In the name of her father

Truth can be hard to bear, so be ready to face it.

Lila had been roaming the streets of the free city Munthart. She was lost in her own mind and couldn't stop thinking about the woman she murdered. She had walked away from the Rebels that same night and hadn't stopped since that moment. She just couldn't believe she had defiled her father's rule, which had always been her guiding force. When she passed a dark alley, her eyes crossed those of a bear in despair. Turning back out of curiosity, she noticed a young bear, trapped by a reaper who was raising his large axe. It was enormous and had the shape of a new moon. Though it looked heavy, - it was elegant and he wielded it as if it was made out of feathers - he didn't seem to be ready to strike. The young bear was obviously still a child.

Even though Lila did not understand the situation, she refused to walk away. Her magic was weak, since she hadn't released any souls in a while, but her eyes gathered strength and a lilac glow from her self hatred. With an absent gaze, Lila dropped her necklace. The reaper turned around, which gave the encouraged bear a chance to escape. He looked at Lila in disbelief and lowered his axe. He started leaving and as he passed her, he addressed her in a cynical tone.
"Thanks... That was one of the Soulless' mice. They always carry useful info around."
"His mice..."
She watched him walking away. She hadn't only been blinded by power, but she had been fighting for a monster too. She grabbed her necklace and ran after him because she couldn't afford to lose her chance for reconciliation with her father's rule.

(Written in Syringa Cross; episode 17 of the web story)

Fear's friend

Another chance in yet another battle. Lila's morale was low, but her will to live topped everything. She had been floundering through the mud, trying to hop over corpses and enhancing bear strength in the worst circumstances. The battle had been raging on for hours and the odds finally started to turn in their favor. It was just when the generals were about to enter the city when it struck her. She would never be allowed to regain her title and power by just surviving.

Lila rushed through the gate to follow in the footsteps of her victorious friends. She inspected the conquered citizens and saw the fear in their eyes, fear for her leaders. At a moment when no one was paying attention, she charged a woman who was standing next to a trading cart near the procession. She was wielding a meat cleaver and could just as well have been hiding. Lila raised her short sword and cut a deep wound into the woman's chest. She came to a halt between the dying woman and her leaders, who thanked her gratefully. She couldn't hear their voices but could only think about the butcher's wife she had just killed. Her body seemed to be paralyzed and only one thought raged on: Did she just murder an innocent woman?

- Fear your friends and even yourself, but never fear your enemy. - 

Mennor, leader of the 4th Rebel cohort.

(Written in Syringa Cross; episode 16 of the web story)

A blood red square

When you can't go on or back, stand tall and fight with the weapons you possess.

She started running without hesitation, but some black bears stood in her way very quickly. The lilac glow filled her eyes. The bears did not know what happened to them and they started fighting among each other. As she looked around, some soul enslaving Necromancers started to advance towards her. She sighed. The two bears charged them and fought viciously. The square was filled with confusion and chaos. A band of soldiers came rushing towards the fight and turned against the Necromancers too. They were no ordinary ones though, as their army of souls was massive and easily cut through her converted bears and humans. Blood colored the streets and the smell of death was everywhere. Another few Necromancers joined the fight, and that's when the man from before joined the battle. He took Lila by her arm and created a magical shield around them, deflecting every projectile swung at them. Her eyes brightened and she turned her magic towards the man. His magic exploded and the whole square was hit by the huge shockwave this created. Souls incinerated, people were thrown in the air and windows shattered. Lila took the surprised man by his hand and together they ran towards the house. There, Lila realized she was too late. The mistress of the house, who was still under the remnants of Lila's spell, was sitting on the ground, weeping over the recently murdered boy. Lila walked closer and put her hand on the woman's head. She let hers down quietly.

(Written in Syringa Cross; episode 10 of the web story)

Lost in souls

You don't stop a train of thought without facing the consequences.

She transcended, that's what her father had always told her. She had escaped the boring life as a mere human being to become a Reaper. Her father had taught her everything about being there for the lost souls of Men. Every freed soul would grant her more power. But she should never kill to be able to claim those souls. As she was thinking, she crossed a bridge. At both sides, a man came walking up to her. One of them smirked at her and pulled out a knife. They had noticed the golden necklace around her neck. But when they were within reach, they had a change of heart. Lila used her magic to such great level that the two men walked up to each other and stabbed one another to death for her. She smiled as she hesitated to collect their souls alongside those of their previous victims. Her hand caressed the souls, collecting them slowly. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
More souls found peace that day.

(Written in Syringa Cross; episode 6 of the web story)

Friend or savior

How will you achieve absolute freedom?

Wandering through a cold forest for days had frozen up her blood and bones. Lila was determined to find the girl she had met at the village some nights ago. She arrived at a small camp that was obviously abandoned in a rush. She looked how the girl that had run away was reaching out to two wandering souls. She touched them and they changed colors. From white to red. Lila couldn't believe her eyes. What had happened to those poor souls? A loud roar stopped her from advancing. Two big black bears came charging towards the girl. The floating souls charged back at them, obviously commanded by the girl. One of the souls grew arms with claws, the other one an undead unicorn head. They fought viciously and managed to keep one of the bears at bay. The other one was obviously too strong for the girl. Lila ran over and raised her arms while jumping between them. Even though she feared failure, she took a big risk. The bear's eyes were filled with anger, but softened as they gazed upon Lila's aura. As the bear backed down slowly and let down its massive claw, Lila watched how the red souls had slaughtered the other bear and were returning to their master. She closed her eyes and walked away, allowing the bear to strike down the girl she first wanted to protect. As the girl screamed in agony, Lila freed her slave souls. 

She knew they would be free forever now.

(Written in Syringa Cross; episode 5 of the web story)

A man's sins

The blood on your hands can't hide who you really are.

Her eyes were filled with fear as she held on to the ledge, her feet desperately trying to find solid ground. The man on the ledge was wearing a dark fur coat and a big scar hid the fact that he was in serious doubt. He raised his sword, ready to strike. But the lilac glow in her eyes made him reach out his hand instead. She took it and pulled him down as hard as she could, risking her own life. The man lost his balance and fell down into the chasms. His scream pierced the mountain itself, but her smile was full of self esteem. The man who fell down the ledge had paid for his crimes and murders. His victim's souls would be hers forever.

(Sequel to my short writing exercise thanks to Two steps from Hell)
(Written in Syringa Cross; episode 2 of the web story)