Legacy of the Tormentor (Finished)

[Umbra]

And as you might be able to tell, the volume is soon coming to an end. And therefore, I have an announcement to make. There will be several important changes between Legends (this volume) and The Dark Doorway (the second volume). First of all, the chapters will be much shorter, probably only around one or two pages. They will therefore be released more frequently. Second of all, there is a major difference in time between Legends and TDD: which in turn leads to several new main characters.

[Phantom Roxas]

So TDD will take place in the future?

[Umbra]

Yes, but not far into it.

[Phantom Roxas]

Well, I think I know how it might start off. So about three more chapters left?

[Umbra]

Well' date=' I think I know how it might start off. So about three more chapters left?

[/quote']

 

That's what I've prepared. And don't expect TDD to become some sort of cybersteampunk dystopia.

[Phantom Roxas]

I only expected some kind of dystopia, but now it looks like I'm wrong. Btw, why are the chapters gonna be shorter, not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Guest Star]

Redemption City Hospital

April 26th

 

Susannah couldn't believe what she was seeing. Redemption City was burning. Wherever she looked' date=' she saw blue flames lick the sides of the many buildings and roofs. She heard alarms ring all over town. This was a massacre. Suddenly, the whole building seemed to move a few inches. She gasped. She had forgotten about Rataval and what he was doing. Before she could react, a hand gripped her left shoulder.

 

- We can not let you leave yet, Nephtys. After all we have accomplished, our bounty can not be allowed to escape.

 

She turned, and let out a faint scream. An arm, covered in a thick red fluid, had emerged from the orb and now held her tight. The arm itself seemed inconsistent somehow, as if it was made out of half-dried mud. But no matter how hard she tried, Susannah knew she couldn't escape. To her left, she saw that Jonah and Richard had grappled Abbi in the same position. She sighed. It was over for now. Another arm emerged from the orb, along with at least seven others. The arms grabbed Isaac, whose body was limp as a corpse. Susannah saw, to her fear, that Jonah and Richard carried Abigail towards the orb. They walked into the orb, one by one while carrying Abbi between them. Abbi seemed to have fainted somehow, as she said nothing. However, Susannah could see that her eyes were glowing with a golden light. Abbi wasn't in charge. It was Ra that controlled her body now. Suddenly, the orb started to move, out through the hole in the wall with Susannah and Isaac hanging outside it. The shadows that stretched out from the orb seemed to strain somehow, and to Susannah's grief, the entire building tipped a little. As Rataval moved further away from the hospital, and was now about ten feet away, Susannah saw one of the shadows loose it's grip and rocketed through the air, sending cement and wood flying. She gasped. Rataval was tearing the hospital down.

 

 

Silver Creek Mansion

April 26th

 

Mia stopped outside the door. There was a small, golden sign imbued in eye-height that said “Ketitrod” and with small letters under it “Chief of Industrial Illusions”. She gulped. This was it. Now, she was meeting the boss himself. She knocked on the door twice. There was silence.

 

- Come in.

 

Ketitrod's voice was dark, and just like Darren's voice, there seemed to be something tired and gruesome with it, something that made you shiver if you heard it unexpectedly, which was exactly what happened to Mia. However, she grabbed the silver-embued doorknob, and pulled the door inwards. Ketitrod's office was richly furnitured, with a large obsidian desk and 17th Century-paintings on the walls. Behind the desk, a man in his late fifties with short, black hair and a few days' beard. He was wearing a black tuxedo, with a white shirt beneath it and a red-black striped tie. He had a stern look on his face as Mia came in through the door.

 

- Ah, Mia, there you are. I was worried about you, with the Dreadroot on the loose.

 

Mia nodded, and closed the door behind her. Ketitrod pointed at the chair in front of his desk.

 

- Please, sit down. I can not let a lady stand while I sit. It would be highly impolite of me.

 

- Mia smiled, and walked up to the chair. As she was about to sat down, a loud roar echoed throughout the corridors outside the door. Ketitrod frowned, then picked up a cell phone from his pocket. He spoke swiftly.

 

- What is it, Darren?

 

Darren's voice crackled a bit when he spoke.

 

- Master Ketitrod, Seerra's here. He says it's urgent.

 

The door banged open, and a man in his late forties with long, blonde hair rushed in. Mia saw that his eyebrows, although hairless, was very wide, almost like those of a lizard. The man gave Ketitrod a strong look, but Ketitrod held his gaze. The man did not even seem to notice Mia when he started to shout at Ketitrod.

 

- Do you have any idea what just happened, Edward? [b']Osiris is dead![/b]

 

Ketitrod quickly rose from his chair.

 

- Not now, Seerra! Can't you see that we have a guest?

 

Seerra looked around, and saw Mia. He took a step back.

 

- Why is she here? She can't possibly-

 

Ketitrod waved his arm.

 

- Silence, Seerra! Speak no more!

 

Mia shivered. Ketitrod's voice was... different. Ancient. Grim. Simply listening to it sent a cold shiver down her spine. Before her eyes, Ketitrod's body altered itself. His skin turned from a healthy pink to a gray-green, and pale bones rapidly erupted from his shoulders and ran down his arms to his hands, where they ended in long, sharp claws. He quickly grew to one-and-a-half of his past size, towering over Mia and even Seerra. His eyes were sharp, yellow gems that frightened Mia more than anything could ever have done. Mia suddenly felt weak, as if she had been struck by a blow, and almost fell off the chair. Seerra staggered backwards.

 

- But.. my lord Dreadroot...

 

Dreadroot shook his head.

 

- I know, Seerra. Now, silence. We have successfully captured one of the Tormentor's heirs, unlike yourself.

 

Seerra frowned.

 

- But, Dreadroot, I captured the Heir himself! He is with Rataval-

 

Dreadroot gripped Seerra's shoulder with his right hand, and Mia was sure she heard something crack.

 

- You dare not speak, Seerra. If I see you here again without the Heir, a slow, painful session in the Eternal Flame is what awaits you.

 

Seerra gulped. This was not what he had expected. He brought news of great joy; Obelisk was captured and Osiris was dead. Seerra's true self, the Wicked Eraser, was also dead for now, but he would regrow in days. He knew Osiris. It would take him much longer to live again. He nodded at Dreadroot.

 

- Yes... I understand, master Dreadroot.

 

Dreadroot nodded.

 

- You can leave now, Seerra. The tournament should have been finished by now, and someone has to give the winner the grand prize.

 

Seerra nodded, and walked backwards out through the door, which was wide open. He quickly glanced at Mia, who laid back, slumped on the chair. Her eyes showed the weakness that spread within her. Seerra smiled. Dreadroot usually had that effect on people. He closed the door, and walked down the hallway.

 

 

Red Sky City

April 26th

 

Flora sighed. Getting through the semi-finals at the Grand Tournament had been hard enough, but now it was time for the finals. However, she couldn't stop laughing when she thought of her opponent for the finals. He had been announced the day before, after ruthlessly crushing his opponent in a single turn. The thing is, he was only sixteen years old. The kid's name was Rayous Valiant, and Flora had kept an eye on him. He used a deck she had never seen before the tournament had started, and she was eager to meet him. Now, Flora sat in her room at the local hotel, and the final match were to start in a few minutes. Flora had decided to reconstruct her deck a bit. It wasn't much of a change, and it was a change to a theme she used to run earlier. She smiled, and decided to give her deck a few test draws. She placed it neatly on the desk in front of her, shuffled it quickly, and drew her cards. When she had drawn three cards, she heard some knocks on the door.

 

- Miss Deschaine! The tournament is about to start! You should be going!

 

She sighed again. It was that boy again. He was around twelve years old, and he had told her countless times that he worked at the hotel. He was cute at first, but now he just annoyed Flora. She couldn't even remember the boy's name. She quickly gathered her deck, and put it down in the left pocket on her jeans. Then, she walked up to the wardrobe, and took out a long, white jacket which she put above her white top. It was perhaps not a cold day, but it was windy. She opened the door. That boy, whatever his name was, stood a few feet away. He was wearing a black suit, that made him seem both shorter and older than he really was. He smiled at her.

 

- This way, miss Deschaine. The car is already here.

 

Flora nodded, then followed the boy towards the exit.

 

 

A few minutes later, she arrived at Red Sky Square, where the finals of the tournament would be held. The hotel staff had put her Duel Generator in the car. It was a red and yellow one which was her price for winning one of the semi-tournaments. She didn't really like the Generator, but she used it anyway. It was a symbol of status, as it proved her to be one of the best duelists in the tournament. But now, she would have to show everyone by beating a sixteen-year-old boy. She smiled. It would be easy. She stepped out of the car, gracefully like a cat, holding her jacket tightly. She strapped the Duel Generator to her left wrist, covering it with the jacket. Suddenly, the world flashed thrice, and she covered her eyes. The local newspaper had became really interesting in her, calling her “The Fairy Queen” and described her as a “rising star”, going from not winning a single tournament to going to the finals in this one. She hadn't got used to all the publicity, and was still surprised when the photographers showed up. She walked up to the prepared duel area, a cleared space in the middle of quite a large crowd, a circle about fifteen feet wide. On the other side of it, stood her opponent, Rayous Valiant. It was a boy she had learned to both respect and fear during the last few days. Rayous had not lost a single duel during the tournament, not even during the qualification rounds, where even Flora had lost a duel. Yet, she had years of experience over him. She couldn't lose this duel. He was the only of the qualifiers to the second round which she hadn't beaten already; even before the second round had started, she had beaten one of them. She couldn't remember his name either, but it didn't matter. All she cared about was this duel. She looked at Rayous. The kid had thick, black hair which covered his eyes.

 

- Ready, kid?

 

Rayous nodded. From her left, a tall man with long, blonde hair came up to Flora, who frowned at the sight of the man. There was something about his looks that felt almost... reptilian. As he spoke, the crowd fell silent.

 

- Flora Deschaine has been designated to start this duel. Proceed.

 

Flora drew six cards, and Rayous drew five. She nodded.

 

- I'll start the duel by activating Hand Destruction!

 

Flora discarded two cards from her hand, drew two new, and Rayous did the same. Flora smiled again.

 

- And then, I'll summon a monster face-down. Your turn.

 

Rayous nodded, and drew a card.

 

- I'll place a single monster face-down, and activate Slime Base! With it, I can summon Cosmos Reflect Slime from my hand! (1600/2400)

 

The field in front of Rayous suddenly exploded, and a deformity of blue slime appeared. It looked vaguely humanoid, but not enough. Flora sighed. She knew what this card did. This would be a long duel. Rayous nodded.

 

- Cosmos Reflect Slime, attack her face-down monster!

 

The face-down card erupted in a brilliant light, and an angel wearing a bright tunic appeared. Flora smiled.

 

- You destroyed my Shining Angel. When it's destroyed, I can summon a fairy of my choice, as long as it fits certain requirements. And I choose my Nova Summoner! (1400/800)

 

The angel was covered in purple light, which covered the field. When the light faded, a strange circular creature with white, angelic wings appeared. Rayous shrugged.

 

- Whatever. I end my turn.

 

Flora drew a card, and was just about to say something when Rayous interrupted her.

 

- I think you know of Cosmos Reflect Slime's effect. You have to show me your hand.

 

Flora nodded, and clicked on a button on the side of the Duel Generator. On Rayous' Duel Generator, all of her cards appeared. Rayous smiled, then gently stroke his finger across one of the cards. Flora nodded.

 

- And not only that, you also get to steal a card from my hand.

 

Rayous nodded.

 

- That Emissary of Darkness is nothing you need right now, Flora. I'll take it.

 

Flora grunted, then gave her Emissary of Darkness to the judge that stood next to her. He took it, and handed it over to Rayous. He smiled, and Flora continued.

 

- I'll Release my Nova Summoner, to summon Sky Scourge - Invicil. (2200/1600)

 

The new fairy nodded, and grew in front of their eyes. It became taller, and revealed a small head on the top of it's body. Invicil's empty eyes stared at Rayous, and he shivered. Flora smiled at Rayous.

 

- And I suppose you know Invicil's effect. Now, you can't activate Spell cards. However, I can. I activate Dark Martyr's Release! I can send a Fiend and a Fairy from my deck to the Graveyard, as long as you draw another two cards.

 

Flora took out her deck from the Duel Generator, and carefully chose two cards. She put them in her Graveyard, and nodded at Rayous, who drew two cards. She smiled.

 

- And now, I remove Shining Angel, Nova Summoner, The Forgiving Maiden, and Marie the Fallen One in my Graveyard to summon Sky Scourge Enrise! (2400/1500)

 

Flora's graveyard flashed four times, then a roaring gust of wind rose from it. Carried gently on it was a tall, barechested man with pale skin. In the middle of his chest, there was a strange twirl that seemed to devour whatever entered it. He stepped off the current, and landed next to Invicil. The two Scourges briefly nodded at each other. Flora continued.

 

- And then, I'll use Enrise's effect, and get rid of that Cosmos Reflect Slime monster of yours.

 

Enrise rose his bony right hand, and pointed towards the slime, which faded away. Flora smiled.

 

- And then, I'll end my turn.

 

Rayous frowned, and drew a card. He smiled.

 

- You do realize that I still have your Gorz in my hand, right? However, it's not important. I flip up my face-down monster, Magical Reflect Slime! (700/1200)

 

Rayous face-down card flipped itself up, revealing a small puddle of blue slime. Flora gave it a brief look, then shook her head. Rayous continued.

 

- And since my Slime is a Gemini monster, I can resummon it to give it an effect. In this case, whenever I take damage from a battle with Reflect Slime, you take the damage instead.

 

Flora suddenly gasped. This was not what she had planned. Rayous smiled.

 

- Now, Magical Reflect Slime attacks your Sky Scourge Enrise!

 

The slime rolled up to the relatively gigantic man, who gave it a dazed look. Then, Enrise struck hard on the Slime, which exploded. Shards of brilliant light emanated from the slime, which struck Flora hard. Her Life Points fell to two-thousand and three hundred. However, she smiled.

 

- You lost your Slime there, Rayous.

 

He nodded.

 

- It was a needed sacrifice. I end my turn by placing a card face-down.

 

Flora smiled, and drew a card. This duel was going her way, and she knew it. Suddenly, Rayous said something.

 

- Now that it's your turn, I activate my face-down card! Metal Reflect Slime!

 

The face-down card flipped itself, revealing a long, gray slime that rested in front of Rayous. He smiled.

 

- Metal Reflect Slime allows me to summon a Metal Reflect Slime, with a stunning three thousand defense points.

 

Flora nodded. She knew exactly what Metal Reflect Slime did. However, it didn't bother her much.

 

- You do know that I can get rid of that easily, right? All I need to do is let Enrise activate his effect, and Reflect Slime goes to the graveyard.

 

She nodded at Enrise, who rose his hand again and pointed at the Metal Reflect Slime. Rayous gasped, and Flora smiled.

 

- Now, both Enrise and Invicil attack you directly.

 

Enrise and Invicil lifted off ground, and rushed through the air. Rayous tried to protect himself with his arms, but the two Sky Scourges struck him hard and his Life Points fell to zero.

 

 

The judge stepped up to Flora.

 

- Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! Give a big hand to Flora Deschaine!

 

The crowd roared as the holograms between Flora and Rayous faded away. Flora walked up to her former opponent. She reached out her hand.

 

- I believe you still have my Gorz?

 

Rayous looked at Flora for about half a second, then nodded. With his hand quickly thrown down his pocket, he pulled out the Emissary of Darkness. Flora grabbed it quickly, and turned away. Gorz was one of her most prized cards, and she wouldn't let it away. She was even reluctant to give it to Rayous in the first place; however, hadn't she done that, she would have been disqualified. The blonde-haired judge walked up to them.

 

- Flora Deschaine and Rayous Valiant, come with me. You will receive your prizes at the Silver Creek Mansion. We have a helicopter waiting for you nearby.

 

Flora gasped. The Silver Creek Mansion was the home of Edward Ketitrod himself. The president of Industrial Illusions. And she was going to meet him. She glanced at Rayous: The boy seemed frightened rather than nervous. Sweat was running down from his temples, and he had frozen on the spot. He slowly nodded at the judge, and Flora did the same. He smiled at them, then lead them to the helicopter.

 

 

Redemption City hospital

April 26th

 

Susannah still couldn't believe it. She hung several hundred feet above the ground, held only in a single arm, and she was just about to witness the ruthless murder of several hundred sick and innocent. Including... She looked into the room which she was hanging outside. There, Jack laid silently on his bed. A single tear suddenly appeared in Susannah, and she had to look away. What she saw there didn't make her happier. The entire city was still lit aflame, and far beneath her, she could see that even the streets were melting as the fires spread. Suddenly, she heard something.

 

- Rataval... You won't get away with this...

 

Jack had climbed out of his bed, and walked slowly across the floor, which now was somewhat tilted thanks to Rataval's heavy strain. He held out both his hands towards Rataval.

 

- You will not take Ra with you, Rataval... Not while I still stand.

 

He walked up to the ledge, with the roaring inferno that was Redemption City behind him, then held up his left palm towards the giant golden orb.

 

- Release!

 

Suddenly, a surge of golden light erupted from Jack's palm, headed straight for the Avatar. When the light was just inches away, all of the shadows released their grip of the hospital and the Avatar flew off into the sky, with Susannah and Isaac in a tight grip. As they ascended into the sky, Susannah gasped. Not even a hundred yards from her, she saw the hospital violently crumbling, shaking on it's very foundation.

Then, it tipped over.

 

 

 

 

Author's Notes

Jay, Flora's back! Also, those of you that have been keeping in touch, will know that Rayous was the winner of the Character & Card Contest, submitted by zeid.

 

I read parts of the Episode.

 

I realized that you made a mistake with Enrise's effect.

 

If it was intentional, that's fine.

 

I just wanted to let you know.

 

Nice episode though.

[Umbra]

I only expected some kind of dystopia' date=' but now it looks like I'm wrong. Btw, why are the chapters gonna be shorter, not that there's anything wrong with that.

[/quote']

 

So that I can release them more frequently. And so that I can reach a larger audience.

 

And Remix, I simply forgot that Enrise can't attack during the same turn. But I wanted to finish the duel quickly, and bent the effect a bit. However, it was unnecessary to quote the entire chapter.

[Phantom Roxas]

Bump.

[Umbra]

Wickspire

Central Hall

 

Susannah looked around in surprise. Not a second ago, she and Isaac had been hanging several hundred feet above the ground, trying to not look down. She had blinked, and now they stood here. They were in some sort of hallway, although it was a larger one than Susannah had ever seen. She could only vaguely outline the tall, obsidian walls several thousand feet away. Drifting above the floor was some kind of mist, although it was blue. It was an astonishing sight, but not a sight she could appreciate under the circumstances. Rataval - no, the Wicked Avatar - walked next to her. She shivered when she saw him. The Avatar's appearance had changed since the first time they had met, that day when he had almost killed both Jonah and aunt Mia. He didn't even look like a human anymore. He stood well over eight feet tall, and his features only vaguely resembled those of a human. The torso was that of a human, and the arms were similar. However, that's were the similarities ended. From the waist and below, eight thin legs resembling those of a mantis could be seen. His skin was still covered in the thick, red fluid, which Susannah suspected to be blood. However, the Avatar's head was what she feared the most. It looked as if the right half of the scalp had been torn off; Susannah almost thought she could see teeth marks as of from some sort of gargantuan creature. She forced herself to look away, and her gaze fell upon Abigail. She sighed. Abbi was still unconscious, and Jonah and Richard carried her between them to her right. Her long, blonde hair fell in strings, and her beautiful blue eyes - eyes so similar to her mother's - were wide open, staring emptily throughout the hallway, but Susannah thought there was more to it. Every few seconds, she saw a brief golden light flash in the corner of her eye. Surely, that meant that Ra, the Golden Dragon, was at work. Her eyes gazed to the left, and saw that Isaac was not far from awakening. He was hanging about two feet above the ground, held tight by at least seven of the Wicked Avatar's arms. He moaned silently, but just high enough to be noticed. The Avatar smiled.

 

- Seems like little Prince Charming's coming back.

 

He partially released his grip on Isaac, holding him with only two arms. Then, he started to shake the young boy violently, whose flinging arms drew wide arcs in the air. Isaac grunted, and opened his eyes. The Avatar nodded, then lowered Isaac to the floor. The young boy set down his feet slowly and careful, and soon he stood next to them. The Avatar looked at him.

 

- I expect you to be of no troubles, neither of you. If you try anything, I can't promise you will survive the next few days.

 

Isaac gulped, and nodded at the Avatar. The insect-like creature nodded, then looked at Susannah.

 

- You, little child, have so far not showed any actual relation to the Tormentor. I might have to check you first.

 

He then raised another arm, and placed his palm on Susannah's forehead. The thick fluid started to run down Susannah's face, but she didn't care. The Avatar close his eyes, and Susannah suddenly closed her eyes as well. Then, she began to speak. But when she spoke, it was with the voice of the Avatar.

 

- There's so much... but yet, there's nothing! How can it be!

 

Suddenly, the Avatar's body started to speak. It's voice was not the guttering speech that they had heard earlier. Now, it was the gentle voice of a woman; not the voice of Susannah, but it sounded similar enough for Isaac to look up. Jonah and Richard, still carrying Abigail, stopped.

 

- It is because I say so, Avatar. I am Nephtys, daughter of Obelisk. And there are reasons why I have not shown myself yet.

 

The Avatar stared up at his body, which Nephtys spoke through.

 

- Nephtys... I would think it was you. But you are of no special importance as of now. You are not one of the gods, regardless of what you think. But yet, I might have some use for you.

 

The Avatar closed Susannah's eyes, and soon the Avatar's eyes were closed as well. A few seconds later, both of them looked at each other. The Avatar grunted.

 

- I'll deal with you later, Nephtys. Now, we have a master to attend.

 

Susannah tried to say something, but her mouth was kept shut. Inside her mind, she heard another voice.

 

- Don't say anything for now, Susannah. I'll get us out of this.

 

Susannah nodded at Nephtys, then at the Avatar. He smiled, a brutal fiendish grin. He turned to Jonah and Richard, which nodded and started to walk again. Soon, the small group were once again walking towards their unseen target.

 

 

Silver Creek Mansion

April 26th

 

Not five seconds after they had arrived at the mansion, Flora felt a tension build up inside her. She felt weak, unable to do a single thing. It was if something pushed her around, pressing her towards the walls. The helicopter had landed on a platform outside the mansion, and Flora stepped out first, with Rayous and the judge not far away. She tried to look towards the mansion, but her vision was blurred and she staggered across the lawn. The long jacket felt somewhat unnecessary as it was a bright, warm day with practically no wind at all. She looked behind her, and to her surprise, Rayous looked just like he had done before. He didn't seem to be affected by whatever it was that made Flora feel stressed, and the judge just kept on walking. Rayous came up to her.

 

- Hey, you alright? You look strange.

 

Flora briefly shook her head, to clear her mind. Surely, it was nothing. She was just nervous to meet Ketitrod in the flesh.

 

- I'm fine, just a bit nervous.

 

Rayous looked at her, then shrugged. He turned his head towards the mansion, and Flora followed his eyes. In front of the mansion stood a woman. Flora couldn't see her clearly, but she had black hair which stretched down to her shoulders. The woman looked young, but her face revealed her to be in her late thirties. As they approached, Flora could see that she smiled. She looked at Rayous, then at Flora.

 

- Welcome to Silver Creek, miss Deschaine. I'm glad you could make it.

 

Flora fought to hold back a gasp. This was Lily Ketitrod, three-times National Champion and Edward Ketitrod's daughter. Some said that was a unfair advantage, but Lily had proven herself to be an excellent duelist. She continued to speak.

 

- I see you've already met my nephew Rayous.

 

Flora held back another gasp. Rayous was Lily's nephew? Edward's grandson? Flora looked at Lily, then at Rayous. Sure, there were similarities, but no one could have guessed it without knowing. Lily walked over to the judge, and they spoke silently for a few seconds. Then, they turned back to Rayous and Flora.

 

- Edward will be waiting for you inside. I need to make some arrangements first. Don't worry, he isn't that dangerous once you get to know him.

 

There was something peculiar about Lily, something that Flora couldn't understand. But yet, she nodded and walked away, Rayous not far behind. They came up to a pair of large, wooden double doors, wide open to the outside world. Within, stood a creature so fearsome that Flora for a split second thought she was in a dream. A giant among men, the green-skinned creature stood well above ten feet tall. Large bat-like wings stretched out from the creature's back, and atop the creature's head sat a large cranium of an animal Flora could not even imagine. The creature's eyes were glowing yellow pits which radiated an immense fury. Suddenly, Flora fell to the floor as if hit by a gigantic fist. She stared at the creature for a brief second before she passed out on the floor.

 

The Dreadroot smiled. The girl had passed out without him having to use any of his fiercest tricks. He looked at Rayous, who had knelt beside the girl. The boy rose to his feet, and walked up to the Dreadroot.

 

- She's gone for now, grandpa.

 

The Dreadroot smiled. Even though there were so many thousands of generations between Rayous and himself, he still enjoyed being called grandpa. When the Dreadroot was old enough to reincarnate his strength, he would give it to Rayous, he was sure of that. Lilin wasn't the right material, but if Rayous died, he wouldn't mind giving it to her. But Rayous had something inside him that made Dreadroot believe he was the right one to be the next Dreadroot. He nodded at Rayous.

 

- Are Lilin and Seerra on their way?

 

- We're here, father.

 

Lilin had walked in through the double doors while they were speaking, and she brought a cold breeze with her. Dreadroot nodded.

 

- Good. I've just heard from Rataval that both the Heir and the two Dragons are in the Wickspire as we speak, under his surveillance.

 

Dreadroot saw that Lilin let out a shriek of happiness. He smiled and continued.

 

- Furthermore, Darren is currently transporting the Priestess there. And as you have seen, we now have the Infant Princess here aswell.

 

He briefly twitched his head towards Flora, who lay passed out on the floor. Lilin frowned.

 

- Is she the Infant Princess? I could never have guessed.

 

Dreadroot nodded.

 

- I am sure. I have not sensed such a powerful aura since I met Obelisk. She's the key to open the lock.

 

He shrugged.

 

- Anyway, we should be making our way to the Wickspire as well. All the pieces are gathering. It is now time to assemble the puzzle.

 

The very air in the room seemed to shiver, and large purple cracks in the air appeared around them. Through two of these cracks, Mia and Seerra were visible. Dreadroot stretched his arms inside these two cracks, and grabbed something inside. When he pulled them out again, the woman and the Wicked God came out with them. Mia was still unconscious, but Seerra was fully awake. He looked around for a few seconds, noticed Lilin and Rayous, then nodded at Dreadroot. A larger crack appeared in the air between them, revealing a large half-orbed room. The four of them walked up to the crack, and jumped inside.

 

Wickspire

Spirit Chamber 1418

 

Eric sighed. It had now passed almost two hours since they lost contact with Jack. Aigora had spoken through Jack when he saw that the Avatar was about to kidnap both Susannah and Isaac, along with Ra. He had tried to muster Jack's power, but missed. Ever since, they had tried to reach Jack, but it was as if a wall separated them. Eric feared for what had happened to the old man. Maybe he was dead. In that case, all was lost. He looked around in the ever-misty chamber. Aigora was slumped against one of the walls, and Damon was walking around as ever. Eric had tried to rest, but it was useless. The door - which suddenly had appeared behind Aigora, causing him to roll into the center of the room - flung open with a sudden move, and Eric looked out. In the doorway stood the grim spirit that always followed Nathaniel. The one called Goreflesh. Aigora stared at him.

 

- What do you want, Goreflesh?

 

Goreflesh held his gaze.

 

- You're requested by Master Dreadroot. Come with me.

 

Eric suddenly felt as if he was carried by a thousand birds. He was as light as a feather. Nothing restrained him anymore. He wasn't bound to the chamber anymore. Now, he could exit through the doorway. He walked up to Goreflesh, and Aigora stood up behind him. A few feet away, Damon came up to them. Goreflesh nodded, then led them out of the chamber. As soon as they came through the door however, something changed. Suddenly, Eric felt as if his body was made of lead, and he struggled with every move. He put his hand on his knee, and breathed heavily. Then, he realized. They had created a replica of his body. He was once more a human. He looked around, and saw that the same had happened to the others. However, Goreflesh was still but a spirit. He nodded at them.

 

- Just so you don't get any ideas and try to escape. Master Dreadroot awaits you in the Observatory.

 

He pointed upwards, and Eric finally realized the dimensions of this building. The long spiral staircase went on and on inside the building for at least a mile ahead. The sight was breathtaking. Goreflesh tapped his shoulder, and Eric looked down. Damon and Aigora had already started walking up the staircase, the old man huffing and puffing. Eric sighed, then began to walk as well.

 

 

Red Sky City

April 26th

 

Jack couldn't believe it. The house was empty. Neither Jonah, Susannah or Mia were there. However, it looked as if they had been there not too long ago. He was worried. He had already heard about the catastrophe that had struck Redemption City, and recognized the work of the Eraser. He knew it, for his other half had been there. He had been killed from the massive debris that had struck him. However, Jack had died countless times during the history, most of them before he had been born. He was used to it, but it was always painful. And whenever he was divided, his power was always weakened. Now, with his other half dead, Jack's power was rejuvenated. He sat down on a chair in the kitchen, trying to concentrate on Jonah, trying to locate where the boy was. He sat with his eyes closed for minutes, but didn't find anything.

 

- You!

 

Jack opened his eyes. Apparently, someone had came into the house without him noticing. It was a man in his early twenties, with deep, brown eyes and pale hair. He sighed. It was Nathaniel Roderick, the merged entity. The spirit within Eric Morae's brother. Jack nodded at him.

 

- Yes, Nathaniel. I am here. And I'm ready to bring an end to you.

 

Jack thought that Nathaniel felt different somehow. Then, he saw what it was.

 

- Goreflesh is not with you, is he? All that's left is the memories that the Avatar gave you.

 

Nathaniel shook his head.

 

- Those are not just memories! That's my life you're talking about!

 

Jack laughed under his breath.

 

- Life? You haven't had a life, Nathaniel. You were born into the life of another. Your very existence is an anomaly. You're a parasite. A parasite I'm about to cleanse.

 

Nathaniel staggered away, and raised his arms.

 

- No! You're wrong! You must be!

 

An orb of light materialized in Jack's palm. The light flickered. Jack smiled.

 

- Be prepared to face eternal oblivion, unearthen spirit.

 

He threw the orb at Nathaniel, who seemed calm all of a sudden. He swung his left hand, and a blue barrier appeared in front of him. As the golden light struck it, both of them shattered and covered the room in a green dust. Nathaniel smiled.

 

- You're wrong, Jack. Eric never utilized the power his blood gave him. He never lived truly. I know how to handle it. The Avatar trained me long ago. I know this!

 

He swung out with his arm again, and created a swing of blue light that cut through the air. It crashed into the oven behind Jack, who had stepped aside just in time. The oven's hatch was sliced in half, and it soon started to make strange noises. Jack turned to Nathaniel.

 

- Those are Eric's powers, Nathaniel, not yours. And once your master has been defeated, you will be nothing.

 

Jack clasped his hands, and focused. In the blink of an eye, he materialized behind Nathaniel. He created another orb of light, and Nathaniel turned his head.

 

- Goodbye, Nathaniel.

 

Jack slammed his palm into Nathaniel's back, and he collapsed onto the floor with a terrible roar. Then, suddenly, his body turned to ashes, disintegrated into dust before Jack's eyes. A rising current, apparently coming from no specific point, carried the ashes up and away out through the door. Jack looked out. He had defeated one of his enemies, but he feared he had unleashed something far more terrible to the world...

 

 

Palace of the Tormentor

Current Time

 

Cain looked around. This world was but a shell of itself, but he knew it almost by heart. This was the world he had knew as a boy. Everything looked so familiar, yet so different. He was standing in the entrance to the Central Hall, where the final battle had stood as the stories told. The final battle between his father Obelisk and the Dreadroot. According to what Freed, one of the few surviving soldiers that had arrived to Earth later on, had told, Obelisk's body had been left alone after he had been killed. Roselia, who had been drifting a bit behind Cain, hovered up to him. Cain grunted.

 

- This was where Father fell. On this very spot, the fate of the Multiverse was altered.

 

Roselia nodded.

 

- But shouldn't his body be here, then?

 

Cain nodded, and looked around. His father had been a giant of a man, almost eleven feet tall. However, there was no body to be found. Cain hadn't expected the body to rotten; this was, after all, the carcass of a god. He had expected the body to be there. But not. The entire hallway was empty. The checkers-laid floor was a bit dusty, and there was a large amount of dried blood on the floor. The walls were old and crackled in some places, and the roof was-

 

- My god...

 

In the roof above them, Cain and Roselia saw a body pressed to the ceiling. Cain recognized it immediately. It was Obelisk. He turned to Roselia.

 

- We have to get him down! We can't just let him-

 

- Son?

 

Cain looked up. The body had stretched out his right arm towards him. But it wasn't a body, no. The Tormentor was still alive.

 

Author's Notes

You didn't see that coming, did you? ^^

[Umbra]

Wickspire

Central Hall

 

Susannah looked around in surprise. Not a second ago, she and Isaac had been hanging several hundred feet above the ground, trying to not look down. She had blinked, and now they stood here. They were in some sort of hallway, although it was a larger one than Susannah had ever seen. She could only vaguely outline the tall, obsidian walls several thousand feet away. Drifting above the floor was some kind of mist, although it was blue. It was an astonishing sight, but not a sight she could appreciate under the circumstances. Rataval - no, the Wicked Avatar - walked next to her. She shivered when she saw him. The Avatar's appearance had changed since the first time they had met, that day when he had almost killed both Jonah and aunt Mia. He didn't even look like a human anymore. He stood well over eight feet tall, and his features only vaguely resembled those of a human. The torso was that of a human, and the arms were similar. However, that's were the similarities ended. From the waist and below, eight thin legs resembling those of a mantis could be seen. His skin was still covered in the thick, red fluid, which Susannah suspected to be blood. However, the Avatar's head was what she feared the most. It looked as if the right half of the scalp had been torn off; Susannah almost thought she could see teeth marks as of from some sort of gargantuan creature. She forced herself to look away, and her gaze fell upon Abigail. She sighed. Abbi was still unconscious, and Jonah and Richard carried her between them to her right. Her long, blonde hair fell in strings, and her beautiful blue eyes - eyes so similar to her mother's - were wide open, staring emptily throughout the hallway, but Susannah thought there was more to it. Every few seconds, she saw a brief golden light flash in the corner of her eye. Surely, that meant that Ra, the Golden Dragon, was at work. Her eyes gazed to the left, and saw that Isaac was not far from awakening. He was hanging about two feet above the ground, held tight by at least seven of the Wicked Avatar's arms. He moaned silently, but just high enough to be noticed. The Avatar smiled.

 

- Seems like little Prince Charming's coming back.

 

He partially released his grip on Isaac, holding him with only two arms. Then, he started to shake the young boy violently, whose flinging arms drew wide arcs in the air. Isaac grunted, and opened his eyes. The Avatar nodded, then lowered Isaac to the floor. The young boy set down his feet slowly and careful, and soon he stood next to them. The Avatar looked at him.

 

- I expect you to be of no troubles, neither of you. If you try anything, I can't promise you will survive the next few days.

 

Isaac gulped, and nodded at the Avatar. The insect-like creature nodded, then looked at Susannah.

 

- You, little child, have so far not showed any actual relation to the Tormentor. I might have to check you first.

 

He then raised another arm, and placed his palm on Susannah's forehead. The thick fluid started to run down Susannah's face, but she didn't care. The Avatar close his eyes, and Susannah suddenly closed her eyes as well. Then, she began to speak. But when she spoke, it was with the voice of the Avatar.

 

- There's so much... but yet, there's nothing! How can it be!

 

Suddenly, the Avatar's body started to speak. It's voice was not the guttering speech that they had heard earlier. Now, it was the gentle voice of a woman; not the voice of Susannah, but it sounded similar enough for Isaac to look up. Jonah and Richard, still carrying Abigail, stopped.

 

- It is because I say so, Avatar. I am Nephtys, daughter of Obelisk. And there are reasons why I have not shown myself yet.

 

The Avatar stared up at his body, which Nephtys spoke through.

 

- Nephtys... I would think it was you. But you are of no special importance as of now. You are not one of the gods, regardless of what you think. But yet, I might have some use for you.

 

The Avatar closed Susannah's eyes, and soon the Avatar's eyes were closed as well. A few seconds later, both of them looked at each other. The Avatar grunted.

 

- I'll deal with you later, Nephtys. Now, we have a master to attend.

 

Susannah tried to say something, but her mouth was kept shut. Inside her mind, she heard another voice.

 

- Don't say anything for now, Susannah. I'll get us out of this.

 

Susannah nodded at Nephtys, then at the Avatar. He smiled, a brutal fiendish grin. He turned to Jonah and Richard, which nodded and started to walk again. Soon, the small group were once again walking towards their unseen target.

 

 

Silver Creek Mansion

April 26th

 

Not five seconds after they had arrived at the mansion, Flora felt a tension build up inside her. She felt weak, unable to do a single thing. It was if something pushed her around, pressing her towards the walls. The helicopter had landed on a platform outside the mansion, and Flora stepped out first, with Rayous and the judge not far away. She tried to look towards the mansion, but her vision was blurred and she staggered across the lawn. The long jacket felt somewhat unnecessary as it was a bright, warm day with practically no wind at all. She looked behind her, and to her surprise, Rayous looked just like he had done before. He didn't seem to be affected by whatever it was that made Flora feel stressed, and the judge just kept on walking. Rayous came up to her.

 

- Hey, you alright? You look strange.

 

Flora briefly shook her head, to clear her mind. Surely, it was nothing. She was just nervous to meet Ketitrod in the flesh.

 

- I'm fine, just a bit nervous.

 

Rayous looked at her, then shrugged. He turned his head towards the mansion, and Flora followed his eyes. In front of the mansion stood a woman. Flora couldn't see her clearly, but she had black hair which stretched down to her shoulders. The woman looked young, but her face revealed her to be in her late thirties. As they approached, Flora could see that she smiled. She looked at Rayous, then at Flora.

 

- Welcome to Silver Creek, miss Deschaine. I'm glad you could make it.

 

Flora fought to hold back a gasp. This was Lily Ketitrod, three-times National Champion and Edward Ketitrod's daughter. Some said that was a unfair advantage, but Lily had proven herself to be an excellent duelist. She continued to speak.

 

- I see you've already met my nephew Rayous.

 

Flora held back another gasp. Rayous was Lily's nephew? Edward's grandson? Flora looked at Lily, then at Rayous. Sure, there were similarities, but no one could have guessed it without knowing. Lily walked over to the judge, and they spoke silently for a few seconds. Then, they turned back to Rayous and Flora.

 

- Edward will be waiting for you inside. I need to make some arrangements first. Don't worry, he isn't that dangerous once you get to know him.

 

There was something peculiar about Lily, something that Flora couldn't understand. But yet, she nodded and walked away, Rayous not far behind. They came up to a pair of large, wooden double doors, wide open to the outside world. Within, stood a creature so fearsome that Flora for a split second thought she was in a dream. A giant among men, the green-skinned creature stood well above ten feet tall. Large bat-like wings stretched out from the creature's back, and atop the creature's head sat a large cranium of an animal Flora could not even imagine. The creature's eyes were glowing yellow pits which radiated an immense fury. Suddenly, Flora fell to the floor as if hit by a gigantic fist. She stared at the creature for a brief second before she passed out on the floor.

 

The Dreadroot smiled. The girl had passed out without him having to use any of his fiercest tricks. He looked at Rayous, who had knelt beside the girl. The boy rose to his feet, and walked up to the Dreadroot.

 

- She's gone for now, grandpa.

 

The Dreadroot smiled. Even though there were so many thousands of generations between Rayous and himself, he still enjoyed being called grandpa. When the Dreadroot was old enough to reincarnate his strength, he would give it to Rayous, he was sure of that. Lilin wasn't the right material, but if Rayous died, he wouldn't mind giving it to her. But Rayous had something inside him that made Dreadroot believe he was the right one to be the next Dreadroot. He nodded at Rayous.

 

- Are Lilin and Seerra on their way?

 

- We're here, father.

 

Lilin had walked in through the double doors while they were speaking, and she brought a cold breeze with her. Dreadroot nodded.

 

- Good. I've just heard from Rataval that both the Heir and the two Dragons are in the Wickspire as we speak, under his surveillance.

 

Dreadroot saw that Lilin let out a shriek of happiness. He smiled and continued.

 

- Furthermore, Darren is currently transporting the Priestess there. And as you have seen, we now have the Infant Princess here aswell.

 

He briefly twitched his head towards Flora, who lay passed out on the floor. Lilin frowned.

 

- Is she the Infant Princess? I could never have guessed.

 

Dreadroot nodded.

 

- I am sure. I have not sensed such a powerful aura since I met Obelisk. She's the key to open the lock.

 

He shrugged.

 

- Anyway, we should be making our way to the Wickspire as well. All the pieces are gathering. It is now time to assemble the puzzle.

 

The very air in the room seemed to shiver, and large purple cracks in the air appeared around them. Through two of these cracks, Mia and Seerra were visible. Dreadroot stretched his arms inside these two cracks, and grabbed something inside. When he pulled them out again, the woman and the Wicked God came out with them. Mia was still unconscious, but Seerra was fully awake. He looked around for a few seconds, noticed Lilin and Rayous, then nodded at Dreadroot. A larger crack appeared in the air between them, revealing a large half-orbed room. The four of them walked up to the crack, and jumped inside.

 

Wickspire

Spirit Chamber 1418

 

Eric sighed. It had now passed almost two hours since they lost contact with Jack. Aigora had spoken through Jack when he saw that the Avatar was about to kidnap both Susannah and Isaac, along with Ra. He had tried to muster Jack's power, but missed. Ever since, they had tried to reach Jack, but it was as if a wall separated them. Eric feared for what had happened to the old man. Maybe he was dead. In that case, all was lost. He looked around in the ever-misty chamber. Aigora was slumped against one of the walls, and Damon was walking around as ever. Eric had tried to rest, but it was useless. The door - which suddenly had appeared behind Aigora, causing him to roll into the center of the room - flung open with a sudden move, and Eric looked out. In the doorway stood the grim spirit that always followed Nathaniel. The one called Goreflesh. Aigora stared at him.

 

- What do you want, Goreflesh?

 

Goreflesh held his gaze.

 

- You're requested by Master Dreadroot. Come with me.

 

Eric suddenly felt as if he was carried by a thousand birds. He was as light as a feather. Nothing restrained him anymore. He wasn't bound to the chamber anymore. Now, he could exit through the doorway. He walked up to Goreflesh, and Aigora stood up behind him. A few feet away, Damon came up to them. Goreflesh nodded, then led them out of the chamber. As soon as they came through the door however, something changed. Suddenly, Eric felt as if his body was made of lead, and he struggled with every move. He put his hand on his knee, and breathed heavily. Then, he realized. They had created a replica of his body. He was once more a human. He looked around, and saw that the same had happened to the others. However, Goreflesh was still but a spirit. He nodded at them.

 

- Just so you don't get any ideas and try to escape. Master Dreadroot awaits you in the Observatory.

 

He pointed upwards, and Eric finally realized the dimensions of this building. The long spiral staircase went on and on inside the building for at least a mile ahead. The sight was breathtaking. Goreflesh tapped his shoulder, and Eric looked down. Damon and Aigora had already started walking up the staircase, the old man huffing and puffing. Eric sighed, then began to walk as well.

 

 

Red Sky City

April 26th

 

Jack couldn't believe it. The house was empty. Neither Jonah, Susannah or Mia were there. However, it looked as if they had been there not too long ago. He was worried. He had already heard about the catastrophe that had struck Redemption City, and recognized the work of the Eraser. He knew it, for his other half had been there. He had been killed from the massive debris that had struck him. However, Jack had died countless times during the history, most of them before he had been born. He was used to it, but it was always painful. And whenever he was divided, his power was always weakened. Now, with his other half dead, Jack's power was rejuvenated. He sat down on a chair in the kitchen, trying to concentrate on Jonah, trying to locate where the boy was. He sat with his eyes closed for minutes, but didn't find anything.

 

- You!

 

Jack opened his eyes. Apparently, someone had came into the house without him noticing. It was a man in his early twenties, with deep, brown eyes and pale hair. He sighed. It was Nathaniel Roderick, the merged entity. The spirit within Eric Morae's brother. Jack nodded at him.

 

- Yes, Nathaniel. I am here. And I'm ready to bring an end to you.

 

Jack thought that Nathaniel felt different somehow. Then, he saw what it was.

 

- Goreflesh is not with you, is he? All that's left is the memories that the Avatar gave you.

 

Nathaniel shook his head.

 

- Those are not just memories! That's my life you're talking about!

 

Jack laughed under his breath.

 

- Life? You haven't had a life, Nathaniel. You were born into the life of another. Your very existence is an anomaly. You're a parasite. A parasite I'm about to cleanse.

 

Nathaniel staggered away, and raised his arms.

 

- No! You're wrong! You must be!

 

An orb of light materialized in Jack's palm. The light flickered. Jack smiled.

 

- Be prepared to face eternal oblivion, unearthen spirit.

 

He threw the orb at Nathaniel, who seemed calm all of a sudden. He swung his left hand, and a blue barrier appeared in front of him. As the golden light struck it, both of them shattered and covered the room in a green dust. Nathaniel smiled.

 

- You're wrong, Jack. Eric never utilized the power his blood gave him. He never lived truly. I know how to handle it. The Avatar trained me long ago. I know this!

 

He swung out with his arm again, and created a swing of blue light that cut through the air. It crashed into the oven behind Jack, who had stepped aside just in time. The oven's hatch was sliced in half, and it soon started to make strange noises. Jack turned to Nathaniel.

 

- Those are Eric's powers, Nathaniel, not yours. And once your master has been defeated, you will be nothing.

 

Jack clasped his hands, and focused. In the blink of an eye, he materialized behind Nathaniel. He created another orb of light, and Nathaniel turned his head.

 

- Goodbye, Nathaniel.

 

Jack slammed his palm into Nathaniel's back, and he collapsed onto the floor with a terrible roar. Then, suddenly, his body turned to ashes, disintegrated into dust before Jack's eyes. A rising current, apparently coming from no specific point, carried the ashes up and away out through the door. Jack looked out. He had defeated one of his enemies, but he feared he had unleashed something far more terrible to the world...

 

 

Palace of the Tormentor

Current Time

 

Cain looked around. This world was but a shell of itself, but he knew it almost by heart. This was the world he had knew as a boy. Everything looked so familiar, yet so different. He was standing in the entrance to the Central Hall, where the final battle had stood as the stories told. The final battle between his father Obelisk and the Dreadroot. According to what Freed, one of the few surviving soldiers that had arrived to Earth later on, had told, Obelisk's body had been left alone after he had been killed. Roselia, who had been drifting a bit behind Cain, hovered up to him. Cain grunted.

 

- This was where Father fell. On this very spot, the fate of the Multiverse was altered.

 

Roselia nodded.

 

- But shouldn't his body be here, then?

 

Cain nodded, and looked around. His father had been a giant of a man, almost eleven feet tall. However, there was no body to be found. Cain hadn't expected the body to rotten; this was, after all, the carcass of a god. He had expected the body to be there. But not. The entire hallway was empty. The checkers-laid floor was a bit dusty, and there was a large amount of dried blood on the floor. The walls were old and crackled in some places, and the roof was-

 

- My god...

 

In the roof above them, Cain and Roselia saw a body pressed to the ceiling. Cain recognized it immediately. It was Obelisk. He turned to Roselia.

 

- We have to get him down! We can't just let him-

 

- Son?

 

Cain looked up. The body had stretched out his right arm towards him. But it wasn't a body, no. The Tormentor was still alive.

 

Author's Notes

I feel fantastic and I'm still alive...

[Phantom Roxas]

Wow, nice chapter. The bit with Nathaniel shouting at Jack about his "life" reminds me of Chain of Memories. Wonder what this "Infant Priestess" is.

[Umbra]

Wickspire

Observatory

 

Eric looked around. The Observatory, as Goreflesh had called it, really was an observatory. In the middle of the room, Eric saw a large telescope, larger than any he had seen on Earth, or even heard of. He was standing at the top of the staircase, and looked down. It was a long fall down, several miles, and there wouldn't be any ledge to hang on to. Suddenly, Goreflesh cried out. Eric looked ahead, and saw that an immense cloud of some sort of gray dust passed through the ghost. Aigora and Damon, both in the flesh, took a step aside as the cloud flew through the air and collided with Eric. As the dust hit his skin, Eric felt something change inside his body. He was rejuvenated, his life returning to him. But most importantly, he felt an energy he had never felt before flow through his body. He felt as if he could do anything he wanted. Goreflesh cried out again, and Eric looked at him. To his fear, the ghost broke. Large pieces of the ghost's arms fell off, soon followed by a shoulder and a leg. As the seconds passed, the ghost fell to dust on the floor. Aigora walked up to Eric.

 

- This is a truly wonderful event, Eric! I've only seen a Guardian Spirit - I'm sure Goreflesh was such a spirit - dissipate once, and that was when it's host was dead. Do you know what this means, Eric?

 

Eric thought for a few seconds, then realized.

 

- Nathaniel is dead?

 

Then, he gasped.

 

- I'm dead?

 

Aigora shook his head.

 

- Nathaniel's mind is dead, but yours is still very much alive. I'm guessing that the cloud was your earthen body, Eric, including the blood of Obelisk. However, this means that we must unite once more, Eric. Now that your body holds a single soul instead of two like it was intended to, the Legacy flows freely.

 

Eric thought of the power that ran through him - that still did. He could feel it, just out of his reach. He knew he could make it come closer, manipulate it with his will. And now, Aigora wanted to take this from him? That was unacceptable.

 

- You're saying that this power... the strength that I feel... has always been there? And you have been keeping it from me, as some sort of plug? And now, you're trying to do it again?

 

Eric stretched for the power to his palm, and not a second later an orb of blue light appeared, a few centimeters above it. Aigora took a step back. Eric smiled.

 

- You know this power can kill you, Aigora. You just wanted to keep this rival out of your reach. Keep him stalled until you could regain your power. Until you could claim the throne again.

 

Aigora shook his head.

 

- That's just the Legacy speaking, Eric! You can't trust that power! It's far too dangerous! It's as old as the gods themselves! It's deceiving! It's-

 

Aigora coughed. From his mouth, blood started to run. Eric had slammed his palm straight to the middle of Aigora's chest, right above his heart. Eric smiled.

 

- And it's all mine now.

 

Aigora collapsed on the floor, Eric's palm leaving a black burn in both skin and cloth. He was dead before he fell. Damon sighed and rushed up to Aigora, kneeling beside him. He looked up at Eric.

 

- Eric, you can't do this! You're insane! This is madness!

 

Eric turned around, and a brutal smile was strapped to his face. Suddenly, Damon realized that he was trapped between Eric and the large staircase, with nothing but a mile-long fall behind him. When Eric spoke, it was in a guttering staccato-speech.

 

- Madness?

 

A blue light, shaped like a longsword, materialized in Eric's right hand. He walked up to Damon until he was barely half a foot from the old man. He grinned again.

 

- This is the Legacy!

 

He swung his blade widely, until it crashed into Damon's chest. For a split second, the old man just stood there. Then, his upper chest fell backwards, into the long shaft behind him, while the legs fell down to the floor. There was no blood; the blade had melted the veins, causing them to plug. He gave Damon's legs a brutal kick, and soon they followed the rest of his body down the shaft. Eric blinked, and the blade disappeared. He turned around, and walked towards the telescope. Behind him, he saw that Aigora's corpse fell to dust. He smiled. It was time.

 

 

Palace of the Tormentor

Current Time

 

- Father?

 

Cain couldn't believe it. After all these years, Obelisk was still alive? But Cain could see that he was weakened, damaged beyond what could possibly be healed. However, Cain knew that Obelisk could not die by a wound, even by a wound caused by the Dreadroot's blade, Viseari. Obelisk coughed.

 

- Listen, Cain, I do not have much time. Now that one that carries my blood is in the palace again, I will soon leave this world... I must tell you what happened.

 

- Father, listen, I'm not-

 

Obelisk grunted.

 

- Let me finish, Cain. We were betrayed... betrayed by one I'd never suspect...

 

Cain nodded.

 

- Goreflesh, I know. But father, listen-

 

- No, not Goreflesh. I would have suspected you knew of that. No, I speak of matters far worse. We were betrayed... betrayed by Aigora.

 

Cain gasped of surprise. Obelisk continued.

 

- When I had fallen... When I lay dead to the world... Aigora came back.

 

Roselia vaguely remembered that Aigora went missing for a few months when they had first arrived at the young Earth. She hadn't cared much of it back then; now, she realized that she should have. Obelisk nodded.

 

- At first, I was enjoyed. I thought that he would help me. That he would make the worst of the pain go away. But no. He caused the worst of the pain, Cain. Once he saw that I was still alive, he tried to kill me. He knew that if I died, he would become the next Tormentor. And now, when I'm dying, the power of my blood will flow in him, the oldest of my heirs... And all will be lost.

 

Cain shook his head.

 

- Father, you are wrong. Neither Aigora nor me are still alive. We have died of old age far too long ago. And therefore, you're not dying.

 

Obelisk opened his eyes. The blue-armored giant opened his eyes.

 

- My bloodline... it has vanished?

 

Cain shook his head.

 

- There are still Heirs alive today. In fact, I met one of them just hours ago. He was trapped within the Wickspire, father.

 

Obelisk gasped. Cain could see that he was astonished.

 

- Then, there is no time, Cain! We must venture there immediately! Before it's too late!

 

Cain sighed as the god hovered himself down to the floor. There were terrible injuries all over his body, but it was still a breathtaking sight. Twelve feet of raw power stood before Cain's eyes.

 

- Let just me and Roselia cure your wounds, father.

 

Obelisk shook his head, and in front of their eyes, the god's wounds healed by themselves.

 

- The most terrible wound, Cain, is not in my body, but in my soul. These searings are nothing to the hole in my soul that Aigora tore.

 

Cain nodded, and the god and two spirits walked out of the palace. It wasn't much time left now.

 

 

Wickspire

Central Stairs

 

The Wicked Avatar and his captives had started to take the long walk up the stairs. To the Avatar, this walk was nothing, even if he would have carried all of them. He had the strength of an army, and right now, he even had the morale of one such. However, the children were tired and broken down. He smiled. Just as he wanted them. Suddenly, Susannah cried out.

 

- Look!

 

The Avatar looked up. First, he saw nothing. But then, he saw something fall down the shaft. In mere seconds, he realized it was the upper torso of a man. He cursed under his breath as the corpse fell past them. Soon, a pair of legs and a lower torso fell past them as well. He turned to the others.

 

- We'll have to take a faster route, children. There's matters to be dealt with upstairs.

 

As he spoke, his body morphed and grew and his skin changed colour from a disgusting red to a golden light. Soon, the golden orb stood before them. Jonah nodded.

 

- Fine. Children, step into the orb. You heard master Rataval.

 

Susannah and Isaac nodded, and walked up to the orb. As soon as they approached it, a golden flash filled the room and they vanished into the orb. Jonah and Richard nodded, and they stepped into the orb with Abbi carried between them. As soon as Richard stepped in, the orb dashed through the shaft upwards, through the shaft. Susannah looked out, but saw nothing but a blurry gray. Here and there, she saw a flash of red, but it vanished as soon as she focused on it. However, after a few seconds, they stopped at Susannah suspected was the top. Another golden flash, and suddenly all of them stood on the ground outside the orb. Susannah looked up, and she saw scared her more than anything else she had ever seen before. A tall creature with gray-green skin, and lines of bone running down it's arms. On top of the head there was a large skull, from under which yellow eyes stared out. Susannah sighed. It was truly the Dreadroot himself. And what was worse, there was someone else. Susannah could even sense the power that floated through the room, but she couldn't detect where it came from. The Dreadroot ran up to them, and to Susannah's surprise, it almost looked as if the Dreadroot was fleeing from something. Next to him, a woman Susannah had seen before ran towards them. When the creature came closer, he looked at the Avatar.

 

- Rataval, Seerra's dead! The Eraser is dead!

 

The Avatar sighed.

 

- But, how? Surely, not even the Tormentor himself could do such a thing!

 

- Someone's here, Rataval. Someone that calls himself the Tormentor's Son. He wielded the power of Obelisk more ruthlessly than even the Tormentor himself did! Take Lilin and go, Rataval, before it is too late! I'll stay here and try to defeat him.

 

The woman - the Dreadroot's daughter, Susannah realized - turned to the Dreadroot.

 

- I can go by myself, father. I do not need the Avatar to protect me.

 

The Avatar nodded at the Dreadroot.

 

- I have trained Lilin myself in the arts of magic, Dreadroot. I know she can handle this matter.

 

The Dreadroot sighed, then shrugged.

 

- Fine. Lilin, go swiftly. Rataval, you take those two protégées of yours and aid me against the intruder.

 

Lilin nodded, then lifted off the ground and flew down the shaft. The Avatar looked ahead.

 

- Well, let's see what we can do, shall we?

 

Dreadroot nodded. Jonah and Richard did the same. The Avatar turned to them.

 

- Leave the girl here, there's nothing she can do.

 

The boys nodded, and slowly placed her on the floor next to Isaac. Then, the four walked off, leaving Susannah, Isaac, and Abbi on the top of the staircase. Suddenly, Abbi coughed, and sat up. Her eyes were glowing with the golden colour that let Susannah and Isaac knew that Ra was in charge again.

 

- Have they left?

 

She looked around, and saw that the Dreadroot and the Avatar had indeed gone.

 

- Good.

 

She rose up, and turned to Susannah and Isaac.

 

- Soon, the world as we know it will change. At this day, the very currents of power will be distorted, unaligned and just plain messed up. Today, one god has already fallen, and more will come.

 

Suddenly, Isaac's eyes started to glow as well. Susannah gasped. She wouldn't have suspected Osiris to recover that quickly, not after what he had done. Osiris looked past them, behind Abbi.

 

- What is that? The bodies on the floor.

 

Osiris in Isaac's shape walked past Abbi, and Susannah looked at him. Sure, there were two bodies on the floor. Isaac had already knelt beside them.

 

- Susannah, Ra, look!

 

Abbi ran towards the bodies, but Susannah stood where she was. She had already recognized the bodies. It was Jonah's mother and Flora, the duelist they had met earlier. Susannah couldn't figure out her part in all of this, but she was here, and that was all that mattered. Abbi and Isaac had knelt beside Mia's body, and they had placed their hands on her shoulders.

 

- She's alive and well, just unconscious.

 

Suddenly, Flora rose from the ground and sat up. She looked from Abbi to Susannah, and then back to Abbi.

 

- What's going on? Where am I?

 

Abbi walked up to her, and Susannah came closer.

 

- You are in the Wickspire, the Dreadroot's fortress. And behind you, the fate of the Multiverse is being settled.

 

Flora turned her head, and saw the Dreadroot and the Avatar attack something on the other side of them. She gasped.

 

- The giant! He...

 

Abbi nodded.

 

- That is the Dreadroot, Creator of the Underworld. And right now, the odds are against him. Young Eric behind them carries the Legacy of Obelisk, and he uses it as a weapon.

 

- Eric?

 

It was Susannah that walked up to them.

 

- Jonah's brother?

 

Abbi nodded.

 

- Eric is the closest in the bloodline, being Aigora's oldest Heir. However, as we know, there are other Heirs. Some of them are even in this room.

 

She lifted her hand, and pointed across the room.

 

- Closest after Eric is Jonah, his younger brother.

 

And then, to Susannah's surprise, she pointed at Flora. Flora herself sighed.

 

- Me?

 

Abbi nodded.

 

- After Jonah comes Flora Deschaine, heir to Isadora Chaine, daughter of Cain Tournadore and Roselia Chaine, in both blood and soul.

 

- Then, finally, Abbi pointed to Susannah.

 

And finally, Susannah Gendevan, heir to Nephtys Tournadore and Regulus Germulian, in both blood and soul. The Tormentor's bloodline shall not be depleted, not this day. But clearly, Eric can not stay as the next Heir.

 

Suddenly, a loud crack roared through out the room, blasting Susannah and the others to the ground.

 

 

Eric grinned as he walked atop his fallen nemesis. After a long, sweeping blow, he had struck the Dreadroot in the chest with his left hand, and the old god had fallen backwards. Not missing his chance, Eric stabbed him in the chest with the newly conjured longsword. Then, the room had exploded in a roaring crack, which almost had blew him off his feet. But nonetheless, the Dreadroot had fallen. The old god's would never live again. Eric was suddenly filled with pride. He had done what even Obelisk before him hadn't managed to accomplish. Suddenly, he saw something move in the corner of his eye. The Avatar and his protégées had apparently survived, and now the Avatar rose to his feet. Eric smiled, and walked up to him. The Avatar grinned of pain, but moved closer as well. Eric nodded.

 

- Don't think you have a chance of survival, Avatar. Another god will fall to my blade before the day is over.

 

To Eric's surprise, the Avatar smiled.

 

- I can not be defeated with any weapon, Eric, and your magic is amplified. Don't think you have a chance of survival.

 

The Avatar quickly morphed to his human form, and a blade similar to Eric's appeared in his right hand. Eric smiled.

 

- We shan't battle, Avatar. That would not be enough of a challenge for me to handle.

 

Eric lowered his blade, and instead rose his left arm, while opening his palm. A green light emerged from it, and soon covered the Avatar's body. Eric smiled again.

 

- You never wondered why I walked this close, Avatar? This particular power can only be used up close. However, it gives me abilities only really useful close up. Like this one, for example.

 

Eric's right arm extended to more than double it's current length, and grabbed the Avatar's throat. The Avatar coughed and spat, but there was nothing he could do. Then, suddenly, Eric closed his left palm. The green light suddenly struck the Avatar, tearing his body apart as it collided with his skin. The Avatar roared of pain, and Eric made a flick with his right arm, sending his torn enemy flying several feet away, and into the shaft. Eric grinned of pride as he released his magic and let the arm shrink back. Rataval's protégées ran away from him, towards the shaft. He shrugged. They weren't important. Not now. He walked over to the telescope. He knew what he had to do.

 

 

Wickspire

Central Staircase

 

Obelisk, Cain, and Roselia were flying up through the shaft as a loud crack that seemed to shake the very foundations of the building roared. Obelisk stopped.

 

- I'm afraid we're too late! The Dreadroot must be the cause of that!

 

Cain shook his head, while flying.

 

- We can't be too late, father! Not now! Come on!

 

Obelisk nodded, then dashed past both Cain and Roselia. Not had he flown ten feet before something crashed into his shoulder. He looked at it, and stopped. It was a human carcass, torn apart by a violent force. The looks were indistinguishable, but Obelisk feared the worst and kept flying through the shaft. They couldn't be too late. Not now...

 

A few minutes later, they ascended through the shaft and into the large half-orb shaped room. What they saw there sent shivers down their spine.

 

 

Susannah feared what would happen next. With Rataval dead, the last real threat to Eric was gone. Not even together, Osiris and Ra stood a chance. They needed a miracle.

 

- Susannah? Susannah!

 

That voice was a voice Susannah had heard many times before, but one she never thought she would hear again. She looked up, and smiled. A tall boy, possibly fifteen years old, with long, brown hair and brown eyes ran towards them. On his side, another boy with similar looks came closer. Jonah and Richard. They were back.

 

Author's Notes:

ZOMG THIS IS SPARTA LOL

[Umbra]

Not only the second of the Red Sky Chronicles, Lady of the Rose closes the last plot hole in Inheritance of the World; the note which Jack leaves in his cave at the end of the first chapter. Lady of the Rose is also double the size of the previous Chronicle, Angel.

 

Palace of the Tormentor

Ancient Time

 

Cain grunted. His father was still speaking with Aigora, training him in the art of being the true Lord. Obelisk was a great father, but Cain, being the youngest son, often felt left out. Aigora was only a century older than himself, and Cain thought that he deserved some respect. His other brother, Nicholas, was long from the Palace by now; Obelisk had sent him to command the Second Brigade against the Dreadroot's forces. Cain spat on the ground. He hated the Dreadroot. Once, his father had told him that he had been allied with the Dreadroot, before his ally had been struck with madness and turned against him. Then, he had fled to the Underworld, and forged the Wickspire out of the souls of endless beings, all slayed by the Avatar and the Eraser.

 

- Cain! Cain!

 

Cain turned around, and smiled. He saw a young woman, only twenty-five years old, fifty years younger than himself.

 

- Nephie!

 

The young woman grunted.

 

- Does not anyone know my Name here? It is Nephtys, not Nephie.

 

Cain smiled again.

 

- But Nephie suits you better, little sister. You are the Little Rose of the Family, Nephie. You must bear a name that suits such a Title.

 

Nephtys was about to answer, but she was interrupted by a growl and a scent of burned cloth from the hallway behind her. She turned around, and Cain followed her eyes. A small bird, probably only a foot between the wingtips, flew rapidly along the hallway. It was also on fire.

 

- Catch the Fenixse, milady, before it runs away!

 

Cain looked at the bird again. So, this was the famous Fenixse that Nephtys had been given by Lord Germulian of the Gilamar county. A Fenixse was a rare bird, but Nephtys had not kept it under close watch. It had just came out from the Royal Robing Room - hence the smell of burned cloth, Cain thought - and was now heading straight for it's owner. Nephtys shrieked, and raised her hands.

 

- Calm, Jenna, calm! Do not fly swift, land in silence!

 

The Fenixse looked at Nephtys, and then shook it's head in agreement. It landed on the floor - burning a hole into the long carpet - and looked at Nephtys with her dark, deep eyes. She smiled at the bird which lied at her feet.

 

- You shine like a Sunne, Jenna, but you must beware. Your fires spread lightly upon wood and cloth, and hurt them beyond repair.

 

Cain looked at the two women, the restless phoenix and her Lady, and thought that there was something special between them.

 

Redemption City

October 27th, '07

7:27 AM

 

Susannah knocked on the door rapidly, three times. From inside, she heard a voice.

 

- Come in, Susannah!

 

Susannah smiled, and stepped in through the door.

 

- Come on, Abbi, the bus's leaving in five!

 

- I know, I'm coming!

 

Susannah heard steps in the long spiral staircase that led up to the upper floor in the Erickson/Regal residence. Soon, a girl about Susannah's age with long, blonde hair and brown eyes rushed down the stairs. She was wearing a long, white blouse that Susannah had given for her last birthday, and a pair of brown trousers. On the lowest step, she lost her balance and grabbed the side of the stairs with her right hand. She violently swung herself down the final step, and plunged out into the hallway, just a few feet away from Susannah, whose eyes were wide open. Abigail smiled.

 

- Told you I was coming, Suse. The bus's leaving in five.

 

Abbi grabbed her purse, which she had put in the hallway the day before and carried most of her make-up and homework in, and ran out the door. Susannah smiled, and ran out after her.

 

 

A few minutes later, six and a half to be precise, Susannah and Abigail climbed onto the schoolbus. They immediately ran to the back of the bus, and sat down on two of the five back seats. Two ten-year olds were sitting on the other side, looking away from the two girls. The bus was half-full; it was still on the way to pick up some more kids before school would start. Abbi turned to Susannah, while discretely pointing at a boy sitting about two or three seats in front of them, on the other side of the bus. Susannah glanced at him briefly, and her face blushed. It was Carl Huffin, and he was two years older than her. He had long, black hair which he had put up in a ponytail for the day. Susannah occasionally saw him in school, and she had noticed that he changed his hairstyle often, more often than most people would consider appropriate. But still, everyone liked Carl. Susannah looked at Abbi, who tried hard to hold back a laughter. Susannah smiled at Abbi, and a split second later they were both giggling uncontrollably.

 

- Keep it quiet, girls!

 

Susannah stopped laughing; Abbi was still trying to catch breath. It was one of the oldest students, Rebecca Underton. She was sixteen years old, and in the same class as Carl. What was worse, she had been going out with Carl during the last year. Abbi had had a crush on him since fifth grade, and seeing him going out with Rebecca Underton - Abbi actually told Susannah one day that she had followed them around on one of their dates - really took her spirits away. She was depressed for weeks, and at some points Susannah actually thought that Abbi would take the easy way out. But then, Carl and Rebecca broke up, and Abbi returned to her former self. Susannah looked around; everyone looked at them, including Carl. She felt the blood rise to her face, and covered it. Abbi, currently taking several deep breaths, nodded at Rebecca.

 

- I'm sorry, miss Underton, we'll be quiet.

 

Rebecca frowned at Abbi, then nodded.

 

- You better be, or I'll report it to the principal.

 

Susannah nodded, but inside she was shivering with anger. Rebecca had been appointed watcher on the schoolbus a few weeks ago, mainly because of her high grades and the “aura of responsibility” that she, according to Principal Harrison, emitted. Susannah only felt a strange feeling of inhumanity when she saw Rebecca. She smiled. At least, Rebecca wasn't among the most liked students in school. She had practically become no man's land when those rumours about her father started to spread around school. That her father had turned crazy and was living in the middle of the desert somewhere. Susannah didn't know what to believe, but she thought it was just too much to be true. Rebecca nodded at them, and returned to the front of the bus. Abbi turned to Susannah, and smiled. She was just about to say something when Susannah hushed her. She spoke silently.

 

- Abbi... Everyone's looking at us!

 

Abbi looked around, and blushed. Most of the people in the back of the bus was looking at them, while whispering and giggling silently. She turned away from them, her face blushing by the minute.

 

 

Palace of the Tormentor

Ancient Time

 

Cain leaned back in his chair. He felt quite drowsy after a day of training under sir Graham, the weaponmaster of the Palace and the mêlée champion of the East Multiverse. Now, after the small conflict with Nephie, he didn't feel like doing anything for the rest of the day. He sighed. Yet, he had things to do. He had to speak to his father, he had to speak to Aigora, and he needed to consult Gorefiend about the palace's defenses, but he couldn't seem to get to either of them. Father and Aigora would be unreachable for the rest of the day, and Gorefiend couldn't be found anywhere in the palace, the ignorant fool. Suddenly, there were knocks on the door. Cain frowned, the leaned back even more.

 

- Come in!

 

The door opened, and someone came in. Cain smiled. It was Roselia, his beautiful wife. She looked at him and smiled, but Cain could see that something troubled her.

 

- Hello, darling. I've been looking for you all day.

 

Cain nodded.

 

- I'm sorry, Roselia, but I have been out on so many duties today that it feels like my head will explode.

 

Roselia nodded.

 

- Cain, there's something I need to tell you. I spoke to Odara - you know, the priestess - and she was sure.

 

Cain frowned.

 

- What is it, Roselia? I don't think I can take anything more today.

 

Roselia gave him a troubled look, and gulped.

 

- You remember that day five months ago, when we met in the forest?

 

Cain smiled; that had been a most pleasurable day. Him and Roselia had been together all day in that glade in the forest - and all night. He nodded at her.

 

- I do indeed.

 

She gulped again.

 

- Well... let me put it this way. You're going to be a father, Cain. I'm pregnant.

 

Cain gasped, and almost jumped out of the chair. He rushed up to her, and hugged her deeply.

 

- That's brilliant, darling!

 

Roselia froze, then hugged him back.

 

- You're not worried, Cain? I mean, about the child? About us?

 

Cain shook his head.

 

- Not at all, Rose. Not with a family like ours. Obelisk will help us, and Ra will without a doubt. The baby will grow up here in the palace, and everything will be alright.

 

Roselia smiled, but it was a troubled smile.

 

Redemption City, Jackson Elementary

October 27th, '07

8:18 AM

 

Susannah quickly picked up her books, and closed her locker. Her Math class was about to start, and it was on the other side of the school. She sighed. She hated this school. It was just so... old. It was built during the seventies, and looked much liked it. It hadn't had a major repair since '95, where a part of the roof fell in and two students were sent to the hospital. They had rebuilt it properly, of course, but the students were still afraid of walking across that spot. She ran along the corridors, her arms full with books and papers. Suddenly, she tripped and fell to the floor, her books falling all around her. She cursed under her breath, then stepped down on one knee and started to gather the books.

 

- You need any help with that?

 

Susannah looked up, and blushed. It was Carl. She was paralyzed, struck by a feeling she didn't understand. It couldn't be... no, it couldn't. Slowly and staggering, she nodded. Carl smiled, and picked up one of Susannah's books. For a moment, their hands touched, and Susannah felt the blood rush through her arm. There was something peculiar about that Carl Huffin, she had to admit. She smiled briefly at him, and then rushed to her class.

 

 

Redemption City, 27th Street

October 27th, '07

3: 47 PM

 

Susannah cursed under her breath as the bus was driving away. They had missed it by seconds, and now they had to walk home. Anyway, as her mother would have said, now they had an opportunity to take a walk in their so-called beautiful city. Susannah frowned. Sure, Redemption City had more parks than were healthy, but it was by no means beautiful. Most of the trees were withered and the parks were littered with Coke bottles and old newspapers. However, there was one park that Susannah knew to be somewhat clean. A park outside the city. She turned to Abbi, who was standing next to her.

 

- There won't be anyone home at either of our houses for hours, right? Wanna go to Silverduke?

 

Abbi's eyes flung open in surprise.

 

- Why? We missed the bus, remember? If anything, we should be on our way home.

 

Susannah smiled.

 

- Then you'll never be able to beat me in a duel, Abbi. I wanna duel with you, Abbi, and I wanna do it at Silverduke. You know, that table under the tree.

 

Abbi shrugged.

 

- Fine, but never again. Mom will kill me if she finds out we were out on town instead of going home.

 

- Relax, Abbi. You have your whole life ahead of you.

 

Palace of the Tormentor, Royal Library

Ancient Time

 

Cain sat down, briefly reading the book he had been given by master Freid, headscholar at the Palace and in charge of Cain's magical studies. He couldn't stop thinking about Roselia and the baby. It was a boy, he was sure of it. He had felt it's aura, and it was dominating and strong, both physically and psychically. He closed the book, and looked around. Freid had left the room, and Cain walked away. There was a special scroll in the back of the library that had caught Cain's attention during his earlier class, but he hadn't had an opportunity to examine it. Now, when Freid was gone, he had more than enough of time. As he walked through the library, the boards creaking beneath his feet, he felt as if the scroll was calling out for him, seeking his attention. Suddenly, he stopped. The call had reached it's climax. He looked at the bookshelf next to him, and smiled. There was a scroll there indeed, stuck between two books. He took hold of it, and separated it from the two books. As he took hold of it, he sensed waves of power run through his arm. He shivered of delight as he read from the scroll. It was a most complex spell, as it required three items to channel it through, and also a continuous sacrifice. But the power given by it was more than enough. Cain was prepared. He had heard stories of a legendary spell, a spell nobody thought existed. A spell that lived on it's own. A spell called the Nightmare Engine. Cain flickered with his fingers, and three different flowers appeared; a rose, a lily, and an orchid. He smiled, and started to read of the scroll. The words came easy to Cain's lips, and one by one, the flowers started to hover and spin around Cain. Then, an immense nothing exploded throughout the library.

 

Redemption City, Silverduke Park

October 27th, '07

4: 39 PM

 

Susannah and Abbi dashed through the silver-clad gates to the park. During the journey, Abbi had became all excited. It had been more than two weeks since she and Susannah had dueled last time, where Abbi had managed to win. However, it was close. Now, Susannah told her that she was running an experimental deck called Crimson Engine, which she wouldn't tell Abbi what it was about. Abbi herself had reconstructed her deck, and she now assumed it to be practically perfect. Soon, they came to the place Susannah had spoke of. A table under a large oak. Abbi looked up, and gasped. The sky was clouded. A thunderstorm was approaching. She winked at Susannah, and looked upwards. Susannah glanced briefly, then smiled.

 

- We're fine, Abbi. It's not like we'll be hit, or anything.

 

Abbi shrugged.

 

- I guess. But I was more worried about the rain...

 

- Relax, we'll be fine.

 

Susannah smiled at Abbi, and sat down on the other side of the table. Abbi sat down as well, and took out her deck. Susannah did the same, and for a brief second, Abbi thought she saw a red light around the deck. Then, she shook her head. It could not have been. She looked at Susannah.

 

- Well, you can start, Suse.

 

Susannah nodded, and drew six cards from her deck. Abbi drew five. Susannah smiled.

 

- This will be over quick, Abbi. First, I'll activate Orchid Trap, which gives me an Orchid Token. Then, I'll sacrifice that token to summon Crimson Witch Hunter. (1800/0) Then, I'll end my turn with two face-down cards.

 

Abbi nodded, and drew a card. She looked satisfied.

 

- First, I'll activate Natural Sacrifice. I'll discard Shining Dragon to send Mirage Dragon and Reckless Dragon from my deck to the Graveyard. And this is where Shining Dragon's effect kicks in. When it's discarded, I automatically gain a thousand Life Points, which ups it to five thousand. Also, I can summon another dragon of my choice, as long as it's level four or lower. And I choose Obscure Dragon, in Defense Position. I'll end my turn there.

 

Susannah nodded.

 

- I'll activate one of my face-down cards, Nightmare Engine. It allows me to merge my Continuous Spells and Traps with it, to allow it to gain their effects. Once per turn, I can merge another one with it. I'll merge a Lily Trap with it, and play a Rose Trap. Now, each of them gives me a different token. Then, I'll sacrifice the Rose Token and the Lily Token, and summon Crimson Dragon. (2800/2400) Now, Witch Hunter attacks your Obscure Dragon.

(Obscure Dragon is destroyed)

 

- And then, I'll attack you directly with Crimson Dragon. I'll end my turn after that.

 

Abbi's Life Points fell to twenty-two hundred. She sighed. Another turn, and she would be toasted. She drew a card, and smiled.

 

- Yes! With this, I'll win. I activate Future Fusion! With it, I'll send three Luster Dragons, and two Darkblaze Dragons to the Graveyard! And now, I'll play the card I just drew. Chimaera Dragon! (?/0)

 

Susannah frowned. That was a monster she hadn't seen before.

 

- What does that do?

 

Abbi smiled.

 

- Chimaera Dragon gains four hundred attack points for each dragon in my Graveyard. And as far as I can count, that's nine. So, it has thirty-six hundred attack points. Now, it attacks your Witch Hunter.

 

Susannah's Life Points fell to twenty-two hundred, but she still smiled. Abbi didn't like that sign. Susannah started to speak.

 

- There's something you should know, Abbi. Whenever you summon a monster, Nightmare Engine kicks in, and you take damage equal to half of your monster's attack points.

 

Abbi's Life Points fell to four-hundred. She frowned, and nodded at Susannah.

 

- I'll end with a face-down card.

 

Susannah drew a card, and nodded.

 

- I'll merge my face-up Rose Trap with the Engine. Also, I gain an Orchid Token, a Rose Token, and a Lily Token. But now, I plan to use all of them! I sacrifice them all to summon Crimson Demoncatcher! (?/0) And just like your Chimaera, Demoncatcher gains six-hundred attack points for each Token sacrificed for him. So that's eighteen-hundred attack points.

 

Abbi smiled.

 

- That's your trump card? A monster with eighteen-hundred attack points? You gotta be kidding me.

 

Susannah smiled back.

 

- Not exactly. I activate Crimson Fusion! It allows me to send a monster I control to the Graveyard, and then another of my Crimson monsters gain a permanent boost to their attack points equal to that monster's attack points! However, it halves my Life Points each turn. So I'll drop down to eleven-hundred, and my Crimson Demoncatcher ups to forty-six hundred as my Dragon goes down! Now, Demoncatcher attacks your Dragon!

 

Abbi smiled.

 

- I activate my face-down Draining Shield! It stops your monster's attack, and I gain Life Points equal to that monster's attack! So, thanks Susannah, my Life Points are back over four thousand where they belong!

 

Susannah gasped.

 

- Over four thousand?!

 

Abbi nodded.

 

- Yes, they're at five-thousand. Can you bring that down, Susannah?

 

Susannah sighed.

 

- It might take a while, but yes. Since Demoncatcher can attack once more for each Rose Token that was Released to summon him! Demoncatcher attacks again.

 

Abbi's Life Points fell to four hundred. Susannah nodded.

 

- Your turn.

 

Abbi looked down. She only had a single card in her hand, a Baby Dragon. It was not near enough as powerful as the Demoncatcher, but there was nothing else she could do. She drew a card, and smiled.

 

- I activate Soul Prison!

 

Susannah frowned.

 

- Soul Prison? What's that?

 

Abbi giggled.

 

- Won't tell you yet, Suzie. I'll just discard my Baby Dragon, and then...

 

Suddenly, the world seemed to shake and fall apart. Abbi looked up, and saw nothing but a roaring fire. The tree had caught lightning, and was falling apart. A large branch just above Susannah's head fell off with a loud snap, and Susannah froze.

 

- Abbi! Look out!

 

Abbi gasped as another branch fell off, and she jumped across the table towards Susannah. Then, Abbi's vision blacked away.

 

 

Torment's Realm

Between-time

 

Abbi looked around. She was standing on some sort of rock, which seemed to hover in mid-air. Below her, she could see nothing but fire. Her arms and legs hurt, but she couldn't see any injuries on them. Suddenly, a shadow came rushing through the air towards her. It was a tall shadow, with a steel crown strapped to it's head. When it came closer, Abbi saw that it was not a shadow, it was a man. The man stopped a few feet in front of her. He smiled.

 

- Come here, little mädchen. Let Uncle Sieg take care of you...

 

Author's Notes

Random pop culture reference is random.

[Umbra]

Wickspire

Observatory

 

Eric adjusted the mechanism in front of him. He was amazed of the technology and intelligence that must have been required to build something like this. The telescope, while being able to view distant galaxies and stars, could easily be manufactured as a weapon. All he needed to do was to channel his power through it, and it would be magnified a thousand times and blasted away through the lens of the telescope. With it, Eric could destroy anything he desired. And his target was nothing other than the Palace of the Tormentor. He was sure that Obelisk was still there; the old Tormentor was the only thing that kept him from ascending the throne he was destined to take one day. He looked into the lens, and soon he found the Palace's realm. It was easy to find; the Tormentor's magic made it look different than anything else. He activated the telescope's width adjuster, and the roof opened up. It divided into fourths, which opened up like a flower in spring. A cold wind blew atop the Wickspire, but Eric didn't care. Just as he was about to fire away, thunder cracked. He looked aside, drew his attention from the telescope for a while, and saw that his target was much closer than he thought. Somehow, Obelisk had came here. But that wasn't what amazed Eric the most. Next to him, stood both Osiris and Ra. And in front of them stood Jonah.

 

 

When the roof opened up, Abbi opened her eyes. She looked around, and pointed to somewhere behind Obelisk.

 

- Look! The Beacon arises!

 

Susannah turned to look. The sun - or at least, the closest star - was rising. It was a spectacular sight, as it rose between two mountains far away, bending the light somewhat. Suddenly, Abbi picked up the Amulet of Ra, and held it towards the rising star. Then, she caught on fire. Susannah took a few surprised steps back as her old friend was covered in flames. Suddenly, the fires grew, grew beyond natural. Then, it stretched out to the left and right, while becoming more intense and warm. The fires began to turn inwards, conserving themselves inside each other. Then, Susannah realized what was happening as the fire became solid flesh. In front of them stood a golden dragon, with wings thirty feet wide. The skin was covered with the same symbols as the Amulet had been. Susannah stared in awe. This was the true Ra, as she had been in the old days. Obelisk looked at her.

 

- It is truly a great event to see the Pantheon assembled again, although not under these circumstances. What to do now?

 

Ra roared, and it sounded as if thunder cracked throughout the room. Suddenly, Jonah snapped his fingers.

 

- With all due respect, Tormentor, I'm the only one that can handle Eric. I've known him for so long I can predict his every maneuver. However, Eric possesses powers that I do not.

 

Obelisk nodded, then looked at Ra, in her majestic golden aura, and Osiris, now the same half-dragon that had battled Seerra in the Horakthum. They nodded at him, and Jonah could see he appreciated it.

 

- We will astound upon you, Jonah Morae, the gift of Horakhty, Creator God of Light.

 

Osiris and Ra suddenly clashed their hands together, and beams of red and yellow consumed Jonah. However, Jonah felt no pain. Just strength. Then, Obelisk walked up to him, and put his hand on Jonah's shoulder. Jonah suddenly collapsed on the floor as the full might of the Pantheon ran through his body. He felt himself grow; his very bones extended and his clothes were replaced with silver-clad armor. On his head, a gold-imbued helmet appeared. And during all of this, he felt his inner power multiply by the thousand. He looked at the gods, Obelisk now barely reaching up to his shoulders, and thanked them. Then, he turned towards Eric. It was time to settle this, once and for all.

 

 

Eric stepped off the telescope and witnessed as his brother Jonah, now empowered with the Pantheon's full force, walked up to him. He smiled as he felt his own power grow by the minute. As he had touched the Wicked Avatar's corpse, he had realized something. With his very touch, he could steal the powers of others, using them as his will. Now, he had stolen not only the power of the Avatar, but of the Eraser and Dreadroot as well. As he walked closer to Jonah, who still approached him, he felt no fear. He laughed.

 

- Do you think you even have a chance to defeat me, Jonah? I've always been stronger than you, and you know that. And now, with the gifts of the Wicked Gods in my blood, I will always be.

 

Jonah shook his head. When he spoke, it was with the voice of a thousand thunderstorms.

 

- I'm sorry I had to do this, Eric. But it's for the sake of the Multiverse.

 

Eric howled of laughter.

 

- Don't you see it, Jonah? This world, and all other worlds with it, is ours for the taking! Together, we are more powerful than the rest of existence! You wear the power of the Pantheon, and I wear the power of the Wicked Gods! We could be unstoppable!

 

- That's the problem, Eric. You've always wanted power. And now, when you've tasted it, you'll never want to go back. But the thing is, you have to go back. There is a delicate balance in the Multiverse, Eric. If you would become the leader you speak of, that balance would be destroyed and the Multiverse would fall into chaos. That is why you have to be defeated, Eric. If you aren't, the Existence itself is doomed.

 

Eric shook his head, and surrounded himself with a yellow light.

 

- Your chances are futile, Jonah. Even if you manage to defeat me, you will be killed.

 

A blue light appeared in his right hand, and formed a well-familiar longsword. As he moved, the light around him aligned itself with the blade, enlarging it by tenfold. He rose the blade quickly, then thrust the edge towards Jonah's chest. Jonah's silver-armored arm swung up, blocking the blade and shattering the yellow light. Jonah smiled.

 

- Don't rely on facts, brother. In a world like this, everything can happen.

 

An orb of red light appeared in Jonah's left hand, and a golden appeared in his right. He closed his eyes, and soon two human faces could be seen within the orbs. Eric took a surprised step back. Both faces were his own, but different. Within the red orb was the face of Nathaniel. Within the yellow was the face of Aigora. Jonah smiled as he began to chant.

 

- I invoke the power of the Tormentor. I have provided the necessary sacrifices, and I possess the power needed. Now, I am ready to release the will of the spirits upon their target. May the will of the Pantheon be done!

 

The two orbs were surrounded by an immense blue light, which blinded everyone part Jonah and Eric. As the light spread across the room, Jonah suddenly felt Eric casting a spell of his own. A spell so dreadful that he could not even begin to understand its dimensions. He tried to kill both of them.

 

 

As the light fell upon the Chamber, the three gods turned to Susannah and Flora. Obelisk spoke.

 

- It might be so that even with the Pantheon's might against him, Eric might not be defeated. Never before have I seen anyone use that power so ruthlessly, not even myself. And the fact that he has absorbed the powers of the Wicked Gods makes it far worse. If the case comes down to Jonah's defeat or even death, the two of you must be ready to flee. Nephtys, if necessary, you must summon your Phoenix to ride you away from here.

 

Susannah tried to speak; instead, it was Nephtys herself that spoke.

 

- With all respect, father, I can not. Not while Jonah still fights his brother.

 

Flora walked up next to Susannah. But when she spoke, it was with such a childish voice that Susannah almost looked down at first to look at her.

 

- I won't go either, grandpa. I want to stay with aunt Nephie.

 

She looked at Susannah.

 

- I know that aunt Nephie's in there somewhere, I heard her voice.

 

Susannah nodded, and Nephtys spoke again.

 

You have someone else to care of you now, Isadora. You're inside another person's body, but that person is still there. Her name is Flora. I'm sure you'll get along well.

 

- Flora frowned.

 

But I don't want to leave you, aunt Nephie! I don't want to!

 

- I'll come and visit you, Issa. And then, we can-

 

Obelisk coughed.

 

- Please, ladies, I believe we have more important matters at our hands? Such as the fate of Existence?

 

Susannah and Flora turned towards him, almost synchronized. Susannah nodded, but it was still Nephtys that spoke.

 

- I almost forgot. But as I said, we stay here. And there's nothing you can do about that.

 

As Obelisk was about to speak, a terrible explosion rocked the Spire. The gods turned around, and saw that there was a large hole in the floor where both Jonah and Eric had stood. Neither of the brothers could be seen. Susannah and Flora rushed up to the side of the hole, and looked down. Within, they saw nothing but emptiness. A large, black hole that led deep within the spire. Suddenly, something inside Susannah's mind shouted at her.

 

- There! Deep down!

 

Susannah gazed into the hole, and to her astonishment, she saw a small, white dot far below. It was shrinking by the second, but Susannah instinctively knew what it was. It was Jonah, and the white light that radiated from his body. She turned to Ra.

 

- Ra, they're falling through the Spire! Not even gods could survive such a fall! Fly us down to the bottom.

 

Ra let out a shriek, and nodded her mighty head at Susannah. Then, she went down on one knee, and Flora and Susannah climbed on to her back. In her mind, Susannah heard Ra speak.

 

- Hold on, girls. I'm not sure I will be able to catch you if you fall.

 

Then, Ra lifted off, and ventured into the deep pit. At the top stood Obelisk and Osiris. They looked at each other for a few seconds. There was an embarrassing silence in the air. Then, Osiris nodded at the pit, and Obelisk nodded at him. A few seconds later, they were flying down the pit after the Morae brothers, with Ra shining like a thousand bonfires in front of them.

 

Alone at the top stood Mia Morae, although no one had seen her. All they would ever see was her limp body which had lain on the edge of the hole. Her spirit drifted off into the sky above, and a cold night breeze carried her upwards.

 

 

Far below, Jonah and Eric were still crossing blades, even as they were falling to an early grave. Jonah had managed to strike Eric's left arm, which had left a red mark on his body. However, blood was flowing from a wound on Jonah's shoulder, which Eric's blade had caused. Eric laughed, but it was a laugh filled with insanity.

 

- You can't just accept that you've lost, Jonah, can you? Even if I would die, my soul would just be born anew. There are countless Heirs that are yet to be born. I'll always be back, and it doesn't matter what you do.

 

Jonah shook his head.

 

- There is only one thing I can do, brother. What you have done to Aigora. I must shatter your soul.

 

Suddenly, Jonah closed his eyes and lowered his blade, which vanished into a green dust. Then, he began to shine with such a brilliant light, that even Eric was blinded. That was when Jonah took his chance. He stretched out his arm, and ran it through Eric's unarmored chest. He heard a terrible creaking as his brother's bones fell to pieces. Eric's neck flung backwards, and Jonah heard something crack again. Then, as the white light faded, Jonah saw that his brother's very skin was melting, and turning transparent. Within Eric's body, Jonah could see that his inner organs were bubbling, running over with power. The blood was boiling, flowing through his body and breaking his veins. A terrible grin of pain was strapped to his face, and Jonah started to shake his brother's body off his arm. With a quick flick, the body of Eric Morae fell down the large shaft that his own spell had created. Suddenly, five words echoed out through the shaft.

 

- I don't hate you, Jonah...

 

Suddenly, Jonah stopped falling. All he could see was Eric's body fall deeper into the Spire. The brother he had grown up with. The brother that had threatened to become ruler of the world. The brother he had killed. He slowly flew up through the shaft, saddened by what he had done. Then, the world exploded as a stream of tainted energy flew up through the shaft, so fierce that it would shattered diamonds. But Jonah didn't feel it. He didn't feel the walls of the Spire coming down around him. He didn't see that the Dreadroot's fortress was falling apart. All he could think of was what he had done. He had closed himself to the world as he flew up through the shaft faster and faster.

 

Far above him, Ra was flying down the shaft when she suddenly stopped. Obelisk and Osiris, both of them not far behind, stopped as well. All of them had sensed it. All of them had seen the Eraser in action. They knew well what had happened. And so, they turned upwards, and flew back as fast as they could. This time, their lives depended on it.

 

 

In worlds even a hundred million lightyears away from the Wickspire, including Earth, the terrible storm could be seen. Even though it would not be seen at Earth for a hundred million years, the people felt something change. It was as if they had been relieved of something that they had forgotten a long time ago. However, in all of the worlds in the Multiverse, only two beings reacted in the way that was meant. Two humans on the planet Earth. Sisters and twins, which on the night of their sixteenth birthday got the same dream. A dream of a gigantic tower, which upper half exploded. Large chunks of rock spread over a radius of miles from the tower, and four brilliant orbs of light emerged from the ruins; a red, a yellow, a blue, and a brightest white. At this point, one of the sisters woke up. But the other one, the younger by a few minutes, stayed asleep as the four orbs of light disappeared into the horizon. She drifted in the air to approach the ruins of the tower, but stopped when she saw something move in the ruins. An arm as wide as a house suddenly emerged from the ruins, with horrible claws at the end. At that point, the other sister awoke as well. Both of the twins knew that neither of them wouldn't forget that dream. Not for as long as they lived.

 

Epilogue - Under a Red Sky

 

Red Sky City

August 15th

 

Jonah walked out of the church while the bells still rang. Jack's burial had proceeded without any trouble. After he had came home from the Wickspire, he saw the old man lying on the kitchen floor. Jonah knew that he was dead. He quickly called the funeral service company, and told them of what had happened. It had taken a few months to set everything up, but luckily Jonah didn't have to take part of it. He was fully occupied with the burial of his mother, which was more complicated due to the fact that the body itself was missing. Jonah couldn't tell the company where it was; no doubt it was incinerated by the storm of taint that rushed through the large shaft when Eric died. Jonah shed a single tear for his brother. Eric had threatened to change the world, much worse than anything the Wicked Gods could have done. Jonah had to stop him, no matter the cost. He walked out to the graveyard, and knelt beside an old, withered gravestone. He hadn't visited his father's tomb in years, not since the service five years ago. The words Richard Norgrass Morae, and beneath it Loved father and husband were engraved upon the rock. Another tear ran down Jonah's face. His father had went to work one day, and he had never came back. Jonah placed a hand on his father's stone, and mumbled a few words under his breath. The rock itself seemed to grow, mending the cracks and rebuilding. Then, another engraving appeared beneath the others. It was a small poem, only three lines long:

 

Missed by family and friends

you were the pillar of our world then

now we've lost you once again

 

Jonah rose from the ground, and walked out of the graveyard. Something caught his eye, and he looked up to the church roof. The sun was shining brightly, but Jonah almost thought he could see three men sitting on the rooftop. One of them was Jack, that just had died and whose body lay still in the church below. Another was Damon Leander, whom Jack had spoke of as a friend and mentor. The third was not a man Jonah recognized; a man about forty years of age, with short, spiky brown hair and green eyes. The third man waved at Jonah, and Jonah nodded back. Then, he turned around and walked out through the cemetery gates. On the rooftop behind him, the three old ghosts were slowly fading away into the sunlight.

 

Author's Notes

This is my final words to you as writer of Legacy of the Tormentor's first Volume, Legends. Soon, I will start writing the second volume, The Dark Doorway, which is set three years after the ending of Legends. But more about that in the Prologue. It's been fun to write this volume, even though the readers have not been as many as I hoped. Still, there have been readers, and among these there are two I'd like to thank especially.

 

Ixigo: You inspired me to write Inheritance of the World, which led to the creation of this Volume. Without you, I would never have aspired to be Moderator of the Fanfic section in the first place. I owe a lot to you, pal.

 

ShadowRoxas: You've always been there, reading every chapter and following the story. You have, flattering but incorrect, called me the greatest writer on this site. While I certainly am among the better, I am far from the best one. Still, you've always been there for me.

 

And as general support and source of many strange discussions, I'm also saying thanks to Itachi [Remix], who might not be a regular reader, but you were the first to include a crossover with one of my characters.

 

Feel free to detect plot hooks/holes in this chapter. I'm not telling.

[Phantom Roxas]

The ending was pretty good, but I feel very sad for Jonah, since he's now an orphan. I look forward to see The Dark Doorway. I didn't really understand that part where those two twin sisters had the dream.

[Guest Ixigo]

Dayum.

 

When I got back on after three weeks or so, and saw the ending, a tear almost slid down my eye. IT WAS THE DUST.

 

I was hard-pressed for time (like I always am, these days), and I had to skim through the new installments without the meticulousness I would have enjoyed, but it still is clear enough that only two words can describe the feeling that was left in me after reading the few final parts.

 

FREAKING EPIC.

 

Seriously, it was excellent. I will get back soon and go through it more thoroughly, but it was still a top-notch read, quite likely the best - finished - Yugioh! fanfiction I have ever read. I especially enjoyed the way you juggled the characters - from the main cast to the least important ones - into their roles in the story.

 

Somehow, it inspires me to go back to Chronicles. Great work, (ex-)Umbra. I still remember the first chapter of yours that I read, and the promise you showed there. You fulfilled every last bit of my expectations (and also rose to a well-deserved position).

 

With all that said... I'm going back to my daily routine of oblivion. I'll try to be back more often, and catch up on things. I wish you the best of luck in the sequel.

[Umbra]

Ixigo, that single post made every single chapter, every hour I've put into LotT worth it.

 

And you, of anyone, should have got who Jonah's father is/was.

[Phantom Roxas]

Sounds like he was Obelisk, but I don't see an anagram in his name that I can think of at the moment.

[Umbra]

Sounds like he was Obelisk' date=' but I don't see an anagram in his name that I can think of at the moment.

[/quote']

 

Read IotW again, and take a good look at the names. That's all I'm saying.

 

Except that it also explains the fact that Eric can steal the Wicked God's powers at the end.

[Phantom Roxas]

Ah yes, him. Now I understand.

[Umbra]

Shh, you're spoiling!

[Phantom Roxas]

Fixed.

[Umbra]

On completely unrelated matters, I've put up a prologue for TDD.