The Crimson Champion

Chapter 17: Lonril's One True Purpose

I look at Lonril in disbelief. "What in Norzelrin are you TALKING about?" Lonril smiles. "You are my new master, and I will guide you to your destiny." I give him an annoyed look. "Okay, first of all, cut it with this "master" crap. I'd rather us treat each other as equals."

Lonril nods and stands. "Alright then." I think. "Lonril, I want you to tell me something. Who was that voice? You seemed to be scared of her, so that must mean you know of her in some way."

Lonril sighs. "Her name is Zetarus, and she is an evil goddess that I knew in the past. I didn't know her true intentions until she showed her true colors by betraying me. She is extremely dangerous."

I look him in the eyes. "What else can you tell me about her?" Lonril shakes his head. "It's too dangerous for the both of you, so I won't tell you anything more about her."

I give him an annoyed look. "Lonril, I don't want to do this, but I order you to tell me everything you know about Zetarus." Lonril hesitates, then he glares. "No, I refuse. While my former master created me to follow the orders of his successor, keeping you safe is more important. I'm not supposed to put you in danger, and the things I know would make you the most endangered man in this world."

Lorelei gives him a confused look. "If your information is so dangerous, why hasn't Zetarus killed you yet?" Lonril shrugs. "I do not know. Perhaps she sees that currently, my life is more of use to her plans than my death."

I look at him, as confused as Lorelei. "Sees? What do you mean?" Lonril growls. "Damn! I've said too much. I'm not telling you any more about her, but other than that, I am at your service."

I sigh. "Lonril, I don't want the crown." He looks at me, in shock. "What?! What are you talking about, it's your destiny!" I roll my eyes. "Fuck destiny. I'm tired of all the fighting and bloodshed, okay?"

I move over to Lorelei and put my arm around her. "I just want to live a happy life with Lora. That's all I want, so you need to accept that, Lonril." Lorelei smiles. "That's what I want too."

Lonril sighs sadly. "If that's what you wish, then I can't exactly protest." He opens a portal. "I'm going back to Solaris, then. I'm going to try and clean up Yuri's messes. If you ever change your mind, please let me know." He walks through the portal and it closes behind him.

Lorelei looks at me. "So, what should we do now?" I smile. "Let's go home." Lorelei grins and she walks off. I start to follow, but I hear a strange sound from behind me.

I turn around and I notice that Yuri's body has disappeared, and all that's left there are his katanas and their sheath. "What in the...?" I go up to them and I sheath them, then I carry it with me as I go to follow Lorelei.

She looks at the katanas in my hands. "Huh? Why did you grab Yuri's katanas?" I shrug. "For some reason, Yuri's body disappeared. All that was left was the katanas, so I thought I'd take them as a trophy! We can mount them on a wall or something."

Lorelei laughs. "Fair enough!" I think for a second, then I summon Spiritus. "Spiritus, please grow." Spiritus nods at me and he grows gigantic, just like he did in my battle with Grelnar.

I climb on and I hold a hand out to Lorelei. "Spiritus can get us back home faster!" She smiles and she climbs on behind me, then she wraps her arms around me in a hug to hold on as Spiritus starts charging towards the forest nearby Lazarus.

Lorelei sighs. "I can't believe it's all over...I'm not really sure what we should do after all this. Like what does a peaceful life even mean? Going on dates?"

I smile. "That sounds good to me." Lorelei giggles a little. "Yeah, that does sound like a good idea. Let's start with that." We don't really say anything else as Spiritus carries us across the plains, and eventually into the forest.

As we arrive back at my house, we get off of Spiritus's back, then I turn to him. "Spiritus, shrink and go hunt for yourself, alright?" He nods and shrinks, then he runs off. I open the door and head inside, then I collapse onto the couch. Lorelei sits next to me and she sighs. "We deserve a break." I nod. "Yeah...let's just stay in for a little while..."

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After we changed into our casual clothes and had dinner, Lorelei went to my room and went to sleep, and I fell asleep on the couch, but I'm woken from my sleep in the middle of the night by my bracer blaring. "Ugh, what now..."

I check it and I notice it's the red X button, so I realize that Xerkhon needs me for something. I sigh and press the button, then I appear in Xerkhon's palace, in front of him while he's sitting on his throne. "Xerkhon, it's the middle of the night..."

Xerkhon rolls his eyes. "That's some reaction to me wanting to congratulate you." He shakes his head. "Mortals these days, I swear..." I raise an eyebrow. "Congratulate me?" He nods. "Yes, you did what you set out to do, and you defeated Yuri Solaris. That's worthy of both congratulations and a new ability."

Xerkhon chants some words and an aura appears around me for a few seconds, then it disappears. "I have given you the ability to open portals to any place you have been before. It should be of great use to you."

I grin. "Thank you very much, Xerkhon. But I have a question for you. Now that Yuri's gone, what will happen with our deal?" Xerkhon thinks. "You will still stay my champion, but I will not need you as much, I suppose. Just be sure to respond to me if I give you a mission or request your presence."

I nod. "Of course. Now, can I please go back to sleep?" Xerkhon rolls his eyes. "Yes, yes, you're dismissed. Get out of here until I need you again." He opens a portal and I walk through it back to my living room, then I lie back down and imagine what the future will hold for Lora and I as I fall asleep.