Solace and Nox: A New Light

Chapter 40

Raiden kicked into gear.

Cytra watched as he and Direl started commanding the surrounding soldiers. Raiden went to thank two guards who stood by the castle gate for helping out. Direl organized his Elite Guard and they began spreading out into the city. The army would soon be alerted of the upcoming battle.

Cytra turned to Ci and asked, "How long will your army take?"

Ci smiled and said, "They're already here. They're just waiting for my command."

"Why don't you have them attack?" she asked.

"Because I'm waiting for the Kresallis to begin storming the city so my army can attack them from behind. They won't see it coming," he said.

"And neither will Moldark," she said. "It's brilliant."

He nodded his head slightly in agreement.

Raiden, who was still glowing, found Markis, and gave his partner a hug. He handed Raiden his bronze sword and his Ciamas shield. Cytra couldn't hear what they were talking about, but it made Raiden happy. Cytra looked at Markis, still not accustomed to seeing a one armed soldier. He stood heavily on his cane. He had a lot of his physical health drained by Moldark's sword.

She knew the power of that blade.

She put her hand on the hilt and shuddered. The blade she wielded was a dangerous, sick and twisted creation. Whoever created the blade, or discovered it, had a special place in the Dark Depths. She'd seen the blade tear people apart. She had never seen anyone survive it, except Markis, and she couldn't imagine the intense pain he was experiencing.

"I know you hate that weapon, but it will help you in the days to come," Ci said.

"This isn't a helpful weapon. It's a weapon of destruction. It's meant to tear people apart, not build them up," Cytra replied.

"There's one thing that I have always seen in the course of history, and it is that no matter how dark someone, or something, is, there is always a way to use it for good. Like you. You said so yourself, Raiden found a light inside of you, even when all you saw was darkness. Look at you now. You're a hero."

Cytra didn't respond.

She was no hero. She was only helping Raiden. She wanted to run away with him and forget about all her worries. Raiden was the true hero. He wanted nothing more than to be with Cytra, but he chose to do the hard thing and decided to fight his fears.

Cytra was selfish.

Raiden was selfless.

BOOM!

Raiden spun to look at Cytra and their eyes connected. The Kresallis were attacking the city. And they were in for a little surprise.

Raiden ran towards her and Ci.

"Are you going to help fight?" he asked Ci.

"I will not directly participate, but I have an army set to attack on my command," he replied simply.

"Well I think it's time to call that army. The battle has begun," Raiden said.

"Climb on my back," Ci commanded. "Both of you."

Raiden looked at Cytra for a moment, and she shrugged. She hopped on without question. Raiden followed closely. Cytra climbed up and helped Raiden aboard. Cytra gripped Ci's mane tightly.

"You might want to hold on," Ci suggested.

Raiden wrapped his arms around Cytra, but carefully.