Chapter Seventy-Nine: A Stroke of Luck

One day ago...

Rylan stood on the balcony of his room watching the sun as battle waged throughout the planet.
Rylan
You may enter.
Bijan entered the room.
Bijan
Good evening, my lord.
Rylan turned his head to see Bijan.
Rylan
You are my brother, Bee, you can call me by my name.
Bijan
I forget at times.
He stepped inside.
Rylan
What brings you here?
Bijan
I came to say goodbye. I understand you are leaving today.
Rylan looked back at the sun as Bijan walked towards the balcony door.
Rylan
Do you think they will hate me? Have I done too much damage?
Bijan put his hand on Rylan's shoulder.
Bijan
If they hate you, it will pass. All broken hearts mend, and they won't be an exception.
Rylan
I wish they could understand why things had to be as they are.
Bijan
They're young, Ry, give them time. The humanity in them will take its course, but the outcome, what it all amounts to, I assure you will be in your favor.
Rylan
I just want to be good enough for them after this mess.
Bijan
It's not that you aren't good enough or that you fear the love you carry won't be passed to another, it's more than that. Despite the lack of reciprocity from the person you care deeply for, I'm afraid it goes much deeper than that. You are, more often than not, good enough for that person, or in your case, your sons. It's yourself you aren't good enough for. It's your own eyes that you run from. Because in the event that you are good enough, which you are, you don't know what that looks like. You wouldn't know what to do with it if it was actualized before you. You don't even know what it is you're searching for. And in the most tragic cases, perhaps you never want to be, without even knowing it. There is too much pleasure, sometimes, in suffering. You're good enough for them, the only thing stopping you, well, it was always you.
Rylan turned to Bijan and smiled.
Rylan
Sometimes I forget that even I have my weaknesses.
Bijan
We all do, my brother. What's important is to understand them and work through them.
Rylan
I know. I simply lost my way in the mess of details.
Bijan
And I would never hold that against you. Though we are different in so many ways, we are close at the fabric of our beings. That is why we are brothers. That is why Padraic never was yours. Being born of the same blood makes you siblings, the relationship that grows makes you brothers.
Rylan
Remarkably true. Thank you, Bijan. I can always count on you. I could not have chosen a better best friend.
Bijan
My brother, it is an honor to serve you in battle and in heart.
Bijan was now standing next to him on the balcony.
Rylan
I could not ask for more. When this war is over, I will make you a king.
Bijan
That is not necessary, I am content with being your right hand man. Give the kingdoms to my nephews.
Rylan
If that is what you truly want, it will be done, if they will have it. Although, if I do make you one, note that it did not have to be necessary to be done. You are my little brother and you will one day be king. Let us first get through the demon days that lie ahead of us.
Bijan
Very well, Rylan. We will get through. I'll fight to the end for what we've built here.
Rylan
I do not doubt that. We will win because they don't have the stroke of luck we do.
Bijan
And what would that be?
Rylan
My brother, that would be you.

Roselyn fell to her knees. Grey and Nick consoled her.
Amros
What purpose would Ximendos have with Forest?
Hayden
I do not know. My only guess is power.
Amros
He seems to have enough of that.
Hayden turned around.
Hayden
I need you to stay here with the others.
Amros
Excuse me?
Hayden
I've just decided.
Roselyn
What have you decided?
Roselyn was now standing next to them.
Roselyn
The father I just met is gone, probably dead, and you've decided something?
Grey
Calm down, Ros-
Roselyn
No, Grey, I won't. What have you decided, Hayden?
Hayden turned to her.
Hayden
I am going home.

The entire area that was filled with thousands of elves was now empty. Ilias stood at the casket where his sister lied silently. Everyone had left except for him. Ayn and Nya flew high above gracefully.
Ilias
If only you could see it all now, little sister. The elf world is tremendously beautiful. You would have loved it here.

Kon sat at his throne and studied the figure below before speaking.
Kon
Tell me, for what purpose would I entertain a word that is about to storm from your mouth?
The figure stood tall.
Hellia
For I am Hellia, Queen of Oleandria.
Kon rested his face on his right hand.
Kon
You've always bored me, Hellia. That's the best reason you can conjure? Pathetic.
Solara
Be kind to her, your highness.
Solara entered the room and walked up to Hellia. They hugged.
Solara
It has been ages, Hellia.
Hellia
It truly has. I am happy to see you are fine.
Solara
Queen Circa could never get the best of me physically.
She turned to walk.
Solara
Her choice of weaponry was always mentally, emotionally.
She sat at the throne next to Kon's.
Solara
I can't say she was ever an amateur at that.
Hellia
I don't think many can. She is wicked, after all.
Kon
Quiet, she isn't so bad. I promise you I can be worse!
Hellia
I would not put it past you, King Kon.
Kon yawned.
Kon
Alright, what do you want, Hell? I don't have all day.
Hellia
I was hoping you'd help me with a very important problem.
Kon leaned forward with his hands crossed.
Kon
I'm listening.
Hellia
I'm afraid my jealous runs wild with my heart. Ever since my husband has arrived he has spent all his time with a new woman. She is uncomprehendingly ugly and rather empty.
Kon
And?
Hellia
I want her dead.
Kon
Queen Hellia, if I report this to Godlin, it will be your head.
Hellia
But you won't.
Kon
And why is that?
Hellia
Because no one would believe you. Run to my husband and you'll find no one cares for the words that call your mouth mother. If you go against me, it will mean war with Oleandria. Let's be honest, Kon, your country is not in any position for war. I mean, with it's king just hours ago coming home.
Kon
Your tongue is sharp, Hellia.
Hellia licked her lips.
Hellia
When I desire, I get it.
Solara
Well played. A worthy opponent of deception, she is.
Kon
Well, tell me, just how do you plan on killing her?
Hellia
Well, it will take time, but it will happen.
Kon
I'm listening.
Hellia
Oh, I know.
She winked.

Gemma could not stop her eyes from running around the entire room.
Darby
Something wrong?
Gemma looked up at him.
Gemma
I can see.
Darby
I had forgotten that might happen. Enjoy the world, Gemma.
He walked towards the control panels.
Krysin
So where are we off to?
Fallen had disappeared.
Darby
We are heading back to the Black City.
Krysin
Very nice! I always wanted to ride first class.
He sat in the chair closest to him.
Krysin
This is much more comfortable than her head. Oh, sexy chair!
Gemma walked towards Krysin.
Gemma
You are annoying.
He slowly rolled his head to her.
Krysin
What do you want? Haven't we been around each other for much too long now?
Gemma
You are a demon.
Krysin
I know that, silly. Such a pretty face you have, Gemma. The kind that could save someone.
He touched her face with two of his fingers.
Krysin
Shame that I'm so far from saving.
He pulled his hand back.
Krysin
No, but really, what?
Gemma
I want to talk to you in private.
Kassle
You will do no such thing.
Kassle didn't even turn to look at them.
Kade
It would be best if you listened.
Krysin
Listen? Oh, I never had ears for that.
He snapped his fingers and in an instant a barrier of darkness engulfed him and Gemma. They all turned and approached this barrier.
Krysin
Relax guys, she's safe. No need to get your swords caught in a wall. The girl wants some alone time, and I'm going to give it to her.
They all went back to what they were doing.
Krysin
There.
He smiled.
Gemma
What is your plan?
Krysin
Don't have one yet. Want to help me think of one? I'm thinking take over the world and then live on the beach.
He waved his hands in the air.
Krysin
What do you think?
He turned to face her.
Gemma
You're binded to me.
Krysin
I am. I'm also binded to your little boyfriend, oh wait, I mean husband. You went and got married while I was away? Shame on you!
Gemma
He's different.
Krysin
That's what they all say, come on, Gemma. Let's be honest, you did it out of fear.
Gemma
And if I did? So what!
Krysin shrugged.
Krysin
No, you're right. So what? I don't care. You just knew that it would make you safe from him, didn't you? Him and Arkain.
Gemma
What do you mean?
Krysin
Tsk, tsk, tsk, did you forget I was a part of your inner most thoughts?
Gemma didn't respond.
Krysin
You want atonement, you say you're okay with him killing you, but that's not really what you want.
He waved his finger in front of her.
Krysin
Nope, nope, and nope. What you want is protection. What you want is to live.
He sat up.
Krysin
It's okay, Gemma, we all want to live. Even me, even me. No need to hide it.
Gemma
You're a fool.
Krysin
No!
He leaned forward.
Krysin
I just know what I want and admit to how I feel. Tell me, what has this world become? A world where we must keep how we truly feel at bay all because we're afraid of someone leaving us? Don't you worry your little heart, you found yourself a keeper.
He sat back again.
Krysin
Well, two, if you count me. Ilias won't be going anywhere. Now Arkain? Well, it's best you start forgetting that kid.
Gemma
I'll manage, thank you very much. You're repulsive.
Krysin
And cute, don't forget cute.
He blew a kiss at her.
Gemma
You're right though.
Krysin
Oh yeah?
Gemma
Yes, I did it because I wanted to be protected. I wanted to stay alive.
Krysin
Good for you!
Gemma
But it's also because I love him. I actually do love Ilias.
Krysin
Suuuuure.
Gemma
You may have felt a lot in my mind, the most black thoughts I ever thought, but you never held my good ones. You never knew the ones that made my heart warm.
Krysin
What does that mean?
Gemma
It means that you can't explain my love away because you never experienced it. The way I love, the way these people mean everything to me, you can never understand. You can only laugh, ridicule it, and push me down as someone pathetic and sad. Go ahead, go that far to settle something in that empty place you should carry a heart in. You never had what I had, you never loved the way I do. You'll never understand. I'm happy to be a fool in love, than a critic alone.
Krysin
Be careful, Gemma. You always love so much but get little in return.
Gemma
Be that as it may, it's never a shame to love greatly. It's a disgrace to love but a little. I don't wear my heart on my shoulder and nor on my sleeve. No, the stupid thing always finds itself rested in my palm. So silly of me, right? Thinking anyone would be capable of carrying this heavy thing.
Krysin laughed.
Gemma
One day you will be loved. Now let me out of here.
Krysin
As you wish.
Gemma
You're bound by me, Krysin. Don't you cross me or I'll have Ilias end you.
Krysin
Idiot, whether bound by trickery or not, I'm organically bound by you anyways.
Gemma looked confused. Krysin stood up.
Krysin
My essence may be connected to you and Ilias, so that you guys cannot die, but even if that wasn't the case, I'm bound by you not only because I am forced to be but because I choose to be.
Gemma
Why would you ever choose such a thing?
Krysin
It's like you said, Gemma.
He patted her on the head.
Krysin
Misery loves company. But even simpler, well, you're my mother.

A long time ago...

Rylan stood before a small boy in front of a burning city.
Rylan
And your name is?
The little boy didn't respond.
Rylan
I asked you what your name is.
The boy
My name is Bijan.
Rylan studied the boy.
Rylan
You aren't a walker. No, not with that glow nor that name.
Bijan
I don't follow, sir.
Rylan
Do you know who I am?
Bijan looked down.
Bijan
You are lord Rylan of the second Spiral.
Rylan stood directly in front of the boy.
Rylan
Yes, and you are Bijan, the unknown sky walker.
The boy looked up at Rylan's face.
Rylan
You are coming with me.
Bijan
But my family!
Rylan
You don't have any.
Bijan turned around to see the burning village.
Bijan
What happened?
Rylan
War.
Bijan almost began to cry, even though he had no idea why.
Bijan
My family is dead?
Rylan
If you even had family. As I am aware, there were no Sky Walkers detectable in this area.
Bijan
So I am alone.
Rylan
Not anymore, not again. You're coming with me.
Rylan began to walk away. Bijan ran after him.
Bijan
But why? Why does evil like this happen?
Rylan stopped. It was now raining. A wing burst through his back and blocked the rain from hitting young Bijan.
Rylan
It's cold out here, and I imagine it is quite a shock to breath this air and discover this loss. As the coming days pass, I need you to be strong. For yourself, for your new home, and for me.
Bijan
I don't want to go!
Rylan
Then you stay here and rot. I don't think you want that. We both know it. I promise a home of no lies and just love. I promise you a family.
Bijan
Family?
Rylan
Yes.
Bijan
And in return, what do I have to do for you? There's always a price!
Rylan
I imagine with the life you've led you do not want to feel as though you owe anyone anything. I can understand that.
Rylan turned quickly, and while he did his other wing burst out and replaced the other to cover Bijan.
Rylan
You will not owe me anything, ever.
Bijan
Lies.
Rylan
No, young Bee, just love.
Bijan
I can't give you anything in return.
Rylan
Nonsense. If you accept my invitation, you give me family in return. We'd owe each other nothing but our bond. I think that's what you want.
Bijan thought about it for a moment.
Rylan
What have you decided?
Bijan
I will go.
Rylan
I'm glad. Let's go.
Rylan extended his hand. After a slight hesitation, he grabbed his hand. They began to walk away from the burning city.
Rylan
One more thing, Bijan.
Bijan looked up at him.
Rylan
You asked "why" in the face of great evil. I have an answer for you.
The entire area behind them stopped burning. Rylan's eyes were glowing. Bijan heard this and turned to see what was making all the sound.
Rylan
I am afraid I do not know.
Bijan saw the entire city was rebuilt and beautiful again. He could not do anything other than remain in silence.

Emmylou
Ian, what are you doing?
Emmylou was laying on her bed as Ian paced up and down the room.
Ian
I can't sleep.
Emmylou
Try harder, I want to go to bed.
Ian
I miss mom and dad.
Emmylou
Me too, Ian, me too. Come here.
He jumped on the bed.
Emmylou
It's going to be alright, okay?
Ian nodded.
Ian
I love you, Em.


Arkain fell back against the floor.
Arkain
I remember that.
He let the camera slip to the ground. The thud destroyed the silence.
Arkain
Cameron, what are we doing?
He put his face in his hands.
Arkain
You were that boy.
Suri
So you found out?
Arkain looked up slowly to see Suri at the door.
Arkain
You knew?
Suri nodded.
Arkain
Why didn't you say anything?
Suri
Wasn't my story to tell.
Arkain looked at the camera.
Suri
You okay?
Arkain
Not really. Suri, what the fuck are we doing? It's like every moment we find out much of what we've known or have been told is a lie.
Suri began to walk forward.
Arkain
And that scares me. Honestly, it makes me not want to trust anyone.
Suri
You can trust me.
Arkain
I know, I do. Even if history tells me I can't.
Suri
What do you mean?
Arkain
I just, I just don't know. I guess I'm just the definition of insecure. The mirror fucking image of no control.
Suri
Shut up, Arkain.
Arkain
I'm serious. Someone just threw a rock into the water and I don't know what I'm looking at now.
Suri
Look at me, damnit!
She knelt down in front of him.
Suri
Keep it together! We will get through this, Arkain. We've gone so far.
Arkain
And what if this is it? What if this is where we're supposed to be?
Suri
Can't be. I do believe everything must belong somewhere, but we don't belong here.
She looked up.
Suri
Not in this black city with Ilias.
Arkain
We need to find Cameron.
Suri
We will. We'll find him and we'll get out of this place. We'll all be okay.
Arkain
I want that, I really do. I just wish it was that easy. I envy the ending so much right now.
Suri
If you'd stop obsessing over the ending, maybe you'd see more clearly. Life's hard, but I'm sure we've seen worse.
She stood up.
Arkain
And if it gets worse?
Suri
It gets worse. We'll face it and we'll come out winners. Is there any other way?
Arkain
You're one hell of a girl.
She sat down next to him.
Suri
Thanks. Feeling better?
Arkain
A little. I just wish Cameron was here right now. I got my girl,
He winked at her.
Arkain
Now I just need my first friend, my brother.

Kegan
They're coming for me.
Kegan and Supriya stood by the giant lake outside of the White Coats hideout.
Supriya
Why do you say such a thing?
Kegan
I can feel it. Kassle and Kade, they want me again.
Supriya
For what? They can't have you. They know you'd never go back to that.
Kegan
I know, but that won't stop them from trying. Sup, the next chapter of this journey is going to be much more difficult than the one that has passed.
Supriya
It always is.
Kegan
Not even us magicians will be safe.

Munro
Is that where we're headed?
Germ
I think so.
Lucifer sat on Munro's shoulder.
Germ
It looks like we're going on vacation to another world.

A long time ago...

Padraic
So that's what Rylan has planned, hmm? Interesting.
The dark figure below Padraic spoke.
Figure
Is there anything else, lord Padraic?
Padraic
No, you're free to go. I'll see you in a few days, Bijan. Keep up the good work.

Conor
Do you like being a cat?
Conor sat in the library with Luna.
Luna
I love it.
Conor
I would love to be a cat. I always wanted one.
Luna
Why didn't you get one?
Conor
I'm allergic. I would have named him Set.
Luna
Well, I'm not a normal cat.
She rubbed her tail against his face.
Luna
I won't make you sneeze.
She laughed and ran off.

Cameron let go of Velis.
Velis
What's wrong?
Cameron
I don't know. My birthmark feels weird.
Velis
So? Kiss me.
Cameron
Just hold on, okay?
Velis
I can't.
Cameron turned to her.
Velis
I'm dead.
She burst into flames before his eyes. The flames grew and grew before Cameron.
Cameron
Velis! What have you done!
The fire kept growing.
Cameron
Why did you start this fire?
He wrapped his legs with his arms.
Cameron
Why did you have to do it?
A little boys voice came through the flames. It was Christian.
Christian
You should have forgiven her. She didn't know.
Cameron looked up.
Cameron
Christian? Christian, you're alive!
Christian
No, I am dead too. Gone forever.
Cameron
What is going on here?
Christian
You're dreaming, Cameron. You're falling apart.
Cameron
I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do without you.
Christian
The right thing.
Cameron
But I don't know what that is, the line has always been blurry. Can't you just come back?
Christian
I can't. You have Arkain now.
Cameron
I know, but I want you. You're my blood! You're my real brother!
Christian
And so is he. You know this already. Protect him, like you would me.
Cameron was now on fire.
Cameron
I can't, I won't! Christian, I can't do anything anymore! I just want to die!
Christian
If you die, I die for good. Is that the price you wish to pay?
Cameron
No.
He said softly.
Christian
You have another brother to live for.
Cameron
I don't know. I don't even know what to think anymore. This is all a dream.
Christian
Yes it is just a dream, but while dreaming, you are thinking.
Christian was now standing next to him.
Christian
Which means you know what to do. Protect Arkain. He is your only real family now.
Cameron
But I'm falling apart!
Christian
Be careful where the pieces land. If you can do that much, you can rebuild again.
The woman's voices entered his brain again. Christian now spoke in her voice.
Woman's voice
Be careful where the pieces land. If you can do that much, you can rebuild again.
Cameron opened his eyes.
Woman's voice
Do not trust them. Your blood is the blood of the moon. Do not trust them.
He closed his eyes again.

Ilias' ship landed and everyone began to exit. Amya waited at the end of the bay for them.
Amya
I see you all have arrived safely.
Darby
We ran into a few difficulties but we made it.
He stood by her and turned around. Kassle and Kade approached Amya.
Kassle
So lovely to see you again, lady Amya.
Amya gracefully acknowledged their presence.
Amya
Where are the Four Winds?
Darby
They said they had more pressing matters than moving around cargo. Precious, as it may be.
Amya
I take it those are Ilias' orders.
Fallen appeared next to them.
Fallen
Where are they?
Darby
Coming.
Krysin came strolling down with his hands in pocket and Gemma followed slowly behind.
Krysin
What's up, bitches? I'm home!

A long time ago...

Bijan entered Rylan's personal quarters.
Bijan
You asked to see me?
Rylan
Yes, come in.
Bijan stood at the door.
Rylan
It was twenty years ago this very day that I found you.
Rylan sat at his desk.
Rylan
I knew nothing about you, I knew not what you were capable of, but I took a chance and brought you into my lands.
Bijan tried to speak.
Rylan
Allow me to finish.
He set his hands across his stomach.
Rylan
I gave you family. You are my brother.
He leaned back.
Rylan
With that said, I it levels my insides to say, I know.
Bijan
You know what, my lord?
Rylan
You know very well what I mean. How long? How long have you been feeding him information?
Bijan was careful with how to respond.
Rylan
How long?
Bijan
Since the day I met you. He said he was my friend, he said you were my enemy.
Rylan
He has figured out how to infiltrate my palace, I see. Am I your enemy, Bijan?
Bijan
I don't know.
Rylan
You don't know?
Bijan
I don't think so.
Rylan
You don't think so?
Bijan
No. No, you're not my enemy.
Rylan put both hands on his knees and leaned forward.
Rylan
So why are you working against me? Why do you value whatever relationship you have with my sibling more than this one?
Bijan
I don't know.
Rylan
Have I not been good to you? Have I not shown you what family truly is?
Bijan
You have, sir, more than you know.
Rylan
So why, why have you betrayed me?
Bijan
Because it was easy.
Rylan finally looked at Bijan.
Rylan
Because it was easy?
Bijan
Padraic is uncaring, cold, and simple to talk to. You're warm, caring, and intimidating. I took advantage of that. I appreciated what I was used to, and that was the cold, the uncaring, and the simple. I have never been used to someone caring about me. I have never had someone call me brother in the way you have an actually mean it. Your bond scared me, up to the point where I wanted to run away from this importance.That is why I allowed Padraic to become my friend.
Rylan
I understand.
Bijan
You understand?
Rylan
I understand. I expect great things from the people I love and I understand that can be intimidating.
Bijan
It can. You've told me a great many of things of how you were wronged by your siblings and while hearing these things over the years, I realized I don't know if I can be the family you've always wanted.
Rylan
Is that right?
Bijan
I think so. At least, that's how I've always felt. That's why I became your enemy, why I betrayed you.
Rylan
I understand. Bijan, know this, while I do have expect great things, while I do value bonds more than others, I do not want you to think you're not good enough. You are. You always have been. It was in the moment you accepted my invitation all those years ago that you became more than my blood ever was.
Bijan
You're right. I'm sorry.
Rylan
I do not need that from you.
Rylan stood up.
Rylan
What I need is for you to understand is that from here on, we are brothers. That may be heavy but it is the sum of our link. If that's too much, run now. Run to Padraic or wherever.
Bijan
I'm not running. Brothers don't run.
Rylan
That's what I wanted to hear. You will never see Padraic again, and we shall forget this ever happened.
Bijan
Agreed.
Rylan
You may go now.
Bijan turned to leave. He opened the door and stopped.
Bijan
I'm sorry for everything. I won't you down, I promise. This will all be worth it.

Suri stood up.
Suri
You know, I love life right now.
She stretched her body.
Suri
I miss my dad though.
Arkain
Hayden will be alright. He always is.
Suri
He's a fighter just like you.
Arkain laughed.
Arkain
Except he can kick way more ass than I can.

Grey held Roselyn in his arms on their bed.
Roselyn
How time can move both fast and slow terrifies me.
Grey
Tell that to our son.

Nick sat at a table with Vesper and Malic.
Vesper
Are you okay?
Vesper touched Nick's knee.
Nick
Yeah, I didn't even know the guy. I don't know how to feel something for someone I don't know.
Malic
That's normal.
Nick
Yet something tells me I should.
Vesper
The world feels different now.
Nick
Yeah, I can feel it in the soil. It tells me stories. It tells me it's dying.
Malic
Even more problems!

Ilias stood at the entrance of the palace with his father and mother hugging him.
Akasha
Thank you for coming. Your sister would be proud of the man you've become.
Ximendos
Indeed, as are we.
Ilias
Thank you for having me. I hope to return soon.
Akasha kissed him on the cheek.
Akasha
You're always welcome here, baby.
Ximendos
It is our home, after all. Goodbye, my son.
He kissed him on the forehead.
Ilias
See you all soon.
Ilias turned to walk away.
Ximendos
Oh wait, one more thing.
Ilias stopped, curious as to what was going to come next.
Ximendos
I've decided that though life is the longest thing we'll ever do, it's also very short despite that fact. That being the case, I decided it makes life too short to even care at all.
Ilias
Meaning?
Ximendos
I have nothing to fear. War is upon us and I've grown quite generous.
Ilias
And?
Ximendos
I want to give my brother and sister a fighting chance.
Ilias turned his head slightly so that he could see his father.
Ximendos
Their deaths will come soon and I want them to die freely.
Ilias
What does this have to do with me?
Ximendos
Well, it means I want you to release my sister.
Ilias
Let me get this straight, you want me to release Amya from my control?
Ximendos
Yes.
Ilias
(He doesn't even know I am his enemy and he's playing against me already. He is my father, after all.)
Ilias smiled.
Ilias
Very well.
His eyes glowed.
Ilias
Amya, I release you.
Ximendos turned to walk.
Ximendos
That will make things more fun. See you later!

Amya found herself holding onto a rail under the moonlight.
Amya
What is going on?
She grabbed her head as everything rushed back to her.
Amya
Where am I?
She stood on the balcony remembering everything that had just passed.
Amya
What have I done?
She stood up straight.
Amya
Roselyn, Nick...
Fury pulsed through her body like fire. All for over two hundred miles shook.

Ilias stepped through the portal. He heard the cry of an eagle and looked up.
Ilias
It's like that?
The shape of an eagle in the sky blasted a giant ball of energy at him. His shield absorbed everything.
Ilias
Show yourself, the one that calls Cyrill his friend.
Hayden appeared in the darkness directly in front of him between the trees.
Hayden
Good evening, prince Ilias.
Ilias
To what do I owe the assassination?
Hayden
You are my enemy.
Ilias
Am I? I think you and I know that isn't true. Or have you been worrying about Suri this whole time? No, I made it so my energy was shown to you and Amros when my sister died.
Hayden
So you did do it.
Ilias nodded.
Hayden
I had a feeling that was the case but I was not sure. It left me, however, comfortable with my daughter and her present company being left in your hands.
Ilias
I assure you, she is fine. She is in good hands.
Hayden
You better keep it that way, Ilias. I didn't come here to battle you, though I could kill you right now if I wanted to.
Ilias
I am not your enemy.
Hayden
But you aren't my friend.
Ilias
Noted. However, if you killed me, which I doubt you could, that would mean the death of Suri also. Would you want that to happen? If I do recall, she means a lot to you, so essentially it would also mean the death of you. We can't have that, no, no we can't.
Hayden stepped forward.
Hayden
I take it your parents do not know of your betrayal.
Ilias
They haven't the slightest clue. It gives us more time to get ready for the real war.
Hayden
With?
Ilias
The world of the walkers of the sky.
Hayden
Here.
Hayden tossed him a blue orb.
Hayden
If you really do wish to not be our enemy, involve us.
Ilias
Involve you? I did not think the White Coats would work with us for any reason. That's why I have not even thought of including you all, Suri in or company or not.
Hayden
I think you'll find the White Coats are not against getting our coats dirty these days.
Ilias
Excellent. I shall contact Amros soon. All the better once the war hits home.
Hayden
I look forward to that.
Hayden was not standing five feet away from Ilias.
Ilias
Are you off to the elf world?
Hayden
I am. It's time I returned home. It's been quite some time since I have.
Ilias
Well then, I shall take my leave. I do hope you enjoy your stay. It was lovely speaking with you.
He walked passed him.
Hayden
You may fancy yourself untouchable, Ilias, but I assure you, if you hurt her I will kill you.
Ilias
Well then, I think I'll give you a warning too.
Hayden
Oh?
Ilias
If you ruin my plans, I will kill you. You don't scare me anymore. Too few do these days.
Ayn and Nya roared. Ilias was gone. Hayden looked up at the moon.
Hayden
Interesting.
Hayden turned and stepped through the portal.

A day ago...
Bijan
A stroke of luck? Don't flatter me, brother.
Rylan
I mean what I say, every time.
Bijan turned to him.
Bijan
I know. Well, I suppose you should be leaving now.
Rylan
That I should. Do take out the trash while I am gone.
Bijan laughed.
Bijan
Your kids are going to love you.
Rylan
And they're going to love their uncle even more.
Bijan
We shall see.
They both walked towards the door.
Rylan
Remember when you said this would all be worth it?
Bijan
I do.
Rylan
I don't know exactly what you meant, but right now, this feels right.
Bijan
What do you mean, brother?
He put his arm over his shoulder.
Rylan
This feels worth it.