“So… you really are the dark lord,” Peeta said.

“Yes. Nar' Agrun sensed a great imbalance and sent me here to correct it. You, humans, are somehow creating more darkness than what’s considered normal.” Kraeven said.

“That’s impossible. Humans have a set amount of light and darkness within them.” Alis said.

“Ok, then explain the dread. If humans are truly neutral, then where does the dread come from?” Crimwal asked.

“What’s the dread?” Kraeven asked.

“It’s an illness that affects those with dark hearts,” Raymond said.

“Mmm… what about the song?” Crimwal asked.

“I don't know,” Raymond said.

“Wait a minute. Are you guys talking about the annoying sound the comes from this realm?” Kraeven asked.

“Annoying sound?” Crimwal asked.

“Lord Kraeven can hear even the most minute of sounds,” Divon said with a smug smile.

“Yes. From the screams of the anguished in Nar' Agrun to the numbing silence of Nesrafaar, but something that has always annoyed me is the strange noise that comes from this realm.” Kraeven said as he scratched his head.

“Raymond, do you think that he can hear the song?” Peeta asked.

“Probably. Tell us Kraeven, what does the sound… sound like?” Raymond asked.

“Mmm… it’s like a thousand people are saying the same thing at the same time.” Kraeven said.

“Oh? What are the words?” Raymond asked.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ve seen them. After all, you’ve spent time with the saepenar.” Kraeven said as he looked at Eevana.

“Her markings said something about the coming of an autarch, but the way I see it. You’re trying to be the hero in this situation.” Raymond said.

“True. This world has so much beauty that needs exploring and it would be a shame- no, a crime if a stood by while the world ended. Also, I don’t think I’m an autarch, that title should probably be given to Raymond. I mean, sure. I rule over Nar’ Agrun, but there’s nothing but darkness down there. Raymond on the other hand…” Kraeven said with narrowed eyes.

“Anyway, we’ve gone off-topic. Is it possible that the song and the markings on Eevana are part of some false prophecy? You said that Nar' Agrun sent you here. But isn’t it possible that the dark realm saw the existence of Kalos and I as possible threats and so it sent you here to kill us? Maybe the world isn’t in as much danger as we all think. Maybe Nar' Agrun overreacted.” Raymond said.

“You’re being far too optimistic. But I do see your point. This is all happening too fast. To be honest, I was born not that long ago. It was Divon who found me in the depths of Nar’ Agrun. He spent a lot of time preparing me for this moment… Ugh, too bad it had to be this way.” Kraeven said as the night wore on.

Kalos then walked up for the first time.

“You said that Nar' Agrun has reached its limits, right? That the world is unbalanced.” Kalos asked, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Yes and it seems like humans are the main culprits. You and your father are good examples.” Kraeven said.

“What would happen if we were to merge the realms?” Kalos asked.

Everyone’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean?” Kraeven asked.

“The spire of sin somehow makes contact with our realm. That’s how the knights of Eirini have been able to go to Nar' Agrun. What if we were able to find a way to pierce a hole from Nar' Agrun to here, allowing all of the extra darkness to spill out?” Kalos asked.

“That would be insanely dangerous. Think about everyone who lives up here. So many lives would be lost if dark beings ran amok.” Crimwal said.

“So?” Kalos asked.

“We could kill whatever threatens us,” Kalos said before raising his right hand and pointing towards the sky.

“And besides, who said we’d stop there. I think it’d be best if all of creation could blend together. What if we poured some of Nar' Agrun’s darkness into Nesrafaar?” Kalos asked.

“Madness!” Divon exclaimed.

“Think about what you’re saying. You want to reshape all of existence. I don’t think that there’s a tool or artefact in the world that could help you do that and even then, we’d all have to share a physical reality. Dark beings, humans and even the goddess Eirini herself.” Peeta said.

“Dad and I could do it. If we could find a way to somehow use our magic to forcefully break the dam.” Kalos said.

Peeta rubbed his head in thought.

“I don’t know...” He said as he paced around.

“That could work, but how would we deal with such great change?” Kraeven asked.

“You’re not considering-" Divon was about to interrupt, but Kraeven raised his hand, silencing the bald man.

“I just faced Raymond. He is a god bound to flesh. I would not win even if he were to fight me alone. Not to mention his son. Exterminating humanity will have to be a last resort option.” Kraeven said as particles of darkness slowly started gathering around him.

“Where are you off to?” Raymond asked.

“Like I said. I’m here to tour the three realms. Who knows, maybe I’ll find something worth noting. Until then, I suggest we all search for ways to save the world.” Kraeven said with a smile as he, Taeana and Divon were covered in a cloud of darkness.

“Bye now,” Kraeven said before he and his entourage disappeared.

Kalos looked at his father who lowered his head instantly.

Kalos turned to Peeta.

“Let’s get some rest.” Peeta suggested before crawling into his tent.

Crimwal patted Kalos on the back before heading into his tent.

Alis and his group also went to bed, leaving Kalos, Raymond and Eevana, but she too went into the carriage to sleep.

Kalos looked up into the night sky.

“Dad…” Kalosýni’s heart ached when he thought about what Kraeven said.

The only reason Kalos said all those ridiculous things was because he didn’t even want to consider the situation where he and his dad would have to die.

“Listen, Kalos. I don’t care what Kraeven said. You and I are not going to be sacrificed just to fulfil some prophecy. Oh and all of that stuff Alis said about me is true. I’m a monster, but I don’t care if you hate me after this. I will always protect you, ok?” Raymond asked.

Kalos nodded before heading to his tent, where he soundly slept.

.

..

A few moments after entering his tent and laying down to sleep, Kalos heard the sounds of movement outside.

The sounds got louder and louder before someone called out to him.

“Kalos, may I enter?” Eevana asked.

“Of course,” Kalos said and it wasn’t long before she was sitting quietly in front of him.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

Kalos sighed before sitting up.

“I’m fine. I just don’t know how to deal with all of this. Kraeven said that our powers are problematic and could bring about the end of the world.” Kalos said.

“Kalos, I think Raymond may have been right about something. I think the prophecy is wrong about Kraeven being the one to save the world.” Eevana said.

Kalos raised his brow.

“Then who is our saviour?” Kalos asked.

“You. I don’t know why, but every fibre of my being believes that you are this worlds one and only master. Think about it. Your ability to control all types of magic at will. Your near limitless amount of power and your-"

Kalos interrupted her rambling by kissing her suddenly.

“I’m not that special. But I do agree that it may be up to us to help save the world.” Kalos said before laying down to sleep.

“Now, let’s rest,” Kalos said as Eevana placed her head on his chest.

.

..

The next day arrived on a rather grim note.

Alis stumbled to Crimwal’s tent and called out to the sleeping man.

“Oi, Crimwal. The others and I are leaving and if you care about your mother, you’ll join us.” Alis said before a sleepy Crimwal crawled out of his tent.

Crimwal completely ignored Alis and made his way toward Raymond’s tent.

“Ray-"

Crimwal stepped away as a handsome young man stepped out of Raymond tent. He had a head full of glorious white hair and had a pair of beautiful white eyes.

“Raymond?” Crimwal exclaimed.

He hadn’t gotten a proper chance to see Raymond the night before, so this meeting caught him by surprise.

“Yes?” Raymond asked as he stretched loudly.

“Umm… Alis and the others are returning to Llendor and-"

“It’s ok. You can go. Actually, If you’re patient enough, Kalos and I could join you.” Raymond said while avoiding Crimwal's eyes.

His voice was still low, but it had a smoothness that made Crimwal’s chest burn up slightly.

“Oh? What do you have in mind?” Crimwal asked while trying not to show his fluster.

“Kalos and I have to fly to the last place I remembered seeing Aluin’s tribe. I want him to see the lands they travelled. Then we can accompany you back to Ianndor.” Raymond said as he took off his coat.

“Won’t that take a while?” Crimwal asked as he and Alis beheld the sight that was Raymond’s body.

One could almost see the individual muscles strands that made up his arms and chest as he took off his shirt.

Even though it was cold, Raymond didn’t shiver as he folded his clothes.

“No, not really. Kalos and I can fly.” Raymond said as he walked over to Kalosýni’s tent.

“Boy, get up! You and I have some sights to see.” Raymond yelled as he stretched some more.

Kalos hopped out of his tent with Eevana in tow and the both of them were taken aback by Raymond’s youthful appearance.

Kalos sighed before removing his coat as well.

“Where are we going?” Kalos asked as he handed Eevana his clothes.

“Just follow,” Raymond said before he zapped into the air.

Kalos looked at the others in a moment of confusion.

“What are you waiting for? Go.” Crimwal said with a smile before Kalos slowly left the ground.

He looked up and flew to where his dad had gone.

Crimwal then looked at Eevana with a grim expression.

“Something is wrong with Raymond. Follow them and make sure nothing happens.” Crimwal said to Eevana as he took Kalosýni’s clothes.

“What do you mean?” Eevana asked as he kicked Peeta’s tent.

“I’m not sure, but whatever happens, they’ll need someone,” Crimwal asked.

.

..

Kalos caught up to Raymond who flew to the west with his eyes shut.

Kalos remained silent as his father gently flew.

They eventually reached a patch of flat and empty land.

“There it is,” Raymond said as he pointed at the vast emptiness that was below him.

“Your mother’s people were a simple, but peaceful people… now they are gone,” Raymond said with a serious tone.

“Son… nothing means more than fighting to protect those who you love,” Raymond said.

“I know,” Kalos said.

“Oh?” Raymond sounded as he descended. His feet touched the ground and he felt dry grass crumble beneath him.

“Dad… what are you? I’m starting to think that you’re not an ordinary eminence. I mean, Vinaar is an eminence, but she didn’t come close to matching you in terms of power.” Kalos asked as he joined Raymond on the ground.

“I was- I am a weapon. When I was born, King Pleetus Yel Run the third wanted to continue what his father had started. He wanted to occupy as much land on the continent as possible. You can understand his reasoning. The people of Crafia would one day need resources that other lands had in abundance. My parents sent me to the order when I was very young and it wasn’t long before the order discovered that my light was special. They trained me to the bone and burnt into me the code of the order. Unfortunately, they couldn’t teach me things like hate or prejudice because, to me, everyone was weak. They were all insects who enjoyed fighting each other and sending me to do their dirty work for them. I didn’t care. As long as I was using even a fraction of my power, it was enough to satisfy me. But then everything changed when I met your mother.” Raymond said as he looked into Kalosýni’s eyes.

Kalos nodded before pacing around.

“Ok. Then what am I?” Kalos asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve lived for over a hundred years and I’ve yet to come across one as peculiar as you. I recently took a trip to Nesrafaar and none of the beings there compared to you.” Raymond said.

“Is that why Kraeven wants us dead?” Kalos asked.

“I don't know. I’m not even sure he knows what any of this all means. The prophecy. Our power. His existence. There’s so much we are yet to understand. That’s why he decided to take a step back and reassess the situation.” Raymond said as the morning sun bathed Carimae.

“So… what now?” Kalos asked.

“For now, we wait. But we will not wait idly. I want to make sure that you are prepared to tackle what may truly be humanity’s darkest hour.” Raymond said as the world fell into darkness.

His body was then adorned by a set of glorious white armour and a white orb floated above his head.

Kalos was about to close his eyes, but Raymond held up his hand.

“No, son. Look at me. Behold my true form.” Raymond said as he grew.

His height and overall size ballooned up until he towered over Kalos by several folds.

His armour also changed.

Where his fingertips once were, claws took their place and it seemed as though that his glorious white armour had become one with him.

Kalos also noticed that his father had strange, feather-like structures in certain parts of his body, including massive wings behind him.

Kalos summoned his grey armour and readied himself for battle.

[So? What do you think?]

Raymond asked, but Kalos heard his voice in his mind.

“Amazing!” Kalos yelled as the gigantic creature that was his father giggled.

[Yes, I am an eminence. A being made from the purest kind of light. You see, as light descends from the source of all things, it is tainted. But even those from Nesrafaar are made of light, but none of them will ever have light as pure as mine. The concept of eminences may be older than I am, but I truly embody the title. I say this not out of arrogance, but experience. I have soared to the highest peaks of Nesrafaar and descended to the depths of Nar' Agrun, but not once did I find a being that was as powerful as me. Well… you are an exception.]

Raymond said.

[But, my power is not infinite. It will only fade if my love for you fades, but that will never happen.]

Raymond added before raising his head, or beak.

[Anyway. We’re here because I want you to prove to me that you are as capable as I believe you are.]

Raymond said as he raised one of his giant hands.

Kalos saw the hand, or more accurately, talon approach him at an incredible speed. So he flew upwards only to meet Raymond’s other talon.

Kalos hit the ground shortly after with a loud explosion.

Raymond’s power output was in overdrive and he wasn’t pulling any punches.

Kalos got up as a sharp pain assaulted his head.

He shook himself off before realizing that his father hadn’t stopped attacking.

Raymond swatted Kalos across the landscape and charged in towards him before stomping on his body.

Kalosýni’s body screamed in pain, as Raymond practically jumped on him.

[Everything I taught you from childhood has led up to this moment. Sure, I kinda forgot to teach you magic, but come on! Use your head! What if someone were to threaten the lives of Estella and Keema right now?]

Raymond asked as Kalos frantically crawled away from beneath his father.

Kalos looked at his armour and saw that it had been cracked in several places, but that wouldn’t matter soon as Raymond swung his giant talons at Kalos again.

Kalos then released a burst of his magic and tried punching his father’s talon away, only to fail completely and be swatted away again.

Kalosýni’s body flew through the air and Raymond’s giant self chased after him.

Kalos then landed headfirst into a medium-sized rock, leaving his head spinning. But even this wouldn’t last long as Raymond continued his attacks.

Kalosýni’s armour was gone at this point, meaning that his skin had to face both Raymond and the ground.

[Come on, you’re not even trying!]

Raymond said as he paused his assault.

He then looked to the east and the massive orb above his head began pulsating.

[Do you know what the orb above my head is?]

Raymond asked as a bruised, but barely bleeding Kalos got up from his knees.

[It is a representation of my power.]

Raymond continued as Kalos painfully climbed out of the hole his father had shoved him in.

[Look to the sky and what’s the brightest object you see? The sun. My orb and the sun are very much alike. They are both the brightest things in their own respective ways. Anyway, I wonder if you would fight harder if Estella and the others were in actual danger?]

Raymond asked before a beam shot out of the orb. It went straight towards where Estella and the others were and Kalos could feel its beyond deadly power.

“Dad… what are you doing?” Kalos asked as his bones ached. His heart rate skyrocketed and his mind went numb for a moment as he walked towards his father.

[I’m trying to teach you a very important lesson.]