Alpha Instinct-Chapter 54: "Mikaela’s Duality"

Without thinking, without hesitation, Leonard ran to Mikaela and hugged her. A tight, desperate hug, a mixture of gratitude, relief, and the visceral need for human connection. He buried his face in her shoulder, the armor, previously a symbol of distance, now a point of support.

Mikaela, for an instant, seemed surprised. But then, her arms wrapped around Leonard, a firm, protective hug. There was no hesitation, no awkwardness. Just a comforting warmth, a silent acceptance.

"Shhh, child," she murmured, her voice thick with unexpected emotion. Her gloved hand stroked Leonard’s wet hair, a maternal gesture, despite the small age difference between them. The paladin’s aura, the unwavering serenity, gave way to something softer, more human. A protection that transcended the physical, that touched the soul. It was as if, in that hug, she absorbed part of his pain, offering in return a safe haven.

"You need to get out of the rain, child," Mikaela said, her voice firm but gentle, after a long moment of silence. "Come. Let’s find a dry place."

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As they were leaving the Mount Lichtwelt. Leonard positioned himself slightly in front of her, just enough to look into Mikaela’s eyes. The rain, although persistent, seemed less intense, as if even the storm was giving a truce.

"By the way, Mikaela," he began, his voice still hoarse but firm, "how do you know who I am?"

A smile, minimal but genuine, appeared on the paladin’s lips. "Please, ’madam’ makes me feel old," she replied, with an unexpected lightness. "Everyone calls me Saint, Crusader... or simply Mikaela. But I’m only 32 years old, so..." The smile widened, a mischievous glint in her clear amber eyes.

Leonard, despite the sadness, felt a subtle warmth spread through his chest. That smile... it was contagious.

"Alright," he conceded, a hesitant half-smile appearing on his own lips. "But... could you tell me?"

The lightness disappeared from Mikaela’s face, replaced by a thoughtful seriousness. "Many in the higher echelons of the Church already know about you, Leonard. After all, the king is hunting you in the shadows."

She emphasized the word "is," as if to make it clear that the hunt was not such a well-kept secret. "And as a paladin of the Light... and a friend of Roland’s... I couldn’t let anything happen to you."

"Roland... did he talk to you? Before...?" The question came out hoarse, difficult to formulate.

"No," Mikaela answered, gentle but direct. "It was Evelyn. She was in Lumeria and asked me to take care of you... and to take care of Roland, using my authority here at Mount Lichtwelt."

The rain, now very fine and weak, accompanied Mikaela and Leonard’s footsteps through the maze of gardens at Mount Lichtwelt.

The night, dense and dark, enveloped the cemetery in a heavy silence, broken only by the rustling of the wet roses and the distant sound of thunder coming from the horizon.

Mikaela, with the certainty of someone who knows every path and every tombstone, guided the way. Leonard followed her closely, his senses alert, his heart pounding in his chest.

After a few minutes, Mikaela stopped in front of an imposing mausoleum, adorned with sculptures of weeping angels. Without saying a word, she circled the structure, locating a hidden door, almost imperceptible amidst the dark stone and moss.

"A secret passage of the church," she explained, her voice low, almost a whisper. "It leads outside the walls."

With a silent effort, Mikaela opened the door. She injected a considerable amount of energy into some sacred symbols carved into the door. A narrow and steep staircase was revealed, disappearing into the darkness. A strong smell of damp earth and mold emanated from the hole.

They descended cautiously, the darkness embracing them. The only light came from the entrance, which diminished rapidly as they advanced. Mikaela, guiding the way, seemed not to need light, her steps firm and sure.

"Be careful, child," said Mikaela.

The tunnel, damp and claustrophobic, stretched beneath the earth. The silence, now, was absolute, oppressive. Leonard could only hear his own breathing and the sound of Mikaela’s footsteps in front of him.

Finally, the staircase ended in a small chamber, where another door, as discreet as the first, opened to the night.

"Let’s go up. I’ll help you, one step at a time." Said Mikaela.

Leo agreed and asked the paladin, "Where are we going, Miss Mikaela?". That environment, that situation, was all very scary, especially for Leo’s current situation.

They emerged into an abandoned cabin, the rotting wood creaking under their feet.

"Near the south gate," Mikaela informed, her voice relieved. "Your horse... it should be nearby."

"Yes, I left Kaleb’s horse at the entrance stable," Leonard informed while his eyes were scanning the place. "I need to meet Saito."

Now far from Mount Lichtwelt, the danger was constant. They ran, adrenaline pumping through their veins. The rain had stopped, but the ground was slippery, covered in mud. Leonard spotted the place where he had left Kaleb’s horse, his heart pounding with hope.

But then, two figures emerged from the shadows, blocking the way. Spies of the King. Their eyes fixed on Leonard, recognition shining in their eyes.

"There! It’s him!"

Two Neumond spies advanced, their blades capturing the faint glow of the moon. Leonard instinctively reached for his sword, but Mikaela was faster.

She interposed herself between Leonard and the spies, her silver armor like a beacon in the darkness, reflecting the now surprised faces of the opponents.

"Two against one, cowards? Do you prefer to attack from behind instead of having an honorable fight?" Mikaela suddenly changed her tone.

"We don’t want trouble with the Church of Light. Give us the boy," said one of the King’s henchmen.

"Have you already said your prayers today?" A macabre smile appeared on Mikaela’s face.

The Neumond spies then looked at each other. They knew well that dissonant personality when entering battle. It was a classic signature of Mikaela.

Nodding to each other, they said in unison, "That sucks."

They knew it was the "Inquisitor," Mikaela.