Broken Souls: Fragments of the Past

(12) The End...?

Location: Tylo, Graveyard
Date: 5 Days After the Battle of Laxia.

Martin placed the battle axe up against his father's gravestone. He backed up to look at the two graves. He had buried his father directly beside his mother. He read the two names; Rocah and Kalistia Armenston. Martin led out a sad chuckle, remembering how his father used to call her "Kali" all the time. He frowned. If only things could've gone better. If only his father had treated him better. If only his mother were still here. If only he could've met his younger brother.

Janet walked up and put her hand on his shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. Sometimes, the world just isn't fair," she said, trying to comfort him. "I'm the last one," Martin said as a single tear rolled down his cheek. "You said you had a brother who went missing, right? He could still be out there," she pointed out. Martin sighed. "Yeah… I uh… I guess you're right," he said looking at the two graves.

He had lost more than just his family; he'd lost one of his closest friends. Jacob had managed to kill Lenard during the battle. Now, he and Martha had returned home to their own family. Harriet, Lenard's wife, now a widow, had recently vanished. Maybe she could find a better place to raise her newborn son.

Despite their best efforts, however, the League of Light had been almost completely wiped out. Tristan and Magnus had managed to escape, and were nowhere to be found.

Darryl had escaped during the chaos, but nobody knew where he'd gone. Martin just hoped they wouldn't have to deal with him again.

So much had changed since that day Martin left. "C'mon, we should start heading home," said Janet. He gave a sad sigh before speaking. "Yeah. Let's go." They began making their way towards the exit. As they were about to leave, Martin turned to take one last look at his parents' graves. Janet grabbed his hand, and they started walking.

There was nothing Licio could do to change the past. All he could do was look to the days ahead.

~~{∆}~~

12 years later...

"... Then we came home, and we've been trying to live life to its fullest ever since." said Martin.

Martin was on the balcony of his house in Laxia. He was sitting down in a chair next to a young boy with brown hair and red eyes. The boy said with amazement, "That story was awesome!" Martin smiled. "It's all true, Devan," he said. "All of it," Janet said from behind them. They turned to face her. "Glad to see you two getting along," she told them. "Devan, you should be heading to bed. It's already dark outsi-" "He can stay up a little longer, Jan," Martin interrupted. The child's face lit up.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it," Janet said before walking off. Martin looked back at Devan, who asked, "Hey, Dad? Could you tell me another story?" Martin started, "Well, son. You see-" "Uh, Martie? There's someone here who wants to see you," Janet called. "I guess it'll have to wait, Devan," he told his son while standing up. They both walked back into the house, Martin shutting the door behind them.

As he walked down the stairs, Martin saw a man he didn't recognize. The man had black hair, purple eyes, and dark clothing. In fact, he looked quite young. As Martin sat down, the young man decided to introduce himself. "You must be Martin," he said. "I'm Jason McKennon. I'm sure you know my father, Jacob." "Wait, he's your father?" Martin asked, slightly surprised. "Yes," he answered. "Now, I need you to listen to me."

Jason leaned forwards a bit before saying, "I need your help."

~~{∆}~~
Word Count: 636

(A/N): This is the book's last full-on chapter. The next one will be an epilogue, which I plan to release in two days. And no, this story isn't over yet.

Edit: Epilogue has been released.