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Read this file after completing "Command Sanctum"

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Most powerful army my ass! he said to himself. All resistance against him had failed. His enemies had fallen before him. The final defenses of the fortress had been broken.

Alone in the Scourges war room he is free to look around and gather information on the secret plans for the Scourges future.

He sat down in one of the chairs surrounding the round table and skims through one of the three tomes he had recovered containing the information that could prove beneficial to the people of the land. These books contained secrets of the Scourge that Iconoclast could use against its enemy. Yet they also contained his secret. He scanned each page searching for references to his name and his betrayal, tore them out, and stuffed them into the pockets of his trench coat. He would destroy them later. There was no way he would allow the people of the land to know such a terrible truth. People depended on him to help turn the tide of the battle. To know he was once one of the enemy would destroy his reputation.

As for the diary of his beloved...that was another matter. Though its pages contained entries detailing her time in the Scourge and her relationship with him, he would not desecrate it in any way. Yet it would be for his eyes only.

The journal he recovered from the head jailers room contained information and updates on the prisoners. Though he had found evidence of executions in the torture room, none of them were anyone he had known. Yet their deaths were added to the long list of lives he had failed. Lives on his conscience.

The book he found in the nearby bedroom was the journal of his former friend Janus. Skimming through it sent his memory back in time to when he was still a soldier in training. Janus wrote frequently of his deceased wife and unborn child, his bitterness over being falsely condemned for their deaths, his ostracization from society despite all his good deeds and charity donations, his life debt to Garibaldi for saving him from execution the night he would have been put to death, and the irony of now training alongside the true killer of his family. Up until the evening of Katrinas own execution, Janus spoke highly and fondly of Logan as his friend. Following Garibaldis death, Janus now wrote hatefully about him, the final entry contained a chilling threat. And there was no information leading to the identity of who the killer was.

One fact was certain: the Scourge had planted a spy in Iconoclast and he was the one responsible for the death of Janus beloved wife who carried his child. Whether the baby was a boy or a girl, Janus would never know.

What kind of children would he and Katrina have had if they did marry? He would never know either.

After ten minutes of skimming and tearing, he stuffed the books back into his trench coat and arose from the chair. He studied the map posted on the board behind him. To his horror it is a map of Earth. Why would the Scourge have a map of Earth? As he studied the map looking for information, he found several drawn circles of red ink around major cities including London, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, New York, Washington D.C, and many more. His heart skipped a beat. Were they planning on resuming their attack on Earth once they were done with this land? What would they use for a vessel to traverse the dimensional rift now that they had Raven Dark and his magic?

Would Janus really help lead the attack on Paris, his former home city. The very city that had branded him a killer? How would they react to know he was still alive and bent on revenge? His bitterness had destroyed all compassion and humanity within him by now.

And had Katrina been alive, she would have been horrified to learn that her home city of London was also a target. Her family would surely be slaughtered without mercy in retribution for her defiance. He gritted his teeth in determination. No way would he allow that to happen! He swore on Katrinas blood.

Satisfied that he had gathered all the information he needed on the war plans, Logan decided to move on. At the far north end of the war room, twin staircases lead to a balcony from which twinkling colors of red, blue, yellow, black, and gray caught his eye. Could it be?

He ran up one of the staircases and found what he had expected. What he was searching for: the Sword of Darkness and its elemental bretheren.

At last! Now he could recover the Sword of Darkness! Although Raven Dark had already been revivified, its recovery would prevent the Scourge from doing anymore damage. He felt a great relief warm his blood.

He reached for the hilt of the obsidian blade itself. Unlike back at Lord Dravens mansion this would not be an illusion created by magic.

Hey! Get away from there traitor! came a shout behind him. Although it had startled him he would not allow himself to show himself exposing weakness to an enemy. He turned his head to see none other than the one woman he hated more than any other in his whole life.

Bellatrix! he hisses.

If you think you can just waltz in here and steal what we worked so hard to reclaim, think again! she said coming to a stop several yards away.

Its not stealing when it has already been stolen from its rightful place and those who were charged with protecting them. He spun on his heels to face her, ready for anything. If anything, you and the Scourge are the thieves! I merely intend to recover such powerful weapons before you do anymore harm to this land and its people!

Hark whos talking! said Bellatrix with a mocking tone. Need I remind you whose fault it is that we are trapped in this world? And who delivered the Sword of Darkness into our hands?

The Scourge gave me no choice! They threatened innocent lives and Ive got too much blood on my hands already as it is!

And what about the threat of revealing your secret? When Logan failed to find the words to reply, she snickered. Some hero you are Logan! You care more for yourself and your own selfish agenda more than anyone! Typical man!

Hearing her accusing words reminded Logan of his confrontation with Garibaldi in the throne room of his castle two months ago. Garibaldi had accused him of fighting only for his own desire for revenge. In a way it was true. It had started out as a mission of vengeance. Yet Logan had found that there was more worth fighting for than just revenge for Katrinas death. It was also about justice. Thousands of people had been killed. The human race was becoming a victim of genocide. Who knew just how many had already been killed in this realm during the war? Yet if he succeeded, many more would be saved. Not another innocent life would be lost.

This is not just about myself and my own agenda Bellatrix! he said. Maybe thats the way it did start out as. Bellatrix crossed her arms with a smile of triumph at this statement. But things changed when I realized I had much more to fight for, including justice for all those who had died! For all whose lives were under threat! For all who lost loved ones! So dont you dare call me selfish Bellatrix! If anybody was being selfish it was Garibaldi!

Bellatrixs face becomes a mask of anger. You dare speak ill of our benevolent founder!

Benevolent? He shouts incredulously. He was trying to wipe out the human race!

As it was. Bellatrix is now circling him like a ravenous wolf moving in for the kill. He followed her gaze preparing for any sneak attack. We were to establish a new order over the remnants of humanity! Our path was clear. And then you had to betray us and murder Garibaldi!

I didnt kill Garibaldi. Raven Dark spilled the blood of his own disciple.
He expected Bellatrix to lash out at him, outraged that he would dare insult Garibaldis memory by denying his crime when the reality was he was telling the truth. But instead to his surprise her face softens as her lips curve into a sly smile.

How ironic! After all those soldiers you killed, all you went through, all you have struggled for...all for naught! For in the end you were ultimately denied your vengeance!

Still, it if was any consolation, justice was done that day. We cant always get what we want. Sometimes cruel fate has other plans. You and the others taught me that the night she died.

Her chuckles taunted him as she stands before him once more. Still cant move on I see. That innkeepers daughter is living proof of your inability to let go of her memory. Literally, figuratively, and really!

Logan feels his anger grow towards her mocking of Katrinas memory. Were just friends.

At least until she finds out your secret. Katrina was one of us, she contemptuously spat out the name, and she didnt care. Now this other woman  

Her name is Agnes!

Very well then. Agnes has no knowledge of your past. Once she finds out shell never trust you again much less even look at you or even speak to you. Nobody will. Men are such masters of deception. Theyll do anything to either gain a womans favor or further their own selfish ambitions. You act like a brave man Logan but deep down youre just another coward who will do anything to ensure such secrets are buried forever.

I am not a coward! Logan snarled. Unlike the rest of you! You call yourselves the most powerful army in history, but all you do is kill innocent civilians who cannot fight back!

I wouldnt say that Mr. Logan. Innocent is hardly the right word to describe the human heart. We have much to learn about the misdeeds and crimes of humanity through history but experience is the best teacher. Many of us in the Scourge signed on because of what weve endured and suffered from our own kind. Some of us struggled in vain to make something of ourselves and could only do so by joining the Scourge. Especially for the women!

Logan knew that of all the women in the Scourge who were embittered by their experiences of chauvinism in a male-dominated society, none were more so hardened than Bellatrix herself. Her hatred and contempt for all men was known throughout the Scourge.

Its a shame you were not born in this world, he said. For women are not as restricted by societys rules and customs as much as they are back home on Earth. I know one such woman in particular and she could win a gold medal in the Javelin throw at the Olympics.

Bellatrix arches an eyebrow. You talking about that female guard? The one we took prisoner but who ultimately escaped with help from that watchman? How pathetic, still needing a man in order to rescue and protect her! He deserved the torture and beating we put him through. And I took great pleasure in my role through it all seeing as how I was appointed the new torturer after he and his female friend killed the previous one in the town square that evening.

I wouldnt want to be in your shoes if she found out. He wanted to glance back to see any signs of her but doing so would leave him vulnerable to attack. And as for for the situation on Earth, hopefully things will change without the need for mass genocide, especially for the women. I would have no problem with that.

He expected Bellatrix to soften after speaking that statement, to hear that he does not share the same beliefs as many men. But if there was a sign of her doing so she would not reveal it.

What was it Garibaldi taught us? We alone control our own fate! I do not regret signing on with the Scourge. All the women with whom I trained side by side were like sisters to me. The sisters that I never had when all life gave me were brothers. Brothers who unlike their sister were allowed to work a larger variety of jobs, vote, or even choose their own spouse. Together with my father, they all deserved the bullets I put in their brains. No point shooting them through the heart when they did not even have one!

What? Logan said in a voice above a whisper after a moment of shocked silence, taken aback by what she had said.

And my mother was no better. Unlike her daughter she actually accepted her role in life, refusing to take a chance to change her destiny when the opportunity presented itself. I would have shot her in the head rather than the heart, but I dont think it would have made much difference.

To Logan, this was a complete shock. To actually hear of someone slaughtering her entire family just to prove a point was unthinkable. It was one of the most heinous actions anyone could ever have committed. But now youre no different or better than the rest of humanity at its worst! he pointed out.

Like I said, no regrets. Her face is completely devoid of remorse for her past actions. If anything she looked proud of what she had done. Garibaldi offered me the chance society never gave me and I took it! He is the only man that I could truly respect.

Of course he offered you a chance! He saw in you an embittered soul who would have had nothing to show for her life! He empathized with you just like he did for many of us!

How true. In the ranks of the Scourge I found the family I had always wanted. I can forgive the slaughter of my male comrades but certainly not the murders of my fellow sisters-at-arms. Nor can I forgive your role in Garibaldis downfall.
And I certainly will not forgive your role in Katrinas death! Logan retorted.
A role for which I took great pleasure in taking, Bellatrix said with a cruel smile. Of all the women in the Scourge, Katrina was the only woman I could not respect. Even though she was one of the finest female soldiers, she was far too softhearted, just like that female guard.

Her name is Penelope! And her father happens to be captain of the guard!

Whatever! When Katrina chose to side with humanity against us we were not one bit surprised.

Unlike you, she was capable of loving others. Her family. Her friends. Me.

Yet look what happened to her! That bleeding heart of hers brought about her own downfall! That was a lesson some of our comrades learned the hard way before we signed on. There is no place in human society for those with compassion in their heart. We lived in a world where people  especially the men  never suffered us to grow, to find our place, to live the life we want. The strong prey upon the weak. Greed, selfishness, cruelty, evil in general guide the human heart.

Not all people are like that. Katrina was living proof. A rose surrounded by thorns. She did not seek the genocide of humanity as it is, only its salvation. She died for her ideals. And I will not let her sacrifice be in vain!
Bellatrix only shook her head, amused. Is that your one goal in life Mr. Logan? Whats the matter? Got nothing else left to live for but your own vendetta? Well it matters not! When youre gone and weve achieved victory in this world, well finish what we started before your interference. It will be as if you had never been born!

She scratched her chin within one hand as if she is currently pondering an idea in her head. I think London will be the perfect choice for our first attack. Well wipe out the entire population including everyone close to her heart!

You wouldnt! His blood began to boil.

She grinned. Youre welcome to try and stop us but I doubt youll still be alive by then!

Im still alive against all odds!

If I had been in charge you wouldnt even be standing here. I dont know what Revelin was thinking to have you spared.

After all I have accomplished, killing me will not be enough. He wants to undo everything I have worked for, including my hero status.

Bellatrix rolls her eyes in her sockets. I always knew Revelin was an arrogant narcissist but this is just pathetic! Typical man cares only about himself and furthering his own ego; he cannot stand the fact that someone could ever rise above him. I never liked Revelin and many shared my opinion, but I think I speak for rest of the Scourge when I say that I am seriously starting to doubt his ability to command.

Logan smiled. Nice to know Revelin is slowly losing the respect of his troops.

However like many of my comrades I will no longer tolerate his desire to leave you alive. I care not if I am court-martialed for insubordination!

Where is Revelin anyway?

Off with Raven Dark and a large majority of our troops making preparations for our final assault on this world. But very soon youll be in no position to oppose us.

Hundreds of your comrades have fallen before me Bellatrix. Who are you to underestimate me? Already three of Katrinas executioners have died by my hand and youre next!

Bellatrix claps her hands onto her cheeks. My goodness. Lynching a lone woman? You men think youre so tough picking on the so-called weaker sex. How cowardly! Just like Katrina!

Very poor choice of final words Bellatrix. He reached inside his trench coat for the shotgun.

No wonder you two were such a perfect -  But before she could finish, Logan drew his weapon with quick reflexes and fired.

Whoa! Bellatrix shouted as his shot grazed her waist. Logan did not want to kill her too quickly. She had to suffer every second of her final moments before she could die, just as Katrina did. She stared at her injury for a few short seconds before turning to glare at Logan. Hey...thats no way to treat a woman!

Man or woman, Logan shook his head. It matters not! You ally with the Scourge you become my enemy! He quickly reloaded and took aim again, this time at one of her arms to disable her ability to defend herself.

But Bellatrix was ready this time. She pulled out her Tommy Gun and fired a quick burst that knocked his gun out of his hands and over the side of the balcony, leaving him defenseless for the moment. She smiled with cruel gloating triumph. But Logan would not allow himself to be defeated so easily now. Not when he had other weapons to use. And certainly not when the Elemental swords were close by. Perhaps his quartz friend the Sword of Sky, first entrusted to him by Murlock two months ago. The one sword with which he shared the strongest bond. It had saved his life once. One slash and the winds would push Bellatrix backward with enough force to disarm her temporarily, giving him enough time to draw another gun. Or perhaps the Sword of Fire? One slash and Bellatrix would become a living bonfire. As much as he had sympathized with the fate of Fiona in Raven Darks vision, there would be no sympathy for Bellatrix. She would suffer a slow agonizing death from being roasted alive. Those who killed Katrina deserved to die a slow and agonizing death, just as she had.

Never send a man to do what a woman can do just as well! Bellatrix sneered as she took aim again.

Logan made his decision and reached for the Sword of Fire. Just as he closes his hands around its hilt a sudden flash of steel shines in his eyes as a spear flies like an arrow and buries its head inside Bellatrixs left side just in time to ruin her aim as she begins to squeeze the trigger. She fires her weapon into the floor crying out in pain as she struggles to wrench the spear free, a difficult task with only one free hand.

Logan knew that there was only one guard in Iconoclast who could throw a spear like that and immediately deciphered her identity. He never needed to look at her face as a figure clad in steel armor tempered with gold and bronze charges up the stairway. She seizes Bellatrix by her neck with one gauntlet using enough force to disarm her before pinning her against one of the nearby columns. Since she is not wearing her helmet, a bun in the back of her shoulder length blonde hair is revealed further confirming her identity.

You? Bellatrix gasped in shock as her eyes widen in recognition. She coughs still struggling to pull the spear free. Penelope grabs Bellatrixs arm with one free gauntlet covered hand and twists it. Bellatrix cries out in pain as the spears head rotates inside the wound and tearing flesh and muscle. 

Logan can hardly contain his his delight. Not just because Penelopes spirit had recovered but because she was now giving Bellatrix her just deserts in her own way. Her presence was proof that Leoric and other knights had invaded the fortress through the teleportation stones magic.

What did you do to him? Penelope demanded. Though he could not see her face the anger in her voice mirrors whatever emotion she wears as a mask.

Him? asked Bellatrix with a pained gasp. You referring to that watchman? The one you fought to save and who transported you to safety with that magic rock?

Who else? Penelope yells. I saw what you did to him before I was transported to safety!

Pay attention Bellatrix, said Logan. My friend here is about to teach you the true power of feminine strength!

Strength? Bellatrix scoffed. She laughs in amusement while doing her best to ignore the pain in her side. Dont make me laugh! You should have seen how quickly and easily she surrendered when we threatened to blow out the watchmans brains. Such care for her friend brought a powerful warrior low. What could she know about strength?

Then allow me to give you a free lesson! said Penelope as she lifts Bellatrix off her feet and holds her against the column with greater force.

Bellatrix only begins to chuckle in amusement. I knew you cared for him from that evening in the town square. And I overheard that exchange of concern between the two of you for each other on board the ship when we took you both prisoner. The ties that bind us to others can be used against us. My heart is not bound to anyone. Why should you be different?

Because I am a guard, said Penelope. It is my duty to protect my kingdom and its people, especially when one of those people is someone close to my heart!
So it is true! She does deep down love Albrecht despite her denials.

Ha! Bellatrix laughs. A powerful and skilled warrior such as yourself who still has someone to protect her. How pathetic! All you could do as you were being transported to safety was watch helplessly as we began giving him his rightfully deserved punishment, a moment in which I relished every moment of my participation. Some guard you are! In response, Penelope  with an enraged cry  slammed the back of Bellatrixs entire body against the stone column with enough force to crack the stone and send chips falling to the floor.

I think you struck a nerve Bellatrix, said Logan. He could tell because too often the Scourge had struck one with him whenever they spoke ill of Katrina.
But Bellatrix wasnt done mocking Penelope. If either one of us is stronger it is me! I have no one to protect nor do I rely on a man to protect me! Nothing to tie me down. Nothing to hold me back.

You know nothing of love Bellatrix.

Sentimentality means nothing to me! said Bellatrix.

That is because you have a heart of stone! Penelope hisses.

Well said!

Exactly, said Bellatrix with a grin. The heart is said to be the most vulnerable part of the body so I have taken all precautions to ensure no weakness! You on the other hand have not done so. Its easy to understand why you surrendered when we threatened the watchman. So dont bother teaching me anything about feminine strength because you know nothing!

Penelope holds her tight against the pillar. My heart gives me strength, she says with a voice as unforgiving as ice and fierce as a raging inferno,  as do the people I care for. I love my kingdom and I would risk my life for it. Thats what my duty demands of me!

How sad, Bellatrix mockingly shakes her head. I feel no pity for a softhearted weakling like you. Do yourself a favor and put something on that bleeding heart before it kills you. Because one day your compassion will be the death of you!
Im no weakling! Penelope gives her spear a final thrust further into 
Bellatrixs side as if to prove her point. And as for my bleeding heart... She pulls out her spear revealing a head covered with blood and shoves Bellatrix aside. That is a risk I am willing to take! she says as Bellatrix crashes into an adjacent pillar before falling backwards.

Bellatrix slowly rolls onto her front and pushes herself up, blood dripped out of her nose forming two tiny crimson spots on the floor. Judging from the look of anger on her face her desire to mock and ridicule Penelope is gone. Now there was nothing but the desire to lash out and kill. Doing her best to ignore the pain coming from her wounded side she rises to her feet with a hand clenched into a fist and rushes forwards with a roar of rage. Seeing that the rest of her opponents body is covered in armor Bellatrix swings a fierce punch at Penelopes unprotected face. But Penelope is prepared to defend herself and grabs Bellatrixs arm before the blow can connect. She forces the arm backward and is rewarded by her strength by a cry of pain from the lips of her opponent. Next she retaliates with a headbutt powerful enough to send Bellatrix staggering back several steps. Dazed yet still determined, Bellatrix lashes out with another fist but Penelopes training pays off as she easily dodges the attack.

Your strength  whatever little of it you have   has failed you, she said seizing Bellatrixs arms to halt her punches. Bellatrix frantically tries to break free but her efforts are futile as Penelopes grip is as strong as steel. You depend on your weapon to do all the work for you. But not me. The force of my weapon depends on the strength I put  behind each attack. Logan can only watch with fascination at her strength and amusement at Bellatrixs imminent and inevitable defeat in hand to hand combat with the female guard.

Penelope pulls the arms of her opponent down and back with enough power to force Bellatrix down towards the floor. At that instant she raises one knee at the right time and angle to meet the skull of her opponent. The connection with a knee covered in steel armor and an unprotected head was powerful enough to send Bellatrix reeling. She finally stumbles and falls several feet away from Logan. Unfortunately its also close enough to her fallen weapon. Her eyes fall upon the Tommy Gun where it lay after it was forced from her grip. Gritting her teeth and struggling to ignore her pain she crawls towards her weapon and clutches it with one hand.

Poor strategy lady knight, she chuckles as she rises to her feet.

Logan doubted whether Penelopes armor could protect her from bullets as it could fists. Now was the time to interfere and act. Just as he once more closed his hand around the hilt of the Sword of Fire, the corner of his vision witnessed a narrow transparent blue beam of light that struck one of Bellatrixs arms.

Hey, what the? Bellatrix shouted in surprise. Logan could only watch in astonishment as the arm transmogrifies into crystal. She starts to turn her body to face her attacker and prepare to retaliate with a stream of bullets just as another blue beam touches one of her legs and crystallizes it to match her arm. With one of her legs transformed into crystal, Bellatrix movement is locked as she is partially paralyzed. Logan found himself unable to hold back a snicker at the sight of Bellatrix facing away from Penelope with her gun aimed at nobody in particular. A sound similar to that of shattered glass is heard as a large crack suddenly forms at the top of her crystallized leg. This was due to the pressure put upon it by the the weight of her body in the brief moments of standing on one leg to rotate and face the one who cursed her. Sunned horror replaces her rage at the sound as she quickly puts her other leg down. 

Logan had witnessed such power happen in one of Murlocks visions of history two months ago. He already knew which sword was capable of this. He turned his gaze in the direction where the beam came from and found himself staring at the Sword of Water, clutched by the hands of figure clad in a cloak of the Scourge. The stranger pulls back the hood revealing the face of none other than Minerva herself.

Your highness! Penelope gasps. Why are you here? In your condition you should be not putting yourself in a potentially perilous situation!

Well what did you expect? asked Minerva as she lowers her fathers sword.  Edward risked his life helping Logan free me two months ago. Now I must return the favor. Love can motivate us to take such risks for those close to our heart.

A lesson Logan has already taught me, said Penelope. Logan found himself beaming with pride that Penelope had taken his advice to heart.

Well Bellatrix, said Logan, it seems I have another friend who can also teach you a thing or two about feminine strength!

He saw that Bellatrixs crystallized arm has the fingers that touch the trigger of her gun. With her other hand she attempts to free her crystal appendages but in the process she only ends up breaking off the finger put to the trigger. A gasp of terror is placed over her face as the broken crystal finger falls to the floor and shatters into pieces. 

Logan watches it all with grim amusement. So much for diamonds being a girls best friend! he said.

Thats not diamond, said Minerva.

Exactly! Logan grinned as he holds up one index finger. Gazing upon the partially crystallized form of Bellatrix, he found himself thinking back to when Minerva herself had been under the spell cast by the Sword of Water, cursed by Garibaldi. Yet back then her entire body had been crystallized. On the other hand Bellatrix is only partially cursed. She retains all feeling, sense, and awareness of what has happened to her, manifesting as fear.

I must admit she has never looked better, said Penelope. But there is always room for improvement. She wrenches the Tommy Gun out of Bellatrixs grasp with such force that her crystal arm breaks off at the elbow with an ear-piercing shatter. Bellatrix screams in anguish at the sight of her torn arm stump, yet Logan wondered if it was a cry of pain or shock at having one of her limbs ripped from her body. Could she even feel pain in flesh that had become crystal? 

I guess you could say she disarmed you! Logan snickered.

As she tossed the arm back over her shoulder Penelope stomps on the ankle of Bellatrixs crystallized leg with enough power to completely sever the foot.
And thats a defeat! Logan said laughing in spite of the situation. Bellatrix was getting her just reward, a fitting punishment for her role in Katrinas death.
Logan senses movement at his side. He turns his head to see Leoric arriving at the top of the balcony overlooking the war room. The captain watches with a proud smile as his only child dominates her opponent in this unusual form of hand-to-hand combat.

With one foot detached Bellatrix is no longer able to stand fully erect. Even frantically waving her arms about to maintain her balance isnt enough to stop her from swaggering back and forth. Finally Penelope delivers a fierce kick to the crystal shin. The blow is so powerful it tears off Bellatrixs lower leg. With only one leg to stand upon she desperately hops backwards on her one foot to escape Penelopes wrath. Through it all she is shrieking with fear as she gazes upon the two jagged stumps. No blood has begun to flow or drip. Was it due to the curse?

Finally Penelope picks up Bellatrixs crystal lower leg from off the floor. Wielding the same power and accuracy when she throws a spear she hurls the crystallized appendage at her enemy. The force of of the weird missile hitting it target is enough to knock the female Scourge soldier off balance. With final scream Bellatrix topples backwards like a fallen tree with her back slumping against the column behind her. With only one arm and leg she will be unable to pull herself up again. Even if she does survive what is to come she would be severely and permanently disabled. Bellatrixs pained moans of defeat are music to the ears of Logan and Penelope judging from the smile on the victorious guards face.

So much for strength Bellatrix.

Minerva once more holds up the Sword of Water aiming its sapphire blade towards the broken stumps of Bellatrixs arm and leg. Crystal returns to flesh and blood as the curse if undone. The torn stumps reveal gruesome wounds from which blood begins to flow in rivers. Pools of the precious crimson life fluid begin to form and gradually spread. Some of the blood stains her cloak. Logan could already tell from looking upon Bellatrixs broken and bloody form that she is a goner. All she could do was groan in agony while gazing upon her grievous injuries.

Four down and only Revelin to go!

Father? Penelope has turned away from her defeated opponent only to find the surprise of her sole surviving parent behind her.

Leorics face is aglow with pride. That will do Penelope.

Penelope and her father stand face to face before sharing a tender embrace. Logan envied her. After all his own father had never hugged him like that or at all!

I have waited too long for a moment like this! said Penelope joyfully.

It makes me so proud to see how strong a warrior you have become, Leoric said.

Ahem! Logan cleared his throat. I dont mean to interrupt but shouldnt you two help the others who may have arrived?

Quite correct, said Leoric releasing Penelope. Penelope however maintains her embrace. Obviously she is filled with joy at finally having truly gained the respect of her father and him showing it in the form of a fathers love. I did not actually expect my daughter to join us but she has far exceeded my expectations. She has grown much in so short a time.

Minerva pulls the hook of the Scourge cloak back over her head. Let us reclaim the elemental swords and the dark blade. We can use their power to turn the tide against the remaining Scourge soldiers stationed in this fortress.

I wouldnt miss it for the realm, said Leoric. Imagine seeing the looks on the faces of those soldiers when the power they have stolen will now be turned against them. Penelope you can let go now. Your comrades need you and their captain.

Sorry father, said Penelope finally releasing him. This is the first time in my whole life that I finally feel like I have earned your love.

Father and daughter each claim two of the four remaining swords.

You go on ahead Logan, said Leoric as he, Penelope, and Minerva walk down one of the ramps leading back to the War Room. Well be rejoining you momentarily once the battle is done. I doubt our enemies will surrender even with the odds against them.

Logan nodded as he watched them climb down the stairs towards the floor below. Finally he turned to look upon his fallen female enemy once more. Incredibly in spite of her injuries and the blood she has lost she is still alive. Looking down upon his enemy Logan felt satisfied that she had been justly punished for what she had done to Katrina. Penelope had also exacted her own brand of vengeance against Bellatrix for what she had done to Albrecht. Two wrongs had now been made right, like killing two birds with one stone.

Yet simultaneously he felt something he had never felt before with any of his fallen enemies after playing the part of their judge, jury, and executioner. He felt all the elation of each kill. However, with Bellatrix his joy was tainted with a tinge of melancholy. Here was a woman who had grown up in a world where she was denied all rights simply because she was not a man. Embittered and hardened by the lack of encouragement and support from her family and her predetermined role in society. Given a chance to make something of herself she had ultimately chosen to exact revenge against her society until finally a woman who was her exact opposite had brought about her end. Though he had killed female Scourge soldiers without a second thought he now found himself sympathizing and empathizing with Bellatrix.

Unlike Katrina, Bellatrix would die alone. No one would hold her broken body as whatever little life she has left within her escapes. Never having known love having chosen a life full of hatred. Now her life was ending in the most miserable way. A fitting end for the choices she had made in life and her misdeeds.
As his approaching shadow falls upon her bleeding broken body she slowly lifts her head. If looks could kill he would be a dead man. Once the deadliest and most elite woman of all the female soldiers on the Scourge now all she could do was glare up at him with a look of pure hatred.

You deserved a better life than the one you were born into, he said. Still you must suffer every second of your final moments as she did before you have my permission to die.

I will not accept this! Bellatrix hisses. The anger in her voice is clear yet her voice is growing soft as if she no longer has the strength to raise her voice. This is not how my new life was supposed to turn out!

Looks like karma and cruel fate arent giving you any choice. He shook his head.

Garibaldi gave me the power to change the course my life had taken. The men of todays society never gave me that choice. They could not accept the fact that women like me could forge our own path! At least Garibaldi was not so rigid! She reaches into her cloak with her one remaining hand. She pulls it out revealing a small pistol in her grasp. But if I am to die it will be on my own terms and not yours!

Logan had only begun to reach into his trench coat for another weapon to defend himself only to hesitate once he realized Bellatrixs intentions.

Just as you were denied your vengeance against Garibaldi so too shall I rob you of the satisfaction of seeing me suffer a slow agonizing death as Katrina did. A slight cruel smile appears on her lips.

His blood begins to boil. Thats taking the cowards way out Bellatrix! Katrina endured every moment leading up to her death as only someone with strength and courage could! You shoot yourself youll only prove who the true weakling is!
Normally I would take you down with me Logan but I dont think even mercy would really matter. You wont get much farther anyway. At least I die knowing that Janus will avenge me.

Janus! Even in spite of his disgust at Bellatrix, Logan felt dread at the reality that he would have to eventually confront his former friend.

In the end...the final victory will belong to the Scourge! Bellatrix taunts him. And to think it would not have been possible without you Logan! She sneers as she turns the gun towards herself. Some 'hero' you turned out to be! She continues to chuckle mockingly as she puts the pistol into her mouth and squeezes the trigger.

Logan is so disgusted that he cannot bring himself to watch her final moment. He tightly shuts his eyes and turns his head away with clenched teeth just as he hears the single bang. For two seconds there is silence until finally the sound of a clatter is heard upon the stone floor. He opens his eyes and gazes once more upon the lifeless corpse of Bellatrix. Her mouth is twisted in a cruel grotesque grin. Even in death she continues to taunt him knowing that she has successfully cheated him out of the satisfaction that comes with vengeance. Blood drips out between her lips onto her cloak. The space of the column where her head had rested is splattered with blood. The pistol used to end her life is lying at her side.
He shook his head. Coward! he muttered. You took the easy way out! He felt robbed. There was no joy in this death, only fury at her weakness. If enduring the agony of their final moments was a contest then Katrina had won, the sole victory she held over her arch-rival. Bellatrix had surrendered where Katrina had bravely fought on. Bellatrix had always thought of her as a weakling, but in the end her final act proved otherwise.

He sucked up as much saliva from his mouth as he could muster and spat into her face.

In the end...the final victory will belong to the Scourge. Her final taunt echoed in his mind. And to think it would not have been possible without you Logan! Some 'hero' you turned out to be!

He shook his head in anger. The war is not over yet Bellatrix. Only a fool like you would celebrate victory before the battle ends!

Still doubts begin to tug at him. In a way she was telling the truth. Because of him, Raven Dark once more walked among humanity. Who knew what the dark sorcerers plans were for humanity? What would happen if he reunited with the Sword of Judgment? Would all life in this realm be exterminated? Logan clenched his hands tightly. He swore to himself that he would not allow it to happen! He would not falter now.

As for Janus? As uneasy as he felt about the upcoming confrontation with his former friend, Logan decided that he would deal with the troll when he crossed that bridge.

Remembering his shotgun that had fallen over the balcony after it was shot out of his grip by Bellatrix, Logan walked back down to the floor below to retrieve it. Then he approached the twin doors beyond the pillars. But not before he gave one final contemptuous glance in the direction of Bellatrixs corpse.

Rot in hell bitch! Not even death will not end your torment. Its only just begun!

He opened the doors and stepped out into the open air. He found himself standing atop some stairs leading down to a stone statue of a demonic creature upon a raised stone platform. The platform is surrounded by three more sets of stairs and four small plots of from which grew bushes and small pine trees. The area is surrounded by a ring of stone pillars. A portrait of a familiar man faces him above a stone plaque.

Could it be? He asked himself as he descended down the stairs. No, it's can't be! Garibaldi!

Sure enough on the plaque are etched:

In Memory of Garibaldi, Our Founder

What is this place? he asked himself. He climbed up the stairs behind the platform to see before him a massive gazebo-like structure surrounded by more pillars which border the perimeter of the courtyard. Stone statues of gargoyles stand atop the smaller pillars. Larger columns support a great bronze lintel that joins them all together with those surrounding the statue of the demon by the doors he entered. Orange tapestries with a golden horse and gray tapestries with a silver lion are hung from the bottom the the lintel surrounding the courtyard. More small gardens decorate the area adding a small sense of beauty to the dismal atmosphere.

As he stepped into the gazebo he saw pictures of religious figures hanging from the walls between each of the four archways leading inside. The center of the structure had an open rood exposing the dusk sky above. In the very middle of the gazebo squatted a small raised platform. What looked like a coffin sits upon it. Two funereal wreaths surround the coffin. Logan could already guess who was lying within it.

Now he understood. The Scourge had transformed this courtyard into the final resting place of Garibaldi, their founder laid to rest for all eternity. A memorial, one suited to a man they all held in high regard, something much of the rest of this world would not give. Were the circumstances surrounding his death be any different Garibaldi would have been proud.

I knew you would come Logan, It was a voice Logan dreaded to hear. Their encounter was inevitable yet he found himself uncertain of the outcome. And that you would dare breach the sanctity of these grounds and sully the memory of Garibaldi with your presence.

He turned to face present company and found himself staring at man leaning against a wall underneath the arch of the gazebo several yards away. A man he once knew as his closest friend. A friend now turned enemy.

No gun Logan? asked Janus as he pushed himself away from the wall. Did I not warn you to shoot first at our next meeting? Are you that eager to die?

And you? asked Logan. Where is your gun? Was that an empty threat outside Arcanius castle?

Not quite, said Janus. I do not want you to die too quickly as the rest of the Scourge  save Revelin  desire. He shook his head. No. That would not be enough. Too humane.

Then what do you want? asked Logan.

What I wanted in life was to be a husband and father. Yet cruel fate stole away  everything that brought me joy previously in life before the Scourge. Like so many who signed on, only a desire for revenge kept me going. Since I cannot exact my revenge upon the one responsible for my plight without betraying the Scourge, I will have to console myself by exacting the Scourges vengeance upon you. But merely killing you with a bullet to your heart will not be enough. No. You wont understand anything. I want you to suffer for what you have done, every second of your final moments.

And what did you have in mind for me?

Master Raven Dark has bestowed great power upon me for the task of eliminating you. Power that he once shared with Garibaldi. And it cost me nothing in return!

Certainly not your soul since you sold it in service to Garibaldis crusade.
Janus smiled. You should have seen Revelin when I was granted power by Raven Dark. He was hoping he would receive Raven Darks blessing as he is the self-proclaimed finest of the Scourge. But when he was denied he threw quite the tantrum! Some of us had a good laugh at his expense and bruised ego! I knew you would if you had been there.

Logan grinned. Certainly. I am most disappointed to have missed it!

But now the time for final pleasantries between us has gone, said Janus as his smile changes into a frown as his eyebrows furrow. He begins to step back several more yards. The resistance of this world ends now! Logan can only watch as Janus is engulfed in a shining halo of ruby light which completely overwhelms him.

Janus stop! Logan cried. I dont want to fight you!

Janus only chuckles. Through the light, Logan can only watch as the human body of his former friend begins to change shape into something less human. His voice also changes to match what he is becoming, a voice that sounds like it belongs to the devil himself. You dont have to Logan. Just stand there and accept your end with dignity. It may be less painful for you. Finally the ruby light disappears revealing a skeletal minotaur-like creature standing three times the height of a man. It was the same creature Logan had fought two months earlier in his confrontation with Garibaldi. The same creature molded in stone at the entrance to this courtyard. Had this been his first encounter with such a monstrosity Logan would have been petrified with terror at the sight before him. 

Gaze upon what I have become Logan and understand the futility of continued resistance against the Scourge and the power of our new master! It will be the last thing you see!

At that moment the sound of break rock is heard as several of the gargoyle statues shatter to reveal the creatures themselves in the flesh. Judging from their roars they sound eager to join with Janus and do their part in ending the life of the greatest hero this world had ever known.

Embrace death Logan, said the demon that had formerly been Janus. For soon you will be reunited with Katrina, only to see the look of crushed disappointment upon her face when she learns that not only have you have failed but that you ultimately ensured our triumph!

From the fight two months ago Logan understood the power this creature was capable of. As much as he did not want to fight his former friend, Logan knew that too much depended on him. He remembered his promise to Katrina. He could not and would not let her down. There was no way he would surrender now! This was no time for a hero to be sentimental! 

The demon laughs as it slowly advances towards him. Parting is such sweet sorrow, isnt it Logan?

I do not want to fight you Janus, Logan said as he readied his weapons for battle to defend himself from the descending gargoyles and the advancing demon, but I will if I must!

This was no time for a hero to become sentimental!