The Chronicles of Narantheon:

The Realmwood and the One Branch

BOOK ONE
 For Kaelynn, who started the whole thing. You made Amy Alonda, Rain, and everyone else come to
life.
For Lilliane, whose ideas were placed in the book, and for being one of my bestest buddies.
For Reagan, for being there when I was feeling down and being with me. I love you.

For Melody, for reasons I don’t have to explain.

This world was created with your help.

This book is for you.

IDEAS AND SHIT

-Amy and Rain nearly die in an old mountain ruin collapse.
-They find Kindre, who is trying to make the perfect blade, and is stoked over Amy’s sword.
-He explains about the Roratak, the Guardian of the Gates, who holds one of the Ether Crystals.
-Kindre tags along with them and guides them to Koratov, his home village.
-The Jarl of the village holds a party to welcome the two, and welcome Kindre back, as it turns out he’s the last
Ancient Dwarf alive.
-Rain (awkwardly) teaches Amy to couple’s dance, which Amy doesn’t care for at first, but slowly warms up
and actually has fun
-Amy signs up for an event in the village’s Colosseum, where she dominates the other combatants.
-Jinni, the champion, uses his tamed young bronze dragon to challenge her, and after a struggle, she wins,
getting a massive amount of Dwarven gold as a reward.
-The next morning, they head towards Lojir’s Throat, the spire where Roratak is said to be.
-Amy finds an Altar of Creation, one of the Divines’ worktables when they created Men, she faints and the One
Being speaks to her subconsciously, warning her about her growing feelings for Rain.
-they find Roratak inside a massive cave full of gore and death (and gold), and it is a massive spider/goat demon
creature, it doesn’t attack Amy, as it senses the demonic power inside of her, resulting in a mass of confusion on
her part, but it gives up vague info about the Vessels and the Fifth Vessel, Arame.
-After the Ether Crystal is collected, yet another celebration for Roratak’s “downfall”, Rain nearly kisses Amy,
which results in her panicking and rejecting it, as in the corner of her mind, she knows it won’t end well for
either of them.
-Amy has a stressful evening by herself, trying to deny that her empathy and compassion for Rain is slowly
growing into affection, and maybe love.
-Kindre says he’ll travel to Materiahelm to “await the Queen’s return”, which confuses Amy and Rain, this hints
that Amy is the future High Queen of Scurria

“Born to live, born to die

Beings of light, demons of dark
One remains hollow
One is left incomplete
One is filled with false pride
As the sun shines and darkness broods
The Vessels legacy carry on forever more.”

-excerpt from the Naranko, written by the Mistwalker and the Missionaries of Narantheonism

Chapter One
The spirits of the wood never quite connected to her.

But then again, nothing really did.

She was not a person, not a real one anyhow. She was…

She didn’t know.

But to Amy…it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered. She was a slave to the Divines, what could she do to
fight it?

Once, she might have been beautiful, and to many she still carried her vanity. Her skin was as pale as
the moon in the night sky. Her cold, dead eyes held the bright shine of jades. Her hair flowed behind
her in a deep purple stroke of the evening skies. Her face had the vestige of a noble royalty, but no
longer.

She knew nothing anymore. Only pain. Only the need for strength.

Amy gave effort…tried to connect to the spirits around her that danced out of reach…

“Amy Del Dante Alonda….how much I’ve missed you…”

She could feel the voice behind her, she whipped around and jumped back, her silver-blue blade
unsheathed in an eye’s blink. Her breath was uneasy, her body shaking slightly.

She recognized the person standing so still in front of her.

“Sakantos…”

The figure was coated in shadows, leaving Amy blind to his location. Her eyes darted around,
attempting to feel him out.

A spear of pain ran through her head as the figures trident hit her from behind. Quickly recovering,
her anger rising, she called out.

“Playing dirty tricks, are you?! Come on out, face me like a man!”

Sakantos laughed, a long, cold, terrible laugh.

“What would you know…about facing something…?”

Amy tensed up, but kept her defiant attitude. “You wouldn’t know anything about the hell I’ve gone
through….”
Sakantos smiled wickedly, his demonic, twisted face turned up in a grin.

“But, little Amy…I do…I know everything….every single thing you’ve ever done…”

Amy’s face turned from a cold defiance to genuine surprise, her voice shaking.

“How…what do you mean…?”

Sakantos’ grin grew.

“I know about your siblings…”

Amy was hit with terror, her mind bringing up what she’d been trying to forget for years. She
struggled to stand, she started breathing faster and more shallow. “No…don’t…don’t…please…” she
whispered, not wanting to hear any more.

Sakantos’ twisted smile only grew wider, he dismissed Amy’s plea.

“I know about your mother…”

“Stop it…stop…”

“I know about your father”, he said with emphasis.

“Stop…” Amy’s voice was glowing with rage…

“I know what you did to-”

“STOP IT!” Amy screamed furiously, her eyes glinted with rage. She ran towards Sakantos, in for the
kill.

She felt the power rise from deep beneath her chest, beginning to erupt from her. The sword she held
shined a furious deep blue, she put all of her strength into the swing.

Sakantos barely managed to counter, his gilded trident clashing with her blade, sparks flying.
Amy was blinded with anger. “I’m going to fucking kill you…I’ll destroy you…every single damned
part of you…” she said with gritted teeth.

Sakantos’ eyes glinted. “Heh…you already have…” he whispered. He knocked Amy’s sword back,
making her lose her balance. With a loud shout dripping with bloodlust, he drove his trident deep into
Amy’s calf.

Amy had never experienced such physical pain before. The wound seemed to tear from the inside, and
burn and decay. She screamed and fell to the ground, her sword clattering a few feet away from her.
She moaned with pain, her leg bleeding profusely, she already felt light-headed…

Sakantos stood over her, a solemn but cold look on his face. “So…here ends Amy Alonda…in such a
pathetic way…you were never nothing more than a dog, so you’ll die like a dog.” With a smile, and a
last cold laugh, he dissappeared into a cloud of flame and smoke.

Amy groaned again, looking at her leg.

“Gods damnit all…”, she whispered. She had to do something…

With some effort, she placed both hands on the wound and a soft pink light swept into the wound,
slowly closing the gap, the bleeding stopped. She tried to lift herself up, to no avail.

Damnit…

She gave up and lay back.

Y’know…this ground is pretty comfortable… her mind drifted off, her head pounding, feeling faint.

Amy began to pass into the dream world…she could swear she heard a faint, familiar voice.

Aaaammyyyyy…….

—----------------
Amy bolted up, gasping for air. She was wrapped in a fur blanket, inside a small tent. Her head felt like
a sledgehammer was smashing her skull. Her leg still ached with a dull pain, she knew it was swollen.
The wound was wrapped with a large bandage. The tent looked like someone had been living there for
a long time, and was still living here.

Did I get captured by someone…? She thought. Her lips bent to a defiant frown. She wasnt going to just
let someone kidnap her!! She was Amy Alonda, the most powerful warrior ever, after all!

She tried to get up again, but she fell back yet again. She was stronger now, sure. But she wouldnt be in
real fighting shape for a while…at least until her magical energy was restored. Then maybe she could
heal herself…

Someone walked into the tent, Amy immediately pretended to be asleep. She couldn’t see him well
with the flames of his campfire behind him, but he was a rather large man, tall and husky. His voice
was deep and, to Amy’s surprise, kind.

Amy could sense the man staring her down.

“Miss? Are you awake?” he whispered.

Amy didn’t move.

“You might as well get up…unless you like going hungry.”

Amy opened one eye slowly. The man was actually good-looking, he had a handsome, empathetic look
on his face, he had short curly black hair which complimented his dark blue eyes well.

The man smiled a bit. “I knew you were awake. Name’s Rain. Rain Kurenia.”

Amy opened both eyes, eyeing him. She did not trust him at all…she knew how men were. They
seemed nice and perfect at first, but when a relationship grows their true colors were always revealed.
Amy’s eyes squinted with suspicion, the defiant look written on her face.

“Don’t worry Miss…I’m not going to hurt you, it’s okay.” His voice was gentle, with no clear intention
of harm on him at all.
Amy relaxed, but was still doubtful. “Who are you?”

“I…already told you…?” Rain said confused.

“No, who are you? Are you a highwayman, kidnapping women for your own desires?” Amy accused,
her eyes narrowing.

Rain laughed a little. “Ha, hell no. Now, who are you?” He looked at her, genuinely curious about her.

Amy looked away. “That…isn’t your concern.”

Rain’s eyes darted down a little. “Why won’t you tell me?” he asked.

Amy looked at him. She appreciated him trying to help…

“A-Amy…” she said hesitantly.

Rain’s eyes widened. “Princess Amy Alonda?!!? That’s impossible, the…the royal family is dead….” His
voice softened as he realized what that meant…

Amy’s face saddened, but she put on a veil. “What do you want with me?”

Rain stared. “I…I found you out in the wood, I was trying to help you.”

“I don’t need your help, commoner.” she replied defiantly. She tried one more time to stand, falling to
her knees.

Rain helped her into a sitting position, his arm around her back. Amy sat there for a moment, then
pulled away.

Rain stared at her bandage. “Your leg is pretty fucked up, what did you do to it?”

Amy looked down. “I got attacked…” she said hesitantly

“Who attacked you??” Rain sounded urgent. “Was it a thug or something??”

“No, no…it was something else.”

Rain raised an eyebrow. “Something…..else?”

Amy shook her head, dismissing the conversation.

Rain thought for a moment. “So…your alive…so what about the King…or the Queen…?”

Amy turned her head away, tears stinging her eyes. “They…..they didn’t make it…I don’t know what
happened to them…” her voice trailed off, choking up a little, a small sob escaping her.

Gods damnit, Amy…why the hell are you crying?! She ridiculed herself for crying in front of someone
like this.

“Amy…hey, hey….its okay…” he said softly. He put a hand on her shoulder. Amy glared at him with
tearful eyes and flinched away.

“D-don’t fucking touch me!” she choked.

He backed off, and the only sound around was the slow crackling of the fire and Amy trying to hold
her emotions at bay.

Her voice was quieter now, but still wracked with despondency. “I don’t know you…or trust you…
don’t touch me…”, she whispered. Rain didn’t respond for a while, seemingly considering something.

About what? I can’t…why can’t I read him…? He’s just a common hermit…

“You want some stew?” he asked cautiously.

Amy slowly lifted her head towards him, wincing on her leg. “What?”

“I said, do you want some stew? Whenever I’m stressed out; which happens a lot, actually, there’s
nothing like a nice bowl of hot stew to calm the mind, y’know?”

Amy looked away, her cold look returning, freezing her face over. “I don’t need your help. You
shouldn’t even be trying.”
“Why shouldn’t I? You were in danger, a fellow in need. I’ve already ruined my life, might as well help
others not fall into that hole.”

Amy perked up slightly. “Ruined…how did you ruin yourself?”

Rain’s eyes began to avoid hers, and Amy knew she had touched a sensitive topic. Rain shrugged and
sighed. “Always been kind of a screw-up, messed up big-time. Some old friends want me dead, I
couldn’t pay them for a gamble. A big one, I’m talking over two thousand narans”

Amy tilted her head slightly. “You gambled two thousand narans? And now your wanted dead…I
don’t…”. She didn’t understand why in the world would someone would gamble their life for some
pieces of metal. It sounded completely pointless to her.

Rain shook his head dismissively. “Don’t worry about it.”. He got up and slowly walked to the fire,
reaching for the slightly rusted metal pot. He got one, then two small bowls of steaming stew. Amy
had to admit, she was pretty hungry. Rain noticed the look on her face and smiled.

“Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned, if that’s what your worried about.”

Amy rolled her eyes. “Shut it,”. She hesitantly took the bowl and tentatively tasted it.

Her appetite was bigger than she expected, she silently downed the bowl in less than a minute. Rain
stared and laughed.

“By the Nine, that was quick.” His eyes brightened, his voice quieting. “See, I’m not going to kill you,
something tells me I wouldn’t be able to anyway,”. He laughed again. Amy set her bowl down and
sighed. She actually felt…somewhat content. With a quiet yawn, she placed her hands on her hurt leg,
wincing slightly.

“Miss, what are you…”, he trailed off as he watched. Amy tore the bandage off, blood starting to seep
out. She placed her hands on the gruesome pierce wounds. A soft pink light began to emerge, flowing
into the wounds, and Amy felt the dull, burning pain disappear, and the wounds began to close.

Rain’s mouth opened slightly in amazement. “You know the old magicks…”
Amy nodded slowly. “Yes. It took me well about a decade of consistent practice to perfect the Helaosa
branch of magic.” she said slowly.

“Practice? Who taught you? No one else would know…except…wait”. His brow furrowed, and a he
looked at her.

“Lucas…? He taught you…?”

Amy hesitated, but nodded slightly. “Yes…long ago…”

Rain considered this for a moment.

“The rumors said…that Lucas took in a member of the royal family…I never thought it was you!” He
exclaimed.

Amy looked away, then down at her hands. “I don’t know…if it was worth it…”

Rain’s excited face fell. “Well, why not? You have all the power in the world-”

Amy cut him off. “I have nothing. I never had anything, or anyone.” She took a small bag from the belt
around her waist. It was a small silk bag, with tiny golden runs imprinted along the sides. She held it
tenderly in her hand. A wave of sadness washed over her.

“What’s that…?” Rain queried softly, knowing well what it was.

Amy held the bag in front of her with one hand. “This…is all I have left of them…”

Rain nodded to himself solemnly. “The Alonda royal family…it all falls to you now,”. Amy nodded,
looking up at the stars.

“My mother used to tell me stories…about a beautiful forest…the most vibrant and magical of all…
inside the very heart of the Realms…”, she said softly, gentle memories slipping though her mind. Amy
closed her eyes and held the bag tenderly to her heart.

“I wish I could find that wood…if it existed…”

Rain stared. “The Realmwood…?”

“Yes. The forest in the center of the universe, heart of all life.”

“Well…”

Amy looked up at him. “What?”

“What if it does exist? What if…we could find it.”

Amy’s sentimental expression faded back to her cold look. “It doesn’t exist, and there is no we,” She
stood up, testing the weight on her leg. It was healed now.

“I don’t even know why I said as much as I did. I…”. She stopped herself from saying “thank you”.
“I’m leaving. Whatever problems you had or have are not my concern.”

She turned to leave.

“Amy…wait.”.

Amy stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“Your…the first person that I’ve seen that doesn’t want to kill me in a long time…I’ve been out here for
too long…I need help.”. He pleaded quietly.

Amy scoffed. “Your poor decisions put you here, now you either stay or leave yourself.”. She turned to
leave once more.
“I’ll help you!” Rain called out.

“I can help you find the Realmwood.”

Amy turned her head back and stopped again. “It does not exist.”

Rain fervently shook his head. “It does! I swear it. The Wood…it’s real.”

Amy’s eyes narrowed. “It is only a myth. Now, leave me be.”.

Amy yet again turned away. Amy could feel him watching her leave. She kinda felt bad, she couldn’t
lie After a while, she heard something

She stopped dead in her tracks. She could hear someone, multiple someones. A gentle breeze swept her
hair over one shoulder, her eyes darting around fervently. A soft rustle made her whip around.

“Stop where you are and speak. Who are you, and what do you want?” she called out into the dark
woods.

The someone was indeed several people. A band of about eight thugs trundled out of the trees. All of
them rode horses and looked rough and dressed in the same clothes, like a uniform. Jagged spears and
swords hung from their belts, and Amy gasped slightly.

The leader held Rain, bound in ropes and gagged, looking like he’d been beaten. Amy’s eyes slid to
him, then back to the man who held him. “Let him go.”

The head thug laughed coldly. “Heh…nah. After all…you have a little debt to pay, don’t you, Rain…?”
Rain’s eyes were defiant, he grunted angrily. One of the thugs smashed the hilt of his sword into Rain’s
head, making him groan and slip out of consciousness.

Amy didn’t know what made her, but that made her snap. Her sword was drawn in an instant, she
held it out, pointed towards them.

What the fuck am I doing??

“I said…let…him…go…” , she snarled despite her hesitation.

The thug’s smile twisted even more. “The little girl thinks she can do something…who is Rain to you,
anyway? Is he your friend? Or…”, he leaned over his horse, sneering at her.

“Or are you just his little trained bitch?”

Amy’s patience ran out completely, and to the other men’s horror, the leader’s throat was pierced
through by Amy’s sword. Amy smiled slightly as she watched her victim died right in her face. He
gagged and sputtered, blood splattering in Amy’s face and hair. He fell off his horse, which whinnied
and ran off frantically. Blood pooled under everyone’s feet, the horses and their riders cringing in fear.

Amy pulled her sword out of his throat and wiped it on her dress. Smiling coldly, she turned to the
others.

“Just a quick FWI, I am not a bitch. Was never trained to be one.”. She smiled sweetly, her eyes glowing
with bloodlust.

The other men stared at each other.

“Now, let Rain go or the rest of you’ll be taste-testing a sword.” She kept her menacing sweet smile.

They all glared at her, then one of them tossed Rain into the dirt. They slowly turned and the rest
sauntered off.

Amy watched them leave, put her sword away, then stood over Rain.

“Hey, idiot. Wake up.”

Rain did not respond. Amy rolled her eyes and flicked her finger. A bulb of water was sent flying into
his forehead, splashing him. She took the gag out of his mouth and stood over him, frowning

“Ah-wha-what…oh…A-Amy…?”. He stared groggily up at her.

“Yes, dumbass.”, she cut the ropes off of his wrists. He massaged his hands. “Ow…” He looked up at
her confused.

“W-why did you…”, he trailed off.

“You want to come with me or not?”, she said coldly.

“Wait, huh? You want me to come with you?”

“You might as well. Better than dying out here, which you will if you stay out here much longer. We…
I will find the Realmwood. You’re right, it does exist. I can feel it.”
It was Rain’s turn to be skeptical. “I thought you said it was a myth?”

“I thought you said it does.” Amy retorted, wiping some of the blood off her face. She closed her eyes,
focusing closely on her surroundings. She took a small knife, a rune suddenly shining on her arm.

“Perfect Mark Four…Instinct…”, she muttered softly, slowly slicing her arm where the rune was. The
Mark shined brilliantly, her senses sharpening to near perfection, she could feel almost everything, to
the distant water rushing, to the sun above, to the soft whisper of the grass in the wind. She looked
around, her eyes now turned golden and sharpened, slowly pinpointing a location.

She pointed north-west, her eyes returning to normal. “That way.”

Rain raised an eyebrow, his head tilting slightly. “Uh…why that way, exactly?”

“Quickest way out.” she replied simply.

“Okay…how do you know…?”

“Because I do.”

Rain couldn’t argue with that. He grabbed his bag, and his sword, staring down at it. Nodding to
himself, he put the weapon away.

The voice invaded Amy’s mind again, it felt wrong…

…Aaaammmmyyyyyy…

Chapter Two

“There was no other way to say, Telonius.”

Lucas was gazing down from his desk at a small, male dwarf. His beard was shaven, his eyes narrowed
and sharp. Lucas himself had fair skin, sharp auburn hair, his face bright and intelligent, contrast to
Telonius, his face defiant and reserved.
“No other way? You say they couldn’t handle the truth?” Telonius rumbled, one hand on

“I never said that, my good sir. It is not my place to tell them.”, Lucas replied, rubbing his eyes with
one hand.

“Think about them. What they are. What they will be.”

“That is enough. Leave me.”, Lucas said impatiently.

Telonius turned to leave, the door closing harder than normally.

Lucas put his glasses back on, sighing. Being Headmaster wasn’t easy, that’s for sure…

A knock on the door rudely interrupted his thoughts. He sighed and flicked his hand, the door
unlocking. His eyes widened, his body straightening as he saw his visitors. A large, nice-looking man he
had never seen before and, unless there was someone else with dark purple hair in the world, his own
niece…or should he say…

“Amy. You walk into my office, a bloody mess. What happened? Is this your friend?”

Amy’s eye narrowed at the word friend. “No, he’s not my friend. Temporary ally.” Amy glared at
Lucas; Rain looked down at her from behind, looking a little upset.

Lucas noticed his face and stood up. “Don’t mind her, she’s been like this for ages. Lucas. Headmaster
Lucas. Amy’s uncle and current caretaker You are…?” he trailed off.

Rain stood straighter, a tad taller than Lucas. “Rain. Rain Kurenia.”

“You look like the trouble-making sort.” Lucas replied frankly.

“Well… I’ve had my fair share of trouble…”

Lucas put an arm around Amy’s shoulder gently. She groaned and tried to squirm out, Lucas
tightening his grip. Rain tried not to laugh as Amy’s eyes dropped to the floor in embarrassment.
Lucas smiled down at her, looking at Rain. “She’s normally a big sweetheart…” he hesitated for just a
moment. “But…she’s a little…distant. Don’t mind her threats, she won’t hurt you. I think she might
even like you a bit.”. He smiled down at his niece, who was now fuming.

“I’m right here!” Amy said loudly. “Let go of me!”

Lucas hugged her, much to Amy’s disdain and Rain’s amusement.

“As your caretaker, I have a right to parental affection, little miss.”

Rain laughed as Amy gave up, sinking into her uncle. Rain could see her cheeks flared red.

Amy fumed silently, hating herself for actually finding comfort in Lucas’ random show of affection.
She still didn’t love Rain’s amused expression. “Okay, that’s enough.” She finally managed to squirm
out of Lucas’ arms.

“Don’t ever do that when someone else is here again.”

Lucas smiled, Rain laughed again.

“Amy, cmon, I can tell you needed a hug.” Rain said, teasing her.

“I swear if you two don’t stop I’ll tear you into pieces…”, she growled.

Lucas tittered. “Okay, in all seriousness, what is it you two want?”

Amy sat down in an armchair. “We…need a way to one of the Realms.”

Lucas stared. “And why would you want to exactly?”

“I…its personal.”

Amy saw his eyes slide down to the small bag. She put her hand on it, blushing slightly. Lucas nodded
in understanding. He sauntered over to the massive bookshelf, pulling a book slightly.
The bookcase slowly slid sideways, revealing a narrow passageway leading downward. Amy stared.
“This has been here the whole time?”

Lucas rolled his eyes. “Trust me.”

All three walked down the narrow hallway, the stairs winding off and leading to a massive golden door.
Rain looked up at it in awe. “So…is this the gate…?” he asked. Lucas laughed.

“No, this is the Gate.”

He opened the huge door, leading into an even bigger room. A large transparent sphere stood in the
middle of the room, which was clean and a perfect dome shape. A model of the Eight Realms and the
Realmwood in the center sat in front of it. Rain looked around the room in awe while Amy walked up
to the sphere.

“So…this is the gateway?” Amy asked, mostly to herself.

Lucas nodded slightly. “Yes. The Nine Divines may have restricted access to other Realms, but people
like me don’t have to follow those rules”. Rain looked over in confusion. “But…I thought it was
impossible…”

Amy shook her head. “He has mastery over Pre-Age sorcery, so he can bend the gods’ rules a little.”

Lucas stared at the sphere, deep in thought. “Only issue…once you go in…your on your own. I can’t
bring you back here from there. You would both have to find a way out either into the other Realms
or back to Materiahelm. You two sure you can do this?”

Amy stood up straight. “Yes. We’re ready.”

Rain bolted up. “We are?”

Amy glared at him, then turned back to Lucas. “Open the gate. We’ll be fine.”

Lucas thought for a moment, then walked up to Amy and hugged her gently. Amy didn’t return his
embrace, but she closed her eyes, inclining her head into her uncle’s chest.
“You be careful okay, Amy? You’re going to be okay, I promise,” he said gently.

“I know. I have to be.” Amy responded, her voice softened. Lucas grabbed her wrists and wrapped her
arms around himself. Amy hesitated, but buried her face into his chest, hugging tighter. Rain smiled,
endeared.

Amy pulled away slowly. “Okay, show’s over. Let’s get this over with.” Lucas looked at her for a few
moments, then began to chant softly

Ni ro va ko ranar potak

The sphere shined with a brilliant blue light, the rune for Nvartelfhelm, the homeland of the Elves, lit
up, and the sphere cracked open, revealing nothing but a blinding light.

This is a mistake…

Amy shook her head fervently, blocking the voice out. Rain walked up next to her. “Hey, you alright?”

“I’m fine. Let’s go.”

It is not fine…your going to die…

Soon…

Amy shut her eyes, willing the voice to silence itself. It faded, and the Gate shined in front of her. She
gazed into it’s depths, feeling the call…

She grabbed Rain’s arm and they went through at the same time.

“This is a bad ideeaaaaaa!” Rain screamed as they were sucked in. Flashes of light and fragmented
dreams flashed before them, they could percieve none of the surroundings, their minds blank as they
traveled through the Gateway. Amy’s eyes widened as she whizzed through the odd tunnel, she could
feel something…
Suddenly they popped out of the Gate, Amy flew out and twisted herself, landing gracefully on her
feet, brushing her shoulder off. Rain tumbled out not-so gracefully. “Ow…never again…” he
mumbled.

“Get up.” Amy snapped. Rain stood up, holding his head, his eyes closed in pain. Amy gazed around
the new landscape, they were in the middle of nowhere, an odd forest surrounded them. The trees
were not the classic brown and green color they were used to, but a tinge of purple and green to them.
The breeze was gentle, two suns rising in the horizon, revealing an ominous mountain range towering
over the forest.

“Hey…what are those things?” Rain pointed behind Amy. She turned her head back, her eyes
widening in awe. Seven massive pillars stood over them, all of them at least fifty meters tall. Amy could
sense a faint magic from it…but it felt empty.

“Something is wrong with those pillars…something tells me they’re important.” Amy remarked, her
brow furrowing.

“Are they broken? What do they do?”

“I…don’t know. It feels faded, and I don’t know what they are or what they’re supposed to mean.”

“Maybe…we shouldn’t get involved?”

Amy looked to the skies. “Too late.”

“What do you mean?”

Suddenly he was pinned down by two winged figures with light blue-black spears and grey leather
armor.

“Iwo ndi odabwitsa !!! Agwireni!!!”, one of them screamed. The other elf nodded and readied his spear,
taking to the skies, pointing at Amy. Amy drew her sword, the blade shining a dim blue light.

Weak…kill it…now…
Amy shook her head, and barely managed to swipe her blade to bat away the incoming spear. It
sparked with dark purple flames for a split second, piercing the floor.

Rain managed to turn his captor’s spear against him and stab the elf, tossing him off. Amy stared up at
the other one, holding her palm out to Rain, signaling him to stop. She flew up and crossed her hands
together, one finger pointing up before readying her fists.

“Technique One. Storm Barrage.”

In an eye’s blink, she landed dozens of blows, striking every single pressure point in the elf’s body,
paralyzing him. The elf groaned in pain and collapsed, his wings giving out

Rain stared in amazement as the elf and Amy came to earth. Amy stared down in disdain at the elf, and
tore his helmet off. The drow stared at her with hate, his limbs still spasming. Amy grabbed it’s neck
and forced it to look at her.

“Mukufuna nafe chiyani?”, Amy asked in a guttural, deep growl.

The elf snarled at her back, “Nonse ndinu akunja. Palibenso china choti chinenedwe, owononga.”

Amy’s eyes narrowed down at the drow. “Kodi mizati ndi chiyani? Ndi za chiyani?”

The elf said nothing. “Sindiloledwa kunena”, he replied simply.

Amy furrowed her brow and stabbed the elf with her sword. It glowed a light blue, and the drow’s eyes
blanked out, dying.

“Amy, was that really necessary?”

“He wouldn’t tell me what he wanted to do with me or what the pillars did so…”, she shrugged, seeing
no problem with this.

He was weak…you were right to kill him.

…
Was it right?

Amy didn’t understand. She’d killed hundreds…no, thousands of countless people who tried to
oppose her, why did this feel so…wrong all of a sudden.

It’s your fault…

Amy slapped the side of her head to make her brain shut the hell up.

Not now…not while he’s here…

Amy looked up to see Rain staring at her again. “What?!” she snapped.

“We should probably get out of here…before this guy’s friends come af-”

Rain’s eyes drooped close, and he fell to the ground, passed out. Amy raised an eyebrow. “What the
fuck?”. Amy felt a small prick in her arm, then a blissful sleepy feeling…

Chapter Three

Amy finally woke up, inside of a rather elegant room. Red sheets covered the large bed, a ruby chandelier hung
over an elaborate red and pink carpet. A red-stained window threw a soft light over the walls. Amy felt odd, like
her insides were fuzzy. She looked around the room, and saw the door was locked and bolted shut.

“Rain?”, she called out, her heart racing a little.

No response. The room was full of silence…deathly silence. Sweat beaded on Amy’s forehead as her heart
pounded.

What is going on?

Amy had a twinge in her mind…this room was familiar.

…your fault…
All your fault…

You did this to them….

Amy’s head started to pound, she groaned and clapped a palm over her forehead. She heard the voice again.

Aaaaammmyyyyy…

She began to panic, drawing her sword out, her eyes bloodshot and anxious, her head hurting like hell.

“Who the fuck are you?! Come on out!!”

No response.

Amy’s breathing began to quicken, she felt her heartbeat in her ears. “Rain, if that’s you then this isn’t fucking
funny!!!”, she shouted. She felt something drip on her shoulder. It felt warm and sticky. And her sword felt
lighter in her hand, and why did both her hands feel wet all of a sudden?

Amy slowly looked up as another drop fell on her.

The liquid was blood. She was holding a knife.

Amy’s mind went into a blank haze, her eyes blanking out.

Two bodies were strung up on the chandelier, dead eyes from ripped faces hung out their sockets to stare at
Amy, intestines and gore spilled all over the floor. Amy’s eyes widened, she could feel her body starting to
tremble. She called out as the red carpet beneath her feet melted away into blood. The red paint on the window
dripped, the sheets on the bed were soaked.

Don’t you see?

They are here, Amy.

We are waiting for you…

Amy’s pupils dilated, she collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily, her hands clasped around her temples. The
voices chattered on and on…so loud…

“Stop…please…”she whimpered.
She is weak.
Impure.
Pathetic.

She is not strong enough.

She is a warrior.
She will die.

This was your fault.

“No…no…stop…I didn’t…”

The bodies fell from the chandelier, splattering blood all over Amy. She felt everything snap. Amy stared at the
bodies.

She smiled a little. The voices wouldn’t end, it was so loud…so loud…

She fell to her knees. She started to laugh, her hands pressed to her head. She leaned her head back and
practically screamed with laughter. She leaned over, her eyes rolled back in her skull. The whole room spun,
collapsing into nothing.

You will die.

You will be punished.

You think you can run from me. From us.

You will never escape them, Amy…

Escape us…

Amy stood up, her head pounding. She was now inside a black-grey landscape, everything was just an empty
void. A familiar figure stood in front of her, it’s back turned. Amy drew her sword, but it crumbled and faded
away. She scoffed and turned to the shadow.

“What do you want with me?!”

The shadow did not respond, and the bloody room came back to Amy’s mind.
“What…are you…?

Amy could sense the shadow’s smile. “I am you…I have always been with you…I am your memory…your pain…
your sweet, sweet suffering…”

Amy stepped a bit forward, and a soft light appeared around the shadow, it turned around and stared at her.
Amy gasped and stepped back again.

It was herself. But it wasn’t. But it was the spitting image of her. Amy could feel it, it was definitely something
like her…

—-----------

Amy screamed and bolted up in a bed. She yelled and threw the blankets off, before realizing this wasn’t the red
room. She looked around, it was a modest bedroom, like one in a tavern. An old-fashioned dresser stood next to
the bed, the lanterns hung from the walls. The room was covered in a blue-black fur. She was in an Elven
household.

They can’t hurt me.

It was just a nightmare…

Amy heard the screams…

She shook her head, clearing the voice away. She fell back on the bed, it was rather comfortable.

She needed a nap. A real one, not plagued by darkness and stained with blood. She sighed.

I’m just glad I’m even sane right now…

Where’s Rain?

Amy looked around the room again, but sighed and laid back down, not wanting to worry. She needed a
godsdamned nap. “Whatever…”, she mumbled before drifting back to sleep, this time dreaming of nothing.

Aaaammmyyyy… she heard a voice again

“Go away…” she grumbled.

Amy…

“I said go away…”

Amy…wake up…

“Leave me alone”

“Amy!!”

She felt a light slap on her face, she instinctively slapped her hand back, hitting someone’s face. Rain held his
cheek, which was now a bright red from the hit.

“Amy!!! Ow, what the fuck! Jeez, you don’t have to be a dick!”

Amy’s eyes softened from her tense expression. “Sorry. Just…a little on edge…I don’t know where we are…”

“I don’t know either, Amy…”

Amy sat and kept the blanket wrapped around her. She was still scared from the horrible nightmare and drowsy.
She closed her eyes slowly, trying to calm down.

Rain walked back to the door he came in and looked out into the hallway. Amy opened one eye and gazed at
him. “What’s wrong?”

Rain’s brow furrowed. “That’s the thing I’m worried about. There’s nothing wrong. But why did the drow
scouts attack us…?”

“They don’t like visitors, I guess…” Amy said, not thinking straight. She closed her eyes again, pulling the
blanket around her tighter and sighed. She could hear Rain walking up to her, and felt his warm hand on his
shoulder. She flinched, but didn’t pull away.

“Hey, Amy…? Are you doing alright?”, he asked gently.

Amy opened her eyes a bit, her gaze averted from his. “Yeah…I’m fine…”

Rain sat down next to her, Amy looked at him from the corner of her eye.
“Do you wanna talk about it…?”

That was the last thing Amy wanted to do. She understood…Rain was trying…

“No…”

Rain looked at his knees, looking a little upset himself. He looked at Amy again, and she could see the sympathy
in his bright blue eyes.

“You need a hug?” Rain asked, his voice barely audible.

Amy looked away, tears pricking in her eyes. “N-no…”, she stuttered a little, trying not to cry. Rain sighed, and
after a few moments, Amy felt Rain’s arms around her.

Amy’s breath hitched as she flinched again, but she didn’t try to squirm out. She felt…comfortable. He felt
warm, and he was being kind to her…he cared.

At least somewhat.

Amy sighed, her breathing shaky with tears. Rain didn’t move, his embrace firm but gentle.
Damnit, Amy. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t…

It was too late. Amy felt the sobs from deep in her chest rise up. It was too much…too much…she wrapped her
arms around Rain and sobbed into his chest, crying for the first time in years. Rain gently rubbed her back.
“Hey…it’s okay, Amy. We’re in this together…don’t break down on me.”

Amy pulled away, tears still sliding down her cheeks.

What are you doing, Amy? You can’t do this to him…

Ignoring the voice, Amy stood up, wiping her eyes. “Come on…let’s just…get the hell out this room…”

Rain also stood up, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Amy…I got you, okay? I know I’m a dumbass…but I’ll
try my best okay…?”

Amy looked up at him and nodded, then turned away and stepped into the hallway, calming back down. It was
a long hallway with elaborate doors on either side, a spiraling staircase leading down. The roof was decorated
with chandeliers…
Amy looked away from the roof and, clutching her blade, slowly walked downstairs. Rain clutched his own
sword, his tanned face turning pale in the dim light, following her close.

The staircase led into a large living room with painting of old elven kings and queens. One of the Queens looked
oddly familiar…

“The outlanders have awoken. Come, for you may be of assistance.”

Rain and Amy turned back towards the woman who had spoken. It was a slim and fair Elf lady with silver
shoulder length hair, a white silk dress, and brilliant light blue eyes. She gazed nobly at the two, her eyes
lingering on Amy for a moment.

“Who…are you…?”, she said calmly and slowly.

Rain chipped in before Amy could respond. “I’m Rain, this is Amy. We’re trying to open the paths between the
Realms.”

“Rain, shut up!”, Amy growled.

“My name is Verona, and what do you want with the Gateways? The Nine have closed the Gates. It’s a miracle
you made it here into Nvartelfhelm. Now, what is your reason?”

Amy looked at her seriously. “It is my business alone. Now, how do we get out of here and into another
Realm?”

Verona stared her down. “You remind me of my daughter…she is very similar to you…also blessed by the
gods…”

Amy’s eyes widened a little. Rain did a double take. “Blessed? By the gods…?”

Verona stared at him. “You…you are strong…stronger than you think…stronger than you are…”

Amy stared at her. “What are you talking about?”, she snapped. Verona did not mind her snapping. “The Elves
have lost our Vessel…we need a replacement…a new hero…”

Amy glared, her eyes widening slightly, “I am not this Vessel. You must find someone else.”

Verona’s gentle smile faded to a slight frown. “The drow have attacked our people for years…they want control
over the Pillars…They have slaughtered our citizens, burned our cities and now they break our magic…”
Amy’s eyes narrowed. “Can the Pillars allow us access to the Realms?”

“Yes. Their power is boundless…they could potentially open all the Gates…but you would still need to open the
Realmwood yourself…”.

“How?”, Rain asked tentatively.

Verona shook her head. “I musn’t say…”

Amy’s eyes lit up with anger. “Tell me…now”

“Amy…calm down.”

Amy turned to Rain. “Shut it.”, she snapped, turning back to Verona and grabbing her collar. Verona kept her
cool composure “Tell me, or I’ll kill you.”, Amy snarled

“Amy!!!” Rain yelled, pinning Amy’s arms behind her back.

“Get the fuck off!!!”

“Calm. Down. It is not that big of a deal.”

Amy struggled in Rain’s grasp. Verona slowly walked up and placed a hand on Amy’s forehead, closing her eyes.
Amy felt her emotions cramming in her brain at once, bouncing all over the place, but then a blissful calm.

Verona spoke in her soft, noble tone. “You are troubled… plagued by self-doubt and pain…blinded by trauma.
You are too emotional, which makes you weaker. But you are very strong, for making it so far… I sense…a
pride…a sort of…compassion…”

Amy pulled away. “Hey, I never asked for you to look inside my head!”, she said, her attitude returning.

Rain stepped forward. “Whatever I-we can do, we’ll do what we can for your people.”

Amy jerked her head towards him. “Rain! This is not our concern!”

Rain glared at her, a contrast to his previous kindness. “Well, maybe it should be! This could be our only way
out of here, this lady is trying to help us when the other Elves probably want us dead!”
Amy glared daggers at him. “We can’t be getting distracted by other people’s struggles, we have our own
objective! We can find another way out this blasted place!”

Rain snapped. “Well, wake the fuck up, but there most likely isn’t. If you had some actual fucking empathy for
anyone, you would be able to understand other people’s struggles!”

Amy could see red. She walked up to Rain and grabbed his wrist. “You’d better watch yourself. Your just a
normal man, I could kill you if I wanted to.”, she growled. Rain shoved her off. “Fucking try it.”

Amy’s anger was spilling over the edge, she shoved Rain hard to the ground, holding her sword above his chest.
Rain’s eyes widened and his face hardened.

“It’s like that, huh? After I tried to fucking help you. Go a fucking head and kill me. I don’t care, it doesn’t
matter anyway.”

Amy’s teeth were bare, a primal rage brooding in her very soul.

This is familiar, now isn’t it, little Amy…?

Amy’s mind blanked over again as Rain stared up at her…and his face turned to that of someone else…

A horrible argument.

Voices. So many.

Loud. Hurt. Betrayed.

Someone pinned beneath Amy’s blade.

A woman in tears. Broken, like glass.

Your fault…

She did this…ruined herself

Ruining everything…

Aaaammmyyyy…
Amy snapped out of it, falling back off of Rain, who sat back up, “Amy…why did you try to kill me? Or better
yet, why didn’t you?” His voice was more gentle now, but laced with anger.

Amy looked at him, her heart dropping to the floor. “I-I’m sorry…I…didn’t…”, she trailed off, sighing.

Amy forgot Verona was there. “Amy…all I ask is your assistance…yours and your friends…”

Amy looked up. “He’s not my fr-”

“But you revere him as one.”. Verona cut her off. She leaned down, her silvery hair flowing around her shoulders
as she sat in front of Amy, who could hear Verona’s gentle voice in her mind.

He cares about you, Amy. He wants to keep you safe…he wants to be your friend…I promise…he is not an enemy…

Amy looked at Rain, who gazed back, his anger fading. “Amy, I’m sorry too…but come on, we should try to
help these guys. The Pillars could open the Realms, and we would just have to find a way into the Wood.”

Amy thought for a moment. “I…I guess…”

Verona’s eyes brightened slightly. Someone else walked into the living room. He called out and readied his
sword. He had solid black clothing, and he did not look like an Elf…but almost demonic, his eyes solid black-
purple and his skin was a light purple.

“Mother! Why do you allow humans into our home?!”

Verona turned to her son. “Be quiet, Xandar. They are friendly.”, she replied simply.

Amy looked at the “Elf”. “He is not an Elf. Why is he here?”

Verona turned to her. “He is a wanderer, not so different from you two. He stumbled into my home, and I took
him in.”

Amy perked up. “Hang on…someone’s here…”.

Amy’s heart began to race. She knew this power…it wasn’t good.

“Shit… Rain, Verona, stay here.”

Rain grabbed her wrist. “I’m coming with you.”

Amy turned to him. “Do you wanna die?!”

Rain rolled his eyes. “I’d be lying if I said no…but not really, but I dont want you dying either.”

Amy pulled her hand away and stepped through the elegant front doors. Sure enough, that shadow was there…

“Hello, Amy…still alive, I see…”

Chapter Four

Amy’s face twisted into a horrible glare. “That’s right, you piece of shit…”

Sakantos’ shadow faded away. He was taller than Amy was, well over ten feet tall.
His skin was a dark burning crimson, he had two twisted horns on his head, his face
was actually pretty handsome, which Amy hated herself for noticing. His eyes were
cold, and they were a sharp emerald green…just like Amy’s, which freaked her out.
His armor was a solid black adamantine material, his hair was ragged and midnight-
black.

He smiled again, his eyes narrow and cold. “I figured you’d be here… trying to run
away from your issues, aren’t you?”

Amy glared. “What does it matter to you!?”

“Oh, Amy…it means everything to me…”

Amy readied her sword, stepping back. Sakantos took a step forward, Amy backed
up more.

“Scared of me, are you…?” His gaze targeted Rain. “Ah, and you brought a little
friend… how cute… sorry, Rain, your little girlfriend is going to die soon…”

Rain’s face twisted with anger. “Hey! I don’t know who the fuck you are, but one,
she is not my girlfriend! Two, your not gonna fucking touch her!”

Amy looked at him. “Rain…step down…”

Rain’s eyes were bloodshot, Amy could here his tense breathing, feel his anger. He
yelled and ran forward at Sakantos. His eyes widened with surprise as Rain drew his
sword and slashed down hard at him, his eyes throwing sparks. Sakantos blocked
the blow and returned a quick jab with his golden trident. Rain stumbled back,
wincing ‘slightly Sakantos smirked as he summoned several black chains from the
ground, binding Rain to the ground.

“You are not worth my time…I think I’ll get you out the way…”, Sakantos hissed
slowly.

Amy suddently felt the cold, burning metal bind to her as well, she grunted and
struggled, but they were too tight. Sakantos stabbed his spear into the ground and
walked up to Rain.

“Rain Kurenia…worthless, screw-up Rain…why do you bother…? If you knew who

Amy was…what she is…you would want her dead too…”

Rain glared icily at Sakantos. “I would never…I mighta only known her for a couple
of days, but you aren’t gonna fucking touch her!!!”

Amy growled as she struggled more against the chains. “Rain, shut up! It’s only
gonna make it worse.”

Sakantos glared at Amy, his eyes making Amy’s blood run cold. “You shut up, little
bitch.”. Turning back to Rain, he smiled and got close to him, his face a few inches
away from him. Rain could feel his warm, rotted breath as he spoke. “And what if I
want to touch her…? What if I want nothing more but to kill her…to tear her limb
from limb…claw her eyes out…rip her inside out…eat her heart raw…”. His eyes
slowly slid over to Amy, his face almost manic, his eyes piercing.

Amy’s heart began to beat hard. She was scared, actually fucking scared.
Something about him saying that felt wrong somehow.”

I’m going to die. He’s gonna kill me.

Ha! Like hell he will.

Suddenly there was a dull thud as Rain’s head snapped to the side, Sakantos had
punched him hard. Rain groaned in pain, Sakantos’ smile twisted even more.

“Hey, you son of a bitch! Leave him alone!” Amy yelled.

Sakantos suddenly appeared in front of her.

“I thought I told your slutty ass to shut the fuck up.”

Amy glared daggers at him, trying as hard as she could to get out the chains. “I’m
going to fucking kill you.”

Sakantos slowly shook his head. “You can’t kill me…you can’t even move…”. He
appeared back in front of Rain and bashed him again. Rain coughed and spit out
blood. Amy was seeing red. “Stop hurting him…”, Amy snarled.

Sakantos kept beating him harshly, smashing his face and his ribs mercilessly, and
when he was done, Rain was gasping for air, his face bloody and his body bruised.
Amy’s eyes filled with tears and her pupils dilated.

“I…said…stop it.”, Amy snarled dangerously.

Sakantos readied for another punch. Amy snapped.

“I SAID STOP IT!!!” she screamed, her voice piercing the skies.

Kill him…make him pay…

Amy strained, her blind rage completely spilling over. To Sakantos’ surprise and
amusement, the chains snapped and shattered. Amy was breathing raggedly and
almost with a feral rage. Amy screamed a little, wincing in pain as she covered half
her face with her hand.

Sakantos stared her down, knowing. “Yes…come on, little Amy…let all that anger
out…try and kill me…”

Amy ripped her hand from her face, and Rain gasped a little, barely being able to
see. One half of Amy’s face was her normal cold and pale face, the other half
turning a murky black, large fanged teeth and a crazy red eye. It faded back to
normal and Amy calmed down barely.

She held herself calmly, and she could feel the massive power building inside her.
Sakantos smiled and held his hand out to her…

Amy saw the red room again. The bodies. The gore. The blood.

Amy fell to the ground, her eyes rolled back in her head, spasming violently. She
felt herself slipped in and out of consciousness.

You are not ready for me , Amy.

You are strong…not strong enough…

You will die…

And I will be watching…

—----------------
Amy…wake up…
You cannot die.
I will not allow it

Amy groaned. Her whole body hurt, her chest heavy. Every breath stung her throat.
Verona was staring down at her, her hands on Amy’s stomach. Rain was sitting up,
still dazed, a cloth wrapped around his head. Xandar stood near him, his toned face
laced with confusion and worry. Amy sat up and groaned again. Verona looked at
her. “Amy…you were near death…I saved you…”

Amy clapped a hand over her forehead, feeling like it was being pounded by a
hammer. Rain looked at her and sighed with relief. “A-Amy…your…okay…” he said,
smiling weakly. Amy realized he was alive. His dumb ass was alive. Amy was filled
to the brim with relief and happiness. She scooted over and hugged him tightly.
“You fucking idiot…”, she said gently.

Rain was surprised by Amy’s weight, he fell back, grunting a little. “Ow…Amy…that
hurts…”. Amy buried her head in his chest, blushing slightly. “I’m just glad your
alright…”

Rain smiled down at her. “Guess Lucas was right. You like me alright after all.”

Amy pulled away and glared a little. “I never said that!”

“So…are we friends now?”

Amy rolled her eyes and sighed. “I guess.”. Rain’s eyes brightened, his smile was so
wide and ridiculous, Amy couldn’t help giggling a little, the lightness in her voice
surprising her. “Rain, you look stupid. Stop it.”

Verona smiled a little as Rain lightly smacked Amy’s arm, making her laugh again.
She walked up to the two. “Can you both stand?”

Amy blinked a few times. “I-I think so…”. She climbed to her knees and managed to
stand up. Rain stumbled a few times, but, with Amy’s assistance, stood up as well.
Verona’s beautiful blue eyes travelled between them. “I think you two get along
well… I think you two should rest for now…before we deal with the Drow. But,
Amy…who was that? What did he want with you…?”
Amy’s smile faded, and her face darkened. “I don’t know. He’s been trying to kill me
for years…he’s almost got me a couple times, too…”. Amy hadn’t realized Rain had
his arm around her shoulder, which tightened slightly. “Amy…I wish I could’ve
helped more.”
Amy leaned into him a little. “Rain…it’s okay, don’t be sorry…you did what you
could… But he’s stronger than me or you.”

Rain tensed up a bit. “Then how do we beat him?”

Amy’s brow furrowed. “I…” she didn’t know what to say. “Hey…Verona.”, she said,
trying to change the subject. “I’m sorry about threatening you earlier.”

Xandar’s eyes widened, Amy forgot he was there. “You what?”. Verona turned
calmly to him. “Miss Amy would not have been able to touch me, don’t worry.”. Amy
looked at Verona, confused. What does she mean, ‘not be able to touch me?’

Amy dismissed the thought. Rain seemed to remember something. “Oh, and Amy…
was I hallucinating or…did you turn into a demon for a while…?”

Verona spoke up, cutting Amy off. “Sakantos’ was trying to trick us. Amy is not a
demon. I would know. Now, come back inside. Xandar, get some food ready. Make it
extra special for our guests.”. Xandar nodded, and he went inside, and Rain turned
to leave. “Hey, Amy. You going to come in?”

“I’ll be there soon, Rain. I just want to talk to Verona for a sec.”

Rain nodded a little and followed Xandar inside. Amy turned to Verona. “Who was
this Vessel…was he your son?”. Verona closed her eyes sadly, and Amy knew she
had touched a sensitive topic. “Yes…he was my son…he left our Realm for
Materiahelm once the drow/sun Elf war started… You might have heard of him…I
heard he was the best hero in your world’s history…”

Amy’s jaw opened in shock. “N-no way…the Mistwalker…?”

“Yes, That was his nickname here…He is the first Vessel to ever live…the only one
to truly become attuned with the Divines…

“Amy, whether or not you are one of them, I do not know. But you are very similar
to my son…and Amy…I don’t know if you know this but…the Mistwalker…my son…
is one of your great-grandparents…”

Amy was shell-shocked. “Wh-wha…? The Mistwalker, the most respected and
revered hero in Narantheonic history…is my grandfather? That means you…”
Verona nodded. “Yes, my name is Verona Dante Alonda. Your middle name came
from me…and your first middle name from your aunt…”

Amy’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I…I thought everyone except Uncle Lucas was
dead…”

“Lucas? He’s been taking care of you?”

Amy nodded fervently.

“That’s good to hear…Lucas never thought himself a parent…he seems to have

raised you well…”

Amy had a very important question. “Why…why did my mother name me Amy…?
That name isn’t used at all…”

“Your name comes from the Pre-Age language… ‘amai’ means ‘beloved’ or ‘to be
loved’...and Penelope loved you…”

Amy cocked her head. “Penelope…?”

“Your mother.”

“I….didn’t know that…”

“Why not? She was your mother, after all.”

“I…can’t remember anything about who my family was…especially not my father…I

remember them dying…and some details…but not much else.”

Verona pursed her lips, a look of discomfort plastered on her. “We should go inside.
Xandar should be done by now…”. With that, she turned and walked briskly through
the elegant doors.
“W-wait…”.

Amy’s mind was buzzing with a million thoughts and questions. The fucking
Mistwalker was her grandfather? Who were her siblings? Her mother?

Who was my father?

Amy couldn’t explain it, but she couldn’t remember anything about her father. She
knew he was dead too, but she knew nothing of him, unlike the rest of her family.
She remembered she had two siblings…and that however they passed, she was
involved…
She gave up, sighing sadly. She walked inside, quietly shutting the door. The others
were already set. The aroma of the food was enticing: meat pies, grilled corn,
mashed potatoes, and even Amy’s favorite: seafood-stuffed baked potatoes. But her
appetite just…wasn’t there.

She sat down next to Rain at the table, who looked at her, his head cocked to the
side. “Hey, Amy? You alright?”. She shook her head a little and rest her head on her
hand, sighing again. Verona looked up from her plate to gaze at Amy. “Amy, there
is no point to being stuck in the past.”, she stated simply. Amy didn’t return her
gaze.

Rain put a hand on her shoulder. “Do you want to just go to bed?”, he whispered
softly. Amy’s looked at him from the corner of her eye. She said nothing for a few
moments, but sighed and nodded. Rain looked back at Xandar.

“Get Amy a plate for tommorow, she’s not feeling well.”. Xandar looked at his
mother. She nodded slightly to him and he scurried off into the kitchen,
disappearing from sight. Amy stood up again, worn out. Tired of thinking. Tired of
just everything. She closed her eyes and turned away, walking back to the guest
room upstairs.

She could feel Rain’s worried gaze on the back of her neck the whole way.

_____

Amy opened the door back to her room, and stretched. Gods, she was exhausted.

Coming back to life is very tiring, Amy’s mind whispered to her. “Shut up, me.”, she
muttered. She reached behind her and unbuttoned her dress, sliding it off and
folding it away. She laid down on the bed, pulling the blankets over her. She was so
tired…

Amy was just about to drift off to sleep when the door creaked open. Rain was
there, his shirt off revealing his tanned and toned body. Amy looked away to hide
her slight blush. “What do you want, Rain?”

Rain sat down on the bed next to her. “Amy…what was going on earlier?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”, Amy replied quickly.

“Amy…”

“Rain, leave me alone.”

“Amy, c’mon, I’m just trying to-”

“Rain. Listen to me.”

Rain shut himself up, eyeing her worridly. Amy sat up, looking at him seriously.
“Look…I appreciate it… I understand you’re trying, but please…”. Amy trailed off,
looking away from him. “...I want to be left alone, please…”

Rain found the courage to speak again. “Amy, please…I don;t want you to-”

“Rain. Get. Out.”, Amy hissed, tossing herself back on the bed. Rain sighed heavily
and lifted himself off the bed. Amy could hear his gentle footsteps slowly fade as he
left.

Amy curled up, hugging a pillow tightly, closing her eyes. She could feel the
emotion flow throughout her body, as if it was her very blood. She wished she could
know more about her family…

Why can’t I remember? And why didn’t Verona tell me anything…?

Amy’s eyes tightened, burying her face into the pillow. She felt her tears burning in
her eyes…she felt bad about kicking Rain out…she could use a little comfort from
him…

Rain. Ignorant, dumbass Rain. What is getting into me…?

The thought of him helped a little…

Amy sobbed quietly, her body shaking, her throat closing up. She felt her heart
ache, it hurt so much…

She wore herself out, after what seemed like hours later. She felt her walls that she
spent so long building crumbling before her eyes. “Fuck…fuck it all…”, she
mumbled. She heard someone walk in again, but she didn’t care…

She felt Rain’s scarred, rough hands gently caressing her forehead, Amy didn’t
realize she had a headache. She closed her eyes and sighed.

“I can’t sleep either…”, Rain whispered.

“Rain…I didn’t say you could touch me…”

“I know…”
Amy shifted, and rested her head on Rain’s leg. She looked up at him, and she knew
Rain could see the hurt in her eyes, his gaze softened. “Amy…if there’s anything I
can do to help…I want to try…”

Amy’s eyes slid closed as she shook her head slowly. “It’s okay…I promise…”

“Amy. You’re my friend. Don’t lie to me.”. His voice had a slight edge to it, Amy
avoided his gaze. “You don’t have to do anything…it’s fine…”

Rain gently massaged the top of her head, his large fingers laced in her hair.
“Rain…”
He smiled down at her. “Is this okay…?”, he asked gently. Amy smiled a little back.
“I guess,”

For the first time in years, Amy fell asleep in someone else’s arms.

Chapter Five

She had never slept so comfortably before, or so deeply. Amy’s blissful empty mind
began to fill again as her eyes slowly opened. Rain still had his arms around her, her
head in his chest. He was still asleep, breathing deeply. She heard her mind nag at
her.

Get away from him…this isn’t right.

Shut the fuck up. I’ll do what I want.

Amy relaxed, sighing. She felt so warm…she didn’t want to get up…but she knew
she had to eventually…

She felt Rain stir, and he stretched his arms, letting her loose. She didn’t move at
all, she could feel Rain’s look on her. “Uh…Amy…? You awake…?”, he said drowsily.

“Yeah. Why?”

Rain shifted a little. “Can…can you get off of me please?”

Amy sighed and slowly sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed. “C’mon, jackass, get
up.”, she snapped. Rain groaned. “I don’t want to…”

Amy sighed, exasperated. “Get up before I drag you out of that damned bed.”
Suddenly, a faint, horrible crash sounded out from far off. Amy bolted up and looked
out the window, practically tearing the curtain off. Amy could see the beautiful,
hilly, slight blue tinged landscape and the ominous mountain range far off…

But Amy also saw a city, a most glorious city, made of perfect stone and metals
beyond the hills. The clouds above were darkened, and was the sun…red? Amy
looked up through the window and her eyes widened with fear.

A large black and red typhoon had appeared over the city, and Amy could see
winged figures rushing out, diving into the city below. She saw a burst of flames
erupt out one of the city walls’ towers

It’s those damned Drow…

Amy grabbed Rain’s sword and tossed it to him, which he barely caught. “Come on!
Find Verona quickly! That city is under attack!”

Rain got up quickly. “Is it the capital?!”

“I don’t know, just come on!”

They both rushed out, Rain called down the halls. “Verona!! Xandar!!”

Verona was gazing at them already. “The capital city is under assault…”.

Amy’s eyes flared slightly. “You sound very casual about this!”

“There is no need to worry. It will all be fine.”

“It will not be fine! Now come on!!!”, Amy reached for the door handle.

“Wait.”

Amy turned to the elf and gazed into her blue eyes with a dangerous look. “Come
on, I don’t have time for this!”

“Amy…be careful…your powers are very dangerous…use them carefully…”

Amy sighed and Rain opened the door. Xandar stood up. “I’m coming with you.”, he
declared. Rain looked at him. “Ya sure, kid? We could get killed…”
Amy and Xandar both shot him a look. “What?”, he asked innocently.
Amy sighed with exasperation and walked out and started to run full tilt towards the
city. The explosions and clanging of metal were getting louder. Amy felt her
breathing begin to quicken.

Fuck…gods damnit all…

They came up to the massive moat around the stone bricked walls, the bridge
burning and water below boiling. Amy didn’t stop running, she leapt over the large
gap and landed on her feet. She whipped around and called out. “Come on, jump!”.
Rain looked skeptical, but he ran and jumped over, and slammed into the edge.
“Ow! Ow, ow, ow,”. The water touched his foot, and he grimaced in pain. Xandar
landed next to them as Amy yanked him up to his feet.

She looked up at the massive walls, the gates locked shut. Amy yelled and punched
the gates, making them give out and open. The three ran in, and Amy almost
fainted. The drow were kidnapping women and children and binding them in black
chains as brave Elven warriors fell to bands of the winged enemy. Blood and all
sorts of internal organs and other gore were splattered around everywhere. Houses
and buildings were burning, and the drow were closing in on the castle.

“Obwera kunja! Apheni!”, Amy heard a harsh, guttural voice. A large group of the
Dark Elves landed in a perfect circle around them, their black spears sharp and
jagged. Amy saw Rain and Xandar look around, their hands clutching their blades
tight. Amy smiled to herself.

It’s been too long…

Amy put her sword away and clapped her hands together, and her eyes turned a
crackling electric blue as electricity sparked to life in her hands. She shouted out.

“Bwerani mudzatenge, zophophonya inu! ‘Come and get it, you pricks!’”. The Elves
bared their teeth and took to the skies. Rain and Xandar stood back to back, swords
ready while Amy smiled wickedly, gazing up at the sky, picking a target.

She sent a bolt of lightning crashing into one of the Elves, and they screamed and
fell, burnt and spasming. Rain stabbed his blade through the head of a charging
soldier, Xandar chopped an Elf’s leg clean off. Amy thrust her hand out at one, and
the Elf grabbed his neck, choking. Amy waved her hands to the side, tearing the Elf
in half with a horrific scream.

Xandar called out in pain as a spear entered his shoulder. Rain grabbed the
assailant and slammed him into the ground, punching his face a few times. Another
Elf grabbed Rain and took him down, laying below Rain, the shaft of his spear over
his throat, choking Rain out. Amy bolted another Elf down and rushed over to Rain
and grabbed the spear and pulled hard, snapping it in half. She focused her
strength, closing her eyes for a second.

“Shatter…”

She punched a clean hit perfectly into the Elf’s ribs, sickening crunches sounding
out as the Elf yelled out in pain. Xandar plunged his blade into the Elf’s heart. Amy
stood back up, panting a bit heavily. “Rain…you…you okay?”

Rain looked up at her, then at the castle far up the main road. “Yeah, I’m okay.
Come on, we’re sitting ducks here.”

They all began to head up towards the castle, seeing several Sun Elf fighters being
dropped from the sky, a cruel way to kill someone.

Damn, these elves are tricky…

Amy felt a red-hot, glaring fire inside of her, pulsing and almost evil. Somewhere in
her heart, she knew… These are my people…I’m one of them…

She was of Elven blood, she knew this…these people were her people, and they
were being slaughtered. Amy felt the rage bubble over, just a little. Amy winced in
pain and fell to her knees. Her face…what in hell was happening to her? The left
side of her face bubbled, felt like it was melting and…changing?

Amy leaned over and covered her face with her hand. Fuck…fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck….

What in the name of the Nine was happening? Rain rushed to her side, Xandar stood
watch. “Amy! C’mon, get up. What’s wrong?”. Amy jumped up and stepped back.
“St-stay away from me!”, she yelled. Her mind was fuzzing and blanking out, she
couldn’t hold whatever was going on in for much longer. Rain tried to step towards
her.

Amy’s hand suddenly lashed out, slashing at Rain’s face. Amy’s other eye widened
as she saw Rain’s face. He had four claw marks on his right cheek. He held the
wound, yelling in pain. “Gods fucking damnit! Amy! What the hell!?”. Amy blinked a
few times, keeping her hand on her face. She looked at her other hand…

The nails on them had turned to razor claws. I’m a monster…

Amy fell back to a sitting position, breathing heavily. She screamed loudly, a high
piercing scream. “GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!”. She felt her mind clear up, and her
face was no longer melting, her nails normal. Amy panted for a minute, her pupils
dilating. She was petrified with fear.
What…what am I…?

Xandar was helping Rain clean the slashes. Rain was looking at Amy. “Amy…what
the fuck was that!?”

Amy shook her head. “N-no…I-I-I don’t kn-know…”. She was panting heavily.
Another large crash intruded her thoughts. She could barely stand up at this point,
she felt so light-headed…

Amy was swirling around in a kind of abyss. She heard absolutely nothing, more
silent than death. She floated peacefully, her eyes closed, feeling absolutely
nothing…

Amy…you’re going to ruin yourself…

You will die

He will kill you…

They will kill you…

Amy could feel the very essence of her soul glow, a faint, empty glow. She opened
her eyes and saw her own beating heart. She looked down at the cavity in her
chest. It was empty and cold, but her heart was ever so slowly returning where it
belonged. Amy reached out and tenderly touched it. It burned with a piercing cold,
but Amy could feel a slight warmth inside…

What is that…

It couldn’t be…

Amy’s thoughts trailed off, returning to a blissful quiet. She saw herself again, the
dark, twisted copy of her from before.

“You again…Who are you? Why are you in my head…?”

The copy giggled. Amy had never thought her own voice could sound so…evil… “I
told you, little Amy…I’m you. And you are me…we are one and always will be…”

Amy stepped back, the sound of her boot clanking against the glass floor echoed
infinitely away. “You aren’t me…”

But was it? After all, it sounded and looked exactly like her, save for the twisted
grin. “Keep lying to yourself…it’s so amusing…the way you keep denying your
past…You cannot change what you are, Amy…”

Amy looked at her. “What do you mean ‘what I am’? I’m…I’m…”

She didn’t know who she was anymore. She didn’t know what she was…and never
did.

“I know…“, the copy remarked. “You’re a demon…a monster…it was your fault.”

Your fault…

Your fault…

Your fault…

The simple phrase kept repeating itself in her mind like a mantra, getting louder
and louder. Amy clapped her hands to her head, feeling her mentality start to snap.
She shook her head slowly. She couldn’t accept it. The dark thoughts began to
consume her, her heart, her very being…

Delete Created with Sketch.

“Wake up!!!”

For the second time, Rain slapped her in the face. Amy snapped back to reality and
bolted upright. Gazing around, she saw dozens of dead drow and blue-black blood
everywhere. Amy felt herself getting yanked to her feet by Rain. “Come on, Amy,
snap out of it! We gotta go!”

It would be nice if he wouldn’t slap me…

They were getting closer to the castle now, and the city began to quiet down.
Fuck… Everyone was getting killed… Amy’s knees buckled, and her chest felt
heavy. She was worn out, she knew she couldn’t fight anymore.

“Don’t fret, Amy. We’ll be fine, I promise.”, Xandar declared confidently. Rain placed
her arm around his shoulder, supporting her. She groaned, she felt so weak.

“Amy, c’mon, old girl. Stay with me.”, he whispered to her. Amy tried to stay
conscious, but it was hard. Suddenly, a sharp pain hit her side as something
knocked her and Rain to the ground. Amy hit her head on the road hard. Everything
fogged over, Amy heard a soft ringing sound in her ears. She groaned and put her
hand over her forehead. She could feel the warm, sticky blood running down her
face. She winced as someone grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head up. She
gripped her captor’s wrist and looked at him.

She could barely make out a dark, wrinkled face in front of her. Damnit…a drow…
She managed to glare defiantly at the elf, her mind still dazed. She saw Rain getting
restrained by another, and Xandar was knocked down and pinned.

Amy’s captor tossed her to the ground and turned her over onto her front. She felt
the drow’s knees dig into her back, chains being placed around her wrists painfully.

Ohhh…just wait until my head stops spinning around and I’ll kill you all…, her mind
whispered defiantly. The drow elves all held clubs in their hands.
Amy’s head was going to take a long time to recover.

Chapter Six

The cells were not to Amy’s standards. The room was dark, the floor damp, and the
bed was old and had odd stains on it. She slid off the bed and looked around. Chains
around her wrists clanked. She was still too weak to pull out. If she were well she
would’ve been able to break them, no problem. The room outside her cell was made
of mossy bricks, just as grim and damp as the rest of the place. She still had her
clothes, thank the gods. She looked around and realized her sword was in the
corner and her belt was gone.

Her belt was gone! The bag…

Amy frantically looked around, but her bag was missing. No…please…

She had come all this way, into a whole other realm, just to fail… Amy felt her
throat close up, tears trying to choke her out.

Mother…I’m so sorry…

She began to sob, alone in the dark just as she always was. She had no one…she
was so lonely it hurt…

A drow stood in front of her cage, smiling grimly. He took something off his belt, and
sure enough, it was Amy’s silk bag that she had attached to her belt. Amy’s tears
faded instantly, her eyes sparking with rage.

“Give…that…back…“, Amy snarled, feeling her strength return to her. She began to
pull against the chains. The drow smirked and tossed the bag up and down in front
of her. If he dropped it…

She noticed a large black shape slinking away in the corner, and stared for a
moment. Another drow sauntered up to the one with Amy’s bag. It was a large,
imposing figure with heavy gilded armor with an elaborate helmet. It had to be one
of the elite soldiers or something…

“Let ze girl have her bag back ‘fore she goes insane.”, they boomed. The Elf’s voice
was deep and with a heavy royal accent.

A king…the Dark Elf Elder, perhaps…, she thought, still seething over her lost bag

The soldier gasped in surprise, gripping the sack tight. Amy’s breath hitched. He
better not ruin it…

“Koma, bwana! Iye ndi m’modzi mwa otuluka kunja, sitingamulole kukhala moyo!”,
the soldier chattered indignantly. Amy’s eyes narrowed. “You couldn’t kill me if you
tried.”
The supposed Elder raised his hand up to silence her. “Ze girl iz of no harm too us.
Give ‘er things back.”

The soldier grumbled and tossed the bag to Amy. She caught it and sighed deeply
with relief, holding it to her heart. Glaring up at the two drow, she yelled, “Where is
Rain? What did you do to him?”

The Elder stared boldly at her. “Your friends are in ze ozzer cells, they are not
harmed.”

Amy finally found the strength to pull, she heard the chain links snap as she freed
herself. Her eyes spat flames as she gazed at the two. “If you did anything to hurt
him I’ll tear you to shreds.”

The Elder’s eyes narrowed slightly, “You won’ be doin’ anyzin’ to us, missus. Let her
free.”. The soldier rolled his eyes and unlocked Amy’s cell door. Pulling the shackles
off, she exited the cell and looked around. “Where is he?!”, she yelled.

“A-Amy…I-we’re here!”, Amy heard Rain’s weak voice. Amy’s heart almost stopped
as she ran down the dimly lit hall. She pointed at the rusted lock on the cage and it
snapped. Xandar was holding Rain up on his feet, looking poignant.

Instead, she slowly turned to the Elder, her face contorted with rage. “How dare
you!” she snarled, the words dripping with fury. “How fucking dare you!” Amy was
consumed by a blinding anger, her vision tinged with red. This man had to pay - he
was the reason the city burned, the reason so many suffered.

“Kill him,” she growled in a voice not her own, the demand echoing with a primal
intensity. “Kill him now.”

The Elder’s eyes widened, and he stepped back.

Amy felt that rage boiling up again, but this time it was too scorching hot to
restrain. She had lost all control. Her face, her very body, began to morph and shift,
as if melting.

Amy had, for lack of a better term, completely unraveled.

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Wake up, Amy…please…it can’t end like this…

We need you…

I need you…please…

The voices grew louder in her mind. “Please…make it stop…make it stop... please,
make it stop!” She thrashed about, screaming frantically. “Just kill me already! I
can’t…I can’t…” Her voice trailed off as her mind slowly readjusted. Collapsing to
the floor, Amy breathed deeply, trying to regain her composure.
She heard Rain’s soft cries. Mustering her strength, she sat up to look at him. He
gripped her hand tightly, trembling uncontrollably as sobs wracked his body, tears
streaming down his face. Amy’s heart ached at the sight. She didn’t want to see him
in such pain.

You shouldn’t care…

Why…?

Shaking her head, she slapped the side of it, trying to silence the intrusive thoughts.
Turning her gaze to Rain, she knew this was her fault. He was so beaten down, his
hand was gone…and so was his hope. The spark in his eyes was gone, his eyes
hollow…

Summoning her resolve, Amy managed to crawl over to him. “Rain…?” she said
softly.

Rain’s eyes were downcast, his tears still flowing freely. Amy sat up and placed her
hand on the stump of Rain’s right hand. The gentle pink light began to dance
around his body as Amy strained to keep the magic flowing, slowly restoring his
hand and closing his wounds. He looked alright now, but he was clearly in so much
pain.

Exhausted, Amy sat up and put her hands weakly on the sides of his face, trying to
make him look at her. But he barely seemed to notice she was there. “Rain…
c’mon,” she whispered. Rain continued to look down, still silent, his tears still falling.
“Rain…please…I’m here…I’m okay,” Amy pleaded. Rain closed his eyes, and Amy
felt pained by his unresponsiveness. “Rain…smile…please…where’s that big, dumb
smile of yours?” she asked gently.

Rain made no response.

Amy sighed and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, Rain…I shouldn’t have let you come
with me…hell, I shouldn’t have done this at all…”

She leaned her forehead against his, her eyes tightening in anguish. Gods, it hurt so
much to see Rain like this. He was her friend, after all…

She pulled away, her eyes opening slowly. Rain had his eyes closed. Amy sighed
softly, and gently leaned up to him, and tenderly pressed her lips to his cheek. She
pulled back and hugged Rain. “Rain, come on, you dumbass…it’s okay, I promise…”

Amy felt Rain gently slide his arms around her. Amy looked up at him sharply.
Rain’s eyes were bright again, he was smiling weakly at her. Amy smiled back
gently. She leaned into his chest, sighing softly. Rain’s trembling hand slowly
rubbed her back. She made a soft sound. She felt so comfortable around him…

Amy pulled away, still smiling. “There you go… you’re a dumbass again…”

Rain laughed weakly, pulling the splint off and testing his weight on the leg.
“Damn…that magic really works wonders…”
“I’m so glad your alright…”

“Me too, Amy…me too…“. His smile faltered slightly. “Wait…what happened to you,
Amy…? I heard screaming and shit…but I couldn’t see because of shock…”

Amy looked down, ashamed. She didn’t know what the hell had happened. “I…I
don’t know, I just…got really mad and kind of…blacked out…“.

Xandar stood up. “I saw it all, Amy. Your a monster, is what happened.”. His voice
was cold and unforgiving. Amy turned to him. “Xandar? What the hell are you
talking about?”

His eyes sharpened with anger. “I mean, I saw you turn into a monster…you
murdered the Elder in a most dishonorable fashion.”

Amy scoffed and rolled her eyes. “You and your honor bullshit. Whatever the fuck
happened to me I don’t know, but I had no control!”

“No control over your emotions, clearly!”

Rain stood in front of Amy, separating the two. “Hey, hey, hey, you two break it up.
Xandar, Amy doesn’t have any clue what happened to her, she didn’t have control
over herself-”

Xandar cut him off, his words cutting into Amy. “Rain, you don’t have a say! You’re
just defending this…this…this demon because you’re sweet on her!”

Amy gasped, appalled. “Excuse me!? Sweet on me!? Just because he fucking gives
a shit?!”

“Amy, calm down…”

“No, I will not calm down!”, Amy stepped out in front of Rain. She had never, ever
felt so offended before. “Rain is my godsdamned friend, you piece of shit! Go off
and run back with Verona if I’m such a monster!”

The Tiefling glared and pointed at her, his eyes wide. “I know what you are! I know
exactly what you are!

Amy stepped back, a little scared. After a few moments she sighed and held her
hand out and a blue light sparked from it. Placing it over her chest, she began to
vanish. She was going to teleport away for a while…

“Amy, wait!”, Rain shouted, reaching for her.

She disappeared with a cloud of blue wisps before Rain could touch her

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She was back before the Pillars, standing solemnly in the center. She focused on the
capital city.
No one was left alive there. Every single Elf there was dead. She sighed
despondently. She sat down and took the bag from her belt and held it tenderly in
her hands.

“Mother…I wish you were here…you always knew what to do…“, she whispered
softly, her gaze dropping to the ground. She closed her eyes and tried to
remember… Her mother was always so loving, and so beautiful…

“Please…Mother…Nicky…Nyla…I don’t know what to do…”

You have to stay strong…

The voice in her head was not harsh, not accusing, but gentle and tender. Amy
looked up and looked around. She knew that voice… “Who…”

Amy…it will be alright…

She could hardly dare to believe it. “M-mother…?”

Amy…my malen’kiy tsvetok…my little flower…

Amy choked with tears. It really was her…at lease, her voice, the one voice she
needed to hear for so long. “M-mother…please…I…I don’t know what to do…”

You must stay strong…like you always have…like we always have…

“But, mother…I can’t…”

You must…Amy…there is no choice…

“I…”

I’m proud of you…I’m so proud of you, love…

“What about Rain…? I don’t want to hurt him anymore…”

Amy…he cares about you…keep him safe…I love you…

“Wait…mother…don’t leave me…not again…”

I…never left…

Amy listened for the voice, but it didn’t come again. “Please…“. Amy felt the tears
burning her throat. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Amy…why’d you leave like that…?”

Amy didn’t look back at Rain. “Rain…I couldn’t stand it there anymore…where’s
Xandar?”
“Well, first he called me a very not nice name, then he just stomped out. I thought
you would be here…”

Amy stood up, clipping the bag back to her belt. “We failed…we can’t activate the
pillars without a Sun Elf’s help…and everyone in the city is dead…not a single Sun
Elf in two thousand miles…We can’t…”

“Amy, it sounds like you’re giving up.”

Amy stopped and looked up at him, dumbfounded. “We’re not giving this up, Amy. If
it’s possible to find that gods-damned Wood, then we are going to find it.”

Amy looked down, then sighed and looked up at him. She leaned against one of the
Pillars, and it lit up and shone. Amy gasped a little and looked up at it. The other
Pillars hummed and shone, a brilliant white light returning to them as the energy
crackled. A small pedestal rose from the ground, a light purple crystal shone on top
of it. Amy gaped.

“No fucking way…”

Rain looked from her to the crystal. “What is it?”

“An Ether Crystal…”

Rain did a double take. “Wh-what?”

“It’s…one of them…we need four of them…and then we need Lucas’ realm table…”

“Then we can get into the Wood?!”, Rain’s big, goofy smile was returning to him.

“Yeah…“.

Amy slowly walked up to it and lifted it into her hand. It barely felt real, heavy and
cool but also lighter than air.

“Wow…that thing is weird…”

Amy passed it to him. Rain tossed it around in his hands, and put it on his belt. “I
can keep them safe, Amy. It’ll be okay.”, he said carefully. Amy nodded. “Okay…just
be careful with it. If we lose it then it’s game over.”

“Guess we’re done in this realm…”

“Yeah…”

Rain stood there silently for a minute. “Can we leave this place?”

“Using the Crystal, I think I can open a Gate along with the Pillars’ power.”

“Huh…should we say bye to Verona?”

“And risk me tearing that bastard Xandar apart? Hell no.”

“Amy…”

“Come on, Rain. Let’s just go.”

Rain pulled something out of a knapsack on his belt. It was wrapped in paper and on
a plate. “Want some cake?”

Amy blinked a few times. “Where the hell did you get cake?”

Rain smirked. “Turns out I’m a very good thief”

Amy rolled her eyes, smiling a little. “Just give me a piece, you ass.”

Even though she wouldn’t be able to say bye to Verona…the cake was some of the
best she had ever had, she had to admit…

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The crystal lit up with a soft glow in Rain’s hand. He took it out and held it. “Amy?
It’s doing something…”

Amy leaned over his shoulder and looked at the Crystal. “It could probably take us
to a different realm…Maybe Izartalhelm?”

“Izzarta-what?”

Amy rolled her eyes. “The home realm of Dwarves?”

“Oh.”, Rain replied rather dumbly, Amy thought.

Amy looked at the crystal. “All of the Crystals must transport us near the last
location of the others…”

“But what if they don’t? What if we have to search the whole realm?”

Amy looked at him, a serious glint in her eyes. “Then we will, if need be.”

Rain shrugged. Amy held the Crystal in her hand carefully. It’s shape seemed to be
slightly changing constantly. Amy frowned, she didn’t know how to use one of these
things…

“Amy Dante Alonda. Were you really going to leave without a farewell?”, said a soft,
familiar voice. It was Verona, a spark of scorn in her gaze. “Oh, sorry Verona…
Xandar kind of…freaked out, and I didn’t want to disturb him.”

Verona nodded solemnly. “He is fearful of you, of what you are…”

Something in Amy snapped. It was as if everyone knew “what she was” except
herself. Amy took a deep breath, keeping her composure.
“Verona…? What…what am I?”, Amy asked quietly. Verona’s eyes widened slightly.
“You mean you don’t know…?”

Amy shook her head, feeling a little dumb. “No, I…I don’t…”

Verona opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again. She closed her
eyes and turned her head away, then looked at her. “Amy…I…if you are unaware…
then I cannot say… It’s…better if I don’t…”

Rain looked between the two. “What’s all this about?”

Amy looked up at him. “Never mind. Verona, do you know how this thing works?”.
She held out the shimmering Crystal. Verona slowly took it, and looked at Amy. “Are
you ready to leave?”

Amy and Rain nodded together.

Verona smiled slightly, her gaze switching between them, and then closed her eyes.

“From the deepest parts of the Void, I say:

Allow me passage through reality.

Through to the land of Fire and Steel

Through to the land of gilded bronze.”

The Crystal slowly shifted from a light purple to a brilliant red. It rose from Verona’s
hands and spun around, crackling and sparking. It slowly formed and melded into a
small tear in the sky. Amy looked in amazement at the tear as it grew into a Gate.

“This Gate should take you to Izzartahelm…Amy…Rain…be careful…”. Verona’s

noble gaze had a shade of worry. Rain whipped his sword out and set the blade on
his shoulder. “We’ll be fine, I promise.”, he said confidently.

Amy nodded to her, and turned to the tear. “Rain…come on, we’ve got one of the
Crystals…let’s go for this next one…”

Rain perked up, smiling. “Yeah, we should…”, he trailed off, looking behind him.
Verona was gone. He looked a bit upset. “I hope she’ll be okay…”

“Rain. Come on.”

Rain’s face fell. “Shit…I hate going through these things…”. Amy sighed sharply in
exasperation. “Rain! Come on, you idiot!”. She dragged him by his wrist, they both
entered the Gate. Rain’s screams faded out as Amy’s mind went numb.
Chapter Seven
She is not the one…

The Nine…the Nine…

She is worthless…

Your fault…

Amy…soon…it will be soon…

Amy….

“Amy, c’mon old girl, get up.”. Amy grabbed his wrist before he could slap her face
for a third time.

“Rain, if you don’t stop slapping me I’ll kill you.”

Rain laughed loudly and helped her up. Amy was hit with a piercing cold, making
her shiver. They were deep inside some kind of cave. Amy flinched as a drop of icy
water dripped onto her shoulder.

The red room…

Amy shook her head, telling her mind to be quiet. Amy made a ball of raging flame
in her hand, making Rain step back.

“Woah, Amy…careful with that.”

Amy smirked. “Maybe I’ll roast you up and eat you.”

Rain’s mouth gaped open, looking appalled. “Amy! You wouldn’t!”. Amy broke into a
fit of laughter as Rain gently smacked her arm. It felt good, a weight off her chest
for a moment. Amy threw the fire at the cave walls. It formed into a white ball of
light and shone brilliantly. Amy saw a flat, decorated wall, which confused her.
Making more candlelights using the spell, the place was properly lit up. It wasn’t just
a cave.

It was an old ruin of sorts. Small dome huts littered around a ridge on the far north
side, all of them rusted and dilapidated. The walls of the cavern were flattened into
a sort of wall. Houses inside of a bigger house, as the case may be. Amy looked
around, then again, then once more.

“There’s no break…”

“Huh?”

“Rain, there’s no break in these walls. They were trapped in.”

“What?! You mean were stuck here?!”

Amy nodded, her eyes glinted with fear. “Fuck…”. Amy’s forehead beaded with
sweat, her mind going haywire.

I’m dead, we’re dead, we’re all dead.

Amy dropped to the floor. “Damnit…gods damnit all…”

“Amy…we’re not gonna die…”. A jolt under the ground knocked him over. Amy fell
on her back. The ground was rumbling horribly, and loud crashes sounded out as
huge rocks fell on top of the metal huts. Amy struggled to get up, and Rain grabbed
her wrist and pulled her up. Amy almost tripped as a crack in the ground split in
between her feet. Amy’s eyes were greeted by a frothing pool of lava in the crack.

She called out and fell onto her side. Rain was trying to avoid the other cracks. Lava
was now shooting out of more gashes in the solid walls. “FUCK!”, Rain screamed.

Amy’s eyes darted around frantically. There had to be some way out of here…

“There! There’s a break in the roof!”, Amy screamed over the crashes.

“How the hell do we get up there?!

“Grab my hand!”

Rain took her hand, and Amy jumped off the ground, allowing her magic to flow to
the rest of her body, and she took flight up to the crack. Amy looked too late to see
a boulder hurtling towards her. Rain fell from her grip, yelling as he hurtled towards
the ground. He fell and collapsed. Amy managed to regain her composure, but she
felt blood dripping down the side of her head. Gritting her teeth, she flew down for
Rain, grabbed his arm and flew back up, dodging the lava and the rock.

They got out the mountain just as it exploded into a rage. Rock and ash flew
everywhere. Amy was blinded by the cloud of smoke, and she lost her
concentration, her and Rain falling to the hard dirt ground. She clapped a head over
her head and healed the wound just in time

Amy’s dress shined over brilliantly as she slammed into the ground, dazed. Rain
landed near her.

Amy heard a crunching sound as Rain fell. She wiped the ash out of her eyes and
darted over to him “Rain! Are you okay?!”

He groaned in response, his breathing laboring. Amy placed a hand on his neck. His
pulse was weakening.

“Shit…”

She placed a hand over his heart and let the pink light enter his body. Rain’s eyes
fluttered open. “Amy…? Am…are we dead?”
She shook her head and helped him to his feet. “No, not yet.”. They were in a wide
landscape of rock and soil, mountains and small hills littered everywhere. A small
pebbled road lead off into the distance. Amy sighed, her stomach growling a little.
Rain smiled at her, and she looked away, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“Heh, someone’s hungry.”, Rain teased.

Amy rolled her eyes. “Shut up…”. She held her hand up, summoning a ball of
lightning.

Rain’s mouth gaped open as she casually ate the ball. “Amy! What the-”, Rain
started laughing. “How does that…”.

Rain dissolved into laughter. Amy glared at him. “Yes! Okay, I can use magic as
food. It’s not that big of a deal.”. Rain calmed down, smiling. “Yeah, I know…it’s just
weird…”

Amy started to walk down the pebble road. “Hey, Amy! Wait up!”. Amy heard him
run up to her side. “Well…I don’t like this place. All…rocky and…not nice…”, Rain
remarked. “I’ve seen worse, Rain.”

She wasn’t lying about that…

Further down the road, the landscape slowly began to change as the hours went by.
The hard dry soil began to fade into still-dry grass, but it was a relief to see actual
life here. Amy caught a glimpse of some large animal slinking away.

Just when the day started to give way into evening, they came up to a large bridge
made of bricks. A sign hung lopsided on a board at the other end. It was an emblem
of an anvil with a fiery hammer on it. A blacksmith’s sign. Amy cocked her head.
“What the…”.

Who the hell is setting up a shop all the way out here…?

Amy could see the dim glow of fire from here, and yes, it was a blacksmith’s shop. A
small gray-skinned man with a short beard was hammering away at a blade, every
now and then chucking it back and making a new sword.

“Well, he’s certainly working his ass off.”, Rain whispered.

Amy stayed silent and strode towards the stand. It was a mess, metal scraps and
bars here and there, weapons and armor bits barely organized on the walls, and a
mess of almost perfect swords on the floor. Amy looked at the swords curiously. The
man had hooded grey-blue eyes and he was focused very hard on his work. “Ya
come ter buy yerselves a swor’ or summat?”, the little man asked. His voice was
rough and deep.

Amy looked down at him. “No, but I do want to know why a Dwarf is setting up a
shop all the way out here in the middle of nowhere.”
The dwarf stopped his hammer mid-swing, and slowly looked up at Amy. “Well, you
certain’ly are a looker, aren’t ya?”, he asked, his mouth crinkled into a smile.

Amy’s eyes narrowed. “You would do well to keep yourself away from me, Dwarf.”,
she said indignantly. Rain turned to her. “Amy…no death threats, please.”. She shot
a look at Rain, then returned her gaze to the dwarf. “So, what are you doing settling
a shop all the way out here?”

Kindre looked back at the piece of metal he was working on. “Cause it ain’ jus’ the
middle o’ n’where! Ya see tha’ mount’in? Way off in the distance?”, the Dwarf
replied lightly, the banging of his hammer made Amy’s ears ring. She looked out at
the mountain to the north.

“I don’t see anything about it? What’s your point?”

The dwarf set his hammer down. “Thas’ home. My home, anyway. Jorviskr. I came
up here to get sum peace.”. Kindre looked Amy up and down, something in his eye.

He’s not ogling me, is he?

“Say…you reminds me of som’un. Ya look alo’ like her, minus the purple hair of
course. Wha’s with that an’way?”

Amy shook her head, finding the question irrelevant. “It was naturally this way.
Anyway, who are you talking about?”. The dwarf sat down on a chair, sighing
deeply. “Queen Penelope III. You know her at all?.”, he said, his brow raising
slightly.

Amy felt a wave of emotion. “She’s…my mother…”

She gripped the bag on her belt a little tighter.

Kindre nodded knowingly. “She’s gone, ain’ she?”