Blood and Redemption_Demo 1

Chapter Six: Fire the Storm

Two weeks after the city had begun its rebuilding efforts, the sounds of construction echoed throughout the village. The broken remnants of homes and walls were being replaced with new hope, yet Delore remained tethered to his past in ways he couldn't shake. As he awoke in a pile of hay once again, he felt the familiar weight of his tattoos. They had once been a mark of his past, but now they covered nearly his entire back. The tattoos had grown darker over time, though Delore did not notice.

Rising, he stretched his body and flexed his muscles, preparing to leave. The weight of his sword felt reassuring, but so did the knowledge that he had one final step to take before he could be free.

As he approached the exit, he found Celestia-still in her male form-standing in his way, eyes flashing with anger.

"Where do you think you're going?" she demanded, voice sharp.

Delore met her gaze with a firm face, his voice just as firm. "Away from here."

Celestia's eyes hardened. "Not until the village is completely rebuilt. You're staying."

"Let me go," Delore snapped. "You've been keeping me here for the past twelve days. Everyone knows Delore can't be caged."

Without another word, Celestia kicked him hard, sending him stumbling backward into the shed. The door slammed shut behind him with a loud bang, and Celestia's voice followed. "How's that for caged, Delore?"

Inside the shed, Delore stood, anger rising but his voice controlled. "What exactly are you keeping me here for?" His calm demeanor only made his words more biting.

Outside, Celestia clutched her chest, unable to answer him. The weight of her own emotions overwhelmed her, and she couldn't find the words to explain.

Delore's patience thinned. "If you can't answer, I'll let myself go."

In an instant, Delore kicked the wall of the shed, the wooden boards splintering under his force. Stepping out, he was met with the sight of Celestia, standing before him with wide eyes, a single tear slipping down her cheek. Before Delore could process the look of vulnerability in her eyes, Celestia raised her sword and pointed it directly at his chest.

"Didn't you understand me... old man?" Her voice trembled, but the coldness in her eyes was unmistakable.

Delore paused, confusion clouding his expression. He was used to her defiance, but this was different. There was a sadness in her that unsettled him.

"Explode," Celestia whispered.

Without warning, the tip of her sword ignited, sending a burst of energy exploding outward. The explosion barely missed Delore's face, causing him to stumble back in shock.

"What's the big idea?" Delore demanded, glaring at her.

Celestia's expression was unreadable. "There's a fragment of my sword still inside you. If you try to leave, I'll move it straight through your heart."

Delore's anger subsided, replaced by understanding. With a heavy sigh, he stepped back into the shed.

"Fine. I'll wait."

Inside, Celestia's thoughts were consumed with a single plea. Please don't leave me alone again. Not after everything we've been through. The image of Delore, unyielding and strong, filled her heart with fear. She didn't want to lose him again.

A few days later, the village was rebuilt, and the gates were ready to be opened. Delore stood before them, his bags packed and his mind set on the road ahead. But just as he was about to leave, he was stopped by Celestia's voice.

"I plan on joining you," she declared.

Delore turned around, startled. "You're not planning on stopping me?"

"No," she replied firmly, her eyes steady.

Delore's confusion only deepened as he turned to leave, but to his surprise, Celestia followed him without hesitation.

"Why are you following me? What about your people?" Delore demanded.

"They let me go," she answered simply.

Delore narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Celestia hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly, her gaze flickering to the ground. "Because they know."

Delore's heart skipped a beat. "Know what?"

Celestia paused again, then looked him straight in the eyes. "Maybe you'll find out."

Delore frowned, his thoughts racing. "Don't tell me... a male elf is..."

Celestia's face turned bright red. "No! No, no, no!" she stammered, shaking her head vigorously.

Delore raised an eyebrow, but his face softened. "Whatever. Just don't get in my way."

Celestia nodded, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "Okay."

Three weeks later, their journey had been a strange mixture of bright nights and quieter moments. Celestia often found herself reflecting on her last conversations with the villagers, the weight of their words settling heavy in her heart.

Back in the village square, the villagers had gathered to watch Celestia leave. One of the younger villagers locked eyes with her, a knowing look in his gaze. "He's the one, isn't he?" he asked. "Aren't you going to go with him? You know he won't stay."

Celestia bit her lip, fighting the urge to deny it. "It's not like I know him or anything," she muttered.

Another villager spoke up, a more mature woman. "You can't hide it. We saw the way you called him 'old man.' But we all know the truth. He's the father you cherished and hated, the reason you changed your appearance."

Celestia's voice cracked as she shouted, "And so? Don't you realize I hated him?" She turned away from them, tears threatening

Celestia's voice cracked as she shouted, "And so? Don't you realize I hated him?" She turned away from them, tears threatening to fall.

The village chief, an elderly man whose time was nearing its end, reached out and gently touched Celestia's shoulder. His voice was soft but steady. "Hate and love are two sides of the same coin. You may have hated him as you have said, but, all I see now... is love."

Celestia froze at his words. They struck her deeply, but she didn't respond. Instead, she clenched her fists, her mind racing. The villagers' gazes, filled with understanding and sorrow, were unbearable. Without a word, she turned and walked away, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Back on the road, the memory of that moment lingered in her mind. Each time Delore glanced at her, she felt a pang of guilt for the secret she carried. Why can't I just tell him? she wondered.