Alex: Horrors of Plans In Motion

Alex looks at the machine and admires the beauty. But without wasting time hops on the liberator and hearing it roar to life and feeling the rumble. He looks up to the sky then locks his eyes forward. He revs the engine then drops the clutch to let the wheel screech then shoots off like a bullet as the rear tire catches traction followed by roaring down the road. He looks at the monster for a split second then the road. He pushes the engine as far as it can go. As he drives down the road he feels the blazing heat of a fire on his right side. When he glances over he sees a charred house standing amidst a field. He slows down and debates within his mind as to help them. Then his mind traveled to the story that Grant always said about his passing. How he wishes that he could have done something that awesome but it just wasn’t his way to go out. In the end ignoring it he catches up to grant who was at the end of the road already. He smiles at him and is greeted with a devilish grin. As they speed down the eerily empty road ahead of them the monster, which was seemingly crouching from the distance, began to stand tall. As they race towards the monster ahead it now towers over them, even higher than a skyscraper. As they get closer the details of it become more apparent. The torso was that of a silverback gorilla. The hide wasn’t hair but obsidian spires so thin it could be mistaken for hair. The arms were cast in scales, its head was that of a golden eagles. But instead of a beak it had a Tyrannosaurus snout. Its eyes the size of a car and absorbed all light in the same way as pitch. Yet even so a creamy white light gleamed somewhere near the center, looking like the pupil of the monster. Down the spine are small spikes about three feet across following all the way down to the tip of the tail. The end of the tail is a ball of spikes. Standing on two legs and its arms outstretched to a massive thirty foot range. The legs and feet were that of a human. It turns to see the two racing towards it and gives a roar so loud the rumble was felt through the earth shaking the bikes. But it wasn’t a minor shake, that of an earthquake reckless enough to shake the two bikes enough side to side that Grant and Alex lose control. Flying off and stumbling onto their sides till they rolled to a halt. The underbelly of the creature was still an obsidian black hide until the neck. Where it blends into a scaled mesh of charred, almost fish like scales, instead of bird feathers. Making gleam under the moonlight. Alex and Grant get to their feet, grant unsheathing his katana, Alex grasping his whip with one hand and the pen out and ready to work the magic. They are no more than fifteen feet from the massive creature as it growls at the two as Grant charges in. The blade glowing a bright blue, when Grant swings and the blade changes form into water extending to the kneecap of the creature. The water slicing straight through the seemingly normal skin of the creature. As the blade went through the legs transformed into water. Upon completing the strike the water solidifies back into a fleshy legs. Alex lifts up the pen and writes something in the air while grant hacks and slashes at the creature’s legs.

“Incoming support grant, don’t give up.” Alex yells, following almost immediately Grant replies, “Was kind of hoping for it.”

The letters burn away and grants blade transforms from a pure steel to diamond with the constant slashing. When the strike hits, after the transformation, the creature roars in pain and stumbles as it turns around to face the two young men. The spikes on the tail growing and receding back to the original size. Turning to face the duo in front of it something appears on its back. “You think that simple parlor tricks are going to kill me young ones? Need to try much harder to kill a god such as myself.” Alex looks around trying to find where the voice emanating in his head is coming from. With no one around he turns his attention to the creature. It looks down at him glaring “Yes that was me, I am choosing to talk to you. For you are worthy enough, however your partner mustn’t know. The moment you inform him of contact he will be the first to die. Afterall mere mortals cannot kill a god.”

“You lie, a god wouldn’t torment mortals, they would guide them into a new era of prosperity. Only demons would make threats of death. You should stop lying to the world.” Alex yells up to it, Grant paying no attention. Just trying to get the upper hand on the monster. Alex lifts his pen up and the monster rumbles in a laughing manner. Alex not paying attention continues writing. When he finishes instead of the letters burning up with a bright warm light it turns to sludge and falls to the ground. Every letter dropping like a solid object only to splash once hitting the ground. “Once again, it will take more than parlor tricks to kill a god.” The deep and rumbling voice echoes through Alex’s head. It reverberates through his head with such ferocity that he drops gripping the sides of his head. Screaming in pain and a soft warm liquid flows from his eyes in such a way tears would. But only trails of blood trickle from his eyes and down his face. Grant looks down and notices so he wields his massive shield to the monster. Relentlessly smashing it. Clearly having no effect on the creature stutters Grant’s movements. “Don’t worry young one, I am not here to kill you. Only to speak to the one who bears the emblem of my flames. But you must stay silent. No harm has been done to this town.”

Alex looks around where he is standing. The world around them literally falling into an almost empty void. Where they stand a bright white light creating the ground they stand on. They are surrounded on all sides by darkness. Almost as if this small fraction of light is a beacon of hope for a lost and far off world. Grant falls to the ground and goes completely limp. The sound stops ringing through Alex’s mind and he stands up trying to wipe off the blood. Nothing is there. Alex starts looking around as if he lost his body parts during the transfer from their world to this one. In what could only be summed up as laughter resonating from the creature he begins to speak again, “I am sorry young one. That was no more than Aether residue. You see I come from a vastly different place than your own. Only my spirit remains in this form. I can still speak and appear amongst the mortals but am never seen. Except by those that transcend death or have been so close as to seeing death himself. At any rate that isn’t why I am here. In his current state he is not ready to stand up to the challenge that follows. Nor see me apparently, yet he is dead. He is to be the guardian of strength correct?”

Alex looks at the creature slightly distraught, yet curious as to what he is talking about. “Yes he is why are you so curious, and what happened to the blood on me?”

“That was nothing more than aether of my sins from the past. There are too many to count at this point. But the one that does still resonate within me is something that you must only tell your leader understood?”

Alex nods in agreement. “But why not Grant, he is the one the message is supposed to be going too.”

“Not until he is ready, your leader will understand. Now listen my boy. I transcend the very existence of this world. I shouldn’t be here but I was drawn to it for some reason. Now I understand as to why. Grant must look for the flames eternal.”

“Okay but I have one single question for you. What is the sin that resonates with you still? I take it back two questions. What happened to the blood?”

“I never made an heir or formally transferred my artifact. That is a sin I must bear till Grant takes it from me. After all that is why I am still left here. I already told you, it was my aether. A trace of someone from the multiverse venturing into another that isn’t there own. It leaves such a wretched stench when it is left behind. Now this world is where the guardians reside yes?”

“Yes, but not just this one. There are literally millions, if not trillions, of worlds that share the kinship.”

“Ah yes, but why would I not be allowed to leave this one if I were in the wrong place. As well as knowing that when did everything change. Before there was one united force that lead the equilibrium of the multiverse. What happened, why did it all change?”

“I am sorry but I have no idea what you are talking about. This has been the way it’s been since the beginning of the multiverse. Father must know though. You should find him. If you want to know that.”

“No that is irrelevant currently. Tell your leader that they are coming much more faster than he believes. Any day now, they shall arrive. As well that Grant must follow the paths leading to me. For he must wield the flames if he has a chance to face his foe. He must kill this ghastly form of mine. I will send you two back there immediately so you can tell him.”

“But that doesn’t make any sense. Just tell me what you mean by them. Or that the kinship was a united force. Like in the same dimension or what. None of it makes sense.”

“Soon it will. I promise my boy, just trust your elders. After all that is why you follow the command of the one you call Father and your kinship leader correct?”

Before Alex is able to reply he is back at the grove. Moments before the two jumped through the mirror. Alguro looking intently at the mirror. Listening to Father and his every word.

“There is a new mission. Should you choose to accept it… Wait that can’t be right. Nothing is there anymore. My memories and sight must be slipping with age. I am sorry Alguro. Go ahead and continue as you were.”

Alguro looking rather confused at this watches father fade from the mirror. He looks over and see’s grant collapsed and Alex still looking into the air. He rushes over to them and grabs a hold of Grant. Looking for injury with nothing none to be found. Alguro looks up at Alex, “What happened Alex. Why are you looking at the roof. It has always looked like that.”

Alex shocked looks around him and realizes where he is. He looks at Alguro and with a complete look of shock on his face asks, “Why are we back. We just left moments ago. This doesn’t make any sense.”

Alguro knits his eyebrows together, “What do you mean you just left. Father never gave us a mission. You two were standing by ready for one though clearly.”

Alex in a slightly angered voice replies, “No he did. He said that the mission had grave dangers ahead. Death would be there but there wasn’t anything you could do. I even saw you hand Grant the lamp. Look at his waist it is still tied there.”

Alguro takes a look and realizes that the lamp is tied to Grant’s waist. He sets him down gently then rushes to the library. He returns with a grave look on his face. He unties the lamp from Grant and returns it to its original placement.

“What happened while you two were down there, and how did you rewind time. Only two people in the entire multiverse cold do such a thing. But you aren’t either.”

Alex walks over to the mirror and looks into it. As he does Death slowly comes into view. Looking as he always has, a sunken in face almost sucked into his skeleton. A hoodie on him in order to cover it. A scythe, or so he calls it, the size of a sickle. As well as a silver chain necklace wrapped around his neck. Sitting at the base of it was his ring. He refuses to tell anyone as to what it does only what his scythe does. Alex looks at the mirror a little longer till death is in the exact same scene that him and Grant left.

“I felt Grant’s essence die here, though I can’t seem to find him. Is he in the grove with you two?” He says in a rather cracked voice. His black shaggy hair falling down and not fully concealing his pitch colored eyes. Intently staring at Alex as if he is calculating when his time as a Guardian will be up. Slightly nodding from time to time. Alex shivers and looks to Alguro. Who is looking at him and gesturing with his hands to tell him what he wants.

“Yes he is. But he is down, we were there a few moments ago but something sent us back. Could you come and check on him for us please.” Alex says to him. His head still turned to alguro. When he looks back Death is standing before him in place of the mirror. Still looking intently on Alex but not missing a step or tripping, as he walks towards Grant his head turns to stay facing Alex. Finally reaching grant he reels his head back around. Kneeling down he touches him and asks Alex, “What happened? What could have happened that lead him to this, and moreover why are you usncathed?”

Alex turns looking at the mirror as it reemerges into reality. Slightly shaking at Death, himself, appearing in their kinship. “Well first things first. Alguro I was told to tell you that they are arriving sooner than you thought. Within days to be more precise. And that Grant must follow the paths leading to him. Because he must wield the Flames Eternal if he has any chance of surviving his foe. I have no idea who he was but that is what he said. He sounded really scared, almost as if he was worried that the message wouldn’t reach you in time.”

Alguro looks over at the pool. He then looks at his robe the images in such a bundled mess he can’t see anything. Death is the first to reply, “Did he say that he resides within a different kinship?”

Alex finally looking back his heart speeding up ever so slightly. Death is gripping the ring to the point that his fragile skin is cracking. But instead of dark red blood it is a yellow slime substance. A smell so bad that it completely knocked out everyone’s sense of smell quickly. Once it comes back no one can smell a thing. Alex looks at Death with intrigue. His heart slowed back down to normal and the grip of fear not gripping him anymore. “No, well not exactly. He did ask why the kinships were divided and not within a united force to balance something out. You know he also said something about a weird substance. He called it aether, and that it leaves behind a wretched stench. Didn’t think it would be that bad. Anyway you are one of them aren’t you?”

Death takes the ring from his neck and lays it on Grants chest. Alguro still holding him he just looks at Alex and begins to piece together each passing moment. Beginning to understand that this was more than a threat. His eyes widen and he looks at his robe once more. The images clear now, four people trapped within a cages. Each one looking to be separated by a black void from one another. Sitting in the first cage a woman with frail complexities begins to stand as the bars collapse around her. Another one on Alguro’s left sleeve looks like it split open. Looking at it he turns it and another cage broken. This figure was more lean than the woman. But still he didn’t look in the best of positions. On Alguro’s chest his robe showed one final cage breaking open. Only cracks were seen though. No matter how much the figure strained to break from her prison she couldn’t do it. Each twine from the broken cage pieces forming into lines. As it trailed around the robes the cages faded, the colors of the strands of twine so reflective and bright that it almost emanates like a star. Leading to his chest again the cage was still there. But only a pair of red eyes and dark purple shadow were residing inside the cage. The twine slowly climbing to it. With each twine touching the cage one by one the bars fall and the person rises. Standing taller than the rest was clearly a man. Laughter is echoed through the room followed by a hiss as his echoed laugh faded away. The reflective twine dimming and disappearing till it is nothing left but the man that was once imprisoned. Looking directly at Grant almost as if he could see him. He is floating in nothing and you could see more twine appear creating small twinkles of stars in the distance. Showing that he is in the vacuum of space. He starts moving across the robe from the left to the beginning part of the second seam on the right. His movement wasn’t human. It wasn’t stepping but more like fluid moving down a stream. The dark purple shadow engulfing everything but his eyes. More reflective twine appears and dimming the shine of the rest of twinkling stars as one in particular begins to increase in size. He grabs ahold of the it with both hands and begins to crush it. It fades into nothing more than a small former version of what it once was. He grasps it with one hand and forces his other into it. A cinnabar colored glow from it. Not nearly as reflective but you still had to strain in order to see it. The ball almost the size of his entire torso. After letting go and his hand being consumed by the substance he puts his opposing hand into it. Pulling apart until the ball tears into two, consuming both hands one still cinnabar the other a cerulean color. Looking directly at Grant this time he begins to fly towards him. Growing larger until the scene changes to the creature that Grant and Alex were faced against. Alex points at it quickly and runs over. Pushing on Death’s shoulder until he glances at it. His eyes widened and a smile appears. “It is time to finally do what we were stranded here for. I hope that Lissandra doesn’t mind the change up though.” Death says looking at Alguro who is still focused on the creature. Death reaches his hand into the air and it disappears. When it returns it is grasping the hold of a satchel. He rummages around in it and pulls out an hourglass. He looks back at Grants limp body and turns the hourglass upside down. The sand is almost crawling through the center and falling. Grain by grain, then it speeds up. Almost instantly the sand rushes to the bottom but a very thin patch stuck between the middle. Not moving whatsoever. Death places his other hand on the ring. He looks up at the ceiling and says, “By the balance of death and the order of life return to the form you once were. There is no time for one of the chosen to be left behind.”

By the time death already finished the first half Grant gasps for air. He looks around frantically and realizes where he is. All he can muster is, “Why does that always seem to happen to me?”

Everyone chuckles and smiles but only for a moment. Death picks up his ring and hands the bag to Alex. Standing up and placing the ring around his neck once more he opens up the bag. Putting the hourglass back in the bag and pulls out two items. A whip and an Ipod. He looks at Alex and smiles. He gestures to put the bag down with his hands outstretched to him. Alex does so and takes a hold of the two items. He looks through the Ipod and notices it has all the music he could ever want and more. He goes back and looks through the playlists and realizes there are two already made. One is called for some real ass whooping, the other is called, he’s gonna look really funny… Alex chuckles and looks at his other hand. Only the hilt was still there, the whip itself was just a small tassel. He looks up at death with confusion, “Wasn’t this a full fledged whip a second ago?”

Death with a smile still on his face. His teeth being shown through his skin. “Oh it still is, face the other way and ever so slightly flick your wrist.”

One eyebrow raised Alex looks over death and the whip. He turns and holds the hilt in his now balled fist. He flicks his wrist ever so slightly. The tassel grows into a long chain link that goes to the edge of the garden and flicking into the field then returns again. Looking down at the ground he sees the tassel is leather leading to a tied knot. The next three feet or so is leather bound and overlapped on one another in a cross pattern. Tightly wounded together only to end with the steel chain link feeding from the middle. “Alright now that is cool. How long is this this?”

Death’s voice wringing behind Alex sending chills through his body as usual, “As long as you can see and then some lead. It can also pick up objects and people with ease.”

“No freaking way” Alex says with excitement.

He flicks his wrist backwards and it shrinks down to a normal five foot range. He looks at the chairs that Grant and him were sitting on and he flicks his wrist over towards their direction. Almost as if the hilt read what he was thinking the lead cracks the air and stays suspended until it wraps around each chair. He tilts his wrist up, the rest of the lead drops and like a wave it rolls over to the end. Lifting up the chairs with no strain on Alex’s end. Music starts to play and he looks around. The tune sounding like something from a rock band. Then slowly the lyrics come into range and everything in perfect synchronization. He looks at his Ipod and sees the title and cracks a smile. “This thing even has Linkin park?”

“Oh and so much more my boy. This is a way for you to communicate with all of us. The music stays in your mind so you don’t need headphones.”

Alex turns quickly and faces death who is now standing with his hands behind his back. A smile still spread from ear to ear. “Wait didn’t you just speak to me? It sounded like you were right next to my ear.”

“No I didn’t. Not even a word. Only you can hear me unless you choose to allow everyone else to hear. Go ahead give it a try.”

Alex with slight worry on his face cracks a smile so not to deter himself.

“Alright fine bone face. Wait what in the world, I can hear myself like I am speaking to you. This is so cool. So what do you call the whip and the Ipod anyway. I mean they have to have some fancy name.”

Death looks at the floor before replying. “Well that in your hand is called a whip and that music device is called an Ipod”

Death chuckles and looks back at Alex. From behind him Alguro’s voice rises from the near silence, “What are you doing. Aren’t those items you stole from other kinships?”

Death turns to alguro hands at his side, “Well yes and no. I took them found a way to clone them and then gave them back. The rest of these are of my and Gerrards design however.”

“Gerrard?” Alguro asks.

“Oh sorry he likes to be called Father. My bad, well at any rate each of these items are infused with power like you could not imagine. Like that hourglass if you point at somebody it shows how close a person is to death. But the person who should bear this item isn’t here clearly. But that stays with you. As for the armor grant is wearing. Tap your gauntlet twice and see what happens.”

Grant follows the directions. The armor condenses down into a vambrace. Grants head jerks back and his eyes close. The echo of a child’s laughter fills the grove. Followed by a conversation that can’t be heard directed to one specific person. Only the variation of two voices. One clearly a female and the other a lower tone. Almost like Grant himself would speak. “You know Lilli I was thinking. Why don’t we get out of here? Like runaway start in a new town or city. Somewhere we can continue without the hate.” Grant’s voice echoes. His mouth not moving his eyes still closed. The conversation cleared up. Hearing the woman’s voice which everyone came to the same conclusion that it was Emily. “Wait you don’t mean act out our favorite songs do you?”

“Yes exactly like that, I mean why not. I am clearly not going anywhere. You are still looking for somewhere to work. Why don’t we just pick up and leave this town. Find a place just for us. Continue from there.” Grant replies.

“But what about our families. What would we tell them?”

“Nothing, we just leave a note. One from each of us, tell them that we love them. We just need to skip town and grow to be ourselves.”

“You know that isn’t a bad idea. But where would we move. Anywhere here in Utah County costs way too much to rent.”

“How about Ogden? I mean it’s a huge town. Yeah it’s a little shady but there is a university there. Plenty of places to try and get a job. The rent would be cheap because of how shady it is.”

“That’s right. There is plenty of hiking spots there. Everywhere allows pets, that’s perfect honey. Okay let’s go back to our houses right now. Start packing and I’ll see you tomorrow. Just leave your note pack the car and come get me. We’ll start our new life. I mean we are married and because my family is so strict we can’t even live in the same home. Not until I have a job.”

“Agreed, we just need our own place. One for ourselves, where we are free to be the people we fell in love with. Alright I’ll see you tomorrow sweetheart. Can’t wait for this to happen.”

The grove fades away and is replaced by a playground. Two tables sit behind Grant and a woman with long brunette hair. Her skin white as snow. Her eyes the color of melting milk chocolate. She is rather small, Grant towers over her as he leans down to kiss her. Behind the playground is a field surrounded by a fence. Beyond that more field. All of it covered in well tidied grass. Following the fence of a person’s back yard to the right of the playground it expands into a small wooded area. The sound of a creek trickling by nearby the wood. Three baseball fields expanded from twenty feet from where the sound was coming from. In between the wood and the grass was a small dirt path. Grant starts walking off his body not with the others. “Hey, Lilli, don’t forget about this okay. This really could be something great for us.” Grant turns and calls to the small petite woman. She turns, her eyes gleaming with excitement and glistening from the moonlight. “Why would I. I haven’t been this excited since you proposed.”

Emily turns around and skips away with such excitement. Grant smiles at her and watches for a moment before turning and putting his hands in his pocket and walking away. A smile spread ear to ear on his face. Exiting through a fence near the table they were sitting at and turning to the right. A paved pathway with cracks and uprisings from so much wear and tear over the years. He walks out passed a wall and out of sight from the others. Alex follows quickly with Death almost at his heels. Alguro stands up and follows them. Alex runs right up to Grant and tries to put his hand on his shoulder. His hand passes right through. With how much force he put onto Grant’s shoulder it swings down and lands a open hand blow to his groin. He winces in pain and starts to walk again with a slower pace. Grant continues walking. Alex looks up and realizes where they are. “Alguro, Death. This is where we were sent when we faced that creature. Well where we landed anyway. Is this where Grant lived?” Alex’s voice heightened with alarm. Alguro lightly places his hand on Alex’s shoulder and says, “I don’t know. Most guardians don’t remember the past they lead. Some are lucky that they remember their names like you and him.”

“Yes this is, he used to live about a mile that way.” Death chimes in pointing down the road that Alex and Grant just sped down only thirty minutes ago at most, then breaking into a jog. Grant reaches the house, followed by the spectres of the other three, and voices are being heard. Alex looks at death with a confused look. He just shakes it off and keeps following Grant. After turning he sees the scene he just barely saw only minutes before. Passing by another baseball field that sat right next door to a house covered by a huge tree. But a slight red glow was lighting the night. Smoke rising from the house. Alex with a look confusion because there wasn’t a house here before. Grant starts picking up paceher in a spring and catch up. “James, where are you son. Your dad is right here. Come to the front door.” A man calls out. Both a woman and a man standing at the front door of the nearly collapsed and flame engulfed home. The door broken down to where only a small child could fit through. Grant runs up to the man. The woman on the phone with the police. “Hey do you guys need any help?” Grant asks.

“Well there isn’t anything you can do I’m afraid. But my child is in there.” The man replies.

“Don’t worry sir I was a firefighter. When did the house begin to blaze?”

“About three minutes ago.”

“Alright I’m gonna go in there and get your child. The door isn’t holding up anything at this point.” Grant exclaims before running shoulder first into the door. The door opens up to a hallway with stairs in sight. Grant turns and looks at the man. “Does your son sleep upstairs?”

He nods his head and grant races up there with no hesitation. The three yielded by fear not daring to walk into the house. “How long do you think he’s been in their?” Alex says looking at Alguro and Death. They shrugged with no one tracking the passing time. Alex turning back and mesmerized by what was unfolding. Then after what felt like hours the hours collapses. A yell of pain roars above the raging crackling of the flames is heard inside. The trio and the parents run up to an opening nearest where they heard the yell. Looking inside what was once a kitchen a crawl space was now formed, with Grant lying on the ground. His shirt, instead of wearing it, was wrapped around his mouth trying to make a mask for the smoke. While lying there he was cradled around something, he was holding a small boy. With a challenge on his legs he gets up and holds the boy tighter. With his legs and free arm he crawls over, with strain on his left leg, to the opening and pushes the child out. The boy, lying still on the ground begins to cough and stops immediately. The parents yell into the house, “Thank you so much.” As the wife turns and watches her son she yells, “The sirens are down the street. Just hold out a moment longer you will be safe. I promise.”

The mother runs to the child and puts her hand on his chest. Her hand barely rising and lowering showing the boy is alive. Creaking starts to come from the house. Alguro, Alex, and Death stand back and look around. The house finishes collapsing and falls Grant’s screams of agony coming from inside. The father still there lucky that the house collapsed inward. Looking in he yells, “Hold it out. They are outfront now, please hold out.”

The trio walk forward again and they see Grant’s legs pinned by a burning post. Grant just looks at it and chuckles. He turns to the man and raises his thumb up to him. He looks back at his legs he sees the flame jump from the post and begin to climb up his pant leg. His eyes start to swell tears coming out of them he asks. “Hey what’s your name man?” Grant asks the man standing outside who is watching intently.

“My name is Rick, and yours?” Rick says, unknowing the outcome.

“Well Rick, looks like this will be my last night. I only hope that I left a decent trail in my wake.” Grant says in between coughing the firefighters reaching the two. They look in and walk over to the side of the home and begin hacking away at the side of the building. The trio staying with Grant and Rick.

“Look the firemen are here. Don’t worry about it, you will get out of here alive. I swear.” Rick says to him.

“No, I won’t get out of here. The flame has already reached my torso. Hey can you do me a favor at least?” Grant says in a rather calm voice.

“Yeah sure anything, anything you want.” Rick replies, his voice slightly cracking from sadness.

“Could you find a woman. A woman by the name of Lilli Michaels. Tell her I’m sorry that I didn’t have her six this time” Grant says with a chuckle. The flames at this point reaching upwards by his neck. Still withstanding the pain with so much effort.

“Yeah I will. Hey you never did tell me your name.”

“Oh yeah sorry about that, my name is Grant. It was nice meeting you man. Hope you have a good one.” Grant says groaning with pain.

“Don’t you say that to me man. They are inside you will live I promise.” Rick says to him. His voice still cracking as he watches Grant writhe in agony at this point.

“Turn away Rick, you aren’t going to want to see this. Go be with your wife and kid. He is gonna want to see your face when he comes too.” Grant says almost yelling at this point. The flames finally consuming his face. Rick follows through and Grant’s screams of pure agony are heard. Echoing in the air. Only slightly fading while firemen are dragging him through the house. They finally pull him out. The wails of pain filling the starry night sky. The full moon overhead lighting the scene too clearly. Alguro walks over to Grant and looks at him forlornly. Each scream getting smaller and smaller. Till nothing. Even with the water dousing the flames everyone around knows it’s too late. Alguro just kneels down and watches as the stream of water stops. The flames gone but only a charred husk of what was once Grant laid out. His arms outstretched towards his chest. His face permanently stuck with his mouth open in a wail. Always screaming and only heard by the troop and the parents. Now by Alex, Death, and Alguro. When his arms fall to his chest the area fading away. Everyone is back at the grove. The trio are looking into the pond. Grant places his hand on Alex’s shoulder. Alex jumps in completely terrified. He turns and notices everything is back to normal. Now more than ever does he realize the slight burn marks that have faded away over the past year. Alex grabs his face and smashes it together. Then he grabs his cheeks and pulls them apart. Grant shoves them away and asks, “What are you doing that for?”

Alex looks towards Alguro and Death and both are looking at the ground. “So why the hell didn’t you tell me you had a looker for a wife?”

Grant looks at the three of them. His smile fading and then realizing what just happened.

“Wait you guys saw her. How is she. Is she doing good? I hope she isn’t in pain anymore.” Grant says almost unable to say any of it properly.

“No we saw the night you died. When you closed your eyes and your head jerked backwards we starting hearing a conversation. Then we were sucked into past, watching everything that happened.” Alex replies his voice cracking now.

“Oh that, I never told anyone because it was a little too gruesome. Wait how did you see that?” Grant asks his voice shaking.

“It’s the vambrace. It’s called The Vambrace of the Transpired. It allows someone to go to their past and those they are hiding it from. But only by will, that is up until now.” Death says, his voice chilling all three to their very souls.

“Wait, no that doesn’t make sense you guys were walking around for the last half an hour. You looked like lunatics. At one point Alex cracked himself in the nuts. Then another you guys were walking into the wall constantly.” Grant says, his voice still shaking.

“Dude I promise we did. Do you remember Rick?” Alex says his voice coming back to normal.

“Yeah, I saved his son before I died. Actually saving his son is what led me to my death.” Replies Grant.

“If it helps you can go and visit Lilli. The vambrace allows you to visit those within your memories. See how they are. Just if you choose to let them see you think about the consequences.” Death says.

Grant looks down at the vambrace. He walks up to Death and grabs him by his hoodie. Holds him up in the air and begins yelling at him, “You are lying. There is no way that I can see her again. She will never hear my voice and I will never hear her’s. Do you understand me, what I did that night costed me our future together. I don’t live a day without remembering it. But at the same time I don’t regret my decision. That was the one time I was strong enough to do something.”

Death looks at him. His face filling out. Skin color coming back to a normal slightly tanned look. His cheeks filling in and his eyes filling with color the way a human would look like. He looks at Grant and grabs his hand.

“Yes you can, you will always be able to see her. Until her death in the mortal realm. I promise, do you see the clear jewel in the vambrace? It’s a diamond, the same one you share. Go ahead and press it and say her name. You will find yourself wherever she is. Literally right next to her.” Death says calmly. Grant sets him down and looks around the room. His eyes swelling up and turning red. Tears start falling down his cheeks. Everytime he wipes them away like the rushing waves of a river it just trails down again. Grant just looks down at the vambrace and stares at the gem. Just rubbing his finger across the diamond for a few moments. Looking up at the others he lays the vambrace back to his side. Walking away while trying to wipe the tears away from his cheeks. Soon after he walks into the library the others look amongst one another.

“I… didn’t think... he would’ve reacted so harshly at this.” Alex says.

With the tension thickening in the air everyone goes about trying to distract themselves spreading about. Alex walks around the Grove to look for something to do with no avail. The atmosphere of the Grove felt icy after what happened. While walking around the grove Alex began noticing minute details that he never had in the year he’s been here. Near the fountain there was a small pocket where stairs could lead down about six feet. He walked over to the indent and saw that there was in fact stairs. But instead of finding a full flight of stairs two steps trailed into a dugout. Alex steps down into it and the dugout seems to elongate away from him. He begins walking down the dirt pathway. Death looking over his shoulder he notices Alex in the dugout, he grins and looks back into the fountain. Clearly trying to straighten his thoughts about what he just saw. Alguro looking into the mirror intently looking at each gem, he looks over at death. Then upon looking back he realizes an error that may stand within the new era of guardians.

“Hey, you should come look at this. It involves your future it seems.” Alguro calls over to death. Alex breaks his obsession with walking down the dugout and walks out. Looking around at the grove once more he walks over to the bench him and grant sat at a few hours ago now. When he reaches them he notices that it isn’t a bench but four seats settled side by side. Grant’s on one end and his on the other. Each one made from granite, still gleam as if they were made very recently. But something that didn’t seem to fit was on the crowns of each seat sat three gems embedded. Walking past them and noticing what they were he realized that they were the same ones on the mirror. Looking closer at one of the seats he noticed a diamond where the headrest was. The same gleam and clear coat as on Grant’s vambrace. But sitting on the pillars that made up the arm rests were two other gems. On the left was a Garnett, on the right was a moonstone. Looking through his memory Alex tried to remember why they were so important. That they meant something more than just gems. With no avail he just brushes it off his mind and continues to walk around. Glancing at Alguro and Death having a hushed conversation. Then remembering why Death was here in the first place he looks around for the bag. Sitting next to the stream was the bag still shut tight even though it sprawled across the grass enough to be loose. Picking it up he interrupts the conversation and hands the bag to death. Looking at him with a devious grin he puts up his hand for one more moment with Alguro alone. After a few more hushed comments from one another he snatches the bag from Alex’s hand and says,

“So you really are that curious aren’t you? Alright well on with the gifts.” opening it up again, he pulls out the last six items and rests them on the fountain’s edge. The first of the items was a small hourglass with the sand rapidly draining to the bottom, the glass would turn on its own in order to reset. The second was a small ring with a jewel embedded into the center, it reminded Alex of a wedding ring. The third item showed that each of the last six items were two seperate sets. Both meant to be for two other people, the thought sent chills down Alex’s spine. The final item in the first set was metallic bracelet, it was silver in color on the outside but ashen gray on the inside. Etched on the inner curves of the bracelet was a skeleton in bone white making the etch stand out more. On the outside was a script, only a few of the words could actually be made out. But of those few words it read like a pact of taking the mantle of becoming the next underworld ruler. The other set of items consisted of a sword with the blade itself inscribed with ancient celtic scribe. A rivet down the center of it and sharpened on both sides. Nearing the hilt were deep engravings consisting of swirls and more signs of celtic origin. In the middle of the carvings there was two chinese dragons curving around an etching of a knight. Underneath the hilt where the hilt rounded into bead sat was a word that was worn out. The hilt itself was comprised of a golden guard, in a cross pattern like that of a claymore sword, with two rubies one on each end. The rubies were carved in the form of a crown on top of two etched knights from chess. The hilt was encased in leather laced together so tight making it look as if it was from the viking times. The bottom bolt of it was a diamond placed perfectly in the center surrounded by more gold. Inscribed on it was each of the four letters on a compass. The second item was a shield it was in the design of a Legionnaire shield from roman times but the top bowed downward slightly like it was a hybrid of a kite shield. Vines were engraved on the top and bottom of it bearing small round fruit. In the center was the god of Janus. Both of his faces peering to each side of the shield. It was the color of faded silver. The final item was a mace with a green discoloration. As if it were sitting at the bottom of the ocean for a few hundred years. Alex flicks the ball and there is a loud thud that echoes. The spikes protruding through the ball were rather thick. A basic chain link attached on the bottom and it connected to a handle that came down to a crossed point on the bottom. A button was visible on it but no one dared to touch it. Curious Alguro and Alex just study the items even more. The hourglass was still draining extremely fast and flipping over to reset. Each set of items seemed like they belonged solely to one person. Alex not noticing until now but each of his items were essentially a mirror into his creative soul. Showing his passionate love of music, the ability to write in attempt to be profound, and his past when he spent his days out on his grandfather’s ranch. Learning to use a whip properly for no apparent reason but it would be a pretty nifty thing to learn how to use one as a weapon. Each individual item here represented something different. The first three he looked at were items that death would use. An hourglass that emptied and reset immediately. But it only stopped and acted as one when Grant was near death. A ring that not only looks like a wedding ring but bears a pact of some sort. It made alex wonder if it worked like the ring that Death wore around his neck. The bracelet was still something that didn’t make sense. But when the holder of the items comes they will understand their use. The sword, shield, and mace are all from different eras. But each of them bore some sort of romanticisms of honor, trust, valor, and kindness from each respective era. Not from the warriors that held the items but of stories told. Such as the sword felt was almost ripped straight from the stories of King Arthur. It emanated a glow of safety yet felt too powerful to wield. The odd looking legionnaire shield bearing the mark of the vines of roam and Janus the god of beginnings and of transitions. The mace may have been used throughout several ers but using a mace during the times of the vikings meant that you cared for your men. You would fight just out of reach of them because of the honor that would have been bestowed upon you if you died. Entering the realm of Valhalla and knowing that each victory brought you great prosperity. Not just for you and your men but for your family as well. These items were more than weapons to face their foes amidst the battlefields. But a window into someone’s soul and who they truly are no matter how they acted on the outside.

“Hey, Alguro, I’ve been meaning to ask this for some time now. But what do the gems mean that are placed around the Mirror of Fate's?” Alex asks hesitant to hear the answer.

Alguro looks to Death and grins. He walks over to the mirror and points at the bottom of the mirror. Alex with a hunch asks, “Isn’t this resemblance of a lot of ancient eastern cultures on earth?”

Alguro grins and nods before replying, “Yes but they were right as to how the gems work. They are a gateway to the soul. However it wasn’t in the same fashion that they claimed. Depending upon your personality you have a specific set of three stones. Each stone represented one of your greatest aspects as a person. Once you were given your set you knew what it was that you needed to work on to be a better person. Now do you know what those three stones I am pointing to mean?”

Alex shakes his head but studies them. Taking in each stones details and making sure he remembered what each one looked like.

“Well the one in the center is called Prehnite. It’s representation is fairly straightforward. It means the remembrance of lost dreams and ideas. If there is something that you regret not doing or achieved based on your dreams when you were living then that would be why its there. The one to the left of it is a Rose Quartz. It means that you are rather gentle and the love you give to others is gentle as well. At the same time you do what you can to bring peace to any form of turmoil around you. Such as what you did with Grant. To the left is a Citrine, it means that you are restless and impatient, which you are. But you also have a balance, as well as control, over those things. Each and every aspect of your greatest strengths and weaknesses are shown through these mere gemstones.”

“So this is literally what is left of my soul essentially here in the afterlife?” Alex asks, his voice shaking.

“I honestly have never thought about it like that but in a way yes it is. This is what you were and believed with your final days on earth as a mortal.” Alguro says with a tone of remorse.

Alex Shrugs it off and looks at the other gemstones. The silver mirror gleaming from the unearthly sunlight that usually dawns inside the grove. The intricacies of each swirling vine down to the leaf. Sitting so still in the just as unmoving grove. Nothing but the serene trickle of the creek being heard. The vines looking like they could move if a little wind was there. The gemstones set in almost perfect spots at each point of the mirrors case. The bow of the oval protruding the gems like a fashion trending dress. Yet it made the mirror look more intricate and alluring to look into. The gems to the left of the mirror almost gleaming like they were just polished and carved as such. Alex steps back and points towards the top of the mirror towards the gems embedded.

“Excuse me but what do those gems mean. I have a feeling of what Grants gems stand for which are on the left. But those top ones don’t seem so friendly.” Alex asks.

“Oh those, it was really weird to see a set of gems that had one split in half. But if you wish to know I’ll gladly tell you.” Alguro replies.

“Please?”

“Well the one that’s split in half in the center are rather simple gems. An Opal and Obsidian. Let’s start with the Opal shall we? It represents strong emotions, more specifically love and compassion. Essentially showing that the Guardian will be someone who has celebrated life. But in another way than partying. The Obsidian means two things one is warding off negativity but as well as an omen of death. To the side of the Obsidian is a Blue Topaz. It stands for the Guardians courage and what they have had to do to overcome their fears. Seeing as it is on the side of the Obsidian death is a rather great fear he, or she, has. On the side of the Opal is a Phosphosiderite it stands for healing and remembrance of a past life. This from my guess means that this person is in eternal healing and their memories of a past life is holding them back. But that is from what I can understand of the usual meaning of the stone.” Alguro says.

Alex takes it in then turns to the other items displayed on the fountain’s edge. Looking at each one and begins to piece together what each one does. He picks up the hourglass and it resets. It begins to drain sand slowly, then it sets with only a few grains on the bottom half. Alex looks to Death and a smile is spread from ear to ear on his face.

“What does this hourglass really do? I mean if anyone knows it’s you, after all you did use it while saving Grants life.” Alex asks in a more than intended stern voice.

“Well kid that right their is called The Hourglass of Fates it does two different things. One it searches the soul itself for the life the soul has lived and judges as to what life it will have when it is reborn. Two it determines how much life someone has. It works just like an hourglass and the grains of salt fall to the bottom and when the final grain falls that is when you die.” Death says. Alex turns it over and the grains stay stuck to the top of the glass. Even so a grain bottom side, which now holds more sand than the bottom, up to the top side. Alex sets it down, now unnerved by what it does, and picks up the other two items. The bracelet begins to glow and the words become clear. He doesn’t say them aloud because of a his fleeting thoughts in complete terror. It read, The twisting fates of a sickening life and the destruction of the fruitful shall stand united. Within each soul the same story but an eternity of change. Within each heart holds the key to humanity as well as the desolation of man. Undetermined as to what the road lies ahead. Upon the fruition of judgement will your soul transpire into a new form of clarity. Forever stuck in the ether of corruption and the fields of tranquility. For those that stand divided as a torch of the unredeemed. Forever enemies eternal in the depths of the darkness. For the crossroads of light shall guide the way and make the darkness more scarce. This I shall pact as the redeemer and the judge of the fate of souls. A beacon until the dawn of eternity finally reaches its end. Alex drops the bracelet and his vision becomes more and more blurry nearly fading to black. After a few moments his sight comes back, but his heart is racing so abnormally he is slightly worried he remembers that he is dead and shouldn’t even feel his heartbeat anymore. It made him feel the way Death would come to him in his final moments of life. Fleeting thoughts, heart slowing, and vision leaving ever so slowly. Death being his final judicator of what his afterlife may be, no matter what faith you may have. Death let’s out a chuckle as he watches the reaction from picking up the bracelet and Alex turns to meet his gaze. The blank empty look he’s always had with no soul behind his eyes to identify him from. Yet ,after what just transpired, looking at him started calming him down for some reason. Alex stumbles back a few feet and catches himself.

“I take it you read the Oath of the Judicator, didn’t ya?” Death says.

Alex unable to speak just nods his head and his mouth agape.

“Well that can only be said when my time across this vast multiverse has come to an end and the one to take my place is here. Which a sickening feeling tells me that it is coming soon.” Death continues to say.

Alex just relaxes and tries to steady himself. An unfamiliar sound of Grant emanates from behind Alex making him jump and scream an octave higher than usual. Alguro unable to restrain himself laughs alongside Grant and Death. Alex pulling himself together and looking Grant up and down. Even with the laughter and a smile on his face it still hid some form of sadness. Death picks up on the tension and turns to Grant. Seeing the same thing he bumps into Alguro to point it out as well.

“I take it you decided to use the vambrace?” Death says in a slow manner to show no sign hostility in his voice.

“Yeah I did. She is still distraught about what happened but she found a way to continue in her day to day. I mean she actually found a job.” Grant replies.

“Oh well that’s good, I hope you understand that the task at hand is for her safety and longevity.”

“I know but losing her is still so damn hard. Seven years of a relationship and now just barely married with no ability to continue it? How is that fair in any universe?”

“Don’t worry you will understand when everything starts to fall into place. Until then Gerrard, Alguro and I must keep everything on a need to know basis.” Death concludes.

Grant looks at him with a rather angered look. Though not pressing on the matter understanding what Death just said.

“Ooh, a loved one. Just my time to shine isn’t it big brother?” A hissing female voice echoes through the grove. Alguro and Death sharing a look that can be defined no other way than despair.

“That is impossible she was locked up eons ago now.” Alguro shouts.

“Oh but it’s not brother, or should I call you by your new name, Alguro?” A male voice so raspy it sounded like he was gargling nails.

“Where are you two, we know you are here now.” Death yells seemingly into nothing.

“Oh slow down there handsome, you know I have always found you rather attractive Lokee we should be dating and not bickering. But only if my sister approves.” The female voice fading into the fields just beyond grove.

“Never Kassy, you are nothing more than a narcissistic b…” But Death is cut off by the male voice.

“Hey watch what you say about her, or do you want to join the same space of Lissandra?”

“Shut up big brother I can handle myself besides I want to save him for last this time. Maybe he can go as far as her. Ooh I can’t wait to see!” Kassy squeals with joy.

“Funny I thought sadism was your sister’s thing Kassy?”

“Oh it is but once she is free I know what will end up happening to you for almost calling me a naughty.”

“Look you two, it isn’t too late to turn back. Please come back we could always use Guardians with your strength.” Alguro cuts in on the chatter.

“Ah but don’t you see brother, that is all they want from us. Is to use us, we are nothing more than pawns. You know better than Kassy or I that our father was telling the truth.” The man chimes in again.

“No he wasn’t, I stand by my decision. Nothing you do will change it Tricky Dick Richard, or you for that matter Cassandra.”

“Hmph, no one has called that me that in a long time Alguro. Looks like you still remember us when we were corrupt. I guess we should pay Grant and Alex a visit sometime shouldn’t we sis?” Richard says this time his voice coming through with such a disturbing sound of familiarity.

“You leave these children alone they have no quarrel with you. That solely lies on Lokee’s, Gerrard’s, and my shoulders and you know it.” Alguro shouts in a rather furious tone.

“Maybe you should have thought about that before imprisoning us. The whole multiverse will suffer now for your choices.” Kassy says with a rather way to cheerful tone. “Now the best thing is that you gave us the location of the death bearer. Thank you kindly for your services.”

After a few minutes of silence falling up every corner of the Grove. Grant gets a sickening knot in his stomach after thinking about what Kassy said and glances at Alguro and Death. Both of their faces looked so pale that they were about to die. For Death that was something that didn’t seem possible.

“What does she mean by that?” Grant says in an angered voice. Now staring down both Alguro and Death. With no answer Grant reacts by slamming the diamond on his vambrace.When he does the world around him slowly fades to black. The others watch him and a cloud of smoke erupts around him. The cloud spread in the same way as a squid would blow ink against predators. When the darkness finally fades away from Grants sight looking around he knows instantly where he is. “Lilli, you haven’t changed anything here.” Grant says looking around a small room. Barely enough room for him to walk around, he looks towards a window and sees a woman wrapped up lying in her bed. Wrapped up she rolls over her eyes still closed and mouth open causing her to snore. Grant chuckles at her and puts his hand on her forehead stroking her hair before giving her a kiss.With a sigh of relief he touches the vambrace again returning to the grove. He walks over to alguro and stares him down with a look of pure anger.

“If anything happens to her again you will not like me in the very least. Are we clear Alguro?” Grant says, his voice filled with so much anger as well as fear that it is shaking. Alguro replies with nothing more than a nod Grant then turning his gaze towards Death. “That goes for you too Lokee, or Death, or whatever your name is. I will find a way for you die over and over again if she is harmed.”

Lokee just throws his hands in the air and makes a sign of surrender. The four scout the grove in order to find where Richard and Kassy could have been hiding. Alex remembering the stairwell into nothing sprints over to it and looks down hoping to at least find a clue. He feels a hand on his shoulder and shivers.

“I don’t think that will ever get old. Besides don’t worry about that, if you can’t see it now then it’s gonna take a while for you to see it. Until then let’s just make sure that these two don’t go around trying to destroy anything in multiverse.” Lokee says so calm like nothing of what just transpired had happened.

“I’m not going anywhere until you two tell us what the hell just happened. We deserve to know, not just because we are Guardians, but because you seem to know what they want the most.” Alex says.

Alguro just looks towards the ground and puts his hands together and interlocks his fingers. Something that both Alex and Grant have only seen him do when he is weighing the decision in his mind. Lokee on the other hand wouldn’t stop moving around. Searching every nook and cranny until all of the grove and each room was thoroughly searched.

“You know we should tell them what is coming. I mean they are supposed to take… You know what that can wait until they are all here.” Lokee says calmly but still has a sarcastic tone as well.

“They should but they are nowhere near ready to face something this deadly.” Alguro says instilling the secrecy.

“But we deserve to know. Alex is right on both his statements. We are Guardians we are supposed to handle things like this. Besides with that weight you guys have with secrets on your shoulders I don’t think you can last much longer.” Grant buts in with no sign of backing down.

“Look son, you have just made my choice. That can wait for another time but until then keep doing your duty and protecting this universe. All we can do is wait for their next move.” Alguro says.

Grant just scoffs in anger and barges off to the library yet again. Alex following through the doorway. Without hesitation Alex punches the door so hard he bloodies his knuckles. Upon turning around he see’s Grant ties the lamp near his waist and taps the gauntlet twice. Somehow he was lucky enough that the armor hid the lamp enough. Alex looking a bit scared still puts his finger to his mouth indicating that he will keep this silent. Grant nods in agreement and they reenter the grove. Alguro and Lokee look over the both of them. Seeming everything is okay they go about their hushed conversation. Grant and Alex irritated beyond belief just sits quietly on the bench. Taking the seats of their respective emblems yet after the hidden details that Alex noticed earlier. In the corner of his sight he notices the bench really are the seats and he is distanced from Grant. From the near silence, aside from the mumbles coming from Lokee and Alguro. Suddenly a hiss starts to fill the grove. Grant stands up and gets his armor ready. Alex without hesitation writes in the air and nearly instantly the words burn away and grants armor starts to glow a low shine. The slight sound of grinding as the hiss grows ever louder.

“Let go of me. You are insane, my husband has been dead for a year and a half now. So what you are saying is a lie.” An all too familiar voice fills the room. Grant follows it to the pool near the mirror. Kassy’s voice is indiscernible though and slowly two shapes become visible. One was of a young woman in a tank top and cut up jeans. But her skin was as dark as the night sky. A power emanating from her so strong that it struck fear into both Alex and Grant. But Alguro and Lokee stood strong not wavering by this. But what made the woman so fearing was her pupils were as red as the side of a fire engine. Her iris a purple color and where the white of her eyes are supposed to be were a sickening yellow color. She was holding a woman in a pink onesie, of all things, by her arms restrained behind her back. As the woman comes into view more the brunette hair falling down her shoulders. Her glasses bouncing around as she tried to struggle free. Her rather small and petite form gave it away. It was Lilli Michaels, Grant’s wife, taken hostage by Kassy.

“Open your eyes girlie. Because you may not want to miss this.” Kassy says playfully pointing towards the group. Lilli’s eyes follow where Kassy points to still struggling and immediately recognizes Grant. Her look of disbelief said it all. But, Grant couldn’t let this moment slip by even if she may not have been able to hear him. “I love you Lilli. Don’t worry nothing will happen to you.”

Lilli shakes her head in disagreement showing that she can hear him and Grant clears his throat trying not to show any pain.

“No matter what happens I swear that you will see me again.” Grant says calmly.

“This isn’t real, this has to be a dream. You died saving that child a year ago Grant. There is no possible way you are still alive.” Lilli says trying everything to break free to run to him. Kassy just laughing in the background due to the turmoil she created having the most grandest times.

“Well aren’t you going to come and hug and kiss your wife. I mean you two have been apart for quite a while haven’t you?” Kassy says.

“Please don’t hurt her Kassy. She doesn’t deserve to be harmed, anyone but her.” Grant replies.

“Tick-tock Mister Michaels. You may want to take my words literally because you may not be able to do it again.”

“Let her go so she can wrap her arms around me as well then. That is the only way I’ll believe you.” Grant says so calm that it seemed like his anger was hitting the eye of the storm.

“Fine you get sixty seconds, then she is mine to play with.” Kassy says harshly.

She sticks to her word and let’s her go. Lilli runs to Grant and wraps her arms around him. Crying into his chest tears of fear and rejoice. Grant slowly wraps his arms around his wife and strokes her head as if she was a newborn child. Both of them still crying with complete understanding that Grant may actually never see her again. Alguro looks to Lokee with a rather angry expression. Lokee throws his hands up in exasperation. Watching the two finally see each other again and enjoy the moment. Grant pushes Lilli away and looks at her through her fogging spectacles and smiles.

“You know there hasn’t been a day where you weren’t on my mind. But you need to know, I am dead. But watching over you and earth has been a reward knowing that you were safe this whole time.” Grant says so gentle and subtle. Lilli just looks at him with a shocked, but understandable, expression.

“I love you Lilli Anne Michaels and nothing gives me more strength than knowing you are safe and okay for one more day. She won’t hurt you I swear she just wants to toy with us.” Grant continues.

“Oh how touching, but you know you are lying to her. Tell her the truth of what she is. Admit it, what was your name again? Toasty right, I mean you did die in a fire so that does seem rather fitting, or is marshmallow better. But come to think of it you are more of a looker than that pale skeleton face over there. Hmm now I am getting rather jealous maybe I should take her out of the picture so it can just be us.” Kassy says mockingly at the couple. “Well time's up time for me to take her back.”

Kassy’s movements were like that of a shadow and she tore Lilli and Grant apart with ease. Grant reaching for his wife to no avail, both Lilli and Kassy disappear and only the dreaded cackle is left. Followed by a message to the four of them, “You will all have twenty four hours to find her. If you don’t come looking where the diamonds meet the wood she will be lost to you forever Grant. If you do find her there is only one way of making sure she stays alive and safe. I think we all know what I mean. Good luck… oh and most of all have fun with this. It’s not like she is going to die, tonight that is.” followed by a chuckle.

“I don’t care what you two have to say, I am going to look for my wife. I will not lose her again. Alex, buddy are you in or are you out?” Grant states his anger finally fully consuming him. Undermining anything that Lokee or Alguro could possibly say or do.

“I’m in, you are my best friend after all.” Alex replies.

Looking to Alguro and Death with a devilish grin on his face Grant just says two simple words, “Thought so.”