Days passed since her little adventure to Sky Peak. The Crimsons kept her in her room. She wasn’t in any sort of trouble, they just wanted her to rest and heal. Books of all sorts were provided for her entertainment. The topics ranged from mythological adventures and heroes to various elemental techniques.

Loid on the other hand was grounded in his room for two weeks and he would have to do several “chores” to make up for his actions. If Arin remembered correctly, his record was also tainted now? A letter was being written to his parents about his betrayal. Everyone made the letter seem to be the most important consequence but Arin didn’t see why. It also turned out that he lied about having Mila’s permission to go to the mountains making his situation worse. If he were to run off and disobey again he would be sent home immediately or face treason.

Arin was still infuriated by his actions. What could he possibly hide that was more important than her secret title?

Arin turned the thin page in her book. Today she decided to study some fire techniques. Most of it was review but there were a few new combos for her to try out later.

There was a gentle rap on her door. It was probably Coyasko. “Oh, come in!”

The door opened proving Arin’s guess to be correct. “Mila wishes to see you. Are you up for it?”

“Of course I am! I’ve barely done any physical activity for almost a week! Stop pampering me because I’m the Fire of Truth.” She closed the book, placing it on her bed, before hurrying to Coyasko’s side.

“I mean I’m just carrying out Mila’s orders. Believe me, you would have your own schedule of training if it was my choice.” Together they ambled down the hallways.

“What is going on today? Is Loid involved?”

“No. We believe he has learned his lesson. His parents are disappointed in him, everyone here is angry and has been getting in his face these past few days. We even made him experience prison for a night warning him that this could be his future if he were to do anything like that again. We are going outside for a special training lesson. Today you’ll be sparring against Hawthorne. You must learn how to win battles with size disadvantages, we believe he is an easy first test.”

“Oh! That’s great! Also, I think he deserves more lecturing, he basically handed me to the Others! Why didn’t you send him home exactly?”

“His father is a retired spy. He and a band of Crimsons did several important spy missions. After being captured he was paralyzed and tortured for months before he faked his death to escape. Then he came back to us and showed us where their prison was. He saved several Crimsons and other spies. Loid’s father is the only reason he isn’t in prison. What Loid did was treason, because of him we almost lost you.” Arin shifted her gaze away from Coyasko. “We assume the only reason he cooperated with the Others was so that the Others didn’t figure out his own identity. Loid made the mistake of carrying a family photo with him when he went to Sky Peak.”

“Still.”

“I understand your anger and you have every reason to be angry. I’m just informing you of the situation.” Arin huffed, blowing a strand of hair out of her face. “Focus on today, not the past.”

Arin sighed, nodding. As they continued, Coyasko stopped Arin by one of the many armories. He signaled for Arin to wait while he went inside. Arin drummed her foot against the stone floor as she waited. Metal clattered against the floor followed by Coyasko swearing. She bit back a laugh.

Hardly any time passed when Coyasko returned, carrying a sword and shield with him. He handed the two items to her before continuing his way down the hallway.

“You know how to use a shield, right?”

“No.”

“Well, you’re going to find out how to use it shortly.”

Arin frowned, “that doesn’t sound safe.”

“Arin, when have you done something that is safe?”

She remembered all of the adventures she went on since arriving to Fynne. Fighting Scolo, doing an insane test with zero training, fighting Kin and unleashing her fire. She survived Mila’s wrath. Ran away twice, fighting Croun, and monsters in the mountain. She fought Gargore, and fought Others during a midnight ambush. She even defeated a vixlore, even though it was an injured hatchling. “Okay, you got me.”

He released a hearty chortle, entering the courtyard from a wide side entrance. Arin followed, shielding her eyes from the usual brilliant light the sun had to offer.

Several Crimsons were in the second courtyard training. Mila, Kilin, a somewhat familiar disguised man, and Hawthorne were stationed in the center, talking amongst themselves. Arin focused on her temporary adversary. He was wearing thick armor, glistening in the open sun. His helmet rested under his arm. Hawthorne’s wings unfurled when he saw the two approach.

Coyasko stopped near the three, doing a quick bow. The four returned it.

“So, Arin. Are you ready, well that is if you know what is going on?” Mila questioned as Hawthorne slipped his helmet over his narrow head. She nodded avoiding eye contact. “Hawthorne, go easy—”

“No, don’t go easy. I want you to give it your all. Training needs to be taken seriously, don’t treat me like a little girl.”

Hawthorne shrugged, unbuckling a gigantic sword from his belt. “If you say so, Arin.”

Arin readied her sword and shield, positioning herself in her battle stance. She aimed her shield at Hawthorne, sword pointed to the dry ground. Hawthorne charged first, swinging his blade onto Arin. She stepped out of the way, eyes glued onto the weapon. He would probably use that the most.

As Hawthorne lifted the blade to attack again Arin charged forward, thrusting her sword at his stomach. Her weapon only scratched the armor Unable to knock Hawthorne over, she lost her balance and stumbled forward.

Hawthorne secured his burly arms around Arin. She struggled momentarily before stopping. He sighed, “and you’ve just been captured by the Others.”

“Not funny.”

Hawthorne released her, taking a few steps back. Mila came forward. “That shield will protect you. Hawthorne, hammer it.”

Arin slipped the shield off of her sweaty forearm and rested the spherical shape on the ground. Hawthorne aimed his sword high before slamming it against the alien metal. Training Crimsons screamed at the turbulent bang.

Training stopped as everyone tried to figure out what happened. Arin gawked at the small dent in the shield. All of that power and it only caused something so little.

“Thank you, Hawthorne.” Mila lifted the shield off the grass before handing it to Arin again. “This is your friend, I promise. Metal here is a lot stronger compared to the Reality Dimension’s ores. Try again. You’re smart, you can figure out where to hit him.”

“A dragon is coming,” the concealed Crimson interrupted. “I can sense him from here. He comes alone.”

Mila nodded, “Arin, go inside.”

“It may be a spy reporting back. Some are supposed to return these next few days,” Kilin concluded.

“I believe it is Croun. His dragon matches the speed of this one. They are over the forest now.”

“What do I do?”

“Stay with us, it’s too late now. Don’t do anything stupid.”

A dragon roared above. Mila waved at the Crimsons training. “Go inside, don’t take shelter. Some of you get on the balconies with bows and be ready.”

The courtyard cleared out. Arin moved closer to Coyasko and Kilin for comfort.

Croun is going to do something bad. He must know that I’m a Child of Destiny. Darn it, Loid.

Kilin grasped her hand, “you’re shaking. It’ll be okay, I promise. Don’t assume the worst for everything.”

An intermediate sized dragon soared above the Crimsons. It veered around before diving to the Crimsons. They unsheathed their weapons while Kilin pulled her close. The dragon landed with grace before bowing her head to them.

Croun dismounted his partner. Arin straightened when Croun was on the ground. He approached the Crimsons with an audacious gait, his hood masked his identity.

“I request an audience with you,” Croun announced.

“Get out of here! How could you think I would want to talk to you uninvited?!” Mila sneered.

Croun laughed pointing to Arin. “Maybe I should be more specific, I request an audience with the Fire of Truth!” Everyone glanced her before moving in front of her, creating a shield. Arin dropped her own shield as she trembled. “I see that you are recovering from the last . . . incident.”

“Shut up and tell me what you want!” Arin thundered, voice cracking. Croun howled, doubling over. Arin pressed herself closer to Kilin.

“All I want to see is your Mark, Fire of Truth. This is a historical time, I must make sure Kin was truthful. My right to see history unfold should not be denied.”

“Yes, I am the Fire of Truth, now leave!”

Still laughing, Croun added, “and you’re a master with merging? I mean you did it once but can you do it again?”

“Kin would know, pester him with your questions,” Arin spat folding her arms against her chest looking away.

“If you say so.” Croun turned and began to approach his mount. Arin noticed the dragon’s shadow shift and bend.

Arin tugged on Kilin’s shirt before pointing at the moving shadow. “Guys, the dragon’s shadow is moving.”

Croun stopped, half-turning to the Crimsons. “Right you are. You two know what to do.”

Two streaks of black darted across the ground, they were living shadows. Kilin pressed her head into his stomach as the two shadows circled the Crimsons.

“Arin, run as soon as you can!”

“But—”

“Do as I say!” Mila demanded.

The two . . . things closed in on the Crimsons, disappearing into Hawthorne and Coyasko’s shadow. They both dropped their weapons, shaking their heads in a frenzy. The things were invading their minds.

“Coyasko! Hawthorne!”

They stopped struggling against it, picking their weapons up again in a slow movement. Arin held her breath. Were they under mind control? Were they free?

Hawthorne released a shrill cry before approaching Arin, one hand outstretched to grab her. No . . . please no.

Coyasko released lightning from his fingertips striking Arin. She was thrown back. Everything was black for a few moments as she was airborne. On the ground Arin wheezed for air, holding her stomach as her limbs tingled. She couldn’t feel most of her body, she was numb.

While she was lying on the ground the Crimsons fought against each other. Arin opened her eyes, vision blurry. She could make out Croun walking up to her.

“Well, that looked painful,” he chuckled kneeling next to her. She couldn’t gather the strength to look at him. “Don’t worry when we get back to the capital I’ll have my chefs make you some food. Food always helps me when I’m electrocuted by Crimsons.”

He’s evil. He’s taunting me. Hurt him like they did to Oshwa and Otara.

She forced her arms under her chest, to make herself stand. Never before had her body wobbled so much. Someone tackled Croun, it was probably Kilin.

“You monster! Stay away from her!” Kilin fumed. “Don’t you dare touch my niece!”

As the two began to fight, Arin managed to stand straight again. She savored the accomplishment before plotting her next move. Croun’s partner was closing in on the Crimsons. Mila and the anonymous Crimson were successfully defending themselves against the possessed Coyasko and Hawthorne. Would they be able to fight a dragon as well?

I have to help. They’ll never win on their own. Maybe I can help knock the two back into their common sense. How though? Hawthorne beat me in a simple spar and Coyasko almost killed me just now.

“The shadows are what possessed them. Think, what destroys shadows?”

Light.

“And how do you plan on taking down Hawthorne?” the Green Phoenix whispered. “Focus, Arin.”

She watched Hawthorne fight, he was vulnerable whenever he swung his sword. He relied on his legs for balance.

“I think I see it.”

Arin bolted forward, grabbing the shield on the ground before launching her fire forward with her other hand. The possessed Crimsons endured the attack before turning to her.

“Arin, no! Go!”

Gritting her teeth, she released more fire at them. “Mila! I need you to trust me.”

“Arin, you know nothing about combat.”

She glared at him before unleashing her fire at Hawthorne’s legs. He stumbled back releasing several caws. The fire lingered in the tall grass, creating a temporary wall.

The dragon stood over the fighting Crimsons, watching them like a vulture. Mila turned his attention to the great reptile, sighing.

“Mila, I’ll take care of the dragon!” The unnamed Crimson summoned lilac shards of ice from the air, hurling the spikes at the dragon.

Mila focused on Coyasko again. The two locked swords. Arin and Hawthorne stared at one another. His royal purple eyes were the same, yet they appeared hollow.

Hawthorne released a gust of air from an open hand. Arin lost her balance and fell back. Her eyes stung from the piercing cold wind. His armor clattered together as he advanced forward, vulnerable to any attacks.

Arin thrust her fist forward, fire launching to him. He was scorched but his armor defended him. Arin scrambled to her feet releasing more streams of scarlet fire.

He screeched, charging straight through the flames. Arin ducked as he reached out to seize her neck. She released a blistering ember at his legs. The combustion heated the metal, hopefully burning him. Hawthorne fell on top of her, her breath gone. Arin tried to inhale only gaining the bitter scent of smoking feathers. The weight was too much for her small stature. Arin squirmed from under him, gasping for air as she dragged herself away.

Mila rushed to her side, pulling Arin out from under the fallen Pure Avillian. The two backed away as the possessed Coyasko staggered up to them. Hawthorne stood again as well, but now had a limp.

“Mila, please.”

“Okay fine. What is your idea?”

“They were possessed through their shadows, right?”

Immediately Mila understood. “It’s worth a try.”

As he charged a sphere of light in his hands Coyasko unleashed lightning at the vulnerable Mila, throwing him back. Arin gasped watching her fallen ally collapse a few feet away. She turned back to Coyasko and Hawthorne.

Arin summoned a jet of fire, aimed at Hawthorne’s shadow. The Pure Avillian hurdled forward, swinging his sword onto Arin. She sidestepped out of the way.

“Hawthorne! Wake up!” Arin pleaded. He slashed his sword sideways, smacking it into the shield Arin hid behind. The blow threw her back, her muscles tingling again. She gasped, sitting back on her knees. Hawthorne approached her, twirling the handle in his talons.

“Stay away!” Mila roared, a beam of light came from his hands engulfing Coyasko. Almost immediately Coyasko collapsed, motionless on the ground. “It is the shadow controlling him!”

Hawthorne brought his sword onto Arin again. She screamed holding the shield above her.

There was a bright flash.

Something heavy fell on Arin’s shield. She peeked from her hiding place, Hawthorne was out cold as well. His sword lied next to her.

Croun’s partner hissed jumping back from the Crimsons, the ground shaking with her movement. The lone Crimson sheathed his sword.

Mila turned to Croun. Above Crimsons appeared on the balconies, aiming bows at him.

“Oh my.”

“You stay away from her,” Kilin snarled. “You have two seconds to leave before I burn your face off.”

“Don’t give him a head start. Get him now!” Mila ordered, charging to Croun.

Croun rushed to his dragon’s side, holding his Rainbow Shard high. As he changed into his powerful form, he spread his wings wide, lifting off.

“I see you have sworn allegiance with the Crimsons. You will regret that, Arin. I could have given you peace—”

“Get out of here!”

Croun snarled, taking off into the afternoon sky. Arin remained on her knees, her body continued twitching from the lightning. Kilin scrambled to her side, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” He brushed her hair out of her face, worry clouded his eyes.

“Just a few scratches . . . and a lot of tingling and numbness from lightning.” She smiled a little.

He submerged his laugh through a violent coughing fit. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I promise.”

She nodded, “what will happen to Coyasko and Hawthorne?”

“I have no idea,” Mila began, examining Hawthorne’s limp body. “For some reason, only I could stop them.”

“Haters of light, moves with the shadow. It sounds like an Abyssal. I read about them in a book,” Arin concluded.

“She’s probably right. Mila, what do we do?” the anonymous Crimson asked. “Abyssals are weak to light and move through shadows. How can we prevent this, especially during night?”

“Add torches everywhere. I’ll start training all photokinetics about how to defeat these Abyssals.”

“What should I do?” I want to help. It’s my destiny after all.

“Nothing, stay put and safe. If an Abyssal were to possess you . . .” Mila cleared his throat. “Stay in your room with your friends. That is an order.”

Arin frowned, folding her arms against her chest. “That’s not fair.”

“Don’t argue with him. Mila, Kilin, let’s help these two inside.”

Mila managed to lift Coyasko up on his own while the other two supported the cumbersome Hawthorne off the ground. Arin remained on the ground, heart still racing, as the Crimsons made their way inside. Everyone on the balcony began to clear out as well, leaving Arin all alone.

“Don’t worry about it,” the Green Phoenix mumbled in her mind. “It’ll get better soon. I promise.”

Easy for you to say. I’m done for a day. Arin stood, body swaying at first. She trudged inside, wiping grass off of her as she made her way back to her room.