Chapter I: "The Beginning" part I
Prologue
-Arion's Beginning-
"
Since the beginning of time, the Guardians, the protectors of the world and souls, and the Demons of the Underworld have fought to gain control over the land. Unlike the Demons, the Guardians wished not to destroy the darkness, for without the darkness there could not be balance within the world. Zoultan, lord of the Dark Guardians, did not care for this balance, but wished to rule the realm of Zantoria and the Earth with his vast forces of Demons so that the world would forever live in fear. With the force of the Demons at his command and the power of the seven gems, victory was imminent.
To combat this power, the Guardians forged seven new gems known as the Orbs of Amerith. Unlike most gems of power, these Orbs could not be used in the hands of one whose heart was filled with darkness, but only to those who were pure and just. However, this would not last.
Throughout the course of time the Orbs were deviously used to manipulate the Guardian Council and corrupted those who had used them into believing that they were more powerful than the Guardian Elders. Because of this corruption the gems had grown apart from each other, as well as the Guardians. Those Guardians who had once fought against the Demons, and protected those on Earth, were banished from the city of Azkarale as well as the realm of Zantoria. They fell to the lies of the Demons, thus, becoming a part of the dark force themselves.
For what had happened in the past, the Orbs of Amerith renewed into a new power, one that now only the purest of heart and soul could use their power for one moment and only in time of need.
Years had past and even into the next millennium; the Orbs still had not chosen one worthy of their power. Because of this, Zoultan and the Dark Guardians had nearly taken control of the world, but the Guardians had not yet given up. They came from across the realm of Zantoria, and even from hidden communities on Earth, to join forces and together they marched to the Demon's homeland of Masmador where by the thousands they would make their last stand."
Thousands of Guardian Warriors stood in ready as they gazed across the charred black field beyond the outer walls of Masmador, listening to the chants of their enemy. Their hairless silver tone bodies were aligned in perfect formation; their numbers spread across the battlefield. Their armor was clad in gold and silver, covering their shoulders down to the hips with designs of golden leaves and branches from front to back engraved into the overlapping design the armor. Under their armor they wore a dark tan vest that vied from the hips to the back of the knee, along with a pure white silk shirt with light silver lining in the shape of a bare leafed tree. Vambraces protected their wrists to their elbows along with dark leather boots and greaves that covered their shins and lay over a soft tan cotton pant. Their helmets were also engraved with gold and silver patterns as it wrapped around the cheek and covered between the eyes.
The Guardians were lead by their most highly decorated general named Kronan. His armor and garment were much like the others but with more elegant engravings of their sacred tree. From one shoulder, a strap decorated in white and golden jewels that draped across his chest to the other shoulder and held up a white cape that nearly touched the ground. His head gear was an elegant helmet with a soft brown and white crest that draped from his forhead to the back of his neck. His skills on the battlefield were legendary but today he would be tested amongst will.
Kronan's green eyes gazed upon the Dark Guardians, waiting for them to strike. The shrieking cries of his enemy sent adrenalin pumping through his body. He took a deep slow deep breath as a way of keeping himself calm. A dead silence fell upon the Demons. The only noises to be heard were that of armor against sword shafts and the crackle of the smoldering earth. Kronan closed his eyes and held his breath. A few moments later the Demons shouted as they charged towards the Guardian Warriors.
"Archers ready!" Kronan shouted.
Another warrior repeated these words from the back of the front line where the archers stood in ready. Kronan kept his eyes on the charging Demons waiting for them to come within range of his skilled archers.
"Fire!" Kronan ordered. In a split second the arrows turned the smoke filled sky to night. Time seemed to be at a stand still as Kronan grasped the hilt of his sword.
"Hold!" he said as he looked up and down the line of Guardian Warriors.
Thousands of Demons fell to the ground as the arrows penetrated their blackened bodies. This did nothing to stop the charge as thousands more leaped over the dead and charged on. Kronan drew his sword, keeping his stare amongst the charging force.
"Charge!" he shouted. The large line of Guardians followed his lead and ran towards the Demons. Within moments they collided; Guardians and Demons becoming mingled in the chaos of the battle.
At the far back of the Guardian line, atop a large hill over looking the battle field, sat two Guardian Elders named Sirus and Enodia. Sirus wore a pure white, silver and gold garb with the patterns of their sacred tree. Enodia wore a flowing gown made up of the same colors and patters. The elders were much taller than the other Guardians. Their eyes were a harsh lemon shape, yet soft in expression. They stood in front of the supply line watching the battle unfold.
"None of this would have happened if it weren't for that stupid boy," Sirus said with a scowl.
Enodia looked at Sirus with her deep blue eyes. "Who said he was to blame?"
"If he would have obeyed orders than the chain of events leading to this mess never would have happened!"
"This war was millions of years in coming," Enodia said as she looked back at the battle, "you of all should know this."
Little did they know that the young Guardian they spoke of, fifteen years of age was sneaking his way down to the front of the battle field. His clothes were much like that of the warriors, only without the armor. His shirt was a silk silver tone with soft light blue patterns in the same shape of the bare leafed tree. His pants, boots and vest were the same.
Like the elders, he was a Soul Guardian, but a Guardian of that title never got his basic powers until his one hundredth year, not mastering his full powers until the age of two thousand. This Guardian however, was different. Since his birth he had progressively shown signs of these powers and because of this he was hated, envied and shunned by many. His father also disowned him, but for different reasons.
While he admired the Soul Guardians he always wanted to be a warrior like his father. He wanted to prove to him that he could fight and be a positive influence amongst the Guardians, but more so to be accepted by his father. Today had given him that opportunity. His plan was to fight his way through the battle to his father and fight by his side. However, little did he know about the events that would take place.
One of the young Guardian's powers was teleportation. He used this power to make his way to his destination but only in short spurts of one hundred feet or so. He had not yet fully mastered this new power, so a short distance was all he could travel.
With a few more teleportation's he had reached the far side of the battle. The Demons to his right and Guardians to his left, his father was in the middle amongst the chaos. Before he had the chance to become nervous the Guardian began to run straight to the battle, not knowing that his father was closer than he thought.
Kronan was leading a line of warriors around to the right to close off the Demons. The young Guardian saw this and joined in. Kronan and his warriors were once again mingled in battle and trailing behind was the unarmored Guardian.
Now in the mix of battle, the young Guardian was being pushed and shoved, nearly being struck with swords and demon axes. He didn't care. He pushed his way through the chaos until finally he found who he was looking for.
"Father!" he shouted.
Kronan quickly spun around, shocked to see his son in the battle. "Arion, get out of here!"
Arion did not listen. He began to run to his father.
"You foolish boy, get out of here now, Arion!" Kronan then spun back around and began to fight again.
The ground began to shake. Every Guardian and Demon fell to the ground while the earth began to split in two, showing the molt and lava beneath. Arion lay on the ground watching in horror as a large mountain like stone rose from the earth next to Kronan. It continued to rise and rise until eventually it stopped. It towered the size of a small mountain and stretched nearly two miles long. The Demons began to chant once again, banging their weapons against their armored and bared chests.
Moments later a large black cloud began to seep through the crevasses of the small mountain and form together in the middle at the base. It began to rotate in a clockwise formation while becoming increasingly tighter along with fire hues that began to form in the center.
A form began to take place. Large feet, thick legs and the start of a tail were the first to be noticed. The form climbed up revealing a large torso, a broad chest and shoulders, muscular arms, large demonic wings and a head with large horns that curled around to the front of its face. As the beast opened its red eyes its body became in-cased in flames as it stretched out its wings and letting out a shrieking roar.
Kronan and the entire army of Guardians stood in fear while the Demons praised the awakening of their lord, chanting his name. The regeneration of Zoultan's power was complete. The Demons began the battle once again. The Guardians were awakened back to their senses, some not soon enough. The battle raged on as the Guardians stood strong even though that there was now no hope of victory.
Zoultan stretched out his neck as he let out a roar; again stretching out his wings before folding them in close to his body. He held out his large left hand with his palm facing outward. A red smoldering glow began to appear in the center of his palm. Fire became visible as it circulated in his hand before being released amongst the Guardians.
The Elders watched in horror as they saw the numbers of their warriors dwindle before their eyes.
"We are too late," said Enodia, "once this battle is over the world will fall to Zoultan's power. There is no hope for us now."
Sirus looked to the Guardian at his right. "Send a messenger with the Orbs down to Kronan and let us hope that they find him worthy of their powers."
"Yes, my lord," replied the Guardian. He turned and ran to the group of Guardians behind him to relay the message.
Enodia looked at Sirus. "Sirus, you can't choose the one whom is to use the power of the Orbs. That is not our bidding. They choose this for themselves."
"Then let us hope that they find him worthy."
"Hope will not guarantee that this is to be his destiny." Enodia was becoming frustrated. "I sense that his heart is not to their bidding. He has too much conflict within himself. And besides, the Orbs of Amerith have never chosen no other than a Soul Guardian. Kronan does not poses the powers needed to sustain, let along survive a transformation."
Sirus looked at Enodia. "There is always a first for everything," he replied.
"Lord Sirus!" the Guardian said as he returned, "the Orbs are missing!"
"What!" Sirus shouted, "how could they be missing?"
"My Lord, I swear they were here-"
"Silence!" Sirus said as he stood up, "take your men and go search for them now!"
"Yes, My Lord," said the Guardian. He gave a quick bow to the Elders then ran off to search for the missing Orbs.
Sirus sat back down as he wiped his hand over his face. "How could this be?" he said in worry, "where could they have gone?" He then looked to Enodia whose eyes were closed and her head hung low, almost as if in meditation.
"They're here."
Back down on the battle field the Guardians had been scattered across the charred plains while attempting to attack Zoultan. Their weapons were ineffective. Their swords would melt in their hands if given the chance to get close and arrows would burn before reaching his body. Zoultan would strike back with his blasts of fire and every Guardian that came close would either be picked up and thrown across the field or killed by the smashing of his tail. The only effective attacks against him however, where those made by the powers of the few Soul Guardians that remained alive. Each Guardian ran to Zoultan individually letting out blasts of pure white and blue energy through the palms of their hands. This tactic however, failed miserably. The Guardians that came within distance were struck away by Zoultan's hand, killing them on impact.
Kronan, watching the tragedy unfold, was becoming desperate. If the battle was lost, and with no one left to warn the city of Azkarale, the Demons would destroy the city and ultimately rule Zantoria.
"Korin," he said as he looked to the Guardian to his right, "take the Elders and remaining Guardians to Azkarale and warn the city. You are in charge now."
"Yes, sir," said Korin. He bowed before his master and mentor then rose and looked him in the eye.
"Go now before it's too late!"
Korin nodded then left the battlefield.
Kronan turned back to Zoultan. Ten Guardian warriors, two of them being Soul Guardians remained with him, all willing to sacrifice themselves to ensure the existence of their kind.
Kronan looked back at his men. "Do not think you are doing this for me, but for the people, your families, the future Guardians of Azkarale. Let us hope that our actions today will spare them time to prepare for war at the city gates." With that said, Kronan lead the charge towards Zoultan, the others following close behind.
Almost as if reading the General's thoughts, the two Soul Guardians ran ahead towards either side of the Demon and jumped high into the air, launching their most powerful attacks. With this distraction three archers fired arrows at their target. The arrows made it through without being burned, but had no effect on the Demon. Kronan and the remaining five warriors charged fourth with a ground attack striking Zoultan's feet and tail. Zoultan laid down his own attacks, but were easily evaded by the far more nimble; highly trained warriors.
Arion, who had been caught in the mass of fleeing Guardians had made his way back down to the battlefield. He ran as fast as he could, for he knew deep down that his father was going to die. Being a Soul Guardian he felt that it was his duty to keep this from happening. Tears began to form in his emerald blue eyes as he tried to run faster, using his power of teleportation to help him along the way.
Only four Guardians now remained. Two swordsmen, a Soul Guardian and Kronan. The Soul Guardian and Kronan stood side by side, plotting out their next attack. Kronan was about to make an attack when he sensed a familiar presence. He looked to his left and saw Arion in the distance running towards them.
While Kronan was distracted Zoultan made his attack. The Soul Guardian saw this and quickly pushed Kronan away with his power before being burned by the Demon's blast of fire and dark energy. As Kronan fell to the ground Zoultan's tail swung around to his left and impacted the left side of Kronan's body, sending him flying in to the very mountain Zoultan had formed from. The impact had a devastating effect. Kronan lied on the ground in pain and agony. He tried to get up but a sharp pain in his chest kept him from doing so. He looked down to his chest to see a broken spear head that had penetrated his armor through his back.
Now with all the warriors defeated, Zoultan turned towards the wounded General. "Such a foolish attempt," he said as he began to walk forward.
His deep evil voice sent chills down Kronan's spine. The Guardian tried to move but once again the pain kept him from doing so.
"Even if your precious Guardians reach Azkarale in time, an attempt to save the city will be futile. Every Guardian will perish by the hands of the Demons, starting with you." Zoultan raised his right hand as his power of fire began to form in his palm. Kronan laid back in fear, taking a deep breath, waiting for the blow.
Within moments Zoultan released the fire from his hand.
Kronan turned his head and closed his eyes as the heat rained down upon him. He lied on the hard ground waiting for the pain from the fire, but it never came. The heat was all that could be felt. The fading Guardian slowly opened his eyes only to see a light blue transparent bubble around him, fire poring down its sides. Directly in front of him producing the shield was his son, Arion.
"Arion," Kronan whispered.
Zoultan's powers continued to rain down on the young Soul Guardian whose strength was beginning to fade. Realizing that his attack was useless, Zoultan ceased fire. He looked down at his target to see Arion standing in front of his father; his shield still protecting them.
"What is this?" the Demon growled.
Arion lowered the shield, bringing his hands down to his hips as he clenched his fists.
Zoultan laughed. "You?" he said, "you're but a mere child. Alas, just one more guardian to destroy!" The Demon quickly swung around his right arm, once again releasing his fire blast amongst the Guardians before him.
Arion quickly jumped into the air towards the attack, his shield forming before him to guard the fire as he flew towards his enemy. Once Zoultan ceased the fire, Arion lowered his shield and released his own energy attack through his right palm. The attack was powerful enough to slow his decent towards the Demon but was ineffective. Zoultan raised his own shield of fire, swinging his left arm towards Arion. Blinded by his own power, Arion was struck on his right side which sent him falling rapidly to the ground.
Atop the hill on the distant side of the battle field ran Korin and what remained of the fleeing Guardians.
"What's going on?" Sirus said as he rose from his seat, "we did not call for a retreat!"
"My Lord," Korin replied, nearly out of breath, "the battle is lost. We must return to Azkarale to warn the city."
"What about General Kronan? What is his say in all this?"
"Sir," Korin replied, "he remained behind as a diversion. He left me in charge. We must leave now so that his sacrifice will not be in vain." Korin then looked at Enodia who had not taken her eyes off the battle. "My Lady?"
Enodia did not answer. Sirus and the other Guardians turned to the battle field. All they could see was Zoultan guarding himself from a small bright attack witch rapidly bared down upon him.
"Kronan does not have Soul Guardian powers," Sirus said in confusion.
"To my knowledge, sir, two Soul Guardians remained with him," Korin replied.
"It's Arion," said Enodia.
"Arion?" shouted Sirus, "what's he doing here?"
"Perhaps he hid in a supply wagon when we made our departure," Korin said as he looked at Sirus.
"That senseless boy!" Sirus said in anger, "he has chosen his fate. We must leave before we too become apart of this bloodshed."
"No."
Sirus looked at Enodia. "What? Did you not hear anything we just discussed?"
Enodia stood up and looked at Sirus. "I would not have answered you if I didn't," she said, "If you weren't so blinded by your hatred for the boy you too would sense his strength." She then turned to gaze upon the battle. "We will remain here, for I sense history will soon be written."
Arion rose to his hands and knees as he came back to his senses. He quickly looked up only to see Zoultan's fist coming straight down on him. Arion rolled to the right, nearly being struck by the Demon. Being much faster, the Guardian jumped to his feet and ran around behind Zoultan to his blind spot. He skidded sideways to a stop, his right hand sliding along the dirt to keep balance. He then let out another blast of energy at Zoultan's back.
Zoultan let out a blood hurtling roar. He began to turn around, and as he did so he slid his large tail along the earth's surface towards Arion. Arion jumped to miss the tail, but while he was in midair Zoultan turned his torso, and with his left arm, struck Arion on his right side, once again being sent flying through the air.
Arion came into contact with the rock, where Zoultan had formed, and fell to the ground. As soon as he hit the ground however, Zoultan laid his foot across Arion, applying enough pressure to keep him from escaping while digging his large claws into the soil. Arion's whole body was covered from shoulder to foot, his head between two of the Demon's massive claws. He tried to move but was unable to do so.
"Such foolishness is only rewarded with death," Zoultan said as he leaned in towards Arion, "what a waist to loose such a spirited warrior. However-"
"I will never join you and your kind," Arion interrupted.
"Then you will die," Zoultan said as he rose straight. In Zoultan's left hand appeared a sword made up of fire as he slowly raised it across his chest to his right shoulder.
Arion tried once again to escape but his effort was futile. Knowing he could not break free from the Demon's grasp, Arion lied still waiting for the blow. As he lay there however, he felt a powerful presence fall upon him. He felt compelled to accept it as he closed his eyes.
Zoultan began to swing his makeshift weapon down towards Arion, but time seemed to be at a stand still.
A great light shined down onto Arion, sending the Orbs circling rapidly down before turning into a single ball of pure energy. The Orbs, accepting each other for the first time in over a million years, cascaded into Arion, absorbing into his body like water in desert sand. Like a small explosion a shock wave swept over the land; a bright light cascading across the valley, knocking down and even killing some of the Demons that had scattered across the field.
The Elders and remaining Guardians were directly in the path of the oncoming shock wave. Enodia took notice and quickly raised her shield, covering the entire supply line of their army. Not even a second later the shock wave impacted the shield, shaking the ground beneath the Guardians and knocking them off their feet. Once it has passed, Enodia lowered her shield. The Guardians once again gathered along the edge of the hill to watch the event that was taking place.
Zoultan, also being knocked to the ground looked up to see Arion with his eyes closed rising into the air, his body glowing from the power building inside him. Kronan watched his son in disbelief. A tear rolled down his cheek. For the first time he was proud of his son, but death however, threatened these words as Kronan hung onto life.
Zoultan rose to his feet, his red eyes glaring at the Guardian in perfect form.
Arion's assent came to a halt. Zoultan brought back his right arm as he charged his blast of fire. Within moments he launched his arm forward sending his attack of fire and dark energy through the air towards Arion's body.
Within only feet of striking him, Arion opened his now glowing white eyes. He quickly raised both arms out in front of him, blocking the blast of dark energy and fire. Arion concentrated on the Demon at the end of the attack. He took a moment to build the energy inside him then, with both hands, released his own blast of energy down towards his enemy.
Arion's attack sliced through Zoultan's fire before impacting the Demon's body causing him to fall back to the ground; the earth shaking as he did so. Arion quickly flew around to the right towards Zoultan's left, positioning himself for another attack.
Zoultan however, made a quick recovery from his fall and while still lying on the ground launched five spheres of dark energy towards Arion.
The Guardian dodged the attack with ease. Arion then created a force field in front of him, and while still flying towards Zoultan, launched his attack towards the Demon, sending him flying into the small mountain from where he had formed.
Zoultan's body made an indent in the stone from the impact. This only infuriated the Demon. Zoultan pressed his right hand against the stone, drawing in and absorbing the power that resided in its core.
With this Perfect Form came powers the young Guardian had not yet obtained. Arion could sense the surge of energy building in his enemy. To distract Zoultan, Arion began to teleport sporadically around the Demon, attacking him with his blasts of energy with each reappearance.
Zoultan, still keeping his hand on the base of the small mountain, tried to block the attack using his shield of fire and dark energy, but it was useless against Arion's powers. However, it gave him enough protection to produce fire and energy deep within his belly. He slowly rose to his feet, flapping his wings to help him rise against the attacks.
Dust and debris flew everywhere, causing Arion to loose sight of his target. Zoultan stretched his arms and wings back behind him, and as he stretched his neck released a rain of fire through his mouth like an infuriated dragon. The fire spread across the sky and the ground, blackening anything that stood in its path.
Through the dust, Arion could see the wall of fire baring down on him. He quickly raised his shield but was knocked to the ground by the force of the attack. With his shield still protecting him the fire pored around him like a raging river. Because of this strong force, and do to the fact that the Guardian had not yet obtained his powers in full strength, Arion's powers, even in Perfect Form were weakening.
The Guardian rose to his feet as he closed his eyes, concentrating on the fire around him. He spread out his arms and as he did so the fire began to circle around him. As he slowly brought his arms in, crossing them over his chest, the fire spun faster, becoming increasingly tighter. Arion took a deep breath then quickly stretched his arms back out, releasing the fire around him. Because of this the fire dissipated, causing Zoultan to cease his attack.
Arion looked up as he lowered his shield. As the dust settled around him, Arion's arms fell to his side. His eyes once again closed as he fell to his knees.
The sky alit with fire as the energy completed its build inside the Demon. Zoultan took a step towards the warn out Guardian before noticing the Elders atop the distant hill, his attention drawn directly to Enodia. He ignored Arion as if their battle had never taken place. Zoultan clenched his right fist, charging his powers as he let out a deep roar, releasing fire through his screams. He then quickly swung his arm out in front of him; using his newly formed energy, released his blast of dark powers towards the Guardians and Elders.
Arion looked up and saw the fire headed towards the hill where the Elders and Guardians resided. With what little power remained inside him, the Guardian disappeared from the ground where he lay.
As the fire drew near, the Guardians began to scatter, but with no protection in site death seemed imminent.
Enodia gazed into the fire. Her blue eyes absorbing the dark red, yellow and orange hues. As she stared into what would be her death, a bright light appeared in front of the Guardians. Enodia closed her eyes as to not blind herself from the shear brightness that had appeared in the form of an explosion. As the light faded, Arion's unmistakeable figure began to take shape. His arms were stretched out in front of him, protecting the Guardians from Zoultan's attack.
Arion's arms began to buckle. His strength was weakening rapidly. Nonetheless he stood his ground.
Zoultan built more energy inside him, expelling more fire and dark energy onto the weakening Guardian.
Arion began to be pushed back by the suppressing force of the Demon Lord's powers. Fire began to escape from him, falling down to the hill; causing the Guardians to scatter once again.
Distracted and growing weaker, Arion was burned on his right side by the escaping fire.
"NO!" the young Guardian shouted.
As the Demon's powers grew stronger, Arion's strength had nearly given out. However, Arion fell into a daze as a voice began chanting to him in the Guardians ancient language. The Guardian closed his eyes as the voice repeated the words over and over in his head. Time once again seemed to be at a standstill as Arion absorbed every word and every syllable pronounced in the form of a whisper:
"Awk-ti ahn-oh layho ah-tsi -han` a, tsi-boi nathal` a…"
Arion began to feel the Orbs power fill his body with energy. His heart began to beat stronger; his breath deeper.
Sensing the Guardian's power growing stronger, Zoultan, using all his strength, released even more of his strongest attack of fire and dark energy.
Arion, with his eyes still closed, raised his head. "Awk-ti ahn-oh layho ah-tsi -han` a, tsi-boi nathal` a!" Arion quickly opened his eyes as the surprising force reached his body. A bright light spread across the valley as the two great powers came into contact with one another. As the light dwindled Arion's form could be seen flying through the fire towards Zoultan.
A shield began to form in front of Arion, becoming increasingly larger as he drew nearer to the Demon. Arion's speed increased with his decent towards Zoultan. His breath became deeper; his heart began to beat rapidly. Nevertheless, the Orbs kept Arion's body from failing him.
Arion quickly came back to his senses as Zoultan's head could be seen through the fire. The Guardian pushed his shield out further away from his body towards the source of the dark energy and fire. Merely inches away before coming into contacted with Zoultan's mouth, Arion thrust his arms forward clapping his hands as he did so. The shield was forced in the opposite direction, increasingly encasing the Demon in his own flames.
The shield continued to creep around the Demon. Zoultan released another attack on the shield as an attempted to escape, but it only made the shield grow faster. Zoultan roared as his own flames became agonizingly painful. The combination of Guardian and Demonic powers began to create a hard impenetrable cocoon around the Demon. Zoultan once again roared as the cocoon climbed up his body.
Arion hovered above his enemy, watching him being devoured by the stone like mass. The earth beneath Zoultan began to crumble; the mountain from whence he came toppled to the ground and began to cover the now helpless Demon. As Zoultan was being sent back under the earth's crust, a charge could be heard as the last few feet of the cocoon nearly complete its encasement.
Zoultan let out one last roar before the cocoon covered his head. As the Guardian shield and cocoon connected, now completely encasing the Demon, the charge dispersed and a shock wave was sent rolling across the valley. It sliced through any tall stone structure like a warm knife through butter, causing the Demonic towers to fall to the ground.
Enodia and Sirus raised their shields simultaneously to protect the supply line and remaining Guardians from the blast. As the wave of energy had passed the shield was lowered. The Warriors began to cheer as the remaining stones fell on the defeated Demon Lord. Enodia however, remained silent. Not in dismay for the fall of Zoultan, but for the heartache Arion was now feeling.
A bright light encased Arion as he began to lower to the ground. The light dwindled as the Orbs of Amerith suddenly shot out from his body in every direction. Arion fell to the ground unconscious. He lay on his stomach; his eyes closed and his body limp. Not from the impact however, but from the toll his young body had taken from the battle.
Arion's eyes began to open, blinking ever so often. He slowly rose to his hands and knees, his head hung low. He took a moment to catch his breath before he remembered his father. Arion looked to his left with worried eyes to see Kronan in the distance lying limp on his back. Arion ignored the numbness through out his body and ran to his father.
The young Guardian fell to his knees when he reached Kronan. "Father!" Arion shouted as he shook Kronan.
Remarkably, Kronan opened his eyes, but only just.
"Father?" Arion said with surprise. Kronan opened his mouth as if to speak but nothing came out.
"Don't try to talk," said Arion, "I'll get you out of here." Arion placed his hands on his father's chest and tried to teleport but was unable to do so. He hung his head at his failed attempt; a tear rolled down his cheek.
Kronan reached up and grasped the outside of Arion's arm. Arion looked at his father as the tears became more violent.
"I- I'm proud of y- you." Kronan's arm fell back to the ground as he closed his eyes, letting go of his last breath.
"Father no!" Arion panicked. However, it was too late. Arion laid over his father's body as the tears flowed from his eyes.
Moments later Arion felt a presence behind him. He looked back to see Enodia standing with her arms hung at her sides, the wind blowing her seemingly glowing gown, her eyes soft in expression. The Elder began to walk to Arion who turned his head back to his father's body and closed his eyes.
Enodia knelt down next to Arion and placed her right hand on his left shoulder. "Your father lives on in you now, he will never be forgotten," she said.
Arion did not respond. He only sat on the charred ground as the tears rolled down his face with his head hung low. However, a bright light caught his attention. He looked across his father's body and saw one of the Orbs nestled next to a rock. The light grew brighter when his eyes made contact with the gem but he did not care to retrieve it. He simply let sorrow take over as he once again closed his eyes and hung his head.
