Claire POV-

It smelled...like pancakes. Gosh that reminded her of home, and for a second she thought she was until she opened her eyes. It was then the memories began to flood in her mind. Then she realized, Tom, he had slept over. She turned to face the right side of the bed to find that it was empty.

There was a delicate lily instead. Jordan grabbed it and headed downstairs.

She wasn't used to having company, now that she thought about it, Tom sleeping in her room was not as uncomfortable as she thought it would be. They were good friends after all, in a way is was like a sleep over. As a child she never had sleep overs, her parents were very protective so she didn't get to do many things she wanted to, that's why she had so few friendships. Now that she was alone in this world, she had some really close relationships that she was very grateful for, she couldn't help but smile at that thought.

When she reached the bottom of the stairs she found Tom in the kitchen making breakfast. At least this way she wouldn't have to make her way to his house for food.

"Morning Sparkles. Had a good time last night?"

"How is sleeping having a good time?"

"I'm teasing you, you're not as dirty minded as I thought. Anyways I see you found my flower, like it?"

"Yeah, thanks. What's it for?"

"For letting me stay here, duh. Plus they remind me of you. I was outside picking some crops for breakfast because you literally have no food here! So I decided to pick one out for you."

"Well I appreciate it. Speaking of which, will you be heading back home for tonight?"

"No way mate! He could still be out there! I'm staying here till he either goes away or dies!"

"He can't die, he's death..."

They both looked at each other for a second and burst out laughing.

Tom then asked her to go help him chop up some fruit while he cooked. After a while of chopping and talking they heard the front door open. Under normal circumstances Jordan would have flipped but she recognized the voices getting closer to them.

Tucker and Sonja made their way to the kitchen when they suddenly stopped as if they saw a ghost or something.

"Whoa hold up! Why are you both wearing your nightgowns and have messy bed hair? Did you guys sleep together?" Said Tucker astonished.

"Yeah we did" said Tom holding back laughter

"No way! How long has this been going on!" Screamed Sonja

"What do you mean?" Asked Jordan, being genuinely confused

"How long have you been dating? Or sleeping together if that's just it" asked Tucker almost mad, almost as if he was an angry parent

"Oh! No it's not like that! He just slept over, we didn't do anything!" Said Jordan panicked trying to hide her burning red face.

"We did cuddle a bit though" teased Tom

"No we didn't! Don't make it sound like that! He was just afraid of the pigmen last night!" Jordan exclaimed

"Now that makes more sense! As her best friend she would have told me if something was going on. Glad to see we still have our best friend trust!" Sonja said.

"Hmm, ok. Just don't trick her into anything Tom" said Tucker, this time holding his blade defensively.

"Your not her dad Tucker. When did you become so defensive, its not like I'm the only one who flirts, your god gave her that necklace you know? You should tell him to back off then" Tom laughed and continued, " if you're gonna act like her dad you should pay more attention"

"OK! On another note, what do you guys think was up with all the commotion last night" everyone stared at her smiling, "Not the Tom thing! I mean the pigmen! Are they still there?"

"No they were all gone when we made our way here, but the shadows contacted Tucker once more to try to convince him to kill Tom. Before you asked her Tucker told him to go to hell." Said Sonja

"See! He does have it after me! Good thing I'm staying here, I even brought all my stuff, looks like we're roomies!" Said Tom

"Right, fantastic. Have... have the shadows contacted you Sonja?" Jordan asked

If her memory served her right, the ones that answered the call of the shadows in one way or another were Nade and Sonja. If she was to be careful she should try to see how things with Sonja were at the moment.

"No, and I would never kill Tom anyways, nothing would be worth it." She said.

"What about you Jordan?" Asked Tucker

"Haven't heard a peep from him" she said

"Well we should keep a look out regardless. Sonja and I will be going to the Miante temple to try to find some stuff. What about you guys?" Asked Tucker

"I'm gonna stock up on weapons and potions. If death and the shadows are coming after me I will give them a run for their money. It's not easy to kill a follower of Dianite after all. What about you Sparkles?"

"I'm...going to go mining for the rest of the day. I'll be back by dawn. Thanks for the breakfast! I'm gonna go get dressed and be on my way. See you later guys, good luck with your stuff!" She said as she rushed upstairs.

Once dressed she got her stuff sorted out and went to the nearest mining cave. On her way out Tom had insisted on going, saying that it was to dangerous to go alone. She convinced him to stay with the condition that she would be a test dummy for some of the potions.

Once done there she hoped that this would be good bait for the shadows. If he was trying to recruit her, it would be easier to do so when she was far from everyone, at least in theory.

Thankfully she didn't have to wait long. Once she had stared mining she felt as though someone was there with her. Within seconds a shadow cast over hers, she turned around to find the man she was looking for.

He didn't look at all like she was expecting. Like the other gods, he looked as though he as in his late 20s early 30s perhaps. He wore a black cloak that cover all of him except his eyes, they were bright red and seemed to glow in the dark. Height wise he was much taller than her, a little taller than his sons surprisingly but still tall enough that she would have to stand on her toes to look him eye to eye. He didn't move or say a word, she guess he was waiting for a reaction.

She decided to fake fear and surprise, after all, that would be her normal response to a man that looked as creepy as that. Jordan studded back trying to hold her sword with out shaking. She even faked a surprised look, temporarily putting her sword down as if amazed.

"Who..what are you!? What are you doing here? I don't want to pick a fight." She said as she struggled to her her words out.

The truth was, she didn't have to fake most of their reactions, he truly freaked her out. It was impossible to think that he was the god's father, there was something truly terrifying about him.

"Relax child, I'm just here to talk." He said "I'm the shadows"

"The person who is trying to kill Tom? Do you want to kill me too?" Asked Jordan innocently

"Of course not, like I said, I'm just here to talk. I want to offer you a deal"

"Whatever you say, I won't kill my friend!" She screamed

"I came to offer you a spot amongst my ranks. I've seem your fighting skills, you are truly talented for an outsider who has no experience with this world. I think you would be able to achieve your true potential along my side"he said getting closer offering his hand to her.

"But.. I'm with Ianite! I'm his champion, there is no way I would leave him. Specially since I don't know you."

"He has a champion? Well that is unexpected, then you must be truly special in that case. But has he even done anything for you? I see you have his armor, but if he were truly all he claims to be he would be powerful enough to do so much more don't you think?"

"He can't! He's hurt"

"You truly don't know Ianite do you? He is, but he is rightfully being punished and he knows it. That's why he hasn't escaped his imprisonment, you have no idea the dark things he has done."

"Like what?"

"Do you wonder why there are so few humans in this land? Why the end is thriving more than ever? Ianite has used the humans of the land to thrive his home. He brought end monsters to feed on the "bad" people of this land, he saw it as a way to remove evil, but that's still murder."

"He wouldn't!"

"He did, he even used his dreams to kill hundredths by becoming a taint monster himself"

She knew that he could do that. She had seen it back home, but this was just him trying to trick her. She had to keep up with the act.

"But he is the god of balance! He is my god!"

"He has done much good, but he has done just as much evil. That's how balance works, and with you by his side he would be able to cause much more evil. He could have you do his bidding for him in the name of balance while he is in imprisonment. I find it horrific that he would do such a thing to a wonderful young woman like yourself"

"Why would he do that to me...he I thought he... he seemed like a good man"

"When you live for thousands of years, you tend to lose your mind along the way. Specially if you're like him, someone who lives in isolation. I truly want to restore balance, that's why I'm here. I sense a great imbalance in this world that should be tended to right away. You see? I'm not the bad guy, I just want to do what Ianite is no longer sane enough to do."

"How do I know you are telling the truth?"

"Ask the priest himself. Ask him what happened to Ianite's subjects. Go ahead."

She closed her eyes and concentrate on private messaging the priest. This was just the shadows tricking her right? There is no way he would ask her to talk to the priest unless he was right though.

"Priest? Sorry to bother you but I have a question about a...dream I had." Then he answered almost immediately

"Alright, what is it?"

"I had a dream about Ianite's subjects. I know it's just a dream but it felt real, I wanted to ask what helped to them. It seems odd to me that I'm the only one who believes in him."

"Well, they were killed by a taint monster, The whole town was destroyed."

That left her utterly shocked. The only person who could do that was...her lord. She couldn't even move, the thought of the shadows being right frightened her, it left her weak inside.

"Thank you. That's all"she told the priest, cutting off the connection

She felt her legs go numb as they gave out. She knelt there on the floor trying to make sense of the situation, trying to find a loop whole.

"I'm sorry dear. No one should be deceived as you have. It's what the three gods do, they use humans for their benefit and when they don't need them, they just get rid of them. That's what they all do, not just Ianite"

"But...why do you want to hurt Tom? He's not a god"

"No. but he is under a great influence from one. He causes a lot of death and chaos everywhere, I'm sure you have noticed. He is a contributor to this great imbalance. His mind cannot be swayed because he is so loyal to his god, he cannot be saved"

"Why do you need me though...I'm nobody" she said hiding back real tears. What he was saying might not be the whole story but there was some truth in what he said.

"You are so much more than that. You are a true gem, and a rare one too. You deserve to have a god by your side, one that truly wants to restore balance like you. This world has caused you so much pain my dear, all you ever wanted to do was get back home, I promise you I can make that happen"

"Wait...what?"

"I hold control over the void, what brought you here. I can send you home once and for all. In exchange I only ask you help me save this one, to do what your heart believes in. You and I can fix this mess, you could be recognized as a hero. You wouldn't be alone here anymore, I would stand by your side through it all, as a true partner should." He whispers as he held her in his arms.

"You try to be strong for others all the time. You help everyone you meet no matter how that affects you, and how do they repay you? They watch you get tortured, or use you for comfort. Tom has been taking advantage of you for too long, he doesn't even consider how you feel. You don't want him around yet he stays, he doesn't care how uncomfortable that makes you."

He brought her closer to him, cradling her almost. Then he looked at her in the eyes, his eyes were a light purple this time. He wiped her tears away and continued.

"Dianite has just been torturing you from the start, he also only wants you to do his evil bidding and he does with all his followers. Miante has been keeping information about Ianite away from you when you should have a right to know who you are following in the first place. He tried to bribe you with jewelry and armor as he always does. Lastly, there is Ianite, the man who lied to you for power. He too could have sent you home long ago, but he wanted to keep you here all for himself. He is not as weak as he claims, gods could never be weak enough to preform the abilities they were born with."

He stroked her hair away from her face, then he raised her chin so she would look at him directly. He smiled in way that made his eyes glow with the light of the torches.

" They all shouldn't have taken advantage of you like that because you are from another world. Do you know what it means when a god gives jewelry to a mortal?"

"...no "

"It's a way of branding you, claims you as property. It seems as though Miante and Ianite have done so already. Claimed you like cattle. Don't, worry. I will teach you everything you want to learn, together we can save this world and prevent anyone from going through this."

"You're right...how could I be so stupid! This whole time everyone has been using me, turning me into a monster. I never wanted this, it seems that ever since I got here things have been less balanced. Ianite has been using me...."

"Don't worry, ill be here for you. What do you say? Want to join me and fix this world together?"

"I will no longer be used by these liars. There is nothing I would love more, specially since I will finally go home."

"Perfect."

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, the he cupped her face with his hands and whispered.

"First I need to know I can trust you. With so many people under the influence of those evil gods I need to know you have truly awakened from their spell. I need you to bring me something, Tom's sword. That sword is powerful, it can be used to kill many, and at the hands of Tom, Im sure it will serve its purpose. You must bring it to me so I can put it somewhere safe my dear. "

Do whatever it takes.

"Of course. You're right, Tom cannot be trusted with it. Where should I meet you when I have it?"

"How about here. I feel like this is a special place for us, this is where we became one team. I will make a secret passage in that wall, it will lead you to our special place where we can meet without anyone finding us."

After he pointed out the specifics of how the secret passage could be open he helped her to her feet and wiped the remained of her tears.

"I have full faith in you. You are the only one capable of restoring balance to this land, bring me the sword and we shall seal our alliance. You can become my champion."

"I thought Nade was your champion?"

"Nade doesn't want to be anyone's champion, he believes he could work best as a spy for our cause. I respect his wishes and gave him the post he desired."

"I see. Well I'll go back home then. While Tom sleeps ill get his sword and bring it here tonight."

He have her a big hug and a gentle kiss on the cheek that send chills up her spine.

"I wish you luck. I'll see you soon my dear."

Then, he disappeared into the dark. Jordan needed to catch her breath. She didn't know where he could be so she refrained from showing her true feelings. Instead she made her way home, looking as happy as she could.

Once she got home It was already late. Tom greeted her when she came through the door with a big hug. She saw he had the sword on him. Then she remembered that he slept with the sword in hand because he was so afraid of death, he wanted to be prepared. It would be a lot harder to steal it that she though.

She hugged him back, and after making dinner they headed upstairs. On her way up she saw the shadows was staring at her through the window, mouthing a "you can do it" from a distance.

How in earth was she gonna get that sword...

"Hey Tom...tonight can you sleep without the sword. It scares me that I might her hurt."

"What if death comes though, I would be defenseless silly. Don't worry, it won't hurt you"

Crap, she needed to be smarter than that.

"Is me protecting you not enough?"

"It's just a precaution, I trust you could beat the crap out of death."

"Well the thing is... I trust you could do the same, no sword needed. How about this, why don't you sleep without it, and I will keep you safe."

"So you sleep with a sword then?"

"No. I told you, I don't feel comfortable sleeping with weapons. I'll keep you safe with out it."

"Hmmmm, alight mate. But if death kill us it will be on you."

"Got it. Now common I'm tired."

They both got in bed, Jordan decided to wait until he went to sleep, then she would go downstairs and snatch the sword. Problem was, Tom has hugging her tight again and wouldn't let go.

She decided to risk it and force her way out of his grasp. He woke up as expected but he was still sleepy.

"I'm just going to the restroom, don't worry, get back to sleep."she whispered.

He could barely stay awake, so he just nodded and fell back asleep. She tried to make as little noice as possible when going down the stairs, but they were wooden so they made a lot of noice.

Once she made it, she stopped to see if Tom had woken up. After a minute of two, she grabbed the sword and went out the door she left open that led to her pool. That way she wouldn't make that much noise. Once outside she ran for it not looking back.

She felt awful, this wasn't something she felt right in doing. Strangely enough she didn't feel bad for long, the shadows were right, it was to dangerous to have Tom using this sword.

Once she reached the cave she hit the hidden code to open the secret door. Maybe she could use something like this one day to create a hidden safe to put her valuables in, it seemed very efficient. She alway had a curious mind about machines and set ups like these, it was no surprise to her that she should be this amazed about it.

When she reached the room inside, he was waiting for her. When she came in his face seemed to light up with glee.

"I got the sword...my lord. Just as you asked, I hope this is a sign of my loyalty towards you."she said as she bowed before handing over the sword.

"You have done well my lady. It seems as though you have spared this world of future pain at the hands of Tom. Does this mean you have resigned your post as Ianite's follower?"

It hurt her to do this, but she had to prove herself as Dianite had told her to. She took off her Ianite armor and bracelet, she also decided to take off the necklace Miante had given her. She then got on her knees and bowed down to the shadows.