Chapter Seventy-Four: At the Center of the World

A long time ago...


Arienette
How did we get here? On Centara?
Arienette asked her father. Arcail was sitting across the table from her. Arienette was now what seemed to be thirteen. She had long golden brown hair and blue eyes.
Arcail
The answer to that question, well, I do not know it.
Arienette
Don't you know all though, father?
Arcail nodded his head.
Arcail
Knowing all is impossible, my child. I know as much as possible. Your question, however, that is beyond my scope.
Arienette was not amused.
Arienette
It doesn't matter.
Arcail chuckled.
Arcail
So why ask?
Arienette
Simply to know. If I can't, it doesn't matter.
Arcail
I see. Is there anything wrong?
Arienette
Not at all. I just grow tired of Essenta. I yearn for more, but I can't have it.
Arcail
What more can you want? You are a princess here. Planet Centara is yours.
Arienette
I don't want that. When you created the walkers, were they to mirror us?
Arcail was caught off guard.
Arcail
Another question, Ari? Well, the walkers are a piece of us. This planet needed life, and so I gave it that. Is there a reason for your questioning?
Arienette
No, not really. I am just asking to ask.
Arcail
You are apathy embodied.
Arienette smiled.
Arienette
When will this be mine?
Arcail
When time comes to claim me, my love. When time comes to claim me.
The door opened. A little boy stood at the door. He had short brown hair, one eye blue, one eye green. He was about nine years of age.
Arcail
Is there something wrong, Rylan?
He nodded.
Arcail
You are welcome to join us, if you'd like.
Rylan ran over quickly to his father's lap.
Arcail
Your brother is quite the silent type, is he not, Ari?
Arienette agreed.
Arcail
Arienette the Apathy, Rylan the Silent, and Padraic the Sorrow.
Arienette
The sorrow? He's only five.
Arcail
Much I know, as we've established.
Arienette
Whatever.
She walked towards the balcony.
Arienette
If this will be mine, what will be his? And the others?
Arcail
They will get their own.
Arienette turned around quickly.
Arienette
Their own?
Arcail
Yes. It's in the works as we speak. Along with Essenta, there will be two more areas for your brothers. What they name them, well that's on them.
Arienette
Why was I not able to choose the name of this one?
Arcail
Because you wouldn't have chose anything else.
Arienette
What do you mean?
Arcail
I chose Essenta, because I knew you would one day.
Arienette
How clever. Centara, Essenta. I like it. I have no complaints.
Arcail
As I knew you wouldn't.
Rylan
I want mine to be called Clarion.
Arcail
Clarion it is, Ry. Yours will be the second spiral.
Arienette
Spiral? Second?
Arcail
Yes. I've divided the lands into what I call the Triple Spiral. Essenta, Clarion, and Sinastar.
Rylan
Sinastar? Is that for Padraic?
Arcail nodded.
Rylan
His place seems dark.
Arcail
His place is his home.
Rylan didn't respond.
Arienette
I have no complaints.
Arcail stood up.
Arcail
I need you to watch your brothers. I have business to attend to.
Arcail left the room, leaving Rylan to Arienette. Arienette sat down on the chair Arcail had just left vacant.
Ari
Clarion?
Rylan
Yeah, so?
Ari
I like it.
Rylan sat next to her.
Rylan
I knew you would. Where do you think dad went?
Ari shrugged.
Ari
He's always off doing something. He's building an entire world, what do you expect?
Rylan
I just wish he was here more often. Padraic worries me.
Ari looked at Rylan in an odd way.
Ari
Why?
Rylan
I'm not sure. There is just a presence he gives that I can't shake off.
Ari
One I don't feel.
Rylan
It doesn't matter.
He stood up.
Rylan
Want to fly?
Ari
Sure.
They both walked to the balcony.
Rylan
Not going to stay behind and watch Padraic?
Ari
No, he can watch himself.
Their wings burst from their backs and they took flight. The door creaked open. From behind the door watched little Padraic. His long black hair covering his face and his black eyes.
Arcail
You made progress?
A young looking woman named Loria, with wings, turned around. Her short orange hair shined in the sun.
Loria
We've cracked it.
A man named Eden, with short black hair and wings, appeared.
Eden
Are you ready to look through, my lord?
Arcail stepped past them towards the screen of energy behind them.
Arcail
So this is it. After many years, we find out we are not alone.
Loria
Well sir, we don't know exactly what is beyond it.
Arcail
Sky Walker and Walker alike will enter soon enough and we shall inhabit it as well. It will be mine. What is it called?
Eden
We call it, Earth.

Padraic
Where's dad?
Rylan did not respond. He just sat down on a chair on the balcony.
Padraic
I said, where's dad?
Rylan
He's not here.
Padraic
I knew that! I meant where is he.
Rylan
Leave me alone, Padraic.
Padraic
Fine!
The doors slammed shut with a force of energy released by Padraic.
Arienette
You shouldn't be using your powers in here.
Padraic
Rylan was mean to me!
Ari
So be mean back.
Padraic
I can't.
He walked away.

Arcail flew into Earth, followed by Loria and Eden.
Arcail
This planet, it is far different from our own.
Eden
It functions on its own. It has no help outside of it, as ours does.
Loria
It is a very unstable planet. The energy I feel from it is powerful, and beyond control-
She grabbed her head.
Loria
Wait! It is being controlled!
Arcail turned to her.
Arcail
That is a sign of control?
Loria
I am sure.
Suddenly they all looked to their right.
Eden
My lord, that is an energy at your level.
Loria
Two energies.
Arcail thought for a moment before he spoke.
Arcail
Together they could be a challenge to me.
Eden
What do we do?
Arcail
We meet them.
They flew forward toward the two energies.
Rylan
He crying again?
Ari
Perhaps you shouldn't be so cruel.
Rylan turned to the sky.
Rylan
I just don't want him around me. I don't care much after that.
Ari
Neither do I, I'm just trying to fit the big sister role father talks about.
Rylan
Why won't dad tell us how we came to be?
Ari
I have no idea.
Rylan
Do you think it's because he doesn't really know?
Ari
I believe so. He has no reason to lie.
Rylan
I don't like what he has done with the place.
Ari
What do you mean?
Rylan
The walkers, they're empty creatures.
Ari
Why does it matter?
Rylan
Because they do terrible things to each other.
Ari
And again, what does that matter?
Rylan
I just want everything to be fine.
Ari
Rylan, the less you care, the better you feel.

Before Arcail stood two figures, one with long black hair and one with long white hair.
Arcail
We come here in peace, Earthlings.
The white haired man spoke first. His name is Kon.
Kon
What did he say? Earthlings? Is that what he said, Godlin?
Godlin
That he did, Kon. Excuse me, stranger, but we are no earthlings.
Arcail
What are you, if Earthling is what you aren't.
Kon
We are elf, stranger. We are far beyond these human creatures.
Arcail
Human? Elf?
Godlin
Yes, the ones that inhabit this planet, we call them human. Elf is our kin and we are from a different world.
Loria
So you are from another too?
Kon
Course we are!
Godlin
We are from another world. Years ago we managed to open a portal and it led us to this one.
Eden
The same thing happened to us.
Arcail
So you've been here for two years?
Godlin
Yes, and we've been studying these creatures we call humans.
Arcail
And your thoughts on them?
Kon
They're barbaric, dirty, and stupid.
Godlin
Calm yourself, Kon.
Kon
I have no reason to be calm. Enough of this!
Kon drew a sword. His silver sword shined in the hot sun.
Arcail
We are not your enemy.
Kon
Strangers are enemies.
Arcail
I will not fight you.
Kon
You have no choice!
Arcail
We will not be your imaginary enemies.
Godlin
Your home world, what is it called?
Loria
Centara.
Godlin
What a beautiful name. Perhaps I could visit it one day.
Kon
If they survive the war.
Godlin turned to Kon confused.
Godlin
What war?
Kon
The one I am starting with them. I declare war on your planet!
Godlin
Don't take him seriously. He is my brother and he is always looking for a battle.
Kon flew forward. Loria and Eden landed in front of Arcail.
Arcail
The Sky Walker do not fear you!
Kon's double punch was caught by both Loria and Eden whom had to muster half their strength to stop it.
Eden
He's powerful, Lord Arcail.
Kon
You haven't seen anything yet.
Loria
Must we do battle?
Arcail
No.
Loria and Eden jumped behind Arcail.
Arcail
If it's a war you want, well, I shall give it to you, kindly.
He turned away to walk.
Arcail
It saddens me that we must do battle for no good reason, but I will not stand around and allow you to disrespect myself and my warriors. Prepare your troops for battle.
Godlin
I don't think that's necessary.
Kon
Shut up! I care for nothing more than seeing death rain down on existence!
Arcail
We meet here for war tomorrow, elf.
Arcail and the others flew away.
Kon
We must prepare for battle!
Godlin
As you wish.

Two days later...
Padraic
Don't go to war!
Arcail
I have to. They need me on the front lines today.
Padraic
But I want you to stay home with me!
Rylan
Shut up.
Padraic
You! Dad, just stay.
Arienette stood looking down at a map on the table.
Arienette
Move your warriors to the eastern side. From there attack by clearing out the ground.
Arcail
That won't work.
Ari
But they can't fly!
Arcail
They have ways around that. We are facing the most powerful enemy I could have ever imagined.
Ari
What could they possibly have that scares you and your troops?
Arcail
Their strength matches ours, their warriors match ours, and the weapons they use are beyond my comprehension.
Ari
I don't follow.
Arcail
Swords that turn into dragons and eagles. It's a beauty to see their destruction.
Ari
I do not fear dragons and eagles!
Arcail walked towards the door.
Arcail
In a months time your homes will be ready. I thought I'd let you know.

Eden stood before an army of warriors wearing silver armor.
Eden
I have few words because times like these require few words.
He turned to see across the mountain gap a golden army was approaching. '
Eden
Here they come, unaware of their death that is to come.
He turned back to them.
Eden
We are the second wave of warriors to do battle. I, Eden of the Sky Walker, will lead you.
He dropped his robe and it disappeared. He was wearing silver plating as well. The army behind him roared with sound.
Eden
Lord Arcail has given you all his blessing. Live or die, you fought for it all.
Giant white wings burst from his back.
Eden
Left flank, circle around them. Right, do the same. We will trap them until they are no more.
He whistled. From between the two armies blue energy shot into the sky. It was the spiting image of Loria but all blue.
Eden
Begin.
The blue Loria opened it's mouth and beam of ice clashed into the front of the elf army. The blue Loria was freezing all the front line elves. Then a second head popped out from the neck. A sharp stream of water blasted through her mouth destroying all the ice sculptures. Behind them, a ride energy appeared. The red Loria began to blast down fire balls on the army. From the right, a green one, which began to wrap elf in green vines, then cutting them in half. From the left, a brown one. From it brown waves of sand blew out drowning elf under its weight.
Eden
Now!
The silver army charged passed Eden. Loria landed next to him.
Loria
First part done.
Eden
Very well, at that. Now our army can trap them.
Arcail appeared.
Loria
My lord, so early you've come to the battlefield?
Arcail
With good reason.
There was a roar of a dragon and then one of an eagle. They saw a golden dragon and eagle fly over the mountain top.
Loria
So these are what swayed the battle yesterday?
Arcail
Yes. These beasts are quite powerful.
Eden
No worries!
Eden flew forward.
Loria
Shall I join him?
Arcail
Yes, focus all your power on them.
Loria nodded and followed Eden.
Arcail
This cannot last for long.
He stretched out his arms and clasped his hands together. A ball of golden energy formed in his hands.
Arcail
Such destruction.
It flew forward into the elven army. The eruption sent even the silver army back. A silver energy blast shot down from the mountain and began to hack off Arcail's army.
Arcail
Kon.
A silver haired elf jumped into the battle. His sword destroyed the swords of all that opposed him. Loria and Eden fought off the dragon and eagle from advancing to the armies.
Godlin
Two days and already we've both lost considerable amounts of people.
Godlin stood below Arcail.
Godlin
I am virtually undetectable, if you're thinking how I got here.
Arcail
Call off your men.
Godlin
At what price, Arcail?
Arcail
I won't kill you all.
Godlin
We both have over a million warriors fighting now, I think we can manage to drag this on for years.
Arcail
If we must.
Godlin
Who sounds like my brother Kon, now?
Arcail's wings extended and covered over thirty feet of land.
Godlin
Impressive wing span, Arcail. Now we do battle?
Arcail
If I finish you and Kon quickly this will all be over.
Godlin
Very well.
They clashed swords and the Earth shook.

Padraic lied on the floor.
Padraic
It worked.
Standing in front of Padraic was a dark figure. A blackness he didn't comprehend fully himself.
Padraic
Aren't you pretty?
He stood up slowly.
Padraic
So many years, so, so many years.
It screamed.
Padraic
Luckily Rylan and Arienette have left to the battle scene or your scream would have got me caught.
It screamed again.
Padraic
So I can understand you through my head? That is most interesting.
He examined the dark figure.
Padraic
It's like you're alive and dead at the same time. I think I'll call you a half-dead and name you Shirok.

Rylan stood in a medical area helping the wounded.
Rylan
You'll be better soon.
He turned to another warrior and began healing him. And then he heard it. An energy falling from the sky onto the medical area. It was too late to do anything other than protect himself. When the dust settled Rylan moved the rubble on him and looked up at the sky.
Rylan
What was that? That was not elf power.

Arcail jumped away from Godlin. Godlin was a bloody mess, Arcail looked unscratched.
Arcail
What was that?
Godlin
I haven't the slightest idea. It was not anything we have.
Godlin was almost caught off guard but he caught Arienette's punch that almost connected with his head.
Godlin
What is this? A young one.
Arcail
Arienette!
Godlin
Call off your army, or she dies.
It all happened to fast, before Arienette could take it in. Godlin punched her in the face as darkness rose under Arcail and swallowed him.
Arcail
What is this, Godlin?
Godlin
I have no idea!
The darkness covered Arcail entirely. Godlin fell back as he noticed he was being surrounded by purely dark figures.
Godlin
What is this madness?
He stood over and unconscious Arienette.
Godlin
Stop, stop!
Padraic
An elf king pleading for his life? I never would have thought.
Godlin
You, you are Sky Walker!
He said in regards to the wings sprouted of of Padraic's back.
Padraic
Yes, I am a prince, Padraic of the Sky Walker.
Godlin
You did this, to your father?
Padraic
I did. The word father never meant much. Plans are far more important.
Godlin
But you're but a child!
Padraic
We age slow just like your kind. I am wise enough to know exactly what I have to do to get my plan done.
Godlin
What is your plan?
Shirok entered Padraic's body. After a few minutes he spoke again.
Padraic
The plan is to clear both these worlds. To start them all over. Yours included. I've passed judgement.
Godlin
But you know nothing about my kind! Let alone the fate of the human race.
Padraic
After seeing what my father has known, I know enough.
Godlin
Madness!
Padraic
Yes, I am mad, Godlin. But what's really mad, is that you aren't.
He laughed.
Padraic
And for starters, you're looking at the wrong person.
A sword burst through Godlin's chest.
Godlin
I cannot die this easily, fool.
Padraic
Die? Oh no, that's not my plan for you. Not now anyhow. My swords name is Sway. I made him myself. This sword is one of control. If it draws your blood into it, you are mine by force.
Godlin
This can't be.
Padraic
Oh but it is. Rise.
Godlin rose.
Padraic
You will forget this happened, you will call your troops home, and you will lead a life pretending this all happened. One day, well one day you'll be needed. One day you'll meet the darkness.
Godlin
Your plan, is it just madness? Is their no happiness at the end of it?
Padraic
Only for my followers and I. But that's as much as I'll let you know. The truth is, it's about power, it always is. Once my brother and sister are killed, all will be mine. The Triple Spiral, Centara, Earth, and your world. And once that happens, I will sync it all. Earth will become the center of the world, and singularity will come. All will be one. All will be me.
Godlin
You will be stopped.
Padraic
If my father fell, and so did you, what chance will these worlds have?
Shirok formed into Arcail and lied on the floor, with a gaping hole through his chest.
Padraic
And now we take the stage, Godlin, the audience is coming.
Loria and Eden were the first to arrive.
Loria
No!
Eden was silent. Loria grabbed hold of Arienette. Eden covered a crying Padraic.
Godlin
I have defeated your master.
He said to Loria and Eden.
Godlin
Sad as it is, it was inevitable. That said, we will leave your planet be.
Kon
Who says?
Kon landed next to Godlin.
Kon
I say we kill them all!
Godlin
And we shall return to our planet for good. Just remember what the elf were capable of.
Kon
But!
Before Kon could make another sound Godlin made them and their army disappear.

One years later...
Arienette
You what?
Loria and Eden stood before her knelt down.
Loria
We offer you our allegiances. Now that your father is gone, we move to the next leader of the Sky Walker.
Ari
But what of my brothers? They have their lands, and their rule.
Eden
Yes, but you are the first born. We are your guard now.
Arienette
Very well.
Loria
We also believe it's time to give a gift your father left for you.
Eden
You may come in!
Eden said to the door in the back of the hall. It opened. A woman wearing all black with with her black hair in a ponytail opened.
Loria
Her name is Seven, and she is yours.

Loria and Eden now stood before Rylan.
Loria
Your father left you a gift.
Rylan
A gift? For what?
Eden
To give to you one day. What reason, we're not sure.
Rylan
Well, on with it.
A little white fox jumped passed Eden.
Rylan
A fox?
Eden
Your father said he's the greatest warrior one could dream of.
Loria
His name is Fallen.

Eden
Your father left you a gift.
A small black fox walked forward.
Loria
Her name is Mara. She is yours.
Padraic
Excellent.

20 years ago...
Rylan walked up the steps of the Essenta palace.
Seven
Lord Rylan, how can we help you?
Rylan
I must speak with my sister. And who are you?
Seven
Her royal guard. I am Seven.
Rylan
You're doing a terrible job at it. Where is she?
Seven smiled.
Seven
She is in a meadow, north of here.
Rylan landed in the meadow where Arienette sat in the flowers. Six Seven's surrounded her.
Seven
You were saying?
Rylan ignored her.
Rylan
Arienette, we need to talk.
Ari
About?
She smelled the flowers. The sky was a peach color. The sun was starting to fall down.
Rylan
It's about Padraic. He's been out of our eyes for far too long.
Ari
What does that matter?
Rylan
It matters a whole lot when we're supposed to be running this planet together.
Ari
It shouldn't. You make big deals out of nothing. You are Rylan the Silent, why not be silent?
Rylan
Don't word play with me, Ari, I have no time for it. I want to tell you, that I think, on the day father died, Padraic tried to kill me.
Ari dropped the flowers.
Arienette
He tried to kill you?
Rylan
I believe so.
Padraic
And what proof do you have for these accusations?
Padraic's head surfaced next to Arienette. His face still so young. Like he hadn't aged a day.
Rylan
I didn't know you were here.
He looked at Ari in disgust.
Rylan
During my time at the medical camp, I felt an energy falling from the sky. It was not elfish and all that belong to us had jobs. You, Padraic, you were alone.
Padraic
Did this energy have my essence attached to it?
Rylan
No.
He said angrily.
Padraic
So than how could you say it was me?
Rylan
A hunch.
Padraic
Brother, I'd never do such a thing.
He stood up.
Padraic
I love you.
He extended his hand towards Rylan. Four figures appeared before Rylan. All six Sevens circled Arienette.
Rylan
At ease.
The four figures stood still, no longer ready for battle.
Padraic
You brought the Four Winds with you? Threatened, are we?
Rylan
Should I be?
He turned to Arienette.
Rylan
Why won't you listen to me? Padraic has broken the laws of our lands. Remember, he entered the human world and created a being beyond them.
Padraic
Jesus was no harm to any. Besides, Arienette had the Romans kill him anyways.
Rylan
Yes, but before that, you had that entire religion started. You spread all those stories around.
Padraic
Good fun. Why does it matter?
Rylan
Because we have laws and they should not be broken.
Arienette
He is right, Padraic. After that offense, I won't take kindly to you breaking rules again. Essenta will not tolerate more infraction by Sinastar.
Padraic
No worries, sister, it will not happen again. I've become a man of little time. I have too many chores at home and I have way too many hobbies.
He walked backwards.
Padraic
Spare me the lectures, older brother. I have very little tolerance for tiny minds, such as your own.
Rylan did not respond to him.
Padraic
Remember what I said, Arienette.
He disappeared.
Rylan
What he said? What did he say?
Arienette
Our business is our own. Aside from your accusations, unprovable, as they are, what else have you come for?
Rylan
Word has spread, and they spread quickly, that you are planning on entering Earth.
Arienette giggled.
Ari
I am. It's not written in stone, but Padraic and I have spoken of it.
Rylan
Padraic? Again with the secrets. Why is he involved? What is going on?
Ari
Padraic and I were discussing the possibility of entering the portal again.
Rylan
What?
Rylan through his arms up.
Rylan
How could you possibly entertain an idea like that! Arienette, you know father died because of that.
Ari
And that seems to be all the more reason to go. Finish what father never could.
Rylan
Is that what Padraic said?
Arienette
No, actually, it's what I said.
She stood up. As she did, the red flowers all turned white.
Arienette
The elf must pay for taking father from our world.
Rylan
Killing won't bring you comfort.
Arienette
No, but it will bring them it. I hear death is quite luxurious.
Rylan
Listen to yourself, Ari, you sound like him.
Arienette
We do sound alike, him and I, but that's because we're siblings. Siblings that seem to care more about father than you ever did.
Rylan
How dare you!
He raised his hand and pointed at her.
Rylan
You don't know a damn thing!
Ari
I know enough. Whether you like it or not, in a years time from now we will be opening the portal.
Rylan
You forget the portal lies beyond my land. If you try, that will be an act of war.
Arienette shrugged.
Ari
As if your army can withstand mine and Padraic's. Will you really risk death for the sake of the elf and humans?
Rylan
I would.
Ari
The humans, they are vile creatures.
Rylan
But they can change! They did nothing to our kind. If the elf are your enemy, I can understand that, but humans? They have no blood on their hands!
Ari
If in fact they can change, well, that's another issue. One I do not presently have the time to ponder on. As it stands, I am a very busy woman.
Rylan
Planning war.
Ari
Planning our conquest to other worlds, Rylan. Join us.
Rylan
Never.
He turned to walk.
Rylan
As I said, any movement towards my land will be considered an act of war.
Arienette
And so?
Rylan
And so if the day comes, you better be prepared. Clarion will not stand for this injustice.
Arienette
Justice died with father.
Rylan
And so did the Arienette I knew.
Arienette
Innocence has always been a victim of war.
Rylan
Knowing it, knowing you, that doesn't make it any better.
Arienette
You cannot defeat me. I am the strongest of us three.
Rylan
So long as I know we died fighting, I can live with that.
Arienette
You are a fool, Ry.
Rylan
Not Padraic's fool, at least.
He disappeared with the Four Winds.
Seven
Shall we return home, my lord?
Arienette
In time, Seven, in time.

As Rylan was walking down the palace steps, Eden and Loria stopped him.
Loria
Trouble, Lord Rylan?
Rylan
Your queen is a monster.
Eden
Forgive her, Sire, she has never been the same since your father passed.
Rylan
That does not justify a full scale invasion.
Their eyes widened.
Rylan
I know you are against this, but unwillingly you will have to fight for her. If I meet you in battle, I promise to make your deaths quick.
Loria
Thank you, sir.
Eden
You are the one we wish ruled over us.
Rylan
You two were truly my father's friends. Goodbye.


Shirok, in Arcail form, stood before Padraic as he was working in his lab.
Padraic
What do you mean I should have killed him when I had the chance? I tried! How was I supposed to know he'd protect himself at last minute? Damn, damn, damn it.
Padraic smashed his bottles and cups.
Padraic
At the very least, Arienette's plan fell right into mine. I never would have guessed she'd be on the same page as me.
Shirok
You could have killed her anyway.
Padraic
Maybe. Every day that blasted woman grows stronger. I've never seen anything like it. In ten years time she will be as powerful as father was. And she has not lived as long as he did. Give it another ten and she will of surpassed my power and father's combined. Rylan and I don't grow as fast in strength as she does.
Shirok
One of the advantages to being the first born.
Padraic
I believe so. I have no other intelligible way of making sense of it. It doesn't matter, she's on our side.
Mara
Perhaps you could use Shirok on her?
Padraic
That won't work. Unfortunately he has reached his limit. Consuming my father has got him just about there. If he tried to, he'd probably disappear and she'd still be alive. In other words, Shirok, aside from the power you hold, your consumption powers are now useless.
Mara
Just a thought.
Padraic
Thanks anyways. In a years time we're marching on brother's doorstep. Sounds like he's going to consider it an act of war.
Shirok
Let him. We'll kill him too!
Padraic
In due time, in due time, my love.


Renn
Are you sure you want to do this, my lord?
Rylan
I have no other choice.
Luck
What if they find out? What then?
Rylan
We're going to war anyways. A trial for breaking laws seems pointless now.
Cash
It would only bring war faster. Whether now or later, we're ready.
Rylan
I like that. Fallen.
Fallen appeared at his feet.
Rylan
Let's go.
Fallen jumped on his shoulder.
Rylan
I should be back in one year.
Renn
Everything will be ready.
Rylan
Keep an eye on them as well, Renn.
She nodded.
Rylan
Goodbye, my friends.
They all saluted him and then waved. Rylan disappeared through the portal.


Carmen went to cross the street but was pulled back by a man. Suddenly a car passed by where she was about to step and she knew he saved her life.
Carmen
And who the fuck are you?
Rylan
The man that just saved your life.
Carmen
What you want to go and get a drink because of it or something?
Rylan
That would be nice.
And so they did. And then that led to other things. It was 4am when Rylan stood out of bed.
Rylan
The baby you carry, it's the only way I can build a family without Arienette knowing. It's for me, and the preservation of your kind, your world. His name will be Cameron.
He leaned over above her head.
Rylan
I'm sorry you must forget all this. And I'm sorry Cameron, that your vessel had to be this woman.
He kissed her forehead and tiny white glimmer flashed on it.

Layla
What's a guy like you doing in the woman section?
Rylan
I'm buying stuff for my mother. I need help through. I can't for the life of me figure out what to get.
Layla
I can help, and by the way, what a beautiful dog.
She motioned to the dog at his feet.
Layla
What's his name?
Rylan
Fallen. He's the only thing my father left to me before he passed.
Layla
How sad. I'm so sorry.
Rylan
No worries, I won't drop that burden on you. Shall we?
He motioned to the clothes.
Layla
We shall.
Later on that day they were having sex. It was 4am when Rylan stood up.
Rylan
The baby you carry, it's the only way I can build a family without Arienette knowing. It's for me, and the preservation of your kind, your world. His name will be Arkain.
He leaned over above her head.
Rylan
I'm sorry you must forget all this. One day you'll remember. Until then, you must forget all but his name.
He kissed her forehead and tiny white glimmer flashed on it.
Fallen
All done, boss?
Rylan
All done.


Carmen
I had a boy, what does it matter to you?
Rylan
Mine is having a kid too.
Carmen
Oh yeah? That's good for you.
Rylan
It's just funny.
Carmen
What is?
Rylan
She named him Cameron too.
When Carmen turned to see the man, he was gone.


Rylan
What did you have?
Layla
A boy. A beautiful baby boy.
Rylan stood next to Layla and Philmore outside of the nursery.
Layla
And you?
Rylan
She just had a boy too. A beautiful baby boy.
Layla
How sweet.
Philmore
What did you name yours?
Rylan
Cameron.
Layla
What a nice name. You'll never believe what we named ours.
She pressed her finger on the glass and pointed at Arkain.
Layla
There he is.
Rylan
Arkain.
They heard a sad voice and they turned to see where the man had just stood but he was gone.

Fallen
Why torture yourself like this, Rylan?
Rylan
Because love is torture.
Fallen
True. So they have birth marks that are attached to your energy?
Rylan
Yes, so we're always linked. They'll think it's coming from the stars, but it will always be their dad.

Padraic
Thought he'd do this without us knowing?
Shirok
What a fool.
Padraic
Luckily you were able to get us through without detection.
Mara
So what are we here for?
Padraic
To plant a seed.
He laughed. Carmen was asleep when they appeared silently in her room.
Padraic
Here goes.
A white energy appeared in his right hand.
Padraic
Sleep tight, Christian.
He blew it and it flew under the covers. Carmen moaned and then went silent again.
Padraic
That does it.
He turned to walk out the wall when he heard a boys voice.
Cameron
Who are you?
Padraic
Me?
Cameron
Yes.
Padraic
Ah, so that's the face, isn't it.
Cameron
What?
Padraic
You look so much like your father.
Cameron
Dad?
Padraic
What's your name?
Cameron
My name is Cameron. Who are you?
Padraic
I'm your uncle.
Padraic disappeared.

Rylan picked up the dirty basketball from the ground.
Rylan
Here you go.
Arkain grabbed it from the stranger. He squinted as an uncomfortable feeling ran down his neck.
Rylan
Anything wrong?
Arkain
No, nothing. Thanks for getting my ball back.
Rylan
No problem. What's your name kid?
Arkain
My mom said not to talk to strangers.
Rylan
That's a good boy.
Rylan messed with his hair.
Rylan
Bye, Arkain.
Arkain, at the age of 8, was shocked to hear the stranger say his name.

Cameron got on the bus with his mother. As she paid he took a seat in the back.
Rylan
Hey kid, you know what time it is?
Cameron looked at his watch. Then he grabbed at his neck. An odd feeling ran down his neck.
Rylan
You all right?
Cameron
Yeah. It's three.
Rylan
Thanks, Cameron.
Cameron looked up at a now empty seat.

Fallen
The boy, he's not yours?
Rylan
No, it's worse.
Fallen
What?
Rylan
He's Padraic's.

Later....
Fallen
So this boy, he has powers?
Rylan
The whole family does. My guess is they evolved on ground we fought war on.
Fallen
That makes sense. So what's the plan?
Rylan
We're going to recruit him into our mix.
Fallen
As you wish.

Fallen
His names Ilias.
Rylan
A Miracle Sun plan? He came up with this for our plans done with his own?
Fallen nodded.
Fallen
Very sharp kid. He'll control all that goes on here so you can focus on the war.
Rylan
Excellent. Arcail knows I need that now.

Before Ilias acts to bring Cameron into the Shadow Regime.
Rylan
The young boy must die. He is a child of Padraic.
Fallen
Ilias will kill him tonight. You know, Cameron will hate you for this one day. Padraic's son or not, that is still his brother.
Rylan
I understand, but we must not let that boy join Padraic's numbers. If Cameron will hate me, I will have to deal with it later.

Before Ilias goes through with plan to release Gemma's power.
Rylan
Whatever it is, like Ilias said, we need it. We need all the power we can accumulate.
Fallen
Are you sure? But Arkain will not be happy with all this.
Rylan
You're right, but it must be done. He probably will hate me one day, but regretfully, I will carry that burden for the sake of our planets. I am a terrible father, I know, but these are terrible times.
Fallen
The White Coats, they are moving in on the boy now. I will have to go to join them.
Rylan
Very well. I will return home. The days get worse there. They need me desperately.
Fallen
Go, master, Ilias and I will orchestrate all from here.
Rylan
Give them my love, Fallen. Even if they won't know it's from me.
Fallen
Will do. See you soon, my master.

Rylan appeared at the top of his palace's tallest point. From below he saw fires burning far away.
Rylan
What is it, Bijan?
Bijan, one of Rylan's mightiest Sky Walkers landed next to him.
Bijan
They have reached the valley. Cassa is there now.
Rylan
That gives us three years more time.
Bijan
We can hold off for that long, my lord?
Rylan
It will have to be done. We have no other choice, Bijan. Clarion must hold until reinforcements arrive.
Bijan flew off.
Rylan
So this is war against the center of the world?

After Arkain finds out his mother is dead...

Arkain fell onto his knees and hands.
Suri
Arkain!
Suri got down next to him.
Arkain
I don't know what to think, Suri. What do I do?
Suri
What do you want to do?
Arkain
I want to kill them. I want to kill those that, that, that made her gone.
Suri
You don't have the power to do that.
Arkain
I know!
He screamed. When he did, Suri was pushed back by giant wings.
Suri
Arkain! What the hell did you just do?
Arkain looked over his shoulder, through his tear ridden eyes, he saw them.
Arkain
Wings?
Suri
You're an angel!
Arkain
I have power.
And so they planned with Amros and Hayden how to kill his mother's murderer.

Rylan
It wasn't the path I wanted for either of you.
Rylan said, viewing through portal at Ilias talking to Arkain and Cameron.
Rylan
It's just that there was no other way. Maybe one day you'll understand. Your wounds will take time to heal.
He got up.
Rylan
I just wish there was more of it.