Chapter One: Island

I picture her in my mind, and my heart feels a deep pain, one that will never heal. I miss her but there is nothing to do, no way to fix it. She is gone and I must accept that. The memories of her linger in my soul, her lips tasted like cinnamon, the smell of her hair like dead roses. I miss everything about her, I am so empty inside. What else could I do but brood, It never crossed my mind that she would be gone, after all of that time. After all of that time.

“My love, the stars are so beautiful tonight.” Her arm around mine as she stares out into the endless sea, into the star filled sky, her long black hair gently flowing in the wind, the enormous wooden boat calmly bobbing up and down with the flow of the waves, the wisping of the water against the side of the boat creates a melodic rhythm that seems to float through the wind, singing in our ears, she kisses my hand with such delicacy, so softly as if not to break them, tender and with such passion, the universe surrounds us.

“I cherish these moments, for in these moments is when I feel truly alive, and although our lives are but a small portion of the whole, I am grateful to have a woman like you by my side.” My finger against her cold cheek, she stares at me with eyes of grief, because our lifespans are short, because one day we will perish, and it will most likely be at different times, all this, I know how she feels, for I feel the same way. And so our search for the ancient artifact continues, although every great thing comes with a price.

Up ahead we see an island, dark and foreboding, massive jagged rocks fill the bay, we drop anchor and prep our small wooden canoe, small satchels with supplies and our swords on our backs, the cold steel against my fingertips, the dim rays of light peeking through the clouds, our armor dented and lathered in scratch marks, we lower our canoe and begin to paddle, maneuvering through the massive boulders, we are thankful the ocean is calm, she silently sings as we glide across the water, the massive volcano in the distance, a vast world yet to be explored.

I gaze at my beautiful wife in the light of the rising sun, pure beauty amongst the dark foreboding rocks, “We must tread carefully, for we do not know what type of beasts lurk ahead.” I look into the distance at the top of the volcano, massive birds fly near the edge.

“Aye, but our love will vanquish even the mightiest of beasts, and if not our love, then our swords.” She exhales, her breath like that of a dragon, her hair in two long braids, I continue to row, my body waking up, land getting closer and closer.

“Vanquish with our love? Will they die of envy? Of a broken heart that the most beautiful creature belongs to another? Whatever we face please be careful, leave me behind if you must.” I quickly turn my head lest her stern look rip a hole through my armor.

The canoe digs into the sand below, she jumps out and pulls it onto the shore as I set the oar down. The chirping of birds and howling of apes fill the air. The beasts that lurk in the shadows of the forest will crumble at our swords, we will prevail.

All this, I remember as if it were yesterday, the calm wind, the stale feeling of something going horribly awry, I can feel it all in my chest, everything before me sinking down, down to the core of my body.

I clenched my sword, the cold steel which has taken and guided me across vast lands, countless battles and rivers of blood drunk from my enemies, this sword, my best friend and ally, hungry for more blood that is to come, for the screeching of goblins could be heard throughout the vast jungle, growing nearer and nearer.

“Hurry my love, prepare yourself for battle!” I quickly balance myself, prepare my mind for a long battle, and although our voyage was long and my body weary, there is no time for weakness, not now in front of the shieldmaiden I hold most dear to my heart.

“I am ready to fight, to die by your side, my world, I am ready to face whatever beasts emerge from that dark foreboding jungle, I would conquer massive woodland trolls for you with no fear in my body, for it is you that gives me strength.” She takes a deep breath and raises her red dragon engraved dragon scale shield.

Five small goblins no taller than four feet rush out of the forest holding small axes, I kick sand at the nearest one, causing it to hold its eyes in agony, the pain is quickly ended with the swift swing of my blade. She bashes another with the fangs at the end of her shield, they plunge deep into the throat of it, her blade slashing through the chest of another as I quickly slice open the bellies of the other two. It seems as though they have little battle experience, which means this is new land, the new land we have been searching endless months for, a journey close to fruition.

“They are unskilled, which means they have not experienced much battle. This is unmarked land, our goal is near.” I say, wiping my blade off on the dirty tunic of a dead goblin, “One Copper each is all they dropped.” I pick up the small coins that appeared next to the corpses.

“Low level grunts my love, possibly new scouts.” The smell of dead goblins is putrid, we put the Copper in our satchels and continue. The sand smooth and black like a fine powder, I laugh heartily, “What is it my love?” She says, her warpaint flawless, but then I remember she got them permanently engraved with ink and dragon blood, the markings of a true warrior.

“We slay dragons and these low level goblins dare face us. The sheer weight of our power should send their knees to crumble and their spirits to drain from their bodies.” A huge grins appears on her face.

“Aye and we have yet to use our sword skills.” She attaches her shield onto her back as we walk with weapons drawn into the treeline. The sunlight not strong enough to break through the dense foliage above, we pull out our Everglow Stones and like magnets they cling to our hips, they look small and rectangular but light up the area twenty feet in all directions, usually Glow Stones are small and give off dim light two feet in all directions, but these are rare items obtained from a legendary raid.

“Watch by your left foot, a Tangle Root.” She quickly stabs it, a monster that uses vines to trap prey. The rest of the vine retreats deep into the jungle.

“Sneaky little creatures aren’t they?” Her smile is my entire world, those shining red eyes.

“It will return, hopefully it has some intelligence in it and picks the wiser option.” I calmly chop the head off of a snake that was resting on a branch above, the thick vines becoming tiresome, “Pardon me love, let me clear the way.”

She takes two steps backwards, “Yes of course my love.”

I grip my sword, “Demonic Slice.” My black blade glows red for an instant as I slice through the air, leveling everything ahead of us for a mile, “Maybe I used too much power.” The bodies of plant monsters lay strewn about the ground as we calmly walk through the chopped down jungle. The path up ahead looks void of all life, a massive crevice which is the pathway, “Underground passages, could be old dwarf mines?”

“Or human colonies who mined for gold.” The valley reaches the skies above, but the pathway curves downward, far below into the abyss. We are prepared for the numerous beasts of the underground. The claws and fangs that will only be seen through the light of our Everglow Stones, we will prevail.

The walls smell of earth and stone, soot and metal, the small mine-like entrance widens to reveal a grand hall with massive pillars of iron as a lasting foundation, our footsteps echo along with each shift of our armor plates, “Ah this reminds me of that one time we fought that mansion full of Minotaur.” I tell her, memories flashing through my mind.

“You took them all down along with the whole mansion!” Her laughter is music to my ears.

“I should work on self control, but then again we would've been cleaning minotaur guts off of our armor all night and that sounds very unpleasing.”

“Minotaur guts is the most foul stench in the realm!” I chuckle and point ahead of me.

“And of course the first enemy we see are-”

“Stinky minotaur!” Her roars wake a pack of six sleeping minotaur who panic and reach for their battle axes but she is already pouncing on them like an untamed lioness, stabbing furiously with her sword. Two wail in agony at the sight of this ferocious beast and begin to run, she slices both of their legs off and chops their heads off as they fall towards the ground. The smell of minotaur guts permeate through the massive hall. We plug our noses and continue walking.

“My wild woman! Agh how I love watching you battle. It makes my knees go weak and my body hard.” Even under those tattoos I can see her face blush.

“Stop you flatter me too much!” She hits my arm with her palm.

“Ow you're going to shatter my armor!” I chuckle but glance at the four spikes where her knuckles are. The Dragonslayer Fists is what they call her, legends live on in this world. And I the Dragonslayer Sword, not to boast.

“Oh hush my love, I do hope we face more enemies, I have yet to fulfill my bloodlust.” How many rivers of blood have we fed the land, how many more will we spill?

“We will soon I am sure of it.” I can smell blood up ahead, massive amounts of blood and the stench of death.

“Agh yes a worthy opponent!” She looks at two massive iron doors with the skeletons of many creatures imbedded into it, she punches both of them and they go flying through the massive room, into the wall, “Here you can have your sword back, it's not really for me. Thanks love!” She kisses my cheek and rushes into the room.

“Have fun! I'll find a seat somewhere with a nice view.” I wave as she runs into the middle of the room, the system doesn't even warn us for boss rooms anymore. I leap up above to a broken column and sit, a soft green glow lights the room, mountains of bones pile near the edges but the Everglow Stone lights up what she needs.

“Come out and play!” She cracks her neck and her knuckles, “Agh yes that's good!” She becomes wild, bloodthirsty. Twenty minotaur emerge from an opening, seven look at me and growl.

“Nah ugh! Pay attention to her, You’re going to need all of your warriors, all of them.” I point at her and their eyes widen.

“Ta!” Instant Skill: accelerates body five feet any direction at light speed, she moves quickly, punching holes through the minotaur, uppercutting one, half of its head turning into paste. The rest panic and blow their horn. The ground begins to tremble as an army of minotaur fill the room, and out of the massive hall comes a giant minotaur the size of a mountain, “You kill the small ones please!”

“Whatever you want me to do my love.” I leap down, “Well sorry boys.” I clutch my sword as they begin to charge at me, she leaps high into the air using her skill, “Demonic Slice.” Body parts go flying and I accidently slice through the shins of the boss. Her fist drills a massive hole through its head, “Run before the smell hits!”

“Ta!Ta!Ta!” She disappears down the hall as I sprint after her.

“No fair!” The smell of warm guts lingers, “Catch!” I Hold up a special item, a dragon tusk that came from a dragon who used magnetism to fight. All of the coins that dropped fly toward the fang and I catch them with my small pouch, I'll count later. I rush down the hall once more, sprinting lest the smell follow me.

The cavern is lit by green glowing crystals that emerge from the ceiling, “Agh that was fun my love.”

“I don't think I'll ever get used to the smell of minotaur entrails.” I clear my nose but can't seem to get the stench out.

We continue walking down the emerald corridor, the long voyage has done a toll on my mind, our Stamina Pills replenish the body, but there are no pills to fix a tired mind, “This is a good place for camp, I'll take first watch while you sleep.” I dig into my satchel and pull out our sleeping bags, her fluffy pillow and some tea crystals along with our mugs. I pour us drinks, “Lay down and rest, I'll go set traps. Hurry my love take off your armor and rest easy, I will guard you.” I kiss her forehead as she begins to take her gauntlets off.

“You are so kind to me, I will rest easy with not a single worry, thank you my love.” She quickly takes off the rest of her armor and leaps into the sleeping bags.

“Call for me if you need me okay?” I smile and wave.

“Goodnight love!” She whispers, falling into the dream state, how long it has been since we've slept.

“Night night my Queen.” I begin walking towards the opposite corridor, I'm certain no enemies will walk through the room of minotaur guts. The halls are massive, as if made my titans, a closer look at the cobblestone filled cracks in the pillars reveal that they are made of gold, with an unknown ancient language engraved in them. I make my way to the end of the hall, there are no monsters in sight. I reach in my bag and pull out my jar of Dragon Mucus and cover the doorway with it. Any monster that steps on it will be trapped, I also put bells on a string next to the doorway, so we'll know if anything attacks. I walk a few feet away from the door and attach my hammock to two sturdy looking pillars and rest easy, my eyelids heavy and the fuzz that covers my tired eyes fade into darkness.

My dream is a myriad of colors, all in the shapes of dragons, swirling and swirling. It feels as if an eternity passes, I wake up refreshed, brand new. The mucus is dry, it takes a minimum of three days to dry, as I said before the voyage has been long.

I stretch my limbs and unhook my hammock, fold it and put it back in my bag. All is calm and quiet, I walk back down the corridor towards my love, the lonely crunching of pebbles underneath my armored boots, the silence that fills the air. And there she is, sleeping peacefully, curled up in the sleeping bag. I reach into my bag and pull out some Fire Stone, and ingredients for food, a pan and some firewood. The sweet smell of meat cooking drifts calmly to her nose, and as if the meat sizzling was an incantation to summon her, she opens her eyes and licks her lips then yawns, “Morning love.” I say with a smile.

“Good morning! How many days has it been?” She stretches like a feline.

“About three or four days at most, it seems as though we were very tired.” My laughter rings throughout the vast space, filling the emptiness.

“I didn't know we had any meat left?” She folds the sleeping bags and puts them away.

“I scavenged what I could from those dead minotaur while you were sleeping.” I smile.

“No you did not!” She clutches her gauntlets.

“No of course I didn't don't hit me!” I put my hands up quickly.

“What was it last time, three broken ribs?” She gives me a stern look.

“A broken arm as well.” I continue to cook.

“Sorry love, you know I get mad easily.” She kisses my cheek.

“You have the hot headedness of a minotaur my love and I mean that in the best of ways so don't hit me.” I smile.

“You get a free pass this time!” My mouth waters from the simmering fat.

“Thank you for showing me mercy my love, ah and breakfast is finished.” I pull out two pieces of bread and we begin to eat, the sweet tender juices promise a great morning or night, for you can never tell the time of day inside the shafts of a mine, but to us, morning is simply whenever you awaken.

She eats like a wild starving wolf, as do I. And after we've had our fill and pack our things, we equip or gear once more, “My armor feels lighter already love, I can't wait to crush more foes with these hands!”

Wow her beautiful smile heals my broken soul, “We trek through uncharted lands, who knows how strong our opponents are, so please be weary love, and if we are in a life or death situation please leave me behind.”

She holds me ever so closely, “You know as well as I that I would rather die by your side than live a thousand years without waking up next to you.” She kisses my cheek.

“Aye, I do love. A life without you would be meaningless.” I kiss her softly, we make love, our moans of pleasure ringing throughout the deepest caverns, must have sparked the pleasure action in the beasts as well for the moans are greeted with moans in return, such a pity we will have to slay them eventually.

We use Water Crystals to wash off, and soft wool to dry off. Now that our minds, body and spirit are well rested we can head out on our journey once more. My equipment feeling lighter than ever. A small icon appears near the exit, “Caution you are entering a Legendary Raid Dungeon.”

“My love, legendary raids are done with multiple guilds of players with at least thirty healers, what shall we do?” Her tone is sarcastic and confident.

“We should still be cautious my love.” I am hesitant to continue, why am I hesitant?

“We shall destroy all in our path!” She clenches her fists, a look of determination in her eyes.

I see visions in my mind, of white fire that is cold, dragons dancing, Behemoths, massive beasts the size of mountains, the blood of the woman I love covering me, “We can't go in there.”

“What do you mean?” Her eyes are worried.

“When was the last time we've ever gotten a notification of a boss room? Not since we slayed our first dragon. Why now has it warned us?” I point to the icon that has yet to disappear.

“We are strong, we will overcome anything in our path love!” She is stubborn as always.

I don't tell her about my visions, for I don't want to have them in my mind, “If we go then promise me one thing?”

“Yes? Anything my love.” She calms down a bit.

“If there is any chance of danger and I mean if a monster is able to do damage to us, then you must leave me behind and come back with our elite fighters and save me. It doesn't matter how long it takes, I will hold the beast off until you return.” My eyes must show fright.

“Why are you saying this? What are you not telling me?” She sees through my soul.

“I have had visions, and you must do what I say. Please.” The desperation in my voice must worry her.

“I promise, I will use my Ever Mana Stone and travel across the land if I have to. Now lets fight with no restraint my love!” She pounds her fists together as I stretch my arms.

“Aye lets fight gloriously.” We step through the door.

What I thought would lead into another cavern leads to a stairway, I look up above at the winding endless stairs, “Looks like you have it rough huh!” She pats my back, “Ta! Ta! Ta!” She travels upwards.

“Why must you be so cruel.” I begin my long walk up. What seems like an hour of walking up I sit down to catch my breath, “Ah finally.”

A rope falls slowly past my set of stairs, I grab hold and tug twice, quickly wrapping it around me, two more tugs and I get quickly pulled up. The sound of screaming could be heard as three minotaur fall quickly past me also tied to rope, my lovers handiwork, a effective pulley method.

“That was fast.” A hallway filled with minotaur parts.

“Yup! We still have lots of enemies to kill, but I thought I would save some for you as a warm up.” She has the loveliest smile on her face.

“Thank you love.” I untie the rope and put my sword away, then I search my bag for my strongest sword, the Blackfire Sword, made from the dreaded Hades Dragon. Anything this blade touches becomes covered in black flame that can burn through the most dense metal, I will not take any chances.

“Looks like you're not holding back love? I suppose I shall use my strongest weapons as well.” She quickly puts her gauntlets away and digs through her bag and pulls out two shimmering white gauntlets that have massive trench spikes on the knuckles, the Vampiric Impalers made from Vlad the Vampire King. They give Lifesteal to the user and a special attack boost when fighting in the absence of sunlight.

“All set?” I slowly walk towards the opening before us.

“Yup!” She walks beside me.

The doorway leads into a massive room, endless as if we are above ground on a different world. There is no moon out, just the light from our Everglow Stones, “I’m not a fan of fighting in the dark love.” I reach into my bag and throw Glow Stones as far as I can, it does little to help, but I can make out many figures and beasts with glowing eyes ready to attack, “Demonic Slice.” The land is covered in flame and body parts, “Let us continue.”

We walk past the remains of numerous enemies, “Look out!”

I block sickle-like fangs as she punches through the body of a serpent, I stand there in shock, “How could anything survive my Demonic Slice, especially with Blackfire Sword equipped?”

“Maybe it was hiding underground?” She quickly says to comfort me.

“Hopefully. There seems to be no end to these enemies.” Movement could be seen in the dim light of our Glow Stones scattered about the area, sharp hooves, talons and tentacles, various beasts of the dark.

“We will destroy them all my love!” She punches through a praying mantis looking enemy, I can see a massive beast rushing at us from the distance.

“Demonic Slice!” I cut through the air, the beast uses five of its many arms to block my attack, they all fall to the floor in a burning pile. It continues rushing towards us.

“Ta! Ta!” She punches the beasts face, the impact so loud as if dynamite were set off in the hall, the beast punches towards her, but it is deflected by another one of her punches, followed by another punch to the head. The beast falls to the floor. We walk towards the exit, into the next chamber that emerges to the outside world. The sun shines brightly, or at least what we perceived to be the sun, “That's the biggest Everglow Stone I've seen.”

“That is such a magnificent sight to behold.” We have little time to take in the beauty of this chamber, for already an eight-armed minotaur in dense armor covering his body sprints from across the vast room, its steps shaking the ground as it roars loudly.

“I got this!” She takes a deep breath.

“Be careful please.” I plead, I wonder if she hears the desperation in my voice.

A determined look on her face as she sprints towards the enemy, within no time she is dodging massive fists, punching the weak spots in between the armor, she grabs a hand and flips the minotaur onto its back and begins punching the face until it is nothing but a pile of flesh.

She calms down once more and waves at me, “See no trouble at all!”

“Look out!” My body reacts on its own, the attack was so fast how did I even block that? Before me is a shirtless beast with massive black horns, his grey body hard like steel, blood red eyes glaring at me, the pressure from my sword blocking his fist digs my feet into the ground below, and although he is covered in the black flames it has no effect, I swing upwards and he vanishes.

My passive skill Intuition Automatically blocks attacks that can't be seen with the naked eye by 100% is working at full force, this beast faster than her speed skill. How can something be faster than the speed of light yet so strong? I look above his head, Grimgar the Terrible and close to it usually is their level but this has five question marks. How can that be? I block a punch with my sword and the force sends me flying towards the wall. I push off of it, leaving a huge crater, “Demonic Slice Barrage!” She is behind me drinking potions as my sword destroys everything in front of me. Grimgar stands still, taunting me, “Grand Demonic Slice!” My strongest attack, concentrated into a single line the size of a spider web, his eyes open wide as he holds his chest and screams. I put my sword away, confident that I slayed him. The attack is too fast for me to react, even my skill isn't fast enough, all I see is the ground where he stood destroyed, a fist crashing down on me.

“Ta!” I am moved a few feet over, “Ta!” A punch blocked, “Ta!” A kick blocked. They're moving too fast for me to keep up, she must have drunk a speed potion to boost her stats.

The sound of metal clashing on what seems to be metal rings throughout the hall, just how strong is this beast? My strongest sword and attack did so little damage to it, the health bar slowly draining from her attacks, it gets to 25% and begins to aggro, bouncing around the walls.

I pull out my Black Lightning Blade and dual wield, I manage to hit him and his body begins to twitch. As I thought lightning would have a special effect on it, “Finish him now!”

“Got it!” She rushes and plunges her fist through his body. The beast vaporizes into thin air, leaving behind twenty Gold Nugz. Our levels go up to 61.

“I thought we were at max level?” I say as she flicks through her stats.

“We're supposed to be.” I say, trying to process what just happened, sheathing my swords and trying to calm down, “Fighting something ten, or even twenty levels above us would be dangerous, maybe we should head back and get reinforcements?” She must hear the worry in my voice.

“We will be fine love, we've made it too far to turn back now. We're so close to our goal I can feel it!” How can I say no to those passionate eyes, and although my judgement says to turn back, I sigh and we continue onwards.

The chamber leads to a small staircase, climbing up with ease we emerge into the outside world once more. The moon shines brightly across the land, the shrieks and growls of many beasts echo throughout the vast forest behind us. Before us are endless plains as far as the eye can see, the tall grass swaying to and fro with the calm ocean breeze that drifts ever so elegantly through the air, as if dancing to the tune of a flute, such a beautiful landscape, but such unease in my stomach.

“Hey love?” She kisses my cheek and I look into her eyes.

“Yes?”

“I got a bone to pick with you.” She's smiling.

I'm a bit confused, “What do you mean?”

“You'll understand in a few seconds hehe!” She's laughing hysterically.

“You are too much you know that.” In the distance running towards us is an army of skeleton warriors clad in black armor, spearmen, some holding swords, others holding bow and arrows.

“Finally something besides stinky minotaur!” She stretches her arms.

“I could probably take them all out in one blow.” My confidence is glowing.

“Hmm that is true. Go ahead and do it my love, I'll fight the boss.” She gives me a thumbs up.

“Very well, the boss is yours.” I draw my sword as the sky is filled with arrows speeding towards us, “Demonic Slice!” My slice deflects the sea of arrows and destroys the whole army, black flame covers the land. All is silent for the longest time. Then the bones begin to shift, the fragments and splinters from the army move together in a massive pile, spiraling like a vortex a few feet off of the ground. It forms into two massive arms, with a bulky muscular body.

“Ooh nice a Bone Golem! I get dibs you promised!” She's all fired up and ready to go.

“He's all yours, just be careful please.” I reach into my bag and pull out a large log. Taking a seat I glance to my left at a unarmed skeleton warrior who puts his hands up in surrender. I see her ready to pounce on it, “Wait don't kill him, I could use the company.” I dig in my bag and drink a purple potion, giving me the ability to talk to the undead.

“Jeez fine! I'll be back love!” She walks towards the golem.

The skeleton warrior gives a gesture of relief as I pull out another log, “Come take a seat and relax, if possible I would like to gain your loyalty. It seems you are the leader, but you meant us no harm. Even if I didn't deflect those arrows, I saw that they were rounded practice ones and the warriors I destroyed were the ones possessed by the golem, I also saw you hide everyone while the dust covered the area. What a great leader you are. ”

“Aye we did, yer kind words humble a dead man like meself, thank you for sparing our lives, my name is Denis the Boneless, we have been under that horrible golem’s rule for far too long. With your powers, if you manage to liberate us then our undying loyalty you will have. Aye! Yer brave woman is in grave danger, no pun intended, physical attacks don't work on the beast!” Denis quickly gets up but I put my hand out.

“Relax my friend, the woman can manage a mere golem. Just rest easy and watch.” I smile, reaching into my bag once more, pulling out two wooden mugs and a Dragon's Venom Ale Crystal, I fill up our mugs and place the orange crystal on my lap, offering a mug to him, “You look tense have a drink.”

“I am an undead, we are unable to eat or drink Sir.” He is already giving me honorable titles.

“This is my own ale made from the saliva of a dragon and mixed with certain items. I call it Dragon's Venom Ale drinkable to all creatures alive or not. Go ahead and try.” He timidly takes the mug and hesitates, “Don't worry it isn't poisonous, and even if it is you’re already deceased.” We both chuckle heartily.

“Aye much thanks to you Sir!” The liquid is quickly poured into his mouth, his body glowing orange, “Sir I can actually taste it! And this relaxation buff makes me feel as if I am drunk! You could make a fortune selling this I am so humble, thank you for allowing me to drink such a rare ale.” I refill his cup.

My arm around his shoulder, “No need to thank me, just become my drinking partner when we return to my Kingdom.”

“Kingdom Sir?”

“Oops time to watch the fight!” I sip my drink, the army of skeletons watch from a nearby hill, the golem more massive than the minotaur. The arms muscular and filled with jagged bone, she sprints towards the beast with no fear, as she gets nearer she begins to move so fast in a zig-zag pattern towards it, the two swing their fists and collide, a loud boom followed by a shockwave of wind sweeping through our feet, the two are standing their ground. No beast has matched her strength, I'm worried, a cold chill runs up my spine. From the floor comes out two arms but she teleports up above, then crashes down on the golem but it does no damage, a barrage of spikes rise from the ground trying to impale her but she punches them into dust, the golem lunges but she dodges, teleporting high above into the sky. She lingers for a moment and then speeds downward at great speed, stopping in front of the golem’s face and punching, the air pressure crushing the massive body into the ground, a small black crystal floating slightly above the floor is quickly crushed and her Exp gauge goes up a bit, “See nothing to worry about.” I warmly smile at Denis, who is cheering loudly.

“You have our loyalty Sir, we will do anything you ask of us!” He bows.

“You don't need to bow, thank you. My first order is to have a great time and drink until we return!” I reach into my bag and pull out many mugs and a second ale crystal, then magical armor and weapons, “Here equip these to your men and prepare to aid us if we need you. Our journey has just begun, and your liberation from the beast is something to celebrate! We will return!”

“Aye we are so humbled by your generosity! Thank you my Lord! We will await your return and if you need call upon us at any time!” The skeleton army raises their mugs and cheer triumphantly.

“Did you see how strong that guy was!?” She's smiling and wiping sweat from her brow, “Drunk already I see!”

“We ugh made new friends, this is Denis the Fearless.” I clink mugs with him and we drink some more.

“Aye you humble me Sir, that was a beautiful battle M’lady, much respect and honor to thee, you have our undying loyalty! Ahahaha!” We both laugh.

“Agh you jokesters!” She kisses my cheek and grabs ahold of my hand, “Come come! We have more to do! We will call upon you brave warriors soon enough! Farewell!”

I quickly hand my mug and crystal to Denis, “Aye see you soon! Be safe!”

“We will await your return Sir! Safe travels ya hear! Safe travels!” Denis waves his mug at me. I wave farewell to my friend.

“It seems you make new friends everywhere we go love.” She smiles.

“Our kingdom needs to be filled, it's a shame we destroy everything in our path.” I stretch my arms.

“A kingdom filled with monsters and humans, it would be a crazy idea for most.” She laughs softly.

“I guess we're a bit crazy love. I trust our commander is keeping the kingdom safe and in order after all of this time away.” We walk onwards through the plains.

“I'm sure everyone is happy!” The kingdom is the last thing on my mind, for the path ahead seems more and more dangerous with each step.

We walk in silence towards the edge of the field, up ahead is a mountain range that leads to the volcano. Massive dragons could be seen flying in and out of the clouds so elegantly. I am lost for words. A staircase could be seen leading up to the top of the volcano, a massive castle rests on the outer rim. “I really don't want to climb a mountain right now.”

“We can be lazy and use mounts love.” She smiles and digs through her bag, pulling out two small summoning horns. We each blow one.

“Come on something good! If I have to ride a slug up the stairs I'll just chop the volcano in half.” A memory of this one time she got a chimera and I got a slug appears in my mind.

“Come on give me a good one too!” Out of the floor a bright light emerges, taking the form of a summoned creature at random.

“No way.” Why does life always test me like this?

“Hey don't be mean to him, it's not his fault he's a slug! Plus he has a really cool saddle!” She's sitting on a griffin.

“Yeah the saddle is pretty cool, ugh I guess I'll meet you at the top, but don't fight anything until I get there!” The saddle is made of a black metal with extra cushioning.

“Okay okay I won't! See you soon!” She kisses me and then shouts, signaling the griffin to lift off.

“Well, let's get a move on my old friend.” The slug lets out a tiny shriek of a roar. Slowly we slide up the stairs, and with no creatures in sight I assume that this is the final boss. I could only imagine how strong it is, and it frightens me. What if one of us should perish? Who will rule our kingdom, how would the other cope with being left alone in this world? What meaning would anything have if I didn't have her? How would I react. My mind is in a morbid state, I drink a potion that clears my mind and focuses mana recovery. Everything will turn out fine, I am sure it will. Just how long was I in thought? For there she sits at the edge of the stairs, petting the griffin.

“That slug got faster, probably because you make fun of it so much, see you're not the only one working hard.” She pets the slug who purrs softly.

“Aye that is true, agh that skeleton got me talking like him!” I let out a hearty laugh, then I am back to being focused when I look at the massive gold chamber doors ahead of us.

She looks back, “Last boss huh? Seems like everything we've looked for is kept in there, this whole journey is almost at a end, or is it just the beginning of another one?” She smiles, “Everything will be fine!”

“Did you have a vision?” I could see past her facade.

“Of course not, I would've told you if I did.” She gives a reassuring smile.

“Okay love if you say so.” I turn to the slug, “Thank you, you can return now, keep getting stronger my noble mount.” This may be the last time I am able to speak to it, I hope it knows how thankful I am.

It lets out a mighty, “Kreee!” And disappears.

She rubs the beak of the griffin, “Thank you, see you soon okay.” A squawk and the griffin disappears as well.

I take a deep breath and I double check my gear, everything looks fine and ready for battle.

“You ready?” She cracks her knuckles.

“Nova?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.” This may be the last time I tell her that.

“And I love you as well Umbra, my Umbra.” I hold her in my arms for the longest time, gently kissing her for what could be the last time.

“Shall we go make all of our dreams come true?” She smiles.

“Yes we shall.” I will fight until my body can no longer move.

We slowly push open the giant doors, the inside is one single massive room made out of glittering diamond, there is no time to take in the beauty of the chamber, for a volley of white lightning strikes are hailing from the ceiling, we dodge as fast as we can.

“Sit boy.” I block a punch, and end up in a daze, sitting on the floor, “Nova what happened!” Her armor is battered, she is breathing heavily while holding her left arm, it's bloody and her hand is crushed.

Before her is a humanoid looking white dragon, a smirk on his face, “I fought at light speed. Usually everything moves as if it were in slow motion, but this beast moved faster than I could keep up, as if it could manipulate time itself.”

“Agh so it seems you are clever, let me introduce myself. I am Deus Ex Machina, Lord of Time. A dragon that has gone past the mere limitations of this world, I am God.” A evil gleam in his eyes.

“Nova we have to retreat!” I try to stand, but the beast is already clutching my neck, holding me up against the wall, Nova is on the floor across the room unconscious.

“None can escape the endless flow of time, death. But I see your past, everything you've been through to get to this point. The hardships you've overcome. I feel as though you can grant my wish. If you help me I will spare her life, for I am a merciful god.” His voice is cold, robotic.

“I would do anything for you, just please spare her.” I am sitting on a chair in a white room.

“Once, a long time ago I lived a normal life.” A small screen appears before us, showing a beautiful white dragon soaring through the sky, “And then I was attacked and captured by a Necromancer, the evil king who was vanquished by the Five Kingdoms, but by the time they saved me it was too late. His experiments and torture turned me into what you see in front of you, more machine than anything, and although I can control time and travel freely back and forth, I have no power in altering the past. You must unite the five kingdoms and defeat the Evil Lord before he captures me. I wish to have lived a normal life.”

“But if he doesn't capture you, how will I return? Won't I be stuck there?” I can't take my eyes off of Nova. My gaze returns to his shining violet eyes.

“I was a time dragon before I was captured, the Necromancer just made me robotic and immortal. Drink this potion.” He hands me a vial filled with black liquid.

I drink it with no questions asked, a bitter taste slowly falling down my throat, “Your blood?” I ask calmly.

“Yes, once you are near my past self, I will be able to materialize and talk some sense into the past me, that is if you survive long enough.” A grin on his face.

“Will you give me your word no harm will come to her?” My Nova, my precious Nova.

“You have my word. See.” She is sleeping in a hammock in between two pillars, her arm is healed and is covered by a warm looking blanket, “I must warn you though, if you die there is no returning, and she will perish. Years over there will be mere minutes here, you will feel each passing day without the woman you love so do hurry if you want to return. Oh and since you will be in the past, your level will return to one.”

“Thank you Sir, with all due respect I am ready to leave. Could I say goodbye one last time to the woman I love?” Our power levels are on different ends. I am powerless against him.

“Of course, please accept my quest and then depart when you are ready. I am counting on you to end my suffering. Thank you Umbra, I am sorry I had to force you, knowing your honor I am sure you would have done it out of the kindness of your heart, alas I only have the power to send one of you and we both know how stubborn she is. Take your time and enter the warp gate when you are ready. I shall take my leave. Thank you.” I am caught off guard by the amount of respect shown, “Oh and one more thing, a reminder of what you are fighting for.” He places a gold chain necklace of a dragon in my hand, it opens up to reveal a picture of Nova riding her griffin, so much beauty in one picture.

“Thank you. I will do my best. I understand. I will cherish this locket for all eternity. I am humble and thankful for your kindness.” I bow, he bows and then walks out of the chamber. I slowly walk over to the hammock, “My Nova, I will return. And I won't rest until I do. I will return. I love you. I love you with all of my being.” I kiss my sleeping queen softly, knowing it is the last time I will see her for who knows how long. I memorize her face, I kiss her cheek.

“Let me go instead. I'll beat your ass Deus, you can't keep me locked up in a force field.” She whispers, rolling over and cuddling her blanket. I can't help but chuckle.

So that's what happened, she broke her arm forcing her way out, “I love you so much.”

“I love you so so much.” She whispers.

I kiss her one last time and walk next to the portal. I glance back one more time, my heart is in so much pain, “I will be back my love.” I walk into the portal.