Chapter 38: The Echo Storm and the Light in the Heart of Darkness
When Kael's eyes opened, they were no longer just the gaze of a human, but of a bearer of countless echoes, hopes, and an ancient will. The Chitauri core in his palm absorbed the life energy around him, the unwavering loyalty of Aslan, the melodies of the Star Singers, and even the sorrowful whispers of the Creators nestled in the stone of the ruins, and poured it into Kael's body and soul. A visible aura of pure white energy surrounded him; an "Echo Storm" that defied the darkness of the Void.
Lord Malakor paused for a moment at this sudden and shocking transformation in Kael. The "ant" he had despised now shone before him with unexpected power. "What is this?" Malakor roared, the contempt in his voice replaced for the first time with concern. "What kind of trick is this, Echo Bearer?"
"This is no trick, Malakor," Kael said, his voice now deeper and more coherent. "This is something the Void has forgotten: Hope. And loyalty."
Kael made the first move. He no longer fired mere energy-enhanced projectiles; he focused pure Echo energy through his Chitauri core, sending it in the form of beams of light at Malakor's elite guards. When these beams hit the guards' dark armor, they were incapacitated not only physically, but also by scattering their energy. The servants of the Void fell to the ground, writhing in pain at the sight of this pure life energy.
Aslan watched in amazement at Kael's incredible transformation. The energy emanating from Kael seemed to give Aslan strength and courage as well. He fought the last remaining guards alongside Kael, giving Kael space to focus on Malakor.
Malakor was furious that his guards had been defeated so easily. He charged at Kael, brandishing his dark sword. "Whatever you are," he shouted. "No one can stand against the power of the Void!"
But Kael was no longer just a marksman. He anticipated Malakor's every move, every attack, and used fluid shields of Echo energy to either parry or gracefully evade them. His flawless marksmanship now combined with this new energy to target even the smallest cracks in Malakor's armor. Each Echo energy shot tore small holes into Malakor's dark armor, weakening the dark energy within.
The huge, cracked Great Seal crystal in the center of the hall had begun to react to the pure Echo energy emanating from Kael. A faint, flickering light seeped from the crystal's cracks, as if it were supporting Kael's struggle.
Malakor was growing helpless in the face of this unexpected resistance. Kael's energy neutralized his dark power, the whispers of despair and fear he sent into his mind were powerless against Kael's unwavering will. "This is impossible!" Malakor cried. "You... you are only mortal!"
"Perhaps I am," Kael said, his eyes locked with Malakor's. "But the echo I carry is immortal."
Kael prepared for one final thrust. He focused all his attention, all his will, and all the Echo energy he had gathered through the Chitauri core. It was not only his own power, but also the loyalty of Aslan, the hope of the Starsingers, the wisdom of the Infinite Library, and the legacy of the Creators. The Chitauri core in his palm glowed like a nova.
The Void Lord let out one final scream as he sent this intense beam of energy toward Malakor. The Echo energy shattered his dark armor, dispersing the pure evil and emptiness within him. All that remained of Malakor was a shadow that had turned to ash and a deep crack in the floor of the hall.
The battle was over. For a moment, the hall was completely silent. Kael could barely stand; the Echo Storm in his body was slowly subsiding, leaving behind a deep fatigue. Aslan rushed to his side.
"Kael! You did it! You... you defeated him!"
Kael smiled weakly at Aslan. "We did it, Aslan." His eyes flickered to the Great Seal crystal, which now glowed with a calmer light. "But our real task begins now."
Lord Malakor's defeat had caused the dark energy in the castle to weaken somewhat. But Kael knew that this was only temporary. The Lords of the Void would not let this defeat go unpunished. They had little time to repair the seal and secure this echo point.
Kael walked toward the Great Seal, exhausted but determined. The Chitauri core was guiding him through the cracks in the seal. Now, as the Echo Carrier, he was about to take the most important step of his destiny.