Temple of Otonato

He caught me off guard and was able to land a feeble blow. That's when I noticed his attacks are fast but lack the necessary strength to do any serious damage. I focused my efforts on either parrying or dodging and attacking whenever I could. It was grueling for both of us. Parrying his blade when it is very strong and putting up defenses took a lot out of me. The blade was a blunt iron but the full length of it could still cut my leg or chop off an arm.

I pushed forward with a flurry of attacks, and he was giving up. I swung at his neck and cleanly cut off his head. His body flopped to the ground and his head rolled down the stairs, leaking blood as it fell. I picked up his body and head and buried him behind the temple.

"Goodbye, Renley Green." I said

I heard someone behind me and I quickly turned around and unsheathed my sword.

"No need for that, Rowan Niron." Kyle said

I dropped my sword and ran at him and hugged him. I began balling as he hugged me.

"Everything will be fine. Trust in yourself and do what is right." he said

"I miss you so fucking much!" I cried, "Please don't leave me!"

"I'm not going anywhere. As long as you live, I will too." he said

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. Or do anything." I said

"You did as much as you could. Now look at you. You have become something else. A curse or a blessing, I don't know. But it matters not, for I'll love you no matter." he said

"I love you, Kyle. I love you so much. Please come back!" I said

"I have a feeling we won't be parted for long. Your path is dark and short, but I'll stand next to you the entire time." he said

"And after?" I asked

"We will be together." he said

"I would love that..." I said

"This is your moment. Wake up and pick up your weapon. Push through Hell and rise above. Become what I've always knew what you were destined to be." he said

My eyes slowly opened. A woman, who looked like Otonato, sat next to me. I slowly sat up and looked at her. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Lovely silver hair with purple eyes. She wore a silk robe and sandals.

"Rest, my poor child. Savior of Remus. The Black Knight." She spoke so calmly.

"Who? What?" I struggled to find words.

"No need to worry. Your mind is in so much turmoil. All I wanted to do was calm it and bring peace to it." She said

"Was that real?" I asked

"Yes. Not physically, but spiritually." She said

"Can you bring him back?" I asked

"No, I'm sorry. The dead and living are of two different worlds. Which shall not be crossed unnaturally." She explained

"Thank you, Goddess." I said

"I wish you luck on your travels." She said, before vanishing. 

No matter how much my body wanted to stay, I knew I had to move on. I picked up my sword and headed to the mountain. The mountain was tall but at the top it was extremely flat. The path was rough, and the horse struggled to climb it. When I reached about halfway up, I realized that there was no one here. No guards. No scouts. Nothing. The sun started to rise as I reached the top. The sun pierced through the thick clouds. There was a single tent up here. I tied up my horse and kept my hand on the handle of my sword. I walked towards the small fire.