A Different Path

Chapter 14

Disclaimer: I do not own Cult of the Lamb. I am simply a fan of the game. I was inspired by Jbrine061. Please check out her story. She is amazing. Now onto the story.
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Narinder ran through the temple, killing any heretics who tried to come at him. He searched for Rose, tracking her through the talisman she still had. The tracking spell led him to the dungeons where there were many prisoners. They called out for help and he helped them. He released them from their cells and they thanked him profusely. Some ran to freedom while others wished to devote themselves to his service. Those ones were sent to the Cult for indoctrination. Though, he didn't expect that one of them happened to be from Leshy's Cult! So that's what happened to that one follower that disappeared without a trace. Once the prisoners were all liberated, Narinder continued on his way to find his firebird. Eventually, the spell led him to a golden bird cage. Rose was in there, still unconscious. Narinder swung his scythe and broke the door open. He ran in quickly and gently picked up Rose in his arms.

"Rose! Rose, wake up, my love... Please, wake up!" He said to her.

"Mm..." Rose started to stir and open her eyes.

"Rose?" Narinder held her.

"N... Nari..." Rose heard his voice and opened her eyes. "I... I'm sorry... we were... we tried..."

"No, it's not your fault, mi amor... Don't speak. I'll get you out of here!" Narinder said.

"Not before... I take back... what's mine. Bring me out... I need the sun's assistance... Trust me on this..." Rose told him.

Narinder saw the glint in Rose's eye, the one that said that she had a plan. "Alright," he picked her up bridal style and ran through the temple. He made his way up and up until they gained access to the roof.

The sun shone brightly in the desert, Rose felt it the second they were outside. She let her wings droop down to let them feel the sun's rays. In a few seconds, Rose started to absorb the sunlight and regained her vigor. Narinder helped her stand, letting her do what she needed. Rose looked down and saw the battle raging on. She locked her sight on Vulcana, seeing her use the magic she had stolen... Rose put her hands together and began to speak quietly...

"Return to me what has been taken. The power of the Phoenix is being misused..." Rose whispered quietly.

Vulcana felt something after Rose stopped talking. She felt the power she had taken within her writhe and wriggle... It felt like they were trying to rip her apart down to her very soul! Vulcana cried out and pushed everyone away. She didn't know what was going on but she didn't like it! Vulcana tried to hold onto the power she coveted but it was no use. Rose was summoning it back and wouldn't stop until she regained it.

"UGH!! STOP THIS, YOU BIRDBRAIN! STOP AT ONCE!"

Vulcana cried out and cursed to no end, but it was pointless. Golden light came out of her body - the magic of the legendary firebird was escaping back to its rightful owner. Vulcana let out a terrifying shriek as Rose's magic came flying out of her and back to Rose. Rose felt her power restored and she felt herself going back to normal. It was exhilarating for a good while until it settled down. Vulcana was left severely weakened, no longer being as strong as before. She really had it rough in the past centuries. Thanks to her decrease in power and magic, the Bishops had an easier time winning the duel. Naturally, Narinder still had the honors of dealing the final blow, even though each sibling was tempted to do so themselves. Rose looked at Narinder and nodded to him.

"She's all yours, my love. I've taken back the magic she stole from me. I tried to overwhelm her with it, but I underestimated how much she was willing to take and how much she could hold," Rose explained to him.