What’s Next?

Gale's branches went away, freeing the other elves.

Yalla exclaimed, "The pretty cat saved usss!"

Thalion didn't say a word, but he gave Kaede an imminent gaze.

Gale was on the ground coughing, "Hehe..well aint this a bitch."

Alaric said, "Oi, cat, you forgot to kill him! Gotta detach his head, even if you cut him into pieces, they're durable!"

Caelan stated, "Based on my previous theories that turned out to be true, it is best to keep this pawn alive."

Gale laughed, "Do you fools…actually think..I'm gonna talk? No matter what kind of Emerald light magic you have, I'm not ratting out the Queen."

Kaede was panting heavily, thinking, 'He's still well? Should I finish him off? Seems like the elves wanted me to kill him. I should do that-.'

Yalla tackled Kaede fast, rolling on the ground, rubbing his head, smiling, "You're so adorable! I'm gonna keep you!l"

Yalla was being super rough, tossing and turning as she held Kaede.

Kaede exclaimed, "AGHH! OW! I'M STILL SORE!"

Yalla replied, "Awwww! And you have such a small voice!"

"DON'T MAKE FUN OF MY VOICE, SWORD TIP EARS."

"Hey, hey, how old are you??"

"…11 months."

"AWWW!"

Yalla put Kaede in a headlock, rubbing his back, "I'm definitely keeping you forever!"

Kaede said, "No stop! Hana is the only one who can-."

Lirael was kneeling beside Kaede, and started rubbing his side.

Yalla asked Lirael, "Isn't he fluffy, Lirael?!"

Lirael nodded with a light noise.

Yalla said, "He's purring! That means he likes it!"

Kaede, flustered, said, "F-Fool! There's no way…there's no way I'd…what the hell?"

'I'm purring. This feels amazing. I thought on my Hana could make me feel good…'

Kaede's tail rubbed up against Yalla and Lirael, and he was purring loudly.

Caelan watched, exclaiming, "WHY IS THAT CREATURE GETTING ALL OF THE ATTENTION?!"

Alaric added, "We need to put that cat down, it's obviously evil!"

Thalion thought, 'That symbol on its head..where have I seen it?'

Thalion turned around to Gale, who was slowly dying.

Thalion said, "Getitng beaten by a mere cat. Embarrassing for the pawns of Eolande."

"Fool! That is not a normal cat! Not even a normal high ranking mythic beast! That thing..is powerful..if Queen Eolande comes across it…"

"We have reasons to believe she's sending her pawns all throughout the kingdom of Emerald Glades to spread flaming shadows to locate the Nightshade Crystal, the artifact that was once a artifact to bring light, created by the Elven gods, that has been manipulated by dark magic to block out the sun, by Eolande."

"..Tch…"

Thalion thought, 'It is said the crystal is imbued with the light energy of the moon itself, presenting an ethereal luminescence that mirrors the celestial body's glow in the darkest of nights. Crafted by the ancient and enigmatic Elder Moon god, the Nightshade Crystal is believed to possess potent magical abilities. It is known to amplify the user's innate magical capabilities and has been used throughout history to perform extraordinary feats of magic that defy the natural laws of the world. The crystal is not just potent; it is sentient too. It is said to resonate with the emotions and intentions of those who wield it. In the hands of a benevolent user, it can bring about healing and protection, while in the hands of those with malicious intent, it can cause destruction and chaos. The Nightshade Crystal is also wrapped in mystery and danger. It is believed that those who misuse the crystal or wield it without proper understanding can be consumed by its power, their minds lost to an eternal abyss. Despite all its power and potential perils, the Nightshade Crystal is more than just a tool or a weapon. It is a symbol of the magical world, a testament to the wonders and dangers that lie within the Elven kingdoms of the Emerald Glades, Arathorn and Elderglen. It's a beacon of the extraordinary, a testament to the power and possibilities of magic. The Nightshade Crystal, with its potent magical abilities, can indeed be used to cast an entire kingdom into eternal darkness, but such a feat requires a deep understanding of its powers and a formidable will to control it. The Nightshade Crystal, as the lore goes, is not just imbued with the energy of the moon, but it also resonates with the essence of the night itself. It harbors the ability to manipulate light and darkness, allowing its wielder to control these fundamental elements to an extraordinary degree. To plunge a kingdom into eternal darkness, the wielder must first attune themselves to the crystal, aligning their magical energy with the crystal's own. This can be a dangerous endeavor, for the crystal is sentient and can consume those who are not prepared or strong-willed enough to control its power. Once attuned, the wielder can channel their intention through the crystal, extending its power across vast distances. They can manipulate the light within a designated area, absorbing it into the crystal and leaving only darkness in its wake. As the crystal is capable of amplifying and sustaining the wielder's magic, this darkness can be maintained indefinitely, resulting in an eternal night. It's worth noting that such a drastic manipulation of light can have severe consequences, not just for the inhabitants of the kingdom, but for the wielder as well. Prolonged use of the crystal in this manner can drain the wielder's magical energy, potentially leading to their downfall. Moreover, the absence of light can disrupt the natural balance of the kingdom, affecting its flora and fauna and leading to a possible ecological catastrophe.'

Gale mentioned, "You can't stop us from finding the crystal. It's only a matter of time!"

"The dark magic surrounded by the pawns of Eolande will react to the crystal, since it's from there that their abilities originate, marking its location. After the war at the Emerald Kingdom, the crystal was lost. And we tend to find it. You bastards convinced a lot of our ally elves to your side, and killed a lot of ours at the same time. You crippled our kingdom due to your madness. Just because Eolande couldn't handle rejection. She was banished for dabbling in forbidden magic, corrupting the crystal, and now seeks revenge by plunging her former home into eternal darkness. And what is her true motives? No one knows."

Gale said, "That crystal..rightfully belongs to Queen Eolande. She is the rightful owner!"

"You're right."

Thalion smashed his gauntlet into Gale's head, killing him.

Thalion whispered to himself, "He wouldn't have talked either way. I'm doing the right thing.."

Thalion turned around, and saw Alaric holding Kaede by the tail.

Alaric scoffed, "What are you and where are you from?!"

Yalla said, "Alaric..I don't think that's a good idea.."

Alaric kept tugging, and Kaede spun around swiped his claws at Alaric's face.

Alaric got cut, and he staggered back as blood hit the ground.

Alaric said, "You dumb cat! I'll kill you!"

Thalion grabbed Alaric, saying, "You'll die. We're wasting too much time here."

"But I can take this cat! Let me at him!"

"I said no. I'm the leader of our squadron, everything I say goes."

"Huh? Who made you the boss of me? You're from a family of Elven miners, poor miners who often killed each other in the mines for valuable resources. Only because of your magic you were able to survive the mines everyday. I'm royalty."

"Those days are no more. And you? The son of The Emerald Glade's chief mage.You grew up in the shadow of your father's legacy, always striving to prove his worth. Along with your stubbornness and rash actions, your heart is never in the right place.You're still learning to control your magic and often gets you into trouble, but your potential is evident. That means you have no room to disobey anyone who's mastered everything you haven't mastered yet. The king Elven king chose me because of that. You're not fit to be a leader."

"Damn you. I am fit. More fit than anyone here."

Kaede thought, 'I told him to stop pulling my tail, and this is what happens. Why are they mad at each other? Did I cause that? And most importantly..I've gotten more powers and stuff, magic or whatever. I saw the same lion in a dark void that I transformed into earlier. It told me I had nine lives, and I get stronger each death. And told me it wasn't a dream. Hana…is she actually..dead? Based on everything I've heard and experienced…death is when you're not..living anymore. That elf guy I fought, he's not moving right now, and blood is coming from his body. That's dead. That means, Hana is dead. The last time I saw her..she was looking like the guy I fought. Dammit. If she's dead, then where am I really? Everythjng happened so fast, I don't know whether I should be sad, confused, angry, or all three at the same time? But Hana..I loved her..'

Lirael was looking at Kaede, and she began to pet him, a feint green glow was in her hand.

Kaede felt the peace coming over him, and he said, "What's that?"

Lirael didn't answer, but Yalla answered, "Lirael has the dormant ability to ease someone's pain or mind with her own spiritual energy. But in return, it makes her more sad."

"She's sacrificing her own positive emotions to ease someone's pain..?"

Lirael nodded softly.

Kaede thought, 'Though Hana was an amazing caregiver, this girl reminds me of her, along with the other elf girl. Maybe I can find refuge in embracing the fact that I can't change the past. I gotta now figure out how the fuck I got here and where exactly am I, and what this place is all about. Looks medieval.'

Caelan stepped beside Thalion, and asked, "We're gonna start gathering survivors for medical treatment back at the kingdom. Are we taking the cat with us?"

Thalion paused for a moment, he didn't know what to say. He thought, 'A high ranked cat..once a normal cat is now a mythical beast. And it helped us. I can't trust it. But the way our forces are depleting to Eolande's pawns, we need all the help we can get. I'll take the cat to the Royal family in the capital of the Emerald Glades.'

Thalion instructed, "Take care of the survivors and extinguish the shadow flames. I will be having a word with the cat."

Kaede said, "Uh, me?"

"You're the only cat here. Follow me."

"Okay.."

'What's he want with me?'

As Kaede followed Thalion, Alaric was giving Kaede a menacing look.

Kaede said, "The hell are you staring at me for?"

"Dumb cat."

As the other elves were cleaning up the area and helping townspeople, Kaede was sitting on top of a barrel, licking his paw. And Thalion was standing in front of him with his arms folded. More elves from the kingdom have arrived, and they helped out as well.

Thalion said, "…."

Kaede thought, 'It's been five minutes, and he's just been staring at me!'

Kaede asked nervously, "Um.."

"Silence."

"HUH?! You've just been staring at me this whole time! I want answers. Where am I?"

"You don't know where you are, cat?"

"Obviously if I had to ask you. I don't know what I'm doing here, or why I'm here. I was on earth, a non-medieval place. It's wayyy more advanced."

"What's it called?"

"Earth. I had an owner named Hana. She's dead I think."

"A celestial ranked mythical cat with an owner? Impossible..but I've Never heard of Earth. This is the world of Kalhalla."

"Kalhalla?"

"This world is a universe filled with numerous dimensions, each with its own laws and creatures. It was created by ancient beings who then disappeared, leaving behind the Starstones as a testament to their power. The world is inhabited by various beings, from mortals to gods, and is interconnected by invisible threads of magic and cosmic energy. Over the centuries, different threats have emerged, threatening to disrupt the balance of the universe. These range from the Void Queen and the Elemental Titans to the Void itself. Despite these threats, the inhabitants of the world have always found a way to persevere and overcome these challenges. The world is ever-changing, and with every challenge overcome, it evolves. From dealing with the aftermath of breaking the cycle of sacrifice to closing dimensional portals and finally facing the Void, the world has seen its share of trials and tribulations. Gods, goddesses, constellations, myths, beasts, magic, realms, exist here, with different races inhabiting different parts of sections of Kalhalla. Each with their own distinct magic system, deity they are under, and origins."

"Ohhhhhh. How did I get here?"

"If what you say is true, then perhaps you were brought here by an unknown entity. But I'm finding it hard to believe you are new, since you mastered your skills you have."

"That's kinda confusing too, I don't even know how I managed to do it."

'This human is definitely interrogating me. He's suspicious of a normal looking cat.'

Thalion continued, "And then there's you. Here, showing up randomly in the Emerald Glades, kingdom of the elves. If I take you back to the Royal family, they might see you as a blessing from the deities, knowing our situation is dire, based on the Eolande situation, we are low on forces."

"THEY'RE PROBABLY THE ONES WHO BROUGHT ME HERE! TAKE ME TO THEM!"

"Not easy. It's a long process communicating with the celestial deities."

"Can't be that bad."

"The elves of the Emerald Glades have a deep-rooted connection to celestial magic, a spiritual bond that has been nurtured and developed over the centuries. This connection is believed to have been forged in the ancient times, when the elves were still a young race, seeking their place in the world. It is said that they looked to the stars for guidance, finding in their steady light a source of comfort and wisdom. Over time, this bond with the celestial bodies deepened, evolving into a complex form of magic that the elves have honed to perfection. Celestial magic, in essence, is the harnessing of the energies of the sun, moon, stars, and other heavenly bodies, channeling these energies into powerful spells and enchantments."

"So these celestial deities..are your gods or something?"

"Yes. The elves' utilization of celestial magic is diverse and wide-ranging. Some elves use it for healing, drawing on the nurturing light of the sun or the soothing glow of the moon to mend wounds and cure ailments. Others use it for divination, interpreting the patterns of the stars to glimpse into the future or understand the mysteries of the past. The Spires of the Moon and Stars, the towering observatories in the heart of Eiloria, the capital of the Emerald Glades kingdom, are the epicenter of celestial magic in the city. Here, the most skilled elf mages study the heavens, their eyes and senses attuned to the subtle shifts and movements of the celestial bodies. They track the paths of the stars, note the phases of the moon, observe the cycles of the sun, and translate these into magical energy."

"So you guys are super smart."

"Highly intelligent, yes we are. An important aspect of celestial magic is the elves' ability to draw upon the divine energies of celestial beings. These are powerful, godlike entities that exist in the celestial realms, transcending at a rate that is beyond the comprehension of most mortal races. The elves commune with these beings during their most sacred rituals, seeking their blessings and guidance. Despite its power, celestial magic is not used lightly. The elves understand that with great power comes great responsibility. They use their magic with wisdom and restraint, always ensuring that their actions are in harmony with the natural and celestial order. Indeed, the elves' mastery of celestial magic is not just a testament to their power, but also to their wisdom, their respect for the natural and celestial order, and their deep spiritual connection to the wider universe. It is a fundamental part of their identity, a vital aspect of their culture, and a key reason for their longevity and prosperity. The rituals the elves use to commune with celestial beings are complex and deeply spiritual, involving a careful balance of magic, meditation, and reverence. They are a culmination of the elves' profound understanding of celestial magic, their deep respect for the celestial beings, and their desire to connect with higher realms of existence. These rituals are typically held during significant celestial events, such as solar or lunar eclipses, solstices, or when certain constellations are in alignment. The elves believe that these are times when the veil between the mortal world and the celestial realms is at its thinnest, facilitating communication with the celestial beings. The rituals begin with a period of deep meditation, where the elves clear their minds and focus their energies. They gather in the Spires of the Moon and Stars or in the sacred Crystal Springs, places of power that resonate with celestial magic. They form intricate patterns or circles, symbolizing unity and harmony, and begin to channel their magic, creating a web of energy that connects each participant. The Elf Seers, those with the most profound understanding of celestial magic, lead the rituals. They initiate a chant, a melodious song that is said to be as old as the stars themselves. The chant varies depending on the celestial event and the celestial being they are trying to commune with. As the chant swells, the web of magic grows stronger, pulsating with the rhythm of the universe. The culmination of the ritual is the moment of communion. This is a deeply spiritual and personal experience. Some elves describe it as a feeling of profound peace, a sense of unity with the universe. Others speak of flashes of insight, visions of other realms, or a sense of the presence of something divine. During this communion, the elves can ask for guidance, seek wisdom, or simply bask in the presence of the celestial beings. This is also when they can receive blessings or gifts from these beings, though such boons are rare and typically only granted for significant reasons. It's important to note that these rituals are not taken lightly. The elves treat them with the utmost respect and reverence. They understand that they are reaching out to entities far more powerful and ancient than themselves, and they approach these beings with humility and gratitude. These rituals, and the ability to commune with celestial beings, are a testament to the elves' deep spiritual connection with the universe, their mastery of celestial magic, and their respect for beings and powers beyond their understanding."

"Ah. So it is a long process. And honestly, I don't even know if I wanna go back to my world and Hana isn't there. But still, I wanna know things."

"You say you're a normal cat from another world, but came here with celestial abilities."

"And they get stronger the more I die."

"Strange indeed. I will take you to the capital of the Emerald Glades, but know I do not trust you. If you were to try anything to harm the capital, you will surely die. We have many high ranked elves that are around, it won't be an easy fight. Do you understand, cat?"

"My name is Kaede. And yeah I understand."

Yalla dashed up to Kaede, and hugged him, saying, "His name is Mr Cuddly! That's my nickname I'm giving him! Do you like it??"

Kaede, choking, answered, "T-That's too girly!"

"I'll give you whatever treat you wanttt!"

"Deal. And a nice rub."

Thalion watched, thinking, 'He has normal cat tendencies..interesting..was he really sent by the gods?'

After a while, they had finished clearing the shadow flames from the town, and gathered all the townspeople.

Alaric said, "Alright, that's it then. Lirael, create a portal back to the kingdom."

Lirael slashed her Emerald Scythe forward, and cut a hole in reality, opening up portal to the capital of the Emerald Glades kingdom, Eiloria.

Everyone started to walk through, and Kaede was on Yalla's shoulder.

Kaede asked, "She can open portals?"

Yalla smiled, "Mhm!"

Kaede thought, 'What else can I do?'

Everyone made it through the portal, and Thalion said, "I'll hang back for a little bit. I have to check something."

Alaric replied, "You always do this. It's annoying."

"Your opinion doesn't suit me."

Yalla waved, "Okay byeee!"

The portal closed, and Thalion was with a few of the other elves that came to assist.

Thalion turned around, thinking, 'I hope I do this right.'

The other elves surrounded the deceased body of Gale, and said, "Let's dissolve him now. Remnants of his body should not linger around holy places."

Before they could use their magic, Thalion darted through them with a glowing green dagger, and sliced most of their necks and stomachs, causing blood to splatter everywhere.

One elf said, "Captain T-Thalion?!"

Thalion's dagger gleamed ominously in the bright daylight. He lunged at the first elf, too stunned to react. The blade found its home, slicing through the elf's chest. Bright red vitality spilled into the cool grass as the elf fell, eyes wide with horror.

An older elf sent a flurry of magical arrows towards Thalion. He twisted and dodged, effortlessly closing the distance. With a swift strike, the elder elf was silenced, his magic dissipating as he crumpled lifelessly to the ground. "Why is Thalion doing this?" a young elf wailed, sending a flash of sunlight at the attacker. Thalion evaded the light, his dagger spinning in his hand. The youth's screams echoed as Thalion's blade cut through him, the smell of blood filling the air.

A group of elves attempted to form a barrier of light. Thalion moved as if he was part of the wind, his dagger cutting through the barrier as if it were mere smoke. He dispatched the elves one by one, their bodies falling with shocked expressions frozen on their faces. An elf attempted to heal her fallen comrades, her hands glowing with a soothing light. Thalion was upon her in an instant, the dagger cutting through her mid-sentence. The light in her hands flickered and died out, mirroring the life leaving her eyes.

A pair of elves stood ready, their staffs glowing with defensive magic. Thalion danced around their protective fields, his movements a deadly ballet. Their defenses fell just as their bodies did, bloody and broken on the emerald grass. An elf, tears in his eyes, sent a wave of fire at Thalion. The dagger wielder moved through the flames as if they were merely an illusion, his blade finding its mark. The elf fell, his dying screams joining the tragic chorus of the day.

Three elves joined hands, attempting to trap Thalion in a sphere of energy. He moved through the sphere, his blade leaving a trail of red in its wake. Their spell shattered along with their hopes as they fell lifelessly to the ground. An elf attempted to blind Thalion with a burst of intense light. He moved through the light, unaffected. His dagger found its mark, and the elf fell, his spell of light dying with him.

A group of elves tried to lift Thalion off the ground with a spell of wind. He moved as if he was one with the wind, his blade cutting through the gusts to claim more lives. An elf attempted to control Thalion's mind, his eyes glowing with intense focus. Thalion moved towards him unaffected, his dagger ending the elf's concentration and his life. Two elves sent a barrage of icicles towards Thalion. He weaved through the deadly rainfall, his blade flashing in the sunlight as it cut through another pair of lives.

An elf attempted to bind Thalion with vines rising from the ground. He cut through the vines as if they were mere strings, his blade finding another victim. A group of elves tried to create a wall of water to slow him down. Thalion moved through the water, his dagger slicing through the aqueous barrier and the elves behind it. The last elf stood alone, sending a bolt of lightning towards Thalion. He evaded the attack, his dagger finding its final mark. As the last elf fell, the field was silent, save for the cruel laughter of the wind, carrying the echoes of the massacre.

Thalion stood in the middle of dead elf bodies, and then he stabbed himself in the hip, acting injured. He then limped over to Gale's dead body, and he grabbed his heart from inside of his chest.

Thalion said, "Queen Eolande..what should I do next?"