Cervato - Girl On Fire (Part 1 of Cervato's Saga)

Sorrow

The final battle against the physical manifestation of the wretched mesmer's illusion was almost finished. Surely within a few more strikes, it would fall. Cervato winced, feeling pain in her right leg, after being pinned beneath the creature's hand with only a shield. Thankfully for her, Kurai and Theo came to her aid, dealing swift blows against the monster with their swords and daggers. The battle continued on, Joan's spear cracking against the monster's mask while Ti'lay's surging magic fired off to strike them. New faces joined old allies. They were going to win. There was no question in it.

As she struggled to stand to her feet after being knocked away by the beast's limb, her sienna gaze flicked back up to the battlefield. The swirling dark magic formed about the illusion's fist as it pierced through a golden clad form. Puncturing their chest and creating a deep cavity, the creature howled in triumph as Saromire was torn apart.

Balthazar was with her as she scurried over bodies and weapons of dead Seraph within the small fortress of Godslost Swamp. Screams deafened her ears. Her pounding heart felt as if it had slid up into her throat. The woman's sword was grasped within both hands as she slammed it down atop the limb that had ravaged Saromire's body. In swift hacking motions, she began to cut away at the creature's armor and flesh where the two were still connected. A bright glow erupted off to her right, yet she didn't relent. Suddenly, a powerful source of magic arced overhead slamming into the creature. Rasui had used his necromancy. The creature was killed instantly. The Commander dropped her sword, ripping her helm from her head and letting go of everything as she rushed to Saromire's side.

The quick beat of her heart could be detected within her ears. Cervato coiled a strong arm behind his shoulder, the other at his waist as Saromire began to fall to the ground. His breastplate was shredded to bits, and bits of bone could be seen shattered amidst the bloody chaotic scene of his body. Blood. The golden locks that adorned his head were becoming stained with it. A small pool of it began to collect around his broken form. Unable to think of what to do, her hand shifted to support his head while she knelt at his side. More and more of the guild and allies that had been present began to circle around the scene.

The ocean meeting the open skies. The eyes that always held a sense of adventure appeared deeply pained as they stared up into hers.

"Stay with me. Saro. Saro. Saromire!" Her voice ordered him as her soul started to break apart. Those deep reflective hues looked up into her own, as his chest was starting to rise and fall more slowly. Not even a sound passed between pale lips as they began to motion slowly. Just a simple phrase. A sentence that was told to hundreds of thousands of people in the past, and would continue to be told to generations to come. Here the man that had promised he would be fine. That she had promised she would save from this wretched curse. That she would rescue his dear cousin, Luna, from the awful clutches of a demon of a man. They were going to forge the swords together once more. They were going to fight alongside each other. They were going to smile, and embrace, and congratulate each other on a job well done then probably get drunk in some tavern and boast of their adventures just like old times. They were going to live life to the fullest.

"I love you."

Her bloodstained hand moved to cup his cheek, lips quivering as tears began to descend from her eyes. The dying man's chest fell for the last time, as he looked up to her before directing his gaze towards the sky. The eyes she loved had lost everything and any semblance of his spirit. Saromire's bright shining stupid golden smile would never be shared with anyone ever again. The words of encouragement and reassuring grip of his hand upon her shoulder would never be felt. The gentle and friendly kiss he had bestowed upon her cheek before heading off with Joan to search the Priory for a cure would be the very last.Saromire Lancastir was dead.Vaguely, she felt her voice call to the rest. To save him. To try and use their magic to rescue him. To steal him back from the Mists. Yet his body had suffered far too much trauma and he had left this world quickly before any help could be provided. Others began to express their pain, walking away from the scene or breaking down into tears themselves. Yet, Cervato couldn't accept it.Her hand curled into a fist as she beat upon his shoulder, lunging over his form, screaming. Why? Why? Why?"Don't do this! You can't die! Not like this! I promised you I would save you! Godsdammit, Saro! Don't leave me like this. Don't leave me with this guilt! Please! Please!" Cervato's voice screamed before her entire form consumed in a terrifying grief embraced his body, pressing her face into his neck, sobbing openly to the world. Her tears stained his dirty pauldron as she held onto the corpse of her hero.

"You're a fucking coward." His words said aloud as the drunken woman stared up at him within the Shaemoor Tavern.

"Going to fight you right here!" He announced as they wielded their weapons, prepared to have one of the most hilarious fights in history within the Palace Gardens.

"Thank you." A kind smile met his lips after he had lifted her up and swung her around on the grounds of his estate, after providing him the golden and red laced chain necklace she had crafted for his birthday.

"A kiss." The terms of their fight were set, to which his prize surprised her.

Their bout atop the Vizier's Tower within Orr had been phenomenal and ended in a draw. Once more, his long hair was cut short, and he kissed her within the mist.

"You make me feel alive." He'd stated so aboard the stolen pirate ship off the cove of Southsun, admitting his feelings for her.

"The sword was powerful, but something wasn't right. I realized it then...." He offered the beautiful blade to her, the twin to his own. "...so I split it into two."

"I hope you change your mind." His sad gaze lingered upon her before she turned to leave his estate, ending their relationship.

"You're my best friend." When Saromire had reappeared and joined the Tyrian Accord. After confronting her about the pain she had caused him.

"I know." And the warm feel of his embrace after she had declared that she would save him from his curse. The curse that threatened to take him away forever.

A friendship that had existed for years. A love that was passionate, raw, and real. The two had a kinship that was to always exist. The man that had saved her from her own sorrow years ago and inspired her to continue on. The man that despite every sin committed against him, chose to smile despite it all. The tunnel vision of only a handful of precious memories flooded her mind.

The woman released another anguished cry to the world.

A part of Cervato died with Saromire that day.