The Destructive Adventures of the Lovers-Chapter 79: The Finding of Lila

The morning sun spilled through the cracked window of Zeze's room, casting warm golden light over the scattered remnants of battle—dusted armor, chipped blades, and faded banners. She sat quietly on the edge of her bed, her fingers methodical as they laced the worn leather straps of her dark tunic. Her eyes, still rimmed red from sleepless nights and grief, stared out toward the horizon.

The weight of loss pressed against her chest, but there was a resolve beneath it—sharp, like the blades she now polished with deliberate care.

With a final swipe, Zeze sheathed her twin blades and stepped outside into the bright, quiet world. The war was over. The sky was clear. The air smelled of fresh earth and new beginnings.

Down by the village square, the Saviors of Creation gathered. Margo stood near Gabriel, her brow furrowed as she spoke quietly with Matt and Owen. The group buzzed with questions—too many questions.

"Who could have defeated Aeiwou and Raven?" Margo's voice trembled as she asked, glancing around at the others. "We were barely holding on. And then... they just fell."

Zeze's voice was low but steady as she approached. "It wasn't just luck. Someone or something tipped the scales. We need to find out who."

Owen nodded, his gaze sharp. "The storm ended as quickly as it began. That can't be a coincidence. Someone had to control it—or stop it."

Gabriel folded his arms, thoughtful. "If the storm was a weapon, then whoever stopped it must have power equal to—or greater than—Aeiwou's. That narrows our options."

Matt, ever practical, rubbed his bruised jaw. "We can't wait for answers to come to us. We have to investigate. The Saviors can't afford to be caught off guard again."

Phill's booming voice cut through the tension. "We owe Lila a chance to explain. She vanished before the final battle—if anyone knows the truth behind what happened, it's her."

Margo's eyes searched the group. "Do you think she's alive? Or... did she betray us?"

Zeze clenched her fists. "Then we start there. We find Lila, and we find out who saved the Creation World."

Gabriel looked to the sky, the sun's warmth now mingling with a cold knot of uncertainty. "This peace won't last long. Whatever came after the storm... it's not finished yet."

The morning sun filtered gently through the tall windows of the war chamber. Maps, weapons, and armor lay ready on the table and racks. The air was heavy with anticipation—and a shadow of uncertainty.

Gabriel tightened his sword belt as Margo checked her gear silently. Matt paced near the window, lost in thought. Zeze sat quietly, sharpening her blades, her eyes still red from recent battles. Owen stood by the doorway, arms crossed, his usually confident posture weighed down by exhaustion.

Gabriel broke the silence.

"We're ready. But... what exactly do we tell King Jacob?"

Margo's voice was calm but concerned.

"He's been shut away since the funeral. I don't know if he even wants to see us."

Owen shifted, his voice low but firm.

"He's hurting. We all are. But he's still the king. We can't wait for him to come to us."

Matt's gaze stayed fixed on the distant horizon.

"We don't have much choice. The war isn't over. We need his guidance—even if he won't admit it."

Zeze nodded, voice steady.

"We owe it to those we lost. We have to protect what's left."

They moved through the castle halls in silence. The lively kingdom beyond contrasted starkly with the heaviness inside the walls.

At the king's chambers, Gabriel knocked lightly and pushed the door open. King Jacob sat on his bed, withdrawn and weary, avoiding their eyes.

Gabriel took the first step forward, voice steady.

"Your Majesty, we've prepared ourselves. The Saviors are ready to move."

Jacob's voice was quiet, fractured with pain.

"I don't know if I have the strength anymore."

Margo stepped closer, voice soft but insistent.

"You don't have to carry it alone. We're here. We need you."

Owen's tone was honest, almost pleading.

"The kingdom still looks to you, Your Majesty. We all do. We need your strength now more than ever."

Matt, voice thick with emotion, added,

"We'll fight. We'll protect what's left. But you can't shut us out."

Jacob's hands trembled, but finally, he lifted his gaze, meeting theirs with tired eyes.

"Thank you... all of you. I just... I fear what's coming. What I don't know."

Zeze's voice was firm, a promise.

"We don't have all the answers yet. But we will find them. Together."

Gabriel placed a reassuring hand on the king's shoulder.

"For now, we stand united. That's what matters."

Owen gave a rare, small smile.

"We'll face whatever comes, side by side. You don't have to do this alone."

Outside, the kingdom moved on—the fields still being tended, the forges still glowing. The calm after the storm was fragile, but hope flickered.

No one knew what dangers lurked just beyond the horizon.

But they would face it—together.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scents of fresh earth and warm bread. Outside the castle gates, the bustle of the market was alive with chatter and the clatter of hooves. The group gathered near their horses, supplies strapped securely.

Gabriel adjusted his saddle, glancing at the small bundles of bread resting beside their packs.

"Margo, did you get enough for the road?"

Margo nodded, biting into a crusty piece.

"It's not much, but it'll keep us going."

Zeze smirked, brushing dirt off her worn cloak as she slipped some fruits and dried meats into her bag.

"Don't worry about me—I made sure to 'borrow' a little extra from the market stalls."

Owen laughed softly, shaking his head.

"Zeze, you really can't help yourself."

She shrugged, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Better to take what we need now than starve later."

Matt checked the straps on his pack before mounting his horse.

"We can't afford to waste time. The longer we wait, the more the enemy grows."

From the crowd, a group of Mankaynd farmers waved, their faces hopeful despite recent losses.

"Good luck out there!" one called.

A Laveran scout tipped his helmet respectfully.

"Bring us victory. The kingdom depends on you."

Gabriel raised his hand in return, voice steady.

"We won't let you down."

As the horses trotted out of the gates, Zeze whispered with a grin,

"Let's make sure we come back with more than stories to tell."

The group rode toward the horizon, leaving behind the safety of the kingdom—but carrying its hopes with them.