Her eyes slowly began to open. They were heavy but she needed them open. She needed to know what had happened. Blinking her eyes rapidly a few more times to get rid of the grogginess, Kaia forced them to stay wide. The black smoke and ash clouds were the first things to greet her as she lay on the ground.

But why could she see the sky now? She was positive that she fell unconscious on her stomach. She was terrified to move. Remembering the pain she felt at the act of trying to move her head caused her to hold her breath. But she needed to move. Preparing herself for any pain that would course through her body she lifted her right arm first. Nothing. There was no pain, and her arm moved effortlessly. She furrowed her brow in confusion and tried her legs. The same thing. They moved with no pain whatsoever.

Deciding that this was a good sign, she took a few deep breaths and sat herself up expecting excruciating pain to fill her body. But once more, she had none. Looking down to survey any possible damage to her armor, her eyes went wide. The entire front portion of her armor was missing. Her breasts and stomach were in full view of anyone that could be around. Quickly covering herself with her arms her head darted around to see if anyone was about. Sighing in relief when she thought she was alone. It was then that she noticed a body beside her and immediately realized who it was.

“Amrin!?” she shouted.

Ignoring the fact that she was not covered, she scrambled onto her knees and crawled over to him, franticly. She quickly put her ear to his chest to make sure he was still alive. She didn’t know why she would do that, perhaps out of habit, or because it was the normal thing to do? He was immortal. But either way, the second she heard the thump of his beating heart, relief washed over her, causing her body to slump on top of his. Frustrated at herself for worrying, and for Amrin making her worry, she hit his chest with her fist. But lightly.

His breathing was steady and calm. There was no signs of injury or bleeding at all that she could locate. In fact, other than two torn sleeves, and filthy dirt, soot, and blood covered pants, he was perfectly fine. But there was something else, she recoiled in surprise and her jaw dropped when she noticed that the arm she witnessed get ripped off by the Adamantine spear, was still there. She rubbed her eyes and opened them once more to confirm. She was positive that his arm was severed, and yet here it was. Taking her gauntlets off, she grabbed the arm and squeezed. It was solid and she could certainly feel a pulse.

Deciding that it would be best to leave him be for now since he appeared to be perfectly fine, she stood and began to look for Lestith and Grandall. As she took a step forward she couldn’t help but feel a certain level of freedom from her chest. Looking down she remembered that for some reason she had no front portion of her armor. She quickly looked back at Amrin and glared. He must have done something strange to her while she was unconscious.

Running her fingers across her stomach to make sure nothing hurt or nothing was out of the ordinary, tears fell from her eyes. They weren’t there. She stroked them every morning to remind her of what she had lost and what would happen if she became too complacent. But they were gone. Lowering her head in fear, she closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath and trying to keep the tears at bay, she opened them. Her stomach was smooth and perfect. They were gone. The six scars across her stomach were gone.

The tears fell once more. Her fingers traced across her stomach along where they once were and couldn’t see because of the tears. She turned back around and faced Amrin’s unconscious body. She was right. She didn’t dare hope or dream, but she was right. Kaia had no idea how he did it, but he did. She knew without a shadow of a doubt, she was whole once more.

Falling to her knees she began to cry. Everything that had happened to her since that day was a nightmare. She had nothing to live for and nothing to strive for. She was going through the motions because that’s what she knew what she must do. But none of that mattered now. This very moment made everything she experienced since that day unimportant.

As she sat there crying, her hands covering her face there was a crack of breaking branches from behind her. She raised her head and turned to look at what it was. She vowed that she would do everything in her power to end it if it dared try to harm her or the one that made her whole once more. Through watery eyes she saw two figures stumbling through the trees.

“Lady Kaia! Amrin!” the voice was Lestith’s.

Realizing this, Kaia lowered her guard and sighed in relief. But she was now struck with another dilemma. She was essentially naked and had no way of covering herself.

“Do not come any closer!” She shouted at the top of her lungs.

“Lady Kaia! You’re safe!” Lestith shouted back.

As they began to take another step closer, Kaia hugged herself tighter and lowered herself closer to the ground.

“I said do not come any closer!”

“W-what is wrong!? Is there something the matter?!”

“M-my armor has…been badly damaged!”

She wasn’t exactly lying. But since she had no idea what truly happened it was all she could say on the matter.

“Are you injured? Do you require aid?” Lestith asked.

“No! It was just my armor! I…I am…”

“Say no more Lady Kaia!” Grandall shouted.

He began to unfasten his cuirass. Undoing the clips that lay on each side of his torso.

“Grandall, what are you doing?” Lestith asked, his eyes narrowed in confusion.

“Lady Kaia seems to be troubled by the state of her armor at the moment.” He replied simply.

“And you taking off yours does what? I fail to see…” it finally dawned on him. “Ahh…”

“Yep.” He said and grunted as he try to reach for the last two clips. “Sir, can you…”

Lestith knowing what he was asking for unhooked the clips on either side of his cuirass and helped him remove it. Grandall held the front portion while Lestith carefully pulled the back portion off, noticing the massive hole in the armor followed by the tear in his shirt.

“How is your injury?” he asked.

“It’s still quite sore, but compared to before, I’ll take it.”

Lifting from the bottom, he pulled his black shirt off making sure not to stretch too much and aggravate the freshly healed wound. Picking up a small rock from the ground he wrapped it up in his shirt to use as a weight.

“Lady Kaia! Here you are!” Grandall shouted and lobbed the shirt covered rock towards her.

Much to her dismay, it landed a few steps behind her. She turned quickly and shot the two a glare.

“That was not intentional!” Grandall shouted immediately. His face cringing at his blunder.

Kaia stood up carefully, making sure to keep herself covered. Taking a few steps backwards she bent down and picked up the rock quickly and brought the arm back to cover her chest. She quickly unwrapped the shirt and tossed the rock to the side. She didn’t enjoy having to put on a man’s sweaty shirt, but compared to the alternative it was much more preferred. As she held it she noticed that it was perfectly dry. She then remembered that it was thanks to Amrin’s Frost Barrier. Another thing she would be certain to thank him for.

Quickly putting the large shirt over her head she pulled it down and covered her chest. Luckily for her, Grandall was a large man, and his shirt was able to cover her armor as well. Pulling her hair out from beneath it, she turned around and nodded to the two.

Before they proceeded out of the forest, Lestith helped Grandall put his cuirass back on. It was a little awkward on bare skin, but he was just glad that it wasn’t blazing hot from their time in this fiery hell hole.

Making their way to where Amrin was laying on the ground, Kaia gently lifted him up and propped his head on top of her lap. She wasn’t sure what was wrong with him, but she wanted to be there when he woke up. There were a great many things she needed to say.

“What happened to him?” Grandall asked as he approached.

“I don’t know. I…I woke up after losing consciousness only to find him like this.”

“Is he dead?” Lestith asked.

“No, he’s immortal, he cannot die.”

The second the words left her mouth she regretted it. Her eyes shot open and looked at the two. Both of the Knights looked at her with the same wide eyed expression. Silence filled the space between them.

“Well that’s good then.” Lestith answered simply.

“W-wait…you’re not surprised?” She asked hesitantly.

“After what I’ve seen him do, and the fact that we’re not in the stomach of the Behemoth right now, I think finding out that he is immortal is the least of the surprises he has for us.”

The two of them sat down opposite of Kaia as she held Amrin.

“I see…” she replied, relief plain in her voice. “How are you? Any injuries?”

“Well we did, but according to Grandall this stuff is what healed us.” He held up a water skin and shook it.

“Healing water? Is there any left?”

“A little. You think it’ll work on him?” he asked, curiously.

Not waiting for an answer though, he tossed it to her.

Tilting Amrin’s head slightly, Kaia pressed the spout of the skin to his lips and gently poured it into his mouth. Little by little she filled his mouth, waited for it to be swallowed and repeated the process. Soon the skin was empty.

The only thing they could do now was wait. And hope.

“How long do you think he’ll be unconscious?” Grandall asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think it would be possible. After everything he’s told me, he just seemed so…unreal.” Kaia answered solemnly, looking down at Amrin’s sleeping face.

“Told you? You mean other than him being immortal?” Lestith questioned her.

She simply nodded to acknowledge his question. She wasn’t sure if she should be saying anything since it was a conversation that they had alone.

“Such as?”

“I’m sorry, but it was something he felt to discuss with me alone.” She paused and brushed the loose hair from his forehead absentmindedly. “I do not believe it is my place to disclose that information.”

Lestith let out a loud sigh, but didn’t pry any further.

“Well can you tell us what happened at least? I mean…the last thing I remember is hearing him yell for us to dodge, but that’s it.” Lestith said.

“I turned to see what it was…it was at that moment I saw that…” she motioned with her head the mound of dirt that contained the buried Adamantine spear. “Rip Amrin’s arm off and come rocketing towards me.”

Kaia lifted her left arm and rested it on her shoulder where the mangled remains of the eagle relief once laid.

“I was barely able to dodge, but the impact caused me to become seriously injured. That’s the last I remember. When I woke up I saw him here…unconscious.”

“Wait, something doesn’t make sense.” Lestith raised his hands in protest. “His arm was ripped off?” he moved his eyes to look at Amrin’s arms.

“I know what I saw.” Kaia replied in a stern tone.

“Very well. It honestly wouldn’t surprise me at this point.”

“What about you two? What happened?”

“Ah, that was…” Grandall interjected. “After the spear hit the ground, the force of the impact sent dozens of stones, dirt and other debris hurtling towards us.”

Reaching to his back, Grandall felt the hole that once had a chunk of wood lodged into his body.

“Captain Lestith had taken a blow to the back of the head and fell unconscious immediately, while I had been struck by a wooden spike. Wanting to make sure we wouldn’t be seen by the Behemoth, I carried Captain Lestith as far into the forest as I could…and collapsed.”

Grandall lowered his head. He felt ashamed at retelling the events.

“Why do you lower your head Grandall? You performed admirably, and you have my thanks for carrying me to safety.” Lestith said.

“But I left Lady Kaia to die…”

Kaia flinched at the admittance and furrowed her brow at the thought.

“Lieutenant Grandall, please rest assured that I harbor no ill will towards you for what occurred. We were all aware of the potential dangers of this mission. Please, do not lower your head for such a thing.” She reassured him.

“I…I thank you for your kind words, Lady Kaia.”

“Now if you could proceed? What happened after your retreat?” she asked.

“I could hear them fighting. The beast howling and roaring in anger. Loud explosions, feeling the earth below me shake. I don’t know what happened afterwards, but a moment of silence…then the howls started again only this time they were different.” He winced slightly at the memory of their sound.

“Different, how?” Lestith asked.

“They sounded like cries…cries of terror. A moment later the sound of wood breaking filled the air, and then silence. Total silence.”

“Wood breaking?” Kaia asked.

“That’s the only way I can describe the sound. Like a large solid tree was snapped in half.”

The three sat in silence for a moment to digest the information that they had just heard. Each eyeing the unconscious body of Amrin, the utter enigma that lay before them.

“That’s not all I’m afraid.” Grandall spoke once more.

“What do you mean?” Lestith inquired.

“The way the air felt. Or better yet, the way everything felt.”

“I don’t understand. The way what felt?”

“I don’t know how to describe it Captain. But during their fight, even as far as I was from it, something in the air changed. It felt…overwhelming. The only time I’ve ever felt like that was during the fight with the Demon itself all those years ago. But this was much more. Something beyond fear. Something you couldn’t possibly hope to understand.”

“Are you saying the Behemoth was stronger now than it was 30 years ago?” Lestith asked.

“No, sir. I’m saying that this presence occurred after the Behemoth and Amrin began fighting.”

Grandall’s suggestion that the overwhelming presence the likes of which even a monster like a Behemoth paled in comparison with, caused Kaia and Lestith to hold their breath.

“It was after the loud cracking sound that the presence disappeared though. Moments later Amrin came and found us, and used the water skins I had purchased to create Healing waters. He also removed the wooden spike in me and made sure that I was ok. Although, I’m ashamed to admit that I uhh…fell unconscious during that particular part.”

“So there’s still a very large number of unanswered questions we are faced with. What happened to the Behemoth? How was Lady Kaia healed? How Amrin was able to umm…grow another arm? And most importantly…why he is unconscious?”

Lestith placed his face into his hands and began to rub them up and down in confusion.

“And without any idea when or if he will awaken, we are stuck to cook away inside….”

Before he could even finish his sentence Lestith realized something he couldn’t believe he missed. If a chanter was rendered unconscious or killed, any long term spells or effects would in turn be rendered useless or dissipate. But the fact that none of them were on the verge of heat stroke or passing out meant that Frost Barrier was still active. How was that possible? Amrin had said that it would only last…as long as it needs to.

He began to shake his head in disbelief and laugh. He meant it quite literally. It was yet another example of the ridiculousness that is Amrin Endrane. Incredibly powerful instant cast magic that will continue for an indefinite amount of time. Lestith was convinced that the only time the Barrier would dissipate was when Amrin wanted it to, and not a moment sooner.

“Grandall, how are you feeling?” Lestith asked suddenly, not bothering to finish his previous comment.

“Oh uh, I’m fine Sir.”

“Good, if you could please retrieve and carry Amrin for us? Lady Kaia, if you could be so kind as to assist me with the reason we came to this blasted land?”

“Are we not to wait for him to awaken first?” Kaia asked, as Grandall began to lift Amrin up and sling him over his shoulder.

“Unfortunately, without knowing when that will happen…I’d prefer to make way to Newrand at least.”

“Lieutenant Grandall….if you could please be gentler with him?” Kaia asked as she watched Amrin’s body get thrown around haphazardly.

“Ah, my apologies. I will be more careful.” Grandall said with a smile.

Kaia and Lestith headed to where the strongbox was abandoned during the entire ordeal with the Behemoth. Luckily during the battle it was not damaged at all. It was sitting there waiting for them to retrieve it. They each grabbed a length of rope that was used to be the handle and lifted in unison.

“Oh my…what in the…” Lestith grunted in surprise at the weight of the strongbox.

“This is quite heavy. Was it always like this?” Kaia asked, pulling the rope above her shoulder using it as a fulcrum to pull the strongbox up higher.

“I believe it is due to the ridiculous amount of the Adamantine that Amrin had retrieved.” Lestith said.

“I see. He did make mention to, I believe he put it, make this worth the effort.”

“Ugh…why am I not surprised?”

Carefully Lestith and Kaia walked in unison to catch up with Grandall, who still had Amrin slung over his shoulder as if it was dirty laundry. The three began to make their way out of Infernus Pass, each thinking silently that they hoped to never have to come back to this place again.

*****

Everything around him was pure white. No sign of color or imperfection anywhere. Even his clothing was of pristine and pure white. Laying on his back in the middle of a massive white room atop a raised circular platform, Amrin sat himself up and sighed. He couldn’t remember the last time he was here. Not long enough as far as he was concerned though. Moving his gaze from one throne to another he frowned at having to wait for them.

The thrones were, just as the rest of the room, pure white and circled all around the large room. Tall backs and no cushions or padding to be seen. The design was utterly simplistic as well. Full square base and two solid arm rests made the lower portion of the chair. What looked to be a relief of a massive rooted tree was engraved into the back of the chair’s tall backing.

Amrin crossed his legs and waited for the show to start. He knew he was going to get an earful, and wasn’t pleased about it. Just as he was thinking about how annoying this was going to be a series of flashes filled the room. Multiple colors washed over the large white room, nearly blinding him, making him cringe from it.

Once more he looked at each of the thrones. This time they had occupants, each wearing a robe of different color and design. Their faces were covered by large hoods that draped over their heads, shrouding their features in shadows.

“You honor us with your presence, Amrin Endrane.” The figure in a pitch black robe spoke.

His voice smooth and calming, but Amrin also noticed a hint of sarcasm there as well though.

“Watch your tone, Cimmerian.” The red robed figure chided. Her alto words rang into the empty room.

“Well can you really blame him? I mean how long as it been? Ten? Fifteen?” the gravelly voice of the Green robed figure filled the room this time.

“Whether or not he has been here in some time is of no concern to us!” This time it was the figure in purple. His voice was sly and sharp, as if he was a shady merchant trying to con you out of something, instantly making you want to put your guard up just in case.

Amrin started shaking his head and let out another sigh. It was always like this, and the primary reason he never liked coming here. He rolled his eyes as the four who spoke out before began to argue amongst themselves.

“Silence! You all forget your place!” The command rang out through the room with a booming and overwhelming volume.

Amrin’s eyes went wide and he pursed his lips in surprise and shock from his ears being assaulted by the sudden sound. It was quite effective though. The room fell silent after the shout rang out. The one to command such authority was the one shrouded in a robe that was a culmination of all the other robes’ base color. While not gaudy to look at, it was still quite a drastic difference from the others.

“Now. Amrin. You realize what it was that brought you here to us, correct?” She asked.

Letting out a deep and exaggerated sigh, Amrin turned to face her.

“Yes, Aurora, I’m quite aware.” He said simply.

“And as some of us have pointed out…” she said with an edge to it, while looking at the ones in question. “It has been far too long since you last appeared here. You are no doubt showing signs of it already.”

“Signs of what?” he asked.

“Loss of control.”

He narrowed his eyes and looked directly at the hooded figure that sat motionless on the throne, just like the other eleven that circled around him. He knew it wasn’t just his imagination or overreacting.

“You know what it is? How do I stop it?”

“Stop it? Hahahaha!” Cimmerian began to cackle at the question.

Amrin changed his gaze from Aurora to Cimmerian in an instant. The second his eyes met Cimmerian’s the laughter stopped.

“W-what!? You think you frighten me!?” he yelled.

“Cimmerian…shut up.” The words didn’t match the tone of the voice. Cute, high pitched and cheerful.

Sitting on the opposite side of the room from Cimmerian the white robed girl berated him. It was unfortunate for her, since the room was pure white just as her robe was, the only hint of color coming from her throne was the rosy pink cheeks and nose that peeked from under her hood.

“Don’t talk to me like that you brat! Who do you think I am?!” he said standing up abruptly.

“An idiot, that’s what!” she shouted jumping out of her seat. “Ugh, to think you’re related to me…its bad enough you’re older as well.”

“You think I want to be your brother?!”

Instead of just Amrin shaking his head in disbelief, it was everyone else around him as well. These two were notorious for going off subject and arguing over the smallest of things. Normally Amrin would just watch and laugh, but Aurora had information on why he felt like he was losing himself, and he wanted to know more.

“Glarian! Cimmerian! If you two insist on acting out, I will ask you to retire.” Aurora commanded.

Her word made them both fall silent and sit back down.

“Aurora…is there any way to stop it?” Amrin asked once more.

“I believe you know the answer to that already Amrin. You are not long for that world I’m afraid. The time you spent away from us has…damaged you.” She said somberly.

The others that surrounded him fidgeted in their seats, the rustling of their robes echoed through the empty room.

“How long, and is there anything I can do to slow it down?”

The hood shuffled to the side and Amrin could see her frown at the question.

“I’m sorry. I do not have the answers to those questions I’m afraid.”

Throwing his arms up into the air, Amrin fell backwards and laid on the platform in the center of the room. Staring blankly at the ceiling of the room, he pondered just what he could do to try and stop, or even slow the degradation down.

“But aside from that issue, the reason for your appearance here…”

Aurora’s voice sounded like a scolding mother. Which immediately made him cringe.

“Yes, yes. I used too much power and passed out. I know.” He said while still sprawled out on the floor.

“My apologies for that.” A timid and quiet voice spoke.

Turning his head to the side in an attempt to match the voice to the person, a small hand poked out of the sleeve of a white robe outlined with black accents and trim.

“Not your fault Sempra. I should be the one to apologize. Sorry.”

“I-It is fine. I’m alright.” She said shyly.

“Amrin, you should know better than to use that much energy in one go.” Aurora interrupted.

“I know.”

“Especially given your current condition. I don’t know how to stop or slow it down. But I assure you, doing things like that will certainly increase it.”

“Why did you do it? I-if you don’t mind me asking.” Sempra said shyly.

Amrin let out a long sigh and frowned.

“I felt like it.”

“That’s it?” Aurora chimed in.

“I felt bad, ok. Plus I didn’t think I would have used enough energy to be put into this situation! Besides, I’ve used a lot more energy in the past and was fine.” He said as he raised his hands into the air, looking as if he was attempting to hug nothing.

“Amrin. You must remember that your connection with us is tenuous at best while there. You are not able to use any and all of your abilities as you see fit and not have any repercussions. Even before your time cut from us.” Aurora said.

“Yeah, I’m starting to get that feeling now more than ever.” Amrin said while staring at his hand outstretched in the air above him.

“Well it is entirely up to you. Just please take care from now on, if you would?” Aurora asked.

Amrin sat up quickly and looked towards her. After a moment of silence, nodded in acknowledgement.

“Well, I think I’ve slacked off enough here. Should be getting back.”

“Before you leave Amrin. She recently appeared in that place.” Aurora spoke softly.

Turning away from her, Amrin begins to fade away. The other side of the room becoming visible through his translucent body.

“How is she?” he asks before disappearing entirely.

“She is well.”

In the moment before Amrin disappeared from sight, he smiled gently.