Andreamore

5

Tyler remains by Lisa's side waiting for her to awaken even as he receives reports and directs activities around him. The main concern is taking care of the dead. So many dead and hurt and so few to take care of it. Tyler order as many of the portals to be reopened as they can manage so that their people can be brought home and help clean up and rebuild the damage done.

It is two days later that word comes just how inclusive Lisa's curse was. There are no more enemies. The nobles and other traitors behind it all were burnt just as much as those attacking the castle.

Disbelief and joy pervaded the palace and surrounding country. It was over, the decade long fighting was finally over.

Still, Tyler, finds it hard to believe. He can't help but think of that song. He keeps waiting for the shots to be fired. Perhaps that's his curse, that and Lisa not waking. She hasn't awakened again since drinking the tonic to help her restore her powers and her body.

He sleeps and he sees words written in blood. The blood of his people, in his dreams he lost, his empire dead. There are no victors, just death all around him. The dead of his people, those that claimed sanctuary and the enemy. But the one that causes him the most pain is Lisa's dead body next to his. 

"Tyler," her hand stroking his hair and her soft voice bring him out of his nightmare.

"Lisa, you're finally awake." Tyler takes her hand and holds it tight. That nightmare had been all too realistic.

"I was awake before you." Lisa says amused. But Tyler doesn't return the smile she gives him. There are even more shadows then there had been before. "What is there more bad news Tyler? Lionel gave me reason to believe that the enemy if not routed was at least slunk back into the holes that they came out from."

At her words Tyler does smile, "This empire will remain shining for at least awhile yet. I don't think Andreamore is done with her glory yet. The enemy is routed Lisa, and it's due mostly to you. Even those fomenting the rebellion are dead. The clean up is what everyone is focusing on now and will be for some time to come."

Tyler stops talking and looks away from Lisa. He can't stand to look at her when he gives her the next bit of news. "I can't send you back to the Earth realm. That portal is permanently sealed and I can't undo it. Forgive me, Lisa." He lets the tears fall that he'd been holding back.

Lisa sits stunned. She'd always assumed that Tyler would send her back once she woke up. "Why?"

"I was about to die. I couldn't fulfill my promise to save you, but I could save your realm. When I sealed it I put a permanent seal. The realms that I sent my people to, could fight off the invaders. They knew the risks and welcomed my people anyway. But Earth, it has no defense against magic. In time the science might be able to win, but, there would be massive amounts of dead. In order to save Earth I had no choice."

Tyler looks at the sobbing girl and stands up to leave. "I had some of your clothes brought here. When you feel up to it, the bathing room is right across from the bed. I'm sorry, Lisa, I failed you. I hope you will forgive me one day."

"There is nothing to forgive," Lisa says even as she wipes the tears from her face. "You made the right choice. I'd rather protect Earth and die here than be the cause of the deaths of millions of people."

Lionel comes in hours later to find Lisa still in the same position she was before. "Miss, is there anything I can do to help you?"

With his entrance the room had lighted up. He is alarmed at how wan Lisa looks. 

"Would you choose out an outfit for me and help me to the bathing room? I don't feel very steady right now." Lisa says blinking rapidly still adjusting to the strong change of light in the room.