SacredOrderOfTheMagi

This is my main nvoel, Bane of Thunder, but it is the very first version I ever wrote.Yes, that's right, it's the first draft of the first writing. I've rewrote the novel three times.

All rights reserved,

© S.R. Wilkes

S. R. Wilkes

Bane Of Thunder

          The sky was a magnificent shade of blue over the brave opaque looking castle known as an academy that seemed to be trying to conquer the sky. The academy was a formal structure where promising youths were sent to be trained in the art of war and specializations not ordinarily available. There were five regions of the world: Dinlun plains of the west, Rolum vast forest of the south, Falasayne wise land of the east, Rodrim dark region of the north, and last, Alsymok realm of chaos. Each of these five regions had their very own academies but one special one, Falasayne's at that, was soon to be the home of a man named Majoron, a promising youth who had learned that he would be taking a trip to undergo the trials of this academy.

          "How much longer, Miss Serenity?" asked Majoron one morning to the person who would be looking after him today. Since Majoron had no actual family he was supported in the shelter until he could live in his own hut but even then he still had daily visits from helpers from the village committee. Serenity was the most frequent visitor and Majoron had heard that she often asked to help him.

          "You don't have to call me miss." She informed

          "Ah, sorry sorry, but you do so much for me it's hard not to show the respect." answered Majoron with a smile.

          "It's another week, Majoron. You've been waiting so patiently can’t you hold on just one more week?" asked Serenity as she turned around to face him, her radiant green eyes sparking above a smile.

          "I guess so..." sighed Majoron as his voice trailed off. “If you don’t mind, I think I am going to go find Alara." Alara was the first person to befriend Majoron back when he was new to the town. She was also to date his absolute best friend.

          "Ok. I'll tidy up a bit and then head on back to the center, Majoron." replied Serenity with that same smile. There was always something odd about her smile, Majoron never found out what it was but there was always something unknown about it that would always catch him off gaurd.

          "Ok, but you don’t have to clean up for Me." said Majoron as he walked out the door shouting "good-bye" behind him. He stretched in the sunlight as it illuminated his blue eyes and dark blue tunic. In the full light Majoron was almost a normal kid, aside from his eyes which were an oddly radiant blue. He was thin, not muscular at all and didn’t look like he was an athlete by any means. But, Majoron's looks were deceiving as he could run the length of the village and back without breaking a sweat or tiring. He began to jog towards the village center where people usually met. He quickened his pace through the streets of Jerhan. Jerhan was a small town located in central Falasayne. Falasayne was a region of the world that was a magnificent sight to behold where as its neighboring region Rolum wasn't much of a sight at all due to its thick forests. Falasayne was comprised of lush green valleys around Treslyne, the largest lake in the world to date. There were many islands all about Treslyne but located at almost the exact center of the lake was one island with a town called Jerhan atop. The people of Falasayne had found ways to give things the ability to hover or fly which they greedily keep for themselves. In finding this knowledge the people of Falasayne created several large floating cities all around the region but many of them, like the capital of Falasayne itself, were located overtop of Treslyne.

          Majoron moved swiftly through the streets looking for his friend. In fact, Majoron was one of the swiftest kids in the village. He reached the village center soon but found that Alara was not there. He sat on a bench in the park and let the thoughts of the academy once more drift into his consciousness. He thought once again about the trials and what they were going to be like. He wondered if he might actually face something in one of the three trials. Maybe he’d have to fight a tiger or worse a mirror creature from another region like Rodrim, a nasty region filled with dark monsters and rotting corpses that still walk the night. A mirror creature is a type of creature that came to live in one region but parts of its group would move on to other regions changing throughout time to create a creature that looked the same but had very different abilities. Deep in his thoughts, Majoron didn’t even notice the girl walking up to him.

          "You alive in that odd head of yours?" asked the girl as she poked Majoron’s forehead.

          "Alara!" exclaimed Majoron as he jumped into a sitting position. "I was looking for you."

          "Of course you were, we meet up every day." explained Alara. "So what'cha thinkin' about?"

          "Just the trials of the academy and what they're going to be." replied Majoron with an exhausted look.

          "Don’t worry about it if there's one thing I know from being your friend all these years it's that you can face almost anything and come out the winner. Don’t worry you look like your killing yourself over it." said Alara with a worried look playing across her features.

          "You may be right but still the unsurity of what I am going to have to face is killing Me." said Majoron as he rested his head on his hands.

          "I would not doubt it considering it is you. You always know so much about everything and every situation you encounter I can only imagine how weird it is to be completely unsure what this thing is." offered Alara with a slightly know-it-all voice.

          "Alara, you sure are smart. If you weren't moving into Rolum I might just try to stay here. But it’s pointless now."

          "I know what you mean. I would love to stay here with you but my parents...." Alara carefully made it sound as though her voice was trailing off but Majoron knew better. They were all careful of talking about parents around him although he repeatedly said that it didn't bother him.

          "I don’t min-" started Majoron.

          "I know, I know, I know, but lets not waste this last week arguing." interrupted Alara.

          "Agreed. So, what now? Wanna try to get to the other island again?" asked Majoron referring to a small amount of land just off the coast of the island where Majoron and Alara continuously tried to reach. With no successful attempts they eventually quit.

          "Yeah!" exclaimed Alara. "I want to get there before we leave."

          So the two set off in a maze through the streets of Jerhan. Winding there way to the southern beach. Once there they stumbled through some bushes to a group of stepping stones leading out into the water.

          "You first, Majoron." offered Alara motioning for Majoron to go ahead.

          "With pleasure." agreed Majoron with a slight noble bow. He stepped onto the first rock getting his balance before jumping from one to the next with outstanding speed. Alara was not nearly as balanced as Majoron but made decent time hopping from one stone to the next. The two soon reached a split in the stones where Majoron stepped on a single rock that led to a dead end on the left as Alara went on behind him. They both reached the end of the rocks as they were almost able to reach the island.

          "M’lady." called Majoron as he offered his hands.

          "Thank you kindly young soldier." said Alara as she used one hand to pull herself forward and rest one foot on Majoron's other hand.

          "Ready?" Asked Majoron and Alara nodded. Majoron concentrated and pulled up all of his strength in his arms and threw Alara toward the island with all his might. She squealed in delight as she plummeted to the water. She caused a massive splash that almost toppled Majoron into the deep water below. He regained his balance and went back a few stones. He got ready and charged the stone at the end of the path madking sure each foot landed in the exact spot to push him on quicker and quicker. He pressed his foot on the final stone realizing that neither of them had done this before or knew a way to get back. But it was too late. If Majoron were to try and stop now his momentum would bring him off the edge and he wouldn’t be able to get back up. So Majoron continued on and jumped as high and as far as he could. He landed at almost the same place Alara had causing a large wave just as she had. He carefully picked himself up and walked towards the shore where Alara was. They both looked at each other then back at the shore realizing they were stuck and both burst out laughing.

          "I can’t believe we never thought about coming back." said Alara as she tried to stop laughing. "You must have been distracted by the trials."

          "Heh, you're right I haven’t had a minds rest since I heard about It." replied Majoron as he calmed down. The two looked around the small bit of land circling a large rock formation that looked as though it could be fun up on top.

          "What do you suppose is up there?" asked Alara referring to the top of the formation.

          "Probably nothing but there might be treasure." answered Majoron knowing there was no treasure but having a game with it.

          "We can’t climb it but you know how the travelers use that arcane stuff?" asked Alara referring to the people who use Arcane Energies to bring other people places such as other islands and floating cities.

          "Yes, what are you getting at?" questioned Majoron with an interested look.

          "I have seen them casting the hover spells." stated Alara.

          "So have I. In fact, I spend a lot of time watching that kind of thing." said Majoron still curious.

          "Well we could try to do it ourselves couldn’t we?" purposed Alara.

          "You’re nuts, but okay." agreed Majoron as he walked around to the front of the formation.

          "Okay let’s do it." called Alara putting her hands together as though she was praying. Majoron did the same. Next Majoron brought down his middle fingers and twisted his left hand towards him as his right hand twisted away. Now both hands were facing opposite directions as the middle fingers were going in the opposite directions at right angles to the palms. They both began to chant as the travelers did. Majoron noticed a blue glow surrounding their bodies starting from their backs.

          "We won’t be able to raise us both since we’re both not as magically adept as the travelers so we should concentrate on one of us." informed Majoron hurriedly.

          "Okay I vote you!" shouted Alara playfully. Majoron started to protest but realized her magic was already starting to work so he concentrated on molding the energies to do what he wanted. Slowly he began to rise and instantly realized he didn’t have a way down again. But he was too exited with the feeling of practically flying. It was invigorating and refreshing as though leaving all of your problems behind and just soaring. He reached the top of the cliff but didn’t want to stop. He kept channeling the energies but since Alara stopped he slowly began to descend. He landed atop the cliff and looked around. There was a small hole that looked as though someone had purposely made it there. He heard Alara calling to him but he didn’t care. It was almost as though the cliff was calling to him. He reached the entrance and was about to enter when he realized he was ignoring his best friend and entering something dangerous that was beyond his knowledge. He immediately jumped back and went back to the ledge.

          "Majoron?!" shouted Alara with more than a bit of worry in her voice.

          "Its ok, I'm here Alara." called Majoron as he peered off the edge.

          "Majoron, I think its time to go now..." breathed Alara as her voice trailed off.

          "Yeah but I can’t get down. The descent spell is much harder and we are risking a lot more. Plus, if we screw up I fall." stated Majoron.

          "What are we going to do?" shrieked Alara with panic.

          "Calm down I’ve been thinking about that too." We could try something a little risky." said Majoron carefully planning out his words.

          "Like what?" asked Alara the panicked voice no more.

          "When I was coming down I didn't want to stop flying and that gave me a steady descent. It was almost as though a bit of buoyancy on air." said Majoron as he waited for her to understand it all.

          "And?" questioned Alara.

          "And, there’s a big enough range for me to use it on you as you swim for it. You’re a good swimmer aren't you? Or don’t tell me you’re the only person in all of Falasayne who can’t swim well?" asked Majoron mockingly.

          "I can too swim and just watched me!" shouted Alara as she ran for the water.

          Majoron hadn't expected this big of a reaction but was ready none the less he put his hands together in the same position and welcomed back the feeling of the blue aura. He for some reason immediately felt drained but continued on anyways. He concentrated on Alara swimming in short powerful strokes to stay above the water and immediately felt a link to her. She felt scared and panicked in his mind but soon he felt it easing as he noticed her struggles dissipating. She was halfway there when he felt the spell leaving his reach. She must of felt it too because the panic returned. It might actually have been his panic but he didn’t know anymore. Panic rushed up and he eagerly drew more energy from his body and concentrated on her again. He tried and tried to pull more energy out and out of no where the light blue aura around him darkened and he began to feel renewed. He concentrated and gave her buoyancy again just as she had started to sink. She kept swimming against increasingly massive waves. A storm was brewing and they both knew it. As though on command rain started falling down furiously around them. Majoron kept sending more and more power through the link keeping her above the water until finally she reached the rocks. She clambered up atop one of them and carefully got her balance. Majoron was relieved but kept the link until she hopped onto shore and started running for help. The link went out of range and Majoron felt extremely drained. He turned and almost collapsed he was so weak. His eyes were starting to close due to exhaustion and then he felt it. The cave, directly in front of him felt warm as though a nice warm bed does when you’re tired. He walked for it stumbling. It seemed to be calling for him. He entered and felt instantly renewed. He was no longer tired nor exhausted. He began to investigate the strange event and entered the cave further. The further he went the stronger he felt. He eventually found a cavern with a small alter in the middle. He walked up to it and saw a scroll labeled "Scroll of Secrets". He hurriedly opened it and saw that it was a script of an odd language Majoron had never come across before. He felt power surging to him through it and was instantly fearful of why it was hidden in the town’s back yard. Why such a powerful item was kept away from the villagers. All thoughts of the academy and trials cast aside he ran from the cave and laid on the ground feeling tired again. He fell asleep and for once didn't dream of the trials that awaited him.

          "Majoron." called a voice in his head. "Majoron" called the voice again. "Wake up Majoron" ordered the voice that Majoron realized wasn't in his head. He opened his eyes and saw Serenity waking him, Grasyth the village leader behind her and Alara beside him.

          "Majoron!" shouted Serenity.

          "Hey, I'm awake, I'm awake. said Majoron with a tired voice.

          "Thank goodness." breathed Serenity and Alara simultaneously with looks of relief on there faces.

          "Now, ladies could you excuse us?" asked Grasyth motioning for the door. The two knew that the village leader’s words should be treated as law and both bowed before leaving the hut.

          "What was that about?" asked Majoron rudely.

          "I must talk to you about the rock formation you were atop." said Grasyth avoiding the question.

          "Go right ahead." offered Majoron.

          "What were you doing up there?" asked Grasyth.

          "Looking for treasure." replied Majoron playfully.

          "So you didn't find anything up there?" asked Grasyth. Majoron instantly knew what this was about but made sure to show no hint of it on his face. Grasyth's features were deep in concentration as he studied Majoron's reaction to his question.

          "What could I have found?" asked Majoron carefully choosing his words.

          "Never mind that, boy! Are you all right?" asked Grasyth knowing he couldn’t win the battle of wits with the boy.

          "I'm fine." answered Majoron eyeing Grasyth with suspicion.

          "Are you all ready for your departure in one week?" he asked.

          "I guess but I hate that I don't know what I will be facing." admitted Majoron.

          "As all are Majoron but you should know that these trials are some of many challenges you will face without knowing everything." advised Grasyth as he stood and left.

          The rest of the week Majoron spent with Alara. The closer the day came for Alara to leave the more they were together. Majoron walked up to the door of Alara’s hut and called to see if anyone was there. He was delighted when he got a reply.

          "I'm coming Majoron." called Alara's voice. She came out of the tent with a tired look about her face.

          "What’s wrong?" asked Majoron with concern.

          "My parents have been making me study Rolum all too much." sighed Alara.

          "I wonder why..." began Majoron as his voice trailed off.

          "Anyways what are we gonna do today?" asked Alara.

          "Anything." suggested Majoron.

          "There isn’t much left to do." pointed out Alara. "Come into my hut I have something I want to give you."

          "Ok." agreed Majoron, his curiosity piqued. The two entered Alara's dimly lit hut. The walls were jumbles of shelves covered in books all referring to Rolum for some reason. There were fine mats on the ground in the middle that looked slightly worn.

          "Here it is." called Alara while reaching into a gold colored box. She drew out a small golden necklace with an odd ornament on the bottom.

          "What is it?" asked Majoron staring directly at the odd ornament.

          "It’s a zhere." informed Alara "It can guide you to places and ideas that you wouldn't normally have thought of."

          "How do you know you wouldn't of thought of it?" asked Majoron realizing he was playing mind tricks again

          "Well, uh..." Alara's voice trailed off in confusion "I'm not quite sure but that is what people say. Anyway take it already. It’s also a good luck charm." She extended her arm offering the item to Majoron.

          "Ok." agreed Majoron. He picked up the zhere and placed it in his pocket.

          "Aren't you going to use it?" asked Alara.

          "I will when I need but you only have one day left until you leave." said Majoron changing the subject.

          The two just talked as though they had no idea that it was their last day together. Alara would be leaving that night and Majoron the morning after. Alara said a sad goodbye blinking tears away from her eyes before turning and retreating into her hut. Majoron turned and walked back to his hut depressed. He got there and entered to see Grasyth waiting for him.

          "It's too bad that you have to say goodbye to friends you know." said Grasyth looking Majoron in the eyes.

          "What are you doing here?" asked Majoron.

          "Well, I came to wish you luck on your trials as you know I will be accompanying you to the trials as I am your leader.”

          "That doesn't explain why you are here." stated Majoron.

          "Well, your right I just wanted to give you a gift before tomorrow." said Grasyth reaching into his green and white robes. He withdrew a scroll that Majoron found slightly familiar. He felt slightly better while gazing upon it. He realized it was the Scroll of Secrets from the cave he had found while playing with Alara. He merely stared in awe at the thing.

          "Here this is for you." informed Grasyth.

          "But, why?" asked Majoron.

          "I believe this scroll will help you on your journey. It contains many secrets but you will have to find someone willing to read and share them with you." replied Grasyth as though the words had drained his energy. Majoron reached out a shaky hand and laid it upon the treasure. He grabbed it and snatched it back putting it in his tunic pocket. He felt the familiar rush of renewal it gave him.

          "Is that all, Grasyth?" asked Majoron with a bow.

          "Yes just be up in time to meet me at the travelers’ gate."

          "Yes sir! I would not miss it for the gem of the world." replied Majoron.

          The night was most likely harder than the trials were going to be. The next morning came and Majoron headed straight down to the village gates where the travelers would bring himself and Grasyth to the academy. He didn’t even bother to stop and say goodbye to anyone. Mainly because he didn't want to be late but also because they were not real friends. He approached the massive wooden gates and stepped through. He was met by two men and a woman all in dark blue robes with lighter blue waves crashing across them. The female wore a straw hat that covered her entire face from others. The two men were of average height and build except one was slightly more muscular than the other. Grasyth approached them from behind waving and saying hello.

          "Are we all set?" asked Grasyth casting his hands around the party of five. Majoron just nodded and took a step towards the travelers. The travelers circled Majoron and Grasyth and put there hands together in the same position Majoron and Alara had. The group started to rise and casually passed through the clouds. Majoron greeted the amazing sensation of flying remembering it the last time. He looked up and saw one of the gleaming soaring cities of the sky. It was the capital of all of Falasayne and Majoron found a feeling of unique importance to it. The group soared endlessly. They eventually reached the mainland at the far side of the sea. Majoron was appalled, absolutely shocked. There was landmass beyond his belief the land stretched as far as he could see with minimal water. Sure a river here and there. The Grand River that separated many regions just on the horizon was visible but never would he have thought to have found this much land! Soon there was a peak on the horizon. Majoron was getting extremely restless. The peak grew longer and was followed by several others in a race to conquer the sky. They turned out to be towers nestled closely together on a glimmering ground. The ground grew taller as though it was a cliff but the bottom grew thinner and became rounded. It was shortly after that Majoron realized the Academy was a hover city nestled in the middle of the continent just as the other four were.

Chapter 2

          Elscythe Dormaine was a farmer of median accord. He was taller than the an average person and about average physique. He could not afford spectacular clothes so he mainly wore slightly worn material that allowed much movement. The sky was a deep blue with a few scattered out of place clouds trying to conquer an unstoppable sky. The sun sparkled down at the world illuminating the lands of Dinlun all across the plains of Pareythia. One day Elscythe was nearly out of seeds and decided he'd go get some more just in case he needed them. He had brought just a little extra money incase he needed it. Once in the marketplace he found it filled with bright colored stalls with friendly faces waving and smiling through fake masks to create the illusion the customers mattered. It was funny, Elscythe thought, how people looking so nice could really be so mean. He made his way to the only stall that sold seeds. Alfyre, a childhood friend of Elscythe owned this stall and sold all extra seeds he had. But upon getting there Elscythe noticed that for once Alfyre actually had no seeds spare.

          "I'm really sorry for ye Elscythe." apologized Alfyre.

          "No, that's okay. I didn't even really need them." replied Elscythe

          "You know, yous can always go on to Alsotha. It’s only and hour there." mentioned Alfyre.

          "You know, I think I might just do that Alfyre. I think I might need the exercise." agreed Elscythe as he turned to leave.

          "Good-bye" shouted Alfyre as he watched Elscythe leave.

          "See ya later!" shouted Elscythe as he waved over his shoulder to his friend. Little did he know the friend he knew there would never be known again.

          Elscythe made the hour long journey to the city of Alsotha and soon bought some seeds. On his way back he took a short detour that led him up the top of the highest hill in all of Pareythia. He staggered to the top out of breath and lay on the grass to catch it again. He watched the few out of place clouds grow and dominate the sky as they grew darker. Soon there was a sudden misty darkness the covered the sky. Elscythe identified it as smoke and shot upright. He turned behind him to face Halamayn. He was awestruck. There were hundreds of little black dots scattered across the plains charging Halamayn which he could easily identify as shadow beasts. Shadow beasts were infernal summoning by the Rodrim mages. These were fearsome beasts that made their prey quiver in fear before their deaths. Hundreds of orcs and evil soldiers were invading Halamayn and destroying it. The smoke was emanating from countless fires deep inside the town. For a brief second Elscythe was overcome by fear and pity for those being slaughtered. But, Elscythe was not the type of person to befriend fear. He had a massive temper that when set off could scare even the largest orc in all of Alsymok. Elscythe's rage began building as he watched more and more soldiers poured into the town. Images of his friends flashed through his mind. He clenched his fists at his sides and shut his eyes from the horrid sight. That didn’t do much as the screams reached his ears. The screams finished the building of Elscythe rage. Before he could reconsider he was running down the hill. The hill was so steep that one false move would send him to his death. Elscythe was gaining more speed than he had ever gained before. He was a flying blur to everything around him. He shot down the hillside towards his city and a journey that would have taken him a half an hour took him easily five minutes at this speed down the hill. He reached the back of the town where there was no monsters. He instantly though of an old caretaker he had employed at his farm to look after things while he was away. The old foul Jirouchu, he would probably try to defend the farm. Elscythe took off even faster through the town past most of the shadow beasts who didn’t seem to notice. He saw his farm up ahead and felt his stomach lurch as he saw that one of the fires was emanating from it. He shot forward and rammed through the door colliding with a snarling shadow beast. The beast had cornered Jirouchu. The old man was still fine but another split second and he would have been a goner. Elscythe knew he couldn’t save everyone in the village but even if he could save just one it would be an accomplishment. He put his hands on the table and shoved sending him flipping overtop the beast. He landed in front of Jirouchu surprising both of them with his new found acrobatics. He readied himself as the beast stood up. He shoved Jirouchu into his bedroom as the beast lunged. Elscythe was sure he wouldn’t be able to beat it in a one on one fight. He barely avoided the claws as he dove to the side. He rolled backwards and rested his feet on the wall. He began to push himself across the ground but put one hand on the ground causing him to flip upright again. Elscythe couldn’t fight it but he could sure as hell doge it. The beast lunged again and Elscythe took a wide overconfident step to the left but got caught in the ribs by the beast. He cringed in pain as he felt his flesh tear. Elscythe went rolling backwards and hit his head on an object that had obviously fallen of a wall. He turned to look and saw a dagger in a case. He instantly remembered Alfyre and the day he had given this dagger to him. The beast lunged at Elscythe. Their eyes locked and Elscythe's rage reached its max. The beast could see the rage in his eyes and was fearful. Through Elscythe's eyes the beast could see its own death. It was too late for it to stop now. The beast was in the air and Elscythe was ready. He punched through the glass cutting his arms and dragged out the dagger. In one swift graceful movement Elscythe was on his feet and twirled with his arms flying loosely. The dagger struck the beast through its side and punctured a lung. Elscythe instantly stopped spinning grabbed the dagger and stabbed in further. In one clean sweep Elscythe had raised the blade and sliced downward cutting the beast in half. In an instant the beast had exploded into a black mist. Elscythe turned and ran towards his bedroom finding Jirouchu there waiting.

          "We have to get out of here Jirouchu!" shouted Elscythe grabbing his arm.

          "We should hide in your father’s tomb son." argued Jirouchu pulling back.

          "We will be found eventually and slaughtered! Do you want that to happen?"

          "The exits are blocked off and if one of the beasts did that to your shoulder imagine what the rest of 'em would do."

          "Regardless It's either I get hurt or we die!" Shouted Elscythe pulling Jirouchu on ahead. The old man was powerless to stop Elscythe but knew that either way there was no hope for him.

          Elscythe pulled him onward until he came on his own. They snuck behind some houses and through some that were empty and already ransacked. They finally found the crumpled wall in the southern end of the city. Elscythe aided Jirouchu through first and then himself and instantly realized he was a fool. They were surrounded by six beasts all snarling and slowly advancing. In one swift graceful movement Elscythe grabbed Jirouchu by the back of his shirt and collar and heaved him through the wall making sure he landed on his feet before jumping through himself. The two took off through the town as they ran from the beasts. They did not know where they were going but were heading in the general direction of Elscythe’s farm. Another beast approached from the side and dove at them. Elscythe blocked the claws with his blade and parried the attack slashing the beast across the chest. The beast dropped dead as the two kept on running. There was suddenly three more beasts in front of them and they immediately stopped realizing they were trapped. A beast lunged from the right and Elscythe jumped to the side only to realize he wasn't the target. The beast landed on Jirouchu and slashed open his chest. Elscythe's rage hadn't subsided and so he lunged at the beast stabbing through its heart and pushing it off the side of Jirouchu. Elscythe knelt down beside his friend as the beasts slowly approached.

          "Jirouchu." breathed Elscythe with a grave face.

          "Elscythe..." coughed Jirouchu. “Your father’s tomb."

          "Don’t speak Jirouchu. I'll get us out of this."

          "There’s no time. Your father left it to you. It's in his tomb."

          "Don’t stress yourself!" Elscythe shouted as his friend refused to listen to his warnings.

          "Go now..." Jirouchu said with his last breath. Elscythe could feel the life drain from his friend. He stayed kneeling down the beasts started to pick up speed but Elscythe didn't care. His rage was building again. He had just watched his friend die by the hands of a shadow beast. The beasts jumped and lunged at Elscythe as his rage reached maximum. The world around Elscythe seemed to slow as he raged on but he felt no intrest. A blinding blast of glimmering white light burst from him striking the beasts. The beasts were instantaneously destroyed. He stood up realizing that Jirouchu was trying to tell him about something his father left him. He immediately began running for his house and soon heard howling and knew more beasts were coming after him. He jumped through a window into his house and went straight to the back room. He opened a trap door and clambered down. He grabbed the torch and lit it with the flint nearby. The torch illuminated the surroundings casting eerie shadows around the crypt. He walked up to his father’s grave solemnly. He hadn't been down there since his father had died fifteen years ago when he was nine. Beside his fathers tomb there was a small long chest with Elscythe's name inscribed on it. He knelt beside it knowing this was what Jirouchu wanted him to have. He grabbed it and rested it under his armpit. He turned to leave but as he was walking towards the trap-door it burst open and a pack of four shadow beasts burst through. This surprised Elscythe and he tripped. The chest flew out of his hands and broke open sending a glimmering metal sword flying towards the wall. He jumped to his feet starring the beasts in the eyes. They both knew what would happen if he got that sword and so it was the only chance either of them had. One beast turned its head and looked at the others. It barked as though talking and Elscythe took the opening to dive for the sword. He knew by all means his dive would never reach it but he knew what it would lead to. A beast was lunging just a little ahead of where he was as to get him when he passed. Elscythe was ready and rolled coming up to kick the beast in the neck breaking it then continuing the jump towards the wall. He landed and grabbed the sword rising to his feet with his eyes closed. They shot open instantly focused on the beast. He knew they were the cause of the pain and suffering of the village. The single reason so many, so many people he knew, so many friends he held dear to him had died. The rage in his eyes showed and the beasts were terrified. What they didn't realize is that it was a ladder that brought everyone down and so the beasts would have a hard time getting out. Elscythe rushed forward and the three remaining beasts rushed for the exit. He kicked off the ground performing several flips until he landed on one beast's back while stabbing the sword directly through its neck. He kicked off once again and landed on the ground right behind the next. He performed another front flip going right over the top of the beast all the while slashing pieces off of it. The final beast jumped at the wall, rebounded bouncing off the wall and getting through the hole in the roof. Elscythe jumped straight up never even once realizing his insane jump.  He dove, ducked, rolled, came out in a kneel, and slashed through the beasts back. He was exhausted and fell over onto his bed and fell unconscious.

          When he regained consciousness he walked outside the sword still involuntarily clutched in his left hand. He wandered the town in search of survivors and if there were any, Elscythe knew, they all would of retreated or had been captured. It was such a gruesome sight that Elscythe knew it would haunt his dreams. No matter where he looked the sights of countless friends mutilated and dead. He knew there was only one thing he could do to survive in the wild until he made it somewhere. Elscythe couldn’t bear to look anywhere but his destination as he rummaged through ransacked buildings looking for anything that could help him in the journey. He went to the town square and saw a familiar body near a stall. He recognized it as Alfyre the one he had seen alive only barely before the battle had begun so recently. He felt so much pity in his heart and was deeply saddened by not only his loss but the loss of countless others in this battle. He fell to his knees and wept at the losses knowing that they must be avenged and he had to figure out why this all happened. He did not know how long he was kneeling there saying silent prayers to all the bodies. Something stirred to the left. A body?!? Someone else survived? He thought to himself. He jumped up and spun wishing he hadn't. There above one of the bodies was a Rodrimyte Fang-Tail mutilator feeding on one of the bodies. Elscythe instantly knew it was a mutilator because of its deformed body and vicious claws and teeth so dangerous one could only imagine the type of foods it ate.

          "So Alsymok and Rodrim are working together against Dinlun?!?" demanded Elscythe catching the monster's attention. It turned its head as Elscythe lunged. He slashed towards its throat just after a shrieking cry escaped its lips before forming a crude smile that would stay upon its deformed face until it rotted off. The blade slid easily through the corrupted flesh. Elscythe knew what the cry was. The grin made it obvious that the mutilator was calling for others to come. Elscythe figured they would know that he knew of there alliance and would ensure his death. He ran as quickly as his legs would carry him which was surprisingly fast. He escaped the gates as he saw mutilators and orcs alike surging towards him. He knew he would not be able to defeat them all here and now so he ran in the only opining he saw. He knew it was going to be difficult but he had no other choice. He was running to the center of the continent where the borders of the realms were. Elscythe kept running until finally he saw a glimmering white structure that looked to of been built by the gods themselves. There were people training all around and he realized he was at the Dinlunian academy. The enemies pulled in from all sides as Elscythe realized the academy would not open their gates for him and would want to keep themselves out of the fight. He thought of how much pain and suffering had just occurred and he was going to be shunned out for it! He was the only one who could tell them that not only were the Alsymok and Rodrim working together to attack Dinlun but that they had also brought back the ancient mutilators of legend. The beasts were said to of been cast from the world by the gods of each of the regions except for its own. Elscythe stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face the imposing battle. His rage was building again at what was happening.

          "You think that you will be able to stop me from telling your secrets?!" Elscythe shouted to the imposing army. "That may be so but my spirit be bound to an eternal body risen to fight for my very enemies, I will destroy more than enough to impact your militia!!" screamed Elscythe. He readied his weapon and instead of waiting for them to get there he charged.

          Halsyo Trueflame stood at his window, drawn there from noises of a battle outside the academy ground. He saw a single man carrying a glimmering sword that even from this distance gave off a power sensed by every Magi within range. The Magi were all now elders of one place or another though they were all once the most fearsome of anything to walk the earth. Halsyo himself was the Magi of Divine Power. That is what the academy mostly wielded the power of. Paladins and holy warriors trained in an assortment of skills to not only allow them to survive in a harsh world on there own but to also give them the power to seek justice on unjust acts such as this. Halsyo Trueflame was a large man indeed. He was about seven foot six and very muscular. On the battlefield some of the mightiest beasts would run and cower from his very image. The white fire that enveloped him in the battlefield was something even more feared. This man was said to of given the blessings of the gods in person. Little did anyone know each of the Magi had been granted an audience with the god corresponding to their region of the continent. He saw the running man stop and turn to face the enemies. He saw something that only a magi could ever see. As this man shouted at the invading army white tendrils reached down from the sky towards this man. But mere moments before the tendrils could grant the man their power the ground seemed to open up and a darkness shot forth to interrupt the tendrils and give their own blessing. He knew something should be done and knew this man would not be able to defeat the entire army himself but he was most certainly willing to die trying. Halsyo knew there was not much time. If nightfall were to break while the battle was on the fight would be hopeless as the academy's morale dropped. The sun was still high up in the sky sparkling across the academy and enhancing the features of Halsyo's face. It illuminated his matching hazzle-nut eyes and hair above his decorative armor. He wore thick armor customized for him that was made from an astounding white metal. Combined with some of the ceremonial materials this decorative armor showed a pale blue wave on white hastily seeping across the armor. Halsyo always said it was to symbolize the swiftness of Dinlun’s power. The warrior hurriedly rushed through the door to both his quarters and office. He was dropping down the stairs four at a time knowing time was of the essence. He found the two soldiers stationed at the bottom of the stairs awaiting orders.

          "You," he said referring to the one on his right. "Go fetch the ten best Paladins we have at the moment and tell them to get ready for battle immediately. We are to face around two-hundred enemies on the battlefield any second. Tell them to just ready their armor and weapons for the fight of their lives." finished Halsyo before turning to the other. Before he could speak the soldier he had just ordered interrupted him.

          "Two-hundred?!? How are ten paladins supposed to win?" he questioned.

          "I have no time for questions soldier just fetch them and also tell them I will be joining them on the battlefield." answered Halsyo. A look of understanding crossed the soldiers’ face as he ran off at an amazing pace to find the required soldiers.

          "What do you ask of me?" asked the other soldier.

          "Just prepare a grand quarters for a friend. Make sure it isn’t too dazzling as I am sure he will want to rest." replied Halsyo.

          "Sir!" Shouted the soldier in response with a salute as he ran off like the first. Halsyo rushed to the gate of the academy knowing the outcome of the battle before hand.

          Elscythe was a blur upon the battlefield. He was charging at the enemy. The line of enemies rushed up to face him and he simply jumped off the ground flipping upside down and spinning. He slashed a wide gash through the front of the army killing most on contact. He was still astounded by the power he had noticed he had after he found the sword his father left him. He slashed in a circle once more before righting himself and landing in his clearing. The army massed around him making it an equal distance to the outer rim I every direction. He smirked to himself as he charged back towards the academy he took one slash at the first small goblin as it squeaked to be spared. He slashed through its shoulder towards its lower right hip. He knew the goblin would've attacked him if he had of let it live. He leaned forward and twirled striking three more of the goblins until his sword was blocked. He withdrew it and continued to spin until he was facing the academy again. He jumped forward leaning back. He kicked a short goblin in the face breaking its neck and sliding across the ground. His foot caught a rock and he righted himself slashing down killing two more goblins. He was ready for something new now and lunged toward an ogre. The ogre was busy barking orders and didn't notice him. His mistake, thought Elscythe as he lunged forward. He jumped and stabbed the blade into the ogre’s chest. A look of surprise and panic crossed the massive beasts face. Elscythe knew that wouldn't kill the beast and continued on leaping from its chest over top. Without looking back he slashed his sword and decapitated the ogre. He landed behind it as the ground shook under the ogres drop. Elscythe lunged again at a mutilator this time. He was at the outer ring and knew this would be harder. He stabbed forward and the mutilator simply stepped to its right. As Elscythe passed he knew the mutilator would try to get him. Expecting the move gave him an advantage as he flipped backwards and raised his sword above his stomach. The instant his weapon was in place it was struck by a clawed hand. He parried and brought his weapon back to slash across its neck. He soared a little longer and then crashed into the ground on the other side of the army. The mutilator seemed uninjured. It lunged at him and he quickly rolled backwards and jumped to his feet. He shot forward twirling he jumped into the air and flipped upside down while twirling his blade. He slashed the head shoulders arms and part of the torso off of the creature. He righted himself and landed. He stood to his full height of six foot seven instantly knowing what was behind him. He waited for one to get beside him before nodding to it. He was a large man within the range of seven foot. He had gleaming white armor matching his shield and a sword longer than Elscythe's arm and half as wide as his chest. They both charged the enemies as the forces of the academy charged behind them. The warrior beside Elscythe reached the army first and with one slash took out all in reach of the two and more. He saw that the army had for some reason split into four groups. Goblins, Ogres, Mutilators and Mages. The large man beside Elscythe went off to fight the ogres which were all the same size as him. There were ten other soldiers behind Elscythe and half went after the goblins and half after the mages. That left the mutilators alone. Great. Elscythe thought to himself. He charged the Mutilators wasting no time. He slashed through the first one cutting it in half and dropping to the ground underneath two swings from other mutilators. He swung his blade in a vertical circle slashing the arms off of one and then spun to do the same to the other. They tried to run but Elscythe simply slashed their necks causing their heads to drop. Several more Mutilators charged him and the battle continued on. Eventually bloody and bruised the soldiers made their way through the army until few remained. They ran and scurried back to their home region across the border. The large warrior walked up to Elscythe and bowed slightly

          "I am Halsyo leader of this academy." He said "I think you should come to my office."

          "I agree." said Elscythe as he collapsed and fell unconscious.

          Elscythe awoke inside his farmhouse bedroom feeling as though a piece of him had died in his sleep. The sleep that he had just awoke from had left him fatigued and unable to rest further. Feeling as though he was lost in a void of empty space he sat up and leaned against his wall. He recalled something. He recalled it being gruesome, almost too gruesome. He thought he had a nightmare but the more he thought about it the clearer it became. His mind was almost screaming at him to stop thinking but he was too lost in his thought. He instantly regretted living as he recalled the gruesome figures of the mutilated bodies of once known friends. He recalled the body of a once well known friend, Alfyre. Inside his vision his bedroom dresser changed from an ordinary dresser to a beautiful work of masterful craftsmanship. He recalled the burned down buildings and his hellish acts. His hellish acts? He recalled rooting through houses of now dead friends. A window appeared in his wall as light streamed in. Was he scum? Why would he rummage through dead friends houses? He remembered suddenly with a shocking regret, the shadow beasts and how they had mercilessly massacred everyone he knew. Everyone? He recalled a great friend that tended the farm with him. He remembered Jirouchu. Why wasn't Jirouchu here? Why couldn't Jirouchu be here with him? What had happened? Sudden realization took him to the highest tower in Dinlun and told him to jump. He remembered it all with shocking hatred towards himself. The room he was in started to spin before his eyes. He grabbed his head in an attempt to quell the images. It was no use the images would torment him utill the end of his days.

          "Why?!?!" Screamed Elscythe as more of a statement that a question. The image of his greatest friend torn and tattered. Soaked in crimson carnage lying in his own hands. "Why couldn't I save him?!?" Demanded Elscythe asking none but himself. "Why is it that I could not protect the ones most precious to me?! Why is it that everyone’s lives slipped through my cursed fingers?! Why?! Why?! Why?!?! I ask you: why?!?" Tears were running down his god forsaken face as he screamed to himself. Bursting with fury he through himself at a wall still screaming. Again and again he rammed the wall crying to the gods about his fate. In one quick unbearable moment Elscythe made up his mind. He was a raging beast. There were no thoughts in his mind. He ran out the door and slammed it shut behind him. He searched restlessly for the first staircase that led upwards. Once he found it he began to climb up to the highest point until he reached a room. Without knocking he stormed in. Halsyo Trueflame was half expecting this visit but was none the less surprised by the events taking place. Elscythe did not even register the face of the man that had helped save his life and give slight revenge. He walked past Halsyo's desk and to the balcony. In one graceful movement he leapt up onto the railing and turned to face the castle. He leaned back just enough for his weight to make him fall. He felt instant relief but just as quick as it had come it left. There was a pressure on his right arm and he no longer felt himself falling. He opened his eyes which he had not realized he closed and saw himself starring at Halsyo. His anger still present, Elscythe took the glimmering blade from its sheath in his left hand and swung down at Halsyo's hand. Much to his surprise Halsyo had drawn his own sword and parried the attack sending Elscythe's blade into the air. In a movement that masked true power Elscythe was pulled up and thrown inside. Halsyo caught Elscythe's sword and tossed it to him. Catching it both easily and eagerly Elscythe stood to his full height.

          "Are you going to fight me?" asked Halsyo.

          "No. I am going to kill you" Shouted Elscythe as he charged Halsyo. Halsyo stepped to the side and blocked the attack then countering with a kick to the gut. Halsyo continued in an all out endless assault of punches and kicks to various areas of Elscythe's body. He then kicked Elscythe back into a wall. Elscythe crumpled to the ground before Halsyo.

          "wh-" started Elscythe.

          "Why? Is that what you ask?" questioned Halsyo. “Why is it that you cannot defeat me? Why is it that you don’t have enough power to end your life to vanquish your troubling past and attain momentary relief? It is because it is simply not the right path. You need strength for revenge and I can give you that strength as long as you stick to our rules and regulations."

          "No!" screamed Elscythe as he lunged at Halsyo. In Halsyo's eyes he saw a dark glow of utmost darkness surround and cover Elscythe. Elscythe's movements tripled in speed and he was almost at an advantage when there was a sudden sound. It started low and began to rumble as it became audible as Halsyo's voice as he chanted an unknown incantation. Elscythe swung his blade down from above as Halsyo finished. In a graceful movement Halsyo brought up a single hand to block the sword and stop it dead in its arc. Next he spun once as he went towards Elscythe and slammed his palm into Elscythe's chest. There was a pale light steadily growing on Halsyo's palm when he removed it from Elscythe's chest. The light was also on Elscythe's chest. It started to grow and spread across Elscythe’s body destroying the darkness.

          "If you rely on your gift of dark arts too much it will conquer your soul." said Halsyo as he sat back down at his desk

          "What must I do to exact my revenge?" questioned Elscythe .

Chapter 3

Majoron, Grasyth and the travelers descended to the floating academy. With each inch they descended Majoron’s uneasiness grew. When his feet touched the ground his legs wobbled and he tripped.

          “Not use to hovering, huh?” questioned the female traveler. Majoron just nodded and regained his composure. The travelers said they would wait for Grasyth to come back. They approached the gate but were stopped by armored guards.

          “State your names and business.” Commanded one of the guards.

          “I am Grasyth of Jerhan I am the leader of my village and have come to escort this boy, Majoron, to the academy. He has an appointment with the leader.” The guard who had recently spoken nodded then looked back and told two other guards to escort Majoron and Grasyth to the leader’s office. They entered the academy through the north gate and found themselves in a massive courtyard. They crossed quickly and entered a tower in the middle that seemed to swirl around itself somehow. They wound themselves up staircase after staircase until they finally reached the uppermost floor. One guard stepped up to the door and knocked softly.

          “Who is it?” came a voice from inside.

          “We were told to escort a man named Grasyth and a boy named Majoron to you. They claim to have an appointment.”

          “Please come in I have been expecting you.” Was the reply. The guards took posts outside the door as Grasyth and Majoron entered. There was a man sitting behind a wooden desk in dark brown robes with decorative lightning spread across it. He had a long white beard that reached his chest. He stood, smiled, and motioned to a set of chairs in front of the desk.

          “Grasyth!” exclaimed the man. “It’s been a while!”

          “It most certainly has, Alstyne.” Replied Grasyth.

          “And who is this?” questioned the man now identified as Alstyne.

          “This is Majoron.” Replied Grasyth with the grin of a trickster. For the briefest of moments Alstyne’s eyes flickered with surprise and Majoron barely caught it. Though he was not so sure if he had seen it or imagined it.

          “Hullo Majoron.” Said Alstyne normally.

          “Hello.” Replied Majoron.

          “Well, Grasyth I guess he is going to be taking the trials is he not?” questioned Alstyne.

          “Yes he most certainly is.” Answered Grasyth.

          “Well I am a busy man and can’t spare much time, not even for old friends. Let us go on and give him the trials.” Said Alstine.

          The new group of three walked along many corridors and down many sets of stairs until finally they made it to their destination. Alstine opened up a large steel door and led the way in, there he stopped Majoron.

          “Majoron you will be taking the trials.” informed Alstyne. “All you have to do is go through that door and you will enter a chamber with many doors. Each door has a different path and some will open for you. When one opens for you, you must go through and await the challenge inside. You must get to the other door in each room before you can advance. We will be watching you from above.”

          “I understand” said Majoron as he walked over to the door which he guessed would lead to the trials. His hands were shaking at his sides with anticipation as he looked back over his shoulder. The other two men went to a separate door. Both doors opened simultaneously and the three stepped into their respective doors. Majoron entered a dark hallway. The silence was eerie as the only sounds were that of his anxious breathing and unsure feet. He made his way through the hallway groping as he went. He reached the other end and found no openings. He thought about the situation and was unsure what to do next. He stood firm in front of the wall. There was a small light in the center of the wall in front of him. As he watched with wonder it grew in vertical length. It reached both the top and bottom of the wall at the same time. The light seemed to be beating like a heart. It grew slightly stronger and then the wall itself rolled back to permit his entrance. He entered a circular room with doors all around the sides. He saw an odd pattern on the floor like swirls coming from a mass in the middle. The odd thing about the pattern was the middle was completely blank but was raised slightly. He looked up and saw there were no torches anywhere to create the light, it was simply there. He also saw a set of tracks on the roof and respective doors above each one on the ground. On the track there was a large box made of glass. He could not see through the glass but knew that Grasyth and Alstyne were both in there and that they could see him. He was unsure of what to do. He walked into the middle of the room and stood on the raised ground in the middle. The light in the room increased rapidly and it was almost blinding. Majoron endured without being able to close his eyes. He did not want to miss anything that went on. He saw a light that was somehow stronger appear on the right side of the room. The light around the room died down until it was soothing. Majoron stepped towards the open door just as he was instructed. He entered into the room that he presumed to be his first great challenge ever.

          Inside the observation booth that Alstyne had led the two in they could see the entire chamber Majoron was in. They were in a room made completely of glass which allowed them to see out easily. The two watched intently as Majoron stood in the middle and the light shone. A door opened and they watched Majoron go in. As Majoron entered another door opened above the doorway he had just passed through. The observation room lurched ahead and started to move towards it. They passed through the doorway and were now in a completely new room. It was massive and had three large mazes inside. The first was of course the smallest, the second was barely larger then the first and the third the biggest. They watched Majoron intently as he looked at the entrance of the maze with a grin. They were wondering what he was grinning at considering the full size of the maze and its complexity when he just dashed in.

          Majoron was standing in a room that showed the entrance to what was obviously a maze. He knew from experience mazes were large, usually square, and supposed to be hard. He on the other hand was thought of as amazing at mazes and puzzles. He also knew that in order to make a maze actually challenging you had to try and trick the player. He started to grin. If the Maze was a square like he assumed then it would have almost definitely be a path in every part of it. Knowing these few things he dashed in. There was something about the maze that once he came to the first intersection that made him want to go straight, so he simply went the other way, right. He knew that the makers of this maze were definitely magical so it must be a trick to make you want to go one way. He started mapping out the maze in his mind as he ran going the ways he didn’t want to go. He now knew that since he had come to the walls on the other three sides that the bottom right corners could no be reached without going through a series of intersection that he knew to avoid. He also knew that the top left corner was now off limits to him. He had about a quarter left when he knew he had won. There was an amazing sensation to stop and go back the way he came. He found it difficult to keep running so he walked onwards. He saw the opening and the feeling to go back increased. The feeling increased so much he was forced to stop. His own determination felt like it was actually pushing him onward but this other feeling felt like it was pushing him back. He felt wedged between the two feelings. He couldn’t breathe. He knew he had to do something or else he would fail. He thought about the simple logic of the situation. Real or no, Two forces wanting him to go conflicting ways simply means that if you can get out of their way you can go on unburdened. He moved slightly to one side of the maze feeling the sense of being trapped lessen. He could go neither forward nor backward, but he could go up. In one swift movement he placed a foot on the wall and lunged off of it towards the other side. His arms outstretched allowed his fingers to barely grasp the roof of the wall. He climbed up and saw the walls to be exceedingly thing. After a moment Majoron obtained his balance on top of the wall and walked to the exit. He thought it might be cheating but then realized his goal was to get to the door on the other side of the room no matter what. He jumped off the wall onto the path outside of the first maze. From his vantage point on top of the wall he could see that there was at least one more maze but most likely more.

          Grasyth and Alstyne were appalled. The speed in which Majoron was completing the first maze was absolutely breath taking. He seemed to know just which paths to take and which not to take. Alstyne saw Majoron get to the end and knew by personal experience that one needed amazing willpower to continue on past there. Majoron on the other hand found a lazy way and did not test his willpower at all.

          “Where did he- how does he know which paths to take?” questioned Alstyne.

          “He is truly amazing as I have said is he not, Alstyne?” questioned Grasyth.

          Alstyne made no indication of any response but just simply watched Majoron jump off the wall triumphant.

          Majoron got to the entrance of the second maze and knew he could not climb on any walls this time since they were too high and almost touching the ceiling. Majoron entered after he looked at the front wall of the maze. He knew now that this would be difficult because the dimensions could not be square. He came to the first intersection and found he did not “want” to go a certain way. He found this maze ultimately harder then the last. He sat down on the floor thinking. He felt a little adventurous and knowing it was foolish sprang off into the maze. He remembered to memorize his path incase he got lost. He came to an intersection that didn’t make sense to him. He knew he should have been here by now but the paths at this intersection were going the wrong directions. According to his memory he should be back at the start now but something had happened. He knew he was stuck in an illusion. Sitting down he calmed himself a little and thought about the situation. He realized being stuck like this in an illusion was pretty much defeat. He lay on his back as the cool breeze played across his face. He sat up suddenly. He knew that he would still have had to be going forward all that time when he did and if he was in an illusion the most an illusion of this caliber could do is change the angles of the turns slightly. Plus, since Majoron had already gone in certain places to make it impossible for his path to be turned a little right. It now had to be left. So calculating in his mind Majoron determined the range area he could be in. The trick to this fact was that the breeze Majoron felt on his face could not have come from the start of the maze now. He knew that if he followed the wind he would be out of the maze. He took off at a new speed along the hallways barely able to feel the current seeing as how he was going so fast himself. Slowly but surely the wind got stronger and he came to the exit. Once out he knew that he was almost done. The change in difficulty between the first maze and the second told him this one was going to be a trip through hell. He caught his breath before going on to the entrance of the third maze. He looked at the dimensions again noting that it were obviously not square. He saw a pillar in the middle and decided that was probably where he needed to go. Majoron now knew that the dimensions were like a star on this end and would most likely be the same on the other side. He also knew to look for the small wind inside. Knowing these things he rushed inside until he found his first intersection. He sat on the ground and closed his eyes as he looked for the breeze. There, a breeze, small but definitely a breeze. He waited there for an extra moment not knowing why. He thought he felt the Zhere that Alara had given him get warm against his chest. In that extra moment he felt the wind once more against his face but it felt odd, as though there was something fake about it. He felt it again and he has a strong feeling, though for reasons unknown, that this wind was not natural.  He waited many more long moments pondering his situation until he felt a breeze on his face again. It was coming from the opposite direction as the first one and it felt almost like a relief, a relief to once again feel a real breeze weather it may be small or not. He stood up and the wind his body made almost caused the real breeze to disappear. He cautiously walked down the hallway making sure he could always feel the real breeze and that it was not the fake ones that he felt so often bombarded by. He felt the breeze steadily growing and soon found he could walk normally with it. Just then as he felt reassured the ground split into an intersection. In front of him there were two paths. One led upwards and one downwards. He was shocked by the new dimension to the maze that he almost lost the breeze altogether. Another shock suddenly came from behind him. He heard gears letting loose as something slammed onto the path. He decided not to wait to figure out what it was and to hurry along as quickly as he could. He searched the intersection for where the breeze came from and took the uphill path. He found it now easier to find the breeze and decided he may be able to run with it. He tried and quickly stopped after finding he couldn’t. There was a rumbling sound behind him and as he turned to look he saw a massive boulder somehow rolling uphill towards him. He felt the fake wind as he did before. It was pushing the boulder after him. He searched for the breeze and continued walking a little faster then his normal. His heart raced as the boulder raced towards him but he could go no further for he would lose the path. He eagerly wished the breeze would thicken. He needed it to. In his mind he asked for it to grow powerful and to show him the way. As he finished his thoughts and the boulder was almost upon him He felt the wind double then triple in strength. It was easily found now but in no way limited his movements. Not only did it slow down the boulder behind him it allowed him to go full speed through the maze now. He rushed forward along hallway after hallway, always going up and up. He would come to sharp turns and push off of the wall just before the corners to increase his momentum. His speed was greatly increasing as he found himself in a large opening. The breeze was coming from the roof and as he looked up he saw a large tunnel in the roof. Instantly he remembered thinking of the pillar in the middle of the roof of the maze and deciding to make for it. He was stuck now and was unsure what to do. He could clearly see light at the end of the tunnel. It was small enough to shimmy up but he had no way to get to the entrance. He could jump just over halfway up and knew that was not going to help. If he had something he could leap to then off of he could get in but he couldn’t see anything. There was a crash as the boulder turned a corner as he had. It raced towards him with the fake breeze. He now knew what to do. He backed up to the opposite wall and waited for the boulder to enter the room. The opening in the roof was now exactly in between Majoron and the boulder. Majoron charged towards the boulder with all of his speed. As it was about to over take him he leaped. He got nearly to the top of the boulder and knew it would limit his next jump but he had to try. It turned out he over jumped the boulder and landed barely on the top of the other side. Its spinning combined with his next jump sent him higher then he had planned. He went perfectly into the opening. The instant he was inside the hole he slammed his knees against the one side as he pushed his back against the other. He stayed. He carefully pushed his arms against the side and brought his feet up to rest on the wall. He placed both feet a little higher then level with the bottom of his back. Then he slid his back up the wall. He repeated this process many times until he reached the top. Upon arrival at the top Majoron was utterly shocked. He had noticed on his way up the tunnel that another boulder had entered the room below and blocked the tunnel bottom and that there were no doors or exits in the room he was currently in. The room was a perfect cube except for the tunnel in the middle of the floor. Before Majoron had a chance to investigate anything in any hope of escape the walls began to shine and Majoron felt a lurch of movement. In a few moments he was able to see that the bottom of the tunnel was now open. Carefully he climbed down the tunnel making sure not to slip or fall out so that he could check the new area out. Majoron poked his head out of the tunnel opening after getting his balance and fell out because of the shock that hit him afterwards. He was in the room that he started in. The only difference was the door he had gone through was now closed.  Carefully he picked himself up off of the ground and dusted off his tunic. Cautiously he made his way to the platform in the middle and stepped up onto it. A clicking sound brought Majoron's attention to the wall behind him. It started to glow and then slowly began to open. He hurried through not wanted to waste any time. Upon his passage through the door Majoron noticed that this particular path was leading him outside. He was in a fenced area and soon found that the fence disappeared entirely. Thinking that this would be another maze-like path Majoron rushed ahead eagerly to defeat the oncoming challenge. He entered a large clearing and stopped dead in his tracks. The moment he had feared for months had arrived. In his mind the world stopped dead, the sky faded from blue to white as did everything else around him. The only things his mind now noticed or cared about were himself and what he had just noticed on the opposite side of the clearing. There it was hackles raised, teeth bared, eyes demeaning, it was a wolf. This wolf was unlike anything Majoron had ever heard of or saw before. It was at least twice the size of a normal wolf and its coat looked like it was made up of a solid and not fur at all. Majoron's brain was racing trying to figure out what to do and what moves would get him killed. Slowly Majoron realized that surrounding usually help and that he wouldn’t be able to take out this wolf on his own. Slowly his mind came back to life at the present time and everything started moving again. To Majoron's utterly fearful interest he saw that it wasn’t only a wolf. It was several wolves, bears, dogs, and everything else. It seemed that every type of animal known to man kind was gathered here today. In a fluent graceful movement the wolf turned its head towards another wolf as though it was about to speak to it. In Majoron's mind he more or less felt what came next rather than think it. For in his mind he heard a rough jagged voice and if Majoron was not mistaken it sounded as though it was masking sympathy as it spoke.

          "Another newcomer. I hate scaring them away. They always think we're going to attack and don’t realize that the challenge is to simply walk across the clearing." said the voice as Majoron's spirits rose. He was unsure of whether or not he should trust this new found voice but decided he should as he began walking forward shouting out.

          "That’s all I have to do you say? Cross this clearing?" asked Majoron. Majoron somehow felt a wave of inhuman confusion. He somehow felt as though there was an aura of confusion emanating off of this one wolf. It suddenly occurred to him that this must be the leader of the rest.

          "You can understand my words, boy?" asked the voice in Majoron's head as the wolf turned to face him.

          "As rightly as night and day." replied Majoron.

          "Is that so? Well I am most certainly not someone who can be fooled easily. Prepare yourself trickster of woe, for Shadow the king of the beasts." shouted the voice as the wolf sprang forward. In utter confusion and fear Majoron started to run backwards, not wanting to show his enemy his back. This act was too hard for Majoron and he tripped over the first root. As the wolf, Shadow, approached there was a terrific screeching sound as though someone was ripping something. Standing up Majoron looked towards the source of the noise. In a split second the situation changed from all of the beasts in the forest watching their leader devour some kid, to utter terror and confusion throughout the beasts as they scrambled for unknown goals. Trees crashed over as a large hulking figure appeared out of the forest. It was large and black with long arms and legs. Its arms were skinny looking awkward as they were attached to massive claws that just looking at them made you imagine your death by them. The monster was attacking and destroying everything in the forest. In one foul sweep of its arm trees would drop and beasts would be severely injured. Wreaking havoc, the beast did not seem to notice Majoron and Shadow. The beast was starting to attack the actual beasts now and Majoron knew something had to be done whether this was the trial or not. As he started to stand the beast started to attack a baby bear cub. Before Majoron could even react Shadow had leapt at the monster biting deep into the putrid excuse for flesh on its arm. The monster thrashed its arm once sending Shadow whimpering into a tree and falling flat on its belly beside Majoron. Shadow stood up not showing any sign that he ever intended to give up this suicidal fight. Shadow's hackles raised and his teeth were bared as he growled at the beast

          Alstyne and Grasyth were watching the commotion from an aerial view and the instant the monster broke into the clearing they were both running for help. This type of monster was a particularily nasty one. It was more powerful than most others and some rules even dictated that upon sightings of it a special extermination team was to be called. That is what Alstyne and Grasyth did. They hurried and found a messenger to send for aid. After it was sent off and the special extermination squad was on its way they rushed back to watch the event.

          "Hey!" shouted Majoron facing Shadow.

          "What is it?!" demanded Shadow.

          "You cant beat that thing on your own let me help you."

          "I will not! I alone will defend those that are here."

          "Did you see what just happened?"

          "Yes, I attacked and inflicted a severe wound into the monsters right arm."

          "And it's already healed!" informed Majoron and surprising Shadow. "Let me help or all those here will surely perish."

          "How are the likes of you going to help fight that?" demanded Shadow.

          "Just attack when I cause a distraction." commanded Majoron without waiting for a response. He ran forward when the monster was surely preoccupied with attacking the defenseless, ironically leaving him semi-defenseless against certain attacks. Majoron ran at the monster's right arm which rested partially on the ground. After careful inspection Majoron noted the consistency and texture of the flesh allowing him to better adjust his feet to grip. Without slowing, Majoron ran straight up the monsters arm before it even noticed him. Like lightning the monsters claws came up thrashing about at Majoron as he jumped from the right shoulder to the left. The monster aimed its next attack and tried to stab Majoron with its claws again but Majoron had already leapt off of the monster and into a nearby tree. The monster stumbled forward and Majoron gave a high pitched whistle catching Shadows attention as a signal. As the monster stumbled forward on unsure feet Shadow struck. Without warning he was there and the monster was dead. It was a swift and graceful motion as Shadow had slashed through the putrid flesh of the monster's neck causing easy decapitation. The battle was over, the fear subsiding, but unsurities still remained. Majoron leapt down from the tree beside Shadow who looked like he was still ready for a fight. Ever so slowly Shadow started to move, unnoticeably at first but gradually becoming more defiant and dreadful. Shadow was circling Majoron as he would any prey.

          "You still think I am out to get you?" questioned Majoron.

          "Why should I not think so?" retorted shadow.

          "I just helped you beat that thing!"

          "Which I could have done on my own"

          "Well, if I have done any wrong and all I have done is help these animals than I am content with you taking my life" said Majoron kneeling and bowing his head below that of Shadow's.

          "Y-y-you!" stammered Shadow in Majoron's mind.

          "What? Have I not shown that I am ready to die simply because I have saved lives and done something I never thought I was capable of?"

          "You will not die! You have just passed this test!" shouted Shadow. "Stand up!"

          "I passed? You mean that monster was just a test?!" demanded Majoron.

          "It was a miscalculation! This test was for you to prove your allegiance to the animals and make it to the other side. "

          "T-then, I w-will be going then." said Majoron as he stood up.

          "I will accompany you to your destination and perhaps further." said Shadow.

          "I know not your reasoning but let us go onward." said Majoron as he started forward towards the end of the clearing. As he stepped out of the clearing he found he was almost instantly in a room that looked familiar. It started to move and pretty soon afterwards it stopped, allowing Majoron and Shadow a safe exit. Majoron was somewhat shocked as he saw that the room he was in was not the first. It had raised ground and ominous doors but there were only two doors. As he stood on the middle something began to shine on the wall. The light that normally surrounded the doors appeared in between the two. As it grew it reached up to the ceiling. It then began to grow horizontally as it ran all the way down the wall without stopping at a normal doors length. The light intensified as Majoron heard a loud rumbling sound. The wall began to open up and Majoron simply walked through without interest in the magnificent show of light. As he entered the room he felt the weight of the world blow away on a clear night’s cool breeze. He somehow felt his soul, a longing throb that encased itself inside his being, long for soothing from the impact about to be bestowed upon him. Majoron heard an angelic voice sounding as though it were the wind whistling through his ears. It told him to never repeat what she was about to tell him or about this very room to anyone. She told him of his destiny and of many great and terrible things to come. The main point always repeatedly brought up by an unsettling but somewhat soothing voice was that he was a Magi that was heir to the throne of all that exists in this world.

Chapter 4

          Majoron was now settling down in a comfortable chair as Shadow stretched out beside him. They were in Alstyne's office and were waiting on his report on their work in the trials. The door behind them opened and Alstyne walked through with a troubled look about his face. He hurriedly walked to his desk and sat behind it. Alstyne settled down and looked Majoron in the eyes and Majoron starred back. Majoron found himself wondering what could cause Alstyne to act this way and began to study his facial features. He was showing obvious signs of shock and disbelief. Majoron knew that no matter what was troubling Alstyne, if he knew about the angelic voice in the trials it would be the thing causing this mood. The atmosphere in the room turned dry as the two stared at each other not daring to blink or break the contact. It was as though their eyes were talking for them, telling each other their secrets and concerns of past and future events. The two continued staring restlessly for several more minutes until the mood was broken by a sneeze form Shadow who had up until then been long forgotten.

          "Yes, I know about the angel." said Alstyne.

          "Good, saves me the trouble of avoiding the topic." said Majoron.

          "How can you be so calm?!" questioned Alstyne.

          "I don’t really care what the voice said. It brought no proof and for all I know it could of been a lie." retorted Majoron coolly.

          "You know as well as I do, boy, that the voice you heard was not lying." said Alstyne.

          "So you mean to tell me, that I, a normal kid, will become the leader of nations?" questioned Majoron.

          "That is exactly what I mean to tell you." answered Alstyne.

          "Wow, I somehow always knew that this day would come. I always knew that I was in someway special..." informed Majoron.

          "Is that so?" asked Alstyne as more of a statement than a question.

          "No." said Majoron flatly.

          "You have to accept this role whether you like it or not. You are destined to be the ruler of nations, the bringer of peace, and the warrior of balance!" shouted Alstyne with pseudosuperiority.

          "Your getting a little too enthusiastic about this aren't you, Alstyne?"

          "You call me by my first name. I guess you are starting to accept your role of soon to be complete superiority" stated Alstyne.

          "Nope." said Majoron flatly. "Its just boring old arrogance."

          "You may think what you want of this incident but you and I both know that this will be your true calling and don’t forget it. Your training will be in the fields of primary mage and secondary beastmaster. You will not go to the normal mage training. I will personally train you as a mage but it will start and begin at four in the afternoon and go until eight. Your beastmaster training will be from six in the morning until ten. Dismissed."

          Majoron calmly walked out of the room with Shadow close behind. He walked down several corridors climbed several staircases and continued on an endless journey to his room with Shadow.

          "So what should I do?" asked Majoron.

          "Well, not only did I hear what the angel said to you, I heard what it said to me and I will follow the path it chose for me." replied shadow.

          "What did the angel say to you?" questioned Majoron.

          "None of your business. But know this: I will follow you as far as I may and aid you in most all of your troubles." said Shadow before the two reached there room.

          Majoron trained hard repeatedly every day with shadow to become as strong as he may. With unwavering endurance he soon made his way to the top. He had chose to side with the forces of weather in choosing a force to control as a mage. He was told that it would take years of practice to even ask the wind for a gust of wind let alone control it. It mattered not for Majoron felt he was up to any challenge life had to throw at him and he would overcome this one easily.

          The day seemed overly good as Majoron buzzed around joyfully. He had tained for some few years in the academy now and was soon ready to graduate. He was walking down a corridor as he did everyday at this same time at this same speed when an unexpected bang shot through the air. Majoron, alarmed, jumped to the window to see the edge of the academy grounds on the horizon were black. The darkness was growing steadily as it approached the castle little by little. Soon Majoron was able to see that this was not a shadow, but an army of sorts. Warriors in black were marching steadily towards the academy, advancing at an alarming pace. There was another large thundering boom as something was fired from a room above Majoron. A large chunk of ice pelted down from the roof creating a large hole in the advancing army. Those who survived the ice attack by mere meters, didn't flinch in the slightest. It was obvious these soldiers did not fear death.

          The assailant from above continued to pelt ice burst after ice burst at the advancing army at an alarming pace. Defenses were hurriedly set up at the base of the army as soldiers appeared on the grounds below the castle to help fight. Majoron raced through corridors to find out who was above him, and of course, to lend a hand. There was a heavy oak door blocking the room that held the ice mage inside. Majoron knocked on the door but no one answered. He pounded on the door in frustration and still no one answered. Fearing that the ice mage had been wounded Majoron knelt down and concentrated arcane energies into his hands. He welcomed a familiar tingling and molded the energies into a strong wind. He gave it enough force to break down the door and let loose. The door fell, crumbling before the wind as Majoron walked in. The dust cleared and Alstyne became visible. Alstyne, Majoron's personal mage trainer, had never revealed what discipline of magic he used before this. Now, Majoron could see for all its worth, the power that Alstyne possessed.

          "Get out of here, boy!" shouted Alstyne without looking.

          "You need help and I'm here to give it." said Majoron monotone.

          "Now is not the time! You must leave, if you are captured the world will be plunged into turmoil." shouted Alstyne as he flared another chunk of ice towards the army.

          "Tell me later, old man. I'm here to help whether you like it or not." replied Majoron. Alstyne twisted one arm behind him so that it faced Majoron and created a sturdy wall of ice. Majoron, on the other hand, had already gotten enough magic charged to shatter the wall. An uncountable amount of sharp pieces of ice began to fly everywhere until they were caught by the wind.

          "Damn you!" shouted Alstyne.

          "Damn me all you want later" replied Majoron as he stood beside Alstyne and requested the wind blow the shards out at the army. As on command, the shards went and struck individual soldiers, crippling and killing some. The shards, while in the air, had made it perfect for an arrow to be undetected. And that is just what happened. An arrow shot straight up into the window and plunged deep into the flesh of Alstyne's shoulder. In his disorientation from pain, Alstyne actually fell out of the window. The old fool wasn't going to allow himself to die and created a slide made of ice to slow his descent. Majoron, not going to be left behind, jumped out and slid after him. They were both at the ground now: An injured elder and a pregrad youth. These two against an entire army of undead and evil creatures. The ranks of the armies opened up and Majoron caught a quick glimpse of a man with flowing red hair and a blood red bow in hand. The ranks shifted again and the mages were now in front. There had been something about the feel of the presence of the man in the back that caught Majoron completely off guard. He was dumbfounded, not knowing what was happening, completely lost in thought. The mages began to concentrate as the battlefield grew utterly silent. Majoron barely heard Alstyne curse as he prepared a wall of ice with his only good hand. The mages were almost ready and Alstyne stepped in front of Majoron to make the wall stronger.

          "Boy, what are you doing?! Get out of here!" shouted Alstyne's voice far off from Majoron as he was lost in thought. The mages fired and the momentary panic in anticipation for the strike roused Majoron's weary mind. He saw, the unbelievable odds against him and his mentor. A massive blast of fiery destruction was shooting towards the two and soon collided with the wall of ice. Debris was thrown about as the wall was totally obliterated. Alstyne, using himself as a human shield was hit by the blast and sent into the wall of the academy. The mages recoiled and began to chant again as Majoron became fully aware of everything. Something felt strong against his chest. Inspection revealed a zhere, a zhere that had been given to Majoron by his closest friend, Alara. The one whom he had promised to see again, and yet he was here throwing away his life. He felt power surge from the zhere directly into his mind. He was, advanced, to say the least. He could see the entire battlefield, every soldier, from every angle, though it was more so with his mind than his eyes. He saw the Mages building the attack again with now no defenses stopping the soon to be oncoming blast.

          "Fool, get out of there!" shouted Alstyne with a wave of his hand.

          "No!" screamed Majoron obviously knowing what would happen to his mentor if he were to leave him here.

          "You fool! Don’t worry about me!" protested Alstyne. With a wave of his arm Alstyne created a small wall of ice and tried to push Majoron away with it. Majoron's head was down as he spoke words from his heart.

          "You say I am heir to the throne of the Magi and yet usher me away from a very challenge to prove this?! I will not allow it!" screamed Majoron alerting the demonic ranger to his "destiny". There was a rush of power, Majoron, greedily accepting it channeled it into perfection. Thunder crackled as a storm grew. Lightning cracked as the ground was scorched. Majoron, head still bowed, raised his left hand to the oncoming wall of ice. The wall shattered instantaneously and the shards flew towards the mages. They were too quick and fired their blast before the shards could get to them. They were still defenseless and most were slaughtered by the brutal barrage of ice shards. The blast shot towards a seemingly defenseless Majoron. He raised his head and stared across the field. His eyes locked with the eyes of the demonic archer. He raised his palm without breaking eye contact and shot forth his own power. He rushed everything he had. The storm grew as it started to hail. Lightning lit the sky. Still the power was unused around Majoron and just building up. Finally within seconds of impact, Majoron molded it. He turned it into a twister of devilish power. It grew to monstrous proportions and flew unburdened towards the ranks of soldiers. The blast and twister collided in a magnificent array of power. It was a battle of will between Majoron and the Mages. The storm grew thus further as Majoron's sense of self-sacrificing justice grew. The twister emerged victorious as it turned the blast back on the unsuspecting crippled army of darkness. The ranks of soldiers were splayed apart against the unforgiving unmerciful twister. Sadly, only one tenth of the forces were defeated by the valiant display of power before Majoron collapsed due to exhaustion. The twister dissipated leaving a clean path through the invaders directly to the demonic archer. Majoron felt cold as he lay on his back looking at the sky. Wind brushed his face as he felt like he was flying. His vision was skewed by ice as he realized then he was being carried by Alstyne. A flurry of arrows screeched overtop him coming from the direction of the academy as valiant war cries were heard below. That was the last thing Majoron remembered before he fell unconscious.

Chapter 5

          Majoron awoke in the infirmary of the academy dazed as though he had regained only partial consciousness. His vision was blurred as he sat up. Shapes of various sizes and colors moved about around him and he wondered if he had died. His vision cleared and his memory returned. Shocked and appalled he jumped from his bed only to be knocked back down. Alstyne stood above him with a worried expression on his face.

          "Alstyne!" exclaimed Majoron with utmost relief. It looked as though Alstyne hadn't even noticed Majoron's recent recovery as a seemingly more shocked expression spread across his facial features.

          "My boy, you will come with me now I have signed the papers and done the tedious work that you would have avoided so you will come with me." said Alstyne as he turned and began to walk out of the room. Majoron, knowing that this was obviously important, followed quickly behind.

          The two followed many hallways, descended many staircases, and finally, came to a large, dimly lit, in-door training room.

          "What are we doing here?" asked Majoron.

          "You foolishly risked your life on the battlefield and told your enemies your most guarded secret. After this you showed me something that proved that secret was true. You have the power of a true Magi now show me by blasting that dummy." commanded Alstyne.

          "Don't be so harsh. I don't know if I can do it, by the way." informed Majoron.

          "Why wouldn't you be able to? Never mind that, just hurry and try." ordered Alstyne. Majoron careful got into stance in front of the dummy and placed both palms outwards facing it. He concentrated on the wind and it's consciousness, he concentrated on the ability to communicate with it and when he was ready, he asked it to strike the dummy. His eyes flew open and his palms jolted forwards. Silence issued as nothing moved. Both student and teacher held their breaths in thundering silence. Majoron broke the silence by sighing disappointedly.

          "I told you I couldn't do it." said Majoron glumly.

          "Why can't you do it?" questioned Alstyne

          "I haven't been able to use it freely yet. I've trained day and night continuously but I still cannot get the wind to respond." answered Majoron as he bowed his head sadly.

          "You displayed utmost power on the battlefield and when confronting me with ease. Now you say you cannot even create a simple breeze?" questioned Alstyne.

          "Yup, that's pretty much it." said Majoron waving the situation aside.

          "You arrogant boy! You are the heir to the throne of the Magi! You have exhibited utmost potential and skill with no effort on your side in the slightest! You now say you cannot use it?! You lie and will claim your position as the king of the Magi and all creatures on this continent!" shouted Alstyne.

          "You think you can shape my destiny?! You think you can tell me whether or not I lie? I think you should find another 'Heir to the throne of the Magi' because I quite certainly, have had enough of your constant demanding of my unsure destiny! Goodbye until we meet again, Alstyne, do not look for me." said Majoron as he walked out the door. Alstyne, awestruck by the sudden rebellion and such serious retort was unable to move as Majoron left with no resistance.

          Majoron had been endlessly walking through countless hallways lost as he was in an unknown area. He was in a particular hallway with no doors at all other than one directly ahead and behind him. Continuing onward he opened the door and felt an instant wave of undesirable nostalgia. He heard a familiar angelic voice speak to him in such a way that made him feel as though his destiny had been fulfilled and he was able to rest forever. This however, was not the case.

          "Majoron, you must come and find me, the path will reveal itself when the queen requests it and the world acknowledges it. You will face many dangers and find unexpected allies. There will be betrayals and alliances. Throughout this you will be the one with the burden alone to carry. The burden of knowing that you, and you alone, are capable of ending the warring chaos. You will calm the world. You will face many opponents which you cannot defeat as you are now. You must take this spear in which I have placed the power that was sealed in you. Your feared power will come rushing back with the aid of this weapon: The Blessed Spear Of The Magi." with that the angelic voice disappeared but an eerie glow enveloped the room focusing on one particular point. A point in which a lone spear stood upright unrestrained or bound by any material object. This was obviously no ordinary spear for it had in fact two heads, both perfectly symmetrical and similar to each other as they were both cross-blades. An unusual round knob sat in the middle of the pole. There was a feeling of true power coming from the object and Majoron was drawn to it. He cautiously placed his hand on the weapon and instantly withdrew it as though he had been burned. From the object he had felt immeasurable power that frightened him. He had felt something with the power to destroy worlds and was now fearful of whether or not he could control it. Cautiously, he placed his hand on the weapon and waited for the same rush of power. The eerie glow of light completely dissipated and left Majoron alone with a double headed cross spear in his hand. There was no sudden rush of power. It felt like a simple spear he was holding which left him confused and fearful of what he had felt. Deciding that leave was best for him he decided to see if Shadow could help. There was a trick that Shadow had taught him if they were separated and he was in danger and he decided to use it. He formed a complex shape with his hands and gently whistled into it. Somehow, unknown to Majoron, the sound became mute to him and was amplified to utmost volume. There was a sudden thundering as though a horse were running across a wooden bridge. In a few seconds shadow had burst into the room with a satisfied look.

          "You called?" asked Shadow.

          "Indeed I did, I do not know if you will accompany me or not but I have decided that this school is no longer the best place for me and I will be taking my leave." informed Majoron.

          "I've told you before that I will accompany you until I see it unfit and that is not now so let us take our leave together."

          "Thank you Shadow. You may just be my only friend in thi-" Majoron was cut off by a sudden alarm sounding.

          "Knowing you, you did something outrageous to cause your leave." said Shadow as he approached the door.

          "The fool Alstyne thinks he will force me to become a king." said Majoron as he gripped the spear tighter.

          "Then let us make haste, friend. Get on my back this time and we shall show them the true meaning of the word 'haste'." suggested Shadow motioning to his back. Majoron complied and sat on Shadows back with his spear held at the ready making it look as though he knew how to use it. The countless hallways, staircases, and doors flew by at unintelligible speeds as Majoron struggled to hold on. He felt them take flight out a near window and they landed with a thud on the grounds outside the Academy still inside the gates. They were, unfortunately on the wrong side of the academy to exit and had to make their way to the opposite side. As they speedily did so and Majoron adjusted to the speed, he noticed there wasn't a soul to be seen. They turned a corner and Shadow stopped dead in his tracks almost throwing Majoron off the front. Every single student, instructor, and resident in the academy had gathered in front of the gate in two single lines creating a perfect pathway out the gate for Majoron and Shadow. They slowly made their way through not knowing what to suspect until Alstyne stood in front of them.

          "Alstyne I will cut you down if I have to. You will not force me into doing this." stated Majoron bringing his spear to the ready.

          "Majoron, who I wish to be able to call my friend, I realize my actions were wrong, you are the sole master of your self and are able to chose what to do." said Alstyne with a bow.

          "Even if you say that it will not sway my opinion." retorted Majoron lowering his spear.

          "I know that, Majoron. But I, and everyone else here all want to wish you luck on your journeys, wherever they may take you." Alstyne bowed once more and disappeared behind a row of people. At once Majoron and Shadow felt every single set of eyes shift and lock on them. Simultaneously, each and every individual bowed deeply to him nearly each touching the ground. In unison they each regained their composure with brightly lit faces and smiles about them.

          "Hail Majoron, lord of air, protector of Falasayne, warrior of the east!" They all shouted with cheers and whistles emanating from the now broken line which had formed a crowd. Majoron's day was officially brightened as he waved to them all while he and Shadow left the academy to face an unsure destiny together facing those "perils, alliances, and betrayals" mentioned to him.

Chapter 6

          Majoron and Shadow, companions without a goal, were wandering around aimlessly throughout the region of Falasayne until they at last came to the lake Treslyne and decided to venture back to Majoron's hometown of Jerhan. The two made an easy voyage across the waters by boat to Jerhan. The sun was shimmering down on Majoron as he stretched once on land. The two made an odd appearance as odd as it could be: a man with solid blue eyes in light blue robes as a companion to a wolf some three times larger than a normal one menacing even when kind. Whispered and confused voices arose throughout the town as the two made their way aimlessly around town remembering the events that had conspired where they now stood. Majoron passed the village center, remembering the fine festivals held their on countless occasions. He passed some stepping stones leading almost all the way out to an island with a rock formation that a child may think held treasure atop. He passed his old hut remembering Sahija and her suspicious smile. A smile broke across Majoron's own lips as he passed it remembering his childlike behaviour. He and Shadow were walking down one street, Majoron's eyes on the ground not noticing the surroundings. He was stopped in his tracks with an almost painful memory. He knew it in his heart more than his head that he was standing now, as a completely different person than he was before, in front of the hut of his greatest and dearest friend, Alara. There was an urge, a sudden almost unbearable urge, to thrust open the door and call out her name in an attempt to bring back the past. But as logic would dictate, it was futile.

          "I never thought I would see you here so soon. So lost in thought as well." said an oddly familiar voice from behind him.

          "And I to you, as it would seem I never expected myself to venture back here but alas, fate has brought the hand of cruel shadows of my passed down upon me, Grasyth." answered Majoron.

          "You certainly seem both skilled and matured in my eyes now. Come, let us have a more leisurely talk in my home." Said Grasyth as he turned and beckoned to follow. Majoron complied, without even witnessing Grasyth as he had still been staring at the ground. As he walked away he gave one last distant look at a long abandoned past and turned a corner.

          "So tell me, how is it that this fate of chance meeting is cruel?" asked Grasyth.

          "In my hearts eye, this town holds no more than pain and sorrow as a symbol of transition out of a carefree world into a life in which destiny may forcefully place heavy burdens upon my chest" answered Majoron.

          "And how is it then, that this new destiny is so forceful and horrid that you speak so and yet aimlessly wander to a town now forgotten to yourself?" questioned Grasyth.

          "I have been told by many, that I am to forcefully destroy my life and hopes of what I am to do with myself. I have been cast aside as a mere object to cast into a pit of fate. I have been thought of as a route of escape from the peoples own destinies and yet still, I am no more obliged to believe what I am told is my true destiny. I have been insulted by those who once carried the mask of care and cast out by others who would have it so. I have met those who would keep a relationship in good measure as to ensure I do not return forcefully." stated Majoron with a solemn look playing across his features.

          "Speak not the words of the wise, fool. You know not the true workings of destiny. You say those words as a bitter insult thrown in revenge at those who were once friends. You do so in such a way that makes me believe you are no better, in fact, than those of whom you speak." replied Grasyth with a bitter look.

          "Okay, friend. I see your point and reach a revelation within myself. I now know just how much of a fool I have been." Majoron stated with a downcast face.

          "Majoron, you should know, that no matter how much people may try to force their ideas of your own destiny upon you, you will always be the master of your own destiny and you are the only one who can choose what paths you will take." informed a now revealed, all knowing Grasyth.

          "There willn't be much of a destiny at this rate, and you make it seem as though you know the ideas forcefully pressed upon Majoron." mocked Shadow

          "I know more than either of you know and you'll do well to remember that. Now it is time for sleep as I have grown weary from tedious conversing." Informed Grasyth as he stood up also confusing Majoron and Shadow at his ability to understand the wolf.

          "You two sleep like logs." said Grasyth covering a yawn.

          "I haven't had a rest like this in a while." informed Majoron.

          "Well, what are you going to do now?" asked Grasyth.

          "Honestly, I have no goal. I have nowhere I need to go. I may merely follow the wind." answered Majoron.

          "Well that is no good. Ah, what is it we have here? I see you still keep the scroll of secrets within your possession. Have you unraveled its many mysteries?" questioned Grasyth.

          "Not at all for as you said, I cannot read this and alas, I have found none who can." answered Majoron.

          "Well, I suppose I have come across a solution both to brighten the day and your future." stated Grasyth.

          "And what might that solution be?" inquired Majoron.

          "I know of one who is new to power and intelligent enough in olden wisdom to read this for you." replied Grasyth.

          "I would be grateful to end the game in which you play: avoiding the direct answer" said Majoron.

          "There is a sage who may read this scroll for you. This sage is infact the newly risen queen of Rolum. You should search her out as she may be interested in you and your artifact." answered Grasyth.

          "Well, I believe my path has just been decided. I thank you for the hospitality and the information. Grasyth, my friend, I say once more as we part: good-bye I hope to see you in the near future." said Majoron as he left the hut and directed himself towards the dock.

          Majoron and Shadow reached the mainland once more and set off immediately in a direction one would assume, pointed towards the vast region of Rolum, land of life and growth. The two arrived in what should be the area bordering the capital of Rolum itself. The day had grown to night and the cool spring breeze twisted through the trees. Looking back on the event, Majoron would be unable to tell which reached him first: the smell of burning trees, or the screams of terror. They shot through him, piercing his essence like lightning. Both he and his faithful companion bolted towards the source without a single word. The closer they got, the more sickening the sounds became. Majoron slowed his pace as he felt the zhere around his neck start to gain heat. Puzzled at first Majoron studied his surroundings and saw Shadow walk past him. The air around them exploded with the sound of screeching arrows as they plummeted towards Shadow. In an instant he was dead. A thousand arrows pierced through his body as he fell to the ground. A smile spread across Majoron’s lips as he found the scene comical.

          “You do not know the power of my companion as I do. I know he would have been able to avoid that freakish attack coming from literally nowhere.” Said Majoron to what seemed to be the wind. The world around him swayed and reformed and he found himself, in fact, actually exactly where he thought he was. The only difference now was that Shadow was behind him and confused. There was a cool feeling of metal against Majoron’s throat as he knew there was someone with obvious skilled behind him.

          “Why have you come here?” demanded the attacker.

          “I came to see a seer” answered Majoron coolly.

          “As have all the others” eetorted the attacker.

          “What others?” inquired Majoron.

          “Don’t play the part of a fool! Why do you want to kidnap Queen Alara?” demanded the assailant. It was then and there that Majoron’s mind became completely clarified and clouded at the same time. He knew now why Grasyth had said the seer would want to see him. He knew now why Alara was made to study Rolum, he knew almost too much.

          “This Alara, did she live in Falasayne not a while back?!” demanded Majoron eagerly.

          “Indeed, but it is no business for you who are about to meet your death!” exclaimed the assailant

          “You shall not stop me for I am needed as I have a destiny to fulfill as Majoron, not a Magi!” shouted Majoron with a rush of concern, anger, and countless other emotions. The cool spring breeze grew into a gale force directed solely on the blade at Majoron’s throat. The attacker’s hands were knocked away then he was knocked back as well. Shadow knew not to attack as Majoron would have done so if he wished it. There was a state of urgency throughout to forest all around Majoron as he rushed with only one goal: to save his most precious friend. There was a sudden light above them and it was then that Majoron realized the capital was built in the treetops. Without a word, Majoron got onto Shadow’s back as they rushed up to the burning city above. Fire consumed the town around them as they rushed from terrace to terrace seeing confused villagers around them. Majoron was horribly saddened at the pain they were going through but he had made a decision to ignore all else until he had saved his most precious friend.  There was a tree at least some ten times thicker and taller than those around. The terrace around it was that of wondrous proportions. It was there, and Majoron knew it, that he would find Alara and save her from the peril he knew she faced. Shadow seemed to read his mind as they raced forward disregarding the maze of bridges and merely jumping from one terrace to the next. They had finally made it when Majoron heard it: a voice from his distant past. His heart felt burdened just by hearing it. The voice of his greatest friend, now somewhat self-righteous with a sound of dignity was on the verge of fear in his mind. No matter what she did to make her voice sound as though she would not be fearful, she would not be scared or allow her emotions to show, Majoron still heard the fearful voice of a child. The two rushed up a set of stairs as Majoron readied his spear. He swung it ahead as it clanged on the door in front of them. With ease, Majoron managed to open the door with his spear as Shadow kept running full out into the building. The hall was decorated with thousands of years of craftsmanship by the finest work of the top crafters among the elves. Beautiful chandeliers hung from the ceiling and from what one could tell, a canvas depicting Alara herself leading an army to victory. Even with all of the spectacular scenery Majoron found himself starring in awe at the now matured Queen of Rolum. She stared back in an equal state of awe at the now matured warrior come to her rescue atop a great beast. Their eyes locked and they both knew what had happened in each others absence. They had no need for words and only lingered now in a timeless dimension in which troubles were inexistent. Majoron may have been lost in nostalgic thought at seeing his friend but Shadow certainly wasn’t. Shadow raced forth with Majoron still on top and jumped overtop a legion of enemies that was previously barring the way to Alara. With a simple kick of his back legs, Shadow knocked Majoron off so that he now stood in front of Alara. Majoron’s mind returned to him as he became once again aware. He nodded to Alara as he turned to face the twenty-something fierce looking soldiers of darkness and chaos. Among them were those from both Rodrim region of darkness, and Alsymok region of chaos. All were melee types brandishing a wide array of weapons. These warriors looked like none to be trifled with but regardless, Majoron would not back down now. He and Shadow charged toward the group, Majoron, cross-spear ready, Shadow, fangs ready. As Majoron entered combat he felt the zhere once more around his throat and felt as though he knew what was soon to come to pass. He swung down his cross-spear slashing down his first foe and dragged it back to ready. In the recall he accidentally struck down an advancing other with the opposite end. He swung the spear like a bat at a Rodrimian knight brandishing a short sword and shield. The blade was blocked and the knight closed in for a strike. As the cross spear had ricocheted off the shield, Majoron had felt something inside of it click. As he tried to pull it back, the cross spear broke into two pieces joined by a chain in the middle. The spear had turned into two separate weapons, menacing and strategically at that. With a separated piece in each hand, Majoron was barely able to defend himself from the currently surprised knight. Majoron thrust the weapon out in front of him and struck down a third enemy.

          “Queen Alara!” called a somewhat familiar voice from behind Majoron. As he turned to look, Shadow struck down a soldier as it was about to strike Majoron. The attacker Majoron had faced before that had held a blade to his throat was now in front of Alara bowing slightly. Majoron and the attacker locked eyes and both recognized each other.

          “The name's Terick” shouted the attacker as he threw a dagger towards Majoron. The blade shot past Majoron and into another enemies gut. The wound began to freeze until the entire region around the stab wound was a light blue color as it had been frozen. There was a small black explosion then in front of the soldier as Terick appeared to retrieve his blade. Terick spun loosely towards another soldier and stabbed out, the end result was two daggers stabbed into two different soldiers faces, freezing and killing them both. Majoron Stabbed out to his left blocking, parrying, and countering an attack as he stabbed another soldier in the shoulder. A large attacker approached from the opposite side brandishing a large over-burdening hammer. He tried to strike down at Majoron but Majoron dove towards him and stabbed into his gut with his right weapon. The attacked dropped his maul-like weapon and Majoron took the opportunity to thrust him into another warrior. Majoron stabbed the bases of his two weapons together and the cross spear reformed. In a graceful movement, Majoron cleaved the heads off of two more assailants before looking around to notice they had defeated all opposition. Majoron walked towards a trembling Alara and knelt in front of her. He cast his eyes at the ground in utmost respect.

          “Alara, I have become strong and returned.”

Chapter 7

          Elscythe was, in a more or less sense, conscious of his surroundings. He was beginning to have freakish dreams that seemed all too real to him. This, of course, was one of them. He was aware that he was not in a normal state but he felt as though this was real. He could see the entire continent of five regions from far above. There was a sudden white curtain cast about the continent as everything was shrouded. The curtain became visible as wind if it were somehow possible. In the wind, Elscythe could see a face of wisdom, power, and kindness. There was a mysterious aura about everything he encountered in this “dream” as though it were connected to everything that was happening. He saw the wind stretch out to each of the five regions affecting them in their own ways though it seemed as though it originated from Falasayne. Next he saw that the wind massed in Rolum and then flashed out of it and into Alsymok. It danced around endlessly as though it were searching for something then entirely vanished. Elscythe saw his minds eye in the “dream” focus on Dinlun and the academy and started to edge closer and closer. Soon each and every detail of the castle could easily be seen as Elscythe’s dream-self floated in through a window. He saw himself there and he saw his dream-self through his own body. Through the eyes of the separate counterparts it could be seen what each other was seeing. A never ending continuation seeing through one’s eyes into another’s and back out to repeat the process indefinitely. There was a sudden feeling similar to movement as though he were moving forward through the endless line of reflections going ever forward as a fear of destruction overcame him. He felt as though the entire continent was on the brink of destruction and saw, through another eye this time, that same face in the wind. Its eyes had opened and Elscythe realized up until now they had been closed. They were comprised of a sole blue color, nothing else. This wind transformed once more and Elscythe saw it in the shape of a hand. A hand that was holding something as though it were protecting it and keeping something ominous at bay. It seemed to Elscythe, as though the thing the hand was trying to protect was the continent itself, all five regions included. He saw a horse ride into the Dinlunian Academy from Alsymok that looked as though it was the only creature that understood what was truly going on. He saw a massing army within both Rodrim and Alsymok as it prepared for war and he somehow knew that they were going to try and cut down all those in Dinlun that got in their way.

          Sunlight filtered in through Elscythe’s window as he opened his eyes. One would assume he had just woken up but Elscythe believed that he hadn’t slept at all. He was wearier than when he first slept and was deeply disturbed by his clear memory of his vision-like dream. He descended a staircase that lead directly into the great hall and received his breakfast meal. He remained deep in thought of his nightly premonitions until a large hulking figure sat down beside him underneath a large oak tree in the grounds.

          “You’ve been getting better at your swordplay, Elscythe” said Halsyo, the leader of the academy. Elscythe simply nodded, still deep in thought.

          “Halsyo, I have had another vision.” stated Elscythe giving Halsyo his full attention.

          “That’s the third one, isn’t it?” asked Halsyo.

          “No sir. I have had them every night for weeks but I am only now getting an urgency to tell you.” informed Elscythe.

          “Well then, spit it out, lad.” requested Halsyo with interest.

          “I saw in my vision, a man with solid blue eyes that seemed to hold the fate of the five regions in his hand and an ominous army in Alsymok and Rodrim.” obliged Elscythe.

          “Each region has an army, Elscythe. That’s common knowledge” returned Halsyo.

          “I felt as though they were preparing to march through Dinlun and lay siege to all, sire.” informed Elscythe.

          “Regardless, for all we know it could have been a dream.” answered Halsyo as he stood up, about to take his leave.

          “Sire, this seige through Dinlun happened after a hazel colored steed with a flowing black mane appeared ‘ere! I felt it somehow connected with a strong mystery within the roots of the Alsymokian culture!” exclaimed Elscythe with frustration.

          “Well Elscythe, be at ease for if we see this steed then we will be sure of the event that will soon transpire.” replied Halsyo as he left Elscythe once again to his thoughts

          Three days later it happened: A hazel colored steed with a flowing black mane waited at the gates expectantly. Halsyo issued a direct order to bring together the council members along with Elscythe to enter a meeting to decide the best course of action. Throughout the meeting, all of Elscythe’s pleadings and statements were all shot down as none of them believed the reoccurring visions that had plagued Elscythe for a month now. It was decided, mainly due to Halsyo’s zeal, that they would send in, at the very least, a scouting party to correctly investigate and study the situation. There were three Paladins, plus Elscythe and one beastmaster for quick conversing.

Each had their own mounts though Elscythe had chosen to ride the brilliant steed from his visions which he identified as Taoxon through engravings on a collar of sorts.

          The group of five crossed the river into the region of Alsymok and instantly felt the difference. It was as though they had passed through a barrier keeping a deadly heat at bay. The only ones seemingly unaffected were Elscythe and his mount Taoxon. The party consisted of Elscythe the leader, Taar a beastmaster who served for communication purposes, and three paladins who would serve as an offensive and defensive unit. The group of five made their way steadily across the burning ground of Alsymok to its capital of Tyrien cracking the ground with the hooves of their steeds. The city of Tyrien was completly unlike the Dinlunian academy for it was designed entirely on the energy of fire. The heat was more intense and it seemed as though night would not exist. Tall structures lined streets in a complex maze. The group of five avoided sight as much as possible as they approached a larger structure they assumed to be the government base. There were obvious sounds coming from the other side of a surrounding wall as the group approached.

          "Taar, can you get your companion to investigate for us?" requested Elscythe.

          "Sure thing. You're the boss, Elscythe." answered Taar. He whispered to his eagle companion and it took off over the wall. Within mere moments after it's departure Taoxon, Elscythe's mysterious steed began to act oddly. It repeatedly looked around desperately at the other steeds which somehow looked comfused. Taoxon reared up and Elscythe fell crashing down onto his back. With frustration Elscythe looked into Taoxon's eyes and instantly knew what was wrong. They had sent an eagle into a top secret military base when eagles were foreign creatures. Not only that, the sounds from inside had died down.

          "Fall back!" shouted Elscythe as he leaped onto Taoxon's back.

          "But why?" questioned a paladin.

          "The enemy seeks us! Back if you value your lives" commanded Elscythe as the five began to ride out of the city of flame. Their retreat was stopped short as a large, hulking ogre blocked their paths. It carried the stereotypical weapon an ogre would carry: an overly large club with crude nails jabbing out in random directions.

          "Men, you will defeat this beast if you wish to return with your lives!" cried Elscythe as he and Taoxon charged into battle. In a graceful movement Elscythe leapt from Taoxon's saddle and drew his glimmering blade, briefly remembering his home. He spun slightly in the air and landed a solid blow to the fiend. The attack had connected but unfortunately it had only connected with the left pauldron protecting the ogre's left shoulder. The three  paladins had dismounted and drawn their swords and readied their shields. Taar too had gotten ready for battle with his bow at the ready, an arrow ready to fly. The battle began with a simultaneous attack from the paladins and Elscythe. In a single movement far from graceful, the ogre mightily swung down his club knocking the four away. Taar took the oppurtunity to let loose his arrow and hit his mark in the chest. The three paladins looked as though they weren't able to continue as Elscythe himself stood up unaffected by the last attack. He saw Taar being stalked by the ogre and knew what was about to happen. The ogre aproached Taar and blocked the sun. Light turned to darkness, heat turned to cold, the pits of hell itself seemed to open up and welcome Taar. Taar merely looked up at the ogre's raised club, closed his eyes and smiled. With a flash of fury Elscythe struck. He leapt up to shoulder height of the ogre and brought his glimmering blade down around the left pauldron of the ogre to the right hip. The ogre crashed to the ground defeated when the military struck. Nets were thrown and the five were captured.

          His eyes uncovered, Elscythe was able to realize his surroundings and captors. There was an archer with a demonic aura around him wearing loose fiting white leathern strips lined with red fur. His face was pointed towards Elscythe, eyes narrowed and directed at him with red hair flowing in the wind behind him. His face was directed at Elscythe but his attention was surely not. The other captor was in loose fitting black clothing with seemingly black eyes and a corrupted aura of duty about him. His hair was pure white and stood out all too well.

          "Kahn, orders have arrived" stated the one wearing black.

          "Indeed, Kuroro. We shall march for Rolum as soon as possible" answered the demonic archer.

          "That time is now, Kahn. I shall create the minions for the distractions as long as you can use that bow of yours to infiltrate and kidnape our guest." suggested Kuroro.

          "You need not worry, Kuroro. I, Kahn Alarenthio, shall use the power imbued to me by the soon to rule Alsymokian hierarch to capture and deliver Queen Alara of Rolum immediately!" cried Kahn with oxymoronic honor. Without another word the two were gone before Elscythe knew they were going to take their leave. The ground left Elscythe's side as the sky became closer. His disorientation dissappated to reveal he was being carried. There was a cool summers day breeze blowing now. It felt reassuring across Elscythe's face but it soon grew to a murderous torrent as the smell of blood entered the gale force and Elscythe felt his senses forcefully leave him.

          The character in the wind returned to the aerial vision of the floating Elscythe. It was obvious to him he was in a vision but he did not know how it was induced. The man in the wind took shape in the forest of Rolum alongside a woman and another man. They seemed to be fiercly fighting for safety and it looked as though the two men were protecting the lady. There was a sudden flurry of red hair in the night breeze as Kahn Alarenthio stepped up. The dream Elscythe shot into the depths of Alsymok and into execution grounds inside the main capital. He saw his unconcious body being carried, along with the three paladins and Taar, towards an execution stand. He knew it, he knew that he would have no choice but to witness the destruction and cruel stealing of a friends life as Taar was first. He would have to live through it once more and take on a heavier burden than the one he currently held. He saw Taoxon then as the vision faded. He heard a voice in his head and instantly knew it belonged to Taoxon, Mount Of Wisdom.

          "Refrain from defeat and speak the words." Said Taoxon. "Speak the words that lead to victory. Speak the words that make you strong! Speak the words I tell you and lead your fellows and friends to victory over dispicable enemies!"

          Elscythe's eyes shot open as he noticed his bonds had been cut. His strength returned in full force and his disorientation dissappated instantly. In a graceful motion he swung his legs around his captors shoulders and knocked him back as Elscythe fell to his feet crouched. With awesome luck he noticed the box by his feet filled with the weapons of his group. He withdrew the glimmering blade he was left and grabbed the others. Within the next few moments Elscythe had cut down the four others burdened with the weight of his companions. It was then that Elscythe looked at the raised walls around him noteing the several archers with bows directed at him and solely him.

          "I have been granted power far beyond the comprehension of fools like you and shall not be defeated." stated Elscythe triumphantly.

          "Elscythe, I think this may be it but I believe we should go out with some sort of brave effort." said Taar with only a hint of a smile.

          "You shall not defeat me, Elscythe Dormaine, Magi Of War nor his faithful compainions!" cried Elscythe with utter realization of his new role in life.

          "Fire!" screamed a captain on one of the walls.

          "Deme el poder de derrotar mis enemigos. Deme el poder de destruir la oscuridad en la luz creciente y surgir victorioso en total!" chanted Elscythe as the arrows were set loose. A red aura slowly encased the group and the arrows strayed as though filled with sudden fear. The light red aura turned to a burning flame that seeped into the group of five as they felt strength enter them and raise their abilities beyond comprehension. In a single moment Elscythe had leapt onto his steed as Taoxon ran by and rode up onto one wall. He easily cut down the three archers on this wall as Taoxon charged the end of the row of battalions where a wall without a ledge connected it with the other. Taoxon leapt against the wall causing a stone to break and give enough footing for another jump. Taoxon managed to perform a second jump towards the opposite wall but was far from making it. As the descent of the jump began, Elscythe himself leapt from the saddle and landed on the other wall. At this time several warriors had entered the execution grounds as the other four entered battle. Three archers simultaneously aimed and fired their bows. Elscythe found the spot and stood between the fire of two of the arrows and deflected the third. He brought his glimmering blade high and slashed down on the first archer so mightily that it flew into the next causing them both to crash off the wall. In a blast of strategy Elscythe stabbed into the third archer and threw him into the captain as a way to break the captain's stance. In a movement of utter disgrace and unhonorable acts the captain slashed clean through the stomache of the archer as contents and gore spewed everywhere. In a fit of power bordering rage Elscythe felt it. He felt, somehow, that the only way to describe the feeling he recieved was with two words: "white" and "pure". Elscythe struck down as his blade connected with the opposing blade. He spun and slashed again as the blade blocked and countered. In a graceful movement as the feeling Elscythe experienced intensified, Elscythe blocked parried and countered the attack to his gut. He brought his sword straight down vertically as the feeling grew once more. He noted a clean and pure white aura enveloping him as the captain tried to block. Elscythe's glimmering blade cut straight through the opposing blade and struck the captain. Elscythe was victorious and gave a cry of a triumphant roar as he became the master of the battlefield.

          "Elscythe, we have won." stated Taar, relieved.

          "You four go back, I have an aquaintence coming with the wind to save a dear companion and I cannot have you here. Tell Halsyo of my decision and new role as a Magi." commanded Elscythe with a force unlike anything they had experienced leaving no room for argument. The four left as Elscythe readied himself for an audience with a man that controlled the wind and held the five regions in the palm of his hand.

Chapter 8

          The morning came and overtook the vast region of Rolum. The sun was barely waking itself but still was trying to conquer the unstopable sky. Majoron was up early along with Shadow as he hadn't slept yet. Because of the attack Alara was rushed away to be kept safe and Majoron, now a hero of sorts, was given gracious quarters to rest in. He wasn't one to grow accustom to the "upper class" qualities of life. He and Shadow were out even before the night guards went to rest. There was an obvious heightened sense of security about the town but Majoron and Shadow cautiously made their way towards the central fortress where Alara should be found. They were stealthily avoiding patrols and guards until they both peered around a corner sticking out all too much. They both spotted a woman over dressed. She wore so much clothing it was almost imposible to see any of her facial features. It appeared as though she spotted them as well as she jumped around the corner.

          "I can explain." said Majoron glumly as Shadow laughed at him.

          "But I don't think you should if you came all this way to rescue me." said the woman revealed to be Alara. Majoron was shocked and was about to speak but Alara hushed him.

          "There's a patrol about to come by here, we have to get out." informed Alara as she threw down excess clothing revealing herself in a magnificently white outfit with embroidered green trees decorating it. Majoron motioned to Shadow making Alara seem nervous and uneasy.

          "It's like sitting in a chair." Said Majoron as he sat on Shadow's back. Alara reluctantly sat as well. In a bolt of talent Shadow was off at a high speed across the terraces. They were off the tree top terraces in no time without alerting any guards.

          "You absolutely have to tell me about your life up 'till now." stated Alara as they stopped in a calm clearing as the sun was peaking through the trees, the superiority no more. Majoron was still in total awe of Alara as he found himself starring. She smiled as the wind rustled the area around them. Majoron, feeling like he was overstepping the limit cast his eyes on the ground.

          "What's going on?" asked Alara. "No need to look away. We are friends since before my power and I would appreciate you to keep our relationship unchanged." Majoron looked up with a grin of happiness.

          "When I left the island I was taken by the Travelers and I remember thinking that when we flew, it was much more stable." said Majoron with a light smile. Alara gave a laugh as a few leaves fell around them.

          "I was brought into the trials almost immediately after Grasyth met with the leader of the academy, Alstyne. They were old friends." added Majoron.

          "That's probably why Grasythe suggested the trials." intervened Alara. Majoron gave an uneasy laugh as he realized what the real reason was.

          "Anyways, I had two trials. The first was just three mazes." continued Majoron with a clever smile.

          "And I can only guess how easily you conquered it." joked Alara as she sat down against a tree.

          "Actually it was magically enchanted with illusions and the sort. I did find it easy until the third one which had traps." laughed Majoron. Alara looked like she was bordering on worry but it soon vanished as she laughed.

          "And what was the next trial?" inquired Alara. Majoron grinned as he cast his eyes towards Shadow who merely laughed as he put his head down. Majoron finally sat down opposite Alara at the base of a tree.

          "Well..." started Majoron. "The second trial was for me to show my allegiance to animals and simply walk across a clearing that looked like it was inhabited by ferocious beasts, quite convincing too." added Majoron.

          "But you sound like you're leaving some parts out." stated Alara.

          "Right you are." informed Majoron. "While I was crossing the clearing a beast from Rodrim burst through the trees and started attacking the animals no matter how young they were." Shadow snorted as Majoron said this as though in disgust.

          "My god! Were they all okay?" questioned Alara worried.

          "Me and Shadow here, we teamed up and took it down before it could do any real harm. Since then he has been with me as I gained the profession of Beastmaster." assured Majoron.

          "Is that so?" asked Alara to no one in particular. "Greetings Shadow, I am Alara." Shadow, hearing this stood and looked at Alara then bowed low to show allegiance.

          "I am at your service, Queen." stated an honorable Shadow through Majoron.

          "There is no need to be so formal and I am sure you do not need to show allegiance to me." informed Alara with a smile.

          "Back to my story then." started Majoron. "I began training every day in the mastery of air as I gained the first profession of Mage." he continued. "Anyways, enough of my story! How about you? Tell me of how you became Queen!" pleaded Majoron.

          "Well, though this may seem like a shock to you. My parents were killed as I was quite young and they were both King and Queen of Rolum." informed Alara. "I was sent with false parents into Falasayne to be safe from harms way until I reached the age when I could become the new Queen. It must sound unbelieveable for me to become Queen, doesn't it?" questioned Alara.

          "Not at all!" exclaimed Majoron. "I'm not suprised in the least as you are the most extraordinary person I know of!" shouted Majoron.

          "I will thank you for your kind words but that is not the end of my story." stated Alara kindly. "I was not forcefully placed on the throne but I had the choice. I was told I would be brought about the region to see that I was needed but I refused to take the tour as I had already decided I would beocme Queen." told Alara.

          "Well I would also expect that." said Majoron.

          "And why is that?" questioned Alara.

          "Because you have always been hasty. You are now and you were then." said Majoron through a smile.

          "You will hold your toungue in the presence of such royalty!" shouted the voice of Terick Scarn. Majorn looked to his side to see Terick pointing a dagger at his face.

          "And what's this?" asked Majoron.

          "Criminal, you shall die for kidnapping Queen Alara!" stated Terick as he started to move.

          "Stop Terick!" commanded Alara causing Terick to kneel before her.

          "M'lady." muttered Terick.

          "Terick, I was not kidnapped but infact I sought his aid to leave my responsibilities for the time being." informed Alara in response.

          "I understand." stated Terick.

          "Why don't you join our conversation?" asked Alara as more of a command than a suggestion.

          "Yeah, Terick, tell us a little about yourself." suggested Majoron. Terick nodded and looked at Alara.

          "I am Terick Scarn. I am captain of Alara's personal guard and I have trained and dedicated my life to serving Her Majesty." stated Terick with seemingly overwhelming honor.

          "Not like that!" cried Majoron. "Tell us about your intrests, your family, dislikes, and things like that." stated Majoron. So the three of them continued on in a light hearted conversation of their pasts, their hopes, their ideals and the likes.

          Night was begining to fall as the sun took it's leave. Majoron, Terick, and Alara were still remeniscing about their pasts as a question appeared in Alara's mind.

          "Majoron, you still haven't told me why you left the Academy before you graduated." stated Alara. Terick's intrest was piqued as well. Majoron looked deep into Alara's eyes as the winds of fate began to blow. Majoron laid his double headed cross spear beside him. The trees rustled as they dropped a few of their leaves around the three.

          "I was told that I, and I alone, was to succeed into the Throne of the Magi and this destiny was forced apon me so I left those who thought they could control me." said Majoron without breaking eye contact. Majoron could see in Alara's eyes, the recognition of power and saw the nervousness appear on her face.

          "Ma-" started Alara but she was cut off as all light went out. Majoron, Shadow, and Terick were all up with their weapons at the ready as they heard something at Alara.

          "Release!" shouted Terick as the darkness, revealed as an illusion, dissipated in time to reveal a black robed soldier holding Alara. Majoron, Shadow, and Terick burst foward to strike him down as he vanished and in his place stood the demonic archer Majoron had witnessed in the battle against the academy.

Chapter 9

          "Greetings. I am Kahn Alarenthio, Bringer Of Justice and trusted servant of Alsymok." said Kahn Alarenthio, the demonic archer. Terick's eyes were closed tightly as though he was trying to wish away the situation but failing miserabley. In a quick instant they shot open as the ground rumbled.

          "No!" shouted Terick Scarn. "You, fool, are dead!" Terick lunged quick seemingly with simple fists but in a flash his daggers were out and fury peaking. In a quick flash, Kahn Alarenthio had unlashed his bow from his back revealing it was made from a very strong metal with the edges shaved into blades to make it a melee weapon as well as a ranged weapon. Terick's attack was blocked and parried before he realized there was another weapon in play.

          "Shadow, let's go!" shouted Majoron as both he and Shadow rushed forward. Kahn raced forward as he knocked an arrow into his bow. He shot quickly at Terick as he quickly kicked Majoron in the side. He kept running and the only target left was Shadow. Terick retaliated quickly and lunged once more but Kahn dodged and knocked him back again. Shadow and Kahn were about to meet as Shadow gave a horendous bone splitting roar as he fainted to his right. Shadow spun on the spot as he was on Kahn's right. Majoron was directly infront of Kahn and Terick was to his left. The three charged simultaneously. There was a crack of thunder in the sky as the three met. Kahn kicked Majoron into Shadow as he tackled Terick. The bow was ready in the hands of Kahn and was stricking down. Terick brought his knees up and kicked Kahn directly off of him. Majoron saw it coming and jumped through the air towards Kahn. In a swift movement, Majoron had flipped upside down and kicked Kahn into the ground.

          "You three may prove to be slightly difficult." said Kahn as he stood up.

          "You have no idea, fool." shoutesd Terick as the three took their respective positions and charged simultaneously again. Kahn grabbed Terick by the wrists and threw him into Shadow. In one quick movement Kahn had grabbed Majoron and placed the blade of his bow on Majoron's neck.

          "You fools move and I will kill this so called heir." Kahn called to Shadow and Terick. Both of them edged nervously backwards unsure of what to do.

          "You call them fools when you bring me purpously into such close range?" questioned Majoron as the person most precious to him flashed through his mind, Alara. Kahn's eyes widened with fear as he plunged the blade towards Majoron's neck. Majoron's eyes, which were up until this point closed, shot open and the blade ceased. Only inches before Majoron's neck the blade was held fast by a furious newly found wind. Kahn's arms were thrown apart allowing Majoron freedom. In a flash Majoron had struck Kahn's jaw with his elbow and spun to face him. Quick came a fast hit from Majoron's palm directly into the chest of Kahn Alarenthio. A jolt of electricity stabbed the chest and a blast of wind knocked him back.

          "I see you are not a joke, Majoron." depicted Kahn.

          "I am not a joke indeed but at you're skill, I'm sure one of us is comical." retorted Majoron.

          "We should try this again soon." suggest Kahn as he raised one hand to the sky. Majoron rushed forward with Terick and Shadow at his sides but they were too late. Kahn was embraced by a deep flame that transported him elsewhere. There were cries of pain, terror, and other assorted undesireable emotions emenating from the village. Through the trees the three could see clearly a brightness that could only be wrought by flames. Horribley torn between trying to find a trail to help Alara and assisting the village, the heroes faltered. It was assumed by Majoron that the forces invading the city would most likely lead them to Alara, whom they had no clue as to the location of. Like lightning the three sped off into the distance. Majoron riding on Shadow and Terick's simple speed brought them to the city within minutes. Unfortunately for them some people didn't have many minutes to spare. Cries erupted from all directions and the three were torn as to which direction to head to. With an untaken vote the three decided wordlessly to split up. Lightning streaked the sky as Majoron, Shadow and Terick raced off in their own directions.

          "Help me!" Came a desperate voice to Shadow's right. He raced in realizing the fear he would induce himself but knowing it mattered little. Inside there were three simple enemies but none of which were human. They appeared to be rapidly decaying bodies risin to fight. There was a man facing them and holding his own with magnificent swordsmanship but he was losing ground quickly. Holding on to his pant leg was a young girl with a frightened face. The monsters spread a sludge on the ground, walls, and ceiling in a line. It ignited in a quick burst and isolated the girl and her father. Shadow acted quickly and slashed the three monsters down without hesitation. The father looked towards Shadow with respect and showed through his eyes he requested help. Shadow stood as near to the fire as possible without getting burned trying as hard as he might to figure out a way to dowse the fire.

          "I thank you for honoring my family but I must request that you take my daughter and leave this old man." stated the father. Shadow showed obvious refusal but the man merely smiled. He lifted his daughter and carefully tossed her towards shadow. Shadow caught her and laid her down outside. Racing back in he saw the old man sitting against the far wall with his eyes closed. Refusing to accept this shadow lunged forward. Slashing, Shadow destroyed the ground fuelling the fire creating a hole in the ground. A single bound as the building began to fall allowed Shadow to cross. Before the man had even opened his eyes Shadow had brought him back over and out as the building fell. The girl clutched her father tightly as though to keep him from getting hurt.

          "Thank you, friend. You have honored my family and I as well as given my daughter's and my own life to us." Said the man through tearful eyes. Shadow bowed low before racing off into the city once more.

          Terick was in the middle of a highly residential area but found no one around him. There was a scream as he turn a corner. A massive group of civillians was grouped as they were all escaping together. There was one problem, that which had enduced the scream. An equally large group of zombie-like coarpses with putrid flesh was blocking their way. Knowing this was soon to end with a massive loss, Terick burst into action. There was a moderately small explosion of black smoke as Terick appear within their group of zombies. As the smoke subsided Terick stood with near fifteen coarpses at his feet. He was holding no mercy for those who would slaughter such unarmed innocence.

          "Go now, I will destroy these horrendous creatures!" shouted Terick to the group. They evacuated quickly leaving Terick to his battle. He was massed from all sides as claws struck simultaneously. In a powerful bound, Terick had leapt into the air above the enemies and turned upside down. With daggers in hand Terick started to come down again. With a small mini-bounce he pushed off another zombie's head as he began to spin. He allowed himself to fall into the group as he spun causing him to slice countless wounds deep into the putrid flesh. The wounds caused by his mystical blades froze the flesh of those who remained with enough vitality to fight. There was enough hinderence caused by the ice for Terick to strike those few down. It was not long until Terick had cut down all those who had once stood to defy him.

          Majoron found himself in a run down area of the city. He noted he was obviously in the slums. He saw a singular soldier ahead and an opposing individual above with flowing red hair and a bladed bow. Majoron raced forward to ensure the safety of the soldier but knew if he was attacked now Majoron would not make it. Kahn performed a back flip onto a nearby building and readied his bow. In a flash there was countless arrows with flaming tips flying towards everything in sight. A scream erupted from a childs lips as a boy ran out from an alley way. He ran towards the soldier as though he were the man's son and stood infront of him as though to protect him. Majoron's vision grew dim and he saw nothing now but Kahn, the boy, and the arrows. He cursed then and would forever curse himself for seeing what he saw then. Time slowed for Majoron alone as he witnessed every action that came to pass. He suffered through the sight of the child's chest being penetrated by a flaming arrow. Suddenly he could bear it no longer and weapt as he ran. Regardless of the sorrow he felt, he could not allow this act to go unjustified. He brought his spear to the ready as he leapt past the mourning soldier and murdered child. Kahn saw Majoron and fired another wave of arrows before dissappearing into a flash of flame. Majoron fell to his knees before the child dropping his spear carelessly.

          "Why would a child have to die?!" he demanded. Flames spead from the arrows as thunder sounded.

          "Andarien!" screamed the father.

          "I allowed this to happen!" shouted Majoron as the fire consumed the terrace around them. "I couldn't save him and I am called a Magi?!" screamed Majoron through tears. Lightning lit up the sky and he slammed his fist into the wall beside him. He solemly stood as he saw the fires around him. His thoughts focused on Alara, Kahn, and the reason this had to happen. A strong wind picked up from nowhere as the temperature plumeted. Majoron's mind was now one track as he concentrated on his supposed power. Thunder echoed continuously as a furious storm broke out. Winds lashed out bringing rain with it. The rain came down vigorously and doused the fire within minutes but it did not stop there. Majoron's hair soaked and covered his eyes as he walked without spirit through the city. He came to the north western edge and leapt from it. He was joined soon by Terick and Shadow as they all knew what had happened. Majoron shook his head causing his hair to reveal his eyes.

          "What now?" questioned Terick.

          "Now..." began Majoron. "Now, we go to Alsymok and retrieve Alara before anything like this can ever happen again!" shouted Majoron. It was then that a pact was formed between the three that could never be broken. Through the flames of destruction and imense evil something magnificent was born. Such a powerful friendship had emerged from the darkness and would never be broken by any natural power.

Chapter 10

          The three took their first steps onto the caked, dry ground of the capital of Alsymok. The streets ahead looked entirely empty and not a soul was to be seen, except for one. A soldier with an air of importance stood by himself staring directly at Majoron. The warrior, clad in a bloodsoaked platemail walked towards them. Terick and Shadow distanced themselves from Majoron as they readied themselves.

          "Please wait!" pleaded the warrior as he fell to his knees and bowed low revealing a horse with deep eyes behind him.

          "Why should we not kill you now when we have been through enough to distrust all from Alsymok?" Questioned Majoron.

          "Because I am not from Alsymok but came with a force to invade it." stated the warrior.

          "And what makes you think that we are not from Alsymok and wish to strike you down?" asked Majoron.

          "I have seen your face in a vision, Majoron Lord Of All. I am Elscythe Dormaine, Magi of War and I have come to seek explanation of unraveling mysteries." answered Elscythe.

          "You know my title and I recognize yours but I must say I do not know you. Tell me of your story and maybe I shall trust more." suggested Majoron. And so began a weary and tiresome overdetailed explanation of Elscythe's story. Feeling he was in the presence of great royalty details were stretched by Elscythe causing the story to become too time consuming for Majoron.

          "Enough, your story is coherant with events I have personally witnessed but I can offer no insight as to the answer of these attacks. We were with the queen of Rolum as she was taken and have come here to retrieve her, will you accompany us?" offered Majoron

          "Are you sure Majoron?" asked a hesitant Terick.

          "Be still, Terick, I can see deep into this one's eyes." answered Majoron.

          "I would do so immediately, M'lord. Please direct me!" answered Elscythe.

          "Your first order is to henceforth reduce the respect you give me as I am not accustomed to it. Act towards me as an equal and you will recieve the same. If you believe this an insult than I will take it as an insult if you imbue that same respect onto me in times yet to come." stated Majoron.

          "I understand" replied Elscythe. The new group of four made their way with the guidance of Taoxon wondering all the while how the horse knew where to go. They arrived at a guarded building and were engadged in conversation by those standing watch. Without warning Majoron had knocked them out and dragged their bodies out of plain sight. They all realized fully well that they were about to declare war between Dinlun, Rolum, and Falasayne against Alsymok.

          Alara found herself in a cold, dimly lit room bound by her wrists and ankles. She thought of Majoron and Terick and how they must be after she was snatched from them. She thought of the trouble they must have gotten in because of her. Forces had infultrated her region just because of her. They probably did it again when she was captured. Tears formed as she fell on her side. She had caused the ones she loved the most trouble of all and believed she deserved to die. Her thoughts changed to memories and drifted back to troubled times. She had been protected by Terick and Majoron during an invasion and had caused them pain. She thought back to when she first met Terick. If she hadn't of met him, he wouldn't have undergone that rigerous training to protect her. If she hadn't met him, he would have been saved pain. She thought of Majoron and how she had affected him. Nothing better could be said of him as he had showed up to save her already. He had trained to protect her and had fought countless battles for that cause. She had hindered his destiny as a Magi. Her feelings were merely childish ideals as she may have the power of a queen but he was the lord of the Magi. She wept once more as she thought of herself. Her very being was weak. She was physically weak, weak willed, weak minded, and overall just weak. She saw to her left a small sharp rock in the corner. She knew she would be able to cut the bonds on her arms with it but thought she found a better use. The blade, sharp indeed, could cut flesh and perhaps end a life. She would have the ability to end her own life and by doing so save many people from pain she would have brought them. She grabbed the stone and placed it on her wrists as she heard a crash through the wall.

          "Terick!" Called Majoron as he slashed down a soldier who was about to strike Terick. The four of them had succesfully breached the main gate of the building and began to search it through tough resistance. They had met the point in which there was only one room left but what stood between them and the door was one massive hallway many soldiers and two enemy generals named Kahn Alarenthio and Kuroro Levliathin.

          Alara froze as she heard Majoron's voice calling to Terick. They had come for her. They had come to save her. They had come to rescure her from the clutches of her captors. Sorrow turned to a burning resolve to escape and help them in any way she could. She used the stone to cut her bonds and stood up fully. She rushed to the door but found it sadly locked. She felt her resolve leaving her as she heard the battle commence.

          Majoron and Elscythe were both in the front of the group as they rushed the oncoming enemies. Majoron saw Kuroro raise his hands and a black pulse emenated from them as more enemies appeared from them. He was now identified as an ultimate summoner. Kahn raised his bow as Majoron slowed. He knew what was coming now and gripped his spear tightly.

          "Where is my power that this spear was supposed to release?" asked Majoron as he concentrated on the spear. Suddenly in a burst he felt himself attuned to the air but not as strong as he had felt in the previous raids he had defended against. He raised his hands as Kahn began firing arrows at them. A strong wind hit the arrows from both the front and the side causing them to severly stray off track. Terick and Shadow raced passed him as he continued the constant stream of wind alternating directions so Kahn could not adjust his aim.

          "Keep it up, Majoron!" shouted Terick as he raced past, his voice reaching into the other room.

          Alara, hearing Terick's voice felt suddenly dizzy. There was a sudden pulse as the world before her changed. She felt the pulse again but this time from inside of her. She felt it, every living thing. She could feel and comune with every living thing from the water to the trees. She could help them, guide them, imbue power and allow them to grow how she would chose. She felt it more than knew it and used it without knowing it. The ground beside her broke open as a tree began to grow into the room. The tree grew slanted at an immense pace as it faced the door. It grew until it collided with the door but sounds of the tree growing continued. The door burst with the constant force exherted on it and allowed Alara her exit. The combatants ceased their battle as they turned to see Alara. All but Elscythe stopped who took the opportunity to strike down all of the current foes and reach Kahn and Kuroro. The two flipped overtop the group making them a total of five. Without words Majoron and Alara knew their reunion would have to wait. The battle commenced again as Kahn fought moreso physically than with his bow as Kuroro summoned with speed as though the summonings were a weapon in his hand. Elscythe bravely slashed up with his sword but his attack was parried by Kahn and soon to be countered. Terick raced forward and jumped overtop Elscythe to attack Kahn while he was distracted but Kahn blocked that attack as well. Kuroro summoned a bladed bird that flew directly towards Terick but Majoron sent a mass of air towards it and diverted it's course. Alara concentrated on the life of the plants and vines erupted from the ground and started to whip Kahn and Kuroro. With a blast of flame Kahn lunged past Elscythe and Terick as he made his way to Majoron but Shadow was ready and smashed his head into Kahn's gut. This was more than enough of a distraction for Kuroro to summon a beast behind Alara. The beast attacked, broadsword in hand as it swung down at Alara. Majoron's chest burned hot as his Zhere guided him to what he needed to see. He saw it, The beast striking down at Alara as she was aware of it. The blade was heading towards her forehead to surely cause instant death when Majoron acted. He acted for love, not logic as he threw her out of the way. The sword slashed down cutting deep into Majoron killing him instantly staining his deep blue robes a deeper crimson.

          "Majoron!" Screamed Alara blinking tears away as she saw her oldest friend die before her.

          "Lord!" shouted Elscythe as he fell to his knees.

          "Majoron..." whispered an awe struck Terick as he merely stood there. Shadow ran over and nudged he body. Nothing happened, no one moved. Shadow nudged his body again. Nothing happened. Once again Shadow nudged his body but once again he did not stir. Shadow raised his head and gave a sorrowful cry for his great friend. In a less than mournful act, Kahn and Kuroro grabbed Alara and dragged her off once more. She couldn't move her eyes from Majoron until she was forced to. They turned a corner and Majoron's body fell from view and so did the rest of the world for Alara as she feinted.

          The world faded for Majoron as the last thing he thought was that he wished he saved her. He lay still as he felt his spirit leaving his body and ascending. There was a feeling that was all around him. A feeling that he didn't belong that seemed to seep into his soul. He opened his eyes, if you could call what a spirit saw with, eyes. There was a whiteness enveloping him. It was the very same whitness that had enveloped himself and Shadow during the third part of the trials. There was a voice all about him that he knew well at this point in his life, or unlife.

          "Majoron, you have died, your companions will be killed and your world will be corrupted." said the angelic voice.

          "And what good is this knowledge if I am already dead?" questioned Majoron as a tear ran down his ethereal cheeck.

          "This information is to soothe your confused soul, Majoron. Come, look through this mirror and see the world as it is now." offered the angel. Majoron drifted forward and peered inside the smooth mirror. He saw Alara in a brightly lit room. There was a battle going on but Alara's captors were unmoved. Two warriors were bravely fighting behind them. One dressed in black chainmail had two jagged dark wings and wielded a thick blade. The other seemed to be the complete opposite as it was dressed in glimmering white platemail with smooth silk like wings and a long and thing saber. They were locked in a battle but the darker one seemed to be winning.

          "These are angels, Majoron." informed the angel.

          "What is your point?" questioned Majoron.

          "These angels represent the good and evil in this world. They fight according to the amount of each in the world. If the angel of darkness were to fully kill the angel of light the world would be plunged into chaos where the term "good" did not exist." answered the angel.

          "Once again I will ask for your point." stated Majoron.

          "There is a man named Cain and he is planning on killing Alara to use her power to  kill the angel of light in order to gain ultimate power of destruction that only the angel of darkness can imbue." answered the angel.

          "If that is true than why hasn't anyone killed the angel of light?" asked Majoron as another tear rolled down his cheek for Alara.

          "Then the world would be embraced by ultimate good. There would be no sin, no bad in the world." informed the angel.

          "How is this a bad thing?!" demanded a frustrated Majoron.

          "If there is no evil the world would not know it and if there is only one level of enjoyment and alignment to actions there can be no scale in which there would be no good and the world would be the same as if the opposite angel was killed." answered the angel.

          "So because I was not strong enough the entire world will suffer the consequences?!" demanded Majoron.

          "Yes." stated the angel.

          "Why then?! Why was I not strong enough?!" cried Majoron. In the mirror Majoron saw Terick, Elscythe, and Shadow but they were far too late as they had to get passed Kahn and Kuroro to save Alara.

          "You, Majoron, have retained with the opportunity to ascend to ultimate power as Lord of the Magi but you never undertook your rightful role and now the world will suffer." answered the angel. In the mirror the man named Cain drew a ceremonial sword from its sheath and raised it above Alara's head.

          "You are an angel." stated Majoron. "You have the highest form of intelligence possible. You would not use improper gramar and stated I retained the ability meaning I still hold it and if that is all I have to do I shall accept it." finished Majoron.

          "Is that so?" questioned the angel. Cain began to stab his blade down towards Alara's head as she stared in the direction the mirror was located as though she could see Majoron.

          "I accept!" shouted Majoron and in a blinding flash the world changed for him.

          Elscythe, Terick, and Shadow were situated in the room with Alara and knew they had to defeat Kahn and Kuroro to save her. The ceremony had started and they hurried.

          "New formation lets give it our all!" shouted Elscythe. Shadow charged forward with Elscythe atop as he began to chant his prayer to bless the group. Terick lunged forward and used Elscythe's shoulder as a lift to send him into the air. He soared through the air towards Kahn as both he and Kuroro watched. Elscythe finished his chant and felt the party's speed increase. In a flash he lunged off of shadow and headbutted Kuroro before he could summon and shadow did the same to Kahn. Terick was coming down now with daggers outstretched with Kahn's death seemingly imminent.

          "Now you die!" screamed Cain as he swung the blade down. No one was able to make it anymore. The three warriors were mere seconds too late to stop Cain and save Alara now. The blade came down gaining speed. Rapidly it grew closer as time seemed to slow for everyone present. A tremendous wind picked up and lightning blasted the ground in front of Cain. There, where the lightning had struck, between Cain's dagger and Alara, was Majoron. Wearing flowing white robes and gripping his cross spear in his left hand Majoron, Lord of the Magi, stopped the dagger with a singular finger on his right hand. A blast of wind smashed into Cain sending him sprawling. Alara had been in a constant hopeless gaze until now her face changed from hopeless to awe and finally to bliss. In a powerfull movement Majoron had brought down his spear and seperated it, the chain connecting both pieces flowing wildly.

          "If anyone here dares think they can touch Alara you will face the seemingly ultimate punishment of death by I, Majoron!" shouted the symbol of ultimate power. "You fools believe that allowing Cain to kill the angel of light will solve anything? Then your titles fit as 'fools'! Upon you, Cain, I shall place my Bane of Thunder from which you shalln't recover!" shouted Majoron. The aura of power dispersed by Majoron was like nothing the assembled had ever felt before. Kahn and Kuroro simultaneously dropped to their knees in a low bow without raising their heads. Elscythe, Terick, and Shadow joined as well at the new found Lord. The only ones left that weren't on their knees were Alara and Cain. One of which couldn't be forgiven.

          "You fool! I was born unto both worlds and I shalln't be defeated by the likes of you!" screamed Cain as he dissappeared into a burst of smoke.

          "Forgive us lord!" shouted Kahn with his head still bowed.

          "We were tricked by Cain! He told us that you sought to kill the angel of light and that he wanted to kill the angel of darkness to rid the world of evil!" added Kuroro.

          "Regardless of your actions you have to atone for what you have done. I believe that since it is your birthright you both shall serve as Magi as you were meant to. Kahn you are in fact the Magi of Order a position that requires imense sense of honor, duty, and judgement. Kuroro you are to be the Magi of Death. Your soul purpose is to guide the dead to rest and judge their position and punishment if need be in the afterlife which you will visit often." informed Majoron.

          "Y-Yes!" stammered the two as they had their destinies decided for them.

          "Terick, you are one of ultimate assistance and therefore that will be your title, please assist us Magi of Assistance and collect the bowing to help you bring Alara to her home." ordered Majoron.

          "Ma-Majoron, don't leave me!" shouted Alara as she blinked away tears.

          "Alara, I must go and destroy the evil that Cain induces now before it grows too strong. I know that I have never told you this before and that you may not feel the same but I want you to know I have and will forever love you." said Majoron through a relieved smile. Before anyone could speak further there was a flash of lightning and Majoron was gone. It was a seeming eternity for the group before they saw Majoron again. In actual fact it was a mere day but it seemed as though they had been apart for far too long.

Chapter 11

          The sky shone a beautiful green shade as dusk aproached swiftly overtop the vast region of Rolum. Clouds of white and sky of red mingled to display an onset of mingling beauty. A wind was blowing, one that could and perhaps would change the life of many, directly or not. Rolum, vast region of the south, forest of life, was but one region of five on a certain continent. To the west, Dinlun, east, Falasayne, north-west, Alsymok, and north-east, Rodrim. Within the borders of Rolum there was a capital city. A city of elves built deep into the treetops, fortified with stealth and arcane magics. Surrounding and connecting trees were terraces of various degrees of elequency. The most noticable, a noble and great terrace circled an equally noble and great tree. The very same tree named, by itself as the stories say, the Tree of Life. Within was a palace for the Queen of Rolum herself, Queen Alara, twice captured nobility not to be trifled with. There was also various quarters arranged for guests and one specific man, a man named Majoron. Knowing Alara for longer then any other he had served to protect her and keep her safe in both instances of her kidnapping. In the most recent he had indeed risen to the title of Lord of All. He had rose to become the Lord of the Magi, the sacred lord of everything living, the protecter of all. Dispelling darkness and saving not only Alara but the world itself he climbed a mountain of power and became feared by enemies.

          On the terrace at the time, there were many gathered, a celebration was underway. Alara was presenting medals to four people, and one beast, two of the people being the very same that had kidnapped her in the first place, the savior not present.

          "And to you assembled five I personally thank you for my own safety and thank you on behalf of the entire realm of Rolum for returning their queen. I duely present the five of you with these medals to prove to any onlookers, your worth." stated Alara, though her mind was elsewhere on someone else. She stepped forward and placed a medal around a kneeling Terick Scarn's neck, he had served her from the begining. Then one around the neck of Elscythe Dormaine, a farmer of Dinlun who rose to power as well and helped rescue her. After that was Kahn Alarenthio and Kuroro Levliathin, the two that had kidnapped her before. Her thoughts momentarily returned as she wondered if they deserved the medal. And final was the beast, Shadow, a partner of someone dear, the one who rescued her himself. She knelt low, somehow keeping a dignified posture, and placed a medal around his neck. He in turn, bowed deeply to the ground afterwards.

          "You five have been blessed by Rolum for insuring it's safety but I must confess to all here, though you all were help and deserve those medals bestowed, my true saviour is not here today." started Alara again catching the looks of the assembled five and hearing the response of the crowd.

          "He'll be ba-" began Terick, he couldn't finish.

          "The one of whom I speak is the Lord of All. I speak of Majoron! Known by few he has become the primary power of the world, this world of ours shall answer his call. He is, truly, The Lord of the Magi!" shouted Alara. Gasps of utter suprise went up around her as she knew fully well what she was doing. She was going to rally the entire reigon to be the first to support Majoron's new rule, assuming she still had the strength.

          "For him..." Alara's voice trailed off as her thoughts focused on Majoron. Her mind spun, thoughts wavered. She lost balence and began to fall. The crowd assembled screamed as they did not know how to react. The world of Rolum, so relieved to finally have their queen back was now watching her fall head first over without any support towards a set of stairs. Sentinels, guards, and servants alike jumped forward but none were quick enough as more paniced voices arose. A cool wind blew and the clouds parted to show a now magnificent blue sky. Without a cloud in the sky now, a bolt of light slammed into the ground beside Alara as she fell and disperssed almost instantly. Where it had landed was now Majoron, his hair and pure white robes flowing in the wind alike. He had caught Alara where others hadn't. Her eyes fluttered and she smiled barely as she fully fainted. Majoron raised his hand above her face and the gaurds sprang forward. A wind bared them back as they made no sound. A gentle calm breeze lulled over Alara sending her pleasent dreams better than any lullaby. He stood and took her body into his arms. Turning around he looked towards the assembled five and nodded for them to follow. He entered the building with a force of wind holding all but the five back. The force was dropped as Majoron entered and the five stood gaurd at the door as the sentries stormed forward. Weapons were drawn and blades plumeted but all were stopped once more as Majoron walked out with Shadow by his side happily again.

          "I assume you recognize me not for you would not attack me like so." shouted Majoron looking over each person in the crowd.

          "Then who are you, who would take the queen under a spell?!" demanded a gaurd.

          "I am her saviour now thrice, once as she was just taken captive days before. I am Majoron." said a sentimental figure of power. Hushed whispers scattered throughout the crowd as they gazed at him in awe. His very figure radiated power and caused those who looked apon him with the title of ally to have their spirits lifted. And it was then that the new lord was finally recognized within the region of Rolum.

          Long hallways stretched before Majoron as he walked through the inside of the royal palace of Rolum. He turned a corner and entered a room where he found Terick and Shadow lounging. Uneasiness grew as no one knew what to say to the other after Majoron's spectacular return from death. Terick seemed most agitated, far more than the King Of Beasts, Shadow. Suddenly the silence was smashed by Terick Scarn.

          "How can you befriend them?!" he demanded.

          "Who?" questioned Majoron.

          "Kahn and Kuroro! They kidnapped Queen Alara!" responded Terick with anger.

          "Because they were not able to acomplish anything, I would not have let them do anything to hurt Alara." answered Majoron with an impassive face.

          "You can't be serious!" shouted Terick. "They tried to kill her and you said you love her, doens't it hurt you at all?!"

          "Terick!" flared Majoron. "What good would it do to be mad at them?! I have to be with them for until they or I die, there is no point holding grudges against other Magi!"

          "I understand that but..." Terick's voice trailed off.

          "Do you not realize, Terick, knowing their crimes and feelin' the betrayl is punishment enough for them, I let them be because of that." answered Majoron revealing a part of his old self.

          "There you are." said Shadow as he at last entered the conversation.

          "You are only noticing me now?" questioned Majoron.

          "The real you that is." was Shadow's cryptic reply.

          "I'm going to go check on her." informed Majoron as he crossed the room to Alara's bedroom. He walked in without a knock, already knowing that she was the only one inside and currently asleep. He sat in a chair beside her bed and looked at her face. He let her beauty sink in, her silky hair, precious smile, the curves of her cheecks, and began to smile himself.

          "You're so cute when you sleep." he said aloud expecting no reply.

          "You're cuter when you think I can't hear you." was her reply.

          "Alara!"

          "Majoron." They both smiled at each other then Alara turned away.

          "What's wrong, Alara?" asked Majoron. She got up and walked to her window, gazing out at the world around.

          "Majoron?" she asked as she touched a flower nervously, making it bloom in the process.

          "Yes, Alara?" he answered.

          "Do you love me?" she turned as she said it to look him in the eyes. Suddenly Majoron, the lord of everything on the continent found his shoes to be interesting as he looked down.

          "I do." he said quietly. He looked up just before she turned away to see tears forming in her eyes. "Ala-" he didn't have time to finish as she ran out of the room. He was left there, confused and depresed, no one around, siting in a chair beside an empty bed.

          The day grew on as Majoron wearily walked endless hallways trying to understand what had happened. He felt different, moreso than he had ever felt before. All he knew was that he had never felt this way before and he didn't like it. The day turned to night as he resigned in his quarters with Shadow stretched out beside his bed. Majoron tried and tried again frivolously to fall asleep but each time failing. He got up, staring out the window and began once more to think of Alara. He had then made up his mind. He walked to the door, without his spear that he never left behind and opened it.

          "Majoron?" questioned Shadow, his wolf companion. Majoron solemnly looked over his shoulder at Shadow for a moment then continued out the door. A wind blew then, one strong enough to change a persons fate.

          Alara was in her bedroom, lying in bed still saddened thinking about what she had done. Her window opened and a calm summers breeze blew in. She looked up and saw at the edge of her bed, was Majoron. His eyes seemed darkened as he stared at the ground as though he did not realize where he was. It seemed an eternity before he spoke, his words were different from his usual carefully planned speech, they were from his heart, straight from his soul.

          "What have I done to trouble your heart, Alara?" he asked. "What have I done to sadden you so?" No response came as silence enveloped the room. After a long delay the responce arrived.

          "Majoron, I love you." she answered.

          "Then why? Why is it that you are saddened like this?" he asked as he looked into her eyes.

          "Majoron, you are..." she began.

          "I am in love with you." he said finishing her sentence.

          "Please." she begged. "Please stop it. Majoron you are the lord of everything. Even if I am a queen I'm not good enough for you. I'm not even a Magi, how could I be with you?" Tears began to slide down her cheeks as she ran once more from the room, leaving Majoron once more saddened. The entirity of the situation, his feelings of despair, all were crushing him. He felt a pit, a pit he was sinking into losing all hope of escape he sank further down into his despair. Sadness, pain, sorrow, and anguish enveloped him as he collapsed on the floor, his conciousness no longer with his body. It was at that time that a scream erupted somewhere far off in the land of Rolum, someone had been attacked, never a good sign.

          Terick was the first up from the scream, Shadow was second, they met outside their rooms and hastily woke Kahn and Kuroro.

          "Where is Lord Majoron?" questioned Elscythe as he rushed up. Shadow, unable to speak to them just shook his head to show he was not present or near. The assembled nodded and shot off throughout the town to find the problem and quell it. Kahn had his bow out before he even noticed the first enemy and it's prey. The enemy was a singular man alone riding on a horse, weilding a savage spiked blade. His apparel was unknown to Kahn as there was a black shroud about him preventing Kahn from seeing him. The horse reared up and it was then that Kahn truly noticed the prey. She was on the ground, terrified, covering her face with her arms as it looked as though the horse was about to strike with it's hooves. The last detail Kahn noticed before he acted was her absolute overwhelming beauty, never had he gazed apon such. He dove off the terrace he was in towards the man and horse shooting two arrows in the process. One arrow was deflected by the savage blade while the other stabbed into the horse killing it before it could strike. Kahn colided with the man in the shroud moments after his arrow was deflected, knocking both of them and the horse over before they could attack the woman. In a quick rebound the man rolled backwards throwing Kahn off of him. Kahn smashed into a tree and dropped his bow. In just a few mere moments the soldier had grabbed his savage blade and approached.

          "Well at least I gave her enough time for escape." said Kahn to himself as the soldier attacked.

          "Winds of darkness, eternal light, show your strength and enter this fight!" came a voice from behind the soldier. His shroud of darkness seemed to grow thick as though another shroud was being placed over him. Kahn recognized it as an illusion and jumped for his bow.

          "Consuming power of devastating fire, let loose your bonds and show them your ire!" came the voice once more before a blast of flame obliterated the enemy. The woman whom Kahn thought beautiful stumbled out holding her palm out as a mage does to use magic. Before she or Kahn could say a word she fell over from exhaustion, already asleep. Slowly, Kahn regained his composure and walked over to the sleeping beauty. He picked her up and carefully walked back to his room with her in his arms. When he got there, most sounds of the battle had died down and he was more at ease. He carefully laid her on his bed and waited for her to wake up.

          Slowly but surely her eyes opened noticing she wasn't where she was before. She sat up in the bed and looked around. She was in a small elegant room with no one else. The door opened and she placed her palm outward incase she needed to cast. Kahn walked in and held up his hands to show he meant no harm.

          "I'm not a threat, I even left my weapons beside your bed to show that." he said. She looked down and they were there, his prized bladed bow was siting before her like an offering.

          "I see."  she replied.

          "May I ask a question?"  asked Kahn.

          "Yes but you just did so now you're out of luck."  she said looking him in the eyes and seeing his reaction. "Well you asked if you could ask a question and I let you ask one question but your one question was asking if you could ask it!"  she explained with a grin.

          "What...?" was Kahn's reply.

          "I'm Ariel, and you are?" she asked expectantly.

          "I am Kahn Alarenthio, from the lands of Alsymok." he answsered.

          "I'm from Alsymok too!" she shouted with a grin.

          "You're happy..." said Kahn confused.

          "No, I'm actually very, very angry at being sad because I'm happy that I'm...... boo!" came her answer that made no sense.

          "My head hurts.." muttered Kahn making Ariel burst out laughing.

          "Mission succeeded!" she called.

          "What mission?" asked Kahn with intrest.

          "The one with you and me and the tree and oh can't forget the.... Purple!"  informed Ariel. Kahn just stared at her with confused eyes. There was continuous silence until they both burst out laughing.

          "Thank's for saving me." she said with a smile. He wanted to say thanks for being there but refrained from it.

          "Thank you for saving me." he answered with a similar smile.

          "Well since I owe you my life and you owe me your life we both are in each others debt for the rest of our lives!" she shouted happily.

          "Wouldn't they actually cancel each other out?" asked Kahn.

          "No!" shouted the pouting Ariel. "We're both in each others debt for the rest of our lives!"

          "Okay, okay, okay." agreed Kahn. It was at that moment that the door burst open and both Terick and Elscythe rushed in carrying Majoron.

          "What's going on?!" demanded Kahn.

          "We found Majoron in Alara's room, she's gone and he's unconcious." answered Terick getting straight to the point.

          "Bloody hell!" cursed Kahn "Is he okay?!"

          "There's absolutely nothing wrong with him, he's in perfect condition but he wont wake up!" Answered Elscythe. Just then Shadow and Kuroro burst in behind them.

          "We couldn't find the Queen, we fear she has been captured." was Kuroro's direct statement.

          "Damnit!" shouted Kahn.

          "What's going on?" asked Ariel.

          "Who's she?!" demanded Terick.

          "She saved my life when I tried to save hers." informed Kahn.

          "I'm Ariel, pleasure to meet you all now can someone explain to me what's going on and why this guy is in an illusion?" she calmly asked.

          "He's in an illusion?!" was the simultaneous reply of all but Shadow whom was suspected of saying it in his own tongue.

          "I trained in the Alsymokian academy for longer than any other in the arts of Illusionist primary, and Mage secondary, I know an illusion when I see one." she answered.

          "How do we get him out, Ariel?" asked Kahn.

          "First name basis, Kahn?" she asked with a smile making him look down. "Well it all depends on the level of illusion, let me try"

          "Please do" offered Terick. Ariel approached Majoron's unconcious body and placed her hands together overtop his face. She closed her eyes and placed the index and middle fingers of both hands on seperate eyes.

          "Disples!" she shouted. The assembled held their breaths and waited for a sign. Nothing happened and they were all forced to breathe again.

          "What happened?" asked Elscythe.

          "The level of illusion is far too powerful for me and I am the strongest Illusionist in all of Alsymok, this is done by many more than one illusionist" she informed.

          "Then what do we do?" asked Kuroro.

          "There are two things that can be done to dispel the illusion, one is to stop the casters, though we don't know where they are, and the second is for him to realize it is an illusion and want it to break to be freed"  she reply in the tone of a teacher.

          "Wait, I thought you were an Illusionist." said Elscythe turning to Terick, catching Ariel's attention.

          "Only secondary, but assassin is hardly compatible making my training difficult." answered Terick.

          "Still you are a Magi, shouldn't that help?" asked Elscythe catching Ariel's immediate attention.

          "Elscythe!"  shouted Kahn.

          'You're Magi?!" she asked, astonished.

          "We are all Magi and this man is Majoron, Lord of the Magi." told Kahn when he knew there was no choice but to tell the truth. Ariel's shock was obvious but there was something else about her reaction that caught them all.

          "Kahn, I am... I am also a Magi." she stated.

          "What?!" shouted Kahn alone.

          "I am Ariel Terin, Magi of Mischief."

Chapter 12

          "how?" was all Kahn was able to get out in his shock at finding another Magi.

          "Well I've known I was a Magi since I was put into the trials of the academy in Alsymok, isn't that were you all found out?" she asked expectantly.

          "The only one who entered an academy normally was Majoron." Answered Terick.

          "Great way to make me feel horrible!" she shouted.

          "Oh! I'm sorry!" exclaimed an apologetic Terick.

          "No! I wont accept  it!" she answered madly.

          "What?" Terick was confused.

          "You've sullied my reputation and torn my very pride. I shall now end my life... With pineapple!" she exclaimed. It was as though each assembled person had a weight dropped on them from the obvious mischief of Ariel.

          "Your title suits your style." said Kuroro blatantly.

          "You're eyebrows suit your knees." she answered. Kuroro's eyebrows bent down in concentration and he looked down at his knees causing Ariel to burst out laughing.

          "Enough, what should we do now?" questioned Elscythe worriedly.

          "Well I thought that would be obvious, your queen's been kidnapped, go get her and you'll find the people that put the illusion on him." Ariel replied, the mischief no more. The others looked dumbstruck as she stood up.

          "Well looks like I'm the most intelligent so I'll help yah find a clue or two or turqoise."

          "Thank you, Ariel." said Kahn with a bow. He retrieved his weapons and they headed out onto the terrace to conduct a search. They would start by asking all they met and everyone near to where Alara had been if they had seen her and from there locate the crimescene of the kidnap. Then they would look for some clue as to where she was brought or where the soldiers were from.

          "I found something!" shouted an excited Ariel. The others rushed over to her. They had succeeded in finding that Alara had been wandering a terrace that had a clear view of the sky when she was taken.

          "What is it?" asked Elscythe peering down to see what had gotten her attention.

          "A terrace! I found a terrace and you know what? We're all standing on it!" she shouted annoying them a little more but causing Kahn to let out a small laugh. They all went back to their work when Ariel shouted again this time sounding more urgent than ever. They rushed over and once more tried to see what cause the reaction.

          "Wood! I found wood and we're all standing on it!" she shouted happily. Kahn couldn't help himself this time and burst out laughing, Ariel gave him an odd look and then smiled brightly at him with her eyes closed. Everyone returned to their work when it was Kahn to break the silence this time.

          "Over here, quick!"  he shouted urgently. Everyony including Ariel rushed over as quick as they could to hear his news"

          "I-I-I... I f-fou-... I found.." he stuttered.

          "What?! What did you find?!" demanded Elscythe.

          "A forest! We're in a forest!" he shouted. Everyone slunk back warily deciding to ignore the two while Ariel and Kahn kept laughing and laughing in each others company.

          "So just wonderin'" started Ariel after she calmed."Why don't you ask the witnesses what the enemies looked like or where they're from?". At this everyone seemed to stare at the ground in embarassment before searching out the witnesses and hearing that each and every enemy had the very same black shroud covering their bodies as the one Kahn had faced. Until they reached one old man, the very same that Shadow had saved back when the city was attacked for the second attempt at capturing Princess Alara.

          "Those foes, they were from Rodrim, that was an illusion that was exiled for it's destructive nature but is only from Rodrim, begin your search there."  was his only piece of information but the only clue they needed to start their search.

          "How are we going to get to Rodrim quick enough? It's been hours since they departed." asked Kahn once more trying to get the attention of the group since they started to ignore him.

          "Good question, he have to run." offered Shadow forgetting they could not understand him.

          "The solution we all seek is to move quickly." answered Kuroro monotone.

          "Yes but how?" retorted Kahn.

          "We run!" shouted Shadow but all that was understandable was a growl catching the others in alarm.

          "Shadow are you trying to speak?" asked Elscythe joining the conversation. Suddenly thankful someone had noticed, Shadow nodded and bowed deeply making everyone huddle closely around him. He began to write in the dirt to show what he wanted to say.

          "Good idea Shadow." complimented Terick as he peered over the wolf to read. After some painfully long moments of deciphering a rough script they all came to the conclusion that wolves can't write very well.

          "I think he says we should run, is that it?" asked Kahn. Shadow nodded furiously. Everyone seemed to begin to beleive Shadow was simple minded.

          "He's an incredibly fast runner I guess he thinks we are as well." offered Terick.

          "Shadow, we all can't run as fast as you." informed Elscythe a little frustrated.

          "So once again it appears you've all been beating around the bush!" shouted Ariel refusing to be silent anymore.

          "What do you mean?" asked Kahn sincerly.

          "You don't want to waste time so why go aroud the lake? Why not just go through it?" she asked.

          "Surely you've heard the stories of it being a forbidden area where none return." answered Elscythe.

          "You do realize we have six magi!" she shouted obviously frustrated.

          "She's got a point, guys." said Kahn convincingly.

          "Yeah let's try for it." agreed Elscythe. Ariel gave a small shout of glee and began stretching.

          "What are you doing?" asked Terick.

          "She's stretching." answered Kuroro.

          "Why are you stretching?" asked Terick slightly annoyed.

          "Well Shadow wanted to run so I'm gonna race him to the docks!" shouted Ariel madly.

          "Don't get mad now." said Terick apologetically.

          "I will!" she answered "Ready Shadow?"

          "You're serious aren't you?" asked Elscythe knowing it was miles until they reached the dock. Shadow nodded to Ariel and they both took off. Shadow went flying into full speed almost instantly as trees whipped by. Ariel was going too as her thudding footsteps sounded across the forest. A few moments later they heard Ariel's voice.

          "Guys, I'm tired." she called from only a few feet away.

          "I guess she wasn't serious." offered Elscythe.

          "Or she couldn't keep up with him and gave up." suggested Kuroro.

          "Oh you wanna be like that, huh?" she called pouting. "Shadow?!"

          "She's just gonna fake it again." said Terick bluntly. Shadow came bounding up wondering what was going on.

          "We're restarting because these people are mean."  said Ariel to Shadow. He merely nodded and they both got ready again. In a few seconds they were off. Ariel going, suprisingly, almost as fast as Shadow. She held her hands out infront of her and began to chant.

          "Born of air, bourne of wind. Err none, ere win!" she shouted. A gust of wind picked up and pushed into her back sending her faster than Shadow. Trees flew by at unintelligible speeds as the two competed for victory barely dodging the uncomming vegetation. Seemingly cornered by trees Ariel directed the breeze to shoot upward against her and she Jumped clearing many trees and leaving Shadow earthbound.

          Shadow began to slow down now. Had he gained this much of a lead? He looked over his shoulder and didn't see her. He knew her title, Magi of Mischief, so she would probably have something planned but what? He decided to just allow his own speed to determine the outcome and raced forward once more. The trees began to fly by faster and faster until he had a continuous blur of green by his sides. He had never shown anyone his true speed and he would not reveal it yet. Fast he ran thouroughly believing he would win until there was a crash ahead of him. Dust and dirt flew all around and he was forced to stop. There was dust everywhere in the path now and he waited for it to clear before continuing. Longer he waited until finally he could see through it. Ariel was infront of him but no longer was she close. She was far ahead almost out of sight and Shadow was infuriated at waiting now. She went behind some trees to continue and was lost from sight. Shadow bounded forward more determined to win than ever. Trees shot bye and vines whipped him painfully but he pressed on with his speed until she was once more within his sight.

          Ariel knew her goal was close at hand but that the wolf was soon to catch up and should be arriving any moment now. She looked over her shoulder and ducked right away seeing a branch thrown at her. Shadow was getting rough. She placed both arms behind her, palms facing outward as she raced. Once she had her balance and began to chant again.

          "Drenching water, weakness of fire. Shoot out and quell with speed of tiger!" she finished the incantation and water spread out across the field infront of Shadow and shot towards him. She concentrated on her enchantment for speed and shot ahead faster again. The trees grew thicker and the light dimmed. Soon all vision was lost and Ariel was forced to use a small flame to show her the path. There was almost a guarunteed win for her now. She was under a mile until she reached the coast of the occean. She looked over her shoulder again and shone her light to look for Shadow. She gave a squeel of suprise as she saw him running feet behind her and began to run faster. Shadow was gaining on her and at this rate he'd win by mere meters. A light appeared at the end of the path and Ariel knew she was close to the end. Shadow was beside her now and barely inching ahead of her. She kept running knowing he was in the lead, waiting for the perfect moment. It arrived with only meters left, she concentrated all her energy into her enchantment of speed and jumped forward. As expected Shadow burst forward with more speed as well but Ariel's plan wasn't to get ahead. She landed on Shadow's back confusing him and leapt off again. She landed outside of the forest mere seconds before Shadow.

          It was some time until the rest of the group caught up but when they arrived they saw Ariel sitting at the top of a pillar of earth far out of Shadow's reach as he slowly stalked around it.

          "Who won?" asked Kahn casually. The question itself seemed to irritate Shadow even more.

          "I did!" shouted Ariel from the top of the pillar as she jumped up and down in joy. She landed awkwardly and fell from the top. She was plummeting towards the ground and screaming all the while as Kahn was first to react. He rushed forward and leapt towards the pillar. He bounded off of it and caught her as he sailed towards the ground. He landed and stood to his full height holding her in his arms. Something stirred within him as he pressed her into his chest, something he had never felt before. He gazed down into her face as she looked up into his, he couldn't seem to look away but knew he should. He slowly let her down without taking his eyes from her face. He realized he had been starring and he quickly looked down at his feet.

          "Thanks for saving me." said Ariel sweetly, as Kahn looked up she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

          "Now where are we going to find a boat?" asked Elscythe.

          "We're going to build one of course." stated Ariel.

          "How?" asked Terick. "I don't know if you've noticed or not but none of us are builders."

          "Don't tell me you can't use those daggers and Elscythe can't chop wood with his blade, Shadow can't scout for the right wood and Kuroro can't find anything to use as a sail or coordinate everything with his knowledge of the buildings of things. 'Cause I just wouldn't want to hear something like that! I know you all can do things that can help so get back into that forest and start building!"

          "What about you and Kahn?" asked Terick.

          "Kahn's useless." replied Ariel with a playful smile.

          "And you?" responded Terick.

          "I'm gonna be usin' my magic to blow the boat where we need it to go." she answered. Terick seemed to be satisfied so he turned to leave with the others leaving Kahn and Ariel alone.

          "Now we're all alone." said Ariel as she turned to look at Kahn. He became uncomfortable and looked down. Why was he acting so odd? Why couldn't he look at her and what is this feeling whenever he's around her?

          "Y-Yeah..." he stuttered as he looked at his feet. A few seconds later she appeared in his vision looking up at him with a smile.

          "Are your feet that interesting?" she asked with a wicked smile. He blushed slightly as the feeling came back. He wanted to hold her, to keep her close and never let her go.

          "U-um. N-no not really they're just..." mumbled Kahn. In an attempt to hide his embarassment he backed up and sat down against a tree and looked out over the peaceful occean. Suddenly he felt a weight in his lap and looked down to see Ariel laying in his lap.

          "Wha-" began Kahn but he was interrupted.

          "Kahn?" asked Ariel.

          "Yeah?"

          "Do you love me?" she asked.

          "U-u-uh" he couldn't seem to find any words at all let alone the right ones.

          "Hey Kahn?" she asked again.

          "Y-y-yeah?" he finally managed to mumble.

          "Do you want to kiss me?" she asked looking into his eyes. He knew what he wanted and he knew if it continued like this he wouldn't be able to resist. Ariel kept starring into his eyes as he started to put up less resistance. She lifted her head towards his slowly. She began to reach foreward but suddenly she hesitated.

          "Just kiddin'!" she said through closed eyes and put her head back down. Kahn couldn't resist anymore and leaned down while her eyes were closed and kissed her. As their lips met Ariels eyes flew open and began to dreamily close again. Their kiss lasted as the moments flew by with their lips connected showing their love, releasing their feelings they had hidden so well until now.

          There was a crash and a few suprised cries. Elscythe had used his Glimmering Blade and slashed through several trees without warning. They all fell in odd directions catching the others, who were very nearly crushed, by suprise. With all the manpower they could assemble they all began to drag the logs back. As they emerged back onto the shore they saw Kahn and Ariel sitting oddly close beside each other watching the occean.

          "Now what?" asked Terick purposely trying to interrupt Kahn's moment.

          "Now you put them together and make a boat, I thought that's what we were trying to do." said Ariel without turning around. "Elscythe can do the big things like turning them into boards and you can to the fine tune things like making really big nails of wood, have fun." she smiled as she said it though only Kahn could see. They continued to sit together watching the occean without speaking just enjoying the company of the other while the work continued behind them.

Chapter 13

          They had built the boat at last, day had turned to night to day again and finally to sunset by then. In the remanents of the blazing sunset they marveled at their work. Up until then they had never though such acts possible, only those of killing and were finding a pleasure they had not experienced before. They sat longer then the sun had patience and when darkness had overtaken them all it was Elscythe who spoke to ask a question.

          "When are we leaving?"

          "Well it's the middle of the night, we should rest." offered Terick.

          "Your Queen may not last that long." retorted Ariel.

          "We'll be too late if we let it wait until morning, we're far behind as it is." informed Kahn as he stood. "I say we make for the opposite coast now."

          "Agreed." said Ariel and Elscythe both standing with him.

          "I guess so." came Terick's answer and Shadow appeared to agree as he stood as well.

          "Looks like I'm out numbered five to one, guess I have to." said Kuroro monotone. Kahn gave one last look at the boat before helping to push it into the water, it wasn't the best vessel he'd seen but it was damned well build. It would last through a hurricane. And so they were off into the depths of the unknown about to discover what really lurked in the Occean of the Magi.

          They had been sailing for a few hours now and were well into the occean, no longer able to see the shore they left from, they merely prayed they stayed on course and Ariel didn't shift direction too much. Suddenly there was a cry and the assembled realized a dense fog had rolled in. There was a blast and someone shouted, a battle was going on.

          "Damn you!" shouted the voice as it appeared to be a man flying towards the water. Wings were revealed as his descent slowed and he reared around. There was another foe, dressed entirely in extravogent white robes he also had wings, though these wings were pure white but jagged. This man, was noticed by all Magi to be the Dinlunian Hierarch, Tien Alsth, often called High Priest Tien.

          "You are a fool face me Makenshi." said Tien through a smirk as be brandished a long thing blade.

          "You are the fool for believing your plan will suceed!" retorted Makenshi as they flew at each other. In an instant Makenshi had a weapon out. He held his weapon by the hilt that had a blade coming out on either side of it. Tien thrust his blade towards Makenshi but Makenshi blocked twirling his. Tien withdrew his blade and parried the opposing blades before sending a kick to Makenshi's ribs causing him to wince in pain.

          "I shall show you no mercy and bring your life to an end myself." told Tien calmly. He raised his blade and pointed it towards Makenshi and quickly slid his hand across the blade, blood dripped down the blade and then began to collect at the tip. The blood turned form dark red to bright white and grew in size before shooting towards Makenshi. Makenshi, still recoiling from the last attack was hit with the blast sending him into the water. Tien was laughing now, obviously enjoying himself. Clouds were gathering above and a storm appeared to be at hand but not a drop of rain fell from the sky. Tien was enjoying himself far too much to notice. Back on the ship Shadow began to get agitated. He could not communicate so no one could tell what the problem was.

          "People, this looks bad." but before Terick could explain any further water began to spray from the spot where Makenshi had submerged. The water was spraying around like something was slowly begining to emerge. It was Makenshi. Water drained from his still body and his wings began to beat as though they had a seperate conciousness. The sky was full of black clouds that seemed to produce more darkness as Makenshi continued to rise. Tien's laughing had stopped and he stared at Makenshi not knowing what to expect. Makenshi's head slowly raised as he looked Tien in the face, his eyes full of bloodthirst and a desire to destroy Tien. His wings gave a single beat as he flew straight towards Tien brandishing his dualbladed sword, ready to strike with both at once. There was a massive gust of wind and a wall of fog appeared infront of the ship. A woman, moreso angel than an earthly being but female none the less, appeared on the ship.

          "Who are you?!"  demanded Terick, his daggers in his hands. Shadow bowed deeply to the one who had told him and Majoron their destinies.

          "I am Sarah Alosyn, this is a battle you must not see yet, you must take the other path, do not worry about speed as much as you do for you will have to seek the same individual regardless how fast you are." was the only piece of hurried advice she gave before waving her arms in a complex pattern. "farewell." were her parting words as the assembled felt their bodies traveling a rather long distance. When it was over they all fell to their knees or in Ariel's case, straight to the ground. Kahn offered her his hand and helped her up. Looking around they realized they had been brought to the border of Falasayne and Rolum.

          "Well...." began Terick. "That was unexpected."

          "Yeah." muttered Kahn in agreement. Who had that woman been? She had seemed, almost angelic.

          "Let's move out!" shouted Elscythe assuming leadership.

          "Yeah, what else can we do?" asked Terick retorically.

          "This!" shouted Ariel causing everyone to watch her expectantly. With everyone's eyes on her she slowly began lifting one arm and bringing her other towards her shoulder. As they were all curious, her right hand was placed under her left shoulder. She brought her left arm down exceedingly fast and erupted a rather discourteous sound. Kahn was once again the only one to laugh though he tried hard to hide it, Ariel saw it and beamed at him. Terick gave a sigh and started walking. The group started to follow him but in mere moments they were stopped by a flash of light infront of them. It streaked from the sky and landed infront of them. When the light dulled, the group saw the angelic woman they had seen in the sea.

          "I do not have much time but I must advise you before you make a grave mistake." she began.

          "What mistake?" asked Kahn.

          "You will fail your journey if you do not follow my advice, you must follow the banks of Treslyne as far north as the lake may go until you are heading west, that is all I can say my time is very nearly out. If you do not do this, Majoron will surely perish." Sarah Alosyn dissappeared as her last few words rung out in the ears of the Magi. They had had their journey planned out for them in mere seconds and could no longer negotiate. It was decided to follow the advice due to the threat of Majoron's safety and the fact that there was nothing else they could do.

          The group now walked casually along the coastline of Treslyne, the continents largest lake. Ariel and Kahn began to slowly lag behind the group in an attempt to talk privately. When they were a far enough distance from the rest, Kahn broke the silence.

          "I've never found anyone like you." he stated.

          "What are you talkin' about, Kahn?" asked Ariel. She seemed a little nervous.

          "I'm talking about how we..." his voice trailed off unable to finish the sentence.

          "How we what?" she asked.

          "How we kissed, Ariel." Kahn answered. He looked up into her eyes and she looked towards the ground.

          "You're a silly one Kahn..." she said quietly as she began to walk faster and catch up with the group. Kahn was left behind in a pit of his feelings, confused. The group had begun to cross through a small port town still following the waters edge when Shadow started acting odd. He growled once and got their attention and beckoned with his head for them to follow. Kahn didn't even notice the change in path from inside his depression. Shadow led them to a boat about to sail.

          "Goin' to Jerhan, free ride!" called the sailor controlling the small vessel. Shadow started to walk towards it but the others hesitated.

          "Isn't Jerhan the town Majoron and Alara grew up together in?" asked Elscythe.

          "It is." answered Terick. The sailor was now undocking and Shadow ran forward.

          "Shadow!" called Terick as he ran after him. The rest of the group, excluding Kahn, quickly followed. Shadow jumped onboard startling the sailor as he had just started to leave. The others leapt on and apologized for their arrival. Kahn was being left behind and they all seemed to notice it.

          "Kahn, get moving!" shouted Elscythe.

          "Hurry up, Kahn!" called Terick. Ariel cast her eyes towards the bottom of the boat as Kahn looked at her.

          "I'll grab the next boat." he said and walked around a corner before any of them could speak.

          "Righto." called the sailor as they set off towards the island.

          Kahn wandered around for a small amount of time before forcing himself to get a ride to Jerhan. He was lost in his feelings from the moment he had sat down on the boat. What had she meant? Why had she seemed to hesitant? What did it mean when they had shared that kiss and enjoyed each other so deeply? He hadn't realized he had arrived until the boatman forcefully roused him from his thoughts. He muttered thanks and tossed a few coins to him and stepped on shore. He hadn't even decided where he'd go once he got there, he didn't even care anymore.

          "What took so long?" asked a familiar voice that seemed nervous. Kahn looked up straight into Ariel's eyes. She looked away from him almost immediately.

          "Don't look away." he said.

          "Kahn..." she began.

          "We need to talk." he interrupted her. They walked silently down the shoreline until they found a secluded spot: a small island off the coast. Kahn and Ariel made their way out to the island, it had an odd rock formation covering most so it was ontop that they finally rested.

          "Kahn..." she began again.

          "I love you." he interupted. She seemed saddened from his words and looked away again.

          "I guess it's my nature..." she said under her breath.

          "What is?" he asked. He had heard her.

          "Kahn, I'm sorry I really am but it wont work." she had gotten up now and had started to walk away. He was up and moving faster than her. He grabbed her arm and looked into her face.

          "Please tell me what's wrong." he pleaded.

          "I'm the Magi of Mischief, Kahn." she answered.

          "So?"

          "All I've ever done is cause trouble for people, I'd hurt you Kahn, that's why it wont work." she had wrestled out of his grip as she said this. She said she was sorry before leaving again. She was almost out of his view now but he called after her, he called her name once more and saw her hesitate, she had heard him.

          "If all you can do is hurt then why are you trying to not hurt me?" he called out showing her mistake. He could feel his emotions swelling inside of him, like a dam about to erupt. He closed his eyes only briefly but when he had opened them, she was gone. Had she really heard him? Had she heard his words he so desperately needed to say? He didn't know.

          Elscythe, Kuroro and Terick had decided that Ariel should stay and wait for Kahn as they followed Shadow. They had been following him for quite some time and it had become apparent that he didn't know where he was going.

          "Shadow, enough!" shouted Terick suprising the village people. An elderly woman actually ran from him as he had yelled. He was quite embarassed by this and looked towards the ground as he caught up to Shadow.

          "You don't have a goal do you?" asked Elscythe. Shadow shook his head and looked down.

          "It would be easier if we could understand you but Majoron's the only one that can." Kuroro stated the obvious once more. Shadow looked up at him and shook his head furiously.

          "No?" asked Terick. Shadow looked at him and agreed.

          "Then where is the person that can understand you?" asked Elscythe. Shadow looked towards the ground once more as he was unable to answer the question.

          "Hmm, it seems you're in quite the predicament, aren't you?" came a voice from behind them. They all turned to see an elderly old man with an upper class attire of blues and yellows. He appeared to be a noble. His face was kind, his eyes barely open, and his mouth twisted in a pleasent smile. Shadow rushed up to him and a few growls erupted from his mouth.

          "Don't mind him, he means you no harm." said Elscythe quickly.

          "Why of course Shadow means me no harm." said the man quickly catching the attention of the others. "He's quite frustrated that you cannot understand him like I can."

          "You can understand him?" asked Terick astonished.

          "Why of course, I am a beastmaster." answered the elder.

          "That means you've had training to talk to beasts." said Kuroro as he stared off in an odd direction.

          "Quite indeed, do you not know who I am?" he asked. Elscythe, Kuroro, and Terick shook their heads. "I am Grasyth, Magi of Guidance, our paths were bound to meet from the moment Majoron came to my town."

          "Magi just keep popping up all around us." whispered Kuroro. Grasyth gave a slight laugh at this before speaking.

          "Well let us go to my home and speak like I have done with Majoron before, perhaps you will tell me his location once we are there." He turned to leave and the others followed him quickly. He led them to the center of the village and down a small road before opening the door to a fairly large building. The inside was spectacular. It was filled with splendous craftminship and glittering furnishings. The room seems to glow about them as they entered. Grasyth brought out four tears and a piece of raw meat before handing them out to the assembled. Shadow took the meat happily as he had not had food like this for some time as he had been forced to eat the food of the elves in Rolum or the awkward delicacies found in Alsymok. They sat down around a rounded table with four seats. Shadow lounged happily beside Grasyth showing obvious affection.

          "Well, will one of you begin the story? Why are you here? Or perhaps you were sent by Majoron. Where is he?" questioned Grasyth.

          "Majoron's trapped in an illusion and we can't get him out." started Terick.

          "Gone and got himself into a bit of trouble has he?" asked Grasyth calmly.

          "How can you be so calm?" asked Elscythe with a quick glance at Kuroro.

          "Because you would have said something different if he was about to die. You are obviously on a journey to help him are you not?"

          "We are obviously on a journey to help him." answered Kuroro.

          "Well tell me, has he accepted his title?" inquired Grasyth.

          "He is the Lord of the Magi now." told Terick.

          "I see, it is time then." stated Grasyth more to himself than the others.

          "Time for what?" asked Terick curiously.

          "Nevermind that." began Grasyth. "Why are you here?"

          "Sarah Alosyn appeared to us as we were trying to cross the Sea of the Magi and transported us back to land before telling us to follow the coast of Treslyne." informed Elsythe.

          "We're looking for a weapons dealer in Rodrim but Shadow basically forced us to come here." continued Terick.

          "He says that he believed that Sarah Alosyn wanted you to find my and that is why she sent you across the coastline." said Grasyth.

          "Why would that be?" inquired Terick.

          "Because she wanted me to start." he answered

          "Start what?" Elscythe was begining to get confused.

          "A revolution for the prophecy." told Grasyth. "I cannot dwell apon it, you must trust me but I can help Majoron."

          "How?!" demanded Terick.

          "I am the Magi of Guidance I can guide his conciousness back to his body, we have to act quickly though."

          "Then let's get going!" shouted Elscythe.

          "Not so fast!" shouted Grasyth urgently. "You must continue with your quest and you must help me get to him, your group must split in two."

          "Fine, I'm definately going to Majoron." informed Terick.

          "I'll continue the journey for my lord." answered Elscythe.

          "Shadow says he is coming with me." said Grasyth.

          "I'm going." was all that Kuroro said.

          "What about Ariel and Kahn?" asked Terick.

          "Your group should split evenly and since there are already two members on one team both of those should go with Elscythe." answered Grasyth. "Kuroro will come with us."

          "I already said I was going" stated Kuroro.

          "Elscythe, you must find your companions and head to the Falasayne Academy and inform Alstyne, the leader a fellow Magi, the situation."

          "Understood." said Elscythe with a salute and he began to leave.

          "Elscythe!" called Grasythe "You must tell him that I want him to begin at noon tomorow, he will know what it means!" Elscythe gave him another salute and left hurriedly to find Kahn and Ariel to continue with his goal.

          "We should go as well." offered Terick. Grasythe nodded and grabbed a ceremonial staff and fan before leaving with them. They stopped off in another building before leaving and Grasythe ordered someone look after his home while he was gone.

          "This forest seems more dense since the last time I was here." muttered Grasyth. They had been working their way through the forests of Rolum for quite some time now.

          "Would you like to rest?" asked Terick.

          "No we must hurry I must guide Majoron by nightfall." informed Grasyth. The sun was approaching the horizon and nightfall seemed all too close. This last statement by Grasyth had definately increased the determination of the group and they made quicker time throughout the forest.

          "The lead tree!" exclaimed Terick.

          "Please hurry." wheezed Grasyth. Terick placed his hands apon the bark of a large tree and whispered a few words of a different tongue. At once the tree began to glow and branches sprung from the side creating a staircase up to a terrace above. Shadow was up in two bounds, Terick behind him. Grasyth however struggled with them as he wheezed and puffed while climbing them.

          "Get on my back." offered Shadow to Grasythe.

          "Gladly, thank you." he answered as he sat down.

          "What?" asked Terick not knowing that Shadow had just spoke.

          "We will make haste, Terick, please catch up." informed Grasyth as he and Shadow took off across the terraces. Grasyth's old body was barely able to hold on as they continued across the terraces, time was running out on Majoron and Grasyth was unsure if he would make it.

Chapter 14

          Majoron was unsure of where he was, his heart ached for Alara and the pain seemed to encase him. He was sitting on a small hill looking out over thousands of flowers. He jumped to his feet clutching his spear eagerly, knowing something was not right. He spun around eagerly searching for his opponent but saw nothing. As far as he could see in every direction there were thousands of flowers on an endless plain. He turned once more and saw a person far off in the distance. He knew instantly who it was. He knew only one person had such brown hair that wove through the air like so. Only one person with such an air of importance that, he could tell, masked the child within. He knew it was Alara.

          "Alara!" he called but she didn't hear him. He called again as he started to run for her. He had dropped his spear far behind him forgotten now, as was the rest of the world. He reached her soon enough and she finally turned to him.

          "Alara, we must talk." he began. She interrupted him as she embraced him and their lips met. He was lost in her, lost in her love as they kissed. The entire world, even the very ground they stood apon or the wind that blew across their faces as they kissed, was forgotten as their passion enveloped them both, but something was wrong. Majoron's eyes were open as they kissed, he could not lose himself in her as easily now. He did not know what it was that prevented him but he knew it existed. He loved her, he loved Alara, he knew that. That was the truth but he could not lose himself in this woman easily. They broke apart and stared lovingly into each others eyes.

          "I'm sorry." she breathed. They kissed again longer this time. Day turned to night as they held each other in their arms under the evening sky. They fell asleep with the warm summers breeze under the starlit sky that night though Majoron had uncertain dreams. Figures that he knew, that he should know, flew by him shouting important words to him. He knew the words were important but he could never hear them, they would not reach them or he could not understand them. Something was wrong.

          Majoron lazily awoke on a comfortable bed. He remembered his life before he thought he should have. Almost as though someone had been making him remember. He remembered the night with Alara so fondly but also so oddly, something had not been right and it still existed. Though fr that very vivid memory, life afterwards seemed almost dificult to recall. He had gone with her to some place and they had gotten married, hurriedly. Then they had run away from the world and began a secluded life in a cottage far from any towns. Then there was the now, something was not right. He sat up in his bed but was pushed back down. He looked to his left and saw Alara smiling to him as she lay beside him. She leaned in and kissed him. The act was her lips touching his, that was all. It was nothing like the loving embrace he had shared with her so long ago. Nothing like what he felt when he stood between her and Cain's blade. Cain's blade? Who was Cain and why would he have a blade to her? His head ached horribly, he felt something inside him but it was not himself. He forcefully sat up, clutching his head the entire time.

          "Majoron, lay back down, you'll feel better." said Alara with what seemed to be a false tone of concern. Her words reached him but their plea was not accepted. Instead it unlocked his mind for him, it had been the key to his memory, he knew now what had happened. He leapt from the bed and rolled across the floor so that he was at the opposite side of the room as she was. She was not Alara, that is why he could not lose himself in her, why it seemed so awkward. He did not love her and he never would, he loved Alara and only Alara.

          "I remember everything." he said the words like a curse, throwing it at the imposter who had just slept in the same bed as him.

          "Remember what Majoron?" she asked with the fake tone of concern.

          "I remember that I have a job to do, that you are not Alara, that I am in an illusion. I remember everything" he repeated.

          "I see..." her voice trailed off as she seemed to be depressed.

          "I also remember that I have been in this position many times before. I have remembered everything many times before this, such as the wedding and the night when I first arrived in the illusion."

          "Well?" she asked blatantly.

          "I will not allow you to reseal my memories you witch! I don't even know how long I've been in this cursed illusion but I will escape!" he shouted the words as his anger built up.

          "We've been over this you can't overpower me. You can't even hurt me." said the faux Alara.

          "But I do remember you must touch my skin to seal my memories." said Majoron with a smirk. Before she could move he had lunged towards a window and crashed out onto the ground. He rolled as he reached the ground and came out in a run. He had no idea where he was going but he knew he had to stall as he thought of a plan. He heard a screech of rage behind him and as he turned to look he saw the cottage erupt in a black flame. From the deadly flame came the sight of a woman. She was evil, he could feel it as it radiated from her. Her wild dress of blacks and tainted whites flowing in the wind behind her she raged forwards, gliding on the air. He suddenly knew where he was. He had passed this spot as he had traveled with Shadow and Terick to free Alara. This world could not be a fake. He thought about it as he ran. The world he was in was too detailed to be and illusion. His soul was freed from his body but let loose apon the world, he could go anywhere and see anyone who existed in the world around him... He thought of Alara, he needed to see her, he needed to find her but he could not tell where she was. He closed his eyes as a vision of her appeared in his memory. He cherished it lovingly. Suddenly his foot caught a rock and he tripped heavily onto the ground. He rolled onto his back and saw his chaser mere feet away. She glided down towards him reaching a snakelike finger towards his cheek. Slowly, as though playing with him, her finger neared his face until a sound broke the silence.

          "Majoron!" shouted a voice he knew well and he acted apon it.

          "Grasyth get me out of here now!" he shouted loudly, startling the demonic witch. She thrashed both hands towards him suddenly but he felt himself being pulled away. His spirit was being pulled away from her but not out of the illusion.

          "Majoron what's going on?!" shouted Grasyth urgently.

          "She'll take away my memories and I'll be trapped if she touches me. I need to get out before that happens." he answered quickly as he softly landed on the ground. She was slowly raising up from where Majoron had been moments before. She turned towards him with a wicked smirk on her face and she lunged. Her fingers mere inches from Majoron's cheek as he dodged to the left. Her other hand came forward and lunged towards him but he felt a pull an was dragged upwards out of her reach.

          "Majoron I'm sending you to Alara's mind, find her!" shouted Grasyth as Majoron landed once more. He stared in the direction of the witch as she reared up once more. Slowly he closed his eyes. He focused on Alara, he needed her, he would find her and this witch would not hold him back. The witch jumped forwards gliding quickly towards him with her arms out widely. She seemed happy to have him so close in her reach. Majoron opened his eyes and stared at her. She stopped in her tracks confused at why he was not running or trying to escape and he merely raised one arm towards her. In a simple flash of power he shot out a gale of wind from deep inside of him.

          "You fool you cannot harm me with earthly objects in an illusion." she mocked.

          "This is my Bane of Thunder!" he shouted as his feelings erupted. The wind grew stronger and the witches laughing stopped dead as a snarl erupted her lips. She scowled at him as his feelings took form as his attack. He would not be held back by her. He brought his right arm back and swung it forward creating a new torrent of wind that slammed into her sending her into the sky. The clouds darkened quickly and rain spat down ferociously. As her descent from his attack began, he raised both hands and swung them towards the ground. In response a bolt of lightning struck the earth holding the witch halfway between the earth and the sky. That is where she would stay. Majoron felt the familiar pull of Grasyth's magic and was lifted into the air again, he would find her, he would find Alara.

          Elscythe had found Kahn and Ariel though they were not together. He told them of what had happened and what they had to do and immediately they set off from Jerhan. They had hired the use of Travelers to save time and they were soaring across the sky towards the Academy. Not a word was said the entire uncomfortable trip by Kahn or Ariel though Elscythe and the Travelers tried to stir up a conversation. It was only a short time before the Academy came into view with it's coutless glimmering towers placed across the floating grounds. They landed easily and the three hurried to the gates. They were halted by the two guards there.

          "What is your business here?" they asked.

          "We were sent by Grasyth the elder of Jerhan, we must speak with Alstyne." answered Elscythe immediately. They were taken up countless stairs until they arrived at large oak wood doors. The guard that was escorting them knocked gently on the door.

          "Yes?" came Alstyne's voice.

          "Three people are here and they say Grasyth has sent them. They say it's urgeant Sire." answered the guard.

          "Well if it's urgeant let them in my good sir." called out Alstyne.

          "Very well." said the guard as he opened the doors. Elscythe Kahn and Ariel stepped forward into the office.

          "You," began Alstyne directing at Kahn. "You led the attack on this academy not too long ago didn't you?"

          "I did but Majoron brought me to my senses, I am Kahn Alarenthio Magi of Order." answered Kahn with a bow.

          "I am Elscythe Dormaine, Magi of War." spoke Elscythe.

          "I am Ariel Terin, Magi of Mischief." continued Ariel with a bow similar to Kahn's.

          "Well as you may or may not know, I am Alstyne Forleth and I am the Magi of Wisdom. How may I help you?"

          "Grasyth sent us to tell you our story and deliver a message." offered Elscythe.

          "Then do not let me hold you back, speak as you would a friend." stated Alstyne as he sat back in his chair and motioned to three other seats. And so began a retelling of events from each of their perspectives until they had come to the point of meeting with Grasyth.

          "Well now what was his message?" asked Altyne.

          "He said to tell you 'I want him to begin at noon tomorow'" answered Elscythe quoting Grasyth exactly. Alstyne looked completely neutral to this as though it hadn't even phased him.

          "Alstyne?" asked Kahn.

          "Yes?" he answered.

          "What does this mean?" inquired Elscythe before Kahn could finish.

          "Come with me and I shall show you." replide Alstyne as he stood up and walked out the door. Exchanging a few unsure glances to each other, the three followed him steadily as they ascended a few flights of stairs. Soon they had emerged at the top of Alstyne's tower where a large bell awaited. Alstyne motioned for Elscythe to try the bell and he did so. The sound of the bell carried out across the entire academy and the three noticed that each and every person they saw stopped what they were doing and head towards the castle. Alstyne aproached the tower battlements and cried out to the students.

          "The time is now! The lord requests assistance! The war for the five regions has begun! Follow your instructers as we prepare!" as Alstyne finished his short speach the people began to hurry towards the academy. The four of them made their way back down and into the main hall where they saw a large crowd flowing through the hallways towards an unknown goal. Alstyne ushered the three forward and they made their way through many hallways until they emerged into a room large enough to hold some three thousand people by Kahn's best guess. There were runic symbols etched on the walls, floor, and ceiling. The room was covered and the students were piling in. The room was dark. It had a dirt floor, cold stone walls, and a similar ceiling. The middle of the floor was a slightly raised platform and Alstyne approached it leaving the three behind. They stood in a far corner as he began a speech.

          "The tale of the six regions is a long forgotten fable." he began. "Though it is a truer story then most. Long ago it was lost and the writer was killed. It was a prophecy foretelling events that would come to pass. It told of a war. A war of not five regions that we know but six!" The room had been silent but unsure whispers were arising quickly.

          "A youth would rise to power and quell the fighting. This youth would halt the consuming chaos. Many of you may be skeptic at this point in my tale but look back and you will find that this prophecy has already begun. There was an attack made by Rodrim and Alsymok on the three nations and that would be described as five nations going to war. If a sixth were to appear and try to stop it, then it would be six regions in war."

          "What about the youth that rises to power?!" shouted someone in the crowd.

          "There have been more than one of those, surely you know as much." answered Alstyne. "Why Queen Alara is a youth that rose to power but she is not the one described but knows the one well. Surely you all know who I am speaking of! He grew up in this very academy and we were all assembled as he left it atop the great beast Shadow!" as Alstyne said this the murmurs grew as everyone realized who he was talking about. After a few moments Alstyne continued.

          "He is in dire need, without him all five regions will fall. We need to support him and we will be the first to help his quest! Follow your instructers directions and we shall begin." Kahn, Ariel, and Elscythe were left alone in their corner as they watched the spectacle. In seemingly no time at all, the students were concentrating their energy to the point where it seemed to become a tangible, material object. It flowed into Alstyne who readily accepted it. Alstyne's aura was larger than even Majoron's had been and he swung his ceremonial staff in practiced motions, molding it for his purposes. Each individual seemed thourougly tired and exhausted from the strain of using every ounce of power they had but Alstyne continued. Soon the energy stopped moving towards him and Alstyne slammed the base of his staff into the stone ground he stood apon. The ritual was complete.

          "Now, to our lord, to Majoron, Lord of the Magi!" he shouted. The energy dissipated and Alstyne collapsed. Some rushed to his side while others left the room glad it was over. Kahn, Ariel, and Elscythe were appaled. Alstyne had sent the entire power of an academy to Majoron's aide.

          Majoron was in Dinlun. He was in the capital of Dinlun now. He was in the glimmering city of Deldreum, the north western most part of the entire continent. Grasyth wove him through building after building slowly making their way towards Alara's location. Majoron was busy in thought. Why was Alara in Dinlun? She was a Queen, maybe she was here on business... The castle of Dinlun loomed ahead of Majoron but he turned away from it. That was not his destination. Slowly they continued their way through the town until they reached a small shack. Majoron glided through the door and found a small trap door in the floor. He slowly descended through it into a dungeun and cursed loudly. Alara had been kidnapped again and Dinlun, the holy land, was the culprit. Why was she so constantly targeted? He couldn't stop the thoughts now as his mind worked furiously for the answer. He found her in a small locked room. As he floated through the door he knew it was her, the real her. Slowly he approached her, if anyone could see him, it would be her. He sat down on a dirty bed beside her and she looked up. She looked towards him but said nothing. His spirits sank, she could not see him.

          "Majoron." she whispered. He looked straight at her and knew she was looking at him. "Majoron, is that you?" she asked. She could not see him clearly but she felt him there.

          "I am." he answered. Before Alara could speak anymore a shriek of anger erupted and the demonic witch from before had crashed into the room. Majoron backed away slowly from her as she approached. He was going to forget again, and he was so close to his goal. He was going to forget about Alara again. He closed his eyes as she approached him reaching her arms towards his face. Something colided with his spirit and he was reminded of Alstyne far away in Falasayne. He felt power, power beyond anything he had felt and with it, he knew he could escape. The witch's hands were inches from his face as he opened his eyes to look at her. Before she could touch him he placed both hands on her face and grabbed her forcefully. She was startled, why would he touch her when he would forget?

          "I will not forget about Alara!" he yelled and electricity coursed through his fingertips. There was a deafening scream as the witch's body struggled in his grip but he held tight. Soon she collapsed on the ground, a mere dead demon now. He looked to Alara and smiled as he felt the world around him shaking. It was dissappearing rapidly and he blinked out of it. He wasn't sure but he thought he saw her smile as he had dissappeared. He had escaped the illusion at last.

Chapter 15

          Kahn, Ariel and Elscythe had left the academy shortly after the ritual performed by Alstyne. As they parted he had told them one thing they must do. He had told them they must have each Academy do the same as this one had as they set off towards Rodrim. Ariel and Kahn were sure they could convince the Alsymokian Academy to follow the Falasaynite lead and only hoped that they could get the Rolumian, Rodrimic, and Dinlunian Academies to as well.

          They had been walking in silence for quite some time now and it was Elscythe who broke the silence.

          "I thought you two were..." he began. "You know..."

          "What?" answered Ariel without looking up. "You thought I was in love with Kahn?" At this Kahn looked away from the group keen to be removed from the situation.

          "Well..." Elscythe faltered. "That's what Terick says."

          "And what would Terick know?!" demanded Ariel, obviously frustrated.

          "I-I don't know." stammered Elscythe. "He just sounded sure of it."

          "Well he's imagining it!" she shouted as she sat down in a hilled area.

          "What are you doing?" asked Elscythe.

          "Sarah said we didn't have to hurry, I'm tired, it's almost night, this is a good place to camp. Want some more reasons?" Ariel was fuming now.

          "I'm sorry." muttered Elscythe as they began to set up camp. Everyone went off in their own directions setting up the different aspects of their camp. Elscythe went off to find food. Kahn thought it was and excuse to get away from Ariel. She had gathered large stones and made a firepit before tossing sticks and leaves into the circle. She just stared at the pit and it ignited. Kahn was slightly intimidated by this and hastily found a job to do. He grabbed the tent and tried to set it up, failing miserably in the process. Ariel sighed profusely a little ways off and Kahn decided to try for some conversation. His heart ached but he knew he had to speak to her.

          "Ariel..." he began.

          "I'm going to get some water." she interrupted. Before he could respond she was gone. Elscythe promptly returned as she left. Together he and Kahn set up the tent and began to cook some dinner. Ariel hadn't returned.

          "Can I ask a question Kahn?" asked Elscythe.

          "Shoot." he offered.

          "Are you and Ariel...?" Elscythe faltered again. Kahn's stomach twisted into a knot.

          "Kind of..." he answered quietly.

          "It sounds like you're having a rough time." informed Elscythe with more courage seeing his friend in despair.

          "Yeah." muttered Kahn.

          "Want to talk about it?" offered Elscythe

          "You don't have to act like you care Elscythe, I'm not worth it."

          "I do want to hear, maybe I can help. I hate not knowing why people are hurting. I've seen so much pain, I don't want to see any more."

          "You sure?" asked Kahn hesitantly.

          "Of course, Kahn." answered Elscythe.

          "Ariel... She doesn't want to hurt me." Kahn began.

          "Why would she hurt you?" inquired Elscythe.

          "She says that since she's the Magi of Mischief she'll ruin it and hurt me..." Kahn couldn't continue, he had hit the wall he was fearing for so long. The floodgate to his emotions was breaking. Slowly but surely, crack by crack, it was coming down.

          "Don't you love her?" asked Elscythe looking at Kahn now. At his question Kahn's eyes raised from the fire to meet Elscythe's gaze.

          "Of course." he breathed.

          "Then tell her. You can't live without her can you? Just being apart is killing you, isn't it? You need to let her know how you feel, use your heart and speak from their."

          "I tried before but I couldn't think of the right words..." Kahn's voice was sinking now.

          "Speak from the heart and you will find the right words. Just try." answered Elscythe as he stood up. He dragged Kahn up with him as he stood.

          "But-" Kahn was interrupted as Elscythe gripped his shoulders.

          "Hey" he began "She could be in trouble, it doesn't take this long to get water, does it?" Kahn hadn't even realized this much time had gone by. He didn't care what he was going to do when he got there he just needed to check. He jogged off from Elscythe without another word. He searched around, over hills, left, right, everywhere. He had come to the waters edge now after searching ponds and streams he had found his way to the shore of Treslyne. The sky was dark and the clouds seemed ominous but in the distance you could see the shimmering city of Lorosayn, the capital of Falasayne. It glimmered in the darkness as though a last ray of hope, a last stand against a coming darkness. The clouds seemed to avoid the city with fear. Kahn was struck with wonder as he stared up at it. He heard a sniffle and his gaze returned to the world around him. Ariel was sitting on a lone rock at the beach. Kahn had a distinct impression that she had been crying. Relief and despair tugged at Kahn from both sides. He was glad she was safe but horribly saddened at her pain. Slowly at first, his feet began to move. Inch by inch he made his way forward. He had to talk to her, he had to tell her. His foot touched sand as he was mere feet away from her. She looked towards him and the knot in his stomach tightened fiercely. She had tear steaks down her cheeks. She quickly looked away trying to hide it.

          "What?" she asked, her voice cracking in the process. Without speaking Kahn walked forward and sat down on the ground beside her. They sat in silence starring up at the glimmering city and Kahn began to gain the courage he needed.

          "Ariel..." he began.

          "Kahn, I've told you already." a fresh tear falling down her cheek.

          "Ariel" he began again. "I can't live without you." His voice was quiet and unsure but he continued. "I love you Ariel, I know I do. I also know that you're in pain, and so am I."

          "Kahn..." she started but Kahn shook his head.

          "You don't want to hurt me, that's proof enough you care for me, isn't it? I'm hurting here Ariel, I love you but I can't even tell you that. I can't sit beside you, I can't put my arms around you or show you just how much I truly do love you. I don't care what happens in the future, as long as you're with me."

          "Kahn..." spoke Ariel, she was crying profusely and couldn't say anything else.

          "I'll always love you." he breathed as they leaned in and kissed. The glimmering city illuminating them as they held onto each other. He would not let go, decided Kahn. He would never let her go again.

          Time passed and they fell asleep together. Cuddling together for warmth they had fallen asleep under the sky only caring for each other. Morning had broke and they had woken up to find a blanket lain over them and a tent pitched nearby. Elscythe was fast asleep inside, snoring slightly. Kahn's gratitude was great and knew that Elscythe was a true friend, one he would value for as long as he lived. As the smell of brekfast wafted through the air in the tent, Elscythe woke up quickly and came out to eat.

          "Thanks." offered Kahn as he passed.

          "It wasn't me, it was you Kahn." he answered.

          "What'cha talkin' 'bout?" asked Ariel with her long missed smile.

          "Guy things, you wouldn't be interested." said Elscythe with a chuckle. Ariel pouted as her mind raced for a joke or trick to respond with but she came up empty handed for once in her life. They ate quickly and headed off. As it turned out they had camped not far from the border and so their journey was easy. They had come to a river that seperated many different regions and lead to the sea they had tried to cross previously. Elscythe promptly waded across the waist deep water not wanting to waste any time and Kahn reluctantly followed holding his pack high above his head. They safely made it to the otherside before turning around to wait for Ariel. She was at the other end watching them intently.

          "Aren't you coming?" asked Kahn.

          "Fine, but I'm not getting wet." came her mischevious answer. She stepped out towards the water but somehow didn't sink. She stood promtly ontop of the water as the others stared in awe. After the initial shock wore off she continued. She walked slowly across the river without sinking into it. She landed soon on the other side with the other two wondering how she did it. Was it an illusion? Why wasn't she wet then? They were thoroughly confused.

          "How did you do that?" inquired Elscythe.

          "Oh that's just a..." she stopped mid sentence to catch their attentions.

          "A what?" asked Kahn.

          "A secret of course." she answered with a grin as Kahn gave a small laugh. They began to walk up a hill as they was clouds gathering above them. They gathered together tightly and shut out the sunlight casting an eerie shadow around the entire realm. They had entered Rodrim, Realm of Shadow. Ariel began to slowly descend a hill when suddenly she shrieked.

          "Ariel!" shouted Kahn as he dashed forward searching for her in the dark. Something caught his foot and he fell face first down the hill. He landed ontop of Ariel awkwardly. Even in the darkness he could see her blush profusely as they both realized their position. He quickly got up and she conjured a flame. Elscythe was halfway up the hill pulling various healing accessories from his pouch. As Kahn and Ariel approached they saw a man in dark tatters laying on the ground. He had two black feathery wings though one looked broken as it loosely hung from his left side. He had a sword with two blades, one on either side of the hilt.

          "Makenshi!" breathed Kahn. This was indeed the man they had seen fighting High Priest Tien above the Sea of the Magi. He seemed to be on his deathbed and was barely concious. After some time he was able to speak to them and they were burning with questions.

          "You're the ones from the boat..." he wheezed.

          "And you're Makenshi!" shouted Ariel happily. "Now that the introductions are out of the way, what happened?" As she asked it he seemed to be infuriated.

          "Tien happened." he answered.

          "It seems there's a story to all of this but I have reason to believe our stories may be related, could you explain to us in detail your story?" asked Elscythe promptly.

          "He's not in the best condition." interupted Kahn. "Is there somewhere we can take you?"

          "My house is just a small ways east of here." responded Makenshi as he cringed in pain.

          "Let's get going." offered Elscythe as he took Makenshi onto his back. They made a wary journey east to an unknown town following Makenshi's directions. The streets were fairly busy as they came into view but as the group neared all business slowed and by the time they arrived there wasn't a soul in the streets.

          "What's going on?" asked Kahn.

          "It's obvious, isn't it?" responded Ariel.

          "What?" asked Elscythe.

          "Everyone in the town had to go to the bathroom at the exact same time!" she shouted. Kahn gave smiled while Elscythe frowned.

          "They are all afraid." offered Makenshi. "This is my house." He pointed towards a dingy two story house. Windows were all bolted shut with bars across and the door seemed ready to crash down at any time. The group made their way into the house. Makenshi guided them to a small dirty bedroom on the second floor. There was a bed and a shuttered, barred window. Elscythe laied Makenshi onto the bed carefully as Ariel thudded down on the floor, Kahn taking a seat beside her. The two held hands as they watched Makenshi intently.

          "There's a story in this region." began Makenshi. "It came up not too long ago. Maybe a month at most before now was when it started. There are believers and non believers of the story but it gives the villagers hope regardless of whether or not they believe it."

          "What's the story?" asked Ariel happily.

          "The story tells of a man who discovers an evil in the government of Rodrim and Alsymok." this caught Kahn's attention immediately. "Apparently an organization seeks to rule the combined five regions. There were apparently four generals that could not be defeated by mortals. They were thought of as gods and were sent to each of the five regions to corrupt the government."

          "There are five regions and four generals?" asked Kahn confused.

          "There were not enough generals so one of them was sent to corrupt both Alsymok and Rodrim." continued Makenshi. "The man the story speaks of is called the Lord of the Magi, they say he has appeared at last. The story tells that he overthrew the general controlling Alsymok and Rodrim alone and freed them from corruption. The story fits as Cain was begining to gain influence here and in Alsymok and he suddenly died."

          "Yes..." responded Kahn more to himself than Makenshi.

          "I was met by a woman who called herself Sarah Alosyn. She told me I was a Magi myself, regardless whether or not you believe it, then she told me about Cain... and Majoron." Ariel gasped and Elscythe looked shocked as this last sentence validated the story just at the mention of Majoron's name. "Then she told me about Tien, he is also one of those generals and has already extended his claws deep into the government of Dinlun. It is my duty to destroy Tien before he destroys the five regions' freedom." he concluded.

          "You are a Magi?" asked Ariel.

          "Yes." answered Makenshi.

          "So am I!" she shouted happily. Makenshi's eyes widened then his eyebrows narrowed as he concentrated. He looked towards Elscythe who nodded.

          "We are all Magi and we origionally came here to find a way to save Majoron." told Kahn. "But we now have the information we were looking for and have found the location of Queen Fujiku."

          "Kahn, we have to activate the Academies still before we can return." informed Elscythe.

          "What about the Academies? Who are you people?" inquired Makenshi.

          "I am Magi of War, he is Magi of Order, and she is Magi of Mischief." answered Elscythe.

          "According to a prophecy we must activate all five academies and send their power to Majoron." continued Kahn.

          "So far only the Falasayne Academy has been activated." finished Ariel.

          "I feel it is more than coincidence that has brought us together, please allow me to help." requested Makenshi.

          "You're wounded." said Kahn flatly.

          "I know the leader of the Rodrimic Academy personally, I can get him to activate it." he answered.

          "I think we can trust him." said Ariel suddenly.

          "Why?" asked Elscythe.

          "Just a feeling. Besides we need to get back to Majoron and activate two more Academies, you should go back, Kahn and I can get the Alsymokian Academy." she answered.

          "I agree." offered Kahn.

          "I see..." mumbled Elscythe. "Very well, I'll depart immediately then."

          "Be careful, if this is as big as Makenshi says, you're going to need to survive." said Kahn as he stood up. He walked over to Elscythe and offered his hand. Elscythe took it and they shook. "You have to survive, we're going to be in the final battle together, Elscythe, promise me that." said Kahn as he stared sternly at Elscythe.

          "It's a deal, we'll free the five regions together." answered Elscythe, and he was gone. Kahn stared towards the door for a few minutes before turning towards Makenshi and Ariel.

          "I have a friend who can heal me, if you can take me to him I can be of more help." offered Makenshi.

          "Okay." answered Kahn as he helped Makenshi up. They made their way to another building and an oddly hesitant and small man began mixing potions immediately.

          "What must be done to activate the Academy?" asked Makenshi.

          "All we witnessed was the residence of the Academy focusing their energy into the leader, Alstyne, and he released it and sent it to Majoron." answered Kahn.

          "I see..." said Makenshi as his voice trailed off. The small man came back and poured large amounts of potion over Makenshi. Ariel burst out laughing as Makenshi looked more like a Sludge monster than anything. Her laughing stopped short as the sludge seemed to explode into a black mist. Kahn had his bow out quickly as he did not know what to expect. The mist cleared and Makenshi stood infront of them in perfect condition. His wings were now mended and brilliant. He stood tall before them. There was a gasp and the little man stared at Kahn's bow.

          "Sorry sorry, I don't mean trouble or harm." said Kahn quickly.

          "A blade of the Magi!" shouted the man.

          "What?!" demanded Kahn, immediately intrigued.

          "There were five blades made for the Magi, don't you know?" answered the man as he backed up slightly. "One is Makenshi's the blade of shadow and I believe yours it the blade of order!"

          "I don't have a sword, I have a bow." replied Kahn flatly.

          "It's still a blade." answered Ariel with a smile.

          "What are the other three?" asked Makenshi quickly.

          "Two daggers of ice is one." began the little man.

          "Terick!" shouted Kahn and Ariel.

          "You know of them?" the man seemed completely appalled.

          "Yes but tell me, are the others, a glimmering blade and a cross spear?" asked Kahn thinking of Elscythe and Majoron.

          "No." replied the man. "The other two are a glimmering blade and a double headed cross spear."

          "Whoo!" cried Ariel as she pumped her fist into the air.

          "We do not have any time for idle conversation." informed Makenshi as he headed towards the door. Kahn and Ariel followed shortly after leaving a dissappointed little man behind.

          "I guess this is when we split up." said Kahn shortly after they left.

          "Indeed, this is where we part." answered Makenshi.

          "Definately." came a voice from nowhere. There was a small explosion beside Makenshi as someone teleported.

Chapter 16

          The sun was shining in the country of Rolum. Midday had just passed and business was peaking. There was a flurry of bedsheets as Majoron leapped from his bed trying as hard as he could to make it to Alara.

          "Wait." commanded Grasyth. Majoron did not wait but rushed for the door. As he was about to open it, it burst open and both Terick and Kuroro rushed inside.

          "Majoron!" shouted Terick.

          "I know where she is!" Majoron's mind was a single track and he could not stay calm.

          "So do I but you should wait or she will die." Grasyth had stood up now. At the risk of Alara's life, Majoron calmed.

          "What's going on?" Terick was confused.

          "There's something we must do in order for you to save her Majoron." continued Grasyth.

          "What is it?!" Majoron was frustrated at his lack of action.

          "That, I cannot say but we must head to the Rolum Academy and you must trust me to help you in this time Majoron. That is all I ask: That you trust this old man and allow him to help you in return."

          "She looked so... lonely in there." Majoron's determination was turning to grief.

          "She smiled did she not?" asked Grasyth with a smile of his own. Majoron had forgotten about that. He had tossed it asside thinking he had imagine it. She could not see him, could she?

          "Did she....?" Majoron's voice was quiet as he tried to understand.

          "You're not the only person with the power to save people Majoron, she is a Magi as well. She can see all life and that was the essence of your life, your soul, that she saw." Grasyth was guiding him through this time as he had guided him to her once before.

          "I'm sorry Grasyth. It's just so-so hard to not directly go to her..." Majoron was in a world of his own trying to get his own perspective on the events. He had been quickly maturing over his journey and he still was.

          "Boy, we must hurry if we are to get to the Academy soon." informed Grasyth.

          "Hey, you two... The Academy is on the Sea of the Magi like the other four. We're in southern Rolum, how are we supposed to get there quickly?" Terick was curious as to the solution.

          "Come here Shadow..." Majoron's voice was longing but confident, he knew something they didn't. Shadow complied and rubbed his muzzle against Majoron's leg affectionately. As the contact was made, Majoron reached out a hand and motioned for the others to take it.

          "Majoron, I'm with you all the way." Terick placed his hand ontop of Majoron's.

          "My hand goes here." Kuroro placed his atop Terick's.

          "Just like the old days..." Grasyth sighed and placed his wrinkled old hand atop the pile. After Grasyth had placed his hand with the others Majoron reached down and put his hand on Shadow's head. There was a flash of light, a loud bang, and a distinct feeling of movement. The light subsided and the connection of their hands was broken by the sudden movement and only Shadow and Majoron managed to stand upright as they appeared infront of the Rolumian Academy. The Academy was deeply hidden in a forrest grove. It appeared to be made into the trees at first but the group realized moments later that it was the trees. They were surrounded by great and grand trees. Each one large as the Tree of Life in the capital. Each tree turned out to be a building, a part of this Academy in itself. There were people around them, groups and loners, trainers and slackers. Each one had their own job, their own activities. As the group appeared everything seemed to stop. The residences had stopped what they were doing and were inching closer and closer.

          "It's Terick!" shouted a voice from a growing crowd.

          "Terick has returned! The Legendary Student!"

          "This is great!"

          "Terick! Hi!" The crowd was going crazy over Tericks appearence.

          "They like you." said Kuroro.

          "I had top marks in the Academy while I was here."

          "No time for chit chat we must find the leader, whever she is." Grasyth was more serious than Terick.

          "I am right here, Grasyth, Magi of Guidance, what would you have me do." A middle aged woman stepped out of the crown in dark green robes that were trimmed in a lighter green. She wore a ceremonian hood that covered much but her chestnut hair and pale complection.

          "Start the ritual immediately." he answered. She bowed deeply and in an instant had a bow out, an arrow ready to fire. She fired three simultaneous arrows at a bell hidden high up within one tree and a single clear and very much distinct note rang out across the grounds. All students, teachers, and simple staff were rushing about trying to get organized. Rather than going to an undergound chamber, this Academy had drawn the complex runes all across the forest floor. The Ritual had begun.

          "Majoron!" a familiar voice yelled out "Lord!"

          "Elscythe, why are you here?" Terick answered immediately.

          "We found the Magi of Chaos but we felt I was needed here so I came to help, I see Majoron is alright."

          "Indeed I am, right now we must hurry though, we need to do this now." Majoron hadn't even looked up, he was engorsed in the task of performing the ritual, he needed it, he needed to find Alara. And so it began, the ritual had started and the energy of each person present was collected by Grasyth who was thought more versed in the ritual and then sent to Majoron. He had not expected the result but as it happened he knew that this was the second Academy to be activated. He recieved his second rush of power. He fell to his knees and every muscle in his body tensed to compensate for the sudden rush of energy. He was consuming each piece of energy greedily, if he had this much power he could save her, he could save Alara, break her free once more and protect her.

          "Are you alright Majoron?" Elscythe asked with concern.

          "I'm better than I've ever been." was his response. He stood up in a fluent movement and gripped his cross spear tightly. No one would stop him now.

          "There are three left, Kuroro, you can teleport, you should go help the other group complete the other two Academies." Grasyth was serious once more as he carried out the master plan.

          "And me?" Terick was waiting expectantly, hoping to be given a job where he could slay as many enemies as possible.

          "You must stay here Terick, you must protect the residence while the job is completed." Grasyth had let him down.

          "I understand. I am the Magi of Assisstance and I will not let you down!" Terick rushed off to make rounds immediately.

          "Majoron." called Grasyth but Majoron had already started to run off.

          "I don't think your words will reach him..." Elscythe felt left out of the commotion, as though he wasn't doing his part.

          "Elscythe, you have an important mission as well."

          "What is is?!" demanded Elscythe.

          "So far we have plans to activate four of the five Academies yet no one has ties to the Dinlunian Academy, that is to be your job.

          "I understand I will make haste and speak with Halsyo myself."

          "Halsyo always had arguments with me... We had some great times..." Grasyth had lost himself in his reminescing but was snapped back as Elscythe began to leave.

          "Wait, don't you have a steed?" asked Grasyth.

          "You're right I almost forgot, he is stabled in the capital though, it would take to long to fetch him." answered Elscythe.

          "Do not talk as though you own Taoxon, try calling him, ask him to lend you his power and you will be surely suprised." offered Grasyth. Elscythe nodded and gave a sharp but clear whistle. It lasted for a long moment but ended with silence. Elscythe's eyes were closed as he hoped for the miracle that he needed. There was a sound of thudding footsteps, quick footsteps coming towards him. He opened his eyes and spun of the spot. In the gleaming sun before him stood Taoxon, Mount of the Magi.

          "Shadow, find Majoron, he will need your help." Grasyth had knelt low for Shadow and pet him on the muzzle before speaking to him. Shadow nodded in response and ran off in Majoron's direction.

          "I will go now Grasyth, wish us luck." Elscythe leapped onto Taoxon's back and they were gone.

          "I'm off." said Kuroro as he exploded in black smoke before dissappearing towards Rodrim.

          Makenshi leapped away and drew his blade as the person became visible to the group.

          "Who are you?!" he demanded.

          "I am I." they answered.

          "Kuroro." offered Kahn flatly. "Magi of Death who is always blatant and obvious."

          "Why are you here Kuroro?" asked Ariel.

          "Majoron and Elscythe ran off into Dinlun, Terick and Grasyth are at the Rolumian academy, it was activated and I'm here to help." he answered.

          "Come with me then so it's an even party." offered Makenshi as his wings flexed strongly.

          "I will go with you so that it is an even party." answered Kuroro.

          "That's just how he is, don't let it annoy you." said Kahn as he quickly glanced sidelong at Ariel.

          "What?!" she demanded.

          "Nothing..." he muttered. "We should be off then. Take care."

          "We will, I'm sure we will meet when the time comes." answered Makenshi as he and Kuroro turned to leave. Ariel and Kahn went the opposite direction hand in hand.

          "Majoron!" shouted Elscythe, he and Taoxon had caught up and realized Majoron had mounted Shadow. Majoron looked back and saw them but did not slow down. It was some time until Elscythe and Taoxon had caught up completely.

          "What?!" demanded Majoron.

          "I'm off to activate the Dinlunian Academy, I want to wish you good luck." answered Elscythe with narrowed eyebrows. Majoron's stern expression loosened and he smiled at his friend.

          "Thank you Elscythe, good luck to you as well, I will definately save her."

          "I have no doubt in my mind, I will see you some other time, Majoron." With that said Elscythe and Taoxon turned and ran off towards the Academy as Majoron and Shadow turned and headed deep into the lands of Dinlun.

Chapter 17

          Majoron and Shadow arrived in the Dinlunian capital of Deldreum. Immediately Majoron could tell something was not right. There were no people in the streets and he had a tingling sensation as though a war was about to begin.

          "Shadow move!" he shouted. Shadow leapt foreward and a blast slammed into the ground where they had just been standing. Majoron silently thanked his Zhere and Alara for giving it to him. He looked towards the sky and saw the buildings all around him were covered with demons and soldiers working together. Each and every enemy was draped in a black aura that prevented onlookers from seeing their bodies too clearly. Half of those on the rooftops were Mages and half of them were Archers. This was a well planned trap. Majoron and Shadow ducked into an alleyway but soon found that there were still enemies above them. Everywhere they went there were people firing arrows and magical attacks towards them. As they ran out from an alleyway the ground turned to ice and Shadow lost his balance. Majoron ad Shadow plumeted towards the ground as attacks closed in from all sides. Bracing his shoulder against a door, Majoron broke the lock open with his spear and pushed Shadow inside before him. As he did so there was a screeching sound and he knew it was too late. An arrow stabbed into his shoulder and he tumbled through the door.

          "Majoron!" growled Shadow. Holding Majoron's collar with his teeth he pulled him further into the house.

          "I'm fine Shadow, thanks."

          "But you're wounded!"

          "I said I'm fine!" Majoron was getting irritated.

          "This was a mistake and you know it."

          "Shadow, I'm sorry for getting you involved but I'm not going to stop, I will not die, I cannot die until I've freed Alara." Majoron's eyes were fierce as a storm as his determination mounted. Without warning he reached up and plucked the arrow from his shoulder. He winced in pain but refused to cry out. He tore a bit of clothing from his shirt and tied it tightly around his shoulder to quell the bleeding.

          "I'm staying with you Majoron, we're partners, we're in it until the end, whenever that may be." Shadow had stood up now, his hackles were raised and he looked fierce.

          "Shad-" Majoron was interrupted as a loud slam sounded from the door. The two of them stumbled up and headed for the stairs. As they reached them the door broke open and soldiers came pouring in. With a wave of his hand and a small token of the power he had gained, Majoron sent a blast of wind towards them sending them right back out the door they came from.

          "Hurry!" he shouted to Shadow and they raced up the stairs.

          "We're sitting ducks." Shadow had backed into a bedroom with a window that looked towards a building at the opposite side of a narrow alleyway.

          "I've got it!" Majoron shouted as he ran to the window and opened it up. He sent a blast of wind at a window on the other building and it broke open. Shadow leapt through the window first and landed safely inside the next building. Majoron jumped next as the soldiers returned into the room. Halfway through his jump, Majoron twisted his hand back and shot a small burst of wind and lightning towards the building he had leapt from and caused the wall of the room he had leapt from to crumble away with half of the floor, preventing the soldiers from being able to jump after them in the process.

          "We request an audience with the leader of this Academy." informed Makenshi as he and Kuroro had reached the front gates of a large structure. It's stone was as black as the shadows around them and made it imposible to tell where the buildings ended and the shadows began.

          "He is not to be disturbed at this time, come back tomorow." answered a guard.

          "This is far too important to put aside, we must see him now!" shouted Makenshi. The guards reached to the hilts of their blades as he shouted.

          "We are under strict orders not to disturb him, please leave."

          "No." answered Makenshi flatly and spread his wings wide before grabbing hold of Kuroro. Makenshi beat his wings mightily and they took off into the sky.

          "They are mad." stated Kuroro.

          "Indeed." answered Makenshi. "Please create a diversion so I can speak with the leader, Kuroro."

          "I will create a diversion so you can speak to the leader." agreed Kuroro as Makenshi set him down on a large platform before racing off into the Shadows.

          Soldiers raced into the room Majoron and Shadow had taken refuge in after repeatedly jumping from building to building. Majoron slammed wind at the window opposite the road as them but it refused to break, they had reinforced it.

          "Shadow, trouble!" shouted Majoron as he gripped his spear tightly.

          "We came here to fight so let us fight!" answered the wolf before charging into the soldiers. Majoron smirked as he saw Shadow cleave his way to his first victory of the battle. Majoron leapt forward and stabbed his spear into an opponent before pulling it back and striking two more down in the process. Three opponents charged him simultaneously. Two came from either side as one attacked him dead on. Majoron's spear seperated into two halves as he ducked down. He stabbed out and struck down the opponents on either side of him as Shadow leapt over him taking out the third. They stood up and were surrounded again. Majoron Zhere burned hot around his neck and he saw the enemies on the rooftops about to strike.

          "Shadow, we're leaving, now!" he called and raised his palm upwards. He slammed a torrent of wind into the roof causing it to collapse around them. He and shadow leapt upwards as a blast of flame slammed into the building and it began to crumble. The two leapt from the rooftop of the building towards another. They were surrounded by bows as the archers they had leapt into targeted them. Majoron concentrated and sent wind in every direction around the pair as the arrows were fired. They all seemed to go astray as Majoron and Shadow were unharmed. They split up and cleared out the roof as the other rooftop attackers began to notice them. Another blast headed towards them and the two were forced to jump to the ground as the building crumbled as well. The doors and windows of the buildings around them were all locked and the soldiers were pouring out of nearby alleyways. They were surrounded by soldiers and targeted by the mages and archers.

          "Majoron?" asked Shadow but there was nothing Majoron could say. This might be his end, if he stopped the archers and mages, the soldiers would slay them and if he stopped the soldiers the archers and mages would destroy them. It was a checkmate. Arrows and blasts of magic were released as the soldiers began to charge forwards. Suddenly there was a streak of blue light and it enveloped Majoron entirely. He fell to his knees once more as the attacks came closer and instantly felt the third increase of power. He could not contain it and his magic released around him. Wind embodied by lightning short forth from his body and exploded into a torent of wind around them. The soldiers were struck and knocked backwards by the electrified wind, the arrows flew astray, and the magic blasts seemed to dissipate when they touched the wind. Majoron carefully stood up after the attack finished.

          "You saved us." said Shadow happily.

          "Let's hurry." responded Majoron as they started off throughout the streets. There was something that Majoron couldn't put his finger on, something was odd like they were walking into a greater trap. He concentrated on his Zhere and knew the one who had caused it all was near.

          "Shadow!" he called but it was too late. Magic roped erupted around them from buildings and alleyways. Shadow was bound up completely and landed not too far off from him. He was standing still, but he was completely restrained by the ropes. He tugged and pulled but the bonds would not break. Even his magic could not break the magic roped that help him so tightly. Someone descended from the sky infront of him. The man was dressed in ceremonial white robes but had white wings of sharp feathers. He brandished a thin long blade and danced it lightly across Majoron's neck victoriously.

          "Who are you?!" he demanded.

          "You must live under a rock." answered the man.

          "Well Mister You-Must-Live-Under-A-Rock, what do you want with me?" retorted Majoron.

          "My name is High Priest Tien and because of you my goals have been harder to achieve." answered the winged man revealed as Tien.

          "And what did I do to you?" spat Majoron.

          "You killed Cain!" shrieked Tien. "Now only Moxominius in Rolum, Perith in Falasayne and I remain!"

          "So?" shot Majoron faltly.

          "We are The Assembled Shadows!"

          "Oh I see, you're The Overcredited Annoyances." responded Majoron.

          "Do you not realize the situation you're in?" shot back Tien. "I have your companion and your love!" Majoron's eyes windened as Alara was forcefully brought out to see him. She gasped at the sight and concern spread across her face. He felt his power welling up inside of him, he felt it grow to it's maximum.

          "You were foretold in a prophecy." continued Tien. "You were supposed to bring our group to an end but we mistakenly thought it was Alara!"

          "You'll die for this Tien." Majoron glared at him angrily.

          "Yes yes." Tien brushed the comment asside and continued "We knew the only way to get to you was with her, and now we've got you with the illusionary ropes." Majoron's eyes widened as he realized the ropes were an illusion.

          "Oh you think you can escape just because you know they're an illusion?" laughed Tien. "They're a special kind of illusion, your body is tricked into feeling it so you'd have to trick your mind into beliving it was an illusion!"

          "I will kill you!" shouted Majoron as he tugged on the bonds once more.

          "Your father said the same thing before." said Tien with an evil smirk. Majoron stopped dead, he had never heard talk of his parents.

          "M-My Father?" he stammered. He belived his parents to be cruel people to leave their baby in a random village but maybe they weren't... Maybe they had tried to do something good in their lifespans...

          "Yes, your father." answered Tien. "He fell for this trick too, like father like son, so they say. I captured your mother just like I captured Alara and he came after me."

          "My Mother too?" Majoron was awestruck.

          "Yes but the thing is, your father died because of me." Tien knew this would hurt Majoron and it did. It was as though he had just lost his parents. A fresh wound was opened up. He had not only just found out that his father was not a cruel man but that he had died because of the one holding him captive. Fury began to collect in him.

          "You killed my father!" he shouted.

          "No your father killed himself." answered Tien causing Majoron to become confused. "Your father gave his life to save your mother. I never found her again... She was the only enemy that ever got away from me, that Sarah. I hate her!"

          "Sarah?" Majoron croaked. It was the first time he had heard his mothers name. She had a beautiful name and he longed to call her that. Maybe he would learn her second name someday as well and then he would finally know his full name...

          "Enough boy, once you die, we win!" shouted Tien as he gripped his blade. "Majoron Alosyn, you die here, today!" Majoron's shock grew, his last name was Alosyn, his mother's name was Alosyn, she was alive and he had seen her! There was another streak of blue as his resolution was formed. It struck him and his power now became four times as large as what it once was. He couldn't contain the shock of power as Tien's blade flew towards him. In a blinding flash of white light the bonds holding Majoron and Shadow shattered and Majoron was able to stand tall again. His spear was held high blocking Tiens blade as they stared into each others faces. Tien's eyes filled with greed, Majoron's eyes filled with love. He shed a tear for his father, his first for either of his parents as he kicked Tien in the ribs. In a single bound, Majoron had leapt overtop Tien and struck down the two ogre like demons that had held Alara. They leaned inwards to each other, not caring of anything else. Moments before their lips met a white light shot towards them. Majoron flushed out his power into a ball of lightning. The two attacks struck each other holding the other at bay.

          "Shadow!" shouted Majoron and in an instant Shadow was by his side. "Get on!" he called to Alara and she complied. Majoron let the blast die and dodged to the right as Alara and Shadow ran to the left of the blast. Majoron had concentrated the wind and improved his jump as he leapt to the top of a nearby building. He locked eyes with tien and flew off the building towards him. In a single spin Majoron had shot a blast of lightning and readied his spear. Tien raised his blade and slashed through the blast and blocked Majoron's attack. With gravity on his side Majoron's attack prevailed and Tien leapt backwards to avoid death. With his attention focused on Majoron, Tien had forgotten about Shadow and Alara. A large oak treebranch the size of a claymore slammed into his side and he fell forward before ducking and rolling into a stand.

          "Alara!" shouted Majoron. "He's my opponent, please, just stay safe."

          "I can fight too!" she argued but knew it was no use.

          "I need to fight him, not you." he answered. "It's my job and I'll do it myself! Shadow get her out of here!" As Majoron called to Shadow Tien had fired a blast towards them. Shadow was fast and had dodged the blast. He was now retreating with Alara reluctantly ontop. Tien's wings began to beat strongly as he took to the skies.

          "Wait!" Majoron shouted angrily.

          "Now what are you going to do Majoron?" called Tien from above. "When I kill the one yo love?!" Tien was flying away now. He was far outside the city walls as he speed was tremendous. In the distance, Majoron could see Tien turn in the air and shoot a blast towards the city. The blast hit the city and utterly devastated everything. Every building, every tower was destroyed. Nothing was left intact in the town, everyone had died.  Tien stared for a few seconds as his victory overwhelmed him there was a flash of light feet from him. Majoron appeared from a blast of lightning barely above him and swung his spear down mightily.

          "This!" he screamed in response. Tien barely had time to block. The force of the attack alone was preventing him from staying airbourne. As the two started to fall towards the ground Majoron placed his palm outwards at Tien and summoned up his power once more. Blast after blast of tremendous wind slammed into Tien sending him faster and faster towards the ground. There was a crash as a small crater formed. Majoron sailed downwards through the dust cloud and seperated his spear. With a small amount of wind Majoron cousioned his fall so he could survive it and slammed his spear halves down. Moments before he touched down a blast ementanted from the crater. Majoron was blown backwards. He knew Shadow and Alara were heading towards the Dinlunian Academy, there was no real reason for it but he knew that's where they would head. He stood up and ran towards it for a ways before turning around to face Tien. The Academy was in view now and Majoron thought he saw the gate close moments before he turned towards Tien. Tien was low flying already with his weapon ready.

          "Now you die!" he screamed. His blade slammed into both halves of Majoron's cross spear simultaneously before Majoron used the momentum to flip overtop Tien. Majoron's palm was out and his concentration apparent. Before he could release his attack Tien had grabbed his hand and swung him strongly. He released and sent Majoron flying through the air in the direction of the Academy.

          "Damn." muttered Majoron as he stood up. The Academy was in danger if the fight continued. With a quick burst of speed, Majoron ran to the side as Tien followed him, they were nearing the Sea of the Magi but now if they continued the Academy wouldn't be in danger. Tien flew up rapidly and delivered a kick to Majoron's ribs before he could block. Majoron was lifted into the air as Tien delivered his next attack. Tien's fist slammed into Majoron's jaw and sent him back to the ground. He rolled a few feet further away and was now on the shore of Dinlun. He thought back to his mother, why wasn't she here now, why wasn't she with him when he needed her the most? He recalled what she had said "You will raise a nation" but something struck him about how she had said it. She was holding out, she hadn't told him everything. He looked towards Tien who was charging at him once more and it struck him. He realized it but he wasn't sure how. He had been brought a thought that was completely illogical but he knew it was true. His mother was with him and she had showed him the path.

          "Tien." he called. Tien was caught off guard and stopped wondering what Majoron would say. "You planned your assault so in the worst case scenario you would be able to fight five regions at once, didn't you?"

          "Of course, so what?!" demanded Tien.

          "You can beat five, Tien..." continued Majoron as the Dinlunlian Academy beside him began to glow. It shot out a streak of light and Majoron greedily accepted it. "But you cannot beat six!" he screamed as the power inside of him expanded to maximum. He turned rapidly and face the sea. His body acted by itself without him. His right hand raised through the air and suddenly stopped as though it caught something. Slowly it began to raise with more force. The water level was raising rapidly and Majoron was ankle deep already. The rivers around the continent began to rush with more water than ever. More and more Majoron's hand raised and more and more the water level rose. All around him the water was deep, he was up to his waist.

          "What are you doing?!" demanded Tien as he took off into the air to avoid the water. Far off in the distance something was rising from the water, it grew in size, long and cylindrical. A tower had come into view. It grew and more joined it. Soon a castle was visible reaching high into the air. Tien was shocked and fearful.

          "I am fulfilling my mothers wish." answered Majoron sternly.

          "Sarah's wish?" breathed Tien.

          "I am raising the sixth region, the region of Alosya!" he shouted and his hand shot upwards. A gush of water sprayed in all directions and Majoron was sweapt back. Land had emerged and an entire region was visible. Majoron had raised an entire region to the world. The water of the Sea of the Magi had sweapt down the rivers and escaped to the oceans beyond. Much of the water collected on the land and surrounded the Academies of the continent. They had become the gates of the new Region, they had become the Fortresses of Alosya.

Chapter 17

          The people of the Academies knew their role well, they were to protect the new Region and it's soon to come rule, they would not let a soul past them. The Magi had assembled. Each at various different Academies. Kuroro and Makenshi in Rolum, Kahn and Ariel in Alsymok, Alstyne in Falasayne, Terick and Grasyth in Rolum, and Majoron, Alara, Halsyo, and Elscythe in Dinlun. They knew without words that they were all about to meet and journeyed into the new Region. Tien, fearful of the new region had sought to retreat and Majoron let him go. He had rushed to Alara and held her close to him.

          "Alara, I don't care about anything else." he breathed as he stared into her eyes. "I just want to be with you." She blinked away a few tears as they leaned in and shared their first kiss. Their lips met and the world was forgotten. All that remained was Majoron and Alara.

          The eleven known Magi gathered in the central castle they had found. It's towers were close together and it shot up towards the sky, higher than any other castle. Majoron's group arrived first but were met by Terick and Grasyth minutes later.

          "You did it, boy!" shouted Grasyth happily as he leaned on a cane.

          "Alara, I am glad you're safe." offered Terick with a bow.

          "I'm glad you are safe as well Terick." she answered with a smile.

          "I can't believe I raised a region..." sighed Majoron.

          "How did you know to anyways?" questioned Elscythe.

          "I didn't, it just happened, my body moved on my own but-" Majoron stopped short.

          "But what?" asked Terick.

          "But my mother had a part in it..." he whispered.

          "Your mother?" asked Elscythe and Terick in unison.

          "No no no, his father of course!" shouted someone from behind them. They turned to see Kahn and Ariel approaching holding hands all the while.

          "Who are you?" asked Majoron

          "I am me and me I am." she answered. "Only I can be be for there is only one I in I after all, you cannot be me for if you were me that I would be you but I am an I, not a you."

          "She's Ariel Terin, Magi of Mischief." offered Kahn as he saw Majoron's confused Expression.

          "A pleasure to meet you Ariel." responded Majoron with a smile.

          "The pleasure is all mine. No really, it's all mine, you can't have any." Kahn was laughing now as Ariel continued.

          "I am Makenshi Nobugawa. I am the Magi of Chaos." called Makenshi from behind them as both he and Kuroro walked up.

          "He is Makenshi Nobugawa. He is the Magi of Chaos." informed Kuroro.

          "I just said that." said Makenshi sternly as he glared at Kuroro.

          "He just said that as well." said Kuroro as he bowed.

          "It appears almost all of us are here." came Alstyne's voice as he turned a corner.

          "Who's missing?" asked Elscythe.

          "Majoron's mother." he answered quickly.

          "M-My mother?" stammered Majoron.

          "She is inside the castle awaiting you Majoron." told Alstyne through a smile "We'll wait here for you." Majoron stumbled forward on unsure feet towards the castle. He was about to meet his mother for the first time. He swung open the large doors and made his way inside. Someone was standing at the end of the large hallway with their back to him.

          "M-Mother?" he called.

          "I'm so proud of you, Majoron." she cooed as she turned to face him.

          "You're my mother?" he asked as they walked towards each other.

          "I am, Majoron, I am your mother." she answered.

          "Why did you leave me!" he suddenly shouted. His head was bowed and tears were steaking down his face.

          "I had to, Majoron I had to."

          "No you didn't, why didn't you bring me along?!" he demanded.

          "You would have died." A tear fell from her face as she spoke.

          "Your father even died and he was Lord, just like you."

          "You left me at a random town!" he shouted.

          "No we didn't, Majoron."

          "Yes you did!"

          "Majoron, have you heard to prophecy?" she asked.

          "I'm supposed to become the Lord and raise a region!" he shouted as tears kept flowing. She was mere feet from him.

          "That's not all." she cooed. "The young boy would fall for a young girl and they would grow to be the Lord and Lady of the lands."

          "A-Alara?" he stammered.

          "We left you where we knew you would be loved, Majoron, it was hard but we thought it was best." as she finished she drew him to her tightly in a motherly hug as more tears ran down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry..."

          After a short time Majoron and Sarah exited the castle and found the group not too far off.

          "We are to gather the people of the world here, where they can stand and fight or at least be protected." informed Majoron, accepting his role once more. "They have an army large enough to combat five regions seperately but if we have six united, we can win."

          "How are we going to tell everyone?" asked Alstyne.

          "Leave that to me." offered Sarah as she stepped forward. The group was slightly intimidated at the sight of one thought to be a god but accepted her none the less.

          "We need food, shelter, and most importantly a battle plan. Let's meet in the conference hall in two hours." called Majoron, noting each person there. They all nodded an ran off in different directions assuming different roles.

          Two hours later Halsyo had found Grasyth wandering around town. Their two hours of preperation was up and they needed to go to the conference hall.

          "What are you doing here, Grasyth?" asked Halsyo as he approached.

          "Ah, Halsyo." said Grasyth as he greeted Halsyo. "I'm going to the conference hall, you didn't forget did you?"

          "Of course not, Grasyth." answered Halsyo. "Let's go together than, shall we?"

          "Splendid idea." Grasyth was eyeing Halsyo oddly as they walked towards the castle.

          "What is it?" asked Halsyo as he had noticed Grasyth's stare.

          "It's nostalgic isn't it?"

          "It is..." sighed Halsyo. "He's just like his father."

          "Indeed he is..." Grasyth had stopped staring as they approached the large double doors of the castle. "Well here we go again, I guess, just like old times." Halsyo merely grinned at the comment as they passed the archway.

          "The conference hall should be this way." informed Halsyo as he pointed down the left corridor.

          "No no Halsyo, I belive you are mistaken." answered Grasyth. "The conference hall is down this hallway." Grasyth was pointing in the opposite direction.

          "Sadly my friend," began Halsyo "I believe you are the one msitaken."

          "From the outside, the right side looks larger, more space means a larger hall, am I right?" asked Grasyth.

          "More space is needed for other areas such as the ball room, a conference hall needn't be too large so it is logical for it to be to the left." retorted Halsyo. As the two continued arguing they failed to notice Terick walk passed them. He had begun to ascend a stairway as he turned towards them and whistled to catch their attention.

          "Majoron said the conference hall was upstairs." with that Terick had left them and continued up the stairs.

          "Well some things never change, do they Halsyo?" asked Grasyth with a smile.

          "Indeed Grasyth, let us go, the time is nigh."

          The conference hall was not small as Halsyo guessed but is was not large either. It was a moderate size with a rather large table fitting twelve people. Tapestries covered the walls and tabletop. Everything shined in a variety of colors. The table itself seemed to resemble a checkers board as it was made up of different color squares. There were five colors in total: Red, White, Blue, Green, and Black. Two squares were colorless. They seemed to change color depending on the location you looked from. It was at these two special seats at the heads of the table that Majoron and Sarah Alosyn took their seats. To Majoron's immediate left was Alara, seated at a green square.

          "The meeting will now begin, has anyone anything to say?" asked Majoron.

          "Pleasent game has moved onto the land and there are many fields as well as water areas." answered Kahn as he stood. "There are many means of food."

          "Good, that is the food aspect taken care of." responded Majoron. "Now does anyone have any information on shelter?" As Majoron asked Alstyne and Grasyth stood from their seats.

          "We searched the region and found roughly twelve uninhabited townships." offered Alstyne.

          "We did not count this castle or the township directly outside." continued Grasyth.

          "Within these townships we estimate they can hold near to five thousand individuals each." concluded Alstyne.

          "So we can hold approximately seventy-thousand..." Majoron was deep in thought.

          "Why do we need so many homes, Majoron?" asked Halsyo "Within any of the five regions there lives no more than fifteen thousand..."

          "That is exactly the reason, Halsyo." answered Majoron. "There will be a war from all fronts and no one will be safe so I plan to bring as many people here as possible. There are five inhabited regions with, on average, fifteen thousand inhabitants. That means if everyone agrees to make the journey here we shall need room for approxamately seventyfive thousand."

          "But, Majoron..." Elscythe speaking this time "How are we to send message to everyone in such a short time and convince them to come?"

          "That is the problem Elscythe, I assume we could depart as two to a region..." answered Majoron but Sarah spoke as he finished.

          "Leave that to me, I can speak to the minds of however many I wish, I can explain to all of them at once and use my influence to persuade them as well."

          "Good, that is shelter and food taken care of." began Majoron "Now we need a battle plan. What do we know about our opponent?" Sarah was the first to answer Majoron's question.

          "The nations of Dinlun, Falasayne and Rolum are under control of The Assembled Shadows." Alara gave a small gasp at the mention of her land being controlled but Sarah continued. "That does not mean that Alsymok and Rodrim are unaffected. The fact remains that Cain united them and brought them under the power of The Assembled Shadows. There are most likely many more operatives within each government."

          "So we are to be flanked from five sides at once?" asked Halsyo.

          "It seems that way..." muttered Majoron.

          "Flanking an opponent is extremely effective, it not only prevents escape but it provokes many reactions including reducing morale." explained Elscythe.

          "It is indeed a dangerous situation to be in, I'll say that." answered Majoron. "I'll also say that it only means we need to focus more on defense, how many troops are estimated to arrive?"

          "The Falasayne Academy can give you four thousand combatants." offered Alstyne.

          "Three thousand from the Rolumian." continued Alara.

          "Five in Dinlun." called Halsyo.

          "In Alsymok..." began Ariel as she made a show of counting her fingers. "There's four and a half."

          "The same in Rodrim." concluded Makenshi.

          "Assuming we have everyone's support then we should have just over twenty thousand soldiers." informed Majoron. "Will it be enough?"

          "Three to one." called out Sarah.

          "What?" asked Makenshi.

          "There should be three soldiers for every one of ours if that is to be our army." she answered.

          "How do they have so many soldiers?!" demanded Elscythe.

          "When Shadow and I fought with Tien in Dinlun the soldiers were not all human." answered Majoron.

          "They have been growing demons for the purpose of war and they should have near to sixty thousand by now." informed Sarah.

          "Damnit!" cursed Elscythe obiously angry.

          "Your anger, Elscythe..." reminded Halsyo.

          "So on the assumption of having twenty thousand troops and being flanked on five sides," interrupted Majoron "What is our battle plan?"

          "We are not in as dangerous a situation as you think." said Sarah as she stood once more.

          "Why is that?" asked Kahn.

          "The river that surrounds this region is uncrossable no matter who you are." she answered.

          "Then how did we get here?" asked Terick.

          "We crossed at the Academy." informed Majoron. "Am I right?" everyone in the room nodded.

          "So the Academies are what need to be defended?" called out Alara.

          "I think we should distribute three thousand troops to each Academy." informed Elscythe.

          "Why?" asked Kuroro flatly.

          "So that they are defended and we have six thousand troops left for offence." he answered.

          "So we'll be about seventy percent defence?" asked Majoron and Elscythe nodded.

          "We will need extreme defences to last at three to one soldiers." called Alstyne.

          "We don't know how long it'll last and they can create enemies so a major goal should be to stop the war not just defence." offered Grasyth.

          "That will lessen our defences and put us in a dangerous situation Grasyth." argued Halsyo.

          "We wont be able to hold out forever we need to stop it from being able to continue before we stop what is already here. Or else we hope that we can kill them faster than they can create them." retorted Grasyth.<