The Last Light Series Omnibus One: - The Dreamer and the Deceiver - All Things Eternal - Ode to the King: A Superhero Epic Fantasy Collection (The Last Light Collection Book 1)

by Alex Villavasso

  “What does it matter to you? It’s not like telling you will help me get back my Husband!” she finally said as she twisted and turned her face away.

  “Your...husband?” Emil whispered as his expression softened. “Do you know where he is?” Emil took a step closer, unaware of the vine that stemmed from the maiden’s hand, planted against the ground.

  “Yes, he was taken away by the vanguard along with my daughter from my village. Arius said I could get her back if I just did what he said.” Her misty eyes quaked as she tried to hold back her tears.

  “That bastard,” Emil scowled. “How many others are there?” The vine poked out from the ground and slithered away from Emil’s peripherals as it coiled itself up the base of a nearby tree, readying itself to strike. “There are others like me, people against the king. We can help you. Just tell us where they are. You don’t have to fight anymore. It’s over. I promise.” The red-haired maiden shifted her gaze, once again facing Emil as her vine stood erect against the tree behind him, exposing its stinger as it swiveled to and fro.

  “You’re right,” the maiden said. “It is over,” she smirked as her expression darkened, “...for you.”

  “Wha—?” From behind, Emil heard the snap of a vine as it lunged towards him. With a twist, he dodged the piercing blow, cutting the shaft with his sword, turning full-circle, and plunging his blade into her abdomen, pinning her to the earth in one swift motion.

  The maiden unleashed a blood-curdling scream as Emil dug his blade deeper into her torso. His light jolted across her body as her diaphragm contracted. She desperately tried to claw at the hilt of the blade, but eventually, her struggle stopped. Her red flowing hair fell over her eyes as she lay still. With his free hand, Emil parted the stray hairs and peered into the hollow eyes that looked through him, empty and unafraid. When he could look no longer, Emil sunk his head and placed it on the pommel of his sword, fully embracing the somber moment.

  A faint breeze whistled past Emil’s side and a foreign hand found itself on his shoulder. “Emil...”

  “I’m fine, Omari,” Emil responded solemnly. “There were two of them.” Emil exhaled.

  “I know,” Omari said as he analyzed the lifeless corpse beneath Emil. “Marona and I took care of the other one.”

  “She...she could control plants. Turned herself into a monster or something, but I got her. She’s dead now.”

  “I see,” Omari said as he turned to Marona, showing a look of concern. “I’m going to go back for Skye and the others. You and Marona stay here. I’ll be back.” Omari vanished, leaving Marona and Emil alone in the forest while they waited for his return. A strong silence endured between the two as Emil kept his head low, Marona hovering above him.

  “Marona,” Emil began. “Do you think that...maybe... Never mind. It’s stupid,” he said as he rose to his feet. “Damn it,” Emil hissed as his body buckled under his weight, beaten and fatigued.

  “I-I got you.” Marona caught Emil before he sunk to the ground and hoisted his arm over her shoulder. “Take it easy. You’re not invincible, you know?”

  “Marona, do you think that Arius is making them fight?”

  “Who? The other Abnormals? I don’t know.”

  “When I fought Hugo and Silvia I had my suspicions, but now I’m not so sure. It’s been on my mind for a while now.” Marona remained silent as she held him. She was with Eric during the battle in Everrmore and with their loss being so fresh and tensions high; it was the last thing that anyone wanted to talk about given the current situation. It would take more time, she concluded. At the very least, once they reached their destination.

  The air rippled as Omari and the others appeared in front of them.

  “Well it looks like you’ve sure been to Hell and back,” Sage announced as he stepped away from The Saint.

  “I’ve been through worse,” Emil retorted as he hung from Marona’s shoulder. “A thank you would be nice...for all of us. We’ve saved your ass one too many times for your snide comments.”

  Sage jerked his neck back. “Even when three-fourths dead he’s a badass.” He smirked. “Looks like you even managed to show ‘ole girl over there a good time.” Emil felt the urge to respond, but worn from his battle, he decided to hold his tongue at Sage’s remark. An angered expression and a subtle growl was all that he needed.

  “Now isn’t the time,” Omari interjected. “Sage, how far are we from Molken?”

  “Not that much further,” he said as he scanned the area. “Once we get reoriented, we’ll be on the right track.” Noticing he got a rouse from Emil, Sage was content for the moment.

  “Good.” Omari paused. “Marona and I dealt with the remaining scouts as well as the other Abnormal that attacked us. We should have a decent amount of time before the secondary team shows. By then we’ll be well on our way.”

  “Wait...there were two of them?” Luna asked, her hand gripping the top of her shoulder as it hung loosely.

  “The initial attack that got us all was by an Abnormal who we believe controlled sound waves. The second one, that lady, controlled plant life.”

  “Yeah,” Emil weakly grunted as he turned his neck. “She could send vines from her body and even use the environment around her. She caught me off guard and the other one got me good. Blasted me a couple dozen yards.”

  “Thank you, all four of you, for saving us. I really mean it.” Luna’s eyes glistened as hers met Emil’s.

  “We should be thanking you,” Emil said as he struggled to smile. “I saw how you used your wind to shave off some of the impact before the first wave.” Luna gasped, surprised by Emil’s kind words. “It did a number on us, even after slowing it down. Even though you couldn’t stop it, we might not have survived if it wasn’t for you.”

  “Enough with the sentimentals, or have you forgotten that we’re in the middle of an escape?” Sage snarled. “The forest is wrecked further back that way, so it’s best if we just navigate through here, where it’s been untouched.”

  “Yeah, if we go by the landmarks we should be able to find our way,” Luna added. “It’d be best if we were to avoid confrontation.” Her eyes glanced over to the exhausted Skye who dangled from Eric’s side. “After Skye did what she could, we had to carry her. It wasn’t much but it got us moving. I don’t think we can handle another fight with an Abnormal in our condition—not if they’re as strong as the others.”

  “She’s right,” Omari interjected. “Above anything, fighting should be a last resort. There’s a trail of blood from here to Everrmore. The last thing we need is for it to follow us beyond this point. If Arius were to somehow find us in Molken, we’d have no choice but to surrender or forfeit our lives. For the moment, the forest should be clear. Sage and Luna will lead and Grim will be at the rear. I’ll be in center with the others to protect the wounded and for an easy escape.”

  “So, it’s like that, huh?” Sage said as he arched his eyebrow. “A man of many talents. Vigilante, commander, friend—”

  “This is serious, Sage.” Luna’s words cut through air as she gritted her teeth.

  “Oh, trust me. I know,” Sage responded.

  “Well act like it,” Luna said as she stepped into Sage’s face. “It’s not like we can die out here if anything goes wrong,” she sarcastically added.

  “Do you really think I’d let that happen?” Sage said as he moved his hand towards Luna’s check.

  “Don’t touch me,” Luna scowled while simultaneously stepping backwards. A small twister began to form in the palm of her hand. “If my other arm wasn’t killing me, I’d do us all a solid and launch you halfway across this damn place.”

  “Wow. Those two are really going at it,” Marona whispered into Emil’s ear. “Luna is kind of scary.”

  “Yeah, she is. My money is on her if they ever fight,” Emil whispered to Marona as he leaned into her.

  Grim scoffed as he watched his allies bicker. “Are you guys through yet?” He crossed his arms as his b
row sunk into his forehead, his voice, an agitated grumble. “You picked the wrong time to be at each other’s throats. We need to get out of here as soon as possible. Save it for when we get back.”

  “Grim’s right.” Luna clenched her fist, silencing the storm that she cupped in her hand. “Let’s get a move on,” Luna commanded as she stepped away from the group and marched forward. “The sooner we get out here, the sooner we can get everyone patched up and safe.”

  Chapter 11: A Demon Reborn

  5 years ago in Trova

  “So, who exactly are you?” The caravan rumbled as Arius and Hugo sat together amongst Iver’s stolen cargo. Arius glanced at Roen, who was resting. With the arrows removed and his wound cauterized, his chances of survival were favorable despite the injuries he had sustained. “I knew that you were more than you led on, but to be an Abnormal, well, that’s not something you see every day,” Hugo said as he, too, monitored Roen’s condition.

  “I’m the same person as I was an hour ago.” Arius paused as the caravan rocked. “I’m an orphan without a home.”

  “Right,” Hugo said. “Right, right...I get that.” He clicked his tongue as he turned his face. “But I’m sure you know that being one of us isn’t necessarily the talk of the town. People like us get killed.”

  “I know...or at least they try to kill us. When my brother’s abilities began to manifest, he couldn’t control them. I thought it was a well-kept secret until one day a platoon of soldiers knocked on our door and tried to take him away.”

  “And did they?” Hugo asked as he scrunched his brow.

  “No...he fought, but only after our parents died protecting us. King Arlo’s men killed our mother and father right in front of us. After that, they came after him.” Hugo remained silent as his body swayed from the rocky trail. “My brother fought but even with his abilities, he was no match for so many men. He injured most of them but their weapons and numbers made it almost an impossible situation to survive.”

  “What was his gift?” Hugo asked. Arius paused as he began to think of an adequate explanation, suppressing the bitter feelings that came forth whenever his brother came to mind.

  “He could manipulate his life energy into a tangible form. It almost looks like lightning.”

  “Powerful stuff.”

  “To say the least,” Arius said before continuing. “When he was on his last leg, my abilities awakened...and that’s how we escaped. It’s been about a year since then.”

  “And where is he now...your brother?” Hugo lightly exhaled as he crossed his arms.

  “I don’t know,” Arius said as his eyes drifted to the side. “Things since have grown complicated.”

  “Things get tough in life, ’specially for us, but he’s your brother. You’re all each others’ got.”

  “He made his choice. That’s why I’m here and he’s wherever he’s chosen to be,” Arius responded succinctly.

  “Yeah? I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me,” Hugo said with a frown. “Feel like sharing?”

  “After our parents died, we both swore an oath for revenge against the people that made it so. The night we killed the one who led the attack, my brother tried to kill me. After I told him that I wanted to change this world, he thought I had gone too far. Anyone of our kind would be glad to kill the royal family and seize the throne. I don’t know anyone who would sit by helplessly if the opportunity arose for justice. It seems that I’ve been given that opportunity, we all have. We’re stronger than them, Hugo. That’s the only reason they oppress us so. My brother was weak. He knew what the world had in store for us in its current condition, but still, he chose to turn a blind eye. The hate for our kind is almost instilled since birth but for what reason if not fear?”

  “So how do you plan to change the world, Arius? It’s not every day that you hear about Abnormals around here. The people who are tend to keep it a secret. If it’s well known, more often than not, you end up dead. Choosing to turn a blind eye and trying to stay alive are two different things.”

  “But neither of those two things involves killing your own brother, do they?” Arius said as he looked to Hugo, but Hugo had no response. “To change the world, I realized that I must first rule this land.”

  “By killing the royal family?” Hugo said as he leaned back against the wooden wall. “Was that what you were on the way to do when we found ya?” He chuckled. “You could barely move.”

  “I’m well aware of how I was, but that isn’t who I am now. After a fight, I lost the use of my abilities. Trying to reawaken them only injured my body.”

  “So that’s why you passed out, huh? You can tell people what to do, so when you tried to use it on the boys you overexerted yourself, correct?”

  “Precisely. But I assure you that I plan to grow stronger and, one day, I will be ready to do what I set out to do.”

  “You’re not at full power right now?”

  “It’s hard to tell,” Arius said after a moment of reflection. “My abilities only returned shortly after we were initially attacked. Doing what I did to Iver may have pushed it, but it was necessary. Simple commands are all I’m good for,” Arius lied. “And even then, it’s a hassle to maintain my hold.”

  “I see. So do you think you’ll be okay for the rest of this trip? If you pass out, Iver will be free to do whatever he wants, right?”

  “I’d assume so. I’ve never been in a situation like this before.”

  “Humph, well just don’t get too carried away if we end up having to fight again. If you start to get lightheaded, take a breather and leave the dirty work to me. All I need for you to do is make sure that Iver stays under your thumb.”

  Arius nodded. “Rest assured, I want this to go just as smoothly as you do.” His eyes focused on Roen as his chest slowly rose and fell with each breath.

  Eventually, the cart came to a halt and Iver opened the door from the other side. Wherever they were, they had made it. Arius was the first to exit; his feet tapped on the concrete tiles of the paved city streets as he observed his surroundings. Hugo followed after him with Roen dangling in his arms. “Do you know where we are,” Arius asked as he began to walk deeper in the city, ignoring the puzzled faces that watched them pass.

  “Yes,” Hugo said. “I’ve been here before, it’s a place called Trova. It’s a decent place. Lots of traders come through here.”

  “Good, then they’re bound to have people experienced with treating battle wounds. Do you know the way?”

  “Yeah, it’s not too far from here. Virtually straight ahead.” Hugo jutted his head forward, indicating down the road. Being unfamiliar with the area, it was hard to tell which building he meant, but Arius stuck beside him as the civilians continued to make way.

  “How’s Roen doing?” Arius asked as he glanced at Roen’s body. When they lifted him from the cart he groaned, but since then he hadn’t said much of anything, even though his body shifted from Hugo’s precise steps. Before they arrived, Hugo warned Arius that what they would have to look for was discoloration or bruising of any kind if they planned on moving him. If he were somehow still bleeding internally, moving him could agitate his wounds and cause more harm than good.

  “He’s hanging in there,” Hugo said after examining him in his arms. “There’s no further bleeding from what I can tell. We just need to get him somewhere safe so a professional can check ‘em out and he can make a full recovery. He’ll be good in no time. Isn’t that right, buddy?” Hugo smiled and looked at Roen but he didn’t respond. “While we handle this is Iver going to run off? Should we have really left him alone?”

  “No, he isn’t. I told him to safeguard the carriage until we returned while you were tending to Roen.”

  “Well, that’s convenient.”

  Arius chuckled. “It is, although I’d rather be able to burn down a countryside if I had the option. I could never do anything like that.”

  “You wouldn’t have to. Why fight at all when you can talk
your way out of it?”

  “I have my limits.”

  “I do too.”

  “From what I’ve seen so far, we all do. I’m strong, physically, but I doubt I could lift a full-grown man into the air with one arm. My brother, even without using his energy, was faster than most. Our powers vary beyond what meets the eye. Each of us seems to be unique. Hugo, have you ever met anybody like us? Outside of my brother, you’re the only one I’ve seen.”

  “One other,” Hugo said as he continued to walk, wary of the conversation and the potential listeners. “A girl.”

  “Where is she now?”

  “That’s a story for another day, kid. And besides, we’re already here.”

  Arius opened the wooden door of the facility and was greeted by an old lady who immediately stirred once she noticed the dried blood along Arius’s shoulder and stains on his cloak. “Oh dear,” she exclaimed as she began to examine Arius.

  “It’s not me,” Arius said as he twisted away from her prying hands. “I’m fine. It’s my friend who needs help.” Arius turned to the entrance as Hugo emerged in the doorway with Roen in his arms.

  “Arrow wounds,” Hugo began. “We cauterized them with the fire at our camp to buy us some time. How does he look?”

  The nurse’s eyes fell on Roen’s bare chest where his seared flesh emerged from his ripped shirt. “When did the incident occur?” she said, shifting her eyes from Roen to Hugo.

  “A couple of hours ago, if I had to guess. We were ambushed by bandits on a trade route.” The old lady squinted as she studied the scuffs across Hugo’s face. Hugo met her eyes and shifted his face, disrupting her view. “We came out better than they did if that’s what you’re wondering. Can you do anything or not?” he grumbled.

  The old lady sucked on her lips as she nodded. “I can treat the burn on his chest and have someone monitor his situation for the next couple of days. From what I can tell, you seemed to stop the bleeding but his chest still bares risk for infection. The elements against his exposed chest can’t be too good for him and depending on what instrument you used, you could have put him at a heightened risk.” She paused as she smiled. “Although I must say, that boy surely is a fighter if he was willing to have fire pressed against his bare skin.” Hugo’s face subtly twitched as he remembered pressing his fingers against Roen and hearing his wailing screams.