The Tales of Khaos

02 - Till Death Do Us Part - Hope

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"Even though you were consumed by darkness, you were the one who lit up my night and my dreams, even if you didn't know it." – Hope Dellacrox
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"Oh god of flames, warmth, and comfort, I beseech thee to light my way and drive away from their fire the creatures that lurk from the abyss."

Poor Lamparina prayed as she hobbled through the forest, carrying the only thing that kept her alive there, a lamp, whose light became stronger and more comforting at the end of her enchantment, but this was only a temporary measure. Even as the pain was relieved by her magic, her leg bled, her whole body ached and threatened to no longer respond to her brain on the verge of collapse.

"Come on, Hope, think, think."

But nothing came to Hope's mind but the pains and exhaustion. The sound of what she thought were four Nightwalkers tormented her ears, almost driving her mad. The laughter emitted by these creatures while hunting was not like barking or howling; it was like laughter—shrill and piercing to the bones. It seemed as if they were mocking the futile effort of their prey.

"Oh god..."

Hope's legs failed. The flames of her lamp began to subside, engulfed by the shadows that surrounded her.

"From the flames, from the warmth and pain comfort, I beseech thee to light my way and drive away from their bonfire the creatures that lurk from the abyss."

The flames shone brighter again. Unable to get up, Hope crawled to the nearest tree, her vest and leather boots so damaged that it was almost as if she was dragging her own skin on the forest floor.

She stood with her back to a tree, and her brown eyes stared at the shadows in front of her; it was almost as if she was seeing an infinite emptiness staring at her hungrily. With her left hand, she gripped a small dagger; its blade was cracked, and it might not last more than a blow. She laughed at the idea.

"A dagger against what I believe to be 5 Nightwalkers, their skins are almost as tough as ironwood."
Hope brushed her black hair away from her eyes with the back of her hands and breathed painfully.

"That doesn't make sense; the endless night wasn't supposed to come now. She's three months ahead of schedule."

The laughter was approaching.

"Humpf, it seems that the future great Hope Dellacrox will perish here and now, like a little Lamparina with the dream of becoming a Storyteller. In the end, I will only be able to narrate my death."

A Nightwalker approached the edge of Hope's lamp light, to the point where she could see him clearly. It was almost 3 meters tall, with a completely gray and rough body. Its mouth had the expression of a smile that showed pointed teeth, and a black liquid dripped between them. It had 3 tentacles on the top of its head, yellowish eyes like those of a crocodile, walked around leaning on its hands like a primate, and was wider than a full-grown bear.

I see only one, but I can feel others watching me from the darkness.

The Nightwalker began to walk towards Hope, invading the circle of light formed by her lamp.
"Of course. In the infinite night, the Forge is the god who is weakened the most and consequently the Lamparina's. But if I'm going to perish here, I'll take at least one with me."

Hope raised the lamp in front of her eyes and began a new incantation, while the monster in front of her slowly approached, playing with her, waiting patiently for her to finish the enchantment.

"O Forge, I borrow from thee the flames which thou hast used to create the sword destined to reap the chaos of this world. I beseech thee that from these flames be wrought the death of my enemy."