Night fell upon the clearing, the sun long since retiring for the day. That cool wind blew softly through the trees, an omen. At least, for the future… But now? Now it was peaceful and welcoming.

The Chieftains had arrived earlier in the day and many reunions were made. And while Eri had greeted them all with a welcoming smile, deep within she was worried. She was worried about Felix, she was worried about the battle he was facing. Alone.

However, now she was standing over his bed and watching his sleeping form slowly breathing. It was as if nothing was wrong. But, that was it, nothing was wrong.

Felix had fainted after his ordeal with the mana crystal and was moved to his bed. Master Aluin and Yarnel both had assured her he was fine. He was, even her own magic told her so.

She should have been relieved, that her bad feeling had been just that, a bad feeling. Here she was though, biting her lip as he rested peacefully. That worry had only grown.

It was like a sixth sense, she knew he was heading down a dangerous path. But how could she stop him? How could she protect him?

Her hand slowly pressed against her stomach. Inside she was carrying another life, a child– His child. She would be a mother and he would be a father…

So long as we survive, she thought. An icy shiver ran down her spine. So long as they survived, they would be able to raise their child. And she would be active in her child's life. She knew of ancient stories where the rich and powerful had others to raise their kids. She would not allow that.

But, what if… Eri did not want to finish her thought. She did not want to think about what could be a very real possibility, raising a child all by herself.

Was that where her bad feeling was coming from? Knowing what was waiting for them in the near future? Her hand balled into a fist as she lifted her arm away from her stomach.

Felix is doing everything he can– Felix is doing everything… The truth of those words hit her hard, not because she wasn't doing anything herself but because of the lengths she knew Felix would go through to keep her safe. To keep them all safe.

Today proved that. He went into Yarnel's room with the mission of creating something impossible. And his plan? To simply talk with one of the souls trapped within the crystal.

It was crazy. It was foolish. It was something only Felix could do.

And it worked.

To her, he was a bit crazy, a little too thrill seeking for her liking. But he was also kind and sweet. He was always friendly, even when she had given him the cold shoulder in the beginning. He could make her smile.

All by himself, and without him even realizing it, he had changed her views on humanity. There could be good ones out there…

Felix stirred before cracking open an eye. Immediately it landed on her and he gave her a wide grin.

"Good…morning?" he guessed as he sat up and let out a yawn.

"Night," she corrected, returning the smile. "How are you feeling?"

He attempted to rub the sleep from his eyes as he thought about the question. "Good enough I suppose. Though, I still feel exhausted. How long have I been out?"

She counted the hours in her head before responding. "Six or seven hours, maybe longer though. I haven't been keeping track of the time since night fell."

His expression took on a complex look, one that would normally be hard to read. However, for Eri, she merely needed to peer through their bond.

Felix was deep in thought with many questions popping into his head. The biggest one being the status of the mana crystal.

"You did it," she answered aloud. "According to Yarnel, you went beyond his expectations. And ever since we dragged you out of his room, he has been running tests, as he puts it. That's all I know."

"I see…" For the faintest of moments his emotions turned to worry and concern, but it was instantly replaced with relief. He let out a sigh and slouched back into his bed, propping himself up with his arms.

"And what of the Chiefs and Sages? Have they arrived as well?"

She gave him a nod before sitting down at the edge of the bed. A moment later a searching hand found hers.

"What's wrong?" Felix asked, suddenly very close to her.

"The truth? Worry. I thought once I heard you were fine that I would be relieved. Instead, I feel like this was just a sign of something worse."

His hand traced up her arm until he pulled her into a hug, resting his chin upon her shoulder. "Worry, huh? I'm worried too, if I'm being honest. Though, for different reasons. I'm worried if I'm nothing but a hypocrite. One that is now casting judgment and death upon others."

He went on, "Today, I had to snuff out a life– A soul."

His embrace tightened around her and she put a comforting hand upon his. "Felix–"

"I let him get consumed by the Flame Shade. I hesitated because I feared it wouldn't be right for me to take his soul by force. I tried to force him to make the decision– That's fucked up, what I did."

Eri closed her mouth and listened as Felix continued to ramble on, even as she felt his tears land upon her.

"So I used the Flame Shade, I used its soul. It might be a hellish beast, but it had a soul. Neither one exists now, and all to create a mana well. If that is the cost for something so powerful, then I never want to create another one again.

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"But my decisions aren't done haunting me… There is still Calsen. The whole clearing wishes for him to hang but I can't help but wonder, can he be saved? Can he repent like I did? I've done worse and yet here I am."

Finally she could not take it any longer, she had to respond. "Felix, that was your old self. The one that you said was dead and gone. I agree with you. What you did today was for our future. I truly believe that, despite the fears I had.

"You needn't go through this alone. We are here for you, Kyrith, Zira and I, and we know you are there for us. The four of us together are a family, and soon, there will be a fifth. I fear that we will lose you before that can happen.

"So next time, when you feel you must do something, remember you do not have to do it alone. Let us be there by your side."

The room fell to total silence, both individuals refusing to be alone. They wanted closeness, they wanted each other's touch.

"I love you," Felix suddenly muttered into her ear. She could feel something stirring in him. It was that same passion he had for her the other day. It would have been frightening if she hadn't been connected with him through their bond.

She understood and, most of all, she wanted him just as badly.

As two individuals found their passion for one another, two became one…

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twenty-eight days remain…

Small white clouds lazily drifted through the blue sky, a strong wind ruffling the sails above. Deep blue water parted and splashed against the ship's hull as its crew worked on finishing repairs.

But Tal stood out upon the deck, undisturbed. He had his eyes closed while in deep concentration. He was looking for that feeling, that…power. Unfortunately, he had yet to fully recover from a few days ago and his holy energy felt tired, exhausted even.

His attempts at calling it forth had proven futile so far, yet he persisted. He had to. He had no choice. It was the only way he felt could give him a chance at success.

Success at what, though? That question lingered longer in his mind than he'd like. It was important, however, and something he had to ponder. But if only it would wait! I need this power, I need to master it.

Sweat beaded upon his brow from his forced concentration. It was not working and now it was as if his own senses were fighting him. The sound of the crew banging hammers and striking nails, saws cutting wood…

He let out an exasperated gasp, not realizing he had been holding it in.

Cassius's voice cut through his frustration. Tal… You're pushing yourself too hard. You need to rest.

I don't have time. I must master this new ability soon, Tal responded, already preparing to try again.

We still have several weeks–

I know that, he hissed. But I need to be ready by then. I have to be ready to face him before then.

And you will get nowhere in this state, Tal. You need to rest– I need you to rest.

He grew suspicious. You? Why?

Cassius was silent for several long moments before he responded. I am contained within this necklace, my powers are diminished and stunted. I have been using your holy energy to do what I can to strengthen myself.

Tal really didn't know how to take that. On one hand, it made sense but on the other? You're not being truthful, are you?

Fine, the truth then. It's not your holy energy that I need, it's your life essence.

Life essence?! You mean to say you are sucking away my life?! he shouted.

No! Tal, listen to me. I am a god. We get our strength from those who offer prayers. What do you think makes them up? Simple wishful thoughts? No, you offer a bit of your life essence in the process.

But with me in such a weakened state and few worshipers, I needed another way to survive.

Tal was near furious but instead of lashing out, he took the opportunity to focus inward. He needed Cassius if he ever wanted to bring his brother back from the dead. The god wasn't exactly a friend, though, but they both needed something from one another.

Okay, but do you know anything about this power? I've never heard of anyone being able to control holy energy directly.

Very little, unfortunately. The only thing I know is a rumor that Felix had that power–

What?! Why hadn't you told me that before? That is… Now I know I need to master this.

You never asked and, like I said, it was just a rumor. I don't know how much truth there is, nor how it works.

But you still knew. You could have mentioned that after I used it!

Honestly, Tal? I didn't want to tell you. I knew if I did you would not rest and instead be doing this…training until you collapsed. At least until now, you've been getting some sleep.

Now properly furious, Tal could only shake his head in disbelief. In a fit of rage, he pulled out his sword and took a practiced stance. He needed to work out his anger. And training, in one form or another, would help…

Look, I'm sorry, Cassius tried. But I am not your enemy, I am–

Don't say it. Do not call me a friend. As far as I am concerned we only have a common goal and a deal in place. I plan on keeping it, but after I get what I want then I want nothing more to do with you.

The god fell silent but unfortunately a new voice took his place. It was Fleet Admiral Antony.

"Tal, we're gathering in my quarters to plan for the invasion."

Tal swung his sword once before letting out a sigh. "I'll be there after I clean up."

The Admiral gave him a nod, but his expression was grave. A moment later he walked off.

He has a lot on his mind, and it's not just that crown. None of us are expected to survive… Tal sheathed his sword and did his best to calm down. Why me? Why us?

He tried to hold on to his fading reason for why he hadn't simply thrown himself overboard. He needed Felix, either dead or alive. He wanted to get his revenge and to finally end his family's long lineage of suffering.

Right? His doubt seeped in and not even the memory of his brother was enough to fight it back. Perhaps that was why he was so frustrated, why he was struggling.

Tal felt aimless despite having a clear goal. He felt like a pawn upon a chess board, but one that everyone wanted. But what do I want? What do I truly want?

He didn't know, and he didn't think he would ever know…

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