Chapter-19

He was alive, but bleeding profusely, and his neck had charred marks from its claws. I had to take him out of here—fast.

But the creature won't let us run that easily. In an instant barrage of thorns was hurled towards us.

I swung my spear once again, creating a wall of wire, reducing the thorns to ashes. "Cough, blood poured down my mouth. I didn't have much time.

I couldn't escape, not while it could still attack. I had to deal with her first, there is no other way. Time was ticking, and each second was crucial for us.

My eyes darted through the smoke and flame, landing on the spear lying in the smoldering flames. I snatched it up, my fingers closing around its charred handle.

My gaze fell onto the creature, which was still wailing in pain from having its body torn apart. I lunged forward, aiming at its hollow eyes.

However, just as I closed in, it led out another piercing wail, the sound was so intense it felt like my skull was going to split open. Ignoring the pain, I kept moving forward, flowers bloomed under my feet, but it was futile.

I swept the spear down, the entire ground erupting into a sea of crimson flames burning the deadly flowers before they could explode.

A grim smile crept up on my face as I made my way towards the half-destroyed body of the creature. Several thorns burst towards me again; however, they all turned to ashes. Its claws slashed through the air, but I evaded them easily.

Using all my strength, I leaped forward, plunging the spear deep into its eyes. Blood sprayed out of its eyes and ignited, roaring flames to life.

The creature howled, its claws lashing out and catching my leg, throwing me backwards with enough force to knock me out, however I persisted.

Getting up, I rushed to Rayne's side, and he was still alive. This was our chance to escape, I thought as I hoisted him up and ran with all my remaining strength, ignoring the excruciating pain.

We can make it. I will not let him die, not here, not like this. My body was already at its limit, but the mist didn't seem to end.

Then I heard a sickening noise behind me.

I turned around in horror and froze.

The creature… it was tearing apart its stomach, and blood gushed out. Digging its hands into its stomach and pulling out a jagged blade made of its blood and bones. It grinned at us, a grotesque smile painted on its ruined face. It began crawling toward us, slowly but relentlessly closing the distance.

I tried to run away, but my vision started fading, and my legs gave out as I collapsed to the ground.

This was the end for us, the mist was endless, no matter how far we ran, it was never going to end. I glanced at him, tears rolling down my face as I embraced his lifeless body.

"I'm sorry.."

Rayne's POV

I opened my eyes to find myself lying under a clear open sky, gentle wind breezing through my skin, and I felt at peace.

"Where am I ?" I pondered, seemingly lost, but soon the memories started coming back.

"I failed," I whispered, my voice breaking. In the end, I had been powerless to save her, remembering her bloodied face looking at me in despair from a distance.

I was weak and pitiful, someone who could not even protect one person whom I held dear to me.

I cried under the open sky, my sobs echoing in the emptiness. All my frustration, my helplessness, poured out in those tears. I had no idea how long I lay there, but it felt like an eternity.

"Did it hurt?" a voice asked, soft, strange, sad.

"Who...?" I sat up, searching. "Who's there?"

No answer

"Did it hurt? The voice repeated. "To be powerless."

"...it did," I replied, my voice hoarse, "A lot."

"Do you…. Still long for strength ?" it whispered, "Even if it might consume you?"

"Yes"

"Even if the path…is filled with pain and suffering," the voice asked, its tone tinged with sadness.

"I will endure," I said firmly.

"Why?"

"For her"

"...I see"

As I spoke, the world around me shifted. Pristine white flowers made of ice sprouted from the ground, snowflakes drifted down the sky, shrouded with dense grey clouds.

And then I saw it …

A tree

Towering, ancient, its branches bare but its roots spreading far across the landscape like veins through the earth. Runes carved onto its bark, gleaming in a faint silver radiance. 

I walked towards it.

With each step. More white flowers bloomed, covering the entire space as far as my eyes could see. Their petals glistened like diamonds.

Finally, reaching it. I laid my hand on its bark. Rough, cold, damaged.

The tree responded.

The dead branches bloomed, white leaves unfurling as the tree came back to life. It was breathtaking.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" the voice asked.

"It is"

"It's called the Tree of Eternal Snow." It added "Use its powers wisely."

"How?" I asked

"...It asks for a sacrifice," it said, "A part of your body will suffice."

Suddenly, my right arm started to crumble, turning into shimmering shards of ice. I gasped, however, it didn't hurt."

"Intricate symbols lit up across my skin, glowing in an ethereal silver radiance."

"The Ascension is now complete."

"What's Ascension?"

"It refers to the Awakening of one's bloodline," the voice explained.

"Once awakened, it allows you to wield its powers at your will."

"Does that mean.." Before I could continue, the voice interrupted.

"However, your vessel is far too damaged and weak," it added, "A fractured vessel can't contain its sacred power in its full glory."

"What should I do then?" I pleaded, "Please tell me, I will do anything."

"...Then I will become your vessel," the voice murmured.

"Is that possible?" I asked, a glimmer of hope igniting inside me.

"Indeed," the voice replied,

"Can I ask something?" Not being able to hold my curiosity any longer, I asked

"Go ahead."

"Who are you? Why are you doing this for me?"

"You chose me yourself, didn't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You'll understand soon enough," It muttered.

From the snow-covered earth, a sword rose. The very blade I had picked up in the ruined city. Suddenly, a realization dawned upon me.

"You're the sword?"

"Indeed," It answered, "I had been slumbering for decades until you found me."

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Azier," the voice uttered, "The blade of eternal night."

"Bring forth your hand, Heir of the Eternal Snow."

"What are you going to do?"

"The blade needs your blood to act as a vessel," It explained.

"I ran my hand on its blade, blood coating the steel." The carvings on the blade shone in golden radiance.

"The ritual is completed."

What do you me—" before I could continue, pain exploded through me.

"Looks like it's time," The voice whispered. "I will be waiting, Heir of Eternal Snow."

My vision started fading.

"When the time comes…call forth my name"

Everything went blank.