "My child is here now and it's all that matters to me."

Adam smiles.

"I understand."- He says- "It is best to leave the past behind."

He looks up at the sky and sees something beautiful.

"Look at those stars, Aki."- He says to his sister- "What do you see?"

Akira looks up and smiles.

"*Hope.*"- She responds- "I see *hope.* For the future."