When It Ends

The day had started out as normal. They were making their way to the gateways, trying to escape to a different Realm. It was a simple enough task, if you weren't being chased by magic devouring people from another universe altogether, the ones being called the Cozbi. Magic had become almost non existent over the past few months, only the most skilled, now just Nali and Ordell, were able to still use magic, and even that was limited. The few hundred Laylotee they had found alive after the first attack were struggling to adjust. It had taken so many painful sacrifices to make it this far. They had decided to camp near Don Thleata, far enough away that they wouldn't be seen and close enough that they could keep moving forward if needed. A group of twelve had been sent to scout ahead, Nali and Ordell included. It had gone well, up until someone accidentally woke one of the Cozbi. That one woke more of them and Nali's group was quickly surround by twelve of the terrifying creatures. The fighting had started out fine, Nali had been able to see Ordell in the corner of her eye, but more of the Cozbi showed up and there was shouting. Nali found herself distracted making sure another Laylotee was unharmed. She was helping him up when she saw his eyes widen, his mouth move, before she hit the ground. Nali didn't see what happened herself, someone had pushed her out of the way, yelling her name. She did hear the shouts of the other Laylotee, so many that she knew something had happened. What she saw now, as she spun to figure out what caused the shouts, made her blood freeze. Her vision seemed to tunnel as she looked at Ordell. There was a sword in his chest. She heard a scream, hers, dully registering in her mind. His name. The only family she had left. No. Please no. Her legs moved on their own and she was catching him as he collapsed, sliding to the floor with him in her lap. "Ordell. Ordell look at me," her hand moved to his cheek, turning his head. "Analia-"   "No. No, not again." A sob shook her body. His hand moved up to hers, holding her hand tightly.   "Analia," He was barely able to breathe, she could hear him struggling,"You have to help them."   "Why?" Her voice cracked "Why did you do that, you stupid man," She brushed his hair from his face. His hand moved to her cheek   "She loved you," Just a whisper, so quiet she barely heard him "I love-" His hand dropped from her face. "No." She shook him, "No. Ordell, wake up." Tears were cascading down her cheeks.   She continued to sob as she rocked, tapping his face, trying to wake him up. "Please don't go," A broken whisper. "I can't lose you too." Her father, Jayna, Kay, and now Ordell. All dying to save her. His body began to glow white, his life energy leaving his body. It only last a few seconds before it faded and she knew he was gone. With the magic of the realms fading, his connection to the gods, to Aura, faded. His body here had become as mortal as the rest of them, and it led to this. Her forehead fell to his and she began the spell, the one she had been using for thousands of years. Ordell's body began to glow the bright red of Nali's spells. "I will keep them safe. I will do my job and keep my promise. I swear it Ordell." He shimmered as he began to fade. When his body was gone she looked up, trying to swallow her rage. None of the ones they had been fighting remained, but the Laylotee were watching her. Most of them looked shocked, many were crying. Ordell had been their last hope to take back their home, the best chance at saving magic, and he had just died. Saving her and leaving only one choice. One option to save the Realms. The Laylotee would have to die.