Ashes of Vile

47

CHAPTER FOURTY-SEVEN
PART THREE: Heavens Rebuild & Times Forsaken

The beat of the day withstood strength like no other; it was felt greatly as they readily faced war. The battle was soon to be desolate and Ashgrim to be a warren wasteland, it had gone far too long. There was no running back from all the actions and words that had led them to the exact moment of witnessing the anguished and the downfall of conflict. The scars they bear was relentless and had raged on for what seemed like an eternity. Devastation and ruin, unyielding determination, the desire to emerge victorious, all to end an endless struggle. It was hellscape, a nightmare manifested, where every step was fraught with danger and every breath inhaled was a mark of one less lived second. The Vimgards have heard of the unspeakable horrors their ancestors have faced, but this time, it was solely up to them to finally defeat those who have inflicted the painful history.

The group of four, two less incompleting their whole, sprinted in the building wherein chaos struck. They had fully expected to face lots of watchmen on guard, but the building was isolated. The lights were flickering and it seemed that people had run out in great fear. The creatures the Valkyrie released was hurting the people on her side all the same. It was a tragic predicted consequence, but they knew better than to think she didn't know. The Valkyrie had no care for the people she would hurt as long as she got what she wanted. In some ways, they all had a little of the Valkyrie in themselves. "Valencia, would you make me the happiest man–"

"Shut up, Jude." Jude De Mevius placed his palm on his chest as though he were offended. "I might die today, you know." Jude rolled his eyes. "And I still wouldn't go out with you."

"I know." Jude said with a sly smile. "You like Cassidy." He teased.

"YOU WHAT?!" Wyld stopped and looked at his sister, incredibly shocked.

"Oh come on, Wyld. Everyone knew except you." Lucas patted his back. "But why?" He airily remarked, "You know her history, Valencia. She didn't even have to say it. I don't think she could ever love someone else." "I know that, Wyld. You don't think I do? Why do you think I have kept my distance? All that matters is we get this over with and she can live the life she deserves. Even if that means it won't be with me."

They suddenly felt the truth that hung heavy in their lips which Valencia Madden had the guts to reveal. The silence descended, a palpable, heavy thing that settled over their hearts like a shroud. It was a silence that spoke volumes, echoing in the weight of all the unspoken words that was so uncomfortable to say but did the exact opposite when said. Frozen in that moment, stark clarity hit them heavily, everything was laid bare. All the pretense stripped away and revealed what they felt, so feared to feel, they were filled with love and anger. It was true, all that mattered in that moment was for the means to reach the end. Then the feelings that had struck them would finally emerge out of the burdened weight shadowed by vagueness. They could never truly know what their identity was, what they desired, which words really held meaning. Not until the ghost of the past and present that haunted them in everything they do. Because they knew, no matter how hard they face it, they will be facing the undeniable guilt and grief in the ashy horizon where dreams can only be achieved by their descendants. Soon. But in the moment, it was reality. Life, grasping on that line of resolution.

They had to confront the truth, no matter how painful it would be. And with a deep breath, her voice soft and hesitant at first, broke the silence. "So let's get this over with." She sighed and sped up her pace, leaving the struck chests of Jude, Lucas, and Wyld.

As they navigated the gigantic building with difficulty thanks to the faulty lights, the lair was getting closeby. Despite not having Lace Creed's intelligence with the blueprint imprinted in her mind. Though they would have already found the undetectable lair with her help, it was safer to have only the Vimgards executing the mission.