Spirit Root

HERO

Running downstairs and bringing my sword, I find the exact same scene that had happened in my dream.
"Mother!" I cried as the monster came after her, just like it had in my dream. And just like in my dream, the monster threw me back and pain lanced through my entire body. I cry out and then see the scene from my dream. My mother hung from the Shadefiend's bloody claws, who smiled at me in pleasure. I slowly got up wincing. Tears began to fall from my eyes clouding my vision. The Shadefiend came after me now, dropping my mother like a rag doll covered in blood. He licked his claws menacingly and I frown in determination. Unsheathing my sword, the Shadefiend stares at it in wonder, then runs forwards, lashing out with its claws. I ducked.
"You killed my mother! You monster!" I slash at the monster's legs, only to be parried by his gigantic claws. Now, on the floor in a vulnerable position, the monster attacks from above. I hold the sword above my head and kept it's claws off of me. The monster bit and thrashed, but I couldn't allow my sword to fall. That would mean the end of me. The monster continues fighting, trying to bite at my abdomen, and I kick it up and away from me. I felt my strength waning more and more, the beings claws coming closer and closer to my face. Sweat beaded and dripped down the sides of my face and tears still fell from my eyes. It had killed my mother. Some could have killed Ellyll. These monsters could have killed families, children, men and women alike. In a last ditch effort, I swing my sword away from its claws, stabbing it in the heart. Black blood sprayed out and I close my eyes. The monster collapsed on top of me and I cry out. It choked on its own blood but made sure to hiss out one word on his last breath.
'Coward'
How had it known? What is going on with me? I push the being off of me and stab it again, making sure it was dead. It collapsed in on itself and turned into black mist. The heat of the fires around me hurt my eyes and I could still hear screams from other people on this level. Was it only on this level? Or was it all the levels? Was it a full attack on Briar Glen? This was all my fault.

Rushing up to my mother, I expected to be able to talk to her one last time, like the heroes of old and their loved ones. But that didn't happen. I thought she was still alive, but she had died long ago, a face of surprise staring back at me. I slid my hand over her eyes, closing them. This was all my fault. Now I lost the family I was to hide away with.
Except for Ellyll.
A new idea popped into my head and I rush to the shop; I had memorized the placement of it from running to it every morning and leaving it late at night. My feet pounded against the cobblestones, drowned out by screams and cries for help. I closed my eyes.
C'mon Nysos. You can help them after.
As I turned onto another narrow street, I barely miss the talons of a giant winged creature. Hiding around the corner, I wait for it to leave to attack someone else. I felt guilty but I had no time to waste. I had to get to Ellyll. When the shop finally came into view, it was in flames.
No!
I was already too late. Pushing on the door, I jump inside before the hungry flames could eat me as well. Looking around, I find no one, just flames and the ashes of what was already burnt.
"Ellyll!?" I call out, but there was no reply. Running into the back of the shop, I finally spot her, sitting in the corner, the exact same way my mother had been.
"Ellyll?" She did not reply. I sprint to her side, to find that she too was dead. It was all my fault. This was all my fault. I was so stupid. I was the stupidest anyone could ever be. I had to find Belas. I had to complete the prophecy. Before more people died because of my fear.

I found Belas's room empty. The entire tavern was empty. Everyone had probably run when the attack had first occurred. I stalked down the streets, my blood covered sword out in front of me in defense. If Belas wasn't here, where was he? I rush to the front gates but find them closed. I drop to my knees. There was no hope. I had ruined the only chance we had. Leaning on my sword, I scream, letting all of the bottled up emotions running through my head erupt into one harmonious scream. Everyone was gone. So was Belas. He must have gone to fight for the people I had left behind. He was the hero, not I. Innocent people were dying. All because of me. All because of my stupidity. All because of my fear. I was a coward, a wicked one at that.
"You must have seen what has happened. Changed your mind, coward?" I look up and find Belas looking down at me . I stand up quickly, wiping away my tears and taking a long gulp. How had he found me? He always seemed to find me in the most needed of times.
"I thought you left or were off fighting for the people I had left behind. Yes, I am a coward."
"Yes, I do agree, but you still haven't answered my question."
"I'm so sorry Belas," I began, and stood under his gaze awkwardly, feeling especially small and insignificant. "I could not see what was right in front of me. I am a coward and naive and stupid, but I still would like to help. Yes...I believe I have changed my mind." I tried not to think back to my mother, but she and Ellyll both came to the forefront of my mind anyway. Tears came to my eyes.
"You lost someone close, did you not?" He observed, although his voice was still cold like a rock.
"Yes...but it does not matter. What must I do?"
"Well, most obviously, we'll need to fight these beings. These aren't even the Shadefiends. These are only Blazemutans, a lesser race from the Desolate Vales. I see you have already killed one. Could you kill another?" I hesitated. I had had no training. I may have just killed one purely on adrenaline. I was about to shake my head when I thought back to my mother and Ellyll. No. I needed to be strong. I needed to complete the prophecy.
"I believe I could, Belas." I nod resolutely.
I had finally found my strength, and it was time to save Asluinia

...

Shadefiends pictured above.