亚洲综合中美

Face covered with dust, the lips were parched, his clothes looked in a far worst state than the first time he awoke. Within that tense face, a speck of light gleamed through his eyes – before he stood, the one he cherished so much.

“Eira, please tell me that’s you,” after she turned around, Staxius placed his hands on her shoulder

and shook. It was his way of testing if that girl truly was real.

“You can’t be him… You’re not Staxius Haggard.” She denied the truth, in her mind, her father was

something far greater than what a wreck of a person stood before her.

“My dad was never this pathetic; you’re so weak.” She spoke the truth, her nails sharp and ready to pierce his neck. “You’re not even worthy to be called my opponent.”

After a disappointing sigh, Staxius spoke gravely, “Does thou really think I’m weak?” His face changed – the glimmer it once had vanished. “It’s been sixteen long years; I haven’t stained my hands with blood yet.” Slowly he backed away from her, “Do you really want to die? If you truly are

.....

Eira Haggard, prove it to me for I haven’t the time nor patience to question your integrity.”

“Please don’t…” The man stared right at Undrar who had concealed herself. His gaze said it all, “You

truly are back.” With a massive grin, she crossed her legs and sat; just like the encounter with Fenrir.

“Girl bearing white hair, I’ll ask you one more, do you wish to be slain by the hands of your own father? The one who sadly broke his promise of taking care of you.”

“Enough talking, I’ve had enough of your foolishness.”

“I’m sorry.” His gaze changed from emotionless to outright deadly. The pupil once brown – now

burnt with a fiery white flame. The void flame; the long years stuck in a state of life and death had evolved the death element. It was now on par with a demi-god; namely, he was as strong if not

stronger than Undrar, the bringer of death.

Each opponent watched, looking for any opening; Eira held the stance which Alyson used. “Lightning

Strike stance but using shadow element, how foolish.” Staxius mocked her, dark arts was in effect – he began to toy with her emotions.

“Wrong, this may have been the lightning strike at once but now it’s mine, the shadow stance; I’ll

show you why.” She spotted an opening, Staxius let down his guard. Shadow element was active – Eira vanished. Her blade was aimed and ready to pierce his heart. That move was slightly faster than

what Alyson had mastered. Eira was proud – she transformed one of her master’s techniques into hers; she did all that for the sake of her father. As she was about to deliver the blow concealed by

shadows, Staxius smirked.

“Why didn’t you go through with the attack, I thought you saw an opening?” He mocked her. “Is this the extent of your will to stand beside the man you call father?”

The words he spoke hit hard, she grew impatient; anger overwhelmed her. “Don’t you dare speak of my father,” she rushed and began her attack. Swing after swing, Staxius didn’t use his weapon; he dodged instead. After every attack she made; he would either laugh or ridicule how weak she was.

“Enough is enough, I’ll end this now.” Tired, Eira stood still. She began to recite some incantation which Staxius acknowledged as decay touch. A high tier spell, forgotten throughout the ages. The god of death personally uses the very same spell, and so does Staxius but rarely. After increasing her speed with shadow-step; Eira dashed forward.

“I know you’re desperate but don’t insult me any further; the spells you conjured are nothing but a child’s attempt at being an adult.” Instantly, Staxius unleashed his aura – the power coming out of him was mind-blowing. Eira felt it, a glimpse at the strength of the men she called father. Her feet felt heavy, she could not move; her fear turned into tears.

“W-who are y-you…”

“I’ve told you already, I’m Staxius Haggard; your father.” A smile resurfaced. “And if you’re still skeptical,” For a moment he took a deep breath and shouted, “UNDRAR COME HERE.” It felt joyous; he had missed her. In a blink of an eye; her spell broke and she appeared behind him, both hugged one another tightly. Confused, Eira watched as Undrar and Staxius exchanged kisses and pleasantries.

“Undrar; I’m alive… Can you believe it?”

“Of course I don’t, you were gone for so long.” Her gaze wandered away from him; she was mad.

“Don’t be that way, I know I broke my promise but I’ve come back, haven’t I?”

“…”

“Silent treatment again?”

Out of spite, she looked away defiantly. “Someone has grown over the years,” Staxius pointed at her body; she was back to her real size. That got her attention, “don’t look at me like that, you bloody dragon.” A kiss on her forehead settled everything.

“Mother… do you know this man?”

“I wish I didn’t, but this is your father Eira; the one you’ve been looking for.”

“I don’t believe you, mother, father Staxius was far greater than this guy – matter of fact he looks

about my age.”

“Undrar, what tales have you been putting in my daughter’s head? I mean, I’m me…right?

“Eira, stop being a little brat – this man is truly your father. If you want proof, then let’s head back home, you’ll see.”

Unwillingly; Eira got inside the car – Staxius was stuck in awe admiring how gentle and refined the

vehicle Undrar possessed. “Undrar, this car is amazing – did technology really advance that much?”

“Yes, sixteen years is a long time, you shall see soon enough. Not here in Dorchester, but out in the capital; that place over there is almost like a fantasy.”

“Mother… who is this Undrar person this guy keeps on referring too?”

“Eira, enough, Undrar is my name – only Staxius Haggard has the right to call me that. Also, the

name Viola, yes that was also given by him.” She smiled proudly.

The trip back to the castle took less than an hour – of course, when Staxius asked for permission to drive, he went supersonic. The castle came into view; a battle just took place hours ago, Staxius felt

and smelt it – the place reeked of blood. “Staxius or should I say, master, everything has changed.

You better buckle up; nothing is as it used to be. Stay right behind me and DON’T GO ANYWHERE.”

It was far too late; Staxius vanished. The driver’s seat was left unmanned – while still moving.

Panicked, Undrar slammed on the break and they arrived at the castle.

The moment before entering the throne room, Undrar told Eira to remain quiet about what

transpired. Knowing Staxius, he wanted to surprise everyone.

“Eira, your back.” Adelana rushed to her side, followed close behind, her sisters. Millicent, on the

other hand, sat on the throne – she had made herself comfortable. Fenrir stood next to her.

“D-did y-ou see his prison?” Ayleth whispered softly.

“Y-yes.” She replied hesitantly.

Everyone stood in a semi-circle in front of Eira who spaced out from all the questioning.

“I can’t believe, you girls did fulfill my dream, my quest, the one I failed at.” A familiar voice spoke;

the room went silent. They all got anxious, that voice – a voice they prayed each day to hear once

more.

*Snap,* The concealment spell broke, Staxius appeared; knelt before Millicent.

“Greetings duchess Millicent, ruler of Dorchester – it’s a pleasure making your acquaintance yet

again.”

“Who stands there,” Millicent raised her voice.

“Tis only I, a humble man who happened across this blissful castle. If I may be so bold…” He raised his head. “-your beauty is truly on par with an angel.” He smiled.

Everyone went silent, they stared in awe. Their long last master was somehow standing before them.

“Impossible…”

“MASTER,” Fenrir yelled, just like in the olden days. Unconsciously she transformed into her wolf

form and pounced. “Calm down Fenrir,” Staxius was smothered with saliva.

“It’s truly him…” Adelana mumbled. Cries of joy soon reverberated the room; their master was truly alive. Few of the soldiers stationed outside were curious about the ruckus being made inside. Time went on; that night, everyone got drunk – in the end no one was left standing. They all collapsed on

the floor; either past out or out of fatigue.

Baffled and disappointed, Eira went outside for some fresh air. “The starry filled sky truly is amazing,”

Staxius spoke.

“It truly is, and to that fact – I can’t believe that you’re Staxius Haggard. You know, mother always

praised and recounted tails about your adventures with them. The story about how you and auntie

Fenrir fought was my favorite.”

“Look, Eira, I’m in fact Staxius Haggard – sadly I get the feeling that you don’t truly see me as your

father. I mean, who would believe a guy like me. I look young, probably eighteen years old, but I

assure you, I was and still am your father. I won’t force you into accepting me but I’d like to tell you that, I’m proud of you Eira. You truly look like a snow angel now – I wish I could have seen you

.....

grow. On that note, I’ll take my leave; stuff is going to get hectic tomorrow. You best prepare.”

“W-wait,” Eira grabbed his arm. “If you’re truly my father then prove it…”

“Prove it how?”

“You see, I have a photographic memory, so I remember everything in my childhood, even since I

was a babe, so tell me some story or something.”

“Well,” After a brief pause to gather his thought, Staxius spoke again. “You see, I first met you on a

beach. A nobleman’s child was about to slay you, but instead, I killed him. At first, I was reluctant

about taking you in, honestly, I was afraid. But then, when I looked at you, you smiled at me, it was

as if you understood me. So it was then and there that I gave you the name Eira. There is also that

time when I was defeated in a forest by the paladin. Undrar scared left you laying on my battered

body, the rain was god awful that day. When I awoke, I thought you were sick – the rain had made

your body cold. Afraid, I ran with all my might to Frostrest. I met the silver guardians there and…”

“Ok enough, I believe you, stop.” A tear rolled down her cheeks. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited… I’m sorry I acted like a little brat earlier. You see, when you called out my name at first, I was sure it was you but as my father always acted; I had to make sure.”

“Look at you scheming at your age,” He patted her head. “You’re one to talk, dad.” She smiled.

“Eira, I’ve broken my promise to you, but it was necessary. I’m sure they’ve told you about how I died. But tonight forth, let me renew my vow to protect you and be by your side.”

“And I promise to be a good daughter, I shall become as strong as you one day. For now, let’s go on adventures together, I want to catch up on lost time.” Her rosy cheeks lit brightly.

“Deal, you and I shall go on a quest together, one day, both father and daughter.”

“Yes, one day,” They pointed at the sky.

He met up again with his old comrades and companions; the daughter he loved was as happy as he was. They reunited at once, by the first look, they were more like brothers and sisters for you see Staxius’s face and body didn’t age over the sixteen years as opposed to his comrades. They were now in their early thirties. Fenrir, on the other hand, was still the same – she was a legendary wolf after all. Millicent looked young, scarily young, a vampire.

Little did Staxius know that this world of his was now walking on a thin thread. A new era was to come; one which would prove to be chaotic – the age of heroes.