Voice in the head of Arkain and Cameron.
Do not trust them. Your blood is the blood of the moon. Do not trust them...
Arkain heard the soft voice in their head and everything else stopped.
Voice again
Regret...Regret...Regret...
Cameron allowed it to flow past his dreams.
Voice again
You're in grave danger. You're... regret...regret...regret...
Time moved back into place for them all.
Geremiah and Munro sat on a small brown boat in the middle of the ocean. Lucifer moved around the boat anxiously because of the vast ocean that surrounded them.
Munro
Mother is gone.
Geremiah shrugged.
Germ
Not a loss that means much. She would have had to die eventually.
Munro
Ximendos has plagued this world.
Germ
And now he wishes to plague another.
Munro slouched back.
Munro
I guess we'll play along.
Roselyn and Grey were in their room resting from the battle they had just won.
Roselyn
He's back and that's all that matters.
There was a knock at the door.
Grey
I guess we can never get any rest.
Roselyn opened the door. Forest stood there with no smile.
Forest
I apologize for the intrusion, but may I speak with you? I've waited too long for this.
Roselyn turned to Grey. He waved for her to go.
Vesper
What is it you want from me?
Nick turned around to face her.
Nick
Can we have this conversation another time?
Vesper
No.
She cleared her throat.
Vesper
You saved me.
Nick
I would have done that for anyone-
Vesper
Stop saying that.
Nick
Stop saying what?
Vesper
Trying to justify what you did with us being friends. We are not friends. We just had sex.
Nick
Well if you're going to put it that way.
He stood up.
Nick
Just take it as nothing and that's that.
He began to walk away.
Vesper
Nicolas, you aren't being honest. I've been alive long enough to tell.
Nick
And what do you want me to say? Hmmm? You want me to tell you why I did it? Because I care about you!
He turned around.
Nick
We had sex, yes, but that isn't all that happened there!
Vesper
I know.
Nick
I saved you because you're important. Fine, happy? I didn't want to lose another person like I lost Steven.
Queen Circa sat in her thrown surrounded by hooded figures. They all had their heads lowered. In front of her knelt Aristo, the elf.
Circa
Tell us, Aristo, what news you spoke of when the sun rose.
The hooded figures murmured to themselves. Aristo stood up.
Aristo
King Godlin has returned.
There was a burst of outrage. Queen Circa laughed.
Circa
Silence, fools. There you have it, Godlin has returned.
A female elf named Socra spoke.
Socra
What does this mean, Queen Circa?
Then a male named Parmen did.
Parmen
Will this turn the tide?
Socra
Impossible!
Circa
At ease, my most loyal subjects.
She stood up.
Circa
Godlin's return poses a threat, yes, but none we must worry about. Kesladon is ours, and it will never be returned to the wretched Kon.
Xen, another male elf spoke.
Xen
Is Lord Pascal aware of this matter?
Circa
Not yet.
Socra
He must know immediately!
Circa
He will. I will be leaving for Kesladon momentarily. Cousin Pascal should hear this from me.
Socra
My queen, you are leaving the country?
Circa
Do not worry. Godlin has just returned. I doubt he will be attacking any time soon.
The doors to the throne room opened. Two elves stood at the doors. One with short blond hair and the taller one with long black hair.
Circa
My son will be in charge while I am away.
The blond one stepped forward. His name was Zylen.
Zylen
Mother, are you leaving now?
Circa walked down the steps. Aristo stood next to her.
Circa
I am. Cayos,
The other elf bowed.
Cayos
Yes, your majesty?
He said with a wide smile.
Circa
See to it that Zylen has no trouble in my absence.
Cayos
Your wish is my command.
He bowed.
Aristo
What of the girl?
Aristo interrupted.
Circa
What of her, Aristo?
Aristo seemed afraid.
Aristo
If Godlin is back, do you think they will come after her?
Circa
I do. This is the reason why I am leaving for Kesladon. With the combined power of Godlin and Kon, they will most likely storm the city in search of the girl. It is for this reason I will be bringing her here.
Socra
And the woman? What of Queen Solara?
Circa
She comes too. I promised Pascal I would not be killing his sister. I owe my word to my dear cousin. I am leaving now. Please do not do anything while I am gone to upset Oleandria anymore than they already are.
She left the throne room.
Malic
Where are you, Velis?
He sat by a tree in the forest.
Malic
Everything has gone to shit and you're still out there. Damn.
Roselyn and Forest stood outside of the White Coats base in the forest.
Forest
I have a lot to say to you, little one.
Roselyn
Well, you can start whenever you'd like... dad.
They spoke for ten minutes.
Roselyn
I don't hate you for it.
Forest
I'm glad. I know you are a woman now, but I hope you still are young enough for a father.
She hugged him.
Nick
Hey mom.
They pulled away.
Roselyn
Nick, this is your grandpa.
Darby
She is dead.
Kassle and Kade did not even flinch.
Ilias
Excellent! Now that we have Gemma back, we can go.
Darby
And what of these two?
He motioned to Kassle and Kade.
Ilias
They are my guests.
He stood up.
Ilias
I take my leave now. Darby, return home with the ship.
Darby
Very well.
Ilias walked to the while ball that carried Gemma. He tapped it and a wave of energy released from his hand and surrounded it.
Ilias
That should hold her a little while longer.
He turned to Darby.
Ilias
When you return, have Fallen strengthen his prison again.
Darby nodded.
Kade
Where are you going?
Ilias
Nowhere and only dragons can take me there.
Pathion jumped onto the bed.
Pathion
I think I'm going to like it here. Why didn't we come earlier?
Syn sat at the edge.
Syn
This all feels wrong, Patrick.
Pathion
Come on, don't burst the bubble. What crawled up your butt?
Syn
We are not welcomed here. The only reason these elves have not drawn blood is because of what little of their king remains in Ximendos.
Pathion
So?
Syn
So that means they cannot be trusted.
Pathion
You heard them! They have to abide by the rules, so Dos is their king.
Syn
Either way, it worries me. We could be walking into a trap.
Pathion
Oh well. There aint never been a trap we couldn't get ourselves out of.
Syn
Let's hope this one doesn't turn out to be the end of us.
Pathion moved forward on the bed and grabbed Syn's wrist.
Pathion
We're immortal.
Syn looked him in the eyes. Pathion sensed he was afraid.
Syn
Tell that to Tusa.
Kon
Well, out with it already, brother.
Ximendos sat at a table in a circular room. Kon sat on top of the table on the other side of it while Akasha stood behind Ximendos.
Ximendos
What would you have me say?
Kon laughed.
Kon
I want you to agree with the plan to rescue my wife and daughter!
He folded his fingers.
Kon
While you were off doing what you were doing, I was here defending these borders. I lost my country because of your absence and Hellia's incompetence. In this time I also lost my wife and child. If you do not help me get them back, you will know me as an enemy as well.
Ximendos
Shut up, Kon. I have no time for your petty threats. If Queen Circa has acquired your family, that is your fault and solely yours. As for rescuing her, I do not think that is something of great importance.
Kon
Excuse me?
Ximendos raised his hand to silence him.
Ximendos
We are at war, Kon.
Kon
Well that's obvious!
Ximendos
It would do you well to accept your hostage situation.
Kon stood up quickly.
Kon
I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND! My daughter is not simply a hostage. My daughter is a great danger to us all if Circa figures this out. While we are trained in great lengths in Elvish battle, my daughter far exceeds us, and she is only four. If that is of no concern to you, well, hope Circa's ignorance can grow old, because if not, you are looking at the end of Oleandria.
Ximendos
What do you mean, exceeds us?
Kon
Her power is one that hasn't been seen since the likes of us and Circa.
Ximendos rubbed his temple.
Ximendos
Why should I believe you?
Kon
Brother, please don't take me for a fool. I am no liar. Caldinar threatens the end of our existence and you'd think of me a liar?
He put his hands on his chest.
Kon
I am sincerely offended.
He lowered his hands.
Kon
I am your brother, Godlin, and you better remember that.
Ximendos
I won't forget it. That said, we have bigger problems.
Kon
Like?
Ximendos
A funeral for my daughter and a war with the worlds.
Kon smiled.
Hayden stood at the peak of a mountain above the White Coats base. His hands were in the air and he was chanting.
Amros
May I interrupt?
Hayden did not turn to see him.
Hayden
As you wish, Amros.
Amros stood next to him.
Hayden
I shall have all our wards up in a moment.
Amros nodded.
Amros
Very good, very good. I didn't come here worried about the installation, though.
Hayden still did not look at Amros.
Amros
I'm worried about you, old friend.
Hayden stopped what he was doing.
Hayden
I don't follow.
Amros placed a hand on his shoulder.
Amros
Hayden, your daughter is missing and the last time you spoke with her it didn't end well.
Hayden
And?
Amros
You are hurting.
Hayden
Amros, I do not need a lecture on emotions.
Amros
I know you elf do not express them much.
Hayden
If at all.
Amros
But we are friends, we are family. You are like a father to me, and I expect you to be open with these things.
Hayden
It is not your burden.
Amros moved Hayden to look him directly.
Amros
It has always been my burden.
Suri
You okay?
Arkain and Suri lied on the bed together. He sat against the board and her head was against his chest.
Arkain
Yeah, why?
Suri
You're awfully quiet. You thinking about Cameron?
Arkain nodded.
Suri
He'll be fine, he just needs time on his own. He found out the girl he loved was responsible for the death of his little brother. I can't imagine how I'd feel.
Arkain
Suri, Gemma killed my mother.
Suri looked up.
Suri
Are you serious?
Arkain
Yes. She admitted to doing it.
Suri
I'm sorry, Arkain.
Arkain
It's okay. I just had to tell you. I may not be in love with her, but I can sort of relate to what Cameron is going through. The difference is, Cameron had no one, while I have you and the others.
Suri
Who could blame him?
Arkain
I can't. Even when he killed Velis, I couldn't blame him. Behind all his hatred and darkness, there lies a starving desire for love.
Suri
He means a lot to you, doesn't he?
Arkain
Yes. He may have tried to kill me once, but we've been through a lot since then. He saved my life, I saved his.
Suri
And you guys are half-brothers.
Arkain
Brothers. I don't make that distinction. I just wish there was something I could do. I wish there were some words I could say. I found the right ones before, but this time, well this time was just too different.
Suri
It's not your fault, Arkain. Cameron is lost in his pain and he needs time alone. He'll be back, I know it.
Arkain
That's the thing, I don't think he will be. I don't think he'll ever come back to us.
Suri
Why?
Arkain
Because without me there, he will be eaten up by his pain. That horrendous evil he holds will turn him on himself.
Suri
You can't be sure of that.
Arkain
Suri, it's the truth. Cameron won't be coming back to us. He has to face this alone, and even if he wanted our help, he wouldn't know how to ask for it. He never understood what we loved him for, so he'd never understand how to find his way back to us.
Suri
I hope you're wrong.
Arkain
Me too, me too.
Seex
Son of the king?
Ilias smiled.
Ilias
That I am.
Pascal walked down the steps as Circa approached.
Pascal
What brings you here, dear cousin?
Circa
Godlin has returned to Oleandria.
Pascal covered his mouth in surprise.
Pascal
What does this mean? Is Kesladon no longer safe?
Circa
Not entirely. I have come to take our hostages.
Pascal
You will not harm them, correct? We had a deal.
Circa grabbed Pascal by his cloak.
Circa
Do not question my commitment to my promises, Pascal. I will not harm Solara.
She let go of him.
Circa
Bring them to me.
Pascal snapped his fingers. In two minutes guards brought in chains two female elves, one grown and one the age of a small child.
Circa
Hello, Solara.
Solara did not respond.
Circa
No reply? You think you'd be more polite to royalty.
Solara
I do not recognize you as queen of anything but dirt, Circa the cold.
Circa
I see.
She smacked Solara. The little girl grabbed onto her.
Circa
You shouldn't make me do these things in front of your daughter.
Pascal
Please, Circa.
Circa gave Pascal a face of disgust.
The child elf
Leave my mother alone.
Circa was surprised.
Circa
So you speak now? Excellent. All the better.
She turned to Pascal.
Circa
I have changed my mind.
Pascal
What?
She broke the chain that connected the girl to Solara.
Circa
I am just going to take the girl.
She grabbed the girl by the wrist.
Solara
Please, no!
Circa
Quiet!
Pascal
Do not separate them, Queen Circa, there is no need.
Circa
I said quiet, Pascal. I promised you no physical pain, I said nothing of emotional.
The guards grabbed the girl.
Circa
Take her to my horse.
They did as they were told.
Pascal
Why are you doing this?
Circa
Because I can.
Pascal
It serves you no purpose.
Pascal yelped in pain and grabbed his head as he fell to his knees.
Circa
I do not relay all my plans to you so if purpose is what you miss, that is only because you cannot see. If you wish to remain the temporary king of Kesladon, I suggest you learn your place, dear and near cousin.
She released him.
Solara
Do not hurt her, Circa! If you do, I will kill you myself.
Circa
As if that were possible, cousin. No worries, I will treat with great care, my blood. I will not hurt Knives.
She smiled and turned to walk away.
Circa
Do not cross me again, Pascal, or our deal is off.
She left.
Akasha hugged Ilias.
Akasha
We've missed you so much. How did you find us?
She let go of him.
Ilias
Father said if his energy ever disappeared from the Earth, this would be the place he'd be.
Akasha
Your father, always thinking ahead.
Ilias
Yes, always thinking ahead.
Ximendos entered the room followed by Kon.
Ximendos
My son!
Ximendos hugged him as well and then introduced Kon.
Kon
He looks a lot like you, brother.
Ximendos
I'll explain that later.
He said in Ilias' ear. What followed next was them telling Ilias about Iris. He played his part well through the entire thing.
Ilias
They must pay.
Ximendos
And they will. That is why we've moved the empire here. With the combined might of the elf, we can win.
Ilias
Good. I will handle the business out there and you in here.
Akasha
We were thinking that maybe you'd come and join us here.
Ilias
I can't do that, mother. Gemma is still out there.
Ximendos
Bring her as well.
Ilias
Thank you for the invitation, but I respectably decline.
Ximendos
Very well, but the offer is always open. We will show you to your room. The funeral is tomorrow.
They all grabbed their heads except for Ilias. Circa's voice entered their minds.
Circa
Lord Godlin, I know you have returned.
Kon
That damn witch!
Circa
Meet me at the eye of peace in one hour to discuss the future of our world. If you do not, I will kill the blood of Kon. Make your choice, high king.
Ilias
(Already at war, I see. Interesting.)
The egg that held Gemma was starting to crack.
Darby
What is this?
Kassle
How do you plan on holding her inside?
Kade
Is that what I think it is?
Renn, Luck, Cash, and Gwen entered.
Renn
What is going on?
Kade
Looks like the egg is hatching. I wonder if it's a duck or a chick.
Kassle
You must land the ship.
Darby
For what purpose?
Kassle looked to Darby.
Kassle
If the half-dead is inside and it is released, it will destroy all around it.
Darby
Computer, land.
Ship AI
Very well, sir.
The ship began its descent.
Kade
What's the plan?
Kassle
It's time to operate.
The ship landed. The egg hovered along side Darby as they left the ship out into an open field of grass.
Darby
What are you planning on doing?
Kassle
We will release the half-dead from the girl.
Darby
That may kill her.
Kassle
Not if we can help it.
Kade
Kassle, that's going to require a lot of energy, if the stories are true!
Kassle
Can you provide us with a steady source of energy?
Darby pulled out his sword.
Kassle
A sword?
Darby
Not just any sword. Hold onto the handle, there is your source of power.
Kassle
Very nice, Darby of the Syn clan.
Conor, Emmylou, and Ian sat in the library looking through piles upon piles of books.
Conor
Find anything good?
Emmylou
Loads of stuff! I can't believe this place.
Conor
Ilias has good taste.
There was silence then.
Ian
I want another book.
Emmylou passed him a book.
Emmylou
Can I ask you something?
Conor shrugged.
Emmylou
What's our role in all this?
Conor
What do you mean?
Emmylou
I mean, Suri has her strength, Arkain his powers, we have none. Just what good are we?
Conor
I never thought of it that way.
He squinted his eyes.
Conor
Moral support?
Emmylou
Sounds lame.
Conor
What more do you want?
He stood up and sat next to her.
Emmylou
I don't know, the ability to protect ourselves? Not have to rely on others? I'm tired of just being baggage.
Conor
We can't do anything about that. Not even guns will help us here.
Emmylou
I know, but doesn't that worry you?
Conor
Fuck yeah it does. Worries me every second that Ilias could kill us with the flick of his finger, Ximendos can squash us like bugs, and everyone could easily do the same. Yeah, Emmy, it worries me. I'm surprised I've been able to sleep.
He laughed.
Emmylou
This isn't funny!
Conor
It kind of is! I mean, what does that matter?
Emmylou
It's just hard living when it's a matter of fact.
Conor
I can see why, but you just have to get used to it. We're just humans.
Emmylou
We're just humans.
Bijan landed next to Cassa, a silver haired Sky Walker.
Bijan
What is going on?
Cassa turned around in a very slow and gentle manner.
Cassa
They've been attacking harder since dawn. Has lord Rylan left already?
Bijan
Yes. He has left me in charge.
Cassa
I'd expect no less, you are his best friend.
Bijan
Be that as it may, I am also most suited for the job.
Cassa agreed.
Cassa
Let us just hope that Arienette does not come swooping down during your time of control.
Bijan
One can hope. If she does, I'll just have to crack the sky to stop her.
Cassa smiled.
Cassa
Even then, I don't think we'd be able to stop her.
Bijan
Then we just buy time for Rylan to return, if that is all we can do.
Cassa turned around.
Cassa
You know, in another time, you would have made a great king, Bijan.
She flew off.
A female elf with red hair entered the Caldinar throne room.
Zylen
What is it, Cypress?
Cypress, his sister, daughter of Circa, she was.
Cypress
Where is mother?
Zylen
She is on business in Kesladon. What ever could you possibly want?
Cypress
We have an intruder!
Padraic stood before the portal that led to the elf world into Caldinar.
Padraic
Such a pleasant place.
He bit his lip.
Padraic
Shame we'll have to burn it to the ground.
He looked back at the portal.
Padraic
You can come through now.
Kon stood before Daskil and Nespa.
Kon
I will be leaving for a short time with my brother. Your orders are to stay within the city, should anything happen.
They both nodded.
Ximendos
Shall we go?
Kon
Coming.
Kon jumped into the carriage.
Ilias
She was so young.
Ilias ran his fingers across Iris' face.
Akasha
I know. I remember it was just yesterday you both were born. What a blessing you both were.
Ilias
They'll pay for what they did to her.
Akasha
Your father will make sure of that. Until then, it's probably best you get some rest.
Kassle and Kade sat cross legged with the egg between them.
Darby
How confident are you that this will work?
Kassle
I'd say about eighty percent.
Darby did not respond. The egg continued to crack.
Kassle
Hand me your sword now. Ilias won't be happy if she escapes.
Darby handed his sword over.
Kade
Give us five minutes. Once she is released she will be trapped inside a force field. After that, we will extract the half-dead.
Darby
Will she die?
Kassle
We will make sure she doesn't.
Darby
I wish Ilias was here.
Kade
I wish we had more time!
Kon
She chose this place because she knows we can't attack her here.
The carriage stopped.
Kon
She is clever, that Circa.
He stepped off.
Ximendos
She is going to be an annoyance, isn't she?
Kon
You got that right.
Gemma stood up. Blood poured down her forehead.
Gemma
Let me out. I will spare you all if you allow me to go.
She could not leave the barrier Kassle and Kade created.
Kassle
Greetings, half-dead.
Gemma turned to Kassle.
Gemma
Do not speak to me, foolish child. I have been alive long enough to know the tongue of a snake.
Kassle
I mean you no harm, half-dead. I have nothing but utter fascination for your kind.
Kade
Especially because your kind is the inspiration for exorcism and those are pretty wicked.
Gemma hissed at Kade.
Gemma
What do you want from me?
Darby
Your name, what's your name?
Gemma smiled. Her eyes were black as the deepest parts of the ocean.
Gemma
My name is Krysin. Let me go, Darby.
Darby
That is what we were doing. We have trapped you here to release you, Krysin.
Gemma began to laugh.
Gemma
And how do you expect to do that?
Darby
With them.
He pointed at Kassle and Kade.
Gemma
They are magicians?
Kassle and Kade nodded.
Gemma
You bluff.
Kassle
We do not and our time is limited. Do you want to be free, Krysin?
Gemma nodded.
Gemma
More than I yearn for blood.
Kade
We're ready to give you that.
Gemma
Name your condition. I know the rules of extraction.
Kassle
You will protect this girl.
Gemma
If she lives.
Kassle
She will. You will also follow Ilias, your new master.
Gemma was silent.
Kassle
That is the deal.
Gemma
I accept.
Even the falling sun was eclipsed by the brightness that splashed out into the world.
Arkain walked down the hallway with his hands in his sweater pocket.
Arkain
Regret? Can't trust them? I wonder who they were talking about.
Conor
What?
Conor came around the corner.
Arkain
Oh, nothing. What's going on?
Conor
I was headed towards my room. Anything wrong?
The voice hit Arkain in the head. "Don't trust them."
Arkain
No, all's well.
He walked past Conor.
Arkain
I'll see you in a bit.
Luna watched Arkain on the security cameras.
Luna
That one is a weird one.
Fallen
You think?
He jumped off the chair.
Fallen
I'll go talk to him.
A transparent Circa sat at a transparent table across from transparent Ximendos and Kon.
Circa
You aren't Godlin.
Ximendos
I am a hybrid of him and myself. I am Ximendos, king of Oleandria.
Circa
I am Queen Circa of Caldinar and Kesladon.
Kon
That is mine!
Circa
Finders keepers, Kon.
She winked at him and licked her lips.
Ximendos
Why have you invited us here?
Circa
To declare the continuation of our war.
Ximendos
Good. That is exactly what I was going to meet you for. However, I want to end this.
Circa's eyes widened with surprise. Kon stood up.
Kon
End it? You will do no such thing!
Circa
On what terms, Ximendos?
She was the first elf to call him by his real name.
Ximendos
You will give back Kesladon to Kon.
Circa
I'm listening.
Ximendos
And you will return his wife and daughter.
Circa
I don't think I can do that.
Kon
Witch!
Ximendos
And why is that?
Circa
His daughter is too valuable. With time, she will be the single biggest threat this planet has ever faced.
Kon
Who told you?
Circa
I have my methods, now shut up, the king and queen are speaking.
Ximendos motioned for Kon not to respond.
Ximendos
How can we trust you in time of peace if you are still holding a hostage?
Circa
You will have to take my word for it. If I had her over, it may very well mean the end of Caldinar. I cannot afford that. I will keep her as payment for peace.
Kon
She lies! Do not trust her, brother! Give me my daughter back!
Circa
Why did you bring him? Wasn't growing up with him sufficient enough to show he cannot be brought to the table?
Ximendos
He means well, Circa.
Circa
Nonetheless, that is where I stand. I keep her.
Kon
Knives is my daughter, you heartless wench.
Circa
I am aware. You will have to decide, Kon. War or the loss of your daughter.
Kon did not say anything despite his anger pouring through him.
Ximendos
I have no quarrel with your terms. You will leave Kesladon and return to Caldinar.
Circa
That is fine with me.
She paused before she spoke again.
Circa
Just what are you after?
He informed her about the Sky Walker.
Circa
The Sky Walker?
Gemma's body laid on the ground motionless.
Darby
Is it done?
Kassle nodded.
Kade
Give it time.
Circa
You are telling me you went to war with these things?
Kon
Yes.
Circa
While being at war with Caldinar?
Ximendos
Yes.
Circa
That's very impressive. If these things are as powerful as you say they are,
A black body emerged from Gemma's body until it was standing straight in front of a setting sun. It stepped forward and screamed.
Gwen
What is that?
Gwen said from the ship.
Renn
Hell.
The body turned into a man with short brown hair and a black suit.
Krysin
Hello, my friends. Oh, it's good to be free.
Circa
Just what do you intend to do? We will go to war with you, but this war will cost a great deal of elvish life.
Ximendos
We are prepared for that.
Circa
Aside from Kon's sword, Zohar, and Zarathustra, which was once mine, what weapons do we have against these unstoppable beings you speak of?
Ximendos
An old friend. He's been putting himself back together for this moment.
He turned to look behind him.
Ximendos
You can come out now.
Ilias, turned around to face the familiar darkness he had known all his life.
Ilias
This can't be.
He said, and for the first time in as long as he could remember, he was surprised.
A dark figure stood next to Ximendos.
Circa and Kon
What is that?
Ximendos
His name is Orthak.
