The Legend of Samuel Mason Pt. V - The Cleansing

Chapter 28

We were too late.

We emerged from the portal created by Celestia, to be greeted with a completely destroyed Inquisition Fortress. Bodies strewn everywhere. Some were... so graphic, I can't describe it.

Despite the chaos, the bloodshed, the bodies, the Inquisition continued fighting. I watched as Aaron roared, charging one Aspect head on. The Aspect was at least 14 feet tall, his hair wreathed with snakes, and his body was arced with turquoise lines.

Aaron and the Aspect clashed, Rigor rumbling from the impact. Aaron was missing an arm, as he was giving it his all.

From above, I saw Calliope and Mavus fighting an Aspect in the skies, the Aspect had four wings, and had a halo over her head, which was similar to Calliope. Calliope activated Seraphim, manifesting his armour, clashing with the Aspect, wing against wing, but the Aspect was stronger, and I watched as the shockwave knocked Calliope unconscious. Ariandal fell to the side of the castle.

Lazarus and Hark were trying to form a portal to evacuate the families and the people to another dimension, but some Decenites appeared, and grabbed Paladin Hark, biting into his body and absorbing him as Hark screamed in pain.

"We have to do something!" I told Tob and Janna. Tob was well ahead of me, transforming into his wolf form and helping Aaron. Janna watched the army, in sympathy.

"They have no chance at surviving. You know this, Champion."

"Then let's try to get as many people to safety as we can. Can you use your Aspect of War magic or something to evacuate them?"

Janna nodded. "I will try. I'll defend as many survivors as I can."

I looked at my hand, summoning the Unity, and shrouding my body in pure white flame. We needed to get the Aspects out of here. I put on Wheeler's Goggles, and shot forward with the Motion Force, slamming into each Aspect I saw. None of them could react as I zipped across the battlefield, relocating them to the other side of the country.

"Young Master, relocating them will have no effect if they are this powerful."

"We just need to move the fight. Distract them so the others can evacuate."

I approached the last Aspect, summoning the Power Force as I let loose an open handed strike, creating a huge shockwave and smacking the Aspect to the other side of the country and creating a massive valley.

"They're not going to stay for long, Cap. What are you gonna do?" Celestia fluttered next to me.

"Boost my next move."

"Got it."

I clasped my hands together, imagining my body being distributed over a large section of land, and opened my eyes as a million copies of me manifested. All powered by the Achilles Force. My spectres shouted, and shot forward with the Motion Force. They probably weren't able to use Darkfire, but it should be fine.

I flew to the air, and wound back my hand, transforming it into a giant glowing white blade. I slashed, mixing the Achilles Force with the Power Force, delivering a massive blast of Unity energy as the projectile wiped out an entire legion of Decenites. I didn't want to kill them, but they weren't giving me much of a choice.

I landed in front of Mavus. "Mavus, what's going on?" I asked.

Mavus wheezed, removing his helmet, his face was bloody. "The Aspects, invaded. They... came, but only at limited power. They had an army of their own... they were like you..."

Mavus's knees buckled as I caught him. "Mavus? You good?"

Mavus managed a weak laugh. "I'm always good, man. I'm... the best-" Mavus coughed, and vomited blood, which splashed on the ground.

I steadied him. "Hey, stay with me man. Let me heal you." I held out my hand, attempting to use the Restoration Force.

I watched as Janna commanded the others to evacuate to the portal, her voice boosting the speed of all the foot soldiers as everybody evacuated. A Decenite leapt at her, but Janna swatted her hand, creating a massive gust of wind and sending the kid back.

The Restoration Force wasn't working. Why wasn't it working?!

Mavus' eyes were becoming more and more empty. Suddenly, someone zoomed in front of me. Adam was in full battle gear, just like his mom. He ran to Mavus' side, tears streaming down his face. Mavus regarded him, sadly.

"Hey, kiddo. Is Mom okay?"

Adam sobbed. "Yeah. She's through the portal."

"Good." Mavus coughed. I clenched my fist. WORK. Why wasn't the Restoration Force healing him?!

Adam watched as I struggled to use my powers. "It's not working... is it."

Mavus put his hand on my wrist, his eyes flickering with one final light. "Hey bud. It's okay. I've done my part." He smiled at Adam. "I'm sorry I never was the... father I was destined to be. I'm sorry for everything you been through, in the future, and now. But Dad's gotta head out."

Tears streamed down Adam's face. "Dad... it's okay. It's okay. Mom is gonna be alright. You're gonna be alright. Just hang in there... please..."

Mavus coughed. "I wish... I could just make a machine that'll make you all better." He put his hand on Adam's face. "Man, it's like... looking in a mirror. So handsome, just like your father."

Adam managed a laugh. "Come on, enough joking around Dad."

Mavus's breathing was getting weaker. "Yet... so beautiful... like your mother. All the good from me, and all the good from her. My greatest creation..."

Adam sobbed. "I am. I'm proud to be your son. I forgive you. I- I-"

Mavus was losing his pulse. "Say your name... one last time..."

Adam held his father as I stepped back. I never felt so useless in my life. "My name... is Adam. Adam Jonathan Shaw."

Mavus smiled for the last time. "That's... my boy..."