Chapter X

The initial excitement had already faded. They accepted anyone willing to switch sides in exchange for their lives. Those who refused were executed on the spot by Captain Hopkins. He glanced down at his sword, the blade slick with blood. With a practiced motion, he wiped it clean on the cloak of a fallen enemy, the crimson streaks disappearing into the fabric. The steel gleamed once more, a silent testament to his resolve. He sheathed the sword with a finality that echoed through the onlookers.

Those who chosen to switch sides stood in a ragged line, their faces a mix of fear and determination. Hopkins walked down the line, his gaze piercing each man as if weighing their very souls.

“Listen well,” he began, “You have chosen to live, but that choice comes with a price. You will prove your worth to me and to this army. Those who fail will not be given a second chance.”

Without warning, Hopkins lunged, his movements a blur of precision and power. The recruit barely had time to react, parrying the first strike with a clumsy block. Hopkins pressed the attack, his blade dancing through the air with lethal grace. The recruit stumbled back, overwhelmed by the captain’s relentless assault.

“Focus!” Hopkins barked, his strikes unyielding. “Your life depends on it!”

The recruit gritted his teeth, trying to find an opening. But Hopkins was relentless, his sword a whirlwind of steel. With a final, decisive blow, he disarmed the recruit, sending his weapon clattering to the ground. The recruit fell to his knees, gasping for breath.

The air was thick with tension, each man knowing that their turn was coming. Hopkins raised his sword, the steel catching the light, and beckoned the next recruit forward.

A lean, wiry man stepped into the circle, his grip tight on his weapon. Hopkins nodded, a silent signal to begin. The recruit attacked first, his movements quick but unrefined. Hopkins parried easily, his blade moving with practiced precision.

“Speed is good,” Hopkins remarked, deflecting another strike, “but control is better.”

He countered with a series of swift, calculated blows, forcing the recruit to retreat. The recruit tried to regain his footing, but Hopkins was relentless, his strikes unyielding. With a final, powerful swing, he disarmed the recruit, sending him sprawling to the ground.

“Next,” Hopkins called, his voice unwavering.

A pair of recruits stepped forward this time, hoping to use their numbers to their advantage. Hopkins smiled, a rare expression of amusement. “Two against one? Very well.”

The recruits attacked in unison, their swords flashing in the sunlight. Hopkins moved like a shadow, his blade a blur of motion. He parried one strike, then another, his movements fluid and precise. With a swift kick, he sent one recruit tumbling, then turned to face the other.

“Coordination is key,” he said, his voice calm. “Without it, you are just two men fighting alone.”

He disarmed the second recruit with a deft twist of his wrist, then turned back to the first, who was struggling to his feet. Hopkins’ sword flashed, and the recruit’s weapon flew from his hand. Both men stood, panting and defeated.

“Next,” Hopkins commanded, his gaze sweeping the circle.

A final group of three recruits stepped forward, their faces set with determination. Hopkins nodded, acknowledging their courage. “Remember, work together,” he advised, raising his sword.

The trio attacked, their movements more coordinated than the previous pair. Hopkins danced between them, his blade a whirlwind of steel. He parried, dodged, and struck with unerring accuracy, testing their limits. Despite their best efforts, they could not match his skill. One by one, they fell, their weapons clattering to the ground.

Hopkins sheathed his sword, his expression stern. “You have potential,” he said, his voice carrying across the training ground. “But you must learn to fight as one. Only then will you be truly formidable.”

The recruits nodded, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination. Hopkins turned away, his mind already on the battles to come. As he moved through, his gaze fell upon Blazerine, who stood watching the training with a keen eye.

"You," he called out, his voice softer but still commanding, "You've been observing," he noted, stopping in front of her. "What do you think of our new recruits?"

Blazerine glanced back at the men, still struggling to catch their breath. "It's not really my place to judge. Why would a commander seek guidance from someone like me?"

Hopkins nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ah, good. So you do know your place among my men. You're just a vessel, a mere tool at my disposal."

Unbeknownst to Blazerine, Ledral the Firestarter approached and stood intimidatingly behind her.

Hopkins wearily backed off, saying, "Keep your pet on a short leash, why don't you?"

"Pet?" She looked up and saw Ledral. "Oh, it's the lizard..."

"Lizard..." Hopkins repeated, laughing heartily. "Oh, you're funny. I might just like you yet," he said, walking away.

She turned her attention to the pile of executed bodies stacked by the edge, ready to be tossed overboard. Her heart pounded as she began to search through them, her eyes scanning each face with a mix of dread and hope. She knelt beside one, gently turning his head to the side. Not Leon. She moved to the next, her hands trembling slightly. Still not Leon.

Behind her, Ledral asked, "Why do you let Captain Hopkins treat you like that?"

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and turned to face him. "Why are you so worried about it?" she asked.

"The wizard told me to keep an eye on either you or the brat," he snarled. "Rationally, you were the better pick." 

Casually, she looked over at the dark metal links that bounded him. The chains seemed to hum with a malevolent energy, a constant reminder of their hexed magic. She knew he didn't genuinely care; he just wanted to avoid the extra hassle when it came down to it. Not that she blamed him. In a strange way, she had dragged him into this whole mess. But she figured this was probably better than being dead. 

"Is she a bit touchy-feely?" she teased, gesturing playfully towards his wings.

"Don't you dare!" he growled, his voice taking on an animalistic edge.

"Hey, I'm just kidding. I never thought about it—okay, maybe just once." Her sentence trailed off as she spotted Yeldir. "Hey! Old man!"

Ledral trailed closely behind as Blazerine sprinted up to Yeldir. Ignoring their height difference, she eagerly grabbed him by the collar of his robes.

"Is there any chance you can still get me home?"

"Yes and no," he replied.

"I don't understand."

"You can travel to a different version of your world. Think of it like this: every moment in time creates a new branch of reality. When you change something significant, it doesn't alter the original timeline but creates a new one. So, every instance, every decision, swaps one reality for another," he explained.

"So, the future I'm trying to save will no longer exist? Then... what was the point?"

"The future you're trying to save will still exist, but in a different branch of reality. Your actions will create a new timeline where the changes you make will have an impact. The original timeline will continue as it was, but the new one will reflect the changes you've made. It's like creating a parallel universe where your efforts will shape a different outcome. Everyone you know may not exist in the same way or at all."

She loosened her grip and sighed, "I wonder if Haven already knew about this..."

He gently patted her head, " We will discuss this further when the time arrives. There's still much work to be done. Yes, yes, we do agree." 

---

After spending half a day searching for Leon's whereabouts on the island, Fenix was beginning to think that Leon had never even arrived. Just as doubt set in, Leon was brought aboard. His skin was deeply tanned and weathered from constant exposure to the sun, giving it a rugged, almost leathery texture. His hair, once neatly kept, was now long, tangled, and streaked with sun-bleached highlights. A thick beard covered his face, giving him a wild, untamed appearance. His clothes were tattered and patched together from various materials he had scavenged, showing signs of wear and tear. Despite the rough conditions, his eyes were sharp and alert, reflecting the resilience and resourcefulness that had kept him alive. His body was lean and muscular, honed by the physical demands of daily survival tasks like hunting and fishing.

Fenix led Leon to the infirmary hold below deck. Blazerine felt a pang of sorrow and frustration. The man she had been searching for, the man she had hoped to find, was standing right in front of her, but he was a total stranger. Leon walked past her without a second glance, his expression blank and unrecognizing. 

Blazerine hasn't seen Leon since the day he was brought aboard. Fenix had made it virtually impossible for her to see him, and no one would tell her why. She might as well have been under house arrest, always under someone's watchful eye. Even when Ledral took time for himself, Sir Biron or Sir Phil would step in to take his place. 

She slumped back into her hammock, "I've just traded one prison for another," she muttered.

"Why are you so eager to speak to him?" Ledral asked. "He looks like a scarecrow, just staring blankly out the window."

She threw her forearm across her forehead and gazed up at the rocky ceiling. "It's complicated," she sighed.

He lifted the candle, half of his dragon-like scales glinting in the dim light. With a deep breath, he exhaled a small, controlled flame from his mouth, igniting the wick. The candle flickered to life, casting a warm glow that danced across his reptilian features while his human side remained in the shadows. 

"I overheard an exchange earlier... quite an interesting one." He took a seat at the stand and opened the drawer to retrieve a book.

"Oh really? Did Elizabeth give the knights food poisoning again?" She asked.

"No, someone insisted on freeing my restraints for combat engagement."

"Oh, that. I mean, what's the big deal? You could just fly off somewhere during battle? Who's going to notice? It's the end of the world, you know?" She rolled over in her hammock and pulled the blanket up.  

A small smile crept across his face at her words. He then opened the book and began to read through the night, lost in the world of words. 

Sailing closer to their destination, black droplets began to fall from a sky now shrouded in dark, heavy clouds. Fish, transformed into grotesque creatures, swam mindlessly into the ship. Their scales were covered in a slimy, black coating, and their eyes glowed with an eerie light. Their fins had become sharp and jagged, and their mouths were filled with rows of needle-like teeth. They collided with the hull in erratic patterns, creating a haunting symphony of thuds and splashes. Additionally, insects of unnatural sizes began to splatter their oily exoskeletons against the hull, adding to the cacophony of clunks and thuds. Moving in swarms, their buzzing creating an unsettling, almost deafening noise.  

"Banish these creatures of darkness!" With an intense light, casting a radiant glow across the deck. Yeldir focused his energy, directing it towards the approaching swarm. The light intensified, forming a beam that shot into the sky from his hands. The beam of light struck the swarm, and the insects recoiled, their oily exoskeletons sizzling and cracking under the intense heat. The buzzing grew louder, a cacophony of pain and fury, as the dark substance began to evaporate. One by one, the insects fell from the sky, their bodies disintegrating into ash before they hit the ground. Maintaining his focus on the swarm, he continued to channel his magic. The beam of light widened, engulfing the remaining insects and reducing them to nothingness. Lowering his hands, he took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing as the immediate threat was eliminated. 

The knights around him cheered, their relief palpable. 

Yeldir nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he acknowledged their gratitude.

The captain addressed everyone, "Remember, we face a corrupted land and creatures twisted by the dark guardian blood."

"I have a name, you know..." Blazerine mumbled.

"Stay vigilant and protect each other. Our mission is to cleanse this island and find the source of the corruption. Unit one, clear everything in our path as much as possible. Unit two, handle clean-up duty and grab any stragglers. Unit three, protect our rear and ensure nothing sneaks up on us. Yeldir and Ledral, you'll be on air control duty. Sir Phil and Sir, your task is to defend the guardian until the target has been discovered. Understood?"

The knights nodded in unison; their resolve evident in their eyes. 

Yeldir approached Ledral, he took a deep breath, his fingers tracing the intricate runes etched into the metal. 

"Hold still," Yeldir instructed, his voice calm and steady. He began to chant, his words resonating with ancient power: "With the fire of purity, I cleanse this blight, hex of bondage, dissolve and fade, in the name of truth, be unmade." As he spoke, his hands glowed with a soft, golden light. He placed his palms on the chains, feeling the dark energy resist his touch. Undeterred, he continued the incantation, his voice growing stronger while he repeated the incantation: "With the fire of purity, I cleanse this blight, hex of bondage, dissolve and fade, in the name of truth, be unmade." 

Eyes blazed with determination, the more he poured his magical energy into the spell. With a final surge of power, the hexed chains shattered, falling away from Ledral body. The dark energy dissipated into the air, leaving behind only the faint glow of his magic. 

"Thank you, Yeldir," Ledral flexed his newly freed limbs, especially his wings.

 Blazerine felt a growing unease knowing that Fenix wouldn't be by her side. The lack of communication with Leon was one thing, but the absence of both was beginning to take its toll. She wasn't entirely sure what she had expected, but she had hoped their reunion would be different from this. The reality of their separation weighed heavily on her, casting a shadow over her thoughts and leaving her feeling more isolated than ever. 

The air was thick with tension and the acrid smell of the black oil that coated the island. Each knight checked their weapons, ensuring their swords were sharp and their shields sturdy. They moved with practiced efficiency, securing ropes and lowering the gangplank. The knights raised their shields, forming a protective barrier as they stepped onto the oily shore. The ground squelched beneath their boots, the thick layer of sludge making each step a struggle. Advancing cautiously with their swords ready, eyes scanning the twisted landscape for any sign of movement. The eerie silence was broken only by the buzzing of the insects and the distant howls of deranged animals. With every step, the knights felt the weight of their mission. They knew the dangers that lay ahead, but their determination to cleanse the island and restore balance drove them forward. 

Blazerine couldn't quite understand why Sir Brion and Sir Phil were so intent on making small talk with her, especially now of all times. They were asking about things they had overheard Fenix mention about her.

"Is it true? You've killed draglings without any prior training in swordsmanship?" Sir Brion asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"It was just a fluke," Blazerine replied, shrugging.

"I heard the two of you got kidnapped by bandits," Sir Phil chimed in.

"Yeah..." she muttered, not wanting to delve into the details.

"And you caused a riot by taking on the biggest guy there with just your fists?" Sir Phil continued, clearly impressed.

"I had no other choice," Blazerine said, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of resignation. 

Up ahead; an abandoned town and structures dot the landscape, their walls covered in a thick layer of black gooey blight. Everything was crumbling and decaying, serving as a stark reminder of the people that once existed here. The outer world of screams filled their ears as humanoid creatures, embodiments of fear itself, morphed from the sludge. Featureless except for their wide, gaping mouths filled with the faces of their many victims, they continued to feed, growing stronger with each scream. Their twisted, contorted bodies were covered in a thick, black ichor that dripped and oozed as they moved, consuming whatever touched their path.

The knights gathered around, their faces grim as they assessed the fearsome creatures before them. Captain Hopkins, always quick to strategize, spoke up. "We need to take out their faces! It's the source of their power. Aim for the mouths filled with their victims' faces!"

Sir Phil nodded in agreement. "Right! If we can destroy their faces, we can weaken them and stop their feeding frenzy."

With a unified battle cry, the knights charged at the creatures. Their swords gleamed in the dim light, cutting through the thick, black ichor that dripped from the creature's' bodies. The knights focused their attacks on the gaping mouths, striking with precision and force.

Sir Brion swung his sword with all his might, slicing through the oily exoskeleton and into the grotesque mouth of one creature. The faces within screamed in agony as the creature recoiled, its strength waning.

Blazerine followed suit, her blade finding its mark in another creature's mouth. The ichor splattered, and the creature's twisted body convulsed before collapsing to the ground.

The other knights, inspired by their leaders, continued their assault. They hacked and slashed at the creatures' faces, their determination unwavering. The air was filled with the sounds of battle—the clash of steel, the cries of the creatures, and the shouts of the knights.

With a deep breath, Ledral flexed his newly freed wings, feeling the power coursing through his veins. He launched himself into the air, his dragon-like scales glinting in the dim light. As he soared above the battlefield, he spotted his target and dove towards it with incredible speed.

The creature turned its featureless head towards him, its mouth opening wide in a silent scream. Ledral's eyes blazed with determination as he summoned a burst of flame from deep within. With a roar, he unleashed a torrent of fire, engulfing the creature in a searing inferno. The black ichor sizzled and bubbled under the intense heat, and the specters writhed in agony.

But Ledral knew that fire alone wouldn't be enough. He landed gracefully, his claws digging into the ground as he charged at the creature. With a powerful swing of his sword, he struck at the gaping mouth, aiming to destroy the faces within. The blade sliced through the ichor, and the creature let out a guttural howl.

Undeterred, Ledral continued his assault, his movements a blur of precision and power. He struck again and again, each blow weakening the creature further. The faces within the mouth screamed in unison, their cries growing fainter with each strike. Finally, with one last, decisive blow, Ledral's sword pierced the heart of the creature. The black ichor exploded outward, and the creature's body convulsed before collapsing into a heap of ash. Ledral stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion. 

Blazerine's heart pounded as she faced the massive wraith. The body is semi-transparent, allowing glimpses of the swirling gore within. Its eyes are glowing orbs of malevolent light, piercing through the darkness. The virus beneath her skin seemed to come alive, writhing and twisting beneath her skin, the closer she approached. It was as if the substance recognized its own kind. Sensing the presence of its own essence, turned its many faces towards Blazerine. Its gaping mouth emitted a chilling scream, and the black tendril that coated its body seemed to reach out towards her. The connection between them was palpable, a dark bond that linked their fates. She gritted her teeth against the pain as their eyes locked together. With a swift, decisive motion, she drew the blade across her palm. The sharp edge bit into her flesh, and a black line appeared. Her veins pulsed and surged, a living entity that sought to merge with its counterpart. She knew that she had to act quickly, to absorb the creature's essence before its too late. 

The black oozed from the cut, mingling with the air around her, began to throb with a painful intensity. The dark energy surge through her veins, a powerful force that both repelled and attracted the wraith. The twisted limbs flailed wildly, its grotesque form writhing in agony. Blazerine cried out a bit, feeling its essence being drawn into her, the black substance merging with her own. The struggle was intense, each moment a battle of wills as the wraith fought desperately to break free from her grasp. A conflicting dark symphony of power and pain. Finally, with a final, agonized scream, the creature disintegrated into ash, its essence fully absorbed into her body. She fell to her knees, gasping for breath, her wounded hand sealing itself closed. The reaction within her veins began to subside, settling into a dormant state once more. 

Determined to stand, she reached for her sword, its hilt cool and reassuring in her grip. With a grunt of effort, she planted the blade into the ground and used it as leverage. She pushed herself up, her muscles straining as she fought against the fatigue. Slowly but surely, she rose to her feet, her sword providing the support she needed. With a fierce battle cry, she charged at the nearest wraith, her sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. The creature let out a guttural scream as her blade cut through its dark essence, the black blood splattering across the ground.

As she fought, Sir Phil and Sir Brion appeared at her side, "We've got your back, Blazerine!" Sir Phil shouted, his voice filled with determination.

"Let's show these wraiths what we're made of!" Sir Brion added. 

The three of them formed a formidable trio, their swords flashing as they fought off the wraiths. Their attacks synchronized and relentless. The wraiths let out jarring wails as they were cut down, their dark essence dissipating into the air. 

As the last wraith disintegrated into ash, Blazerine stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion. Sir Phil and Sir Brion stood beside her, their faces filled with admiration and respect.

"We did it," Blazerine said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion. 

As the final echoes of the wraiths' agonized screams faded into the night, a profound silence settled over the battlefield and a gentle breeze swept through, carrying with it the promise of renewal.  Once the realization of their victory sank in, the knights erupted into joyous celebration. They cheered and embraced each other, their faces alight with relief and happiness. Sir Phil and Sir Brion clapped each other on the back, their laughter ringing out across the now-purified land. 

Back on the ship, Fenix greeted and congratulated everyone on their return from battle—everyone except Blazerine. She lingered, waiting until he had no choice but to address her. Finally, he agreed to speak with her in private about the situation concerning Leon.

As they entered the room, the first thing Blazerine noticed was Leon, sitting nonchalantly as if nothing had happened. He didn't bother to lift his eyes to acknowledge her presence.

"Okay, so what's the deal then?" Blazerine asked, crossing her arms.

Fenix closed the door behind him before speaking. "After conducting several interrogations... he's the Leon we've always known."

"What?" She raised an eyebrow. "What the hell do you mean by that? That's obviously not the case here. He took over his body, remember? That's what he does! He's a body snatcher!"

"I don't fully grasp what Damas has done, but whatever it was—he's him to a fault," Fenix replied.

"Fenix, no..." 

"Listen, hear me out. Do you remember why Damas keeps swapping souls to begin with?" Fenix asked.

"So, he can live long enough to reunite with his soulmate."

"Yeah, but what happens if he's unable to?" He continued. "What if it's the only way he can also maintain his true self?"

"You can't be serious..." 

"Leon doesn't remember meeting up with me again—therefore, he doesn't even know you yet." He explained.

"So he actually has become Leon in the process of being unable to switch... So what are we supposed to do with him then?" 

"I don't want to lose my brother again," Fenix said.  

"I don't know what to say." 

Leon stood up abruptly and asked, "Is that the boorish woman you said I was really close to?"

"Boorish!? Fenix, what the hell is your problem!? I thought we were past this already!" Blazerine exclaimed in frustration.

Fenix raised his hands defensively. "I was just catching him up quickly by running him through the course of our relationships, starting with the bickering parts—" 

Elizabeth immediately popped out from beneath the table, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She darted around the room, giggling and chanting, "Boorish, boorish, boorish!" as if she had just discovered the most delightful secret.

Blazerine, her patience wearing thin, chased after her, shouting, "Come here, you little brat!" The room echoed with their playful commotion, a brief respite from the tension that had filled the air moments before. 

Just as Blazerine was about to catch Elizabeth, Fenix swiftly intervened. He grabbed Blazerine and held her under his arm, keeping her from snatching Elizabeth. "Hold on, Blaze," he said, trying to stifle a laugh. "Let's not scare her off."

Blazerine squirmed in Fenix's grip, her frustration giving way to reluctant amusement. "Alright, alright, you win this time," she said, her tone lightening as she relaxed in his hold.

Elizabeth, seeing Blazerine's predicament, giggled even louder and continued her playful chant, "Boorish, boorish, boorish!"  

Leon watched the scene unfold, his eyes widening in surprise. He had never seen Fenix be so gentle and playful with women before. It was a side of him that Leon hadn't expected, and it left him momentarily speechless. 

Blazerine and Fenix exchanged a glance, both momentarily confused by Leon's expression. Realizing the situation, they both felt a flush of embarrassment. Fenix cleared his throat awkwardly, while Blazerine looked away, trying to hide her reddening cheeks. The vulnerability in Leon's eyes had caught them off guard, but it also reminded them of the bond they now shared. 

"You can put me down now!" Blazerine squealed, waving her arms helplessly in the air.

"Oh, right," Fenix replied, gently setting her down with a sheepish grin.

 "I didn't entirely believe you before, but I think I do now after seeing this," Leon declared, his voice tangled with a mix of realization and disbelief. "So, technically, I have already died." 

"Look, whether or not I agree—and to be frank, I don't—you came back for me when you could have easily abandoned me and gone on with your life.  So, whatever you want to do with Leon, I'm okay with it." Blazerine said, her gaze shifting to the side. "Just don't avoid me anymore, okay? I think that bothers me more than anything." 

"Great, now we're all friends again! This calls for a group hug!" Fenix exclaimed, extending his arms and pulling both Leon and Blazerine into a tight embrace before they could escape.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," Blazerine whined, her voice muffled by the hug.

"He went from womanizer to golden retriever overnight," Leon agreed.