The Ruins of Alexandria

Aubresiah heard the song and felt completely saddened, she remembered Mandelyn thinking about Lily and Luka and playing this song for them. A few tears rolled down her face. "At least he remembers Mandelyn.." She whispered softly, looking out at the landscape, she sighed watching the building still burning far on the horizon. She grumbled walking to Linares room she stopped before knocking and let it be, walked down the hall and out of the castle. She kept walking holding her head, shekept walking, just wandering. Desix followed her, at a distance. He knew her well enough that he knew she needed to be aloe right now. To think.

He suddenly stopped playing and dropped down from the tree, his eyes alert and his hand ready, sword drawn. He gave a feral growl and took off, climbing the ladder up onto the battlements of the walls and leapt off, a good 16 foot drop to the ground. He rolled and began sprinting into the woods nearby. Everyone nearby muttered to each other, wondering what caused him to suddenly take off. No one else could hear the music, the counter melody playing in contrast to his mother's lullaby. He knew someone was baiting him, daring him to come, and if it was a fight they wanted, well he would just have to oblige. The exercise would be good for him, he was feeling he could use with some tension release.

Aubresiah looked around the woods humming to herself softly of Mandelyn's melody. Walking to the crystal lake she sat on the beach head on her knees. She thought about what the lust demon had said to her, about the offer she could have taken. Thinking of how she could have died, she wondered "Did i deserve to die..." She whispered to herself, only herself. Looking down at the ring on her finger seh sighed watching the shadows in the water. They were calling to her, begging her to come swim. Promising her a night with no worries, no pain, just happiness. aubresiah just watched the shadows longingly

Luka burst into the clearing on the opposite side of the lake. He noticed Aubresiah and began to skirt around to her, but decided to give his new wings another try. They came out instantly and he was up in the air, flying over the lake. He landed in front of her, his eyes pained, his hair wild and disheveled. His voice was gruff and full of worry. "Did you hear it?" He asked quickly, his eyes darting all around trying to locate the source of the melody that had countered his.

Aubresiah nodded softly still staring at the lake and the shadows lurking in the water. Closing her eyes she smelt the air, breathing in deeply. "It's not Mandelyn,,,its not Sivad.. Do not go to it if you know what is good for you" Her body was wracked with pain daily, the inner struggle for which part of her would dominate was constant, and she in turn had to constantly keep each part satisfied, each part complacent. It was wearing on her, she understood why most experiments never made it past fourteen now without going crazy, without burning out. Her head was throbbing as she looked out at the water with tear filled eyes. Remembering the better times bringing Cassie here, watching the little girl she saved from parental abuse, swim in the lake, play with her dolls she had bought her. Watching Alexis play with her.

He looked confused as she said these two names. "Who is Mandelyn and Sivad?" His face turned to one of puzzlement as he realized the counter melody was coming from the lake. He sat down next to her and waited for her answer. Apparently he knew these two people if she had thought he was looking for them. He set his sword down and stared at the shadows moving in the lak. He remembered this place vaguely. He had spent time with her here, with his sister, his parents. The nausea hit him like a gigantic wave and he projectile vomited more black and green goo that turned into a clear liquid in the water, then vanished completely. He coughed the rest of it out and spit, blood mixing with saliva. "Were they my parents?" He asked tentaively.

Aubresiah nodded solemnly at his question as she store out at the lake eyes fixated on the shadows. They were calling to her, telling her to come be with them. That it would be okay. It took physical effort not to run into the lake and let them drown her. Looking up at him she closed her eyes turning back to the lake, they were heavy with torment and pain, whe she did look at him. Standing up she walked to the edge of the water. Looking around at the destruction, the disrepair, she scoffed.Grabbing her sword she walked around the beach lifting pillars with her hands and activating them with a touch of her hand as well as some power he saw in her hands. The crystals that lay broken on the ground repaired themselves, causing them to glow on their own as they once did in all different colors signifying all the different lives, the different people and different creatures, unity. Making something beautiful with unity. The crystals at the bottom of the lake started glowing as well pushing the shadows back into Alexandria and the shadow infested forest where they came from. Looking around at it all she questioned herself "Is it worth it...No matter how much I try...No matter how many of us die..no matter how much good we do...how much evil we rid in this world, something worse always happens..." the question was to herself but it was a small whisper soming from her lips as she looked out at what she had just done,the pillars retreated back into the sand once more once she waved a hand dismissing them.

He watched her fascinated as she worked. Her mouth moved, and words came out softly, but he heard every word. He stepped up to her, the melody still emanating from the lake, a single shadow remaining hidden in the depth. He walked over to her. "That is something you have to figure out on your own. Sometimes I feel something trying to take over inside of me. This creature is not natural, I was not born with him." He sighed and sat down, plucking a blue rose from nearby. "The more I get my memories back, the more he fights to gain control." He stood up again an stepped towards her, tucking the rose behind her ear and covering the stem with her hair. "I fight, even though it may be the death of me. I fight because I want to remember who I am. I want to remember you..." He took a deep breathe, trying to block out the music.

Aubresiah closed her eyes sighing softly "Until you remember me you won't understand why I think this way. Until I am able to talk to you again freely without fear of overloading your mind, you can't understand. I feel that every day. Every day a different part of me is fighting to control me. To dominate me. No it is not something you were born with..I..." She rubbed her temples "I know it's not. You don't smell entirely like you once did. It is an anomaly, something introduced, and until you remember who or how, I cannot help you, neither can any one else. If we go in blind, we will have to crack open your mind, and that will kill you. So either way it will take time, patience. " She looked up at him with tired eyes. "I want to go home. To see my brother in arms. I want to embrace your older sister and tell her how happy I am for her. I want to embrace my mentor. I want guidance. They are so far away, and I cannot possibly take you there. It would crush them aside my brother in arms. Crush them... Until you are better, until you are ready , until you know who has done this I will not and cannot do that to them. I can't even tell you their names. I cant even tell you how they are. I cant even tell you what has changed... You could die or go nuts from it, and to be honest it is driving me crazy. The only people I can talk to are either laying in an infirmary bed or far far from here. " She felt alone, she wanted to tell him where the burns had come from on her arms that had scared over, the lacerations that had scared over and were not from the Revnant. "If the Luka side of you, the side you know, the side that your father visits is telling you to discover yourself once more tells you that he is dying , you come get me immediately. " She looked up at him sadly "I want you to as well, but theres so many things you will be ashamed that i have done after you reember me and I have filled you in on what you have missed."

He wrapped his arms around her carefully, his wings mimicking the movement. "I will discover who I was, and who I am meant to be. I swear it." He released her and his wings sucked back in. He turned away from her and stepped into the forest to find answers. He walked under rowan, oak, beech and ash trees as he made his way north east back towards Alexandria, praying he could get further into his own mind.

she embraced him back and when his wings touched hers they sparked. Her felt the splint on her damaged wing, he felt the needle marks on her back. Aubresiah was left standing there, quietly looking into the forrest after he had left. Deciding to not worry Linares she sucked in air, blowing it out of her cheeks with a "huff", and started walking back to the Sati castle. When she arrived she went to her room, drew a warm bath and soaked her healing body in it. Closing her eyes she put a wash cloth over them. Falling asleep she saw Cassie and Lexi, All of the townspeople in Alexandria, Auron, his wife, Gabriel. All people that died in the recent years around her, died because they knew her, died by her hand, or died because of her actions, The victory of retrieving Audrey seemed miniscule now. Cassie was only five. Five years old. She got to spend a short year with her before she died, but she loved that child so much. She loved her with everything. Tears fell down her face as her body shook from the memories.
Desix was not far behind her on the was back, still deciding she needed her space, when they arrived at the castle he lay in front of the bathroom door making sure no one could enter and disturb his healing daughter. Laying his head on his paws he wondered what would happen when Luka did find out what crazy, foolish things she had done in that time where she wanted to rip every emotion from her body and permanently make sure they could not return.

He fell to his knees, the soft sand threatning to suck him down beneath the desert floor. He had wandered through the forest until coming upon the Magruder Desert Range, home to the Minerault Mines. He glanced up at the sky, there wer no clouds, and yet not a single star could be seen. As with every other place he had been to, every other thing that had happened in his life, it was twisted, unnatural. He could always feel their presence, they were never far from him, content to watch him struggle with his memories. He howled in frustration. "What do you want from me huh?" The anguish in his voice startled a salamander from it's perch on the nearby rock. A shadowy figure approached from behind him, it's voice sinister and foreboding as it spoke to him. "We want you to destroy these kingdoms. It is why we trained you in the dark, why you were given special treatment." He did not turn, his voice dripping with acid. "Training?" He spat with contempt. "You have a messed up idea if that was your idea of training. I was in prison, a living hell as you stripped away my memories." The voice chuckled menacingly. "We have given you a great gift, in time you will learn to control and harness the power over shadows and darkness, and when the time is right you will lead our armies in a massacre against this region. No one will stand against you. You will be the vanguard for an army that will change and control the world." Luka's blood froze in its veins. He knew it was true, the shadow inside him yearning for control was proof enough for him to believe what was being said. He turned slowly, but nothing stood behind him. The disembodied voice had vanished, and he was left alone with his greatest fear, a fear he would have to conquer if he wanted to be himself again.

Aubresiah felt something was asmis. Getting out of the tub she did not even bother to dry off beforeshe pulled on some pajamas Linares had let her borrow. Pulling her hir up she wound it into a bun and clipped it. Grabbing her dagger from the edge of the tub as well as Light Bane she willed the sword to light up the dimly lit room. Nothing was there. Desix had gotten up off of the ground, padding around the bed chamber with his hackle raised. Aubresiah turned the knob on the bathroom door silently, asisting the door in opening quietly. Balancing her weight she ran the sword around her bed chamber, in her closets, atop of the celings. Nothing. Yet the feeling was still present, nagging at the back of her mind that danger was near and she needed to be cautious.
Closing her eyes she breathed in deeply filling her lungs with air, then listened. She heard it out on the balcony. Thinking how thoughtful of Linares it was to make sure she could exit with her wide wings if she pleased she walked to the balcony entrance. Swinging her sword outside of the balcony her eyes widened. There before her stood Cassie. Backing up she almost tripped upon the wet ground. "Mommy won't you come with me" Wont you play with me? Stay with me mommy." Cassie said to her. Pulling her sword back she shook her head "You are not my daugher. I burried you myself. I tried to breathe life into you. you were mutilated. I tried healing you." Anger rose up in her chest from something using her mind like this, using Cassie's form. The child like figure came to hug Aubs, and Desix pounced on it ripping it to shreds. The shadows that were inside of the form scampered away from Sati back into the forest. Aubs just looked at Desix and Desix nodded licking her hand "We need to fortify the city..." Aubs said softly.
Feeling uncomfortable now, more strained and stressed now than before the bath that was meant to relax her she looked down the halls. Starting to pull things from her original pack she had brought with her. Lighting up the whole castle so there was no place of darkness she paced the halls in front of Janier and Linares rooms for hours on end, making sure that nothing was going to take them from her as they slept and in Janiers case, healed.
Wound tight. That is what Mandelyn used to say about this feeling. Wound tight. She was exceptionally tired, she was sore, she was in pain, but she could not sleep even if she had tried. To much was running through her mind. Her mind was everywhere at once. Her head felt like exploding from all the information stored in it. Still in the pajamas, hair still dryin, she kept watching, pacing, listening. Over and over again, Sending Desix to lay with Janier and protect him, at the worst case Desix could get of a warning bark before incapacitation, or at least a warning into Au's mind. Janier was the most vulnerable right now of the two. She kept pacing until the sun rose, until Linares would wake, until the threat level of the shadows, at least the smaller ones had gone down considerably.

Janier pushed open the door, his face gaunt and pale, but otherwise fine. All his cuts and wounds were gone, and he stood in a pair of long white pants, his face did not indicate he was pleased. He watched her walk back and forth before stepping out into the hall. "You know we are perfectly guarded in here. Sivad gave us sun stones before he left and taught us how to rig them to automatically activate at the slightest change in the air, even if a shadow snuck in it would light up in an instant." He leaned against the wall and watched her, she was anxious, on edge, so he opened the door wider and left it like that, inviting her in.

"You should be resting Janier, not worried about me being perfectly silent and making sure nothing can come over here and kill you in your sleep" She muttered.She closed her eyes still pacing as she walked into his room shutting the door behind her. Theories had been running through her mind all night "Luka pulled me out of the place. He smells tainted. Something was introduced into his body. Just like it mentioned in the Shadow File. Tell me something Janier; what if Luka was the trained one? Luka, if he does get his memories back, Sivad trained him. Mandelyn trained him. Lily was tainted by Auron and she went absolutely out of her mind. She started abusing Lucas. She was going to kill Mandelyn and any chance of her mother ever coming back for power. She was training that little boy to become Auron. If Lily, the daughter of Sivad, and Mandeyn could break what hope is their for Luka? For me? For even Audrey or Tox. Luka was trained how to use and disarm sun stones. I know he was." Janier could see all of the burn scars, the deep laceration scars, the splint on her wing. "Why would they wipe his memory? Attatchments. Attachments like you. Like Linares. Like Ran. If the attachments were there they had to hide them or server them. Hiding them is far easier. I've watched Auron do it time and time again. Memory wipes were his mark, his groups mark. Not only that Janier, Luka was missing for six months. Six, before we got the chance to destroy and succeeded in destroying all Council personnel in the Council compound. Two of those personell that were scheduled to be in the Compound are unaccounted for" she shook her head "That is why last night a few low level shadows came onto my balcony? Formed as my dead child and tried to make me hold it?" Looking at him her eyes pleaded with him to think it over, to think about it "He coughed up more of that goo last night too when he remembered more. He coughed it into the lake. I had no chance to get a sample. The memories are pushing the thing out of him, or wounding it."

He held up a hand. "Let's deal with one thing at a time. You've got to be calm and rational." He took a breath and sat down on the bed. "First point, Luka can disarm and use sun stones, as he should, that was Sivad's gift, and he trained me and Linares, as well as his son in Sun Stone proficiency. That is why you don't see any scars, Linares used her Sun Stone to heal me. Secondly, the hope for Luka is he is still alive, messed up in the head that's for sure, but he is alive, and he has been receiving guidance from the other side." He stopped and thought for a minute, for he too had seen his old friend and rival Sivad, and while he never gave away anything specific, he always warned Janier of incoming dangers. This time it had been like Sivad was speaking in tounges. "And he has you. You saw his wings, he did not even know he had them, until you being in danger forced them to manifest. It is like he has a Lambda Implant. Luka has Sivad's Sun Stone, as far as I know, the first and original sun stone brought back from Aeiner, or the spirit realm if you prefer. He is well protected, just not as adept with it as I am." He took another breath and continued, looking out at the glowing light of Alexandria Castle. "He has all of us. Linares and myself have already talked about it. We are prepared to give our lives to help Luka. If our death brings the salvation of the son of Sivad and Mandelyn, then so be it." He lay back on the bed. "If you want my theory, the green and black goo he is spitting up is part of the creature inside him, but his memories must return slowly, lest we lose him to insanity and have to fight him." He sighed. "This is the theory you might not want to hear." He paused and looked at her face, willing her to leave the room so he didn't have to say it, but he knew how stubborn she was, she'd remain in the room, and possibly beat it out of him if she wished.

Aubresiah listened to him intently, trying not to make even more of an ass out of herself. She breathed in deeply when he did not seem to belive her on the matter of the shadows manifesting. She knew what she saw, she knew what her instincts had told her, Mandelyn taught her well how to use her instincts, and Mandelyn had never once lead her wrong before.What she saw she knew was true. Shadows manifested as Cassie, whether Janier wanted to admit that or not. She bit her tounge when he said that Linares and him would sacrifice themselves for Luka's salvation. More than anything she wanted to bring Mandelyn here. Unfortunately Mandelyn was completely in the dark, as were her other comrades. More unfortunate, if Luka saw any of them it could trigger too many memories. Especially seeing his mother. Aubs knew Mandelyn would give her a stern talking to about it, she had no doubt, at least until she would let Aubs explain. Aubs would understand too, wanting to be there for her child, to help and comfort her child. Giving him a look that told him to continue she crossed her arms over her chest sword still in her hand as well as the dagger in the other 'Continue, please"

"He could be the one behind the disturbances. What if they got to him and all these "memories" is just a ruse to throw us off for when he attacks?" Janier knew he sounded paranoid, but if they were to survive the upcoming events, they would have to be prepared for any eventuality.

Aubresiah just nodded "i have thought of that already Janier" He noticed how sullen she looked. How tired, how much pain she was in. He also saw her demon had left brands upon her skin, from the compound last night. "I am glad you are feeling better" she said to him and started to walk out.

They sat together, staring at each other. Waiting for the 7th of them to arrive. He was always late, but this time he was taking way too long. The glanced over at Orannis, who sat patiently as the door opened to the meeting room. Ranna's eyes narrowed as he entered. Yrael, walked around the room and sat to the right of Orannis. "The subject is moving slowly, and he seems to be gaining back some of his memories. He has made contact with the woman named Aubresiah, but not with the remaining members of his family. He has been to the kingdom of Sati, but has not really encountered the ruling twins yet" Orannis nodded. "This was expected, but if he gains back too many of his memories, we will have to send Belgaer to supress them. He must lead our armies, without him we will fail at destroying the kingdoms and remaking them." The others nodded and Ranna stood up. "Send me and Mosrael, we will stir things up and start making trouble, maybe we can keep him from gaining back any more of his memories." Everyone in the room had to suppress a yawn by the time she had finished talking. Even though they had heard he speak on numerous occasions, it was not something anyone could get used to. Orranis nodded. "Yes, you two make your way towards Sati. You will need a cover story, spy on the rulers, Aubresiah and our subject, but do not fight unless you have no other option. Avoid revealing yourself, you are simply to report what is happening, and cause issues, but not get involved yourself." Ranna and Mosrael stood up and walked out, gathering their supplies for the trip. Yrael spoke up. "Can we trust them? Ranna and Mosrael work well together, but they have not been a part of the Bright Shiners as long, is their loyalty assured?" Orannis growled. "You dare question my judgement Yrael? Do not forget it was I who released you from your prison." He stood up and strolled out the door. Yrael glared after him as he did.

Aubresiah closed her tired eyes sitting beside Janier she held hid hand "I'm really glad you're okay Janier." She smiled sadly at him standing up from the bed as quickly as she had sat. "Just rest for now. Please. " Placing a beacon in his hand she sighed "Hit it if you need me or need to speak with me, I will come." A sad smile was on her face as she glided from the room. The brands were still burned into her skin, charred black. The door shut quietly behind her, Desix was still in his room looking at him.
Aubresiah went to her room changing into a pair of dark blue shorts that looked almost black, a white halter top and a half a pink hoodie. Brushing her hair she magically braided the long parts, noticing how much her hair had shortened from the fire. The braid was no longer to her ankles, it was to her waist. Desix had to cut so much off. Putting on her black weapons belt she clipped her weapons to it. Pulling on her boots that went just to mid shin she walked to Linares room, knocking softly she waited.

She sat up in her bed, the sunstones positioned all around her room lit up as she moved. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood up and the white velvet gown she slept in fell to her ankles. She cracked the door open. "Aubresiah? Why are you awake, it is so early?" She opened the door all the way and invited her in. She climbed back onto the bed and crossed her legs underneath herself. "What's on your mind dear?"

Aubresiah walked in closing the door behind her softly, "I was up all night to be honest" Taking off her weapons belt, she set it on the floor. Taking off her boots, she sat them down by her belt. Climbing up she folded her legs just as Linares had. "Cassie. Luka. Mandelyn. You. Janier." She replied to what was on her mind. Handing Linares a beacon she sighed, shaking softly. Linares noticed the black burnt glyphs into her skin. "I want you to know that if you ever need me. You can always call for me. I will come for you. No matter where I am." She took Linares hands in her own closing the beacon in Linares hands. "Janie can fill you in later, for now I want you to keep yourself and Janier safe. You come first. Then your people do. " Raising her hand to stop Linares from speaking she continued "Whatever is making those things we encountered would what you and Janier. Sivad taught you both his knowledge. That knowledge can't get in their hands. Hopefully it is not already in their hands. If need be bring them to the castle, bring your people here. Any new people do not trust. Be cautious of them. Do not speak around them of any fears, andy strategies and for God's sake do not be a host to them. Be cautious of everyone. Please Linares. If need be grab the spare sunstones, and use your hiding spots under the castle" Her eyes were pleading. Each word she had said to Linares was in her mind. "I know you do not like me invading you here and I am sorry. However I refuse to say this out loud lest someone hear. After having shadows on my balcony last night in the form of Cassie, I am taking no chances. Your mind is safe. Spoken words are not." Aubresiah looked at her and pulled her into a tight loving hug, squeezing her tight. Aubresiah hissed the top of her head, got up silently, put on her boots and her belt and exited the room

She sat there dumbfounded. Aubs and just laid everything down on her in an instant, not giving her time to absorb what had been said, and she did it through her mind. She got up and dropped the beacon onto the desk. She could've at least asked before invading her mind like that. Sh dropped back down to the bed and sighed. She was really beginning to worry about that girl. She was unstable, and not surprising given what she has been through, but she was strong and always appeared to be in control, but everyone had their breaking points. She curled up under her blanket as the sunstones dimmed, and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep

The wind had picked up in the desert, but it was not a normal wind. He had tried to escape, but the winds were strong and it whipped up sand tornados that sent granules of sand pelting towards him. He had used his sun stone to create a construct of light, a simple four walls and roof that shimmered and deflected the sand from barraging him. Someone had conjured this wind, they wanted him to remain in place while things were going on elsewhere, he could feel it. He sat down and meditated, closing his eyes and breathing evenly, deep breaths in and out, allowing his mind to rest and clear. He brought up all the memories he had of his time at the lake. He saw his mother, her face distored by tampering with his memory. He saw his father, changing into wolf form and running around like an oversized puppy. He saw a woman he could not identify, must be my sister, he thought, and he wondered if she was still living too. He saw himself and Aubresiah, sitting in a tree, she was leaning against him as he spoke to her. He could not hear the words, and her hair was hiding his lips so he could not lip read. She seemed happy as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Her eyes sparkled.