Collide: The Memory of Stars

The ruins of Eldoria stretched before them, a vast and silent graveyard of what was once a flourishing kingdom.

The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and overgrown moss, the remnants of shattered walls and crumbling towers standing like solemn tombstones against the cloudy sky.

The battle against Vherezoth had left them wounded, exhausted, and grieving, but they knew they couldn't afford to linger in sorrow.

They had to find a place to rebuild, to start securing what little remained of their lost kingdom.

Selene walked in silence, her fingers brushing against the brittle remains of a once-grand pillar, now cracked and overtaken by vines.

Axel stayed close beside her, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings, ever watchful for any threats lurking within the shadows of the ruins.

Tyra and Khael followed a few paces behind, their voices hushed, deep in conversation. Khael, despite his formidable strength and fire magic, still bore the mind and limitations of a child, and Tyra had taken it upon herself to guide him, to help him understand the weight of their situation.

"We can't stay in the open like this," Axel finally said, his voice low but firm.

"The land may seem quiet, but we don't know what's still lurking here. We need to find shelter, something defensible." Selene nodded, wrapping her arms around herself as a gust of wind passed through the ruins.

"Do you have any idea where?"

"There were once strongholds built across Eldoria, meant to withstand even the worst of times," Axel replied.

"Some might still be standing, though abandoned." Tyra joined them, brushing back her dark locks.

"The eastern stronghold was one of the last to fall during the war. If any place is still intact, it would be that one." Selene hesitated, then looked down at Khael, who was listening intently.

"Are you alright with that, Khael? It will be a long journey." The boy's golden eyes flickered.

"I want to help. I need to get stronger." Selene felt a pang in her chest. He had already lost so much, yet he still wanted to fight. She nodded.

"Then let's move." The road eastward was treacherous. Nature had long reclaimed what man had abandoned, and thick roots twisted through the broken cobblestone paths.

The trees that lined the old roads were gnarled, their bark scarred by past battles and magic. The silence was unsettling.

They moved cautiously, weapons in hand. Axel led the way, his steps steady, his senses sharp. Tyra kept close to Khael, keeping an eye on the child's reactions, while Selene trailed slightly behind, her mind weighed down by the uncertain future.

Then, the sound of rustling came from ahead.

Axel raised a hand, signaling them to stop. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the ruins up ahead, where a collapsed gate lay half-buried under debris.

Something moved within the rubble.

Selene gripped the hilt of her blade.

"What is it?"

A low growl answered her.

From the shadows, figures began to emerge—twisted creatures of darkness, remnants of Vherezoth's corruption. Their eyes burned with an unnatural light, their bodies hunched and misshapen, remnants of what were once humans, now lost to the void's influence.

Axel stepped forward, drawing his blade.

"Be ready."

The creatures lunged.

The battle erupted in an instant. Selene dodged the first attack, swinging her blade with precision. The corrupted beast snarled, but she drove her sword deep into its chest before it could retaliate. Beside her, Tyra leaped into action, with her broad sword swinging as she struck another down.

Khael, his small hands trembling, raised his own power. Flames flickered around him, his magic responding to his emotions.

With a determined cry, he released a burst of fire, incinerating one of the approaching creatures. But as more of them swarmed forward, his breath hitched.

His body was still adjusting—his power unstable.

"Focus, Khael!" Tyra called out, blocking an attack before it could reach him.

Axel fought fiercely, his blade slicing through the enemy with calculated efficiency. His silver hair was damp with sweat, his expression hardened with determination.

"We don't have time to waste—take them down and keep moving!" Selene nodded, gathering her energy for a final strike. As one last creature lunged toward them, she thrust her sword forward, driving it through its chest. With a final shudder, the beast fell lifeless to the ground.

The battlefield fell silent once more.

Breathing heavily, they exchanged glances, taking in their wounds and exhaustion.

"We can't keep fighting like this," Axel muttered.

"We need a proper shelter."

Selene wiped sweat from her brow.

"Then let's make it to that stronghold."

The stronghold stood atop a steep hill, partially intact despite centuries of decay. The outer walls had crumbled in places, but the main keep still stood, its structure holding firm.

Inside, dust coated every surface, and the scent of age and abandonment filled the air. The remnants of past battles were evident—rusted weapons, shattered armor, and forgotten banners lying tattered on the stone floors.

"It's… eerie," Tyra murmured, running a hand along the stone walls.

"But it'll hold."

Axel nodded. "We can reinforce the entrance, make this place a defensible base."

Selene surveyed the space, a strange feeling settling in her chest. It wasn't home, not yet, but it was something.

A beginning.

They spent the next few hours clearing debris, setting up camp within the main hall. Axel instructed Khael on basic combat forms, ensuring he could control his magic without overexerting himself.

Tyra worked on reinforcing the doors and scouting the area for resources. Selene took a moment to herself, standing on the stronghold's highest tower, watching the sun dip beyond the horizon.

As the last light faded, footsteps echoed behind her.

Axel.

He stepped beside her, silent for a long moment before speaking.

"We made it this far."

She exhaled. "But it's just the beginning."

He nodded. "Yes. But it's a start."

The wind carried a whisper through the ruins, a message only they could hear. They had survived, but their true journey had just begun.

Eldoria would rise again.

To be continued.