Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 53

A stunned silence hung in the air as the remaining Guardians processed the ominous words of the Penumbra. It took everyone a minute before they began to move, their expressions a mixture of shock and uncertainty. Guaya turned her gaze towards Ignatius, her eyes filled with a question, "What was...?" but her words faltered as she attempted to grasp the significance of the Penumbra's revelation. In response, Ignatius, too, was lost in contemplation, shaking his head to convey the shared bewilderment. The weight of the Penumbra's ominous message lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the battlefield. The Guardians exchanged uneasy glances, their unity momentarily disrupted by the unsettling revelation. The words of the dark creature echoed in their minds, leaving them to grapple with the uncertainty that loomed on the horizon.

In the wake of the Penumbra's ominous words, Guaya suddenly stood tall and regal once more. A sense of duty overcame her, and she remembered that she needed to lead and be there for her people. Clearing her throat, she issued a series of orders to the soldiers and Guardians still on the battlefield. Guaya instructed her soldiers to assist every Guardian on the ground, ensuring that they received the help they needed. With a determined gaze, she also directed them to search for their fallen comrades and bring their bodies back. The Queen's voice was stern and resolute, cutting through the lingering uncertainty in the air.

Furie, still in a state of shock, slowly snapped out of her momentary pause, tearing her eyes away from the Queen and her soldiers executing their orders. It was as if Guaya's authoritative presence had breathed life back into the tired and somber bodies of those present. The Guardians and soldiers began to move with purpose, rallying under the Queen's leadership to address the aftermath of the battle.

Feeling a soft touch on her back, Furie turned around to see Leaf, her eyes immediately meeting his. It was as if he needed the reassurance of her touch to confirm that she was fine and alive. Leaf looked exhausted, his clothes in tatters, splattered with mud, and his face marked by the battle's intensity. Furie couldn't help but smile at him, teasing, "You look awful, Leaf." Raising one eyebrow, he retorted, "You should look at yourself in a mirror." Furie glanced down at her own body and noticed the state of her once-clean outfit, now dirtied and torn. The burn on her leg was now a mix of dirt and blood, promising a challenging cleanup. She had no time to respond as the rest of their friends gathered around them. The group, battered but alive, shared a mixture of relieved smiles and nods, silently acknowledging the challenges they had just faced. The aftermath of the battle lay before them.

In the midst of the gathered Guardians, Furie noticed Zephyr holding Rain's right hand tightly. Zephyr's usual messy bun had fallen to the side, and her outfit bore the scars of the recent battle, missing pieces and marked with dirt and stains. Rain, on the other hand, was visibly in pain, his left arm clearly injured. His face and his body could not hide how much pain he was feeling. Only his right hand in Zephyr's was giving him a last drop of life, the touch keeping him upright. Close by, Blaze leaned on Ash for support. Her right leg was exposed, revealing intricate purple electric lines etched across her skin, resembling a web. It seemed as if the power coursing through her had left its mark. Ash, shirtless and showcasing his strong muscles, seemed relatively unscathed compared to his companions. Blaze, relying on Ash's support, moved cautiously, her condition apparent. Furie felt a mix of relief and concern as she observed the toll the battle had taken on her friends, a testament to the sacrifices made in their fight against the Obscure world.

The six Guardians exchanged small smiles, a silent acknowledgment of their shared relief at seeing each other alive amidst the chaos. Leaning on each other for support, they began the journey back to the portal that would take them to the Guardian world. Furie, attempting to avoid the grim reality, focused on the ground as they walked. However, the sorrow of the fallen Guardians was inescapable. A tear traced a path down Furie's cheek, her emotions reflecting the somber atmosphere surrounding them. The weight of loss hung in the air, a reminder of the sacrifices made during the battle. The group moved forward, their steps heavy with the knowledge that they were returning with both the living and the memories of those who had fallen.