The Golden Edge: The Alloynian Predicament

11 - True Peace

Ivy was still holding onto the mysterious medallion in her hand, looking at it with a curious glare. While The Bronze Age stood frozen behind her, the other two leaders dusted themselves down. With the Alloynian leader now out of action, the war could be stopped. Using the telekinesis from The Staff Of Crimson, she lifted the frozen Priest Ivan into the air.

"I think it's time we show The Alloynian Tribe what true peace is!" She exclaimed.

With that, she ran forwards into The Alloynian Quarter, followed by the two other leaders. With the frozen leader floating with them, they walked down the streets, wondering what awaited them ahead.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the gates of the city, where the war was still waging on. The Silver Lining and Platinum Shard sent blasts into the air, grabbing the attention of the knights, who immediately turned to face them. The Golden Edge placed the frozen Bronze Age down before them, causing the different soldiers to question what was going on.

"Greetings, people of Metalloic." The Golden Edge began, turning to look at the group of soldiers. "The Bronze Age will no longer be a problem for the tribes of Metalloic. Finally, we can bring peace and prosperity to the country. But, first, please stop the fighting. The war has been won. There is nothing left to gain."

The soldiers looked at each other, before nodding in agreement. Slowly, the battle ceased, all the soldiers dropping their weapons in relief. It seemed even The Alloynian People could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Suddenly, a loud cheer broke out amongst the crowd. They watched as The Golden Edge, The Silver Lining and The Platinum Shard raised their royal weapons above their heads, cheering along with the knights. Soon enough, the entire city was on their feet, chanting with delight and excitement.

"I believe we should celebrate!" The Golden Edge declared, smiling at the crowd.

"It's time to start anew!" The Silver Lining added.

"To do so, there is only one thing to do..." The Platinum Shard winked.

With that, they headed back to their homes, leaving The Golden Edge alone. She looked up, examining the fallen soldiers and the wreckage of the kingdom before her. She sighed, knowing that her Grandfather was out there somewhere amongst the corpses.

"I wish you were here, Grandpa..." She muttered to herself. "But, I hope you see this. This is the beginning of a new era. We can change the world if we put our hearts and minds into it... Just like you always told me..."

She smiled, turning away from the battlefield. Her heart felt heavy, but her mind was filled with joy. She knew her Grandfather would be proud of her. As she went to head home, she'd notice Head Knight Ren waiting for her. Luckily, he had survived the war and was looking great as always. He approached her, looking at her with pride.

"Congratulations, my dear!" He said, complimenting her. "You've done well. You're truly worthy of being The Golden Edge. If that wasn't clear before, well it is now!"

He grinned happily, patting her on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Ren." She replied, returning his smile.

"Oh... I nearly forgot! I'll take care of your grandfather's remains, so don't worry about him. I'm sure the knights will want to bury him properly once they've finished celebrating... So, go and enjoy yourself!"

"Thank you, Ren. You're one of the best knights I know. You care about this country, its people and its future. I admire you for that. And can I just say..." She suddenly paused.

"Say what?" Ren asked.

As she stood in place, she thought fuck it! Dropping her staff onto the floor, Ivy grabbed hold of the helmet that sat upon her best friend's head before pulling it off. Throwing it to one side, she looked up and instantly spotted Ren's deep green eyes, smiling at him. With no time to lose, she tugged him close, kissing him deeply. The pair's eyes closed as they pulled each other in closer, enjoying the moment.

"What are you doing?! Get a room!" A voice shouted.

Startled, both of them jumped apart, turning to see a few of The Metallo Knights, with them erupting into laughter. The two blushed, chuckling along with them.

"Sorry... We didn't mean to surprise you..." She apologised, clearly embarrassed, turning to her head knight. "But, Ren, will you go on a date with me?"

"Of course, I'd love to!" He replied, grinning widely.

"Excellent!"

The group made their way to The Metallo Quarter, towards her palace. Within, they found the townspeople celebrating their victory over The Bronze Age. Ivy and Ren joined in, laughing and playing with the children. It was an amazing sight to behold; one that would stay in their memories forever. Music filled the air, whilst food was prepared for everyone. All seemed right again.

But that wouldn't last for long!

A huge bone-like spear was suddenly launched towards Ivy, with her only just narrowly avoiding it. The crowd gasped and soldiers pulled out their swords, preparing to fight. Ivy leant back, spinning around to face the source of the attack. Bu, standing before her was something different, something new.

Standing there, was a huge figure. With a skull for a head as well as black and white robes to cover its body, it appeared to be a buff skeleton-type being. Its hollow eyes glowed with evil, staring directly at her. Within seconds, he held up his arm, shooting what seemed to be bones, directly at the Priestess.

"Thief!" He roared, pointing his finger at her.

Blinking, The Golden Edge suddenly made a connection in her head. His skull matched the medallion! As she grabbed it from her pocket, Ivy revealed it to the being, smirking.

"Are you after this?" She yelled. "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Skeletal!" The creature bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the city. "And you will do just fine, Golden Edge!"

---

Meanwhile, The Orexian Tribe headed home. They were glad to finally have peace and quiet. The tribesmen wouldn't have to worry about any more fighting or bloodshed. Everyone could now focus on bringing Metalloic together, making it a better place for everyone.

As The Platinum Shard arrived outside her fortress, she turned to face the knights that survived the battle. She raised The Axe Of Tsusu into the air.

"We shall rebuild this land. Together, we will make it prosper! For the good of Metalloic! Now, go and enjoy the victory!"

The knights cheered as The Platinum Shard finished her sentence. After the soldiers chanting died down, they began to leave, heading to their homes. Soon enough, there was no one left except The Platinum Shard. With a smile on her face, she turned before entering the structure.

Making her way to the throne room, she'd allow herself inside. As she shut the door and peered towards the throne, Priestess Zuri would gasp. Standing by her seat would be the several Alloynian children who had come looking for help. They all bowed their heads, bowing low to her majesty.

The Platinum Shard was surprised by their presence, making her way over to them. Stopping by her throne, she took a seat before looking towards Soos, the one who led them here in the first place.

"So, why are you here? You can go home!" She said with a smile on her face.

"No." Soos flatly spoke. "So, you defeated him, our true leader?"

"Yes. We did."

"Then, this is your fault!"

With some swift movement, the children ripped off their jackets, revealing several explosives attached to each of them. Using only their hands, they smacked the big bronze buttons on the centre of the bombs, setting them off! They exploded, sending shrapnel, body parts and debris everywhere. The blast caused the building to shake before the walls began to crack and crumble. Within seconds, The Orexian Fortress collapsed in on itself.

Everything then went silent.