by Drew Smith
When I tried my wish, the pure star energy that made our core blue was used to form Lumus. However, it was too much for the planet’s core to take. That’s why Dystopia and Twilight both used their cores to synchronize their energy. When this happened, rifts in the sky opened up, and that’s how you, Lumus, ended up on Dystopia. The rifts opened the mirror realm of Twilight to Dystopia, and the core of Dystopia gave out its negative energy to balance the worlds once more. As a result, Twilight was left with no choice but to make another copy of our wish, that false wish is known as Lears.”
The cave became silent, and the wind in the bushes outside grew louder, and louder until Lumus stood up.
“Lears is my fault; because of me all of those innocent people here on Twilight have had their world ruined.” Lumus confessed.
“No Lumus, this is not your fault. You are the hope in this mess that I created. I didn’t tell anyone that a wish could be made. I was a scared little girl, and I abused the power of the planet for my own selfish reasons.” Scarlette protested.
Brinx walked back to the cave entrance. He backed up against the inner wall with his head facing outside.
“Continue, Scarlette. What happened next?” Zelkem asked.
“When the rifts in the skies of both worlds opened it sucked demons and humans alike from each world. Orson and I were in the innermost area with the core when this all happened. I think it was the core’s energy that drew the demons to us. Orson took Lumus. He was still just a baby then, but I told Orson to protect Lumus at all costs. There was much panic and havoc but I still knew Lumus would one day be our ray of hope in the disaster that I had created. I stayed back with the other warriors of Twilight’s Special Forces and fought off as many demons as we could” Scarlette paused.
“Then what happened?” Lumus said sadly, as if he had already known.
“I died…” She hesitated.
“That’s how I know about Ged, he was in the Realm of the Dead, and he taught me all about the realms. I learned a lot from him and he was very kind to me. He introduced me to a woman cloaked in a red and blue robe. She was very intelligent and seemed to have an answer for any question I could think of. She was called the West Zin, the goddess of the West galaxy.” Scarlette took a deep breath.
“A goddess?” Lumus said faintly.
“When Ged had left her side, she turned to me and explained why she and Ged were always together. Ged was trying to earn back his life. She said if a life had been taken before its time then they will be given a chance in the Realm of the Dead to earn their life back. Ged had been there just under one hundred years.” Scarlette took a deep breath. Lumus sat down with his head down.
“Scarlette… This is a lot to take in. I was blown away that another dimension existed, but a goddess?” Lumus looked to the ground, and held his head in disbelief.
“I know, but I have to tell you. I need to explain it to you…” She demanded. Lumus looked up, and he locked eyes with her. He got that feeling of trust when he looked into her eyes. He smiled, and nodded.
“West Zin explained that she needed ten years until she had the energy to complete the process to give me life again. Before I could ask why I would get my life back she told me that I was still to play an important role. When the ten years were up and she opened the multi-colored portal, and I was sent through it. I didn’t age a day but when I had gone to the temple and made my way to Dystopia, Lumus was grown up. He was ten years old. And physically I was still nine.” She explained.
Scarlette sat on a rock near the fire, a moss covered stone on one side but it didn’t bother her. She stared into the fire that was nearly out now. Brinx was still facing outside, keeping watch it seemed. Lumus was speechless. He looked as if he had heard a ghost story.
“I know it’s a lot to take in, but that’s it. I’ve been living with that for ten years since I came back.”
Zelkem had nothing to say. He got up and began to pace back and forth.
“Okay, so you died when you were nine, then you lived in a place for ten years but didn’t age while Lumus grew up in Dystopia. You were given your life back and sent back here, at which point you were still nine years old. Then you traveled to Dystopia and met up with Lumus there, and ten years passed until you two made it back to Twilight? Did I sum that up alright?” Zelkem blurted out.
Scarlette was quiet. She looked at him, then back into the fire. A few seconds passed before she said anything.
“Yes that’s basically it.” She finally answered.
“So now we know Orson isn’t coming, what do we do then?” Brinx said still facing toward the darkness outside.
“We have two options, one: we leave now and search for Orson. Two: we stay here and search in the morning. Lumus said with a determined look.
“Brinx?” Lumus waited for an answer.
“Now.”
“Scarlette?” Lumus tilted his head in her direction.
“Now” she replied. Lumus walked over to Zelkem and rested a hand on his right shoulder.
“Zelkem?” There was a short pause; Zelkem stared at the fire as if he didn’t feel Lumus’ hand. His eyes move to Lumus,
“Now.” Zelkem agreed.
“Okay Zelkem, Scarlette. You two know Twilight better than the rest of us. Where should we start?”
“The Twilight Prison.” Zelkem said with an uneasy look. It is northeast of here, but it is probably the most dangerous place on the planet.
“Orson could be there though.” Scarlette blurted out.
“I don’t really care. I didn’t come here to join any of you. I was passing through. I just so happen to bump into miss pink hair here. I have no desire to go on a suicide mission to save a brother I could care less for.” Zelkem stood up, and walked past Brinx.
“If you leave now, you will never get the chance to prove that you are stronger. I saw it in your eyes.” Brinx protested
“What do you know tree? You think I care about any of this? I hunt demons, and you are a demon. You are lucky I am giving you a pass.” Zelkem barked back.
“You don’t believe your own words do you?” Lumus added. Zelkem stopped.
“You may hate him, and I don’t know the story between the two of you, but I know Orson risked his life for me. If you won’t save your brother, then I will.” Lumus walked past Zelkem with Scarlette behind him.
“Don’t let your past be the cause of your future. Write your own fate.” Brinx said as he followed Lumus and Scarlette.
(“Bastards! They have no idea what they’re talking about. Orson… why did you have to come back… Fine. I’ll follow them for now, and I’ll kick his ass when I find him!”) Zelkem punched the wall of the cave before he followed after the others. After he walked away the wall cracked.
“Okay, I’ll lead in front. Brinx, you take the back.”
“Why does he take the back?” Zelkem asked offended.
“Can your eyes switch to night vision?” Brinx said with a laugh.
“No, but to assume they don’t is insulting.” Zelkem said with a smile on his face. Brinx seemed happy he decided to come after all.
The group ran into the night one by one. Lumus led the pack, followed by Scarlette, then Zelkem. Brinx jumped from tree to tree above the others, keeping his eyes open for anything moving in the dark. Zelkem turned his head as he ran to make sure Brinx was keeping up, but was nowhere to be seen. Just as he was about to stop the group he saw Brinx leap from his left side to a large tree on his right, making no sound at all as he landed.
“Zelkem? What is this prison for?” Lumus was keeping up the pace as they ran east through the Roon Forest.
“Lears built it to imprison those he found useful or people he could turn to his cause. It’s twenty five stories tall, and the first floor is where they decide what floor the prisoners go to. The top is like a throne room personally built for Lears.” He explained.
Scarlette was almost out of breath but still kept running. She couldn’t let Lumus see her
looking weak. She wanted Lumus to see her as help rather than being in the way.
“Lears has been seen at the tower only when new arrivals show up, but the so called knights are too scared to make a move even if he isn’t there.” Zelkem added. Lumus was silent for a moment. Scarlette was pacing herself trying to catch her breath. Zelkem was behind by a bit, his attention on Brinx, amazed how he can leap and land without a sound. “People he can turn to his side? Lumus said quietly. You said Lears might be there if someone useful shows up. I’m certain that he’d find Orson useful if he knew he was with us. If that is so and Lears shows up, then we may have a chance to end this now.” Lumus said with confidence. Brinx landed a short distance ahead of the group without a sound. “Lumus you speak as if you’re ready to fight Lears now. I have to urge you to reconsider.”
“Brinx…. I don’t understand. We could end this now!”
“Or it could be a trap, Lumus” Zelkem said as he caught up to the group.
“I know your concern in the matter, but the fact is Orson could be there, and if there is the slightest chance that he might be then I must go.” Lumus explained.
Scarlette had an unhappy look upon her face, she disagreed in going, but she knew they couldn’t leave Orson.
“If it was any of you in Orson’s position I would be doing the very same,” Scarlette added.
The group stood at the edge of the Roon Forest, and the open field through the mountains to the North was their next path.
“I can’t leave my only family to die…even if he is an ass I’m going be the one to kick it. I don’t care if Lears is there. I’ll leave him to you, Lumus” Zelkem started to walk north on to the plains.
“I wouldn’t leave Orson either, he’s been loyal to me my whole life. It is time for me to show the same loyalty. I must protect Twilight with the same spirit Orson has given to me,” Scarlette announced, as she followed behind Zelkem.
“I understand if you won’t come Brinx, it may very well be a trap. For a friend, I’m willing to risk that. I know this isn’t what you wanted to come here for, but this is why I’m here. Lears taking Orson was a mistake he never should have made. I will get him back; he is like a father to me in a strange way.” Lumus turned away with a smile, and began his race onto the plains behind Zelkem and Scarlette. Brinx gazed into the sky. His purple eyes looked up into the sky.
“I see. Scarlette has a drive to find her mentor, and her friend. Zelkem wants to save his brother, but he would never just come out and say it, and Lumus would throw away everything for a world that doesn’t know him, and a man he barely knows. Perhaps joining them will lead to answers I would not find on my own. I’m interested to see where their courage and respect for one another takes them.” He crossed his arms and looked at his new friends as if he was proud. After a short pause he took a step on to the plains after his companions.
Chapter Four- Twilight Prison
Time seemed to slow down for Lumus. He noticed the wind had stopped, and the clouds even seemed to follow the group. He had his eyes locked on the Twilight Prison, and he felt like he was drawn to it. Somehow, for some reason he felt… Happy.
“Guys, listen up! We just reached the border of Varlif Region. We’re going to be entering Crystal Mountain Region now. Be on guard and keep your eyes open.” Zelkem turned back around and began to continue the walk.
“Eyes seem to be on us already,” Brinx said calmly. Lumus took a step back as he drew his sword. Scarlette pulled an arrow from her quiver, but she noticed her bow was not with her. Zelkem stood at the front of the group in confusion.
“Guys I know I said be careful but you may be a little…” Zelkem was cut off as a giant golden bird landed right beside him, bringing a gust of wind with him. Zelkem was thrown into the air and slammed hard into the thick ground.
“The Golden Twilight! Everyone! I lost my bow earlier. I won’t be of any help,” Scarlette said frantically as she stared at the massive golden bird flying nearby.
“Zelkem!” Lumus shouted as he tried to run to his side, but the Golden Twilight had his sights set on him.
“Brinx, I need you to get to Zelkem. I’ll handle the bird. Scarlette take cover… Scarlette!” Lumus shouted at her, but she seemed mesmerized.
“Scarlette! Scarlette I need you to snap out of it!” He yelled.
“I have never seen something so devastating, but so beautiful at the same time. A bird with such grace that it’s mere presence makes you feel like you have lost all of your worries. The Golden Twilight. A bird named after the grace of the planet…” A grin appeared on her face.
“A rare sight for anyone to see in their lifetime.” Scarlette thought to herself, completely unaware that Lumus shouting at her.
“Orson, you always wanted to see this bird, I wish you were here,” She smiled.
Lumus ran with his sword against the ground, sparks flew as his speed rose. Brinx leapt over The Golden Twilight shooting green thorns from his hands.
“Ah, damn it!” Zelkem rolled to his side to dodge a blow from the giant beast’s talons. He landed quite far from the group.
(“I have to get up…no stupid bird is taking me out.”)
He looked up as Brinx came crashing down beside him.
“Brinx, don’t you do what I think you’re…” Zelkem started.
Without a word Brinx grabbed him and leapt off into the air once again.
“Damn it BRINX!” Zelkem shouted.
Lumus swung his sword violently at the Golden Twilight as Brinx landed with Zelkem beside Scarlette. “Huh? Zelkem?”
“Scarlette, you okay?” He asked.
“I would ask you the same Zelkem, you look horrible.” Scarlette said.
“I bet you haven’t had the pleasure of being tossed around in the air yet today,” Zelkem replied sarcastically.
Brinx leaped off toward Lumus. Scarlette and Zelkem began to stare at each other in anger until they looked back at the Golden Twilight. Its brilliant light around its body flashed with a flap of its wings.
Lumus struggled to stand his ground against the fierce bird, with every attack the Golden Twilight threw one back, it was endless. The bird landed swiftly. Lumus didn’t budge and Brinx was too far to lend a hand. He stood alone with the large bird staring him down, and he stared back awaiting the Golden Twilight’s next move. Suddenly it settled down, and continued to stare at Lumus without moving, and then began to approach slowly. He was ready to strike till he looked into its eyes. The great bird lowered its head to him and gently laid his head against his body.
“Lumus?” Brinx yelled out.
“It’s okay Brinx, he’s not violent anymore. I think it was just scared,” Lumus assured him. As Brinx got closer to them, the Golden Twilight turned its back to Lumus almost like it was protecting him.
“Lumus?” Brinx said softly.
“It’s okay girl, he’s a friend.” The Golden Twilight calmed down to Lumus’ voice. It flapped its massive wings as its body began to glow. Just as it appeared, it soared off again into the sky with a shrill. The Golden Twilight flew through the clouds creating an opening in its wake. Everyone stared up into the open ring in the clouds where the Golden Twilight flew through.
“It’s beautiful,” Scarlette said softly.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. The Golden Twilight lives up to the legends that I’ve heard over the years,” Zelkem said as he sat down to catch his breath.
“I know you’re tired Zelkem, but we must keep moving. Orson could be in danger.” Lumus announced.
“Ah yes, the famous Orson.” Zelkem got up slowly and began to walk toward the Twilight Prison once again.
Brinx followed behind, then Lumus. Scarlette paused, still staring toward the sky where the Golden Twilight was last seen. Lumus turned back to her for a moment as she turned to rejoin the group, she gave him a little smile and began to catch up.
Wind began to build the closer they got to the heart of the Crystal Mountain Plains. It was mid-day and
the blue moon shined brightly. The day was mild, and the wind kept the group from sweating. The Twilight Prison was within a few steps now, looking straight up it was still impossible to see the top. The cloud cover hid its true height.
“Lumus, we will need an escape plan, a place to meet in case we are to be separated,” Brinx said as he stood motionless. His face locked on the tower as if analyzing everything about it. Scarlette stepped forward and drew an arrow from her quiver as she dropped to her knees.
“Pay attention Lumus. You too Brinx. You two don’t know these lands as well as Zelkem and myself. These mountains behind me are the borders for Crystal Mountain Region to Dornet Region, that’s assuming you go directly east. Northeast is the Aster Mountain Region. South across the great rivers is the Old Valley Region. I’m just telling you these for now so that you know your surroundings. You obviously know we came from the South West of Varlif region. Are you starting to understand a little more?” She asked with a smile.
“Yes, but I’m curious…how many regions are there?”
“There are twelve regions, Lumus. But some say thirteen with the water.”
“Did you say the water?” Brinx said finally looking away from the tower.
“Well yes, I believe it to be the thirteenth region as well. There are still living creatures down there in the water. People consider the Breedlands a Region, but all people have there is one city.”
“Scarlette,” Brinx blurted out, “We are wasting our time here, get on with what you need to say.”
Scarlette stared at Brinx for a moment, then realized they had no time to waste.
“Okay, the safest route we could take is toward Taurald; the city of this Region. It is to the South East. There is a small town there, and we simply need to acquire a boat and make for Capaz which is farther east by the river. Capaz is the capital city of the Torson Region.
