Book 10: Chapter 6


    Mom!! I need them alive!! I need a few alive!!


    Mommy Vyvyans fury had begun toe down on the anthropods, but she fulfilled my wish in the end, nevertheless. She left around several thousands of anthropoids alive on the dark ground.


    They were frozen stiff on the ground. They were clueless as to what to do without theirmander. Their eyes were filled with utter terror. The soldiers, who came out from the city, restrained them with iron chains properly, and then threw them into the iron prisons before settling things down around the city walls vicinity.


    Dont let them die. I still have a use for them.


    I pointed at them, and then reformed the ranks. My guard unit was exhausted. Their clothes were torn and tattered. They no longer looked as awe-inspiring as they did before. Many of them no longer even had a weapon. They resembled a group of refugees when they stood together. However, what made me saddest was their loss.


    I lost a number of my guards again. Theyre elites whove have gone through many battles. Every time we suffered a loss, it was an irreceable loss. The militia lost close to a third of their personnel. They fought on the frontlines right from the start. They created distance for my guards shots, therefore suffering the most significant losses, as well.


    Tanya walked up to my side. Her small body was covered all over in blood. Nobody knew where her hat had flown off to. Her hair was sticky with blood. It was as if she had glue in her hair. She grabbed my cape and tugged at it. She looked up at me, and I looked back at her. I smiled and stroked her head, but all I could feel was sticky blood.


    Good job, Tanya, very good.


    Uhm


    Tanya seemed to want to say something. I looked at her with curiosity. I didnt know what she wanted to say, or perhaps, hear. She looked up at me. She appeared to be a little embarrassed.


    Hmm? If its a reward you want, wait for us to get into the city first. You can have anything you want.


    I smiled and went to pull my hand back, but she suddenly caught my hand and ced it on her face. She shifted her eyes away in a shy manner and muttered, Blood


    Huh?


    Blood on face


    I suddenly understood what she wanted to say. She wanted me to wipe the blood off her face as I didst time. Tanya shut her eyes, and I smiled. I cut off a section of my cape. It was dirty, as well, but it could wipe the blood off her face. I sped her face and carefully wiped the blood off her face. She shut her eyes and looked as though she really enjoyed me wiping the blood off her face.


    I tossed the piece of cloth, which was now covered in blood, away. She looked up, and I pinched her face, Wash it off properly once we get back. Wash all that blood off.


    The corner of Tanyas mouth twitched as if she wanted to smile, but it vanished in an instant as though it never existed. I turned around, but she quickly stepped up behind me. She grabbed my cloak again and softly muttered,  Thank you.


    Its nothing.


    When I turned around again, the remaining Valkyries in Troy City came out with Elizabeth. Elizabeth rode alone at the front. Shepletely ignored Vyvyan, who was taking care of the injured Earth Dragon riders on the side, and leapt at me. She didnt even dismount first. She jumped off her horse while it was still travelling fast. She staggered a few steps before hugging me tightly.


    Son, son Youre fine. Im so d that youre fine You scared Mommy to death You scared Mommy to death!


    Mommy Elizabeth wasnt clean. Her fragrance and the stench of blood were mixed together, causing me to almost suffocate. However, I feltpletely reassured in her tight embrace. I hugged her back tightly, and her tears rolled down uncontrobly. I finally realised that I was shaking a little.


    <em>Am I scared? Why was I fearless when I faced the anthropoids charging at me, yet am now shaking a little in Moms embrace?</em>


    I was actually shaking all over. I shook from head to toe in Moms embrace. Elizabeths ck hair wrapped itself around me. She sobbed, Son Son Mommy was so scared. Mommy was honestly so worried about you but its all right Its fine Im so d that youre still alive Im so d Son Youve very strong Youre honestly very strong now!


    Mom Mom Im really really scared


    I ignored all that formality, reputation stuff and leaned on Moms neck as I choked on my words.


    Elizabeth gave me firm strokes on my back. She looked at me with reassurance and proudly said, Dont be scared; dont be scared. Son, you did fantastic. We all saw you. You truly are my child! The courage and determination you showed didnt pale inparison to mine back then!


    Mom Mom


    We then heard somebody clear their throat between us. We looked up and over; we saw Vyvyan there with a cold smile. She pressed her hands on our shoulders and snickered, You two, especially you, Woman, why are you getting all intimate with the son of another person in front of his mother? Are you my sons wife or something? Also, Im the one who saved my son. Werent you just watching from atop the city wall?


    Where were you when my Son was on the frontlines? All you did was rock up when it was about to end and act as a messiah. I fought for my son on the city wall. I fought against those disgusting things up on those city walls for so long for my Son. My Son and I won this battle. Meanwhile, you hid in the backlines. You dont deserve to enjoy the glory of this victory!


    Unepting of the criticism of her, Elizabeth fired back with her own rebuttal as she looked at Vyvyan, feeling irate. Vyvyan looked at her with a cold look and responded in a spooky tone, I didnt say anything after you stole my brother, and yet youre going to steal my son now? I wont let you do anything to my Troy in my presence, you shameless woman!


    Elizabeth jolted her body. She looked at me and Vyvyan with utter disbelief. Her lips trembled. In a dumbfounded tone, she stuttered, You two you two could you two


    I didnt dare to meet Elizabeths eyes. Vyvyan snickered then touched her abdomen and replied, Although it was for Lucias sake, you should understand it. Our feelings for each other are much deeper than his and yours, arent they? Do you think my son would do this sort of thing with any random woman?


    Elizabeth was lost for words. Depression surfaced in her gaze, but there was also pain in there. Vyvyan looked at me with a smug look akin to that of a victor. She wrapped her arm around mine, Since the battle has been settled, lets have a rest now. Then well decide what to do next with these anthropoids that havee after us. Lets go, Son.


    I struggled to turn around. Vyvyan used her dominating power and aura that I couldnt resist against to force me to walk into the city. I desperately turned my head to see Elizabeth, frozen in ce, looking at the ground and spaced out.


    I felt that I did something wrong