A Falling World: The Helix's Savior, Part Three

By Joshua BuchiAhiabuike

Two heroes, two adventures. Twice the action, twice the risk.
Jake Martin, a rising star in the Helix, is making a continuation of his past adventures with his main allies – Morgan, Jonas, Noah, and Anna. Along the way, tides will turn, emotions will change, enemies will be found and destinies will unfold. Dark secrets within them all are bound to come out. As the heroes quest, they will lose themselves to find themselves.
Alexander Bladeknight, son of Light and hero to Terra, along with his friends are in a world of their worst enemy’s creation. In that world, they seek to destroy their nemesis, Maelstrom, once and for all. Along the way, they meet evil heroes, secret ties, new hates, new foes, a new hero, a powerful blade to rip the fabric of space and time, and a dark secret to match. The Helix is on the line. And as our heroes adventure through it, hoping to defeat their enemy, their true enemy has been waiting for them, inside them the whole time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ideas into Books: Westview
• Release date: Dec 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781937763466

Book preview

A Falling World

The Helix’s Savior: Part Three

A Novel

By

Joshua Buchi-Ahiabuike

© 2013 Joshua Buchi-Ahiabuike

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published by Ideas into Books: Westview at Smashwords.com.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This book is available in print at most on-line retailers.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any fashion, either mechanically or electronically, without the express written permission of the author. Short excerpts may be used with the permission of the author or the publisher for the purposes of media reviews.

ISBN 978-1-937763-46-6 Smashwords

ISBN 978-1-62880-027-2 Kindle

ISBN 978-1-937763-56-5 Perfect Bound

ISBN 978-1-937763-57-2 Case Laminate

* * *

I dedicate this book to all my friends, who helped me along… some better than others

* * *

Table of Contents

The Rock of Anduril

The Beginning of the End – Journal #19

Planet Raro

The Dawn of Excalibur – Journal #20

The War Begins! Spirit vs. Demon!

The Day of Truth – Journal #21

The Castle Siege! The Great Unification!

The Golden Rose – Journal #22

The Curse of the Forgotten

Journal #23 – The Stronghold

GLOSSARY

Characters

Demons

Dragons

Events

Gods

Locations

Magic and Monsters

Organizations / Races

Spells

Terms, Terminologies, and Languages

Weapons

About the Author

Please, a quick intermission to explain who ‘the Scribe’ is. As you may have picked up on, I did NOT write these books. Neither did I file them, organize them, or catalog them from the beginning. No, I believe a greater power has called me to find these stories of greatness, bound together in leather journals. I don’t know why, but scattered along this Earth are these journals, telling of stories of great heroes fighting great villains. You have no idea how much EFFORT I put into this, putting together all these journals and chronologically organizing them by means that you couldn’t possibly understand. So help the Scribe. My journals mainly point to Alexander, but there are other stories, smaller stories, that curve out from Alexander’s point of view or goes away from it completely. But I know this greater force allows me to find these journals for a reason. The people described in this, I believe, will one day come together and make an epic to last hundreds of thousands of years. And I invite you, yes, you, young reader, to look for these epic journals of stories and put them forward. Find truth in stories, from the battles of elves and dragons to the histories of ancient soldiers and love stories. Find it, in your heart, if you can. I will not be stung if you find journals pertaining to Alexander in a small way, but I will be stung if you find some pertaining to him directly. Those are mine and mine alone to find. But anyway, I invite you. I share this world, this Helix with you, and its stories cannot all be told by one man. As though I may do my best, I cannot. That’s why I look up to you, any of you that are reading this, hoping that you will take up the dream I established. Refer to me as ‘the Scribe’, and if that is not enough for you, call me ‘Ameroth of the Frozen Lotus’. I hope you take up my offering, and inform all of the Helix of the great deeds of great men. For example, the story I’m about to show you does not include Alexander at all, but I believe someday they will come together.

Goodbye and good luck,

The Scribe

The Rock of Anduril

The world is changing, Jonas announced. His metal arm shone in the light as he looked up at the sun.

What do you mean? I asked, curious.

Something – someone – is angry in the heavens. The world is changing, I thought carefully on Jonas’s words. I did feel like the world was changing, but in what aspect was it changing?

Do you think it’s possible? I asked Morgan.

Is what possible? Morgan asked.

Maelstrom… do you think he- I asked.

The demonic swordsman that you spoke about in the past? I thought he had no power? That he was not a god? Jonas asked.

I’ll do my best to explain. Maelstrom may not be a god, but he’s assumed one’s place. He somehow created this world and ripped each and every one of us into this world, where he can govern and control what is happening. Now… I’m wondering if he’s doing something. I explained, Jonas nodding, trying to understand everything he’s being told.

He’s awakening the elves, Anna muttered.

What? I asked.

He’s awakening the elves, that’s it! That’s why the world feels like it’s shifting! Elves are awakening from their slumber, and the natural magic that they blaze around them is giving us the feeling the world is going through some metamorphosis. Anna shouted triumphantly. I nodded. I looked to Jonas.

There’s a possibility. Elves… I never liked them much, even before… this world. Jonas muttered.

What, you mean Santa’s little elves, or leprechauns, or what? Morgan asked.

No, Morgan. These elves are far more powerful, and much taller, too. By awakening them, he’s thickened the aura of magic on the planet, causing it to literally shift.

But what’s so special about them?

Elves are special, and you should know. You know how there is one kind of energy, which is just called energy. That can be transferred with enough effort into other stages, like spiritual energy, natural energy, magic, etc. Elves, however, don’t have energy. They generate magic in itself, without having to pressure it into that state. Their weakness, however, is that they cannot make it into any other form of energy.

You really listened to James, didn’t you?

At times. I drew my Darkmist sword, and then looked to Noah. You know anything about elves?

Yes, that if you had been looking, you’d have realized that Maelstrom was taking care to make sure they were comfortable. I can sense, right by Daemona, elven houses and towns are springing up. They’ll overwhelm Great Clan land. Noah looked out to Daemona, which he had walked away from, heading towards Virissilis.

But that means- I began.

They’ll fight, and cause chaos. This is what Maelstrom’s been planning. The elves will fight for the land that they believe is theirs, and Maelstrom will probably plant a seed of his greatness in an elf’s heart, influencing the rest of the race. Noah announced.

How can you sense the earth? I thought you controlled wind.

Wind is very powerful, more powerful than you think. When wind brushes by a branch, I can know the shape of texture of the branch. I looked towards Noah.

So, you want to go get Alexis. Morgan asked expectantly.

Well… yeah. It’s nearing my birthday. Time flies, you know. We did spend quite some time in Daemona. I replied.

I’m just asking this as an honest question- do you… like Alexis?

Like how?

Like beyond friends.

Uh…

You don’t have to be secret about anything, Jake. It’s a human emotion.

Yes, like that helped, Jonas. You want me to answer truthfully?

Yes! They all shouted in unanimity at this question. So I put my hands out in front of me, and said I would answer.

Okay, okay, I’ll answer. To tell the truth… yes. Yes, I do. Does that make you happy, Morgan? I’m in love with Alexis.

Well, all I can say is good luck with a girl you do not know.

I know her!

Yeah, through letters.

At least she can actually say out she likes me, unlike some people I know.

Shut up!

Okay, okay, I will. I looked out towards Virissilis, and wondered if we should check out the elven village, or if we should go get Alexis.

Tell you what- my birthday’s in about two days. Let’s split up. All of you guys go to the elven lands and check it out, while I get Alexis. That way, we cover more ground in less time. I proposed, and Jonas nodded.

Good plan. We’ll see you later, Jonas replied, and led everyone else towards Daemona again while I continued to Virissilis.

* * *

As I walked, I noticed night and day did not change as they should. It would take me two days to reach Virissilis at my pace, and I could tell a whole day had past. What was going on? Maelstrom was more powerful than I’d thought if he could cause this. Anyway, as I trekked over the sandy ground, I looked at my Darkmist sword. So many possibilities it had, and I’d barely scratched its surface. All of a sudden, I heard a huge explosion, and looked back at Daemona. Nothing. Then I looked behind me as flames and sand burst towards me. They knocked me back, but Narzroth protected me. When I looked to the center of the explosion, I say a misty figure, but he looked like Darkmist. Hello… Jake boy. The beast greeted.

* * *

How do you know my name? I asked, scared.

That is of no importance. All that matters is your death. He replied.

What the hell are you? I asked, frightfully. The monster looked, for one moment, like an actual human being, but then he flashed back into the accursed form I hated. He was pure Darkmist, for sure now, and had the build of a man. However, incorporated in his body was a long black cape, or that was hair. He had long horns on his head and sharp claws, and his eyes were black, not pure black, but with black pupils.

What does that matter? The monster asked, making a fist.

I need to know why you want me! Who sent you? When did this happen to you? I asked. Now get out of the way, before I raze you to the ground!

Foolish words will get you nowhere, boy. If you wish, you can have a taste of my power for yourself… The beast threatened, and thrust out his hand. All of a sudden, pillars of Darkmist rose up from the ground and closed in around me.

What the- I muttered.

Darkmist is under my command now. Someday, I will control him. But this is too much for you to know. When you leave this day… it will be to the next world. The monster threatened once again, and stuck a single hand into the earth. A blast of dark energy blasted up from the ground and smote me, releasing the pillars and letting me fall to the ground, helpless. I grabbed Narzroth’s heart tightly as I looked into the monster’s eyes. Strange warmth washed through my body at my touch to his heart, filling me with understanding. I knew.

You’re a Renewed! You’re the Renewed who stole Alexander’s power! I gasped, getting up using my Darkmist sword.

Even with you knowing that, it does not matter. I see you have an article of Darkmist in your hand. No matter. No matter how hard you tried, you would not be able to control it. The Renewed mocked. I saw his eyes dart to the right for a moment, and then he looked back at me. He raised his hand. A black, crackling bolt of lightning zipped out of his palm and electrocuted me, knocking me back inside my tiny little chamber.

If only Alexander were here right now… I muttered.

That weakling? He could never stand up to me. I stole his strength without a thought. Face it, you’re hopeless! The Renewed shouted in contempt.

I fight… I muttered.

Say what now, weakling boy? The Renewed asked.

I fight… I fight for my friends. I fight for those who cannot fight. You want to kill me? When Death comes, I will accept him. But before that, I’ve sworn to protect my friends! And you’re not going to get in the way of that! I faced the Renewed with a look of pure anger. I slowly leveled my sword with my face, and quickly slashed the cage into pieces.

Interesting… is he meddling again? No matter. I’ll just end this fast so I can get back to Lord Maelstrom… The Renewed muttered, his hands crackling once more. But I was ready. I thrust my sword high into the air, white lightning coursing up its blade. The Renewed dashed towards me, and I returned the attack. I rammed into him, knocking the breath out of him, and then gave him a big, long cut across the chest. The cut did not draw blood, nor could I see anything from the cut. It was just a hole, like a god had taken a giant knife and ran it through the countryside. The cut healed as I looked at it. In a moment’s notice, the Renewed hit me in the cheek, throwing me into the ground with his claw at my neck.

Darn it all… I muttered.

Finally, this battle can end and that moron will lose his crown. I will take it from him… by taking it from you. The Renewed muttered.

Who is he? I asked.

Isn’t it obvious? He is Darkmist.

And why do you want his crown?

I only speak of this because immediately after I’m done, I’m going to kill you. I am not a Forgotten. True, I once was. Neither am I Renewed. I am an Endless Shade, one picked by Maelstrom to overthrow beings of such power, they could obliterate the Helix when working together. I cannot tell you of this, though. I can say that you are the sword of one of these entities, and by killing you, I will assume Darkmist’s throne. I’m hoping you like the next world, because you’re taking a vacation. The Endless Shade explained, putting his claw on my face.

Killing me… taking a crown? I am a sword in his hand… I muttered. I felt the Endless Shade’s claw tighten. Sword in his hand… I gripped my sword, and looked straight up at him. And then a word, not just a word, but a word of so much power, it made my whole body tremble in fear came out from my mouth, rang in my mind, and roared in sub-reality. This word existed on three levels, and it jittered me just thinking about it. But ironically, I didn’t know what the word was. When it came bursting out of me, the Endless Shade was thrown high into the air, and then I felt myself lose consciousness.

* * *

To say this, Jake did not lose consciousness. Another entity took control. Now, stories of his transformation are rare, but I am lucky to have found one around the time I found Journal #4, from Alexander. It is a bit of a verse, but here I go;

The stories of those days are chilly and dark

For one this earth they left a mark

For there is one story that exceeds them all

But to your heart, it may appall.

It is said when the hero fell

A thousand men in a single dell

Cried that day

For their hearts filled with dismay

But when the hero rose once more

It was what they all were waiting for

Giant wings he sprouted, one and two

His powerful enemy had no clue

With a wave and brandish, a flourish and slash

On the sword’s blade did the monster’s blood splash

The monster still dared to stand

So for this moment the hero planned

With a swirl up and down

He cut and slashed all around

The monster was helpless, there was to be no end

For the hero’s anger was yet to bend

The hero stood over him, sword held high

The monster closed his eyes, and waited to die

It is said that white fire burned that day

For a monster’s skin it came to flay

Without a thought, without a doubt

The sword plunged into the beast’s body without a shout

The deed was done, the monster was ended

But what! He would not remain suspended

The hero turned once more to give the last blow

But at that moment, his power began to… slow

There you have it. That was a poetic moment, don’t you think? But it shall continue, none the less. I will show you…

* * *

And then I woke up. I was still standing for some reason, with my sword held high and the Endless Shade down below me. What did I do? The Endless Shade spit at my face. Maelstrom will bring you low, with the rest of the Sealed! He shouted, and then jumped upwards to give me a finishing blow. I wasn’t ready; the power in my sword was not my own. As the Endless Shade ran by, I looked him hard in the eye and slashed, quickly as I could, releasing white lightning into the air. The Endless Shade froze, its injuries returning to it.

It’s about time you ended. I muttered.

Fool… you cannot kill me! I was born to oppose Darkmist. Do you think that I would be allowed to die so easily to face him? I think not. No, not even the full power of all the Darkmist in the world could kill me. But I must retreat for now. We will meet again… and when we do, Darkmist’s sword will fall at my feet! The Endless Shade shouted, disappearing. I looked into the air, the sun still up. By now, it should be dark. I just kept walking towards Virissilis.

* * *

By the time I reached Virissilis, my bones felt weak and my limbs like noodles, but I was finally there. I was on the verge of collapsing when I limped my way to Alexis’s house, and could barely knock on the door. And Emma answered the door.

* * *

Oh, hi, Jake! Emma exclaimed. Their house was un-villagelike, and looked like my house from before. They had electricity, faucets all the way in the kitchen, one set of stairs to another floor, and other things an average American house had.

Nice to see you! I replied, hugging her.

Are you here for Alexis? Emma asked, but then her mother walked outside.

Oh, hello! You want something? Emma’s mother asked.

I came to, you know, visit and everything. And to… see Alexis and all. I explained.

Oh, well, that’s admirable. Alexis dear, he’s here! Alexis’s mom shouted.

I swear, if that Rickie kid comes knocking on my door one more time, I’ll… Alexis began, running down some stairs and coming to the door. When she reached the door frame and looked at me, she kept her gaze for maybe five seconds. I noticed she was just wearing super-short gym shorts and a T-shirt, which was strangely American for out here.

Alexis! I shouted joyfully.

Oh my god! Oh, you have no idea how much I missed you! Alexis shrieked, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me on the cheek. Emma shrugged.

I’m glad I get to see you, too. I mentioned, stroking her hair.

So, are you going to leave and come back, or are you going to… Alexis’s mother asked.

I was going to hang around town until our birthday and a little bit after that if you wished. I answered.

No, you can stay with us! We have room. Alexis offered. Her mom nodded.

I just don’t want anything happening at night when I can’t see you. You’re only teenagers. You don’t need that just yet. Alexis’s mom warned.

Mother! Did you have to say that in front of my…my… Alexis muttered.

Boyfriend! Boyfriend? I exclaimed almost a bit too excitedly, but Alexis seemed to run with it easily.

Yeah, my boyfriend. Alexis said with obvious relish.

I’m just warning you. Alexis’s mother joked, and left.

Alright. You wanna see my room? Alexis asked. I nodded, and Alexis started to dash up the stairs, holding my wrist. I was forced to follow, because she was practically dragging me.

* * *

When I finally got into her room, Alexis showed me around it. It wasn’t huge or anything, but it is still larger than the average room. Her bed was at the very edge of the room, and all kinds of posters were on the walls, mostly of animals. Yep, this is my room. Alexis assured.

Nice room. So where am I going to stay? I asked.

Well, I was actually thinking about staying in here, but Mother would never allow a boy to sleep in her daughter’s room, especially since she doesn’t know you very well. So I just don’t know. Alexis explained. I nodded, and looked around. But you’re welcome here, at least in the daytime. I walked outside of Alexis’s room, and then took a little walk outside.

As I walked, I didn’t wonder about anything. I just walked around, taking in all the beauty that surrounded me. There were Virissilians everywhere, selling flowers and just having a good time. Then I looked to my right. A young boy, maybe four or five, was holding his parents’ hands as they walked him along the street. It made me feel empty inside, since I had almost forgotten what it was like to have parents. I managed not to stay out of the village, waiting for anything to happen. No one like Rean or the Zessthys coming. Then I heard loud and harsh stomping. They sounded like giant blocks of metal falling on the ground with each step. They were like horses, but they seemed too strong to be horses, at least ordinary horses. What is that? I wondered. Could the Zessthys be attacking? No. We drove them too far back for them to have sent another force, at least so soon. I could feel my Darkmist sword buzz, hidden in my pocket as a ring. And then the sky darkened. At this time, it was supposed to be night anyway, but this was too sudden. The sky just turned pitch-black. Something was wrong, and I knew it.

‘How come I always find some way to get into trouble?’ I wondered as I ran, following the sound of the stomping.

* * *

As I was running, I passed by Alexis’s house, and her mother was at the door. As I tried to run past, she bound towards me, grabbed my wrist, and practically threw me into the house. Stay inside, boy. Go upstairs with Alexis, there they can’t find you.Alexis’s mother warned.

’They’? Who are ‘they’? I asked.

They’re the spawn of nightmares, the incarnations of horror! Tales about them are scarce, but the ones that do chill your soul. They are… they are… Alexis’s mother shivered.

They are what? They are WHAT!? I asked.

They are Betrayers, god damn it! Those monsters rise from the grave, but no, they aren’t our dead. Spirits of the evil dead rise up and take their bodies through means no one understands, and attack us. They’ve grown stronger, stronger than ever before! Now go, run! You need to comfort Alexis, she’s worried sick. I’ll follow you all upstairs. She explained, shooing me upstairs. I agreed, and ran up to Alexis’s room.

* * *

In her room, Alexis was curled into a ball, rocking herself. No… no… Alexis muttered.

Hey, Alexis, I greeted. Alexis lunged at me, knocking me to the ground. Then she wrapped her arms around me and squeezed the life out of me.

Oh! My little Jakey. I thought they got you in the storm, but they didn’t! Now we’ll just stay up here, and we’ll be safe… Mom said… Alexis babbled incoherently.

Alexis, get a hold of yourself! I shouted. Stop freaking out, alright? I’m here. Don’t worry. I’m here. Alexis looked at me with her shining eyes, glittering with tears. And then she grabbed me once more, crying into my shoulder. I love you, Alexis.

I love you, too.

You know why I’m saying this?

Why?

Because if I die, I want you to know that my heart is yours.

Why would you-

I’m going out there, Alexis. I have to fight.

No! I won’t let you!

I have to. It’s the only way.

No! Alexis tried to grab me again, but I embraced her instead, tears dripping from both our eyes.

You know I have to.

I-I know.

So don’t try and stop me. Alexis’s tears only flowed farther as she trembled in fear.

I love you, Jake.

I love you, too. I looked her once in the eyes, and lurched forward and gave Alexis a light kiss. I looked at her door, opened it, and then ran out of the house into the streets.

* * *

The street was a literal shadow of what it was before. It was pitch black, where vision was almost completely gone, with a dark mist traveling through the town. It was chaos. I could see little signs of commotion as I heard villagers struggling to run from dark riders on horseback. I saw many of them trampled, decapitated, paralyzed, and beaten to death. It wasn’t just chaos, I amended. It was horror. I drew my Darkmist sword out of my pocket. All of a sudden, the air around me brightened, where I could see bodies of killed villagers. The mist seemed to freeze, as though it was a living animal, and I could see Betrayers on horseback looking at me. ‘Who… are you?’ The head Betrayer asked.

I am… I am the gods’ tool in removing you. I am the light in the darkness, the hope to the hopeless. While I stand here today, as light flares around me, this light will engulf you like it has engulfed me. I will wash away your darkness… even if I have to destroy you! I shouted.

‘Enough of this talking! Time to end this…’ The head Betrayer announced, walking out. The Betrayer’s voice was a mix between a mental shriek and a snake’s hiss mixed into one terrible voice. The Betrayer that walked out of the mist to face me was not a zombie or anything like that. He was a knight in black armor, purple light coming from his metal visor. There was no flesh visible. His shoulders were covered with large, purple flesh-like extremities, shaped like spikes, which probably hid metal. In his covered hand, he held a purple sword, made entirely of flames. His horse was a black stallion, but his eyes shone pure red. Its hooves were coated with blood, as was its hair. The horse trotted over to me.

Why don’t we take this into the street, why don’t we? If you’re not scared of me, take me, one on one! I challenged.

Sir, he’s trying to trick us! He’s trying to split us up! Let’s overtake him now, while it’s still easy… Another Betrayer warned, trotting up to the head Betrayer. His voice was strangely humanoid, unlike the head’s.

‘SILENCE! He could not take me if there were one hundred or a thousand of him, it makes little difference which! And you, young boy… it is only fitting you know who I am before we fight. I was once a Soul Knight. But I know when power is calling me. When that power called, I took it. And here I am, the strongest single entity in this world! You may refer to me as Black Knight Zelarot in these last few minutes before you die.’ The head Betrayer, Zelarot, announced, brandishing his sword. I walked into the street, wary of the fact that Alexis’s house was very nearby. I could see out of the corner of my eye Alexis peeking through a window, but her mother took her back to the ground before a Betrayer could see her. I realized I couldn’t fight too hard, or else the villagers would learn of the Darkmist. So I had to hope whatever a Soul Knight was, it wasn’t very strong.

* * *

Zelarot trotted towards me on his horse, his sword blazing like the sun. I backed away slowly, hoping to get away from Alexis’s house. When Zelarot realized I was stalling, he charged at full speed, ready to knock me into the ground and run me over. I grabbed Narzroth’s heart and cast it towards him, releasing a wave of flames. Zelarot’s horse just burst through it, unharmed. I had to stand my ground, at least for a few moments. I couldn’t run, not yet. As Zelarot came towards me, I lifted my Darkmist sword, veiled as a real one, and barely blocked his sword. Warily, I broke off a small piece of the sword, which regenerated instantly. I put the piece in my pocket, but did not realize that Zelarot was charging from the other side. Before I knew it, a long cut was in my chest, and it burned as though someone had lit a match in my heart. ‘Too easy! I thought you were willing to challenge me, foolish boy!’ Zelarot taunted, coming back for another strike. There was no blocking this one. At the speed he was coming, he’d slice straight through me.

‘Defend yourself.’ Some great voice in my mind said. It was not the Betrayer, nor was it the Forgotten, nor was it Narzroth, but something that felt stronger than all those things combined. I pulled out the piece of Darkmist, and stretched it out into a giant shield. Zelarot’s light – from his visor – brightened for a moment as his horse head-butted the shield and was thrown back. I willed the shield to return to the sword.

What was that… Was that Darkmist… No way… Yeah, it was!... HE HAS DARKMIST! The villagers clamored, at least the ones still alive.

‘Darkmist, you say… Interesting tool, but I waved it away in my training. No matter. No amount of Darkmist can defeat a Soul Knight, much less a Black Knight!’ Zelarot discouraged, charging again. This time, I looked behind me and ran, dashing full speed away from Zelarot. I could hear him laughing as he chased me,