Realm of Realms

Chapter 39: We are Guardians

The two returned from the mindscape, a mythical dimension where people can relive memories, but Jordan learned something far greater in this one. 

He learned of the tale of two best friends, torn apart by principal and duty. A story that had sparked a new narrative, one that would lead to his entire conflict coming to a standstill.

Sitting back in her chair, clutching her shoulders and shivering in pain, Tefanya had to revisit her demons once again. 

"I am so sorry, that was entirely fucked up; you went through so much just to save her," Jordan said. 

Tefanya wiped away her tears, saying, "I'd give anything to protect Sarith, even if it means my own life."

She walked over to Jordan and pulled out a small crystal; it shined in the sunlight. 

"Use this crystal; it will pull out the scythe. This artifact should give you an equal fight against that bastard," Tefanya explained.

She then stood in front of a mirror, eyeing the Scythe of Dawn still in her chest. 

"So, when the time comes, I need you to do it," Tefanya said to Jordan, turning to him. 

He looked conflicted at her request; the crystal in his hand shimmered.  "But why me?" Jordan asked her. 

Tefanya began to leave  the room, not before answering, "Sarith sees something in you, and it is in my best interest to protect that."

She closed the door, leaving Jordan to ponder on her words. He sat in his chair and looked at the crystal.  He clutched the artifact and pocketed it, leaving the room as well. 

An hour went by, and everyone waited for their leader on the hill. 

Jordan walked in front of them, decked out in Norrix Kane's Ether magic armor. Funny enough, he wore a red cape and accompanied by the metal-plated suit. He looked out at the mountain pass, the clouds, and fog in the distance, past the kingdom of Atharia, where Prince Leo resides. 

Scarlett stood next to him and patted his shoulder. "Look at you, leading an entire godamm army; I am impressed, don't get used to it," she said. Jordan looked at Scarlett ad the two laughed.

Trevor appeared beside them, looking polished and imitating also. "Jordan, I just want to say thank you, you got me out of hell; I owe you my life," he said. 

Jordan and he shook hands. "You owe me a drink after all of this," Jordan replied. Trevor smirked, saying back, "I'll hold you to it." 

All of a sudden, multiple airships appeared in the sky. And to Jordan's surprise, some old friends had joined the fray.  Plank, Ace, Tidus, Emma, Roger, and even Amelia had now joined the army, bringing with them the airships, of course. 

"Glad to get your call Jordan! This battle should be one for the history books!" Tidus echoed from the intercoms. Scarlett chuckled at the sight of the large, beautiful aircraft above her.

Norrix Kane came in behind them, riding on a horse; next to her was Tefanya, who rode in on a motorcycle.  "Your army is ready, are you?" she asked Jordan. 

He nodded, grabbing his sword and turning to face his army.  Taking a deep breath, Jordan prepared to excite his army, inspire the ones frightened and ignite a fire under the assess who look to free their home. 

"My father, like his father before him, served in wars." What I learned from their adventures and stories taught me that a great commander is only as good as the soldiers who follow him. I know some of you are skeptical that we will survive today, and you are correct. None of us do; it is a leap of faith.  But I have no question that faith brought me the men and women I can call my comrades. Now  I'm not asking you to befriend each other, but I am asking you to fight with me today as if it were our last day on this planet. We are an army that is unified under one banner, one flag, and one purpose. If fate tells us now, on this hill, that we can't handle this war, I'll spit in her face and scream, "We are WAR!"I CHALLENGE YOU ALL TO FIGHT WITH ME! I ASK YOU TO RAISE YOUR WEAPONS WITH ME IN MEMORY OF THE ONES WE LOST! , NOT AS SOLDIERS, NOT AS INDEPENDENTS, BUT AS GUARDIANS!" Jordan commanded.