Shadow Souls

Chapter Twentysix-The war

News finally spread of Black Wings on the prowl. The kingdom was nervous. As for me...I was very calm. I knew what was going to happen...but I always did say never fear death...just fear the pain of dying.

There was the smell of bitter blood in the air. I tied my sword around my waste and put on some chain mail. I didn't see it as nessercery as I knew my fate but Xemnaia insisted. 

Luna was shaking but I kissed her on the forehead and told her to be strong. I didn't want to make it harder for her by growing closer.

I didn't say anything all day and as we lined up to confront the scum I stood my ground, my face blank, head held high like a worrier.

"You ok Blaze?" Valicolt said his hand hovering over the handle of his sword.
"I'm fine." I said not even looking at him.

Other the horrizen misty, dark shadows loomed. The Black Wings battle cries was a scream like banshees.
"You still have time to go Blaze." the princess pleaded.

"No...I accept my fate!" I yelled drawing out my sword which emitted with fire as I swung it at Black Wings as I made my way to the centre. The Black Wings cries grew louder as fire enlighted them. Valicolt wasn't long before he was back by my side his sword emitted ice. Now I understood his nickname. I smashed my sword down on the ground coursing the ground to crack and some Black Wings fell into the earth's fire beneath.

I glanced behind me. Luna no longer looked afraid she looked like a true worrier. Her hair was down and blowing in the soft breeze, her usually cute and fragile looking face now twistered with rage and her blue eyes had a wicked gleam in them.

It made me proud. The Black Wings were very easy to knock down but I knew the real battle would start when I found the leader...and it wasn't long before I did.

The darkest of all the Black Wings...and the biggest. This was where my jouney was at its end...

I swung my sword heroicly knocking the side lines out of the way. Before darting at the Black Wing and slamming my sword squarely in the middle of its chest...where it's heart was suppose to be.

It's cries was louder than any other Black Wing I had slaughtered. My eyes suddenly saw a bright light and the Black Wing changed shape...first to my old human primary school friend Harry, then to a crush I had in high school, Trixie Logan, then to the hybrids I thought were my parents but turned out not to be, then Valicolt, then Luna, then Xemnaia and finally Christella.

And on the last vison my sword lost contact, the shadow of the Black Wing smashed as if it was made of glass and I fell hard on to the ground hitting my head sharply. As dark clouds began to form over head. Thunder roared and the rain pelted.

Things seemed to go in slow motion then. Every Black Wing then smashed leaving nothing of their remains.  I noticed how each of my friends turned to look at me with faces of sadness.

All together they ran to my side.
"Blaze!" Luna croaked.
"It's alright." I soothed. Tears pricking both of the girls eyes.

"It's not fair." she said stubonally.
I half smiled.
"Little Luna, I have watched you turn from a young pup into this radient, strong young lady...yet you still have that cute childish way which I dearly hope you never loose."

She stared back at me blankly. I then turned to Xemnaia.
"Your highness." I closed my eyes briefly and bobed my head down for a second in a curt bow.
"Everybody in Crinantá will know your name and know you as the greatest king we ever had." the princess exclaimed trying so hard not to let her voice crack.

I laughed crudely. "I am no king."
"You are brave and noble just as a king should be, and unlike myself you ignored your own desire and put your life on the line for the kingdom. You have the largest heart of anyone in Crinantá Blaze."

I totally ignored the king speech and just managed to break into a smile. My own heart heaving in agony...it felt as though my heart was on fire.

"I love you Xemnaia."
"I love you too." the tear fell from the princess' cheek as she bent down to kiss me. This kiss wasn't hard or forceful. It was tender and loving. I booped her nose to try to make her smile...I sort of successed. "Oh yes I forgot to tell you...when you smile, your beautiful white fangs make your eyes gleam like stars." the princess finally gave into a genuine smile.

Lastly my gaze fell on Valicolt. He wasn't crying but his face was drawn and grieful.
"Ice, I know we have had our differences."
Valicolt smirked. "Ice, since when do you call me that?"
"Since now it seems." I chuckled.

"I'm sorry I haven't always been great to you. But I want you to know now, I'm glad Luna has you. You are what's best for her now."

"Wait whoa shut up Blaze. You have done so much for her. You have proved yourself not just to be an amazing friend, a strong leader, but you also showed me what it's like to have a brother."

"We're brothers now?"
"Absolutely. Luna is our sister." Valicolt held out his fist to me which I bumped with my own weak, frail fist.
"Promise me you will look after the girls."
"I give you my word...my brother."

"Luna, I need you to take care of something for me."
"Of course anything Blaze."
I grabbed her hand and beckoned her down to whisper in her ear. With a little smile she nodded.

I winced as the fire grew in my heart.
"Ice, I need you to do this for me." I said fimbly picking up my sword and placing his hand around the handle.
"It is time my friends. I promise you this isn't the end. You will always carry me within you each day. Just never loose hope."

With what little energy I had left I managed to give Valicolt the nod that sent my sword down to penertrate my heart and end the sacrifice. The air rushed quickly out of my mouth and I fell into the shadows.