The Silver Light

Ch-3

The Silver Light

Time was on the edge after the messenger delivered news upon Aggerona's return. The royal heads and courts welcomed Elena in to discuss her homeland's tragic fall. It was very early in the morning before the sun had a chance to rise.

"…..And that's what happened."

The King wakes up and shakes his head, pretending he listened to her whole story. Nobody else noticed he was sleeping. Elena starts questioning what sort of action must be taken.

"Hmm, we can't afford another war on our homeland. Since the last invasion from Baronia, we're still recovering." Spoke the King.

"Oh…" The Priestess' mood dropped.

"But! Instead, let us bring the battle to them this time." He got up from his chair, cheery, showing up a thumb for support.

Her mood went back up, knowing help was at her side. Battle plans were at hand as the court went away. She gracefully thanks him, then she returns to the hospital to catch some sleep. Princess Amalthea looked at her father, giggling for the moment.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"You only listened to the first three sentences of her story before you slept through the rest."

"Well, it was about Aggerona…." He yawned. "That was all we really need to know. Hate to admit, but I'm getting too old for this job."

The staff was preparing the plans with many papers to fill with the King on the decision made. From the number of soldiers to the supplies and ships to be sent.

Morning comes as the sun rises from Emerald City. Alistor and his friends get up from a good night's rest, and then they gather to the morning table. Tannen had breakfast prepared for everyone to start their big day.

"You're finally back," Auroa said.

Sairori arrived at their doorstep, placing his bag down.

"So, how was your mission in Lavendhite?" Tannen wondered.

He replied positively, telling about his casual trip with not much to mention.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I brought gifts for you all."

Loading out his big bag, Sairori presents them with souvenirs and new weapons for them.

"No need to thank me, haha. I thought this might help since your old weapons were starting to get rusty. So anything new with you guys?"

After moments of explaining the priestess's story to him, there was not much he could say. Gulping down the rest of his hot tea, he agreed to the only option they had and went with the flow. They return to Claws and Elena for any news and updates.

"The time is at hand for us to finish what started two years ago. But, Alistor, since you defeated Vilevelious, there's no doubt his metal-faced brother will go after you." Katty said. "We must keep our guards up."

They all go pack up, somewhat excited for the next adventure at hand. With the only worry of Taishae in the back of Alistor's mind, there was no doubt fear shaking in him. Tannen then slaps him hard on the back.

"Ow! What was that for?" Alistor jumped.

"Don't start worrying now. You can do that later when the time comes."

They all barge out the doors. They head off to Capital City with no time to waste with the motivation of a new journey and the unknown challenges at hand.

Claws meet with the party at the town's central square and lead them back to Elena, staying at the hospital. She was doing well, so they greet her, knowing she made a full recovery. Then, sitting patiently at her side, they all listen to the news she has to offer for them.

"I see…" Sairori whispered.

"Interesting. So the kingdom is going to bring the battle to the enemy this time." Auroa said.

"At least we'll get some support. See? We're not alone, Alistor." Tannen pointed.

"Your mission is to help us take back Anneria's capital." Claws said.

"That seems like a lot of work compared to fighting one monster a day. I don't know how to feel about it." Maigashi doubted with Auroa.

"We'll pay handsomely." Claws offered.

Pulling out a paper, he presents a large sum of cash offered in a disclosure agreement.

"That's over a few million yens!" Maigashi jumped. "Auroa, we can do lots with that kind of money. Count us in then."

Maigashi and Auroa gain some motivation to join the mission. With a price this time, Elena and Claws agree to have them for hire as protective mercenaries under their names. Alistor was still not at ease, worrying about the outcome that lay ahead.

"What is it that is bothering you? Share it with us." Elena requested.

"Go on and tell her then." Tannen nodded.

Alistor started sharing a retelling about his battles against the Baronia Empire to her and Claws. The memory of the spirit Zenmidas battling at his side flashed back in his mind—the fond memories of training together, facing one mechanical foe after another.

"You see…I don't think I'm ready to take on Taishae just yet. I only survived Vilevelious two years ago due to Bamboo intervening at the last minute."

"But we're stronger this time around." Katty reminded. "After all we've been through against Baronia. You're more than ready."

"I know, but will it be enough, though? We were only fortunate enough to have strong allies during Baronia's invasion. Zenmidas may have trained me during his short time in this world, but with him and the rest of the spirits gone, we'll need serious help."

Claws and Elena take a moment to contemplate the information provided.

"Indeed, you lost a great source of allies who fought by your team's side. During your time in need, they came till it was their time to return to rest, but hear us out."

Elena has his attention at complete focus.

"I have a tale to share with you all. Alistor, did you ever heard the story of The Silver Light?"

"The Silver Light?" He questioned.

"I may have heard this tale," Sairori claimed. "But forgot, since it was so long ago. So go on and tell us."

Elena clears her throat to begin telling them the tale.

"Just like your Rose spirits, our region also had a powerful warrior sealed away. Nicknamed the "Silver Destroyer," she was not a spirit but a beautiful, young, powerful paladin with long dazzling, shining hair. During our time of need, she's supposed to come for us. There hasn't been an attack for centuries on our land. As it was a mere tale that's been passed on."

She begins to look further back.

"My great grandmother used to tell me this story every night when I was a little girl in bed."

"She was the light in the shining darkness for our people. Her name was Rena. Strong-willed and anxious for battle, she was the last descendant from the Euriaya clan. She was raised in our kingdom. She proved to be a great adversary against the evil that threatened us at the time. One battle after the next, she grew stronger as time passed."

"During the Great War against the Hydra Empire, she led us from one victory to the next. No matter what the odds, she triumphed over all the obstacles that came. She eventually fell in love at first sight on the battlefield with one of our finest warriors. Ultimately, young love became an obsession, so the Great Hydra used this to his advantage, using her lover as bait. Upon capture, she was forced to kill her lover, played in the enemy's own hand. Swearing to avenge her lost love, she went berserk, bringing her powers to a new level, thus leaving her unable to control it.

Feared by her own kingdom, she went on ahead to finish what was started. She destroyed many of the Hydra's greatest strongholds with little effort, forcing out the Empire's hand. But, with how desperate the Great Hydra was, he grew tense. He decided to flood our kingdom along with the whole continent risking his men's life regardless.

Believing to have won the battle, the Great Hydra was left wide open. Then, from the drowning darkness, our maiden emerged from a silver light in the sky. In the end, the battle was fierce, but she defeated the Great Hydra by cutting through his heart.

Victorious, she was our savior. Her lover that was thought to be dead, was alive as tears of joy came to her eyes. Upon grasping him in his arms, he cast a magic seal on her as ordered. Confused, she demanded an explanation. Her lover that the enemy supposedly captured was just part of a ploy set by her kingdom. The Hydra King had nothing to do with this. They only used her emotions to force out her power.

Betrayed and heartbroken, Rena was placed into a deep sleep to preserve her powers for our own kingdom's selfish use in our time of need. Upon the seal, her last moments..."

"One day when my true love comes, no matter how long I have to wait. Years, centuries, or even lifetimes. He will be the one able to find me."

"Rena last spoke before closing her eyes, casting a seal of her own. Her own seal involves, if legends are true, only her true love will be able to find the chamber she resides in. And that's the tale of The Silver Light, my friends."

"Well, what do you think? Think it's worth a try?" Elena asked.

"Sounds too good to be true," Alistor muttered.

They wait for him to make the call, the rest standing quietly for the second. Then, finally, Katty turns to face the breeze coming from the oncoming window at the sides. Claws can feel the air pillowing his whiskers.

"Sigh…fine, let's do this then since we're heading to liberate Anneria. We might as well check it out." Alistor concluded.

"Wahoo!" Katty shouted. "Let's do this."

Elena and Claws smile back at their team's enthusiasm as Alistor walked up to the party. Then, they barge out of the room and outside of the hospital for lunch under Tannen's treat.

Alistor takes a moment to gaze at the sky.

"The Maiden of the Silver Light…"

Back at the Aggerona's hideout, Moon's advisor brings him urgent news on their opponent's next move.

"My lord, this is terrible."

"Yeah, I already know." He lazily yawned.

"You do?" His advisor fixated with questions.

Moon takes a moment to sip his cup of coffee.

"The Maiden of the Silver Light…They plan on waking her."

He rolls his eyes back to his advisor. Taishae had a plan cooked up; the Silver Maiden's tale was the least of his worries.

"But doesn't the maiden's power concern you one bit? You knew the Hydra King, didn't you?"

He laughs with joy, recalling the Great Hydra along with his Empire.

"Power, you say? Power Shmower! The maiden's strength was said to grow stronger as time passed. But I find her too overrated hoo hoo."

"Really, my lord? "Not one bit?"

"Nope! The Great Hydra was harmless, from what I remember. If memory serves correctly, he was just some wannabe trying to be just like me. But, unfortunately, his strength is nothing to the likes of mine. It feels like it was just yesterday."

Moon continued.

"Mmmm, his destruction at the hands of the maiden was his fault. He lacked the skills, strategy, and fashion to begin with. Plus some originality." He pointed out.

"I see then…."

Moon went on gesturing with his hands, sharing stories he had with the Great Hydra. Making himself look good.

"You should not worry about some pesky maiden's silly fairy tales of love. The Hydra King is nothing compared to yours truly."

Taishae immediately contacts them through another screen.

"I've prepared the next monster to send down."

"Hmm, keep up the good work. Carry on."

He turns off the viewing screen.

"Looks like he got everything covered."