Stick War: Inamorta and beyond

Chapter 25: Calm after the storm

7th February 1074, 2.56pm

Finally, the long awaited peace has came. Order Empire soldiers have just reached the capital of the Archidons, Aoks City. They were shocked when they heard the siege was over but nevertheless, the Archidons are not alone. Some Archidon soldiers are not happy with receiving help from their former enemies and went rogue. They left their faction and created a new faction called the 'Rebels United'.  The Swordwrath were humiliated from their defeat and are now on the defensive. There is no way they are risking another huge battle as there are way too many soldiers on the allies' side. The Archidons along with the Order Empire are now rebuilding Aoks City and providing food and basic necessities to both civilians and soldiers. Meanwhile, recon team is recovering from their bloody battle.

Grace is currently treating Elizabeth while Mark treats Ace and Kim.

"Man, Kim you sure took a beating." Mark mumbled to himself as he bandaged Kim's wounds.

"Elizabeth too, she had several broken bones and a deep cut on her arm" Grace said in sadness as she sees her comrade on the bed, unconscious.

"I heard your King is here, isn't it important to greet him?" Grace asked Mark.

"I would but... I just can't leave these guys behind like this you know?" The black haired man said.

"Yeah, your are right. They risked their lives fighting and somehow made it alive with those wounds." The blonde girl continued.

Suddenly, the doors slammed open. Revealing an old man with an Order Empire cape. Mark and Grace immediately went to their knees when he saw the King of the Order Empire.

"My lord is there something you need?" Mark asked.

"Yes, please rise." King Arthur said.

"How's my son and your comrades?" The King continued.

"They are recovering quite well my lord." Mark said.

At that moment, Ace shot up from his bed.

"Brother Mordred!" He shrieked but was replaced with a grunt when he felt pain in his left arm.

"What? Where am I?" Ace asked.

"My son, are you okay?" Arthur asked.

"Father! Why are you here?!" Ace exclaimed as he looked around frantically.

"My, look at you. You are all bandaged up." Arthur joked.

"Shut up old man." Ace grumbled.

The King then let out a loud laugh and he walked towards Ace. He laughed so loud that it woke Elizabeth up.

"Huh? What's that noise?" She asked.

"Elizabeth! Are you okay?!" Marl exclaimed.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She said.

"Anyway Ace, just now you just mentioned something about Mordred. What about him?" Arthur asked in a serious tone.

Ace froze and looked out of the window.

"Brother Mordred joined the Swordwrath. He changed Father, he became someone that even I could not recognise! I can't believe it! He used to be kind and nice but now, he is so cold and cruel!" Ace exclaimed.

"I understand Ace, I fought him before he left. He has been researching about water magic from the Magikill." Arthur stated.

"Why Father?! I need answers! What changes him?!" Ace shouted.

"Ace, I will talk about this another time, I have many duties to do right now." Arthur said and walked out of the room.

"DAMN IT!" The prince shouted and slammed his fist onto the bed.

"Ace, I know it is hard but you need to recover. Throwing a tantrum won't help you." Grace said.

"Shut up! I am going to see Father now!" The enraged Prince exclaimed and tried to stand up but fell back down to his bed.

"Stop it dude. You broke sprained your right ankle and it does not seemed that it will recover fast." Mark said.

"Damn it!" Ace shouted and lay on the bed, staring into the ceiling.

"Anyway, where's Leader Kim?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh, he is in a worst shape then both of you." The blond Archidon said.

"After all, he did fought Prince Mordred." Mark said.

"What? Kim fought Brother?!" Ace exclaimed.

"Yeah... He fought Mordred and was defeated. He was almost dead when we found his body." Mark continued.

"As expected, if I can't defeat brother then there is no way Kim can." The prince said arrogantly.

Grace glared at the cheeky Prince.

"Alright guys. Stop fighting, it will give me a headache." The hazelnut haired girl said angrily.

"Hmph." The prince grunted.

Unknown time in Kim's dreams

Kim's POV

'Where am I?'

'Oh, I must have died.'

'Wait, I'm here again.'

I finally knew where I was. I have been here before. I am floating above water, staring into an azure blue sky with cloud patches everywhere.

'That's right, I met dad here.'

'I wonder if he is still here.'

'I want to see him again.'

"Son." A deep male voice spoke.

I turned and saw dad, standing in front of me. I immediately got up  and tried to get to him.

"Dad! Dad!" I desperately exclaimed.

But my efforts are useless, my beloved father faded away. And I woke up.

Out of POV

8th February 1074, 10.24am

Kim woke up and looked around, he saw two other empty beds. He assumed that he is in a recuperating room. He tried to stand up but was replaced by a striking pain in his chest area. He took a look and saw bandages everywhere. His entire body is bandaged up except his face, arms and legs.

"What the hell." He mumbled and tried to stand up again.

After many failed attempts, he finally stood up and tried to walk. He successfully made it to the door but when he is about to open the door, the door slammed opened... His face on the door.

"Alright! That was delicious!" Mark exclaimed.

"Shut it idiot, you will wake Kim up!" Ace shouted.

They were about to argue again when they see an extremely, angry man.

"YOU TWO ARE DEAD!" The enraged Order soldier shouted, with his eyes blazing.

The two then tried to escape... Mark ran away while Ace tried to hobble fast with his sprained ankle.

They then comically tried to run away from a monster-like man.

"Looks like things are back to normal" Elizabeth laughed.

"Yeah... Noisy as always." Grace laughed.