APOLLO

At first. I never thought myself as a hero. I was afraid of the darkness and being alone in the oblivion. I was a coward to face my fears. I always ended up crying in the arms of despair as I couldn't find a tunnel out from this nightmare.

In the darkest years of my life. I didn't expect that my suffering wouldn't last long. For the very first time, I had listened from what's really inside of me. I followed the spirit of hope within me. I was blessed that I conquer this difficult quest from my own, facing it with a boosted confidence in my heart.

This very last moment. I finally faced the shadow king. We shot cold stares from each other, and both waiting for who would make the first move. I could feel my heart beat numerous times since I felt the intensity of the nerve-wracking scene before me. It almost took my breath away.

The awkwardness was cut off when the shadow king broke the silence. "Apollo. Are we gonna just stare all day? Come on. I want thrill. I want to witness a live action here!" He demanded as he took few steps closer at my direction.

I didn't know that I began running faster towards at the knight sword, which was still stuck on the ground. I pumped both of my shoulders. I must be the first one to get it before the shadow king does. I couldn't let his filthy fingers lay on my knight sword.

When I finally get a hold of it. I used all of my strength to lift the knight sword above in the mid air. A surpassed smile was plastered on my face. I did it. I was the first one to get it. No one messes with the chosen one. If anyone dares to attack me. I was certain. They would be a goner.

My thoughts was bothered when the voice of my aunt called behind me. I quickly turned and I was shocked that she was been hostage by the shadow king. I could see how she tried to struggle herself to break free from the arms of the devil.

"Apollo dear. Help me." Aunt Jonah pleaded. Her eyes started to trickle down on her face.

My eyes flamed in anger while both of my hands balled into fists. How dare he get a hold of my auntie!

"Let go of my aunt at once." I said in the deadpan tone.

"Oh. I'm scared Apollo. What you gonna do? Run away like you did previously?" He began to tease me, plastering a wicked smirk on his face.

"Enough with the shit. Let go of my aunt and face me like a real man!" I screamed, charging my knight sword towards at his direction.

I was surprised when they vanished in the air before me. I heard him laugh on the other side. I glanced around to them see standing near the wall. My aunt couldn't stop shrieking for my help.

I held the knight sword tighter on my hands. Oh yeah. This shadow king was starting to get inside my nerves.

I tried to catch up with their speed since they kept disappearing into the air everytime I charge faster towards at their direction. I began to get piss off by this mayhem.

I told myself that I wouldn't give up until I finish this difficult quest once and for all. I had to defeat the shadow king and save my aunt from the danger. I had to be brave. I had to do this. The whole world was depending on me.

I sighed deeply. Beads of sweat started to form in my forehead. I felt both of my knees were about to give up. I just couldn't let him win this fight. I had to save Aunt Jonah.

The shadow king smiled wickedly when he saw that I was badly in the fragile state. "Oh. Are you getting tired? My. Where is your hidden strength Apollo?" He remarked. "Let me guess. Did you just swallow it because of your stupid fear?" He later added amusingly.

I gritted my teeth. "Can you just battle me fair and square? Don't act that you are a coward Shadow King."

He shrugged. "Well. I was only testing you on how far that you can go," then he finally landed on the ground. But he casted a spell as he began to wrap the body of my aunt with a magical rope, just in case she tries to attempt to escape from the captivity. "Looks like you're ready to have a real battle."

I watched the shadow king raised his hand into the air and summoned a dark shadow ball. Then he gestured it towards at my direction.

I caught my breath. Adrenaline started to rush into my blood stream. I could also feel my heart raced fast. I couldn't let this fear swallow me whole. I had to protect myself from the shadow king.

I quickly dodged it by the use of my knight sword. The shadow ball flew in the different direction. It went straight through the golden wall as it exploded like a party confetti. Air of smoke appeared before me after the explosion.

I heaved a sigh. Whew, that was a close.

I glanced around to see another batch of shadow balls, flying towards at my direction. I used my knight sword to hit all of them like a baseball. The smoke that comes from the air almost suffocated both of my lungs. I coughed as I tried to breathe. Damn this shadow king.

"Apollo, are you having fun?" the shadow king asked sarcastically.

"No, I have enough." I breathe heavily. "I will end this madness once and for all." Then I held the knight sword tighter on my hands.

"Don't tell me you will use the secret weapon Apollo?"

"What if I will. What will you do shadow king?" I began to challenge him.

Without a word. The shadow king started to throw his dark ball towards at Aunt Jonah's direction. My eyes was widened in shock as it went straight to her body. I saw her face twisted in distress. Then I heard her screaming in pain.

I dropped my knight sword on the ground as I rushed towards at my auntie. Tears began to stream down on my cheeks when I softly touched her crestfallen face. I began to cry helplessly in front of her.

All the painful memories started to flash back inside my mind. I couldn't lose her this very moment. I needed her beacon of light. I held both of her hands and gently kissed it with my lips. I couldn't let my Aunt Jonah die. I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to save her whatever it takes, even it cost my life.

My thoughts were dissolved when I finally heard her spoke. "Apollo. Use the power  light inside of your heart. Give enternal brightness in the whole kingdom and end this quest by defeating the shadow king." she stammered. I could feel she was about to give up any minute.

"What about you auntie? I just can't leave you here. I can't afford to lose you. I just can't." I shook my head. Tears blurred my eyesight. "We will get through this together ok? Just hold on a bit." I assured her. Then I cassered her forehead with my genuine touch.

"Apollo dear. I love you." She uttered her last final words until she was out of breath.

My heart beat halted when I saw her closed both of her tired eyes peacefully. I bit my lower lip as a metallic taste was left. Tears started to trickle down on my face. Then I began to pound my chest, as if I was sliced by a thousands of knives because of the severe pain I felt inside.

No. This couldn't be. Aunt Jonah couldn't be dead by this moment! I had to find a way to bring the brightness back in the light palace. I had to defeat the shadow king and end this difficult quest.

I began to shout at the top of my lungs. The energy started to form inside. Then I took a deep breath as the power of light bursted out from my chest.

Sea of colourful lights blinded before me. Then I watched them flew above in the air. I covered both of my eyes as its golden brightness glowed the entire throne room. I heard the shadow king shrieked in despair.

"No. This can't be. All of my hard work." His body slowly began to fade. His eyes shot a murderous stare at my direction. "You. I will get my revenge. I will be back soon Apollo. Remember it well, my child. I shall return!" Then his shadowy body vanished into the air. As the tiny dust of glitters was left and they started to shower upon me.

The taste of victory landed on my lips. I could finally find peace in this place. No more darkness and that's what I wish for a very long time. Finally, its was over.

I slowly closed both of my teary eyes and I lost my consciousness as I hit my tired body against the cold ground.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

"Apollo dear wake up." a female voice started to call me by my name.

Wait. That voice. I haven't hear it since before I was child.

I opened my eyes and see the beautiful face of my mother. When she saw me awake. She immediately wrapped her arms around me.

I was speechless. Tears began to fall on my eyes.

"Apollo. I'm so proud of you. Your father and I watched your journey as you save the light kingdom from the darkness. You finally defeated the shadow king." then she let go of me. I could see her eyes sparkled with joy. 

"Mom. I miss you so much. Where in the world am I? Is this heaven already?" I asked while my eyes wandered around. All I see in the background was black and white.

"No son, you're inside of your dreams." A  man instantly appeared before us.

I caught my breath as I found myself running towards at my father. Happiness was plastered on my face when I saw both of my parents alive before me.

"I thought you were both dead. I'm so glad that we are finally reunited in one piece." I exclaimed happily.

"Apollo. We did all our very best to protect you from danger. So we sacrificed ourselves from the shadow king just for you and your aunt to escape." Mom said sadly.

"Son. What you did was courageous. You conquer your fear on being strong. Your mom and I will be forever be grateful at your bravery." Dad praised me with a smile was plastered on his peaceful face.

"Can I stay a little bit longer just to be with you guys?" I pleaded at them with my puppy eyes. 

"Apollo. Don't give us that look!" Mom began to warn me. Then both of my parents laughed heartily. Oh how I much I miss them. I just wished I could stay here forever. But I couldn't.

"Son. You must go back to the light palace. Your people needs you and your Aunt Jonah waits for your return." Dad said emotionally as he gave me a big warm hug.

"Will I ever see you guys again in my dreams?" I asked them with curiosity.

"Yes apollo dear. Your always welcome to visit us anytime. Me and your father will wait for your return." Mom softly tapped my shoulder and she kissed my face with her soft lips.

"I guess this is goodbye isn't it?" I said jokingly.

They both nodded as a response. I walked towards at the exit door. Before I go out.
I turned around and waved back at them with a smile of relief was plastered on my face.

Then both of my parents bid a farewell, while tears trickled down on their eyes.

When the reality finally knock at my door, as if it was my time to go. As the light finally greeted broadly before me. I smiled as I went outside of my dreams.

I am Apollo and this is my story.

THE END

January 4 2020 (2059 word counts)

A/N: Finally! My short story Last Light is now completed. How was it guys? Though I'm not really good in endings.

Thank you guys for reaching this far. Apollo and I will be forever grateful.

With the power of light shines within your heart. Don't lose hope. Conquer your fears with bravery! It's never too late to change. 

I'm closing this book now. Whenever you miss them. You're always welcome to read Apollo's story all over again.

Lastly, I will give my thanks at the acknowledgements.

Goodbye. You guys are all gems!

See you at the last update.

--- MmTt11