The massive gathering (IV)

Like a streaking comet, a white orb zipped in front of him and created a magical light force field. Protecting him from their fiery wrath, it pushed the shadow men away. The impaled black shadow disappeared into the light as it let out one last shriek of pain. One of them clawed viciously at the barrier, and the other swung its bat, trying to break through. A powerful fluctuating energy spike blasted outwards, pushing them further and further back. They stumbled and fell.

"Noooooooooo! You are mine!" the fat man roared furiously.

The orb burst into fiery blueish-white flames, enforcing the shield. Whenever they touched it, it burned right through their skin.

Donnnnnnng!

A wave of energy rippled outward. An old antique bell rang as it welcomed its people home. Its loud ancient sound reminded him of the old clock tower in London, Big Ben. It disintegrated the shadow men as they screamed out in painful anguish. Their voices sounded of tortured souls. Their bodies had begun to expand in size as shapes of trapped souls screamed and stretched the body like elastic.

They exploded as souls escaped from their bodies and disappeared completely. Zero sighed with relief, grateful the bell had ended this nightmare.

Doooonnnnnong!

The flickering flames of the orb's fire died down, becoming smaller and smaller. It wavered and waned, descending into his upturned hands and melting into his heart. He felt a warm wave move through him as life returned slowly back into his hands and body. His skin glowed golden and his pain ebbed. Speechless and grateful, he stood up.

But his task was not done. He noticed a small body lying on the ground in a fetal position.

"Sol!"

Zero ran towards him and placed Sol's head in his lap. His body felt lifeless, his skin ashen. Did I fail again, just like I failed Pat? And with someone so young this time?

Eyes flickering open, Sol smiled.

"Zero. I'm so c-c-o-old." Sol's blue lips trembled.

"Stay with me, kid. We're almost there," said Zero as he tapped Sol's cheeks to keep him awake. "Your father is waiting." Zero slung him onto his back. His legs trembled as he stood up. Sol was a lot heavier than he looked. Jogging towards the warmth of the light, he could feel Sol's life draining.

"Come on, Sol. Stay with me!" Zero shouted.

Zero picked up his pace, but Sol's weight slowed him down. He didn't have enough stamina for a full-out sprint. The upward run of the stairs felt endless. But with each step, he felt a pulsating warmth that filled his body. He felt his strength and life gradually replenished as he rushed up the stairs.

Dooonnnnnnnng!

They reached the top of the stairs, and the sweet ringing of the bells welcomed them home. Warmth filled him bone-deep as he collapsed onto the ground, out of breath.

"We are finally here," he gasped as he rolled Sol over to lie on the ground.

Doooooooonnnnnng!

Color began to return to Sol's face, and his eyes flickered.

"Zero." Sol grinned from ear to ear.

"Welcome back, buddy. How do you feel?" Zero's hand rested on his shoulder.

"Hungry." Sol's stomach grumbled. Zero laughed jubilantly.

"Don't worry. You won't be anymore." Zero winked at Sol and helped him to his feet.

Children and teens held hands in a circle around the large column of light. They sang and danced with pure joy. One by one, the children entered into the dazzling light, which melted into their bodies until they disappeared. The light itself exuded blissful laughter. A blast of powerful warm light pulsated outwards. Zero shielded his eyes. A stream of aurora appeared and spread across the black sky. Its illuminating lights danced and twirled around the pillar of light, creating a lotus flower design.

The lost, ashen-faced people that were walking like zombies turned their heads towards the pulsating light. Washing away their doubts, they too began their journey towards the light.

"I think I see my dad," said Sol excitedly, pointing to the pillar of light. "He has a new toy ship for me!" Sol beamed widely, his teeth pearly white, and he jumped up and down from excitement. He was ready to bolt towards his father.

"Thanks, Zero." Sol gave him the biggest bear hug that he could muster. With a heartwarming smile, he let go and ran into the blinding light.

"Dad!" Sol yelled in happiness as his voice faded.

Sol was the last kid to enter into the column of light. Zero now stood alone.

You have completed the quest.

A new title is given."Beacon of hope."

+ 7% in increase to immunity to dark magic.

+ 7% increase to light magic skills.

+ Shadowy dark apparitions are wary around you.

+ Lost souls will appear before you and ask for help.

+ A soft glow of light surrounds your body. It becomes a sign of hope to lost souls in death.

A new skill has been learned.

"The Last Stand."

He had leveled up significantly in death. He wondered if they would cross over into his resurrection.

"Identify the Last Stand."

The Last Stand. (Automatic)

When your life drops close to zero, with one last burst of strength you may call your personal shield of light to protect you in its warmth. Life and mana recovery is increased by 5% for duration of five minutes. Useable in all forms.

Ding!

Special Dove Message:

You have been granted by the god of Infinity to be able to resurrect this once for the good that you have done for the lost souls. Notoriety will stay the same. All debts must be paid off, or the next time you will not be able to be reborn.

"Not bad." Zero dismissed the messages on his screen. Zero looked into the column of light. In its center, there was a double-helix of brighter light, like a strand of DNA.

"Here goes." Zero held his breath as he entered. This time he welcomed the blazing light that erupted in his face.