I pull away from Jake looking at everyone. “Where are we? What’s going on?” Zona gets up moving to the door.

“I will keep watch for now. Fill her in on what happened.” I hear the door open and Zona leaves. Jake looks at me.

“When you blacked out, a group soldiers decided to jump us. With all us being exhausted from the fight, we were able to get away barely. I didn’t see it coming. We found this house further into the Northern Mountains and we’ve been hiding out until you woke up.” I look at him confusion feeling my face.

“How long was I out?” Jake frowns ever so slightly.

“Four days now.” I frown surprised.

“Wow..” I pause thinking back to Grant. “I need to find someone to fix me.” He slowly nods.

“Yes, you do.” I frown slightly.

“How do you know that I have Grant inside me?” He pauses confused.

“What? Grant is inside you?”

“Yea? I was locked in a battle for my body apparently.” Jake looks like he is piecing it together.

“Ashley.. You need to look in the mirror.” I frown getting up. I feel weak for a second grabbing onto Jake. Jake helps me to the mirror and I almost don’t recognize at the person staring back at me. The person staring back at me has white hair with hints of red at the end of them. My once light green eyes are several shades whiter. My skin is clear of my freckles. I almost look like a ghost. Just at the tip of my collar bone, a large black symbol covers most of my chest. It says claimed. I frown letting go of Jake.

“How.. But I won..” Jake comforts me as I turn to him.

“It was worse yesterday.” I frown at the thought of that.

“.. Alright. I am going to go talk to Father.” Before Jake can say anything, I close my eyes focusing on Father. Just as I feel like I am going, I get a flash of tendrils preventing from leaving. I stumble into Jake’s arms. I cling to him trying to control my emotions. “I can’t do it.” Jake looks down at me.

“We will find this person to fix you. Any idea on where they are?” I frown shaking my head no. He hugs me close. “We will find them. I promise.” I hug him back enjoying the warmth I feel from him. I hold onto him trying to find any warmth on him.

For the next week, we begin the search for the person who can fix me. My magic is not fully accessible, so we won’t be able to defeat him without. All know that we must find a way and I am the only person who can do it. I tell James everything that happened with him. He doesn’t remember anything. I slowly find out that he was just being controlled by Doctor Roasland using James blood. So, no serious damage has been done to him. However, when James doesn’t think anyone is looking. His body slightly starts to shake. I’ve decided against telling the others what I know, because knowing them they would charge headfirst trying to fight him. Zona has been going further out each day with her being the only one who can travel long distances thanks to her magic. We’ve bonded closer this week. It’s a little staying in one place even for a few days. If it wasn’t for Grant stuck inside me, it would be more enjoyable. James keeps trying to sneak out in the middle of the night trying to find a nearby tribe. At the end of the week, James comes walking in from the cold. The house we are in was apparently a couple who decided to try to live up here in the mountains. It is cozy for the most part.

“I found the tribe.” I look up from the kitchen table. I push aside my plate full of food. My consumption for food has gone down. I force myself to eat in front of them, so they won’t worry. The issue is that another hunger keeps rising.

“Where are they at?” James rubs his arms trying to warm up.

“They are in a nearby cave. There is a large snowstorm in the distance, so they are hunkering down for the night. I think if we go now, we can make it.” Jake walks in from the bedroom. He comes over to me without looking at James. Some unspoken anger hangs between them still.

“Can they help her?” James frowns slightly nodding.

“Yes. From what I understand, they aren’t as savage as we were led to believe.” Jake frowns slightly coming over to me.

“What do you think?” I stand up heading to the bedroom.

“We are going. I am going to change into something warmer.” I enter the bedroom and change with layers. I come out with Jake in his armor waiting for me. We head outside with nasty storm clouds in the distance. Over the roar of the wind, I hear James call out.

“I am heading that way!” He starts to march through the snow as Jake takes ahold of my hand. He leads me following James. The wind picks up harder as we get hit a strong wind blast. I grip onto Jake trying to keep my balance. We keep going until a large cave can be seen in the distance. We barely get there by the time the snowstorm hits. I look around inside the cave trying to warm up. James points down the cave.

“They should be further into the cave.” Before we know it, torches are lit blinding us. Once I gain my eyesight back, I see a group of men in furs holding spears. A larger looking man steps forward with a strange bone saw in his hand. Jake steps forward drawing his sword. The large man has green tattoo’s covering his chest.

“Why do you come here?” His voice booms out through the cave. Jake acts protective of me as James slightly approaches the man.

“We are looking for someone to help our friend.” The man looks at James as snaps his fingers. The men step forward with their spears raised.

“We don’t accept outsiders. You will be..” One of the men get closer to me and Jake swipes his sword cutting the spear tip off. A gasp from the man as he drops the rest of the spear. The large man growls as the rest of the men start yelling. A loud explosion can be heard from behind us causing the men to stop. I look behind to see Zona walking through a steam.

“I didn’t know that there was going to be a snowstorm.” A few men gasp dropping their spears. All them start to bow seeing Zona. The large man pauses looking at Zona.

“Rising Sun has returned.” I get a look of confusion on my face as Zona pauses looking shocked.

We get lead through the cave going further into the cave. Jake stays between them and me. I back up to Zona. “What’s this Rising Sun thing they keep saying?” Zona still looks shocked at me.

“A few years ago, a tribe found me and helped me. They started to call me that before I left. I guess it spread.”

“Yea.. I guess.” They lead us into a large cave system. Tents are set up around the cave flooring. Most of the people are women and children. They are wearing clothing that are like what the men are wearing. More people start to comment on Zona being the Rising Sun. The men stop going into the crowd. James, Jake, Zona and I stand in the center of a large circle as savages surround us. Jake steps toward me.

“I don’t like this.” Zona rolls her eyes at him.

“They won’t hurt anyone Jake.”

“You don’t know what they can do to one of us.” An older looking woman walks out of a large tent. I notice Zona pause getting excited. She runs over to the woman hugging her in a tight embrace. The woman his silver unkempt hair. Silver animal furs cover most of her body. She uses a large oak carrying stick.

“You survived the werewolf attack?” She shakes her head smiling happily after being let go.

“An old woman still knows her tricks Rising Sun. Come bring your friends.” The woman enters the large tent again and I get a rise in my dull pain in the back of my head. I rub my head going into the tent having everyone in the camp stare at me. The tent has strange hangings and totems around it. The woman heads over to a fire sitting down next to it. She looks at Zona as Zona sits down next to her. “We have much to discuss Rising Sun. However, that will come later.” Zona smiles nodding.

“Of course. You can definitely help our friend.” The old woman looks over to the three of us. She frowns pointing to Jake.

“I cannot help him. His path has already been decided.” Jake removes his helmet frowning at the woman.

“I am not the person you are supposed to help.” The woman pauses looking at James. She blinks looking him over.

“I can make something to stop the nightmares child.” James frowns slowly motioning his head over to me.

“She is the person who needs your help..” I look at James growing worried about him. The woman looks at me.

“Hmm… Yes. It will be a process. I mix the proper things together.” Jake lets out a sigh of relief. “For now, you three must leave us so we can start.” She stands up going to a few baskets behind her. Jake frowns more.

“I am not..” He pauses once I grab ahold of his hand.

“I will be fine Jake. I promise.” The woman turns back with a bowl in her hand. She points toward James.

“You boy can go help the men with cutting firewood.” James pauses for a second looking at us. Zona gives him a look to do what he is told. He huffs leaving the tent. The woman points to Jake. “Go defend the cave opening. Monsters will be looking for an easy meal with the storm coming.” Jake growls slightly stomping out. Zona heads to the tent opening.

“I will try to help people out around the camp.” The woman nods as Zona leaves. The woman starts to mix things in her bowl as I stand there awkwardly.

“You can sit sick one”. I slowly sit looking at her.

“How are you going to fix me?” The woman dumps some red goo into the bowl continuing to mix the bowl together.

“Cleansing the body will hard. You will fight hard long nights, but you will be able to do it.” She looks up at me. “You will need to stay away from food and sleep the best you can. Giving in for anything can cause you to go off the path of recovering.” I nod listening carefully to the instructions. After she stops mixing the materials, she hands the bowl to me. “Drink.” I drink from the bowl. The liquid feels like fire going down into my stomach. I cough trying get the burning sensation out of my throat. Once it slowly leaves, I start to feel better. I notice that I’ve become dull to the world. “Drink this every couple of hours. Soon sickness will be gone.” I nod.

“.. Thank you..” She looks away going back to making more.

“Occupy your days here. Don’t think about the process. One final warning, don’t have fear inside. Thing will attach to it.” I nod leaving the tent slowly. I look around to see Zona showing off for a few children in a corner of the cave. I smile deciding to go see Jake. I get to Jake who stands at the opening of the cave looking into the snowstorm.

“Hey. I am feeling better...” He turns to look at me.

“Good. I was worried about you.” He hugs me tight holding me close.

“I was worried about you too.” Jake looks down at me giving me a look.

“Really?” I pause looking up at him. I stand on my tiptoes kissing him on the cheek. He blinks as his face gets red.

“Yes. Really.” He fully smiles for the first time hugging me tight. One step at a time.

The days in the cave is agonizing for me. The medicine itself causing me extreme pain, but once the pain passes, I feel extremely better. Zona has taken up playing and teaching the children of the tribe. She looks better than ever. So that’s always a plus. James has bonded with some of the members of the tribe also. They have him some furs so that he can go hunting with them. Apparently, James is good at tracking animals. However, with the snowstorm that is still going on outside the cave, hunting has been small. Jake hasn’t left the cave opening much. He only comes farther into the cave to get food or see me. The people whisper things like the black knight or the death bringer. Whenever I ask one of them, they stop talking about it. With the fourth day approaching, I start to get a weird feeling inside me. I feel like a battle is raging inside of me.

I sit up from my sleeping spot holding my stomach. A sharp pain shoots through my body for a few more seconds before stopping. I take a breath standing up. “Soon you will be out of me Grant. So, you can stop throwing a fit.” I stretch my back going toward the opening of my tent. I poke my head outside to see people setting up a large bonfire. I become interested walking out to investigate. I see the old woman who has been helping to sit on a makeshift chair. I go to her. “Hey what are you guys doing?” She looks at me looking me up and down.

“Celebration for the return of Rising Sun. You look better, by the time we have the celebration tonight. You should be cured.” I smile revealed. I frown seeing her hand me the bowl. “Last dose.” I frown drinking the bowl. My body shudders trying to keep the drink down. I will never get use to that drink.

“Thank you. for everything.”

“Don’t thank me. For I only do what is necessary to help the balance.” I go to ask her what she means but I see James.

“Um.. be right back..” I leave going over to James. James smiles seeing me as he wipes some sweat off his head. He is building a large table. “I didn’t know you could build things.”

“It’s something I picked up here and there. This place is awesome.” I roll my eyes leaning against the table.

“Yea. You got to go do all the cool stuff while I drank some weird liquid.” He goes back to working on the table.

“Eh at least you are going to get better.” I smile happy that he is getting better. He looks back up at me pausing. “Looks like someone is here for you.” I pause looking around to see Jake. I smile really happy but pause looking at James. He rolls his eyes waving his hand. “Go. I need to finish a few more tables.”

“Thank you, James.” I run over to Jake jumping into his arms. He catches me with a surprised look on his face.

“Guessing someone is feeling better?” I nod hugging him. I pause getting an idea in my head.

“Hey.. Do you want to come with me to the celebration tonight?” He pauses giving me a look.

“You need to focus on getting better.” I huff slightly.

“The old lady said I would be better by the time of the party. Plus, once I have my magic back underneath my control, I will talk to Father seeing what I need to do next.” He thinks on it for a moment and I start to give him puppy dog eyes. “Please?” He sighs giving in.

“Fine. I will do it.” I smile getting excited.

“Great. Go put on those clothes you bought from a while back. I am going to go find Zona.”

“Alright. Just focus on getting better alright?” I nod walking away from him. This is perfect. We hadn’t had a date night in.. I pause getting extremely warm throughout my body.

“..Did.. I..” A tribe member walk past me and one bumps into me. I look and see Grant staring at me. I frown taking a step back. I blink seeing a man with fur coverings on. He bows his head walking away from me. I frown slightly holding my head. “Just a few more hours. I can do this.” I walk the cave system trying to find Zona. I smell smoke coming from down a tunnel. I follow it to see Zona giving a show for a group of children. Most are young girls. Thinking about it. For everyone man, there are about triple the number of children and woman. Zona makes a wolf appear with the flames.

“The wolf was annoying at first, but the bird learned that the wolf only wanted what was best for it.” She makes the wolf circle around a tiny bird defending it, having the bird sleep on top of it, and lick it. “So, the moral of the story is to never think you don’t deserve love children.” A few of the children boo as Zona smiles. She makes a dragon out of the flames and blows fire on the rock wall. The children scream with joy as Zona leaves them laughing. She pauses seeing me. “Oh, hey Ashley. What’s up?”

“Could you help me with something?” She nods.

“Sure. Let’s walk and talk.” We start to walk back to larger portion of the camp. The children follow behind from a distance.

“I need help dressing up a little tonight for..”

“Jake?” I feel myself blush.

“Maybe.” Zona rolls her smirking.

“Sure, but once you get better, I need you to try to find Lupa again.” I pause gulping slightly.

“Um.. sure. I will try.” She leads me to her tent. We enter but before she closes the tent flip, she shoos away the children.

“I would never think I would be the one who would love children. Lupa always seemed to be the one who would do that. Anyway.” she goes to her bag pulling out a few items of clothing. She holds it up to me looking and seeing. “Hmm.” She pauses for a second. “There is no way I would still have it.” She goes to another bag digging into it. She pulls out clothing that looks like what many of the tribe members wear. It looks to be red fox fur with a white trim. “They made it for me while I was here last. I think it can fit you.” I take it changing into it. She pauses whistling slightly.

“Wow. I thought I pulled that off but that was definitely made for you.” It fits perfectly but it is a little revealing. Also, there isn’t as much room in the chest area as I thought there would be.

“Are you sure it isn’t too. Revealing?” I know my face gets red because Zona begins to laugh at me.

“Of course not. Jake is going to love it. Now come on and let's help people set up for the party.” I smile nodding with her. She heads to the door, but I stop feeling a hand grab my shoulder.

“Ashley Price. I am finally able too..” I look at Zona.

“Hey. could you give me a minute?” Zona turns back to me.

“Sure thing.” She leaves the tent as I frown turning to Grant. He looks sickly but back to his old evil self.

“No. I am almost better Grant. You won’t be able to do anything about it.” He glares at me trying to strangle me. I jump but realize that he can’t do anything to me. I smirk slightly knocking his hands off me. “I told you Grant. There is nothing you can do.” For the first time, I see Grant have panic in his eyes. I turn from him heading to the tent flip. I look back to see Grant gone. I take a breath going to help set up the rest of the celebration. Once everything is set up, I go to find Jake. People have already started to drink a strong-smelling alcohol. Zona plays with a few children and James sits with a group of men drinking with them. I bump into Jake who has cleaned up for the event. I pause getting a warm feeling spreading through me. He looks at me looking slightly shocked.

“You look nice Ashley.” I smile blushing. I grab ahold of his arm leaning against him.

“You look great Jake.” I lead him to the party. We sit at one of the tables James built and we get brought drinks and food. Before we know it, James slides across from us looking happy. Zona slides in next to him having a drink in her hand.

“A toast to finally being able to relax for once.” Zona puts his drink up. We cling our cups together proceeding to drink it. It isn’t as strong as I thought but I smile slightly cuddling up to Jake. I pause noticing Grant lean against the cave wall. He looks to be withering away. I sigh remembering his good self.

“I will be right back.” I stand up walking through the party. Everyone seems to be happy a great time. I get a feeling of belonging that I haven’t felt in my entire life. I get to Grant he glares looking up at me.

“Curse you Ashley Price.” I sigh rolling my eyes annoyed at him.

“Grant. This is for the best. The only way I can keep my promise to you is to get rid of you.” He coughs having black smoke escape from his mouth. I shake my head sitting down next to him.

“Once I defeat the source, I will try my best to figure out a way to help you and your sister.” Grant turns his face toward me.

“That will never…” He stops after hearing Zona speak up.

“She’s not dead guys. I’ve been keeping quiet for the longest time, but Ashley told me that she was alive.” He pauses with a slow smile spreading across his face. Something rips through me as Grant stands up looking better than ever.

“.. so this is how she finds out? Guessing I won’t be leaving then.” He disappears as Zona looks around for me as I grip my stomach feeling my senses slowly leave me. I stumble slowly over to Zona as she smiles at me. A few people look at me concerned causing me to tighten my grip on my outfit.

“Ashley. Tell them that Lupa is alive.” A group of people have gathered staring at me. James doesn’t look up from his cup and Jake looks ready to grab Zona at any minute.

“I did see Lupa.” The group of people start mutter in confusion as the old woman slowly walks toward us.

“What is going on here? This is a celebration for the Rising Sun not a screaming match.” Zona sighs happily with a feeling of desperation coming from her voice.

“You would know it. Tell that Lupa is alive.” Zona tosses her hands up a little and a few small fires brighten nearby. The old woman pauses realizing the lie I told. She frowns looking at Zona shaking her no.

“I am sorry Rising Sun, but The Last Herald is gone.” Zona gets confused looking at me.

“Ashley why are they lying?” I frown feeling guilt spill out of me. I slowly walk to Zona as Zona’s face loses all emotion. “.. You lied.” Jake stands up going to grab Zona. A bright flash of light sends Jake flying through a group of people lodging him into the wall. The people scatter screaming. James stands up getting between me and Zona.

“Zona. You need to calm.” Another bright flash of light sends James crashing into his table. Tears slowly run-down Zona’s face.

“Did you lie Ashley.” Her voice is void of emotion.

“Zona.. I..” The great bonfire lights up with red flames. Zona takes her hand running it over her face.

“I actually believed you.” A few nearby tables light on fire. “I trusted you.” The food and drinks catch on fire. “YOU TOLD ME SHE WASN’T DEAD!” The tents begin to catch on fire. The old woman starts to direct people to get out of here. People run screams as wind starts to flow toward Zona.

“I did it to help you Zona!” One of her eyes go orange as she cocks her head.

“Help me?” Flames shoot out from Zona causing two giant holes to form around her. “You only help yourself and that monster.” Jake appears between me and Zona. He is wearing his armor with his sword drawn.

“Run Ashley. I will hold her off.” Zona starts to laugh uncontrollably. Jake goes to slash her, but a large wave of fire engulfs him.

“Zona stop! Please don’t hurt him!” Her other eye goes orange as an evil grin appears on her face.

“You don’t understand the pain I am experiencing. I can change that.” I see Jake’s armor start to melt as he marches toward Zona. I must do something. Grant appears next to me crossing his arms across his chest looking amused.

“I could help you Ashley Price. All you have to do is agree to my conditions.”

“Not now Grant! Zona. I saw Lupa. She told me..” A firebolt flies hitting me in the shoulder. I grip my shoulder in pain.

“I don’t believe your lies anymore Ashley.” I look up to see Jake drops his sword as the flames burn hotter. Grant appears in front of me.

“You are going to let the love of your life die. You have the ability to stop her.” I begin to panic. I try run through all the ways to get out of this as I hear Jake grunt in pain. I look up at Grant giving him. I can’t lose him.

“Deal.” Grant smirks as Zona’s fire turns off.

“Go grab her head like you did me.” I rush toward Zona. She looks confused rising her hand at me.

“Die.” I grab her head staring into her eyes. Her memories flow into me, I stop confused on what Grant expects me to do. However, I feel Grant take control. Her memories start to fade and distort them. Black tendrils start to wrap around certain memories engulfing them. A few starts to rip some from them. Brief moments of pain hit me as Zona starts to slack in my arms.

“Grant! What are you doing to her?” I hear Grant’s voice in the back of my head.

“Stopping her once and for all.” I feel myself come back to my body as I stare into Zona’s eyes. The orange in her eyes fade as she stares into me looking dull. She blinks a few times falling to the ground looking completely confused. I take a few steps back trying to stop the pain in my head and shoulder.

“Zona..” She looks up at with light green eyes. Her hair slowly fades to a dark black hair. She looks around confused and scared.

“Where am I? Who are you?” Her voice is softer and scared. What did I do to you?

Zona backs away from everything hiding behind a turned over table. I hold my head having Grant’s voice boom into it. “I will deal with you later.” I look over to Jake see him slowly standing up. His armor has started to repair itself, but it looks slow. I run over to him.

“Jake. Are you okay?” Jake looks at me standing straight up.

“It doesn’t matter. What happened to Zona?” I pause looking over to the table. She is barely peeking out from behind it. Once we lock eyes with her, she hides behind it again.

“I don’t know what I did Jake. Grant took control and...” Jake grabs me making him look at me.

“Grant’s still inside you?” I frown nodding. “I thought he was...” I look away from him.

“I know Jake.” I pause hearing James groan. I run over to him as he holds his ribs. He looks up at me.

“What happened?” I help him up as Jake walks over to us.

“Ashley stopped Zona somehow.” James pauses shocked.

“You did?” I frown going to speak but a few of the tribe members start to come back. The men with their spears draw march toward Zona. Zona lets out a small scream running over to us. She hides behind me as James and Jake look at me confused. Jake tries to look at Zona.

“Zona. What..” She hugs onto me barely whispering to me.

“I want to go home.” The old woman approaches the group frowning.

“All of you need to leave at once. You’ve caused enough damage already.” I frown trying to go to her.

“Please if you..” The men get in front of her rising their spears. Jake steps forward but I turn to him. “We need to go.” I turn to Zona. “Hey. I need you to let go of me so we can leave.” She looks at me looking terrified. She nods letting go. I lead the group toward the opening of the cave. The snowstorm has slowed down to the point we can at least leave the cave. Before leaving the cave, Jake heals the group enough to where we won’t be burden by our injuries in our trip back to the cabin. We leave the cave trying to head back to the cabin. It takes a while making sure everyone stays together. We finally get back to the cabin. I go to the fireplace trying to start a fire. James heads to the kitchen to get some food ready. Jake watches Zona and she sits on a chair looking down. Once the fire is started, I head over to Zona. “Hey.. Zona.. are you okay?” She looks at me confused.

“Yes… but where are we?” Jake frowns sitting down in one of the other chairs.

“What do you remember Zona?” Zona shrinks a little moving away from Jake.

“I.. um.. remember being.. punished and passing out. Where is the rest of kids?” I look at her confused feeling something rattle around in my head. This overwhelming power bubbling up in me causes me to stumble to the window. I get brief flashes of taking something away from Zona. Jake looks toward me concerned.

“Ashley are you alright?” I nod trying to get this feeling of awfulness to leave me. James comes in with some soup.

“Here we need to eat this, so we won’t get sick.” I come back to the table sitting down looking at the soup. I slowly eat it without looking at Zona. Zona looks confused at the soup trying it. She looks at James.

“..Thank you..” He pauses for a second.

“Um.. anytime.. Zona..” He makes eyes at me and moves them to the kitchen. James and I get up heading to the kitchen. Jake stays with Zona to watch her. “What is going on with her?” I frown looking away from him.

“I.. think I took her memories.” He looks at me shocked.

“You can do that?” I feel myself starting to get upset. I look up him trying to not to burst into tears.

“I don’t know James. Grant was talking. Jake looked like he was dying. You were hurt. I just.. reacted. Without any thought.” James sighs leaning up against the wall. He leans his head against it trying to think of something.

“What now?”

“Now? I must figure out a way to help Zona. Find a way to get Grant out of me. And defeat Lord Lionheart.” James rubs his arm as I notice his hand starting to shake slightly.

“Maybe I can help you.” I swallow slightly going to him. I place my hand over his shaking my head no.

“No James. I still know something is wrong.” He looks away confirming what I thought.

“I am fine Ashley. It’s just…” He looks back at me. “Sometimes I fill something just out of reach trying to take control.” I look at him trying to calm him down.

“James…” He shakes his head looking at me like his old self.

“Anyway, I might be able to do something to help. Maybe I can get Grant out of you, or maybe allow you to talk to Father. We won’t know until we try.” I give him a look.

“I am not risking it James. Besides when was the last time you used fresh blood?” He moves away from me going to the sink.

“Four months.” I follow him to it.

“And how many vials do you have left?” He frowns more.

“..one.”

“Exactly. Two of us are already missed up. Jake won’t admit it, but he is still losing his magic. We don’t need you out of commission either.” James sighs leaving the kitchen.

“If we don’t do something soon, we will be in major trouble.” I go over to the counter ledge. Leaning my body next to it.

“This is..” I hear Grant’s voice ring out in the kitchen.

“Hello Miss Price. I am here to collect on our deal.” I frown trying to block out his voice.

“Shut up Grant. I am not..” I stop as Grant appears in front of me. He smiles a toothy grin as he bends down to my height.

“There is a nearby tribe that might have a body for me.” I turn away from him.

“Let me deal with one thing at a time Grant.” I feel him grab my shoulder as his touch sends chills down my spine.

“I would do something soon or I will just have to take your body.” I frown facing him.

“Last time I checked.” He is gone by the time I fully face him. “.. I won that fight.” I sigh going back to the living room. Zona smiles slightly eating the rest of her soup. She looks at me as I sit down.

“So.. That is Ashley?” I nod forcing a smile.

“Yes.. I’m Ashley.” Jake has removed his armor and I notice a scar of a burn on the side of his neck. So, he isn’t fully healing anymore. Great. Jake looks at me.

“We are in bad situation here Ashley.” I huff laying my head against the table.

“I know.” Jake places his hand on the back of my neck rubbing it slightly. A knock can be heard on the door causing Jake to stand up drawing his sword. Zona gets scared hiding underneath the table. James frown getting up going over to the door. I stand up getting lightheaded sitting back down. James opens the door grabbing the person from outside throwing him to the floor. Jake goes to strike the man but stops staring at the man shocked. “It can’t be..” The man dusts off brown robes standing up. He removes his hood to show a cleanly shaved head. He glares at James with annoyance in his gray eyes.

“That was unbelievably rude boy. Do you have any idea who I am?” James makes a face looking at both of us.

“Should I know this guy?” The man turns around looking at Jake and me. Jake glares at the man putting his sword away.

“How are you alive Aleem?” The man smiles somewhat cocky.

“I could ask you the same thing Lion.” Wait… Aleem?

“Wait.. so this guy is Aleem? Aren’t you supposed to be-” Aleem cuts off James as Aleem looks around the room looking down on it.

“Dead? Yes. However, thanks to Father. I was able to come back and help you get back on the right track.” Jake glares at Aleem as he lays eyes on him. “It seems you still have some anger towards me Lion. I would recommend that you figure that out soon.” Jake stomps outside. I go to follow him but Aleem stops me. “You are the new Seer it looks like.” He looks me up and down. “Hmm.. I’ve seen better.” I pause getting annoyed.

“How? I am the only one in existence.” He smirks sitting down at the table.

“As of right now, you are. However, I’ve lived longer than any of you could possibly think of. Now where is Zona?” Zona pops her head out from underneath the table. There is a change in his demeanor looking at her. He smiles looking genuinely happy. “It’s nice to see you again Zona.” She gets back in her chair looking confused.

“.. Who are you?” Aleem pauses his eyes getting wide. He thinks for a second and glares looking at me.

“You took her memories?!” I hold up my hands in defense.

“I didn’t know what I was doing!” He rolls his eyes standing up.

“Well.. what are you waiting for? Give them back to her.” I start to get very annoyed with him.

“I don’t know how. Even if I wanted too..” I get a feeling of coldness over me. I rub my arms trying to warm up. Aleem looks to James.

“Boy. I need some food.” He looks back at me. “I need you to fill me in on everything that I missed.” James goes to say something, but I give a pleading look. He huffs going to the kitchen.

“My name’s James.” Aleem doesn’t pay attention to him as I sit down across from him. I sigh slightly.

“Alright. First tell me what you know. And how did you even get back here? Why hasn’t Father help us before now?” Aleem sighs rubbing his temple.

“You know that vial that you gave Mother? Well Father knew that you four would fuck up somehow. So, he made the vial to allow one of us to come down and help you. One-way trip, enough for only one person. With that vile creature blocking anyway of getting things to us, he used you. I was living a perfectly good life before being dragged into this mess again. I had all the books I could ever read...” I cut him off.

“Alright… anyway what do you know?” Aleem thinks for a second as James brings him some soup. Aleem looks down at the soup and gives it back to him.

“There is way too much salt in it.” James frowns going back to the kitchen. “I know a lot of things Ashley. I was asking current knowledge on you. I was brought back a week ago. So, I don’t know why you can’t give her back her memories.” I frown rubbing my arm.

“Grant got inside of me somehow and is trying to take control of my body. She was killing Jake and was about to kill me when Grant told me to grab her face. The rest was his doing.” Aleem pauses getting a serious look in his eyes.

“You have that Feedling inside of you?” I frown nodding. He frowns trying to think of something.

“Alright. We will have to find the Sister as soon as we can.”

“What? Sister and Lupa are gone I thought?” Aleem shakes his head no as Jake brings him another bowl of soup. Aleem takes it and tastes it.

“Better. Try again.” James glares at Aleem stomping back into the kitchen. Zona looks at me yawning.

“Could I go to bed?” I pause nodding getting up and showing her the bedroom. I come back sitting down as Aleem looks at the bedroom door worried.

“It’s been hard on her. We all saw that.” I don’t make a comment. “Anyway. The Sister is still here. She is just trapped in her shrine. Without a host, she locked away there.”

“Do all the gods have shrines?” He shakes his head no.

“That is the only reason why she can easily travel back and forth between there realms. She took apart of her power and created it. It’s going to take a few days to get there however.” I frown thinking that I don’t have that much time. “You and I will be traveling there with Zona.” I pause giving him a look.

“How do you plan on doing that?” He makes a face.

“We are going to have to use the boy’s blood magic to do it.” James walks into the room dropping the soup.

“What the what?” Aleem sighs looking at him.

“Yes. I know how to use your magic. I can draw all the correct symbols to get us where we are going. From watching what you can do, you could only spend three people to a place before either going mad or dying.” I stand up looking at Aleem.

“We aren’t going to use his magic.” Aleem closes his eyes and opens them staring directly at me.

“I do not plan on just coming back to this place to die at the hands of some low life mistake. The only course of action is having the Sister take control of your body to defeat the Feedling. After having the Sister back, she will know the way of killing it.” He stands up yawning. “We will do this in the morning.” He heads to the bedroom walking past James. James stands there glaring at him.

“I don’t like him.” I sigh walking up to him.

“I know, but Zona and Lupa trusted him.” James huffs cleaning up the soup. He looks up at me.

“You should probably go get Jake.” I pause nodding.

“Alright. Be right back.” I go to the door heading outside. I look around the dark for Jake. I hear slashes in the dark coming from my right. I head over there to see Jake swiping at a tree. He swipes at the tree leaving a deep cut into it. He looks angry at the tree hitting it again. After the fourth hit, he grunts in anger swiping on last time cutting the tree in half. The tree falls causing a cloud of snow to rise up in the air. He breathes heavily for a second putting the sword away. He turns around looking at me.

“Ashley..” I go to him giving him an understanding look.

“It’s okay Jake. You don’t need to say anything. I need to fill you in on the new plan.” He frowns grabbing ahold of my hand. We start to walk back to the cabin. “.. I have a question first.. Why do you hate Aleem?” I feel Jake slightly tighten his grip on my hand.

“He is the reason my sister died.” I pause shocked.

“.. what?” He nods angrily. I frown looking at the cabin. “.. Should we trust him?” Jake takes a second to calm down.

“Yes and no. From what I understand, he only cares reaching the goal. It doesn’t who or what he has to do to get to it.” We get to the cabin. I take a second to open the door. We go inside to see James sitting at the table with his head down. Jake looks at me. “I will keep watch. You need to get some rest.”

“But..” He gives me a look. He kisses the top of my head looking calm.

“Everything will be fine. Tell the plan in the morning.” I get a little red hugging him. I let go heading to the bedroom. I open the door stopping after hearing Aleem talking.

“I.. just wanted to say sorry for what I did Zona.. for leaving you and.. just everything. This time will be different.” I fully open the door and Aleem looks at me. He quickly wipes his eyes standing up. Zona is fast asleep on the bed.

“We have a big day tomorrow. I will let you get some sleep.” He walks past me without another word. I head over to the bed sliding in next to Zona. As I go to close my eyes, I feel myself start drifting from my head. Grant’s voice echoes out in my head.

“I recommend not going to the shrine tomorrow unless you want to die.” I try to tune him out. From everything that’s been happening to me, I fall asleep from exhaustion.

I am awoken in the morning to Aleem shouting into the room. “Come on we need to get going.” I sit up looking at Zona sitting at the edge of the bed. She looks at me for a second then turns back to the door.

“Good morning Ashley.” I stand up from the bed working out my soreness. I look at her sighing slightly.

“Good morning Zona.” she stands up grabbing ahold of my hand. I pause confused. “What are you doing?” She smiles happily.

“I am helping you.” I look her still confused. “.. Oh, you started crying last night saying the monster was coming for you. I’m scared of the monster too.” I look at Zona turning toward her.

“Thank you, Zona.” Aleem walks back into the room.

“Come on ladies we don’t have all day.” I let go of Zona walking with her to the living room. I see James without his shirt on having strange symbols spelling out names in a strange language.

“.. What does that say? I can’t understand it.” Aleem is looking through a bag making sure he has everything.

“Only a few select people understand it. The Sister made sure only her Gifted can understand it. Luckily I knew a few in my time.” Jake slightly paces back and forth. He looks at me coming to me. “Zona. Come here so we can get ready.” Zona looks at me before going over to Aleem. Jake stands in front of me looking angry.

“I think this is a terrible mistake. What happens if something tries to hurt you or..” I hug him trying to stop him from worrying.

“Everything will be okay. I promise.” He hugs me back and whispers in my ear.

“Please come back..” I kiss him on the cheek as he lets me go.

“I promise..” We look in each other’s eyes for a moment before Aleem ruins the moment.

“We can all get lovey dovey later. Let’s go.” I frown giving Aleem a dirty look. I head over to Aleem. Aleem looks at James. “Alright. Whenever you are ready boy.” James rolls his eyes and raises his hands. Aleem holds Zona’s hand and grabs my arm. The room starts to shake as I feel the three of us get pulled through the floor. We drop onto a cold stone floor. I land face onto the floor as Aleem and Zona land beside me. I slowly stand up looking around the room. The room is covered in stone statues of monsters and beasts of all differing sizes. The black stone floor somewhat glows from the blue torch lights coming from the walls. The ceiling comes to a point a good fifty feet up.

“Wow. So, this is her shrine?” Aleem nods dusting himself off.

“Yes. Now we just got to find her.” Zona looks goes up to one of the monsters looking at it. I look at Aleem.

“How big is it?” He rubs his head for a second walking with me.

“It is supposed to contain everyone thing that the Sister killed. My guess? Endless.” I pause frowning.

“How in the world are we supposed to find her then?” He looks at me shrugging.

“It would be easier if you didn’t have that thing inside of you.” I frown getting annoyed at him.

“Listen here you little brat. You’ve done nothing but..” Zona walks up behind us.

“Um.. guys..” Aleem gets annoyed with me turning away from me.

“I’m the brat? I am trying to help you. You want me to..” Zona tries to get our attention as we both look at her. “What Zona?” She points behind us and we look to see a woman in a mask standing there. Aleem pauses taking a step back. “Hello Sister.” I pause looking at the woman. Her body looks a lot like Lupa. However, instead of white hair it is a deep red. The mask is white with red stripes across the eyes. It is in the shape of a wolf.

“What are you doing in my home?” The voice echoes throughout the shrine. It sounds like the Sister, but something seems off. It’s wilder and anger behind it. Aleem makes an oh shit face slightly looking at me.

“You need to run. Now!” I look at him confused as I notice that she looks at me.

“So, another monster has showed itself for me to hunt hmm?” I gulp getting a feeling to run. I take of sprinting in the other direction as she starts to chase me. She jumps in front of me causing me to run into her. She takes a swipe at me as I dodge it barely. She catches arm drawing blood. “So sad. This won’t be fun at all.” A rock gets thrown through the air hitting her in the head. The Sister turns his head looking at Zona throwing the rock.

“Leave her alone!” The Sister takes a step forward, but I try to gut check her. My knee hits what feels like solid stone causing me to welp in pain. The Sister grabs me by the arm throwing me over head into ground. Air escapes from my lungs causing me to gasp for air. The Sister raises her foot to stomp on my head. The foot comes down an inch stopping before crushing my head. She stops moving and helps me up.

“I am sorry Ashley Price. I will lead you to the Sister.” I look confused as Aleem comes out from behind on of the statues. Zona walks over to me looking worried.

“Are you okay?” I nod holding my rips.

“Yea..” I give Aleem a look. “Not thanks to you.” He rolls his eyes.

“You didn’t die.” Sister, or whatever this thing is, leads us down the hallway until we get to a room with a large sphere in the middle of it. The room is a circle with multiple hallways branching off it. There are multiple people having the same mask on standing at each hallway. Aleem looks around the room.

“Ahh.. Alright. So, you are a part of the Sister. You were made to defend this place.” The masked person looks at Aleem.

“We are an extension of her Keeper of Knowledge. Do not forget that.” He gulps slightly as the large sphere lowers to the ground. A door opens as the masked person looks at me. “She will see you now Ashley Price.” I look at Aleem. He motions with his hand to go ahead.

“Go ahead.” I look at Zona as she smiles giving some reassurance. I head into the sphere and the door closes behind me. The sphere starts out as a white room but slowly turns into a hot spring. I look around confused taking everything in. Just beyond my sight, I see the whiteness of the room. However, tall dead trees surround the hot spring. The hot spring itself is clear and inviting. I feel my body contort as Grant tries to take control. I gasp in pain falling to the floor.

“Ashley Price.. It’s nice to finally meet face to face.” I look up to see a naked Lupa. I try to speak but I feel my vision start to fade. “I recommend you stop that now Feedling before I kill you.” The pain instantly stops as I take a deep breath trying to breath. I look up to Lupa confused.

“Lupa?” The room changes into a throne room. It matches her shrine with having a black throne to where she is sitting. She is dressed in animal furs looking like queen.

“It was easier to pick a body you know instead of anything else.” I gulp walking up to her.

“We need your help.” She frowns looking apologetic.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help. I can’t leave my shrine without a host.”

“That’s why I am here.” She pauses starting to laugh. She wipes a tear away.

“I already tried you and that didn’t work.” I frown glaring at her.

“What’s wrong with you? I thought you wanted to help?” She frowns standing up. She growls her hair turning several shades darker.

“I did everything I could to help.” I beat down my fear getting in her face.

“It looks like you are just making excuses.” She gets shocked look on her face. I get bold with this next comment. “I get it. You are just scared.” She gets a smug look on her face.

“Scared? You know you are talking to the God of Monsters, right?” I shake my head no looking at her confused.

“That’s not what you wanted.” She starts to laugh.

“This is the true me Ashley Price! I tried my best at saving the world and look where it got it? I knew Father kept secrets, but this? I would have never guessed this.” The feeling of utter defeat slowly builds up in me. It can’t end like this. I stop remembering the visions of the Sister and Alexander.

“No. You care more than you want anyone to know. You care because Alexander kne-” I stop as she grabs me by the neck. Intense anger shines out of her eyes.

“Never. Speak of his name.” She drops me causing me to cough. I look up at her pleading.

“He wouldn’t want you to do nothing while the world you saved got destroyed.” She looks down at me either deciding to kill me or eat me. She offers me a hand.

“You are lucky that man instilled something I care about now.” I grab ahold of her hand feeling three different things going throughout my body. Grant being completely terrified, the Sister’s anger, and me trying not to be torn apart. I open my eyes standing next to the Sister in the void. “Feedling show yourself. Now!” Grant appears in front of her.

“Ashley you idio-“ He gets cut off as the Sister grabs him by the throat lifting him up. She squeezes her hand tight.

“You will leave this body. Now.” Grant tries to claw at her hands trying to breath. I part of me still feels bad for his true self.

“Wait.. Sister. Is there any way we can.. fix him?” Grant’s eyes go wide and glare at me. He tries to spit out an insult, but the Sister crushes his windpipe. She drops his to the ground and thinks. Grant slowly starts to heal.

“Actually.. Yes. It would be easily just to kill it though.” I feel hope rise in me as the Sister grabs Grant by the hair. She lifts him up making him look at her. “What will it be Feedling? Death or being fixed?” Grant spits in the Sister’s eyes and disappears in a cloud of smoke. The ground starts to rubble underneath us as we fall into the void. I wake up on the floor of her throne room. The Sister looks around the place glaring. “That will creature decided to run away. He won’t last long without a host body.” I take a breath feeling extremely better. The whole world feels alive again to me. I feel alive again. I smile standing up hugging the Sister close.

“Thank you. Thank you so-” The sphere starts to shake as the Sister resists my hug.

“Someone found my shrine.” She stares into my eyes. “I need you to fix Zona Everlast now. We are going to need her for this fight.” I pause confused at the room goes back to white. The door opens and the shrine outside has started to come down.

We come out of the sphere to Zona and Aleem behind five of the masked warriors. Down the hall, loud marching can be heard. Aleem looks at us shocked. “Lupa?” Her form shifts turning into a large more feral creature. She steps past us looking back at me.

“Fix Zona Now.” She howls running down the hallway with her masked warriors. Aleem looks at me relieved.

“You got better. Good. Now fix Zona.” I pause looking at Zona. She looks confused and a little scared at everything.

“Aleem. I still don’t know how to do it. Grant was the one..” I hear a cough as we all look to see Grant stumbling out of the shadows. He glares with anger at us.

“We made a deal Ashley Price!” Grant tries run towards us but stumbles to the ground. Black shadows erupt from him. Aleem looks at me.

“Deal with Zona. I will deal with Grant.” I pause seeing Aleem walking toward Grant. Grant stands up looking wild. Half of his body has turned into darkness and the remaining half has started to change into darkness. Grant lunges at Aleem but Aleem doesn’t flinch. He pronounces something in a strange language. Grant stops and screams in pain holding his head. I look at Zona trying to tune out Grant’s screaming.

“Zona.. I am going to try to fix you.” She nods looking scared.

“Is it going to hurt?” I gulp grabbing ahold of her head.

“I don’t know.” I gaze into her eyes as I feel myself being pulled into her head. I open my eyes to see her mind broken. Black tendrils encase most of her memories. A few scattered ones fly around trying to find a purpose. I close my eyes trying to focus on her memories. I search my head and body trying to figure out a way to help her. I start to feel hot. The hot turns into pain as I open my eyes. A bird lands in front of me made of fire. I gaze up at it wondering what the hell it is.

“You’re the one who trapped me in there.” It has Zona’s voice, but it is rich and angry. I look up feel the heat trying to burn me away.

“I didn’t mean too. Please I am trying to help Zona.” It glares at me.

“I will remove the threat of being suppressed again.” I frown as fire starts to come at me. I hold my hands up blocking the flames. My hands feel like they are being melted as the fire stops. I look at my hands seeing that they are perfectly fine. I look up to see the bird looking at a memory. “I remember you. You helped me.” I nod slowly approaching it. The bird starts to shrink in size.

“Yes. Zona.. I am trying to help you.” I pause getting an idea. I concentrate on my conversation with Lupa. My memory starts to play in front of bird. I pause feeling proud of myself that I was able to do it. The bird slowly turns into Zona as she watches my conversation with Lupa.

“It’s not your fault.” Zona starts to cry as the black tendrils burn away releasing her memories. I stop projecting my memory going to Zona. She looks at me wiping her tears away.

“Ashley.. I’m..” I hug Zona embracing her tightly.

“It’s okay Zona.” I blink realizing that I am hugging Zona back in the shrine. I look at her seeing that she is back to normal. She pulls away smiling.

“Thank you, Ashley.” I hear Aleem grunt in pain as Grant knocks him over. Grant rushes at me as Zona steps in front blasting him with flames. Grant screams in pain as his body becomes totally dark. Zona increases the intensity of the heat as Grant falls to his knees. Zona stops the flames as the darkness that was Grant slowly fades away. He moves his head in my direction.

“I will be seeing you around Ashley Pri-” His voice cuts at as the remaining darkness disappears into the floor. Aleem stands up holding his arm. Zona locks eyes with Aleem and Aleem locks eyes with her. Zona tackles Aleem to the ground hugging him. He smiles happily hugging close.

“I’ve missed you so much Aleem.” Aleem chuckles to himself as both stand up. Zona is so overwhelmed with emotion that she can’t stop crying. Aleem’s eyes are teary as he wipes them.

“We will catch up soon after we deal with them.” Zona nods wiping her tears away. She looks to me going to say something. Before she can, a large rock gets thrown hitting the wall of the shrine knocking a large portion out of it. Military troops rush into the room as the dust clears. Zona steps forward protecting me and Aleem. She goes to shoot flames, but the masked warriors run in destroying the troops. Zona lowers her hands as the last remaining troops run back out the hole. Sister walks looking back to normal. Zona pauses looking at her. Sister looks at Zona pausing for a second.

“.. Sister.” She makes a face at Zona.

“Zona Everlast.” Silence fills the air as something calls our attention back to the hole, as black tendrils start to raise the fallen military bodies. The masked warriors ready themselves as Sister takes her place among them. Zona raises her hand up ready to fight. The fallen soldiers start to charge us as Zona starts to blast them with flames. The masked warriors fan out attacking the soldiers one by one. However, the creatures start to overpower them. Zona destroys most of them before they get too close to us. Sister grabs one ripping it apart in her hands. She looks at Zona. “Get them out of here.” Aleem grabs my hand pulling me with him. I look at him giving me a look.

“We need to go Ashley.” I frown trying to pull my hand away from him.

“We have to help her.” I look back to see the remaining risen soldiers slowly backing out of the hole. The few remining masked soldiers back up in a defensive position. The Sister looks through the giant hole getting a worried look on her face. She rushes to the opposite side of the shrine punching a hole out of it. The wall crumbles showing an access to escape from. She looks at the three of us.

“You need to leave now.” Zona looks at her shaking her head no.

“Whatever they can send at us, we can take it.” Single footsteps can be heard stepping through the over hole as all of us look toward it. Lord Lionheart in his armor walks in weapon already drawn. The masked warriors rush toward him as the Sister looks at us panicked.

“Please leave. Ashley will be able to finish him off.” Lord Lionheart with incredible speed slashes and cuts down the masked warriors. The Sister and Zona look at each other for a moment before he finishes the rest the last one. The Sister grabs a hold of Zona’s arm staring into Zona’s eyes. Zona’s necklace starts to light up as she lets her go. “I hope that makes up for all the trouble I gave you Zona.” Aleem grabs me by the arm dragging me away from the temple. Zona follows quickly as the Sister charges Lord Lionheart. Thunderous strikes can be heard as we make our way up a snowy bank. With a loud boom, we stop turning back to see the temple start collapsing. Lord Lionheart walks out of the destruction without his armor on anymore. Within a blink of an eye, the ruins of the temple are engulfed with flames.

Flames continue you burn the temple as shapes can be seen moving amongst the flames. Aleem looks at me.

“Alright. Now we need to find the source.” Something shoots out of the flames looking like a black mass of tendrils. It tries to stand up but flames wrap around the creature turning it into ash. More mass of tendrils jump out of the flames trying to fight their way through it. I look at Aleem as smoke start to fill the air.

“I already know the Source. It’s Lord Lionheart.” Aleem sighs annoyed giving me a look.

“You aren’t the brightest Seer, aren’t you? That’s a host. That thing has a place where it’s connected to this world. We find that. We destroy it.” I pause remembering my visions of the skeleton throne.

“I know where it is.. It’s..” One of the creatures lands a few feet away from us. Zona focuses on trying to burn the majority of the horde away. The creature charges toward Zona it bursts into flames. More creatures start to burst through the flame barrier as it goes out. Zona looks at us with a serious look on her face.

“Run. I will hold them off.” Aleem grabs me by the hand as we run from the growing army of creatures. Zona starts to focus on short intense burns inciting any of them getting close. I rip my hand out Aleem’s grip turning toward the army.

“I am staying to help her Aleem.” Aleem looks at me shaking his head no.

“You have to save the world. If Zona can hold them off long enough, we can…” We watch as Zona slowly starts to get overwhelmed by the creatures. One slashes her across the face cutting her cheek. She blasts flames around her creating a ten-yard gap around her. The creatures try to enter the ring but turn to ash whenever the get too close. Lord Lionheart walks from the temple toward Zona as more creatures more from behind him. The necklace on Zona starts to glow brighter as a howl can be heard in the distance. We turn to see wolves running from the trees charging into the growing horde. A cloaked figure leads the charge ripping and tearing the creatures apart. The figure leaps into the ring with Zona as the wolves start to tear about the army. Zona turns to the figure as they remove the hood from their cloak. Lupa smiles with tears running down her face black blood covering her clothes. Zona’s flames burn brighter for a moment as they lock eyes with each other. “That bitch actually did it.” I look at Aleem completely shocked.

“Lupa’s back!” The circle goes out as the creature’s rush on Zona and Lupa. Zona smirks fighting with renewed vigor. Lupa slashes any creature that gets too close to Zona as she burns any left. The wolves easily pick off the rest of the creatures as Lord Lionheart stands a great distance away. I run toward Lupa and Zona as the wolves’ rush from the battle appearing that they have served their purpose. As I get to the pair, they embrace into a tight hug.

“You’re actually back…” Zona pulls away slightly tears forming in her eyes. Lupa wipes her tears away nodding.

“Zona… I…” Before she can speak, Zona kisses Lupa. I look to see Lord Lionheart with an angry expression on his face. Zona pulls away as Aleem appears beside me. Lupa runs over to me hugging me tight. “Ashley!” I hug her back tight happy to see her again. Lupa looks at Aleem grabbing a hold of him in a tight bear hug. “Aleem!” Aleem has a panicked look on his face.

“It’s great that the band is back together, but we have a problem to worry about.” Zona and Lupa look toward Lord Lionheart as he makes his way toward us. Aleem and I back up slowly as Lord Lionheart stops a few yards away from the pair.

“I didn’t think that you would be better so soon Zona.” Zona cracks her knuckles smiling slightly.

“I couldn’t miss thing for anything.” He looks at Lupa as a low growl comes from her.

“To think I thought Lillian was actually able to kill you.” Lupa closes her fist flexing out sharp claws.

“You are going to pay for all the people you’ve harmed.” Zona shoots three firebolts at him as he dodges left and right of the attacks. Lupa charges him trying to create openings for Zona. He seems to be almost toying with the both of them until Lupa gets a lucky swipe across his face. He stumbles for a moment as Zona shoots a firebolt into his leg. He increases the intensity backhanding Lupa. Which sends her to the floor. Zona rushes in trying to take his anger off Lupa. Aleem grabs my hand tugging me toward him.

“Zona is buying us time. Let’s go.” I frown yanking my hand out of his grip again.

“No. I am going to help Zona.” He frowns looking confused.

“You can’t do anything Ashley.” I glare at him stomping my foot into the ground.

“If I can grab a hold of him, I can.” I rush toward the fight seeing Zona blasting him in the face with flames. Lupa grabs a hold of his arm trying to rip it off. His anger continues to build as he punches Lupa off him. Zona creates a fire ball in her hand and tries to press it into his face. He grabs a hold of her arm. He gets a sadistic smile on his face as he crushes the arm. Zona screams in pain as he throws her into the snow. Lupa rushes him her body starting to turn into her true form. He grabs her by the hair punching her in the face multiple face. He throws her into the ground with a final stomp putting her out of commission for a second. He turns his eyes on me smiling even more. He wipes off the blood off his chest.

“Ashley Price. Not going to lie, I was actually hoping you wouldn’t go along with my plan. This will be so fun to kill all of you once and for all.” I take a breath looking him in the eyes.

“Bring it.” Lord Lionheart goes to strike me, but a hole gets burned into his chest. Lupa slashes the back of his legs causing him to fall to his knees. For a split second, he becomes distracted. I grab onto his head trying to take ahold of his memories. For a moment nothing happens, then he starts to laugh. His body heals as he looks down at me. He backhands me sending me to the floor. He kicks Lupa away from him causing her to land next to Zona.

“Like I said. This is going to be fun.” Zona stands up holding her broken arm. He gets a frown on his face turning toward her. “How many times do I have to break you Zona?” He walks over to her as she tries to punch with her good hand. He catches the punch in his hand smiling. “I will just break the other one also.” Jake lands on the ground next to Lord Lionheart bringing his blade down on his arm. With a shocked expression, Lionheart’s arm flies off. Before he can react, he gets blasted with wind sending him flying back toward the ruined temple. I get incredibly happy and surprised.

“Jake!” Jake rushes toward me helping me up. “How do you find us?” James appears next to me looking exhausted.

“I knew that tracking spell was worth the practice.” I pause hugging him close. Lupa and Aleem help Zona up trying to mind her arm. Lionheart’s laugh can be heard around us.

“This is even better. Having all my problems in one place.” Jake draws his sword. Zona raises her only arm with flames in it. James tries to trace another symbol on his hand. Lupa’s body slowly heals as she gets ready for a fight. Aleem and I stand in the circle as Lionheart appears in front of Jake. ”You had so much potential.” Before any of else could react, he punches through Jake’s body his fist appearing outside his back.” After that, Lionheart throws his body out of the way. I rush toward Jake as James tries to blast him away. Lord Lionheart side steps the attack looking at him extremely happy. “I will be needing you.” Shadows appear around James encasing James. Zona tires to blasts Lionheart again but gets a black tendril driven through her gut. Lupa lunges out him but gets swat away like a fly sending her into Aleem. drop to my knees holding Jake’s head.

“It’s okay Jake.. Stay with me.. Please..” Jake grabs ahold of my hand as his eyes come in and out of focus.

“You need to run Ashley.. before..” His hand goes slack as I hug his body.

“No.. Jake.. Please.. I can’t..” Lionheart appears in front of me as I look up. He shakes his head.

“You know. I still need you to do the ritual. I can save Jake, if you bring me here.” I look down at Jake’s body. I look back up at Lionheart.

“Fine. Bring him back now.” He pauses slightly surprised. He sends a black tendril into Jake healing his body. Wait. Jake’s healing body! I keep up the act noticing Zona burning the tendril away.

“Really?” I nod starting to fake cry. Zona looks over at Lupa as Lupa slowly looks up at her. The tendril stops just before entering Jake’s body. I look up at him continuing the act.

“Promise me no one else gets hurt.” He smiles nodding.

“I can promise...” Zona runs grabbing him with her good arm. Lionheart rolls his eyes going to knock her off. She looks at me smiling slightly. Tears start to fall from her face. She mouths something that I can’t understand. Me and Jake get thrown from the initial force of the explosion. We fly tumbling in the snow. A large column of fire engulfs everything around us. By the time the explosion is over, I look up to see everything within miles blacken ash.

“...no..” I see Aleem and Lupa stand up covered in ash. Lupa looks heartbroken as she looks around lost. It looks like we weren’t hurt in the explosion. Jake sits up breathing heavy. “Jake..” He looks at me throwing off his helmet.

“Ashley.. What happened? Where’s..” He stops as Lord Lionheart voice echoes out.

“Good attempt but it doesn’t work like that.” I pause getting terrified as I turn around seeing Lionheart reforming from black tendrils coming out from the ground. “Now, where were we?” Aleem stabs him through the back. Lionheart frowns turning around at Aleem. Before he can strike him, Lupa tackles him with black hair. Lupa bites out his throat ripping it out. “Fucking pests!” He tosses Lupa off him as tendrils start to come out of the ground. One of the tendrils connects Lionheart to the ground. I get a flash of seeing everything connected. I grab ahold of the tendril instantly being pulled into the void.

I open my eyes seeing that I am in a dark room. I look around seeing black tendrils slowly going up to a skeleton sitting on a stone throne. “.. You’re the source.” A whisper comes from the skeleton.

“Ashley Price...” I slowly march up to the throne. I see a discarded broken sword. I grab a hold of it standing in front of the skull. I go to knock the head off the skull, but a tendril blocks the attack sending the sword away from me. “.. I can save them.” I pause confused.

“.. what do you mean?”

“All your friends will be brought back. Jake never having to lose his magical powers again. Lupa and Zona together forever. Allowing James to go back to normal fully. All you need to do is let me ascend.” I don’t even think for a second grabbing ahold of the skull. Tendrils rap around my body as I press my thumbs into the skulls eye socket. As I get yanked from the throne, I rip it from the skull with me. I am brought back to my actual body looking at Lord Lionheart. He starts screaming as the ground underneath us starts to rumble. He turns back to me glaring. “How could you do this?! You were supposed to..” Black tendrils start to erupt from the ground going into him. Aleem grabs me pulling away from the growing mass of tendrils. I see Jake pulling Lupa away from the mass. A tendril slowly worms it’s way toward Jake. I break free from Aleem’s grasp tackling Jake to the ground. The ball of mass implodes on itself leaving at its center a skull. The skull drops to the ground. I look at Jake seeing if he’s okay as he hugs me tight. I start crying tears of joy hugging him and kissing him. I pull away helping him up. He looks confused at everything.

“What the hell happened?” I hear James groan standing up from a pile of ash. I pause almost bawling my eyes out going to him. He stands up as I hug him close. Aleem walks over somewhat shocked at everything. We look at him as he smiles as the sun comes out from behind the clouds. Aleem helps Lupa up looking at else surprised.

“You guys did it.”

With the source being defeated, we make our way back to the Green Belt. Most of the damage done by Lord Lionheart and his Feedlings was done only to the Northern Mountains. Many people don’t even know that the world was saved twice within the two years. Jake takes full control of the military. He recently has started to build an alliance with the Northern Tribes. James left just a few days to explore the world. He really wants to figure out everything in the world so he can leave it better. Ever since defeating the source, he has been finally calm. Aleem has been and out collecting data for something. I haven’t seen him in the last two days. Lupa spends a few days with us before going out to look for Zona. Apparently, there have been sightings out an orange haired woman in the Southern Desert that matches Zona’s description. We didn’t want her to go alone. However, she said that she will send a letter if she needs help. She seems hopeful at least. After all the fighting, we can finally relax.

I sit up from me and Jake’s bed stretching. I look over to see him sitting at his desk sleeping. I roll my eyes getting up and going to put a blanket over him. I kiss him on the forehead going to the balcony. I walk outside feeling the cold hit my face. I enjoy the air looking down at the garden. Two statues of Lupa and Zona are in the middle. I smile feeling a mix of sadness or happiness that they are finally together. “Aww Ashley Price.” I jump hearing Aleem’s voice.

“Aleem.. What are you doing out here?” He closes a book as he stands up from a chair.

“My time is almost up, and I figure at least I can do one last thing for you before I go.” I pause realizing that he is talking about going back.

“Oh.. Um..” He holds his hand out for me.

“Please take it.” I pause slowly taking it. I blink sitting back in Mother’s waiting room. Aleem lets go of my hand. Mother looks at me smiling. I pause confused.

“What the.. How..” Aleem walks over to Mother handing her the skull from the Source.

“I will keep this in a safe place.” The skull disappears as Mother looks at me. “Thank you, Ashley Price, for saving the world.” I make a face looking outside the window. “Are you looking for someone?” I stop feeling a smile coming over me. I shake my head no.

“No Mother.” A knock at the door causes both Mother and Aleem to become confused. The door opens and Father walks in. Mother’s face becomes shocked.

“Hello. It’s finally nice to come have a face to face talk.” Father walks over to Mother who stands up still shocked. Aleem makes his way over to me.

“It was nice to get to know you for the brief time I was down there.” He hands me a book heading out the door. I look at him as he slowly fades in with the white.

“Goodbye Aleem..” I look back down at the book opening up to the first page. It has your turn written on it. I look back to see Father and Mother embraced in a hug. Father pulls away looking down at Mother. I cough trying to draw their attention toward me. Father looks over at me annoyance on his face.

“Aww. Yes. Well I guess you are excepting a reward huh? Well dream on. As soon as you leave, I plan on dest-” He gets stopped as Mother slaps him on the arm.

“Val. You need to stop if we are getting back together.” He stops looking back at her.

“Mol. I don’t…” She shushes him walking over to me. She smiles showing a tinkle in her eyes.

“You did go Ashley Price. I wish you luck on any more adventures you go on.” As I feel myself start to be pulled back into the world below, I hear Val and Mol start talking. “It took you long enough to find me. No more killing worlds. Understand?”

“Yes dear.”

I open my eyes as the sun starts to rise in the distance. I feel Jake wrap his arms around me. He pulls me close looking at the sun rise with him.

“What are you doing up so early?” I watch the sun rise feeling peace within my body.

“Just wrapping up a few loose ends.” I turn back to him kissing him deeply.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Snow has finally returned the Northern Mountains as I make my way up the mountain. It’s been a couple weeks ever since leaving Ashley and the group. I’ve gotten use to the cold since making my way back this way. I look at the pulling drawn map given to me by the tribe I helped a few days ago. They heard rumors of a sick child from a sister tribe. I make my way inside the cave being met with men. One of them bows deeply, “You’ve come.”

“I’ve came as soon as I heard the child was sick.” I make my way through the small encampment of tribe members. Ever since I started to heal the sick and wounded, the Northern tribes welcome me whenever I am at. We get to a tent where the child is. The man opens the tent and I enter. “I will fix the child now. You must leave.” The man nods closing the tent flap. I look at the child seeing him having a fever. I close my eyes reaching into my pocket, I pull out my vial containing black blood. I hold the vial over the boy seeing the blood react trying to enter the boy. I stab myself drawing the correct symbols so no one will be able to sense that he is coming back. I smile opening the cap. I pour the vial out on the boy. The blood enters the boy’s body causing him to contort angrily. I sit watching and wait for the process to finish. The boy’s skin slowly turns white black symbols form on his body. The boy opens his eyes showing white eyes. The boy sits up looking at his hand.

“All according to plan.” Grant looks at me smiling. “Thanks, Roasland.” I smile feeling James trying to break through again. He tries to scream and crawl his way out of the prison I made from him in my new head.

“We need to stay out of the way for a while Grant.” Grant suppresses a growl agreeing with me. His body slowly turns back to normal. Once fully normal, I offer him some clothes. “You should be able to feed off this host body until we find you a more proper body.” Grant smiles showing a toothy grin.

“It doesn’t matter now. His lordship is gone, and everyone thinks that I’m dead. How long will the symbols last?” We head to the tent opening.

“As long as I am with you, Grant.” Grant smiles as we exist the tent. He stops as the sound of his stomach begins to rumble. The tribe surrounding the tent starts to cheer for their healthy child. Fools.

“Roasland… Who knows about this tribe?” I smile seeing a few members of the tribe I want to run some test on.

“Oh, a tribe not terribly far from here.” Grant smirks as a few tendrils rise from the tendrils.

“I guess we will have to stop by them next.” The cheering quickly turns into terror as tendrils swarm around the tribe. With the perfect melody of James screaming in the background, soon I will have my revenge on my creation.