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Paladins of Light and Shadow

Frozen Fang

As the Godslayer II started making its way back to Corona, Aria left the bridge and entered the conference room. There, she contacted the Inquisition. Even though she reached out directly to the Grey Sun Facility, she was immediately redirected to High Inquisitor Serenity. Her fellow Angel had some choice words for her but she ignored them and let the High Inquisitor rant. She knew all too well the pressures of being an Angel and an Inquisitor. Both roles demanded utmost purity. Inquisitors were meant to be infallible and Angels incorruptible. Being both placed a tremendous weight on the younger Angel's shoulders.

“I expected to be notified immediately when you realized something was wrong!" demanded the High Inquisitor, her shimmering features on full display from the holographic display at the center of the conference room's table.

One of the weights was the constant need to be validated and to know everything. Angels were considered the Mother Goddess' chosen people just like how the Phoenixes were supposedly Adramalech's. During the height of the Church's power, Angels were considered living saints and looked to as role models. That came with many of the same detriments that young Vengeance Wren experienced. Angels were held accountable for things that were out of their control.

A child got sick and an Angel happened to pass by? Why hadn't that Angel deigned to bless and cure the poor thing? A war was raging on the other side of the continent? Why didn't the Angel who was busy blessing the union between man and wife stopping it? A man was beating his wife? Why didn't any of the Angels in Tower Thirteen know about it and intervene?

This created this image of the Angelic forces that was ultimately detrimental to the all-female race. Aria was personally glad that the Generals came in and dispelled much of this imagery and belief even though some of the more powerful Angels did not. Serenity seemed liked one of those that was inclined to stick to the old ways and willingly take responsibility for events that she could not have stopped or even had a hand in.

All power to her but to Aria, she considered this a flaw.

A heretical standpoint to many but after living for as long as she had without bearing a child, she had learned to embrace her blasphemous ways. Something she had learned from Lumire.

'No one can make your choice for you, Aria,' the Eternal Prophet once told her. 'The Mother Goddess gave you this life. Not your family. Not your race. Not even the Church. You. You get to choose what you do with it.'

Serenity was fuming. “Are you even listening, Valkyrie?"

“I am enraptured," she answered coolly. “Though if you are quite done, I would like to say my piece?"

“Fine." The High Inquisitor looked about on the edge of spitting in disgust. “We are on our way to Sveltholm anyway. Where are you going now?"

“Back to Corona."

“Corona?" Serenity seemed shocked for a second then a jaded edge entered her words. “And here I thought you would come down to Clockwork just to see if you could fruitlessly prove the Inquisition's incompetence."

As tempting as it was, Aria did not want to make an enemy of Serenity or the Inquisition. Their first meeting had already been terse and she had this inkling that the High Inquisitor was somehow associated with Raifraize Phulton. Though that was months ago, the Inquisition never forgot and rarely forgave.

“We have utmost trust in the Inquisition's thoroughness," Aria answered curtly.

“Then why back to Corona? Why not, say fly down to Chillfarn or Ironfrost and see if the stray dog found his way back to his home."

The fact that Serenity referred to a revered Paladin as a 'stray dog' spoke volumes about her stance to those possessing Valors. It was no surprise. The Inquisition was steadily stripped of their influence and power in the years leading up to the Fall mostly by self-aggrandizing Paladins and Templars who claimed that they didn't need the Inquisition's heavy-handed approach to corruption or heresy. When the Church eventually proved itself to be corrupt and so many Paladins fell and killed what few Templars there were, the Inquisition was vindicated. Over the years, that vindication festered into an outright distrust of anyone who possessed a Valor.

Again, Aria could not blame her for that stance. Serenity likely felt double the bile against Aria who had once been an Inquisitor herself.

“I received intelligence that Corona could be under threat," answered Aria. “We believe that Char will ultimately make it his goal."

“Intelligence?" Serenity asked. Aria silently kicked herself. Indicating that she knew something a High Inquisitor didn't was effectively like calling Serenity incompetent. “What intelligence?"

Claiming that their resident shaman had a vision from an entity that no one else had heard of would only paint her as insane or worse. Thankfully, Aria had come prepared for such a conversation.

“It was in the prophecy that Char mentioned," she said. “One of the lines alluded to the Sun Spire."

Serenity's eyes narrowed. “Go on…"

“The prophecy mentioned 'the sun closes its eyes as the Flame is Reborn, a shadow of true fire.' Considering Incendius truly has only one 'sun', it suggests that Char's ultimately goal would be to somehow disable the Sun Spire."

“Impossible," scoffed the High Inquisitor. “The Sun Spire is under heavy guard at all times. Apart from being the highest point in all of Incendius, the tower is guarded heavily on all floors. Further, the one door leading up to the actual peak of the tower where the Scorium Axis rests is blocked by an impenetrable door that can only be opened by a very specific rite that only the Apex Clericus Solis knows."

“Perhaps. However, based on what we know about Char and his penchant for corrupting Valors and the fact that he now possesses four out of Phantasms that he had fostered, would it not be conceivable that once he obtains the last Phantasms, he could breach the barriers or even scale the tower?"

“You are reaching, Valkyrie."

Aria lifted her chin at the Inquisitor. “Maybe but you have no authority to command me or the Godslayer II. So what we do with our time is of no concern of yours."

Serenity huffed. “So be it. But should the Fall of another Paladin have been preventable had it not been for your negligence, you can be assured I will raise this with the Archangels."

Of course she would bring that up. Archangels - being the heads of each Angelic family - were the ultimate authority when it came to the Angel race. The Valkyrie Family Archangel - Opera - had long protected Aria. It was only by Opera's influence that Aria had yet to be forced to produce a child and take her own life. That and Aria's long standing service to Tower Thirteen. If enough of the other Archangels began pressuring Opera, however, Aria may be forced into a tight position.

Then again, she could always throw back the fact that she had found the Lost Incendian Fleet and dismantled the Incendian Branch of the Association in the past few months.

So she wasn't worried.

“I have no qualm with this arrangement," she said coolly. “Though I'd like to remind you, High Inquisitor, Char has shown that he is more than capable of corrupting Valors and their Paladins and claiming their Phantasms."

“What is your point, Valkyrie?"

Aria stood up from her seat, her finger hovering on the button to cancel the message. “Imagine, then, what would happen were a man of that much corruptive power gained access to the Scorium Axis. A Valor."

Serenity's eyes widened momentarily. “Impossible. The Sun Goddess is incorruptible."

“Nothing is absolute in this existence, High Inquisitor. Is that not the first rule amongst the Inquisition?"

And with that, she cut the communication.

She took a moment to center herself. There was clearly great animosity from Serenity's part and she was sure that she detected a faint hint of jealousy from the High Inquisitor as well. Understandable. Most Angel barely lived five hundred years before they had to perform the ritual of Assumption; where she would be impregnated and the moment she bore a child, her mind, body and soul would be assumed by the rest of the Angelic host. Really it meant that she would have to commit ritualistic suicide so that the number of Angels always remained exactly the same in all of Tower Thirteen.

Many considered her existence of over three thousand years to be blasphemous and against the traditions of her race. However, if she had learned anything from the rebellious Lumire and puckish Harm Chronos, traditions should be challenged. Blind faith and belief in something just because they have been performed for a long time does not make them right.

Serenity probably hated the idea that Aria continued to exist while her own family was likely pressuring her to undertake the Assumption or at least plan for it.

With a soft sigh to herself, Aria got up from her seat and turned to leave the conference chamber, aiming to retire to her room while the Godslayer II made the six hour trip back to Corona. As she was approaching the door, however, it slid open and Solinium entered. The moment they saw one another they hesitated.

“You look exhausted, Lady Valkyrie," the Leomian observed, offering a faint smile. “Any way I can ease your worries?"

Smiling gently, she brushed aside a lock of hair and gestured towards the mess hall. “The company would be appreciated."

“Funny," he chortled. “I was just looking to keep Hunter company on the bridge. Everyone else seems to be caught in a moment of introspection. Or indigestion. Rayne's leftovers does not get better with time."

Aria winced at the memory of the Demon Prince's disgusting but admittedly highly nutritious meal from the other day. “I thought the boys would have learned their lesson after yesterday and having lived most of their life in Rayne's company."

“Oh they did but Kane then challenged them all to an eating contest to pass the time."

“Why would they agree to such a thing!?" Aria exclaimed incredulously.

“It's Kane," Solinium answered with a shrug. “Few can resist his charms."

“Charms," she answered, rolling her eyes. “Sure. That is what we will call it."

They moved into the mess hall and sat down on one of the smaller tables. Aria waved her hands through the air, conjuring some tea and teacups. Solinium followed her cue and generated a few small cakes and sweets. The two Templars exchanged their food items.

“Ah, this is blood melon tea, isn't it?" the Leomian said, taking a sip from the cup. “A Phian favorite."

“It is meant to boost one's metabolism as well as clear the mind," she answered. Taking one of the cakes, she took a delicate bite and hummed in approval. “And these sweets are from the Sunless Lands, are they not?"

“Hak'mallal," replied Solinium. “Cooked figs and nuts pressed between layers of flaky pastry that are first flash fried in sweet pepper oil and then soaked in flame rose water."

“Both sweet and spicy."

“Typical Incendian fare. We Incendians find a way to inject spice into everything."

Aria laughed softly and took a sip from the tangy and refreshing tea. “I find it utterly amazing how a nation that was steeped in darkness for the longest time somehow found ways to make spice their national flavor."

Her fellow Templar smiled as he set his teacup down. “Historians will tell you it is because when most of the world was covered in dark and snow, what few plants there were couldn't afford to have their fruit taken and eaten by random animal or forager. So they evolved a modicum of defense by developing various forms of 'spice'. We have the mundane chillies that have varying levels of heat to the ones that literally channel Pyromancy that will explode in your mouth if not prepared correctly."

“And yet Incendians found a way to cultivate these plants and turn them into delicacies."

“Such is the tenacity of we mortals," Solinium said, raising his teacup in a little salute. “We keeping fighting, we keep searching for a light even in the deepest of darkness until one eventually presents itself."

“Or we make our own."

He glanced at her with a bushy eyebrow raised. “You sound like you're speaking from experience."

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “I have lived a long time, Cassius. The number of times I have been presented with a seemingly hopeless situation only for something or someone to come along and present that ray of hope will surprise you." Sipping her tea, she said, “Honestly, it surprises me still that I would allow myself to even entertain the idea of giving up hope."

The Leomian flicked his ears in her direction. “So when presented with the choice of giving up and succumbing to despair only to be saved by someone else or holding onto hope as tightly as you can until you are saved, which would you choose?"

Aria gave the question some thought as she took another delicate bite from the pastry that Solinium had given her. “It would depend on how many people are counting on me and how many of them I would trust to carry the torch of hope for me."

“Oh?"

“There is no shame in weakness, Cassius," she said. “We must allow ourselves to drop our guard every now and then so that we can self-reflect and see where we stand, where we can grow. If I know there are others that can help me through this trying time, I will allow myself to consider where I need improvement and seek out their counsel. However, if I alone am the one to bear the torch that illuminates the darkness, I will not give up hope even if everyone else has."

The Leomian Templar regarded her with curiosity. “A very interesting approach. I imagine you would never allow yourself to fall into despair at critical junctures, though?"

“I would not say that." Aria leaned back in her seat, gazing off into the distance. “We cannot help how we feel. No matter how much our minds rail against it, our hearts carry a heavy burden. So much so for those of us who have countless relying upon us. Yes, we Templars can barely afford such luxuries. We must put up a brave face more often than not but I think we can learn something from young Ven's experiences. We cannot not let the expectations of others trap us in a stagnant state."

She chuckled softly and took another sip from her tea. “I remember Lumire once telling me that a person's true face comes out not in times of peace but in times of crisis. I like to think that I would make him proud were he alive today but I know I can still improve."

Her eyes fell pensively towards the rosy-colored tea in the crystal cup sitting on her lap. She could almost see Lumire sitting across from her and Harm not too far away, unable to eat the food but still engaging in lively conversation. A tear welled up in her eyes and she allowed it to emerge and slid down her face, only brushing it aside as it reached her chin.

“You miss them, don't you?" Solinium said.

“Every day," she answered. “We all bear our burdens. Sometimes it is the torch of hope to keep others aloft. Other times it is the demands of others. Ultimately, only we have the power to do with those burdens what we want."

Solinium was silent for a few moments. “Wise words. I have much to consider."

Before she could ask what there was to consider, alarms started blaring across the mess hall.

“Uh… Hey guys…?" Hunter's voice began from the speakers. “We've hit some turbulence."

“Turbulence?" Solinium asked, lowering his cup. “This is a fifty-tonne ship with powerful shielding. What kind of turbulence could possibly knock it about?"

The others began emerging from their rooms, looking around in confusion.

Then the ship began shaking.

Aria exchanged glances with Solinium and the two Templars were immediately on their feet, rushing towards the bridge. They barely made it to the doors leading to the conference room before the entire ship lurched to the left, throwing both of them against the walls. Aria slammed into the wall and a short moment later, so did Solinium. Pain exploded from her side and stars flashed before her eyes.

“Hold on to something! This blizzard isn't natural!"

A blizzard. An unnatural one. Eaton Slater was a master of Cryomancy and Luxmancy. Ice and Light.

Aria grit her teeth together and bolted for the door to the conference room. She got through the door before the entire shit began shaking left and right. Somehow, she managed to keep her balance.

“Hunter!" she cried. “This is Eaton! He's created the blizzard!"

“No shit!" Hunter cried back from the pilot's seat. “I can't shake it! Shields are failing and…"

More alarms started screaming at them.

“Crap… something is coming in fast! Something big!" Hunter gasped loudly. “Brace yourselves!"

Aria straightened -

BOOM!

An enormous beam of light crashed right through the center of the conference room, charging right through the ceiling - right through powerful shielding, thick armor and all the circuitry in between - and cleaved right through the central conference table. The beam tore right through the floor as well.

Similar beams blasted through the rest of the Godslayer II. She turned around just in time to see pillars of light plowing through the mess hall. The howling winds of the blizzard stormed through these holes. The ship began to rapidly lose altitude, lifting her into the air. The screams of the rest of the team filled her ears as they were hurled through the holes.

Aria knew that staying on the ship was a death sentence.

“Gungnir!" she cried. Her Valor immediately appeared in her hand in a flurry of white light and feathers. She planted her feet on the haft of the spear as brilliant, white feather sprang up from the base of the spearheads. The Valor sprang forward with her 'surfing' on it. Fire and life wires lashed out at her as the ship fell but she weaved through it to reach the bridge.

“We have to go!" Aria said, grabbing Hunter by the collar.

“No!" cried the engineer. “I can still save her!"

“No you can't!" she insisted, pulling him off the seat. “We're leaving! Now!"

Hunter protested and clawed at the console but couldn't stand against the raw physical might of an Angel. She dragged him out of the bridge and zoomed right through the mess hall. He saw Solinium sprouting a pair of glowing, white, fiery wings grabbing Alex in one paw and JD in the other before the two of them were zooming out through a nearby hole. Rayne transformed into his full demonic form, grabbed Kane and Serena, and launched himself out a nearby hole. Tanar was flung through an opening by a blast of icy wind. Wood charged after him and the ensuing roar heralded the Fallen transforming into his draconic shape to catch the Templar.

Skye was hovering in the air, looking around in a panic, unsure what to do. Aria zoomed towards him, scooped him up under one arm and then shot out a nearby opening. The blizzard hit them immediately, threatening to hurl all three of them into the mercy of the storm. Aria remained strong, however, shooting straight upwards with Hunter and Skye under her arms.

Her face went numb from the blistering cold and she could barely feel her fingers but she pressed on. All she could see was white and she could feel her skin starting to crack from the freezing winds. However, a moment later, they breached the limits of the blizzard and suddenly, they were above the raging storm.

Aria sighed softly to herself and straightened, letting Gungnir hover horizontally. He set down Hunter who clung onto the haft of the weapon like a scared cat afraid of falling. Skye nodded at her and managed to hover of his own accord.

Then she looked down…

… and saw the full might of the blizzard below them.

“Mother Goddess have mercy…" she breathed.

The storm had to at least be twenty miles in diameter. Twenty miles of thick, angry, black clouds that raged and swirled like a hurricane with no obvious eye.

This was the might of Eaton Slater.

And somewhere in it all was the rest of the survivors.

?

?

Perspective of Hope

Hunter clung onto Gungnir for dear life, trying to keep himself from shaking at the sight of the outrageously enormous storm that was raging beneath them. Even though he had witnessed Melody's powers first hand and even heard of Alleria's rampage, this was an entirely different level. A blizzard that could rip a frigate-class starship from the sky was nothing to scoff at.

“The others…" he breathed.

“I know," Aria responded grimly. “We need to find a way to clear this storm." She glanced towards Skye. “Do you think you can calm it."

Skye lifted his paws towards the swirling thunderheads and grimaced. “I'm trying but… it's all too much. There's this… crushing loneliness that's behind this storm and it's overwhelming everything else. The spirits are being thrown around like they're nothing…"

Aria glared down at the raging clouds. “I see. I'm hesitant to unleash anything straight into the storm. I don't know what's beneath those clouds and with our comrades down there…"

“We can't just leave them!" Hunter blurted. “That storm is as likely to shred your skin as it is to freeze you solid! Without proper shielding…"

“I know," she growled in frustration. Turning towards the distance she said, “Let's fly to the edge of the storm, get underneath and see if we can enter that way."

Before she could act, however, a loud rising screech came rising from beneath them.

“EATON!"

A mighty gale suddenly pierced the blizzard straight upwards, a spear of wind that ripped a hole right through the clouds. Aria had to abruptly swing Gungnir away from the pillar of compressed air, holding onto Hunter's scruff to keep him from falling. This gale pushed the storm outwards, dispersing the blizzard immediately in a wide circle, forming an 'eye'. While the hard cold continued to rage outside the wall of winds, at its center was clear skies and…

“The Godslayer!" Hunter cried, pointing down at the exposed ground.

Sure enough, at the center of the becalmed field was the crashed and partially buried frigate. It had crumbled into three distinct parts but still remained close to one another. Snow had already partially consumed it even as lights and flames flickered within its ruins. Terror filled Hunter's heart. Terror then hopelessness… then fury.

“That's my ship!" he roared.

Without warning and without thinking, he jumped off Gungnir, plummeting to the ground.

“Hunter!" Skye cried trying to reach for him but he was already zooming towards the ground, drawing Wildfire.

With the blade of his weapon out stretched and his shield up, the Godslayer's ruins came closer into view. He could see Serena standing at the center of the eye of the storm, standing protectively in front of the others. There was a group right behind her, huddled against the Godslayer's hull. Not all of them were standing.

His heart jumped to his throat and he angled his body to have as little wind resistance as possible, increasing his speed. Wildfire's blade burst into flames as it built enough momentum to start overly emitting the excess energy.

As he drew closer the details of the scene grew clearer.

Alex and JD were slumped against each other, unconscious while Solinium was standing protectively over them, injured and holding his Valor in one hand while the other was casting some sort of spell on his injured form. Wood, back to his humanoid shape, was completely naked and with frost stiffening his wings, rendering them painfully useless. Behind him, Tanar was unconscious with Kane standing by the Leomian's side, applying first aid. Rayne was slumped beside the unconscious lion.

That fury grew into complete and utter rage.

Hunter roared and jabbed the flaming sword of Wildfire into his shield. Three canisters sprang from his shield which he immediately threw one to the ground. The instant those canisters slammed into the snow, they erupted into a burst of crimson lightning in the shape of a dome. Hunter slammed into the dome… and his fall rapidly slowed, his momentum having been completely absorbed by the one-shot physics dampeners. The little 'grenades' used by shock troopers in the military when performing aerial jumps were much more reliable than parachutes and much lighter. Just like parachutes, however, one had to be skilled on when to deploy them. In their case, it was quite close to the ground. Hunter had used them often in his role as a combat engineer.

Hunter immediately grabbed the two remaining canisters and tossed them to his downed party members - one to Kane and one to Solinium.

“Badass," he heard Kane grunt from behind him.

Then he turned to where Serena was facing.

From the edges of the raging storm, an enormous figured stepped into the calmed area. It was an enormous feral wolf - at least ten feet tall. It's fur was snow-white and glowing, icy-blue runes danced all over its body. Its eyes were colored the same. Strangely, its tail seemed to be made out of a nebulous, black gas that seemed to shimmer with twinkling stars.

Beside the wolf came the werewolf.

Eaton Slater.

The hulking member of the Custodia Lupus had his fangs bared, a menacing aura oozing out of him in the form of a scathing, white light. In his right paw was the enormous mace - his Sin, Comet. The mace had far more spikes than the last time Hunter remembered seeing it. Eaton had also shed the black cloak of a Paladin and his Paladin's pauldron. His chest was fully bare and the remnants of his shirt hung around his waist like a cape hanging from his hips. Scars riddled his body and they looked new.

He had been tortured.

“Eaton!" Serena pleaded. “Please, stop this." She pressed a hand against her chest. “It's me! Whatever Char did to you, whatever he told you, it's all lies! Let us help you!"

“Help me?" Eaton scoffed, somehow his gruff, gravelly voice coming clearly over the raging storm around them. “Now you help me? Now you decide to come for me? The last of the others to Fall? Do you have any idea how long I held out hope? How long I prayed you… or anyone would come to save me!?"

The werewolf roared his final words and the blizzard around them began closing in. Serena grit her teeth together and swept her fan, Nemesis, outwards, stopping it's advance as her own powerful magical winds fought back.

“Why did I have to be the last, huh?" shouted Eaton. “Why didn't you come after me first?" He straightened, sneering at her. “What we had should have meant something, Serena, but you know what? I don't even fucking care. I let go of that relationship a long time ago. Don't even bother trying to appeal to that."

Serena looked crushed and in that moment when she lost concentration, the blizzard advanced.

“What?" she whimpered. “Eaton, we -"

“I was never anything to you!" he howled. “You made that perfectly clear so don't try lying and pretending that I was anything more than a pest to you!" He hiked a thumb against his chest. “You broke, me Serena. I gave you my heart and you crushed it! I swore that day that I would never let anyone - not you, not the Church, not even my brothers amongst the Custodia Lupus - ever fall into the same pit you threw me in!" He held up his other paw, a blistering light erupting from between his claws. Hunter had to visibly lift his arm to block out the light. “I swore that I'd be the shining light of hope for everyone."

Then Eaton crushed the light between his fingers, exhausting it.

“But look at where that got me. The last one to be saved. Char was right. Everyone saw me as this powerful, independent beacon of light that didn't need anyone else's help. So much so that all they ever saw was my smiling face and just how strong I was. They automatically assumed that I would never break. It was forgone conclusion."

He raked his claws against his face. “I fought every single fucking day to make sure everyone else didn't fall into darkness and depression. I spent hours of my life making everyone else happy. I bought them gifts just to see them smile. I put myself in danger to protect them. I fought through the darkness just so that I could be the light of hope for them!"

Then the werewolf Paladin made a sweeping gesture with his arm, swinging Comet through the air. Beams of light erupted from the head, shooting into the air and shooting down towards Serena. Hunter rushed forward, lifting the shield of Wildfire. The leaf-shaped shards that made the shield split up, forming a red dome of energy that stopped the beams from crashing into her.

“But no one ever asked how I was doing!" roared Eaton, his cry once again pushing the edges of the blizzard closer. Metal clanked and rattled behind them. Snow and hail was once again pelting the Godslayer's ruins. “Everyone always assumed I was doing okay because I invest so much of my time in others! Everyone always comes to me for their problems, whining and bitching to me thinking that I have the time and energy to give them and solve all their problems! But not one of them ever asked me how I was doing! And you know what? I couldn't even try to show any weakness to them because somehow everyone always turned it into their problem!"

“Eaton…" Serena whimpered.

“If I ever tried to talk to Alleria about my problems, she'd just moan about Urellia and how her problems were so much worse because she's 'responsible' for a powerful demon. Melody would constantly compare that my issues couldn't hold a candle to the deaths on her hands. Ven wouldn't even give me the time of day because he'd always be trying to live up to being a role model for everyone in that damned city of his! Even Ford would always say that he's fighting the stigma of being a Paladin that focuses on Noxmancy!"

Eaton threw his head back, screaming into the sky. “I have no one to talk to because everyone in this world is a goddamn selfish parasite that just takes and takes! They see me as their goddamn sounding board. As the one that'll catch them when they're down! Then they don't spend any time trying to help me! They don't even ask me how my day was! They just go straight into bitching about their own!"

The werewolf lowered his head, icy-blue eyes glaring straight at Serena. “I bet you weren't even going to look for me, were you? You were heading straight to Corona."

Busted.

“It's not what you think!" Serena exclaimed.

“I don't fucking care!" roared Eaton. “Char was right. Instead of going to Clockwork, you of all people went back to Corona. I held out hope for you. But just like everyone else, you disappoint me." He spat on the ground. “I should keep my light to myself and let everyone else drown in the darkness."

Hunter bared his fangs.

“That's your reason for Falling!?"

His cry shocked everyone and even the winds seemed to balk by his declaration. Hunter lowered his shield, glaring daggers at Eaton.

“You surround yourself with selfish, self-centered people and then take it out on everyone else when you couldn't find yourself a fucking therapist!? You brought down my ship because you didn't have a goddamn shoulder to cry on!?"

Eaton's left eye twitched. “Excuse me!?" He lifted Comet and brought it swinging down. “What the fuck do you know!?" Ice crystals formed over him and each one shot towards Hunter.

Crimson birds made of fire shot down from the sky, intercepting each of the crystals. Aria landed beside Serena, propping her up. Gungnir was over her shoulder while Searsparrow was in her other hand. Skye landed on Serena's other side and gently entreated the spirits to revitalize her.

“I grew up in the shadow of the most self-centered, egotistical narcissist on Haven," Hunter snarled. “He wanted me to become something that I wasn't. Even when I fled and joined the military, they didn't care about my creativity or my talents. They just needed me for my body. You want to talk about being unappreciated? Try giving your life over to a heartless agency where you're nothing more than cannon fodder to them!"

“It's nothing like that!" Eaton shouted. He pointed at Hunter. “Sirius!"

The enormous wolf - likely the Fallen's Phantasm - shot forward. It made three steps before it became a beam of light that shot into the air. It circled above, moving erratically. Then it bolted down towards Hunter, a speeding comet. Wildfire's shield activated, blocking the wolf's attack with crackling, crimson energies. Snow was shot into the air from the impact. The Phantasm leapt back. Bullets screamed out from the momentary mist from two turrets. The enormous wolf shot back into the air, dodging the bullets but giving Hunter the path he needed to approach Eaton.

“Maybe not but here's the kicker," Hunter growled. “Why the fuck are you doing the good deeds you do?" He hiked a thumb over his shoulder, particularly at JD who still remained unconscious. “See that kid over there? He saved me."

Eaton's brow furrowed but said nothing.

“You know his story. You read his profile when you came to guard us, right? He was injured during the Fall of Haven. Couldn't move at all. He had to undergo painful surgery, have cybernetics implanted into his body just so he could move. Can't use an ounce of his own magic. But still, he found the time to come up to me and give me hope. I've seen him do the same thing for everyone else. He boosted my confidence. He even secretly backed up that idiot's ambitions to take on an organization run by blood-thirsty oligarchs!" That time he pointed to Kane who offered a condescending wave. “He's just like you except for one major difference."

Hunter's eyes narrowed. “He doesn't keep a goddamn tally of every good thing he does."

Eaton's eyes widened. “What did you say!?"

“You heard me!" he roared, storming forward. He swung Wildfire's blade around, producing momentum. He then popped the blade into the shield even as it maintained a barrier around him. Sirius, the Phantasm, came crashing against the dome-like energy wall but couldn't keep his enormous arm-sized fangs on the shield for long as the turrets Hunter had left drove him back. Aria supplemented the attacks with fiery birds from Searsparrow. Three canisters popped out of the shield and he grabbed one, slamming it into the blade of Wildfire. The red liquid materialized over the blade, increasing its size.

“JD doesn't keep count of everything he does for everyone else," Hunter snarled. “He does it because he knows we need help and he's happy to give it. He's never asked for anything in return even though the world has already taken so much from him. He's had to crawl his way up from the bottom and he still spends the time looking out for others, protecting them, putting his life on the line for them and even taking hits for them."

He closed his eyes briefly. “Honestly, he's younger than me but when I grow up, if I can be half the man he is, I'd be happy." Glaring daggers at Eaton, he said, “But you know what? I kind of wish he's conscious right now because he has a lesson to learn from you."

Eaton flinched as Hunter smashed another canister against Wildfire's blade causing it to grow even larger. “A … A lesson…?"

“Yeah," Hunter growled, now just a few steps away from the Fallen. “The lesson of being selfish. To do something for himself every now and then. There's nothing wrong with that." The last canister collided with Wildfire, causing the blade to be nearly as long as the silver Wulfun was tall but Hunter continued to hold it easily in one paw. “But then we'd lose one of the few pure lights left in the world."

Hunter roared, swinging Wildfire's blade upwards. Eaton barely dodged the blade in time.

“That's why I'm also glad he's unconscious right now," continued the combat engineer. “So he doesn't learn what it's like to be a bitter asshole like you who keeps a goddamn tally of everything he does so that he can hold it over everyone else's heads and bitch about it when he doesn't say anything about it!"

Eaton countered, swinging Comet. The two weapons collided, blue and red sparks flying from the impact.

“Why should I have to tell everyone else about my problems!?" roared Eaton, pushing him back. “If they voluntarily tell me about their issues, why can't they tell when something is bothering me and ask me without prompting!? Why doesn't anyone care about me for once!?"

“Do you expect people around you to be goddamn mind readers!?" Hunter countered, wildly swinging his sword and driving Eaton back. “The only person that has that ability that I know of is goddamn Char and what has he done but torture you?" He dug his sword into the ground, the heated blade melting the snow around it. Swinging himself around the blade, he launched both feet at Eaton, colliding with the Lupus' chest and sending him crashing backwards. Hunter landed easily on his feet and drew his sword.

“Wait, let me guess. He told you some 'truths' about those around you. Made you realize you've been taken advantage of." Waving a paw around him, he said, “What? Did he keep you holed up, showed you that we were going after Corona and that set you off? Made you think we didn't care?" He scoffed and charged, swinging his sword in a vicious horizontal strike that Eaton tried to block. The blow was too wide and the sword too long, however and Eaton was dragged to the ground by the sweep.

“Newsflash, asshole," Hunter continued. “I don't goddamn care. I barely know you! I have no emotional attachment to you." Turning to his side, Hunter gestured behind him. “But Serena? She fought for you. Kept pressing for us to go to Clockwork! Even though the Inquisition already swept through it, she tried to convince us to go there because she knew that was where you were stationed! Was that even where you were being kept!?"

Eaton held his gaze… for about a second before dropping his gaze.

“I thought so," Hunter huffed. “No matter what happened, Char would have twisted your thoughts so that we would've been the enemy. You were fucked from the get go."

Eaton bared his fangs. “What the fuck do you want me to do!?" He slammed a fist into the ground. Ice burst from the snow, propelling him back to his feet. “Wherever I go, I'm alone. An island with a single fucking lighthouse that everyone keeps using but never cares about until it goes out! Then when it does go out, they just find something else to guide them through the darkness! I'm worthless to them! Convenient when I'm around but they don't give a fuck if I ever fall!"

“Who told you that?" Serena pleaded. “Char?" She tried to approach but her legs gave out. Maintaining the immense storm that pushed back Eaton's blizzard was taking its told. Genuine concern crossed Eaton's face and he reached for her but held back.

“People do care, Eaton!" she pleaded. “At least, I do."

Eaton turned away, fangs bared. “Too little too late, Serena. I've already Fallen."

“So what?"

The cry came from Wood as the dragon trudged through the snow. His frozen wings were visibly and painfully flaking away with each step.

“I'm a Fallen and I still have good friends and family that look after me," said the dragon, resting a hand against Hunter's shoulder. “The Clarkes took me in. I've been living with them for most of my life. Aria doesn't judge me for who I am. I have a kick-ass teacher who pushes me to my limit. Tanar teaches me shit with patience I'd never show him in a million years. I don't deserve everything that they've given me. But they still give."

Wood shook his head, a crooked smile on his face. “This world isn't fair. But that's okay. Sure there will be assholes around there that will take and never give anything in return but then that also means there will be truly selfless souls that will never expect to be rewarded for the good that they do."

Hunter and Wood exchanged glances and the two nodded at one another.

Turning back to Eaton, they straightened.

“Get over yourself, Slater," Hunter snarled. “You're not the center of everyone's hope. You shouldn't be. Hold people responsible for their own baggage and make them stand on their own two feet. If they become dependent on you, it's only because you've been a crutch to them. Take responsibility for your part in this."

“And learn that you can be vulnerable," Wood continued. “You Fell. So what? Just means that you can be strong in a different way." He chuckled and offered Eaton a smirk. “Maybe you've just been spending too much time giving people the light of hope that you blinded yourself to your own darkness. You've just been shining a goddamn spotlight in their faces you didn't see the shadow they were casting."

Hunter nudged his friend. “Getting way too poetic there, Wood."

“Shut up," countered the dragon with a smirk.

Eaton's features softened. The storm around them began to abate, his rage fading. With the dying blizzard, Serena was finally able to release her wind barrier and she collapsed to her knees. Skye and Aria were instantly there, offering her healing. Hunter clapped Wood's shoulder, leaving the Fallen to speak to the other Fallen. Then he turned, shaking Wildfire's blade to rid it of the extra matter. As he did so, he generated enough momentum to produce one more canister.

He reached Serena and offered the canister to her.

“Thank you," she gasped weakly, taking the red drink from him.

“That was quite the impassioned speech you gave, Hunter," Aria observed, a gentle white light emanating from her palms that bathed Serena.

“I was just mad that Eaton destroyed my goddamn ship over something as stupid as feeling neglected because no one ever asked him how he was doing." Hunter sighed softly. “It's a valid reason, though. Sometimes, we just need someone to ask us how we're doing and give us the option to vent."

Hunter turned his head back towards Eaton who was now staring up at the clearing sky.

“I have been such an ass," the werewolf rumbled.

“It happens," Wood answered with a shrug. “We're allowed to be selfish every now and then. More so now that you're Fallen."

Eaton laughed softly and regarded him with a lopsided smile. “Wish I had learned that before Char got into my head." He grimaced, closing his eyes briefly. “Between the physical pain and the mental torture, I tried to hold out. I really did. But when I was shown you guys heading for Corona… everything he said just sort of… clicked. I broke."

“It's okay." Wood assured, holding up a hand. “We've all got flaws. For once, you're surrounded by people who know what it's like to dance with darkness and accept their own flaws."

“You mean except for the Red Lightning, right?"

Wood rolled his eyes. “Oh trust me. He's got his own flaws."

“Like what?"

The dragon winked at him. “Hang around us and you might eventually find out."

Eaton's shoulder sagged in an exaggerated manner but he was still beaming. “Fine… Don't pull my leg or anything." He held out his paw. “Still… Thank you."

“Thank Hunter," Wood said, beaming and gesturing at Hunter. “I have never seen him so pissed before. Then again, I wasn't the one that destroyed the frigate he built from scratch and spent months on."

Eaton's eyes widened and his ears folded back. “Oh… Oh no…"

“Yeah, you're in the shitter now, dude. You better go apologize at the very least."

Nodding, the werewolf gingerly approached the group. Hunter eyed him with one eyebrow raised.

Eaton never made it more than a few steps.

Blood exploded from his chest. A brilliant, white blade exploded from his left pectoral just where his heart was. The werewolf's eyes widened and he stared down at the gaping, bloody blade.

He had enough time and strength to look over his shoulder at the man who had skewered him.

… at Templar Cassius Solinium…

…wearing a toothy grin from ear to ear.

An Arctic End

Wood was just five feet away from Eaton Slater. He was feeling confident, smug and pleased with himself that they had managed to pull another Fallen from Char's grasp. Char had mentioned that he only needed one more Phantasm to claim as his own before his plans reached fruition and now that they had secured Eaton, he was sure that whatever those plans were would be foiled.

Then, without warning, Solinium was stepping past him, Zweihandler in his hands and thrusting it forward… straight at Eaton's back.

“Eaton!" Serena screamed.

Wood, paralyzed with shock, just turned slowly towards the Templar… and saw that chilling, ear-to-ear grin.

Char.

Solinium pushed Eaton off his sword, sending the werewolf crumbling to the ground, blood spurting from his chest and turning the snow red. Serena, tears in her eyes scrambled forward at the fallen werewolf.

The traitorous leonine Templar his other paw into the air. Sirius, the enormous white wolf that was Eaton's Phantasm let out a mournful howl before its form dissolved into streaks of light that shot towards the Templar's paw.

“And with that," Solinium said, closing his paw into a fist in front of his face. “The last puzzle piece falls into place."

“Why…?" Wood breathed, starting to huff with rage. He had Cindarc already out. “Why, Solinium!?"

Char, in Solinium's body, laughed haughtily. “You should know by now, Wood Bladebreaker, that Templar Cassius Solinium is long gone." He took a few steps back, spreading his arms wide in triumph while laughing into the air. “But if you must know, it started at Sveltholm. When he saw Ven, stoic and seemingly immovable Ven, break by your hands he began to doubt the validity of this crusade! He actually reached out to me! He prayed! Opened his mind to me while we were fighting on the ground!"

“No…" Wood breathed. “Then does that mean…?"

Solinium turned his back to Wood while turning his wide-eyed, manic gaze towards Skye. “Yes. I was already listening in when that pesky shaman was trying to convince you all to fly to Corona." He lifted Zweihandler towards Skye. “I must admit, the fact that you were able to come in contact with a Great Spirit intrigues me. I might just capture you and use you to guide us to them."

Skye flinched.

“Don't you fucking dare!" Wood roared, launching himself at Solinium. The Templar spun around with lightning-fast speed, blocking his blow. Swords of pure light sprang up over his shoulders and shot towards Wood. The dragon roared in pain as the blades tore through the rest of his frozen wings and one embedded itself into his left thigh.

“Such a pathetic creature you are," sighed Char. “Calling yourself a 'Fallen' yet never truly completing your ascension to a Paladin to the point that when you did Fall, it was little more than a tumble. You can't even manifest your Phantasm outside your body if you can even call that a Phantasm."

Char scoffed and kicked Wood back. Pain exploded in Wood's chest as he crashed into the snow.

“You can't even see the lesson here."

“Lesson?" Wood growled. “What lesson?"

Char leaned forward, tapping Solinium's temple. “Has it even occurred to you that you host many parallels with the Fallen? Alleria's guilt over my death and Melody's guilt over past sins? You continue to bear the burden over Jack Denver Clarke's injury! Vengeance Wren being trapped by the expectations of others? You call yourself a Fallen and continue to try to act based on what you think everyone else thinks a Fallen should act. And, of course, Eaton's frustration and loneliness. No one here can understand what you go through nor do they even try!"

The Goetia in a Templar's body threw his head back and let out a bellowing laugh. “You are so childish and naive! You preach acceptance of one's sins and yet you cannot even recognize your own! You're a hypocrite! If you were a Paladin, you would be so full of Sin that I wouldn't need five Fallen's Phantasms to break through to the Sun Spire. I would just need you!"

Wood roared, lunging once more at Char with Cindarc raised. He brought it crashing down, his rage and frustration pouring out of him. Char blocked the blow but that didn't stop him. He advanced, swinging the fiery axe over and over again recklessly. Even though Char was being pushed back, the Goetia kept wearing that unsettling grin.

With every swing, Wood flashed back to the words he had told the Fallen.

“Everyone fucks up. Just so happens that because we had Valors, when we fucked up that one time, everyone got to know about it."

His blows became more and more feverish, his cry of frustration gaining an edge of sorrow.

The cracks on Cindarc grew bigger.

“This isn't your fault! It never was! Don't let what Char did make you forget what a great Paladin you are!"

Wood flicked up Vulcan and began a blistering barrage of axe swings. Yet Solinium was still able to dodge and block them all. Frustration was boiling over and his vision was starting to blur.

There were tears in his eyes.

Cindarc grew red hot with the cracks along its surface burning white.

“Yeah. You were trapped by those bandits that forced you to work these mines all those years ago. You're trapped as the 'hero' of this town. You're also trapped as the salvation to these people. And you know what the hilarious part is?"

“You love it."

Wood jumped into the air, bringing both his axes above his head and then brought them crashing down with all his might down upon Char the Cleanser. The Goetia blocked with his stolen Valor, the impact of the weapons sending a shockwave that brushed the snow into the air.

Then…

… he recalled his most recent words.

“It's okay. We've all got flaws. For once, you're surrounded by people who know what it's like to dance with darkness and accept their own flaws."

… and Cindarc exploded.

A blistering, red light erupted from the weapon, hurling him several feet back and singing his scales. Wood crashed to the ground, writhing in pain. Through bleary eyes and tears, he barely saw the handaxe buried in the snow, blackened and charred. The gauntlet around his hand was burning red, superheated and burning his flesh, the snow around it was melting rapidly.

Char in Solinium's body was barely affected. The Goetia merely brushed off some imaginary dust from his shoulders.

“And there it is," chuckled Char. “The limits of your own abilities and just have far 'accepting your flaws and sins' will get you." He leaned forward mockingly. “How does it feel, Wood Bladebreaker? To be weak?"

Wood grit his fangs together but his entire body would not move. He was exhausted and in pain. In the back of his mind, Char's words and Cindarc's destruction rang with some poignant truth. This was his limit.

Suddenly, there was another figure standing in front of him.

Aria.

“What do you want?" the Angel demanded. “Why collect the Phantasms and torment these poor kids?"

Char turned to her, grinning madly. “Exactly as you suspected, Lady Valkyrie. It has always been my ambition to darkened the Scorium Axis." He gestured at the field around him. “As you can see, I have a talent for corrupting even those deemed to be incorruptible." He lifted a fist. Six orbs of energy appeared around his fingers, one blue, one red, one green, one yellow, one black and one white. “I needed the power of the fools to break through the door leading to the very top of the Sun Spire. It would have been there that I could finally corrupt the source of light for all of Incendius and plunge this entire Station into darkness!"

A manic laugh left Char's lips. “Imagine it! This entire Station plunged into primordial darkness! Everyone's hopes dashed! The faith of this Station shattered! The confusion! The chaos! The symphony of screams and cries of despair as even the might of the Generals are put into question!"

Wood's eyes widened in terror. The Scorium Axis was the legendary Valor supposedly given to the Sun Goddess to illuminate all of Incendius. It had stood vigil for thousands of years. If a Phantasm and Fallen like Ven who was just a little over twenty years old could cause a storm so powerful that it could rip a frigate out of the air, he shuddered to think what kind of power the Axis could unleash… let alone in the hands of someone like Char.

“That's a stupid plan."

The voice brought all eyes to JD who was barely getting to his feet, a bloody grin on his face.

“JD…" Wood whispered.

“Excuse me?" Char spat.

“It's a stupid plan," answered the Red Lightning. “Especially if you think that Incendius is based only on a single source of light."

Char regarded him with clear derision and arrogance. “What are you talking about? The Sun Spire -"

“Is one source of light," continued JD. “But technology marches forward and this whole Station is no longer solely dependent on it. In fact, even if it were to go out, it would not be the end of the world." Straightening, JD said, “The Sunless Lands never had a shred of light from the Sun Spire. The Searanti Archipelago might barely see the Sun Spire in the distance but they're not dependent on it. The Custodia Lupus, especially those living near the Darkened Lands already live in near-perpetual darkness. The Custodia Vampiri might not even notice because their territory is caught in perpetual twilight. Then we have the Darkened who aren't even affected by the Sun Spire." JD lifted a paw and began counting reasons. “Let's not forget that electricity and magic exist here. Almost every Incendian is an accomplished Pyromancer. They can create their own light. Oh and Luxmancers exist. They specialize in using light. Just like Eaton over there. Then let's not forget that one of the most powerful spells in Pyromancy literally creates an artificial sun."

JD pointed an accusing finger at Char. “You want to plunge the world into despair by taking out the Sun Spire? Well, I'm willing to bet that as much as there will be chaos, there will also be opportunities for people to shine and make their own light!"

For a moment, Char was stunned by the accusation.

Then he began to chuckle.

“So naive," snickered the possessed lion. “And here I thought you would have a far more mature view instead of one so childish." He lowered his glowing fist and jabbed Zweihandler into the ground. “Mortals are evil at heart. Even someone as 'pure' as this so called Templar, who was supposed to have conquered their Valor, was corrupted by me. Preach of hope and light all you want but once I darken the Sun Spire, we will see the true mettle of Incendians."

“Fair point," JD said with a shrug. Then he flashing his fangs. “But the scoreboard isn't in your favor right now."

Char arched an eyebrow.

“Face it," JD continued. “Every Paladin you've caused to Fall at this point has made it back. Alleria, Melody, Ven and Eaton all chose to step out of the deep, dark depression you inflicted on them and made their own choices. Chose their own conclusions. What makes you think that doing the same thing to Incendius will be different. Right now, you're four-and-oh."

“Your point?" demanded the Cleanser with a bored edge to voice. Oddly enough, Wood could sense a bit of… fear in the edges of his voice.

“My point is that if you had absolute confidence in your plan, you wouldn't be going around sneaking in the shadows." The Red Lightning tilted his head to the side, ears canted forward and eyes narrowed. “You're desperate. Floundering. Taking control of Solinium was never your plan. It was an opportunity you decided to take. But you took full control while we were in flight. Then you knocked me and my dad out."

Char rolled his eyes. “I should have just dropped you and let Eaton's storm consume you."

“But you didn't. Because Aria saw you take us. Or rather saw Solinium rescue us. Our deaths would've been suspicious." A smile slowly crawled on his muzzle as a realization hit him. “But you still needed us unconscious because you're afraid of us. Not just me or my dad. All of us. We're stronger than you. So far, we've foiled every one of your plans. Brought Paladins you've psychologically and physically tortured back."

“A fitting allegory for the darkness you'd think to inflict on Incendius," Aria concluded. “You can try to darkened the Sun Spire and even if you did, you're afraid we might just bright the light back!"

Again the possessed Templar showed derision. “A bold claim considering where we stand."

“Oh yeah?" JD countered. “Then why haven't you burned away Solinium's body in place of your own?"

Wood was suddenly full of energy and sat up. That was right… The last few times they had encountered Char, after he took full control over someone's body, he set them alight in a gruesome manner and pulled the burnt flesh off their bodies as he revealed his full body.

“The -" Char began.

“Psychological effect?" JD countered, a dark grin on his face. “No. I don't think so. It's because you need Solinium's body. What better way to get to the top of the Sun Spire than in the body of a Templar?"

“Oh shit…" Wood breathed.

“Fiend!" Aria shouted, leveling her spear at Char.

The Goetia snarled but never took his eyes off JD. “I could storm Corona with the power that I have."

“Maybe but you'd never be able to make it to your goal. We've got Pinnacle up there. Students just as strong as we are and teachers with as much power as Rayne or Aria. Not to mention all the military in Corona itself including the Sunburst Knight. You try it, you won't make it past the first gate."

JD was forced to draw one of his blades just so he could prop himself up. “You're desperate, Char. You're trying to unnerve us. Trying to inflict the same kinds of mind games on us as you did the Paladins because you know we can defeat you. None of this has gone according to your plan. You never expected us to find any of the Paladins. You never expected us to bring any of them back from the brink. You just wanted their Phantasms. But now, we're so close to catching up to you you can feel us breathing down your neck and you're scared."

Char's eyes widened and for the first time, there was a true flash of fear in his eyes.

Wood's heart soared. His veins filled with strength once more and he mustered enough to rise to his feet. Aria noticed and quickly began casting soothing, healing magic over him.

Char bared his fangs at JD. “Perhaps it is you I should have possessed."

There was a strange glint in JD's eyes. “You couldn't handle me."

An edge of confidence entered the Goetia's features. “You say that now but all it takes is one little slip up. One little mistake. One little prayer or crack in your facade and I will pounce."

“I've been wondering about that," said the red Wulfun, managing to straighten himself. “See, after all this time, I've constantly been wondering why you'd be obsessed with capturing Paladins and making them Fall while another branch was tasked with corrupting the very definition of Vermilion in the Illuminus Weizar and causing widespread panic and pain on Incendius."

Wood had completely forgotten about that. The entire reason the Custodia Goetia was brought to their attention was because they were behind the Vermilion trade and the cases of spontaneous combustions. He never considered how Char's actions could be related.

“Oh?" cooed Char, oozing confidence. “And what did your little conspiratorial mind come up with?"

Without missing a beat, JD said, “It's how you were born."

Immediately, Char's smug visage shattered.

“What…?" Tanar breathed.

“JD…" Rayne began. “Are you saying that Char is…?"

“We've always assumed that Char was a regular human who pursued immortality and became some sort of intangible construct that can possess people that swore allegiance to him," JD continued. “That his powers of Psychomancy were so great that he could take over people's minds and bodies with ease even from a distance. But when he said Solinium apparently prayed to him, it suddenly hit me."

Once again, JD pointed an accusing figure at Char. “He was never a person that was born. The Custodia Goetia go to great lengths to corrupt words in the Illuminus Weizar, bring it under their control and then give it shape! They manifest these words, giving them personalities and trapping them in mortal bodies that they can then forge and condition! Char is literally a word giving physical shape!"

Wood's jaw dropped.

The entire field was silent.

Then Char began to laugh.

“Madness," snickered the Goetia. “Utter madness!"

JD did not waver in his accusation.

“It's utter madness that you would glean the truth!" Char threw his head back, laughing into the air. “You are correct! I am indeed a word in the Illuminuz Weizar given shape! Thus the reason for my immortality and wide reach! Anyone who uses my spell, my name, is susceptible to my influence!"

He brought his grin down towards JD. “If you're curious, the spell that I embody is -"

“Flames of Truth."

Again, Char was frozen in shock.

“A powerful interrogation spell that is designed to inflict damage every time the target lies."

“The same spell Melody said Char used on her during her interrogation," Aria breathed.

Char was shaken but retained a modicum of confidence. “You are starting to impress me, Clarke. I think I am starting to see what you offer this incredibly annoying group." He rubbed his - Solinium's - chin. “You are the fastest here but your greatest value is finding the weakness of your enemies. You are so close to mine yet I am not so foolish as to let you spend another moment to glean what it truly is. So with that, I will take my leave."

Wood gripped Vulcan tightly. “Like we'll let you!"

Char turned to him, once again flashing that dark smile. He then pointed… at Eaton.

“Did you know it takes about a minute for someone to die after having their heart damaged?"

Wood's heart immediately sank. In all this time, they had neglected Serena weeping over Eaton's body and Skye desperately trying to keep the Lupus alive.

“I need help!" pleaded the Tigris.

“So the question remains?" Char said, turning back towards JD. “Do you believe you can afford to split up your party and face me while I have six Phantasms? After all, that meager shaman won't be enough to save dear Eaton. Your father is still unconscious. You might need all your healers. That will be Valkyrie, Hunter and Tanar. That would leave yourself, Kane, Rayne and maybe Wood who just lost Cindarc."

“You bastard!" Wood snarled.

“Will you four be enough to kill me while I embody Solinium's body?"

Kane stormed forward. “You bet we'll be enough! Hell, we don't even have to win! We just need to bang up Solinium enough so that he's unrecognizable so you can't sneak into Corona!"

JD suddenly lifted a paw, blocking Kane's path. “No," growled the Red Lightning. “Let him go."

The big, black bear stared at his cousin in shock. “What? But -"

“Trust me, Kane. We need to focus on Eaton." He nodded towards Char. “See you at Corona."

Char chuckled and turned his back to the Red Lightning, waving absently over his shoulder. “If you make it in time."

The Cleanser in a Templar's body suddenly sprouted brilliant white wings engulfed in flames and launched himself into the sky. Wood watched him go, silently swearing to himself that the next time they met, he would end Char the Cleanser. Then his attention was brought back to the effort to bring back Eaton.

He turned and charged over.

“I've been trying to keep his blood pumping through his veins," Skye cried, sweat soaking his fur and his paws shaking. “It's all I can do but he's still losing blood! Someone heal him!"

Hunter produced one of his potions and held it towards Eaton's lips. The Lupus Fallen was barely breathing and his eyes were unfocused. When Hunter poured the fluids down Eaton's throat, the werewolf didn't even have the strength to swallow.

“We're losing him!" Skye cried.

Serena let out a pleading wail.

Tanar reached down, touching Eaton with Chaosrender. The Paladin loudly swore, something no one was used to.

“Solinium… I mean Char's blade, Zweihandler," the Leomain hissed. “It's innate ability. All-Consuming Radiance. It's slowly eating away at the tissue and mass around the wound. It's actively damaging his heart even as we heal it!"

“Then there's only one choice!" Aria shouted, drawing Searsparrow. Serena screamed as Aria plunged her spear right into Eaton's chest and purposefully dug out the injured organ. Wood gagged and Hunter looked pale.

A second later, Aria held her hand towards Eaton's chest, holy light descending upon the open wound. What looked like a new heart made entirely out of bluish-white crystal appeared over the wound, knitting the flesh together. Skye led the blood still in Eaton's body through the new organ while Hunter continued to pour potions down Eaton's muzzle.

“No…" Tanar whispered. “It's not working! His body is rejecting the heart!"

“How!?" Aria demanded, her teeth gritted. “It's just another heart! I've created it to fit his body. Blood type and all!"

“It's because you're using Deomancy and he's Fallen!"

Wood's eyes widened. “And so am I…"

Before anyone could react, he reached forward and dug his claws right into Eaton's chest. He closed his eyes and poured all the frustration and fury he had felt from his fight with Char through his arms and right into Eaton.

He roared.

?

Darkened Sun

The only room remaining intact, powered and moderately comfortable was the guest room. There, Alex rested quietly on a couch. Hunter's potions and the healing magic of both Aria and Skye had closed all wounds, but he was not here to recover.

At that moment, Eaton let out a gasp and abruptly sat up in the lone bed that remained.

“Welcome back to the land oft he living, pup," Alex chuckled softly, sipping from the mug of coffee he held. “Can I get you something?"

Eaton stared at him wide-eyed for a second before quickly running his paws over his chest, particularly at the mass of bandages that were wrapped around his torso. “What… What happened? How am I…?" The werewolf flicked his gaze up at Alex. “Did… did someone use Necromancy to…?"

Alex shook his head and looked ruefully down at his cup. “No. No one used Necromancy on you."

Though common in the upper Stations, Necromancy was not a widespread practice for the sole reason that the cost to execute it was often extremely high. Bringing someone back from the dead even if it was briefly required great sacrifice. He once recalled one of the Generals mentioning that there were two approaches truly bring back someone. The first was to piece together someone's soul and Spirit from those around them. Sacrifice was required from the souls of everyone they had interacted with. Secondly, a Necromancer could try to pierce the Veil of Death and call the soul back from the beyond.

Generally, the longer someone remained dead, the harder it was to do either of these. This was also not counting the requirement of making sure the individual's body was capable of sustaining life. Most Necromancers didn't even bother with full-on resurrection and took the approach of giving brief glimpses or conversations with the dead through various means.

He recalled Necromancers here on Incendius had the practice of burning something precious related to the individual and from the fire, individuals could have a conversation with the dead.

“Then… how?" Eaton asked.

“It was difficult." Alex canted an ear towards the door. “Solinium pierced your heart with Zweihandler. Char knew it that the edge of the weapon has the ability to eat away at any matter that it touched when activated. Your heart was being consumed slowly. Skye couldn't overcome it so he just kept the blood pumping through your veins as much as possible. Hunter then began pouring some of his potion down your throat to help in recovery but Zweihandler was still too strong."

He then gave Eaton a smirk. “So, Aria took it upon herself to rip your heart out of your chest."

The werewolf let out a soft squeak and gripped his chest. He tenderly and gingerly poked his pectoral, his features going pale when he found that it was still very much firm and intact.

“Basically, Aria removed the diseased flesh," continued Alex. “Zweihandler's ability acts like a virus or acid. It only consumes anything that it's still connected to so long as there's still magic to feed it. It was actually to your detriment that we kept pouring healing energies into it. It was just fueling the degradation. With your heart and the surrounding tissue out of the way, it couldn't spread to the rest of your body. Had no magical energies to feed off. Of course that left a gaping hole in your chest. Hunter and Tanar were able to repair the immediate damage around the wound but you were still missing a heart. Aria created an artificial one for you but it wasn't enough."

A loud snore came from a pile of blankets and scales beside Eaton's bed. The werewolf's ears perked and he glanced over to find Wood slumbering on the floor. When he threw a glance at Alex, the Wulfun explained.

“Your body, being a Fallen, rejected Aria's divinely created artificial organ. Wood thought fast. He corrupted the heart with his own Fallen powers. Somehow, that was acceptable for your body. The wound was closed up and we were all placed here for recovery. That was about six hours ago."

“Six…!?" Eaton gasped. “What happened to Solinium!?"

“He was possessed by Char. He knocked myself and my son out when we escaped the falling starship." Alex tapped the side of his head for emphasis “There was a brief scuffle after you were downed. Char was driven away. He's heading back to Corona."

“Then we've got to -"

Alex waved him down. “The others are already working on it. You rest."

A loud yawn came from Wood and the Draconis stretched before sitting up. When he saw Eaton awake, the dragon gave a toothy grin and sat up. The young dragon's wings were fully repaired. Tanar, Skye and Aria had worked long and hard to make sure everyone was back up to fighting shape.

“Hey, you're awake bud," declared Wood cheerily. “It was touch-and-go for a bit there but glad you made it."

The werewolf gave Wood a lopsided smile. “From what I hear, I have you to thank."

“It was a team effort."

Eaton's gaze dropped. “Still… I'm sorry for the trouble I caused. Char… he just got to me."

“He got to a lot of people," said Alex, rising from the large recliner. “You and I apparently missed this but JD discerned Char's true origins."

“He did?" Eaton saw Wood's grim expression and folded his ears back. “What is it…?"

Alex first explained how JD had pieced together the relationship between the events of the Vermilion drug trade and the cases of spontaneous combustion wracking Incendius to the creation of the constructs such as Char the Cleanser. While they were unconscious, there had been a healthy debate about how this was possible and, eventually, Tanar and Skye had concluded that it was theoretically possible to give a word in the Illuminus Weizar a physical form, consciousness and individuality.

“Just as every living being in existence has a definition in the Illuminus Weizar, a True Mame, it might be possible that something defined in the Weizer can be given life," Alex said. “No one knows how they do it but Skye suggested that it might be a case that the Goetia use a variety of methods to take control of the definition of something and then once they fully control it, they command it to life."

“If you know something or someone's True Name, you can make them do whatever you want to the point that you can rewrite their very existence," agreed Eaton grimly. “It's often just a one-time command, though. People's definitions constantly change with time and their true names constantly change too. You use someone's True Name of them and then that Name immediately changes."

“But it's not the same for something static like an addictive drug or a spell," Wood surmised. “Char apparently is the spell Flames of Truth given physical form."

“That explains why he used it liberally on me," huffed the werewolf. “So what do we do? What can we do?"

With the revelation of Char's origins, there was an even greater drive to head to Corona. Half of the team were trying to get the Godslayer's communications back online to warn the city and possibly the Inquisition. Another was trying to fix the ship or at least build them a way to get back as soon as possible.

“We've got to warn people about using the Flames of Truth spell," Wood pressed. “Though from what I recall, that spell is kind of restricted."

“Flames of Truth and whatever other spells the Goetia may have corrupted," Eaton added. “But we don't know what those are."

“We can only worry about what we know," said Alex. “No use causing panic over the unknown. For now, get dressed, Eaton. Let's go see what the others are up to. Maybe we need to get to Corona as fast as possible."

Eaton gingerly got to his feet, still somewhat weakened after spending the past six hours in recovery after what was effectively open-heart surgery. He was amazingly strong as Wood helped him don some borrowed clothing. The young werewolf's body was surprisingly resilient and Alex couldn't help but allow some lewd thoughts to enter his mind. He quickly dismissed those, however, as he watched how close the werewolf was standing to Wood even as they got dressed.

Horny middle-aged dad was replaced with gossipy, chaotic dad and he mentally giggled to himself at what looked like a budding collegiate drama. The image of a member of the Custodia Lupus dating a Fallen heir to a weapons manufacturing empire from Haven was too juicy to ignore.

Indulging the thought for a minute, he envisioned someone like Skye or Kane walking in on the two kissing. He couldn't quite imagine the two having sex. Not quite yet. Their romance seemed a bit more… sedate but once the Fallen really got into it…

Alex chuckled loudly.

“Something on your mind, Uncle Lex?" Wood asked.

His heart melted at Wood's respective honorific towards him. Then he realized that Wood was effectively his son and his protectively, fatherly instincts kicked in. Eaton seemed like a good guy but he knew the Custodia Lupus were a polyamorous species by nature. Wood was a monogamous kind of guy though he could be pretty open-minded. Still, if Eaton hurt his informally-adopted-son…

“Just as passing thought," he said dismissively. “Now come on. Let's see what the others are up to."

They headed out of the guest room and started making their way through the ruins of the frigate. Eaton kept his head ducked and his ears folded back, grimacing at the damage he had caused. Hunter and Aria had created some scaffolding and supports to make the path down to the ground floor much safer but there was very little to hide the rough shape the ship was in. Power had been cut so there were no live wires or lights. Given that it was the middle of the night, everything was fairly dark. Light did stream from the conference room which had a large gap of snow and earth between them given that the ship had been split into three separate pieces.

Crossing the short expanse, they found where Tanar, Kane and Rayne were trying to get the big, circular communication table back online.

“How's things going here?" Alex asked.

“I think we've almost got it," reported Rayne, smiling at them. “Good to see you three are back up and running."

Eaton immediately bowed respectfully towards them. “I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused. I was… I was going through a lot."

Wood slapped the werewolf's back. “Get up. We don't care. Already forgiven you. If you're itching to make it up to us, help get us back to Corona and kill Char."

“That's the least I could do," snarled Eaton, straightening. He held out his paw to his right. Icy winds collected between his fingertips followed by a shimmering, white light. That seemed to crystallize the winds into the shape of Eaton's Sin, Comet. “Just point me at that manipulative bald bastard."

“Easy there, killer," Kane warned, emerging from underneath the table. “We still need to get to Corona." He grunted softly, his face covered in grease and grime. “We're miles away from the city. On foot, it'll take us at least two weeks. But we're just about three hours travel on starship."

“So let's get this ship moving again!"

“Easier said that done," sighed Tanar, tapping away at the keys of the table. “You did a number on it. It took a while to convince Hunter to abandon repairing it and work on that thing that Alex asked him to." Tanar glanced at Alex suspiciously. “You still haven't told us exactly what it is."

“You'll see," Alex replied enigmatically with a smile. “Either way, we're getting these guys to see if we can contact Corona or the Inquisition. Like Kane said, it'd take weeks to travel to Corona on foot. Char left us using magical wings. Even with the strength of a Templar, he might just be getting there now. But if we can give advance warning to the people defending the city, we might be able to head him off."

A loud electrical buzz erupted from the table, making Tanar jerk back. Lights blinked on and off before eventually stabilizing to form the emblem of Incendius hovering at the center of the torus-shaped table.

“Got it!" Tanar exclaimed triumphantly.

“Try to raise Corona," Alex ordered.

Tanar didn't get to key in a few numbers before the display began blaring that there was an incoming call. A quick look at Alex and Tanar accepted the communication.

High Inquisitor Serenity's features immediately appeared.

“Thank the Goddess," sighed the heavily armored Angel. “Where have you been? Why haven't you been answering my hails?"

“Careful, High Inquisitor," warned Alex coolly. “You're starting to sound like a needy ex-wife eager for her alimony payments." He didn't wait for her reaction before explaining that they had been attacked by Char and Eaton. While they had managed to convince Eaton to come back to their side, Char had stolen the werewolf's Phantasm and the Godslayer II had crashed. It had taken them hours to get communication back online.

“Sounds like you had your own troubles," she sighed. “Corona needs your help."

Alex's eyes narrowed. “What's happened?"

“Templar Cassius Solinium apparently appeared in Corona not too long ago with Trevor Ford in tow, apparently his prisoner. He insisted on some 'purification' ritual at the Sun Spire."

“Please don't tell me the guards there just let him in on the merit that he's a Templar," Rayne sighed.

“Of course not. The Inquisition was notified and before I could confirm his identity, he attacked the guards and forced his way into the Sun Spire. He left Ford to guard the entrance and he has now cloaked the area immediately around the Spire in a dark miasma! Given that Solinium was in your company last, I was looking for an explanation."

More like she was searching for signs of heresy.

“But it seems that even the minds of our esteemed Templars aren't immune to the corruptive force of Char."

Alex explained what they had learned about Char, particularly about how the 'Cleanser' was actually an entity formed from sentience given to a particular spell in the Illuminus Weizar. The Custodia Goetia were apparently birthing these constructs by gaining control of parts of the Illuminus Weizar itself and then manipulating them through unknown magic. Char, unfortunately, could not be fully destroyed unless they somehow found some way to destroy something in the Illuminus Weizar. That also meant that Char's influence could reach far and wide.

“We think that whoever so much as tries to use the Flames of Truth spell is probably a likely victim of Char's influence."

Serenity cursed loudly. “That's a staple of many Inquisitorial interrogations here on Incendius. I'll put out the word to halt all use of it until we know more."

“Wise. How far are you from Corona?"

“Still four hours away at least. I fear it will be too late to stop him by the time we arrive."

“Have you heard from Pinnacle?" asked Rayne.

“The staff and students are on standby to assist. But at this point they know as much as I did a few moments ago. We haven't released any information that Solinium has been corrupted by Char or that Ford is even at the Sun Spire. Just that the tower is under assault."

“Keep them there and get them ready to depart as needed." Rayne glanced over at Alex. “Char went into great length about saying he wanted to corrupt the Scorium Axis, to plunge Incendius into darkness. But then JD pointed out that everyone here is an adept Pyromancer and there are ways to illuminate the darkness outside of the Sun Spire. There are even people who live without the light of the Sun Spire. If he does darken the Sun Goddess, we need the students to be ready to lend their aid and keep the light going."

“A very intelligent child," huffed Serenity. “I'm transmitting the instructions to the school faculty now. Do you have any means to reaching the Sun Spire soon?"

“Why rely on us?" huffed Kane, surprising everyone in the conference room. “You've got aces in Pinnacle. Probably some strong heroes and other skilled fighters in Corona."

“Don't think I won't unleash them, you insolent, arrogant cub," sneered Serenity. “This news is literally minutes old. I assumed you would leap at the chance to fix the consequences of your own failings."

Before Kane could counter, Alex lifted a paw and brought it down near the keyboard that Tanar was manning. “We have a way to get there. Rest assured. We'll take care of this."

Without another word, he closed the call.

“This are bad…" whined Eaton. “Listen, I can probably get to Corona as fast as the High Inquisitor. But I can only carry one of you guys. Two at most"

“It won't be fast enough," Alex responded, a smile on his muzzle as he turned and started heading out of the chamber. “By the time we get there, it'll all be over. Char will realize he won't be able to break the Door to Dawn and unleash his frustration and his Phantasms on the rest of Corona."

“The what?"

Alex glanced over his shoulder at the others and indicated that they follow him. “The Door to Dawn is literally the enormous door leading to the top of the Sun Spire where the Scorium Axis sits. It's heavily protected. The top members of the Custodia Solis stand guard there. I doubt they'll be able to hold off Char but the Door itself is pretty much impenetrable."

“What makes you so sure?" Tanar asked. “Also why haven't we heard about this before?"

“Probably because you weren't fighting on the front lines like us during the Fall of Haven," answered Rayne, a smirk on his face. “When the military sent us over here, there were a dozen or so warlords trying to claim the Sun Spire. Remember, Alleria mentioned there was this unholy trinity who tried to wrest control of Corona. They tried to control the Sun Spire but never succeeded. One of the reasons is the Door."

“Apart from being made of extremely resilient materials, the Door is protected by…" Alex glanced over to Rayne. “How was it described…? Multi-layered Time Locking?"

Rayne nodded. “The Last Chronomancer would return periodically to the Door and add another layer of Time Locking on it. For those of you not in the know, Time Locking basically preserves an object in an instance in Time. "

Kane groaned loudly. “We know. We were basically trapped in a Time Lock Bubble when we raided the Lost Fleet. Any damage we did to anything in the Fleet would almost instantly regenerate." Then his eyes widened as he stared at Rayne. “So you're saying the Door and the only way to get to the top of the Sun Spire to peek at the Sun Goddess' holy tits is through an impenetrable door protected by Chronomancy?"

“Exactly," Alex answered, emerging into the snow around the downed starship. “I think the reason Char needed the six Phantasms was to muster enough strength to pierce the Door. But I'm fairly confident it won't be enough."

“Why not?" Eaton asked. “Not to brag, but Sirus was able to take down this whole ship. I can only imagine what kind of power everyone else's Phantasms could add to the equation…"

“Because it's more than just simple Time Locking. It's Multi-layered Time Locking." Alex wagged a finger over his shoulder. “Think of it as multiple layers of shielding. When you break through the first layer, the second layer will continue the defense. However, the minute you break through that first layer, it also starts recovering at the same time. So the deeper you go, the more power you'll have to put into your attack as you not only try to pierce deeper through to the Door but also keep yourself from being cut off by the recovering barriers."

Alex approached where Hunter, Aria and the others were gathered working on what appeared to be a large, metallic ring erected in the snowy field. “But we shouldn't take that for granted. Like I said, Char might eventually realize that it's futile and turn his attention to the rest of Corona."

He nodded at Hunter. “How's it looking?"

The silver Wulfun, covered in sweat, stepped back and regarded the strange machine in front of them. “Done… I think. Still have no idea what I built."

Alex grinned broadly. “That, dear Hunter, is a Warp Gate."

Everyone stared at him blankly.

“Warp…?" Serena asked. “As in the same Warp Technology that allows starships to instantly traverse the Void?"

“Exactly. But on a much smaller scale." Alex stepped up to the console sitting next to the gate. “During the war, I had the honor of working alongside General Solomon, the Horizon Lord, and the creator of Warp Technology. I learned a few things from him. The first iteration of the Warp Technology was, actually, the Warp Gate. A stationary portal that would link two locations together. Problem with this is that it took an incredible amount of energy to maintain. Regular Warping as we know it now brings objects from one location to another instantaneously. But keeping a gateway open from one location to another indefinitely…" He shook his head. “Way too expensive. Hard to maintain."

He remembered those experiments… and how he worked with Harm Chronos to develop it. The Last Chronomancer had been collaborating with the initial ten Generals for a long time before the Fall ever took place. Harm knew so much about the correlation between Time and Space but actually using the techniques he had developed without using Chronomancy or even the Illuminus Weizar had been incredibly difficult. Eventually, they had a breakthrough.

“We can't create a Warp Engine that'll bring us to Corona," Alex continued. “It wouldn't fit on the Godslayer and the power requirements are much too steep. A Warp Gate, though, will be enough. We just need to keep it open long enough for everyone to step through."

“Is it dangerous?" Aria asked.

“Of course. There's a reason why General Solomon abandoned it." Alex gestured at the large metal ring in front of them. “In an ideal situation, there should be a 'receiving' gate on the other side of the portal but since there isn't, it's very dangerous to step through. But we don't have any choice. There's no other way to cross hundreds of miles in an instant when the Sun Spire is under attack right now."

Shock was shown by those that hadn't received Serenity's report so a quick retelling was made. Panic and urgency soon spread across the team.

“I might be able to conjure a small transport," Aria mused. “But even at it's fastest, we'd arrive at Corona in a few hours."

“Same with my speed and Comet," replied Eaton.

“My Vulcan form can probably carry a couple of people but I'd be slower than any of that," added Wood. “Maybe we split up?"

“No," Alex said firmly, tapping on the console. “We take the Warp Gate. There's no more time."

With a resounding push of a button, the air sizzling. Crackles of blue lightning raced across the ring accompanied by a loud, whirring sound. Thunder boomed and without warning, a large, shimmering surface filled the inside of the ring. If an image of the other side was visible through the other side, Alex would've been more confident but he was going to take what he could get given this was erected in a few short hours.

“Who's first?" he asked.

Hesitation marred the faces of everyone around him… except for his son.

Crimson lightning crackled forward and JD zipped up the small ramp to the edge of the ring. Beaming brightly, JD winked at them and then gestured at them all to follow him.

“Last one through gets to buy me a year's supply of Firbar Skewers!"

Then JD was jumping through the portal.

“Well fuck!" Kane hollered, charging forward. “At least make it a challenge, cuz!" He turned a menacing grin down at the rest of the group. “Last one through not only gets their vengeance boner against Char blue balled but has to explain to Serenity how we got there faster and ended up killing a Templar."

And then he was through.

Skye and Wood were racing through a second later quickly followed by Hunter and Tanar. Serena strode up to the gate with Eaton by her side. They both nodded at each other knowingly and charged through the shimmering portal. Aria approached the ring before stopping and turning back towards Rayne and Alex who were the only ones remaining on this side of the power.

“We are going to have to destroy this when we get back," she said.

“Already set the Godslayer's reactor to self-destruct," answered Rayne. “It'll be a close, controlled explosion. No collateral damage but it'll take out the Gate."

She nodded and stepped through.

“Playing with fire here, Alex," warned Rayne. “I'm pretty sure someone might have the inkling you're not who you say you are."

Alex snorted softly and approached the portal. “Doesn't really matter, does it? When we've got someone like Char running around, we can't pull any punches." He glared fiercely at Rayne. “The Goetia are back in full force and we cannot hold back."

Rayne nodded grimly and together, he plunged through the portal.

?

The Blade of Sin

Shadows clawed and writhed around the base of the Sun Spire. Large walls made of white brick and emblazoned with the emblem of Incendius were marred by cloying darkness. Great statues of the Sun Goddess Apollia were not spared from the corruptive force. Red-clad knights of the Custodia Solis stood outside the enormous, iron gates, unable to pass through the barriers as anyone who drew close was immediately attacked by the shadows, their flesh blackened and dissolved to be consumed by the darkness. Crowds of Corona civilians stood in watch and anticipation as they looked anxiously towards the light coming from atop the Sun Spire, fearful of what this miasma could mean.

The large courtyard that separated the gates from the actual doors of the Sun Spire sat empty. Ancient trees taken from the Firefalls to the east grew in perfect patterns, framed by marble walkways. Their leaves were always shades of red, orange and yellow giving the impression of a constant state of fall. These trees flanked a large boulevard that led to the enormous arched doors where Trevor Ford stood, his rapier and Sin, Atropos drawn.

The minute a shimmering disc of light appeared at the far end of the boulevard, he had drawn his weapon and stood from where he was perched on the white steps of the Sun Spire.

The Godslayers emerged one by one and with Eaton in tow.

They took their time approaching, watching the shadows of the nearby trees for any signs of danger and for any other forms of ambush. That was fine by Ford. The longer they took, the more time Char had to breach the Door to Dawn and reach the Scorium Axis.

When they finally came within striking distance, Serena took the initiative.

“Trevor!" cried the half-Vampiri. “Whatever Char told you, it's a lie!"

He lifted his sword and leveled it at her. “And what lies did he tell me, exactly?"

There was a flash of movement and a crackle of red lightning. Ford immediately spun around and lifted his blade. He caught the red blade of Jack Denver Clarke's weapon, Conflagration, with ease. With his skills in swordsmanship, he easily forced JD's blade down towards the hilt of his weapon, controlling the force and direction of the blow while simultaneously angling his own weapon so that it just grazed the red Wulfun's shoulder. JD bit back a cry of pain but then did something surprising…

… he reached out with his free paw and gripped the blade of Atropos.

“Go!" shouted the Wulfun. “Everyone else just run and stop Char! I'll handle Ford!"

Trevor's brows furrowed. “What?"

“I'm not kidding!" JD shouted. “He's just here to buy time! There is no reason why we all need to be here to stop him when Char is already up there! I'll keep him occupied! Go!"

This immediately threw all plans he had of delaying the Godslayers out the window. But he was not without his own tricks. He yanked his blade from JD's grip, cutting the young wolf's palms. With a flick of his wrist, his shadow stretched out from beneath him into four different directions. From those four pillars of darkness, dark silhouettes of himself rose.

JD had been ready for this.

The Red Lightning immediately activated Shukuchi and appeared behind Ford even though the Vulpunus with the large, broad-brimmed hat was still facing him. From there, he kicked backwards, forcing Ford to stumble towards the steps. Then, he drew the other blade of Conflagration even though his palms stung from the cut he received earlier. He flung around in a full circle, red flames exploding from him in a wide circle and consuming the still-forming shadowy clones.

If he had hesitated even a second later, those clones would have fully formed and they would have escaped his sweeping attack. That would have delayed the rest of the team from getting up to the Sun Spire by six minutes. Similarly, if he had just let Ford rant about his tragic back story, they would have been delayed another five minutes.

He had learned this after the first few times running through this encounter.

What he had also learned was that he needed to get Ford off the steps. So he flung one blade of Conflagration in the direction of the team. Naturally, everyone dodged out of the way. That gave him time to seize Ford's collar with is now spare paw and immediately activate Shukuchi to chase after his blade.

The strength and effort needed to transport himself through Shukuchi was incredible and it was only through years of training that he had perfected it. There was also a reason he could never transport anyone else. The moment he reappeared behind his own blade, pain exploded from all over his body like every muscle had suddenly snapped. He crashed to the ground, letting Ford go so the momentum could throw the traitorous Fallen as well. Using the same momentum, he fought through the pain to grab one of Hunter's healing canisters from his hip and quickly down the concoction. The pain faded somewhat and he found the strength to pick up his sword.

“Go!" he repeated, sweeping his sword back. “We don't have the time to argue! Stop Char!"

“But -" Alex began.

“The Door to Dawn is protected by the Last Chronomancer's magic and planning but the Sun Spire is not!" he barked. “Char is going to realize that he can't break through the door so, instead, he'll just destroy the entire tower! It'll get him exactly what he wanted. You have to stop him!"

That hit them all with heavy realization. After thirty-seven attempts, those words were exactly what he needed to say. In fact, even if he had just said it without letting his dad begin an interruption, it would have raised more questions that would have wasted them even more time.

“I'm staying!" Eaton shouted, charging forward and rolling his shoulders. “Trevor is part of my squad. If he Fell, it's because I wasn't there for him."

There was no escaping this. After eighty attempts, there was no way JD could convince Eaton to leave him to deal with Ford. Their fight would take more than ten minutes. The good news was that after ten minutes from that point, the Sun Spire didn't collapse which suggested that his dad and the other Godslayers had somehow stalled Char. That had to be good enough.

“You're owed that much," he confirmed.

Eaton flashed a grin over his shoulder. “You go ahead. I'll keep the Red Lightning company."

Alex nodded firmly. “Don't let my son die."

Then, the other Godslayers turned and charged through the enormous doors of the Sun Spire.

“No!" Ford shouted. His entire body sank into the ground, transforming into a two-dimensional shadow. He tried to zoom past JD and Eaton…

… but Eaton immediately thrust Comet into the marbled floor and let out a roar. Light erupted from the mace and Ford was knocked right out of his shadowy form and several feet back. If there was anyone to defeat the shadow-wielding Trevor Ford, it would be Eaton Slater.

“Damn!" cursed Ford, slashing Atropos angrily through the air. “You know, Eaton, of all the others, you were the one I found the most annoying."

Eaton's feature's looked momentarily hurt. “I don't know what lies Char told you, Trevor. But whatever they are, they're not true."

“Don't bother," JD warned, eyes narrowed. “He Fell long before your squad was formed."

The werewolf's eyes widened and flicked to JD first before turning to Ford. The dark grin on Ford's features confirmed his statement. Though that grin wavered a little when JD vanished into a bolt of lightning and immediately appeared behind Ford. He didn't attack, however, and jumped back a few feet, catching the Shadowblade Paladin between him and Eaton.

A rapier could only defend from one side, after all.

“I wonder who ever told you that little fact, pup," pondered Ford.

JD fought off the urge to claim that Ford told him and to brush it aside with Ford's own recent words confirming his suspicions. In reality, he had heard the Fallen's story over a hundred times now.

“I know the story," he answered enigmatically. “You're the Shadowblade Paladin working in a Station that venerates light and fire. For the longest time, you maintained that shadows were a natural part of generating illumination. That people just didn't appreciate standing in the light meant casting a shadow. You lived by the mantra that you would be the protective shadow people cast."

Ford's features wavered. He did not expect this level of understanding from JD.

Instead of activating Shukuchi, JD charged, swinging his two blades through the air before eventually colliding with Ford. One of his swords slammed into Ford's rapier. Just like before, the skilled swordsman tried to guide his sword away while the tip of the rapier could graze JD. However, JD maintained his momentum and swept his other blade upwards. A large, fiery, red wing sprang from the ground - a perfectly executed move known as Phoenix Rising.

This caused Ford to stagger back closer to Eaton.

“But people kept throwing shade your way," JD continued. “No pun intended. You found yourself distrusted because of the magic you chose to specialize in and Valor that enhanced it. Their words and treatment got to you. Then the Goetia found you during the Fall. You became disillusioned to the Church and the people you swore to protect. Even more so when you were thrust into a squad under a Marshal. After all you did for them, after you stayed loyal during the Fall, they still didn't trust you. Didn't take much from Char to make you Fall."

Ford gave him a short laugh. “I basically begged him to help me Fall."

The fox flung around, easily sidestepping an overhead blow from Eaton. He unleashed a series of jabs and slashes at the werewolf. His movements were smooth as silk and fast as lightning. Eaton was forced back, little slashes and gashes all over his body but nothing too serious.

“Why?" Eaton demanded. “Why willingly Fall?"

“Because being a Paladin is a thankless job especially now!" barked Ford. “After the Church fell from grace, we were distrusted! We're considered just on the precipice of Falling! You would never see it because you embody light and hope! But for me, who delves in the shadows, I'm considered the most 'at risk'! I grew tired of the looks and rumors people would utter about me! I gave them exactly what they wanted!"

A dark grin crossed Ford's features. “And I helped all of you Fall in the process."

“What!?"

JD stepped in, once again clashing blades with the far more experienced swordsman. This time, Ford blocked both his swords with ease, swatting them both aside with relatively ease. JD was pushed to the side and received several slashes and jabs to his flanks for his efforts.

When another jab came, JD dropped Conflagration, seized the oncoming blade and immediately thrust it into the ground in front of him. Ford was caught off guard as his pointed rapier was embedded into the marble and he suddenly came within JD's range. The Red Lightning launched himself at Ford, seizing the fox's face with one of his paws, crimson electricity dancing from his fingertips. Ford's body seized up and was thrust back by a blast of lightning, his fingers loosening around Atropos.

“Ford planted the seeds of a Fall so that suspicion was thrown off Char," JD said grimly. “He fanned the flames of desire in Alleria so that she would grow more and more dependent on Urellia. He constantly reminded Melody of her responsibilities to Shimmersea just to deepen her commitment to the people there. He even started a romance with Ven just so that it'd sting more with his eventual betrayal." JD offered a smile to Eaton. “You were the only one he couldn't really touch. Seems your light kept his shadows back."

Ford spat blood on the ground and he shakily got to his feet. “It's exactly that kind of statement that made me hate the people of this Station." He straightened, scowling at JD. “The light is a crutch. It makes people weak and forget the power of the shadows. Everyone on this Station cowers to the Sun Spire and never even considers what hides outside of the light. Incendius was stronger when it was plunged into darkness."

He held out a paw and black, shadowy tendrils shot from his fingertips. They lanced through both JD and Eaton, forcing them aside and cutting their fur and flesh. The tendrils seized Atropos and pulled it back towards him.

“It will be a pleasure to snuff out the light."

JD net out a soft, derisive huff. “I don't think you'll be doing that."

“And what makes you so confident."

The Red Lightning picked up his swords. “Because Char has already stolen your Phantasm. That, and you've been keeping up the barrier preventing anyone else from entering the Sun Spire for a while now. This huge spectacle caught the attention of all of Corona, the Church, the military and the Inquisition. You can bet people are trying to find ways through. Honestly, if you and Char had just snuck in without this fanfare, you probably would've gone further."

Ford's eyes widened for a moment and he bared his fangs.

“You're fighting on two fronts," JD concluded. “Out there and with us. Without your Phantasm as well, you're at half strength. You know this is a losing battle. Char did too. He just wanted all eyes on the Sun Spire for his 'triumphant victory'."

Eaton glanced at JD and then at Ford.

“Why are you still fighting?" he pleaded. “Char is clearly using you just to buy him time! You're disposable to him."

“I've always been disposable!" roared Ford, thrusting his rapier forward. The edge of the blade lanced out, a beam of darkness that both JD and Eaton barely dodged. “I've always been an afterthought. The first one expected to Fall. The one always at the edge of evil. Plans were made for my eventual betrayal! Do you know how that feels!?"

“We're all in that position!" barked Eaton. The werewolf crouched low and charged, Comet dragging across the marbled floor and creating a trail of ice where it went. “After the Fall, everyone distrusted Paladins!" He swung at Ford, pillars of ice erupting from the ground with each blow. One of the blows was close enough that it dislodged Ford's ever-present, broad-brimmed hat.

“But I was always expected to Fall first!" Trevor roared back. “Every time something went wrong, I was blamed! Every time something shady or underhanded was attributed to our team, I was the prime suspect. Even when we worked separately, every single time I walked into town, people would whisper that if anything went wrong I was to be blamed!"

Ford thrust his rapier forward, lances of dark energy shooting from the tip and tearing through Eaton's icy pillars. The werewolf scrambled back, unable to muster defenses in time. JD appeared behind him in a storm of crimson lightning and launched over his broad shoulders, swinging Conflagration in a wide circle. A ring of flames burst from the two swords, sweeping over the dark beams and dispelling them.

“I was a perpetual omen of bad luck," sneered Ford. He was panting, sweat dripping from his brow. Maintaining the barrier around the Sun Spire and fighting the two wolves was clearly taking its told. “Ven had to face the glowing expectations of his town and fans. I was met with their scorn and disappointment. Whatever I did, no matter how grand, would always be tempered by the expectation that I was inherently evil."

Eaton's shoulder slumped. “I… I didn't know…"

“How could you?" snarled the Vulpunus. “You were too busy brushing off everyone else's deepest despair with simple, naive adages like 'just keep your chin up' or 'there's always hope'." Ford's voice turned mocking with those quotes, trying to mimic Eaton's gravelly baritone. “You have no idea how easy it was to foster the darkness in everyone else's hearts while you continued to show just how unappealing and arrogant the light can be."

The big werewolf's shoulder's slumped and his grip around Comet loosened.

JD stepped forward, gently resting a paw on one of Eaton's arms. “You know, if Kane were here, he'd say something like he doesn't care whether it's light or dark. He'll use whatever he can if it'll get him what he wants." He smiled at Eaton, patting the werewolf's arm lightly. “But for me, it comes down to one thing."

“What what is that?" sneered Ford.

JD tilted his head slightly.

“Will you be happy with your decision?"

For a second, confusion crossed the Fallen's features. “What kind of question is that?"

“A serious one," JD said gravely. “When all is said and done, if you win. If you managed to delay us long enough that Char corrupts the Sun Spire and destroys the world… will you be happy with what you've done?"

Ford snorted. “You mean will I be happy that I've inflicted the despair and darkness upon this entire flaming Station that everyone expected me to?"

JD didn't answer, just lifting an eyebrow.

Ford's eyes searched his…

… then he fell to his knees, dropping Atropos. “No… I won't, will I?" he breathed. “I'll just be proving them right."

The shadowy barriers around the Sun Spire's gates faded. A collective gasp and murmurs of awe spread from the gathered crowds. The moment the last vestiges of darkness faded, knights of the Custodia Solis dressed in their red and white armor came marching through accompanied by priests dressed in similarly colored robes. A few of them stopped in shock the moment they saw JD and Eaton but then continued their charge.

“I won't be happy with my decision," sighed Ford. “Maybe I'll be satisfied for a bit but afterwards…?" He leaned his head back, looking at the Sun Spire above him. “Char isn't going to break through to the Scorium Axis, is he?"

“No," answered the Red Lightning. Soldiers and knights surrounded them, weapons leveled and spells at the ready. “My dad said something about the Door to Dawn being protected by powerful Chronomancy. But Char can still destroy the Sun Spire itself."

“But he's not going to manage that…" Ford laughed softly at himself before turning back to JD, a grim look on his features. “You've got to know. This isn't even his whole plan. It's not their entire plan."

“What do you mean?" demanded Eaton.

Suddenly, Ford's eyes bulged, blood seeping out from his tear ducts and veins bulging through his red fur. He screamed and gripped the sides of his head.

“Ford!" JD cried.

“Stay back!" shouted the Vulpunus, holding up a paw. “It's him… The leader of the Goetia here on Incendius!"

At the mention of the Goetia, the entire crowd around them hesitated.

“Shadowfire…" breathed Ford. The Fallen used all his might to lift his gaze at JD. “The Goetia aren't going to bring back Adramalech. Char wanted to darken the Sun Spire so…" He suddenly screamed. Black flames tinged with angry, red embers erupted across his body, burning away his fur and flesh with frightening ease.

“Blazes!" Eaton shouted, storming forward but JD held him back.

“He wanted to deprive Incendius of all hope!" shouted Ford as the flames began consuming his torso. “Just so that he can bring forth a god of his own creation for Incendians to worship! Rid the Station of its past beliefs and install his own!"

Ford screamed, tilting his head back as if to keep the flames away from his lips for as long as possible.

“He wants to create his own God of Fire!"

With those last words, the cursed flames consumed the rest of Ford's body. His cries of anguish shook the crowd. As quickly as they came, the black fire faded, leaving nothing but ash.

“Oh blazes…" Eaton breathed, his gaze slowly turning to JD. “… this can't be good."

A loud roar erupted from above them and all eyes turned to the top of the Sun Spire.

“Nope," breathed the Red Lighting. “It definitely isn't good."

Tenebris Solis

The Sun Spire was surprisingly large. The first level alone was as large as the Helioclast Coliseum. Made to look like an enormous cathedral, distinct wavy spikes dominated the decor reminiscent of the zigzaging rays radiating out of the Incendian emblem. The floors were made of highly reflective tiles and made to appear like a complex mosaic. Ancient pews lined up perfectly with aisles cutting through the organized segments to make it look like they were radiating out of the central dais and altar at the far end of the chamber. Intricate paintings dominated the ceiling depicting scenes significant to Incendian history. At its center was the Mother Goddess apparently passing the Scorium Axis to the winged Sun Goddess Apollia.

“There is a lift behind the altar," Aria stated, completely ignoring the majesty of her surroundings.

Skye was inundated by the spirits' voices all around him. This was one of the most ancient places in all of Incendius. The spirits here were equally as old and powerful. Their voices were strong and they radiated with a higher level of consciousness than anything the young Tigris had ever felt before. They watched him judgmentally but held their interference thanks to influence of one particular spirit… the oldest of them all.

The Great Spirit of Smoke, Yvanir.

As the remaining Godslayers made their way down the aisles, Skye could see the shadowy, billowing Great Spirit hovering over the altar, watching him with those smoldering, coal-like red eyes. No one else noticed the presence of the Great Spirit as they rushed across the enormous cathedral-like expanse towards the altar. Skye flew through the air and purposefully slowed his approach as he got close to the entity.

A chill ran down his spine as he passed it.

“Remember your promise," it whispered to him.

He gave it a quick nod before lowering himself to the ground.

Behind the altar was what could only be described as an enormous, gilded lift. It was large enough to easily fit thirty people standing abreast. Aria flicked her hands at the two braziers standing beside the elevator entrance. Twin bolts of light shot at the bowls, immediately igniting them with white flame. Ancient cogs and machinery twisted and churned as the lift began descending from above them.

“Few people use the Solar Ascensia," she said grimly. “Not even the Apex Clericus Solis would go up to the Scorium Axis unless it is absolutely necessary."

“Did Lumire ever go up?" Wood asked.

She gave the young Fallen a crooked smile. “For as long as he lived, it would have been odd if he didn't. Himself, Harm and I went up there once together. It was right after the Year of the Blood Eclipse."

Skye canted his ears at the mention of the dark event. “That's the event where the Scorium Axis was corrupted by a demon, right?"

She turned that smile to him. “Two points to your rubric, Skye. Three more if you can identify the cause of the Blood Eclipse, the key perpetrator and the events leading up to it."

Brow furrowed, he recounted how the year was 2744 Anno XIII, about three hundred years ago. At the time, the Apex Clericus Solis hadn't named a rightful heir. This was during that time when selection of the highest rank on Incendius was based entirely on whom the High Priest of the Sun named and not the democratic vote it was now. This caused a several cardinals to vie for power. One of them was Dalyst Wraithblood, a member of the Custodia Vampiri.

Serena audibly winced at this. “Dalyst is mentioned often in our history books," she said grimly. “A lesson to keep ambitions in check and to be constantly wary of demonic corruption."

Dalyst managed to get enough popularity that he was in the running to become the next Apex Clericus Solis. However, even after all the campaigning and voting, no decisive victor could be named amongst the three candidates. Dalyst and the other two candidates eventually decided to beseech the Sun Goddess for her opinion. However, the moment they made it past the wards and came into the vicinity of the Scorium Axis, Dalyst's assistant Mhrhaliine, revealed herself to be a demon in disguise. She killed Dalyst and the two other candidates and corrupted the Sun Spire to act as an enormous portal to her legions of demons to invade.

“What followed was a bloody war," Skye recounted just as the lift arrived. “Corona was quarantined and most of Incendius was plunged into a dark twilight. It took a whole year before control was wrested from the demons."

Aria nodded grimly as they entered the lift. Like many elevators, there were buttons that would tell the device which floors to take them to. What he noticed, however, was that there were basement levels.

The Underspire… or so Yvanir mentioned.

“Three additional points," Aria said, bringing him back from his musing. “After the war, Lumire, Harm and myself created the Door to Dawn to keep people who had ill intentions from reaching the Scorium Axis. I created the Door itself using Divine Magic. Red Adamantine coats it to absorb most forms of Pyromancy while the door itself is made of an ultra-dense neutronium. It's nearly impossible to move or penetrate without the special magic imbued into the door itself."

As the lift began to rumble upwards, Aria continued by saying that Lumire cast a purifying spell over the door. A curse, really. She was unsure about the specifics but he once mentioned to her that only those who had the best intentions for Incendius would be able to pass through the door. Anyone who sought to hurt the Station or bore any sort of malice in their hearts would be burned by holy fire. Lastly, Harm applied the multi-layered Time Locking so that in case Aria's defenses were somehow broken, the Door would always repair itself.

“The Chronomancy is also the only way to open the Door by reverting it into a state where it was open."

“How can anyone activate the Chronomancy without a Chronomancer?" Skye asked.

“Same way the Lost Fleet could entrap people without Harm actively being there." She let those words sink in for a moment. “There is a ritual that would take the Time from devout worshipers to open it Harm would open it for Lumire when he needed but otherwise… you would need sacrifice."

Skye shuddered at the thought that several people's very souls were used to create this impenetrable barrier. At least he hoped it was impenetrable. Char seemed confident that he could breach through it with the power of six Phantasms.

As they ascended, the elevator began shaking. The fur on the back of his neck began to rise. The air was inundated with magic and he could feel the ancient spirits becoming restless. They whispered and buzzed about pain and torment made manifest being used to try and breach the ancient Door.

“Can't this thing go any faster!?" Kane growled in frustration. He was gripping Spicy Meatball tightly in his paws, fangs bared and the little white flames flickering out of the corners of his eyes.

“This mechanism was here before even modern Incendius," huffed Tanar. “I'm honestly surprised it still runs."

The shaking and booming grew louder and louder.

“Game faces, people," Alex warned. “We're almost there."

Skye's ears popped as they reached an incredible altitude.

Then the lift abruptly stopped. Gears ground and twisted before the golden doors began to split open again.

A large, yawning, dome-like chamber sprawled in front of them. At the tip of the dome was a single hole perhaps about six feet wide and from it came a single beam of light likely from the Scorium Axis itself. This light illuminated a large, Incendian emblem emblazoned on the floor in gold. The rest of the floor was made out of intricate black stone that had red veins running through it: Mantlite. The chamber was about the same size as the cathedral below but bisected by an enormous gate, the light and emblem from the Scorium Axis divided in two by this wall.

The gate itself seemed to be made of a writhing, ethereal white fire that radiated from a central door that reached almost completely to the top of the dome. This door was completely red in color with a scene of the Mother Goddess standing near the top of the arched doorway passing the Scorium Axis down to the winged Sun Goddess Apollia who stood at the base of the door. It was impossible to see anything beyond the white flames.

Char the Cleanser inhabiting Cassius Solinium's body stood in front of the door, back to them. All five of the Phantasms he had stolen from the Fallen that had once been under his charge stood alongside him while. There was one other Phantasm with them. A ten-foot tall, thin, humanoid figure wearing a broad-brimmed hat and dressed in a smoky cloak that billowed and rippled like it was made entirely out of writhing darkness. The creature's body was mostly hidden by the cloak but it was possible to see the long, thin, black rapier he held and the nine, vulpine tails that fanned out from behind it.

Likely Trevor Ford's Phantasm.

Char roared, pointing Zweihandler at the door. A concentrated beam of white flames laced with black energies and crackling with purple lightning burst from his fingertips and slammed into the enormous door. The beam struck the enormous portal, spreading its corrupted flames while the Phantasms attacked. Alleria's Phantasms of ice and fire - Shiver and Pyre - collided with the wall of seemingly solid white flames and were instantly repelled. Melody's winged siren Phantasm, Requiem, strung her harp-like feathers, shooting visible waves of wind at the wall to little effect. Grave, Ven's turtle-like Phantasm, flung the enormous manacles wrapped around his wrists, throwing the enormous steel coffins against the door but doing little than causing the entire dome to shudder. Eaton's icy wolf, Sirius, burst into a beam of light that slammed over and over against the Door to Dawn but did little more than aggravate Char's seething flames. Lastly, the unnamed black swordsman swung his rapier at the Door, vicious wounds of black energy cutting across the portal. These cuts emitted loud, ear-piercing screams before exploding in writhing energies.

The Door to Dawn remained unfazed.

“Why won't you break!?" roared Char in frustration.

JD had been right. Char was desperate. Skye could feel it in the remnants of the Cleanser's spell rippling through the spirits of the dome. The Goetia had expected to harvest the Phantasms with plenty of time to spare but the Godslayers had been hot on his trail the entire time. Now he was running out of time. How Char wielded the Phantasms was also… amateurish. Even a consciousness made from the Illuminus Weizar itself couldn't fathom how to wield all that sin at once.

“Because you are not enough," Aria declared, striding forward with Gungnir in one hand and Searsparrow in the other.

Char flinched for a second and seemed to compose himself. The Goetia spread his arms wide and turned to them wearing that ear-to-ear grin of his. On Solinium's face, it seemed all the more unnatural.

“Ah," declared the traitor Marshal. “You certainly took your time."

“Cut the bullshit," Rayne barked. “You weren't expecting us this soon. You were hoping that Ford could keep us occupied for longer. JD saw through your ruse. He and Eaton stayed behind to keep Ford occupied so that we can get up here and stop you."

For a second, Char's confidence wavered. “Is that so?" Then his smile came back. “Do you think you would have enough power amongst yourselves to stop me without your lauded Red Lightning?"

“Trust me," rumbled Kane, stepping right up next to Aria. “We'd be more than enough to kick your ass. And besides…" He returned his own wicked grin. “… now JD has a chance to make a killer entrance when you least suspect it. You have no idea when he'll strike."

Again, there was a second of doubt in Char's features.

“How cute," sighed the Confessor. “You think you unnerve me." Char brushed back Solinium's hair and mane. “But you are talking to the embodiment of the Flames of Truth. I am Char the Cleanser, Confessor of the Custodia Goetia!" He lifted his stolen Valor towards the Godslayers. Writhing white wings made of seething, white flames burst from his back, crackling with purple lightning and dripping with black energy. “And the truth is that you will all die here!"

Char lifted into the air and each of the Phantasms turned towards the Godslayers.

Aria and Kane charged forward with Rayne right behind them. Crystal spears with dozens of chirping, flaming birds appeared above them and launched themselves at Char. Grave lumbered in front of the Confessor, armored back towards the oncoming projectiles. The spears collided with the turtle's shell, erupting in bursts of white flame and shaking the enormous Phantasm. Kane launched himself into the air, propelled by bursts of flame from Spicy Meatball's hammerhead. He spun once in the air and brought the volcanic hammer crashing upon Grave's shell.

The enormous Phantasm fell to one knee.

WHAM!

Shiver came out from the right, slamming a sharp, icy heel into Kane's chest and sending the big, black bear crashing to the ground some distance away, wrapped in large, icy crystals but with his face exposed. The blue-skinned lioness then proceeded to unleash a flurry of kicks straight to his face. Kane's blood splattered across the clear ice.

Purple flames slammed into Shiver. Rayne unleashed his own barrage of flying fists that generated greater and greater purple flames from Burnicade. Shiver was forced back. That was when Pyre - Shiver's male counterpart - came launching out from behind her, flaming fist descending towards Rayne. The Demon Prince anticipated this and quickly slammed his fists together. The flames form his gauntlets erupted into a burst of purple ash that quickly formed itself into his likeness. The ashen clone slipped under Pyre and continued to assault on Shiver while Rayne matched Pyre blow-for-blow, knuckle-to-knuckle.

Meanwhile, Aria launched herself at Grave's shell and buried both her spears into the turtle's shell. She then grabbed Spicy Meatball and hurled it in Kane's direction. Just in time as Grave began to rise and spin her around. She grabbed Searsparrow just as she was hurled clear off. Instead of crashing to the ground, she twisted in the air and held her other hand out. Gungnir pulled itself from Grave's shell and slipped underneath her feet. It sprouted wings from beneath its spearhead and stalled her descent. She then surfed through the air just as Sirius came crashing in behind her. The enormous wolf wreathed in light chased her around the dome, just barely on her tail.

Gunfire ripped through the dome. Alex unleashed a barrage of explosive rounds from Stellar Quadrant. Little bursts of flame peppered Grave, angling towards its face. The enormous turtle roared in agitation before lifting its manacles and sweeping one of its iron coffins towards Alex. The larger red Wulfun dashed away from the oncoming strike. Metal suddenly sprang from the ground around him, stalling the blow. Tanar rushed forward, the claw of Flarecaster rushing across the metal he had conjured and transforming it back to molten steel. It melted over Grave's coffin before fusing with the ground, keeping it pinned.

But the turtle had another coffin and it lifted its other arm before swinging the chain and coffin like a flail down on the two. An enormous shadow suddenly sprang up over them. Wood's enormous full draconic form took the entirety of the blow. The huge, green dragon crashed to the ground.

“Wood!" Skye cried and immediately rushed to his friend. With so many spirits around him, it was easy to channel their energies to healing Wood's wounds. The titanic dragon gave him a nod as the injuries across his back began to heal. Then the dragon's large, reptilian eyes widened. Skye saw the dark, shadowy figure of the unnamed Phantasm hovering over his shoulder reflected in Wood's eyes.

He barely at enough time to turn around -

CLANG!

Hunter caught the Phantasm's long, black blade on the shield of Wildfire. Then, with his other paw, he swung the blade of his weapon at the Phantasm, forcing it back while generating momentum and heat. The moment he had enough, he generated a canister which he threw aside. It erupted into a turret that quickly began showering the dark Phantasm with bullets. The manifestation of Ford's sins merely knocked the bullets aside with a rapid swing of its sword.

“Shit…" Hunter rumbled.

From behind the Phantasm, Requiem appeared. The winged Phantasm strung its feathers and a screeching song ripped through the dome. Skye grimaced, plugging his hears with his paws as he was forced to his knees. That lasted for about a second before a gust of wind blasted past him and forced Requiem back.

Serena stormed forward, swinging her fan over and over, generating powerful gales that pushed even the unnamed Phantasm back. Hunter's turret was able to rip new holes into the cloak of the Phantasm and even Requiem with Serena forcing them back. The two smaller Phantasms were forced back against Grave which lowered one, armored hand over them, protecting them from Hunter's bullets.

“They're working in synch!" bellowed Alex. “We take down one of them and we disrupt their formation!"

The spirits began screaming.

They had forgotten one thing.

Char.

A blistering, white light erupted from behind Grave. This light spread, becoming all-consuming and rushing to fill the entire dome. It could not pass the Door to Dawn but that left the rest of the dome and the Godslayers vulnerable. Skye watched in horror as this light even consumed the Phantasms who stared on without care as their bodies were disintegrated by Char's light.

“No!" Aria cried and immediately landed. She turned around, crossing her spears as Sirius came crashing against her. Using the huge wolf's momentum against it, she fell on her back and hurled it right into the encroaching light. Then she got to her feet and embedded both her weapons into the ground. Holding out her hands, a protective barrier of dozens of glowing, thick hexagons sprang up around them in a protective dome. Tanar flung both his clawed hand and paw forward. Steel burst from the ground, forming seven thick barriers one after the other in between them and Char's approaching light. Similar barriers sprang up in front of Kane. Rayne hurled himself over the trapped bear, transforming into his true, demonic shape and covering Kane even as Pyre and Shiver assaulted his back despite the encroaching light.

But Skye knew it would not be enough.

Char had used the distraction caused by the Phantasms to generate a powerful spell. A purifying light stemming from Solinium's own strength and his own Flames of Truth.

Nothing could stop it…

… except maybe…

Skye surged forward rising into the air with Nullfire Covenant shimmering with spiritual energies.

“Spirits," he whispered, “lend me your strength."

Some energy streamed into him from the ancient spirits around him. A silver flame burst from his fingertips which he immediately directed into Char's approaching light. The fire slammed into the expanding dome of light, momentarily stalling it as the Nullfire technique consumed the very Pyromancy that made the spell. However, Char's strength combined with Solinium's would win eventually and the shell of light grew a moment later.

“Come on…!" Skye pleaded. “I need more strength!"

Some more spirits offered their strength. The silvery flames grew stronger, now a torrent of flame like flamethrowers were springing from his paws. But it was still not enough. These spirits were not the nascent consciousnesses that he was used to dealing with. These knew what death was. They knew that if they gave everything they had, they would fade. They were hesitant and valued their life.

“Please!" he cried.

“Swear to me."

Yvanir's voice echoed in his mind and he felt the cold, smoky presence of the Great Spirit right behind him.

“Swear to me that you will rescue me from my anchored existence and save my kin from the Goetia."

Skye's mind raced. This was not like making a deal with a demon. Spirits were not inherently malicious but at the same time, what he knew about spirits did not apply to Great Spirits who had their own personalities and a fully-formed consciousness. If he made a promise, who was to say there would not be some double-edged condition that he would regret later.

Then again… if he didn't take the deal, he wouldn't survive to regret it.

“I swear!" he snarled beneath his breath.

“So be it. Taste the true might of this world."

Suddenly, there was a rush of power through his veins like someone has pumped pure fire into his muscles and bones. The burst of strength immediately erupted from his fingertips, exploding into a firestorm of silver flame. He was too shocked to truly comprehend what was happening. He was just a small raft cast into a raging storm in the middle of the ocean. Insignificant. Puny. At the mercy of nature itself. Just a conduit for the might of the Great Spirit. No… not the Great Spirit.

The ancient spirits of the Sun Spire were pouring their very essences into him. Yvanir had command over them and they overcame whatever hesitation they had to help him. Now they were pouring everything they had into him and it came out as an all-encompassing silver flame that consumed Char's dome of light and actually pushed it back!

But he was just a channel for the incredible power of the spirits. He gave their power shape and direction but he couldn't control it! The silver flames were quickly spreading father than he had expected and started to grow towards Aria and Tanar's barriers.

“Uhmmm… Skye!?" Alex cried.

“Seize the power," commanded Yvanir. “Take control."

Skye grit his fangs together. He tried to close his fingers around the flame like he was trying to hold onto a rope that was rapidly unspooling in front of him. However, the minute he tried, his palms sizzled and burned, forcing him to let go. “I… I can't…"

“You are a shaman! You have something spirits do not! Use it!"

For a second, he couldn't understand what Yvanir was talking about. Than he realized that every spirit was literally a collection of Spirit Energy; memories, the mind and soul. He had a body. Force Energy.

Once again mustering a roar, he channeled his physical might through his arms and fingertips. Again, he closed his fingers around the roaring flames. It hurt - like someone was yanking his claws right out of his fingers - but he powered through it. The silver flames became more and more focused, clinging to Char's dome and becoming a focused beam of fire from his paws.

With one last push, he unleashed a blast of fire that dispelled Char's all-consuming dome. A burst of silver fire exploded outwards, sending flickering metallic embers shimmering through the air. The ice holding Kane melted. Rayne lifted his head. Shiver and Pyre were gone.

None of the Phantasms remained.

Skye sighed in relief, lowering his paws.

“Watch out!"

Then he went rigid. Pain immediately exploded from his gut. His eyes refocused upon the grinning Leomian features of Templar Solinium possessed by Char the Cleaner. Slowly, his eyes drifted down at the white blade of Zweihandler embedded into his stomach.

“Skye!" screamed Wood.

Char leaned forward, his whiskers brushing against Skye's ears. “That was a nice little trick, cub. I knew I should have watched you more closely." He began to pull Zweihandler from Skye's stomach, almost making the tiger black out from the pain and shock. “I'm sure Blister would have been very keen to possess you but I will have to deprive my brother of that pleasure. You are far too dangerous to be kept alive. Then again…" Char pulled away, yanking the sword out fully. “… if you wish to save yourself, you know you just have to pray to me. You know what you must do."

Skye, weakened from casting the spell and now his injury, fell to the ground.

Aria caught him.

“No… No, no, no!" she pleaded. “Skye, stay with us!" She held her hands over his stomach, quickly casting a spell to replace the rapidly deteriorating cells around the wound with her own. But Zweihandler's ability was degrading his stomach and its contents far faster than she could repair it. Last time, it took her, Tanar and Skye all to keep Eaton alive.

Tanar rushed over, casting what spells he could.

He wasn't so sure they could keep him alive with just the two of them.

His vision started to blur, darkness enclosing around the edges of his consciousness.

Then a terrible roar split through his ears, immediately bringing him back from the brink.

“You fucker!" Wood roared.

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An Empty Sun

Time seemed to slow down to an agonizing crawl.

Wood could only lay there in his full draconic form and watch as Skye hovered in the air, impaled on Solinium's blade. He wanted to scream, wanted to roar. But he was just frozen. His body was unresponsive like every bone and joint was completely frozen in place. Then Char pulled Solinium's blade from Skye's gut and his feline friend fell from the air.

His heart was gripped with terror at the prospect of a life without his friend. For the longest time, it had just been him, JD and Skye. The fear of living without the three of them together filled him with despair. That despair solidified the grip of ice over his muscles. Even when Aria caught Skye and immediately began trying to save him, Wood's joints wouldn't move.

“No… No, no, no!" Aria pleaded. “Skye, stay with us!"

“Keep your eyes open, Skye!" Tanar roared. “I learned a bit about Solinium's ability since the last time… The magical viral agent is just that, a magical virus. All I need is to make the right form of antibiotic and I was working on it while we were trying to get here before -"

“Stop talking and just help him!" Alex roared.

His adoptive father's words snapped Wood back to reality. Fire exploded throughout his joints. He pushed himself off the ground, green flames exploding all over his body.

“You fucker!" Wood roared, surging towards Char.

He was back to his humanoid frame, wings spread wide and two axes in his hands. What those axes were, he didn't care. He just wanted to hurt Char. Hurt him badly.

CLANG!

“Ah, rage," sighed Char, shaking his head like he was basking in a warm shower. “The most primitive of emotions. One step above the desire to feed and mate. Cousin to fear."

Wood shoved Char back. “Shut the fuck up!" Then he charged, swinging both his axes wildly while tears were pouring out of his eyes.

“Is this what your sin will be?" mocked Char, sidestepping past him and swinging Zweihandler at his ankles. Pain exploded from his legs and he toppled down onto his knees. A faint sizzling noise rippled up from behind him and when he looked down, he saw what appeared to be white embers eating away at his scales. His Fallen constitution kept the light of the Templar's powers back… for now.

“Rage?" continued Char, striding away from him and towards the rest of the Godslayers. “Fury and acrimony."

“I'll kill you!" Wood roared and launched himself into the air, beating his wings to give himself some extra height. He came crashing back down, axes over his head.

Then Char stepped aside and pain exploded from his left wing. He saw half of the limb drop to the ground a short distance away. Despite the agony, he fought on and lashed out to his left where Char was. The Confessor stepped back lazily, avoiding the blow entirely.

“Are you sure you wouldn't rather spend the last few moments of your dying friend's life alongside him?" wondered the Goetia. “Are you sure that will not fill you with regret? Regret that will fester into rage? Will Vulcan eventually become filled with your anger so that you can finally tear yourself from your Phantasm and become the Fallen you were always meant to be?"

Wood fought through the pain and spat a flood of acid right at Char. “Fuck you!"

The Confessor spun Zweihandler in front of him, a windmill that brushed aside the oncoming acid ease. Wood closed the gap between them and swung his axes over and over again. He didn't even care if he hit Char. The blows on Zweihandler was satisfaction enough.

“Yes," laughed the Goetia. “Muster your rage, Wood Bladebreaker! Surrender to it! Let the regret of your failings fuel it! Look at my face and let it be the mark that will symbolize your weakness forevermore!"

“Why can't you just shut the fuck up!?"

In his blind rage, Wood lowered his shoulder and rushed forward. Char stepped aside, grabbed his mane and flung him to the right. He lost his balance just as pain exploded from his right wing. The ground came up to meet his chin and he clawed at the marble beneath him in agony. Now both his wings were severed.

“You failed to protect Jack Denver Clarke when the demons attacked your own home!" Char taunted. “He had to step in and protect you and look what happened to him! Now Skye King had to protect you from me! If he lives, what state do you think he will be in!?"

Tears streamed down Wood's face.

“All because you were too weak to be who you are truly meant to be!"

A pathetic Paladin. An empty Sin. Char was right. Everyone else had to protect him and his failings only hurt others.

WHAM!

Pain erupted from his stomach and he was hurled across the room, sent flying through the air. He hit a wall and slumped down to the ground on his back. The pain from his burning wings and heel shot through his body like stinging lightning. Wood found himself staring up at the Door to Dawn, blinded by the sun streaming in from the hole in the dome above them.

A silhouette eclipsed the light from the Sun Spire.

“Surrender yourself to the rage," Char hissed at him. “Hate me. Revile me! Do as you promised and fuck me up!"

Wood weakly swung at Char with his right-hand axe. As it turned out, it was charred remains of Cindarc. Char scoffed at him and reached down, seizing his wrist and forced him to drop the weapon. The Goetia reached down, lifting the axe with a look of disgust on his face.

“Pathetic." Char swung the axe down, burying it in Wood's shoulder. The dragon roared in agony but not more than when Zweihandler's tip pierced his other wrist, forcing him to let go of Vulcan. “I don't know why I ever thought your Phantasm would be enough to breach through the doors. You're too weak to manifest it. You're still just an empty sin."

Char leaned down, bringing Solinium's whiskers just at the edge of Wood's ears.

“And that is all you ever will be. Empty."

Wood shut his eyes, gritting his fangs in frustration.

“Wood!"

The voice was the last he ever expected. Because it came from the very same muzzle that spouted such disheartening truths to him.

Cassius Solinium.

“You cannot believe what he says," pleaded the Templar, his eyes filled with pride and warmth. “I have watched you through this entire ordeal. You are stronger than you think!"

His brow furrowed. “Solinium…?"

Suddenly, the Templar threw his head back, turning away from him.

“What!?" sneered Char. “How are you still conscious!? I should have consumed you entirely!"

Then Solinium flung his head back, gazing off into the distance. “That's what I wanted you to believe. Did you honestly think a Templar of Incendius would be so easy to convert let alone take over!?"

Again, he turned away, Char seizing the body, his wide grin splitting across their shared face once more. “You clever little kitten. You figured out what I was long before that annoying pup, didn't you? You opened yourself purposefully to me."

He switched back, Solinium once more wresting control. “And you fell for it."

Back to Char. “How does it feel then, Templar? To know that your foolish overconfidence has let to so much pain and suffering? Were you watching when I destroyed Eaton's heart? Did you sit by and watch as I doomed Skye King to a painful death? Have you done nothing while I tormented this gnat!"

For emphasis, Char twisted Zweihandler where it pierced Wood's wrist, forcing the dragon to bite back a scream.

Solinium took back control. “Yes I watched and I also sensed the terror you felt when you heard that both JD and Eaton were down on the ground floor fighting Ford. Eaton lives. You know that this group somehow managed to thwart even my abilities. That 'fatal' wound you inflicted on Skye is just you trying to comfort yourself even though your plans are falling apart around you. Because deep down…" Solinium panted, sweat dripping down his face. “… you know JD was right."

Char roared in frustration giving Solinium a moment to look back down at Wood and tear Zweihandler from the young Droconis' wrist.

“Wood," said the Templar gently. “You have faced every Fallen that came your way. Unflinchingly. I heard you hugged Alleria. You held Melody's hands. You fought beside Ven and you stood up against Eaton. You empathized with them. You saw their plight as your own."

Char sneered, growling and turning his wicked grin back to Wood. “And yet through it all, you still could not learn the lessons they did and apply it to your own guilt and anger!"

Solinium yanked control back, his features softening. “That's because there's no lesson to learn. He already knows that he has to live with the guilt of his sins. He knows he can rely on others to help him through the most trying times. He won't let anyone else's expectations define him and, most of all, he knows that if he ever has anything bothering him, he has a whole team behind him that are more than willing to listen to him!"

That was right.

His own words and actions came back to him.

“Your Sin is empty, Wood Bladebreaker," Solinium concluded, “but that's not a bad thing. It just means that you can take on the burden of everyone else's failings and shoulder it for them when they can't!"

Wood fought through the pain and gripped the blackened remains of Cindarc. Angry red energies curled down his arm and surged into his Sin. Brilliant, crimson flames burst from the corners of his muzzle and wreathed his eyes, casting everything into a bright red glow. Through it all, he could see Solinium beaming at him proudly. Even as Char took over again, the Confessor's features were twisted in a look of true horror.

He roared, unleashing all of his power all at once just like whenever he would shift into his Vulcan form. Only this time, he channeled it through Cindarc. Everything he had been through with the weapon - from the Blacksmith tournament, the Lost Fleet, the battles with the Association to each of the Fallen - came rushing through him. Like two islands being connected by a bridge, traffic flooded through both ends at long last and Wood's form surged.

A pillar of crimson flame surged upwards and blasted through the small hole leading to the Scorium Axis. For a brief moment, the mighty light that illuminated all of Incendius was bathed in red fire, casting most of the Station in a brilliant, orange light.

Char was hurled back from the surge of pillar and fire, lifting at arm to defend himself. He looked into the fire… and the huge, red figure that emerged from it.

“Impossible…" he breathed.

A titanic fully-grown, Red Dragon stepped out of the flames as it died around him. Much like Wood's Vulcan form, it sported a blonde mane and the design of his horn and skull was still very much the Fallen's only his scales were a deep red and flames were surging from his fangs instead of green acid. Instead of two cannons on his forearms, there were two, large, wicked, serrated red blades.

“Holy shit…"

Rayne breathed.

“He… He…" Skye choked, barely managing to sit up. “He connected with the spirits of Cindarc… He opened his soul to it and made it his own…" The Tigris broke into a fit of coughs and collapsed back into Alex's arms.

“Easy…" breathed the large, red Wulfun. Alex looked pleadingly to Aria and Tanar who were desperately trying to keep Skye alive but Solinium's viral infection was spreading too fast and too quickly. “Can't you tear off the infected flesh?"

“If I let go even for a second," Aria panted. “It will run out of control and completely consume him! I don't… I don't know what to…"

Then, a single red paw slipped across Aria's shoulder.

“Kane," JD said gently. “Hand me Validation."

The big, black bear was stunned at his cousin's sudden appearance though he noticed Eaton was running up to them from the elevator. Shaking himself free of the surprise, he reached into his duffel bag and handed his cousin one of Validation's blades.

JD unsheathed the long, white blade and a there was brief crackle of red lightning through its edge. Without waiting for anyone else to ask what he was doing, the Red Lightning quickly brought the etherium blade across Skye's wounded abdomen. Skye's features suddenly softened and he let out a sigh of relief.

“Act fast," ordered JD. “All I've done is severed the MTM nodes around the injury. Without a supply of Force or Spirit energy, the virus will die off on its own but you've got to keep Skye alive until that happens." He flipped Validation in his paw and the weapon looked a little more solid. “Sorry, Skye. I'm going to have to rip out your guts."

Skye gave his friend a reassuring smile.

“Do it."

Char watched this all happen and his features twisted in irritation. “I will not let this happen!" he roared. White, fiery wings exploded from his back and he surged at the group.

CLANG!

A huge, black and red blade barred his path. Wood snarled at him before unleashing a torrent of red flames down upon the Confessor. The Goetia danced backwards.

“This is where you die, Char," rumbled the enormous dragon.

Char threw his head back and laughed haughtily. “Have you learned nothing? I cannot be killed! I am part of the Illumnius Weizar itself! Destroy this body and anyone who musters the Flames of Truth spell will be mine to command!"

Then his head twisted to the right with a sickening squelch.

“I wonder," sneered Solinium. “Will my defiance follow you to that definition?"

Char flicked his head back, eyes wide in terror. “What?"

Again, his head twisted to the right. “Our true names in the Illuminus Weizar changes as we live our lives," intoned the Templar grimly. “This body and my soul may die but I am now part of your definition. That means I will haunt you. Forever."

Char wrested control and screamed in agony. With his free paw, he gripped the side of Solinium's head, claws digging into their shared features. “Not if I burn you here and now!"

Wood saw his chance and charged at Char.

The Goetia swung Zweihandler at the enormous dragon. “Shiver! Pyre!"

Ice and fire erupted from the blade's length, extending into the shape of the elegant, icy lioness known as Shiver and the raging, fiery lion that was Pyre. The two Phantasms charged at Wood…

… only to both be crushed under Wood's enormous blades, sliced in two.

Char staggered back, fighting against Solinium. Crimson flames burst from where his paw gripped the Leomian's head, trying to burn away the remnants of the Templar. At the same time, he was still trying to fight Wood.

“Requiem!"

The winged siren appeared behind Char and she unleashed her ear-piercing scream. Wood reeled his head back and unleashed an enormous ball of fire from his maw. The fireball was undeterred by Requiem's cry and slammed into the winged Phantasm. It fell to the ground, screaming and writhing as the flames burned away her feathers.

“Grave! Protect me!"

The enormous turtle Phantasm dropped from the ceiling, matching Wood in size. The Red Dragon locked wrists with the tremendous amphibian but he had speed over the Phantasm. He pushed the turtle back before driving both of the blades across his forearms right into its belly. Without mercy, he dragged the swords straight up, bisecting the Phantasm.

Char was pushed all the way back, just a few feet away from the Door to Dawn. The flames consuming Solinium's face had fully burned away half of the leonine features. Char grabbed the burnt and charred flesh and tore it away, revealing the bald but desperate features of the Confessor beneath.

“Sirius!"

A ball of light came streaking towards Wood. It peppered him from one side before retreating and then attacking from another. The tremendous red dragon, folded his wings around himself protectively. For a second, Char grinned, thinking he had won. Then he saw the red flames surging from beneath Wood's wings. As Sirius came in for another strike, Wood spread his wings and he was suddenly engulfed in a huge, sphere of fire. Char felt a pang of disgust as it the expanding ball was reminiscent of his earlier purifying dome.

Sirius was pushed back by the flames. Wood caught the flying wolf right out of the air and slammed it against the Door to Dawn. The Phantasm crumbled to the ground right beside Char.

Desperation flashed across the Confessor's features.

“Norn!"

The last shadowy Phantasm appeared in front of Char, all nine tails fanned out and long, black blade ready. Wood's enormous form was engulfed in flames, all that power compressed back into his humanoid frame. The Fallen stormed over to Char and Norn, his entire right arm engulfed in a big, black and red piece of armor that seethed and writhed with living flames. In that hand was Cindarc - still blackened but now owning the cracks of red flames throughout it and looking even more menacing than before.

Norn launched forward, rapier lancing out in a blur of strikes.

Wood swung Cindarc once, knocking the rapier down to the ground. Then, with his other hand, he buried Cataclysm right into Norn's hidden features. The Phantasm crumbled to the ground as Wood left his handaxe in the entity's face. With his now freed hand, he reached for his hip and retrieved Vulcan.

Char screamed in frustration and thrust Zweihandler straight at Wood. That beam of concentrated white flames dancing with hostile energies burst from the tip of the blade. Wood lifted Vulcan in front of him, blade forward. The beam collided with the weapon, splitting off into two directions and slamming into the edges of the chamber. Undeterred, he marched forward closing the gap between him and Char until he was within reach of Zweihandler.

Then he swung Cindarc.

CLANG!

The Valor flew threw the air, landing far from the Confessor's grip.

For the first time, Char the Cleanser showed true fear even as he forced a grin.

“Congratulations," sneered the Goetia. “You have finally reached your true potential as Fallen. All thanks to me."

Wood paused.

He saw the half of Solinium's face that the Templar still controlled give him an encouraging smile.

“No," Wood grunted. Pressing his two handaxes together. The red flames emanating from Cindarc turned green as the two weapons merged together. The haft extended and the axehead became a large, wicked greataxe with the blades of the axe jutting out of two dragon heads. “I have to thank everyone else but you."

Char's eyes widened.

Wood brought down his axe, slamming it right into Char's leg, severing the limb completely of.

“I have to thank Alleria and Urellia!"

He lifted the weapon again and brought it mercilessly against Char's lifted arm.

“I have to thank Melody!"

Then he swung it and buried the weapon halfway through Char's gut.

“I have to thank Ven!"

One more time, he lifted it and brought it crashing down against Char's neck - particularly just the part of the neck that had been burned away to reveal Char's flesh.

“I have to thank Eaton!"

Finally, he lifted his axe above his head.

“And I have to thank the bastard that's going to haunt your ass from now until the end of time."

Templar Cassius Solinium smiled.

Wood brought down his greataxe, cutting Char right down the middle.

…

“Thanks, Solinium."

Paladins of Dawn

Rayne knocked lightly on the door frame of the private ward, a bouquet of native flowers in his hands. A much healthier-looking Tigris looked up from where he was seating upright on the bed and waved him in eagerly. Then he went straight back to competing against Wood and JD using the controllers to the game that the three were playing.

“What?" he asked. “No fourth controller?"

Eaton waved a large paw absently as he watched the three boys compete on some virtual stage. “Nah. Those controllers aren't made for big paws like mine." He wiggled his hairy fingers at Rayne. “I'm just happy to watch."

“That's just your excuse for losing," Wood grunted, a tongue sticking out of his muzzle.

“Hey, videogames are just starting to become a thing here on Incendius!" snapped the werewolf. “I haven't gotten nearly enough practice as you three! Besides, I'm willing to bet I'm a natural. If the controllers fit me."

Rayne chuckled softly and set the bouquet next to Skye's bedside table. “I take it you're feeling much better, Skye?"

“Absolutely," commented the shaman with a grin. “JD really thought quickly using Validation to cut off the magic supply to the virus. Aria and Tanar just had to wait it out so they can heal me."

That was over simplifying it. JD had to slice Skye at least three times to keep his very powerful magical network from feeding Zweihandler's innate magic. Even after that, Tanar then had to guide JD into performing impromptu surgery to carefully remove the dead flesh with Validation before Aria and Tanar could heal it. Rayne personally wondered if the Red Lightning would eventually consider a career as a surgeon after the ordeal.

Though he also feared what that kind of knowledge in JD's hands could mean.

“You still have to take it easy," JD said. “Doctor's orders."

“I suppose it's just as well," Skye answered. “I'm ready for my exams anyway so I can just revise what I can here and I've already spoken to my professors. Any practical stuff I can take from here. Written exams too."

“Trust you to be concerned about your grades after you just saved all of Incendius," Wood rumbled, rolling his eyes.

Rayne chuckled softly to himself. The highly visible attack on the Sun Spire had caused widespread concern but when the public learned that it was through the efforts of the Fallen that had been prey to the traitorous Char Blythe, they instead celebrated. Alleria, Melody, Ven, Eaton and even Trevor Ford were all redeemed in their eyes.

The story that was woven was that after Char's betrayal and their kidnapping, they each Fell but, together, they united and fought against Char who sought to use their powers to claim the Scorium Axis. There was no mention of the Custodia Goetia and despite Ford's actions, the vulpine Fallen's actions were attributed to him trying to keep everyone else from being hurt while the rest of the Fallen attempted to stop Char.

There was also no mention of Pinnacle's staff and students being involved. Though each of students were given a modicum of points for their efforts. Naturally, the faculty didn't condone such reckless actions so despite their great efforts and the commission that they completed, JD, Wood and Skye all sat at a moderate D-minus. Kane already had an A grade but it was getting harder and harder for him to make it to the next few levels.

“Hey, we just have these exams then the first semester is over!" Skye exclaimed.

“Then we have spring break!" JD exclaimed, pumping a fist into the air. He quickly realized his mistake as both Skye and Wood saw the opening and began attacking him on the videogame.

“The Sunrise Festival is just around the corner," Eaton agreed. “You'll get to see Corona like you've never seen before. It'll be fun."

Rayne smiled ruefully to himself. “Well, I'm hoping you'll get to see more than just Corona."

Wood paused the game and turned to the Demon Prince with one eyebrow raised. Everyone else did the same.

“What do you mean by that?" asked the dragon.

Rayne returned an enigmatic smile. “Well, something Char said concerned me. It was about the Great Spirits."

Skye's eyes lit up and he nodded at his student.

“Char clearly knows what they are and by the sounds of it, they factor into the Custodia Goetia's plans as well. So, I think the best thing to do is to find them first."

“Do we even know where they could be hidden?" JD asked.

Rayne tapped the side of his head. “Well, as you recall, Skye told us that Yvanir was apparently created from the God of Fire's greatest actions here on Incendius. Crafted from Adramalech's most memorable interventions and the legends that formed around that. So, I figure we should visit some of the sites all over Incendius that have such cultural and historical significance."

“Wooo!" JD cried, thrusting his paws into the air. “Incendius World Tour!" Then he dropped his arms. “Wait… can we cram that all in a few weeks?"

“We'll have to," responded Rayne. “That's about how much time we have for spring break."

“Hell yeah!" exclaimed Wood. “We can kick Char and his Goetia cronies while they're down and get them off this Station!"

Rayne smiled at their enthusiasm before letting his gaze fall upon Eaton. “Have you decided what you're going to do?"

The boy's eyes switched to the werewolf who absently scratched the back of his head.

“Like you have to ask," chuckled Eaton. “Of course I'm coming with you guys. I still owe you for what you did for me." Then Eaton's features soured. “And… Hunter hasn't really forgiven me for what I did to his ship so the least I could do is help him…"

It took about two days to get the remnants of the Godslayer II back to Hunter's workshop. Thankfully, they had the help of the Inquisition and High Inquisitor Serenity. She did berate them especially since the downed ship exploded after they left but she finished her lecture with a begrudging thanks for saving the Sun Spire. Hunter was confident that he could get the ship up and running in a few days. He didn't have to design it, after all. Just repair it. Eaton had volunteered to help and from what Rayne heard, Hunter had really put the Lupus to work.

“What happened to the rest of your squad?" JD asked. “Have you heard from them?"

Eaton nodded. Since they received the glory and recognition for their efforts, all four Fallen had been allowed to go their own ways. After all, the condition between the Church and military was for Paladins to be under the guidance and watch of a military-assigned Marshal. No one ever said anything about Fallen. Not to mention the Church was still wary about any Fallen in general.

“Alleria is standing beside Urellia," Eaton explained. “Urellia finally decided to stop living like a bandit queen and convinced the government to make her a duchess. She's now officially the Duchess of Ashwood. She and Alleria are building their castle and carving out their territory to secure the trade routes to Corona."

“Are we invited to the wedding?" Rayne asked with a smirk.

“Let's see if they leave any of the Ashwood standing first," laughed Eaton. “Melody had all of Shimmersea demolished. Without anyone living there anymore, there was no point it keeping it. I guess she buried the memories of that place behind her and finally moved on."

“Hang on…" Skye rumbled, eyes narrowed. “Isn't she now building that whole 'island casino' off the coast of what used to be Shimmersea?"

Eaton laughed heartily. “Yeah. She's boasting that she's going to put the likes of Glasterah in the Sunless Lands out of business when she's done. Her ambition is to open a whole resort island filled with casinos, clear beaches and the best entertainment this side of the Sun Spire."

“A regular den of sin," Rayne chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Ven went back to Sveltholm?"

“Yup. He's becoming more and more of an activist."

“What?" Wood asked. “For gay rights?"

“For mental health," corrected Eaton. “He's running therapy sessions with all the different guys in Sveltholm and told me he's seeing improvement. It's slow but then again, he's never been the guy that goes at lightning speed. That's me."

“What about Serena?"

There Eaton's face fell a little. “Well, without a Templar to follow around she would either have to be assigned to a squad or go to another Templar. But while she's waiting for her assignment, she's gone back to the Twilit Forest to the Custodia Vampiri. Given what we know about the Goetia, she felt that she should protect that flank."

“And you will be sticking with us," Rayne surmised. “You do realize what you're signing up for, don't you?"

The Custodia Lupus nodded grimly. “We stopped Char but by the sounds of it, he was just one person. One Confessor. We still don't know what came of the corrupted Vermilion definition so at the very least, we know there's one more Confessor out there."

“And there's another one," JD said cheerfully. “Ford mentioned that they had a leader."

Rayne's eyes narrowed. “Shadowfire."

He clapped his hands together.

“Well, that's enough doom and gloom for now." He nodded at Skye. “I'm glad you're feeling better, Skye. Get better, do your exams and then we'll head out to find the Great Spirits."

“We won't have to go far," quipped the Tigris. “I already know where Yvanir is."

“Oh?"

Skye nodded at him.

“Yes. In a place called the Underspire."