CHAPTER 11

They climbed into the AquaDefend GT-7, the vehicle gleaming in the rising sun, its lines and contours promising a journey like no other. Terry was at the wheel, Rodrick beside him, digital maps and radar displayed on the center console, searching for Safiro 's signal . Zahori sat in the back, going over the latest check of her equipment, making sure everything was in order for whatever might come next. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was a mix of expectant tension and the silent agreement of a shared purpose.

AquaDefend GT-7 's engine hummed to life, its sound more like the whisper of the wind than the roar of a traditional engine. Terry maneuvered the vehicle out of its hiding spot, and they drove into the Zephyra landscape , where the deep greens of the vegetation contrasted with the clear blue sky. As they drove, the terrain varied, from vast plains to dense forests, but the GT-7 moved with a grace and efficiency that defied the diversity of the terrain.

It wasn't long before they encountered their first obstacle: a wide, raging river blocking their path. Without hesitation, Terry activated the GT -7's amphibious mode. The vehicle responded immediately, transforming as they neared the water. The side panels retracted, revealing thruster fins, and with a gentle dip, the AquaDefend GT-7 began to slice through the water as if it had been designed to do so.

As they sailed, a surveillance drone, no bigger than a small bird, but loaded with laser detection technology, spotted them. Before they could react, it fired a burst of laser energy at them. Thanks to the GT-7's anti-laser coverage, the attack was useless; the beams dispersed, leaving the vehicle and its occupants completely unharmed. Rodrick , with a quick gesture, activated the defensive systems, and an electromagnetic pulse was emitted from the vehicle, neutralizing the drone which fell into the water like a stone.

Once they reached the other bank, the AquaDefend GT-7 emerged from the river, transforming again to adapt to the terrain. They continued their journey, now through more arid and mountainous terrain. The sun was beginning to set, tinting the sky in reddish and orange hues, when they detected a weak but definitive signal on the radar. It was Sapphire ; they were close.

With darkness approaching, they decided to set up a temporary camp. Using the GT -7's camouflage system, they hid the vehicle from view and sensors, ensuring a quiet night. Around a small campfire, they planned their strategy for the rescue. Each knew the role they would play in the events of the next day, aware of the dangers, but strengthened by unity and shared purpose.

As the stars began to twinkle in the Zephyra night sky , the AquaDefend GT-7 and its occupants waited, prepared for what was to come. The search for Safiro was nearing its conclusion, and though the path had been fraught with challenges, the GT-7 had carried them through each one, a testament to engineering and human courage combined. The night passed in vigilance and reflection, as the fate of a family hung in the balance, on the vast and mysterious world of Zephyra .

In Caeloria , while Rodrick was scanning his monitor for the signal from Sapphire 's chip , Terry received a call through the LumiCom , which he activated in the car.

—¿Where are they? — Ethan asked, his voice filtering through the device.

—We're in Caeloria ,— Terry replied, keeping his attention on the road as he spoke.

—¿Have they found Sapphire yet? — Ethan inquired, concern evident in his tone.

—Rodrick is tracking the chip— Terry explained, glancing at his brother's console for any sign of Safiro 's whereabouts .

Rodrick interrupted , his brow furrowed in concentration, —And something's blocking Sapphire 's signal .

—That's what I was afraid of,— Ethan sighed. — Belial may have him intercepted to prevent him from being located.

—If that beast has done it, he will not be able to defeat me,— Rodrick declared with determination. —I have something he will not like.

—I'm not talking about a blockage with some electronic device,— Ethan clarified, —but a spiritual one.

Zahori asked , leaning forward in interest.

—Yes, I might have because I stopped feeling it many hours ago— Ethan revealed, his voice filled with concern.

—Mmmm —Rodrick muttered , considering his options— Then we'll have to do it another way.

— Hand that to me,— Zahori said , holding out his hands. Rodrick handed him the monitor, and Zahori, placing his hand on it, focused his spiritual energy. After a small buzz, the screen went black and then turned back on, revealing the red dot that indicated Safiro 's location. —You can track him now,— Zahori said , handing the monitor back to Rodrick. Everyone present was surprised, especially Rodrick, who accepted the monitor, alternating his gaze between the device and Zahori .

—¿How could you do that? — Terry asked, astonished.

—That was like taking candy from a child,— Zahori said with a smile. — Belial waits for the men, he doesn't wait for any of the women in the family. I don't think he has all the information he needs about who holds power within the family.

—That's already a point in our favor,— Ethan said from the projector, his image flickering slightly. —If he doesn't know that women have power, good for us.

Zahori 's revelation not only illuminated a new strategy for confronting Belial , but also reaffirmed the unity and hidden strength within the family, preparing them for the challenges still ahead.

— Yes — Terry said with determination — As soon as we find him and are on our way, we will call you — His voice was firm, promising imminent action.

—Okay, I'll wait for your call,— Ethan replied, his tone mixed with hope and barely contained anxiety, before turning off the LumiCom .

—So let's get going, Rodrick urged, his gaze fixed on the monitor that was now showing Safiro 's location again . —She's supposed to be down this street. But five meters from here, you'll need to turn left.

Rodrick 's directions , his concentration palpable, until they reached a small restaurant, the location indicated by the monitor.

—¿Is this it?— Terry asked, his disbelief momentarily suspended at the normality of the scene.

—Yes, this is the location the monitor gives,— Rodrick confirmed , his gaze scanning the area. It was then that they saw Safiro coming out of a restaurant, her presence like a beacon in the haze of uncertainty that had surrounded them.

Rodrick instructed urgently.

Wasting no time, the three of them, Terry, Rodrick, and Zahori , got out of the car and began following Safiro . The young man walked as if he were in a trance, completely oblivious to his surroundings, his mind caught in an internal struggle that was slowly consuming him. His steps were erratic, and his body seemed to move by inertia, while his mind wandered into a dark place, dominated by forces he could not control.

Sapphire turned into a narrow alley, the end of which led to another street. The light of day barely managed to illuminate the dark passage, but not even the brightness of the sun could drive away the shadow that followed him closely. Belial , relentless even in broad daylight, continued to stalk him. His influence was like a poisonous whisper that seeped into Sapphire 's thoughts , tightening its grip.

The pain in her head intensified with each step, to the point of being unbearable. The voices inside her mind gave her no respite, clamoring for her attention, demanding her submission. Safiro brought a hand to her head, trying to block them out, but it was useless. Her legs kept moving, though her spirit struggled not to crumble.

— ¡Sapphire!— Terry shouted, but his voice seemed to trail off into the air, unable to penetrate the mental barrier Belial had erected around him.

Rodrick , his eyes fixed on his nephew, clenched his fists. He knew they had to reach him before the demon drove him to the point of no return. Zahori , ever so resolute, exchanged a quick glance with Rodrick , both aware of the urgency of the situation.

—We can't lose him,— Zahori said , his voice firm but tense.

—We won't,— Rodrick replied with cold, calculated determination.

—Get out of my mind!— Sapphire screamed , his voice cracking with desperation. His trembling hands clutched at his head, as if trying to physically push away the voices tormenting him. —Leave me alone! Go away, get out!—

In his distress, he failed to notice his family, who were running towards him with their hearts racing and fear in their guts. Safiro leaned against the cold wall of the alley, bent by suffering, fighting the invisible forces that consumed him.

But before Terry, Rodrick , and Zahori could reach him, a dark presence manifested in the air like a thick, black fog. Belial , in all his imposing form, emerged just inches away from Safiro , his figure made of shadows fluttering like a whirlwind of evil. The pressure in the air immediately changed, becoming suffocating and oppressive.

With a swift movement, Belial reached out and grabbed Safiro by the collar of his shirt, lifting him slightly off the ground in a gesture of pure dominance and threat. Safiro , helpless, felt the demon's claw tighten, as if the weight of her own dark thoughts had physically materialized in Belial . Safiro 's gaze , lost and exhausted, could not hide the terror she felt.

Terry, Rodrick and Zahori , witnesses to the scene, felt the air escape from their lungs in horror. Their steps quickened automatically, driven by a visceral urgency. They knew that every second was crucial. The confrontation they had so feared was unfolding right before their eyes, and time seemed to stop, stretching out in agony. Belial had seen them coming, but he would not stop. They knew it.

Rodrick shouted with suppressed fury, feeling his heart racing, while Terry, his face marked by panic, desperately searched for some way to intervene.

Safiro 's life hung in the balance.

—Beast, let him go!— Rodrick shouted , his voice filled with anger and desperation as he ran towards his nephew. But Belial , with a smile full of malice, simply vanished through a dark portal, dragging Sapphire with him before the portal closed with an ominous silence.

Rodrick exclaimed , reaching the place where the portal had been, helplessness coloring his voice.

—We have to go after them,— Terry insisted, determined. —I'm going to see the portal signature.

—He left no trace of energy— Zahori reported , frustration on his face. —I scanned him with my power. That monster took our son and who knows what it will do to him.

—We may not have the portal signature,— Rodrick said thoughtfully, —but we have Sapphire 's chip , so we can go find him anyway. And now we'll have to use a ship. That's for sure.

—Let's do it,— Terry said, determination in his words. —There must be someplace here where ships leave and where we can buy one. I'll call Ethan and let him know what we're doing.

— Yes, do it — Rodrick nodded , as he pulled a compact box out of his pocket that, when opened, projected a holographic map of the city and its surroundings, showing the ship hangars. Meanwhile, Terry was communicating with Ethan.

—So, ¿they'll have to track Safiro outside of Zephyra? — Ethan asked, his concern evident even through the communication.

— ¿Rodrick? — Zahori looked at his brother-in-law, waiting for confirmation.

—From what I see here, they're still in Zephyra , but no longer in the city. Apparently they've moved to Windhaven Cove— Rodrick replied, studying the holographic map carefully.

—But that place is full of swamps— Ethan replied, confused. —Why would I take him there?

The question hung in the air, increasing the urgency of their mission. Windhaven Cove, known for its sprawling swamps and difficult terrain, was not a place one would expect to find Belial … unless he had a dark purpose in mind. Wasting no more time, the family prepared for the next phase of their search, determined to traverse any terrain and face any danger to save Sapphire . The question of why Belial chose Windhaven Cove only added depth to the mystery they had to solve.

Rodrick frowned, considering the situation seriously. —I don't think he's here to give you a tour,— he said in a somber tone. —That's for sure. He has his plans there, and I don't think they're any good.

Zahori murmured , sharing the feeling of unease that had gripped the group.

Meanwhile, Terry was lost in his thoughts, searching for answers. Then, as if a bolt of lightning had struck his mind, he recalled bits of knowledge he had acquired on his travels. He had heard of the healing and mystical powers associated with swamps in distant galaxies, how some healers used water to cure——The water, the water!!!— he suddenly exclaimed, a realization hitting him with the force of a revelation.

Zahori asked , his concern growing at Terry's alarmed expression.

— Water is what he will use. Since Sapphire has fought against his incursions into her mind, Belial will use the water as a mirror to enter her mind. It is like opening a portal, but to her mind, and there she will be able to dominate him as she wishes— Terry explained, her voice tense at the magnitude of her deduction.

The implication of what Terry had discovered left the group in a tense silence. The idea that Belial could use the water of Windhaven Cove 's swamps as a means to invade and control Sapphire 's mind was chilling. With this new understanding of the danger Sapphire faced , the urgency of their mission intensified. It wasn't just a matter of finding Sapphire before Belial could do her physical harm; now, they had to prevent a spiritual assault that could leave Sapphire hopelessly subjugated to Belial 's will .

With this revelation, the group's resolve grew stronger. They readied their strategies and resources, knowing that they were not only facing a race against time, but also a battle against dark forces seeking to exploit Safiro 's deepest vulnerabilities . Armed with knowledge, courage, and a deep desire to protect their loved one, they headed toward Windhaven Cove, ready to face whatever awaited them in those mystical and dangerous swamps.

The swamps of Windhaven Cove spread out before Claudius and Kyran like a tapestry of greens and browns, punctuated by the occasional flash of silver from the stagnant waters. The air was filled with an ethereal mist that tangled between the twisted trees, their bare roots hugging the damp earth tenaciously. In the distance, the dull sound of hidden creatures broke the silence, adding a tone of mystery and wariness to the atmosphere. The place had a haunting beauty, a reminder of untamed nature and its hidden secrets.

As they collected water and herb samples, uncovering essential minerals amongst the mud and shadows, Claudius and Kyran moved with purpose. They were well prepared for their task, each sample collected a promise of new discoveries.

Suddenly, the air vibrated with the energy of a transporter portal opening, a flash of light cutting through the mist. Taking shelter behind a tree, the brothers watched as Belial dragged Sapphire through the murky water. The young man was exhausted, his stamina worn down by a merciless psychic and spiritual battle.

—It's Belial ,— Kyran whispered , his voice filled with recognition and fear.

— Yes, and that's our brother. Looks like he's going to use it for something— Claudius said , readying his beam weapon, ready to intervene if necessary.

Kyran said . —Let's get closer so we can get a better view. We can surround him; I'll distract him while you get Sapphire out of there.

—I'd better distract him and you get Sapphire out,— Claudius suggested , determined to take the greater risk.

—Fine, whatever you say,— Kyran agreed . They moved stealthily, divided in their focus, but united in their goal. However, Belial , cunning and powerful, had already sensed their energetic presence.

—So your brothers are here— he laughed Belial , his voice booming across the swamp. —All the better, we'll have more people for the party this way.—

—Leave them alone,— Sapphire screamed , falling to her knees, desperation coloring her voice.

—It is time for you to leave,— Belial said coldly. —Give way to the darkness within you, bring your demon to this plane.— He then pressed a magical medallion against Sapphire 's chest. The object, engraved with pentacles and arcane symbols, sank into the young man's skin as Belial maintained a tight grip on his neck.

An artifact of immense power and dark purpose, the medallion was a key to something far more dangerous. As it embedded itself within Sapphire , its glow intensified, as if a storm were brewing within. The siblings knew they must act quickly, not only to save Sapphire from Belial , but to prevent the medallion from unleashing its malign influence upon him—and potentially the entire world.

As Terry, Rodrick , and Zahori reached the edge of the swamp in their car, they found that they were unable to open a transporter portal behind Belial ; he had secured their escape with a spirit lock, an invisible but impenetrable obstacle designed to prevent them from following him directly.

Undaunted by this setback, they set out into the thick waters of the swamp, determined to reach Belial and save Sapphire . However, their advance was abruptly halted by a magical barrier emerging from the water, in the center of which was an inverted pentacle, a symbol of powerful and dark intentions. Claudius and Kyran , who were already there, unsuccessfully tried to breach the barrier, encountering the same invisible resistance.

It was then that Belial began to recite his incantation, his voice booming through the damp swamp air, resonating with a power that made the ground beneath his feet tremble. The incantation he uttered was as follows:

By the ancient powers

that hide in the shadows,

through the darkness

that dwells in the heart of the earth.

I invoke the forbidden bond,

the door between the worlds.

Let the inverted pentacle be the threshold,

and the soul before me, its key and its prison.

Let the waters be a mirror,

and the reflection, a door,

through which the ancient power

flow without ceasing.

Awake, hidden force,

come to this plane!

By this pact,

may the fate of my enemy be sealed.

And may his will

to mine be bent!

As Belial chanted, the air became charged with dark energy, and the pentacle in the water glowed with an unnatural light, marking the spot where the spell's power was concentrated. It was clear that he was calling upon more than just a simple manipulation of Sapphire; he sought to open a direct channel to her mind, establishing a control that would allow him to manipulate her without resistance.

Given the urgency of the situation, Zahori, understanding the gravity of Belial 's spell and the imminent threat it posed, took the initiative. —We must counter his magic,— he said, his voice firm despite the tension of the moment. —I have a spell, but we will need to pool our energies.

Rodrick quickly nodded, forming a circle around Zahori and focusing their will on the task at hand. Zahori began reciting the countering spell , his words weaving a web of light in the thick swamp air:

For the light

that persists in the darkness,

by the flowing water,

the air we breathe.

We invoke the circle of protection,

the shield of the innocent.

Let the pentacle rise upright,

as a guardian and guide.

Let the waters cleanse,

and the reflection dissolves the shadow,

through this pure will,

that the flow is restored.

Awake, sacred force,

protect us in this confrontation!

For this charm,

let the darkness recede,

and may free will prevail!

As Zahori recited, a warm light began to emanate from the three, weaving a shield of pure energy around the inverted pentacle, defying the darkness with a promise of light and hope. The battle between the forces of light and darkness was about to reach its climax, and Sapphire 's fate hung in the balance of ancient powers.

As Sapphire began to float in the air, freeing herself from Belial 's physical control thanks to the protection spell cast by her family, a scene of immense magical power unfolded. Around her body, two lights—a pure and bright one from her mother's spell and a dark and menacing one emanating from Belial 's magic —struggled for dominance. These energies fluctuated in a chaotic dance around Sapphire , who remained unconscious, suspended between two worlds.

From his solar plexus, a dark cloud emanated, taking physical form before the eyes of everyone present. The entity emerging from this darkness was a beast of terrifying proportions, approximately two meters tall. Its skin seemed to be made of condensed shadows, moving and undulating as if it were alive. Its eyes, two red embers in the gloom, burned with malevolence, fixing its gaze on Sapphire with a voracious hunger.

Belial , smirking at the beast's manifestation, began to recite a prayer, his voice echoing with a dark power that seemed to twist the very air:

Spirit of darkness,

creature of the eternal night.

By the power given to me,

I call you and link you.

That this pure soul

be your refuge, your home on this plane,

locked in my design,

a jar will be your prison.

Through the shadows that surround us,

by the pact of blood and fire,

join this beast

with the body that floats before us.

May his soul be imprisoned,

his will, chained,

until my will is fulfilled,

so be it.

With each word Belial spoke, the beast began to fuse with Sapphire 's body , its dark essence enveloping him like a second skin. Meanwhile, Sapphire 's soul , represented by a faint, trembling light within his being, was carefully and precisely extracted by the unseen hands of dark magic, then sealed away within a vial Belial conjured out of thin air. This vial, sealed with arcane symbols, glowed with an ominous light, now containing Sapphire 's soul , a trophy of his conquest.

The battle of energies around Sapphire was reaching its climax, light against darkness, hope against despair. The family, united in a desperate effort to break Belial 's spell, knew that every moment counted. They had to act quickly to free Sapphire 's soul from its crystal prison and dispel the darkness that threatened to consume it completely.

Ætheris emerged from Terry, her power radiating in the air. Terry's face reflected despair as she pleaded:

—Please save my son— she said in a trembling voice.

Ætheris looked at him tenderly and replied, —Don't worry, I'll get him out of there.— As she rose to where Sapphire was trapped. She crossed the barrier that separated the worlds and arrived next to the young man. But something had changed in Sapphire . Her eyes, once green and full of life, now burned a fierce red, her gaze terrifying.

Belial , the dark demon, appeared with a sinister laugh. —You won't be able to do anything now, Ætheris . This demon belongs to me. It will only obey me. Besides, it has almost the same level of power as you.

Ætheris raised her hand to push the dark demon away from Sapphire 's body , but the dark demon counterattacked with dark energy. The two fought, their energies clashing in an epic showdown. Neither could throw the other off or succumb to their opponent. Finally, they decided to stop.

— Belial , you have won a battle— said Ætheris —but not the war. The light will always prevail over the darkness.

Belial He laughed . —We'll see. Now I have an ally just as strong as you. It won't be easy to defeat me.

— Perhaps not now — Aetheris replied — but that body will not always obey you. The demon will slowly consume you without the control of its original owner. Sapphire is the only one who can keep it at bay. And remember the number one rule of demons: they will always obey their original owner. Sooner or later, it will seek to return to its family. Besides, as much as it pains you, that demon is a Whittaker. It will return to its family when it sees that you are not part of it.

Belial sneered, his voice booming through the air. —So far, no demon has been able to defeat me. I control them.

Ætheris looked at him with determination. —We will see if you can contain this one. I do not give you much time until the demon dominates you. What you have done today has not only caused harm to this universe, but to yourself as well. You do not know the power that this demon can reach. You will soon find out.

Belial snarled, scorning Ætheris 's words . He opened a portal and vanished along with the demon he had created and the spirit of Sapphire imprisoned in the bottle, closing off access behind him. The barrier between them vanished. Claudius and Kyran joined their parents on the shore, confused.

—¿What happened?— Claudius asked.

Rodrick frowned. —I'd like to know that too. They took Sapphire , but ¿what was that thing inside him?

Claudius asked in surprise: —¿Pain, anger? If my brother has always lived with us, he has never had a traumatic experience.

Rodrick joined the conversation: —¿Since when was this demon generated? ¿Do you know, Ætheris ?

Gem Ætheris replied, —From what I see, it could have been when he was a child. Perhaps it was when he had that problem in his childhood.— Ætheris looked at Terry, who looked distressed.

Kyran approached his father: —¿What problem was that? ¿Can you tell us, father? We need to know so we can help you.

Zahori supported Terry, taking his hand firmly. —I think it's time to do it.

Terry nodded. —Okay. There was an episode when Safiro was six. We were in the city of Omegara .

Rodrick recalled: —Yes, we were looking for him for hours.

Terry continued: —I finally found him in an alley, crying. He was terrified… he thought we had abandoned him.

Claudius added thoughtfully: —Maybe that's why he's so angry and in pain now.

Zahori intervened: —The problem wasn't just that. Since that day, his personality changed drastically. Before, he was a kind, playful child, always smiling… but after that incident, he became the person we know today. Claudius , you don't remember him well because you studied abroad, you only came on weekends. The same thing happened with Dennis. Both of them were far from the change that their brother suffered.

Kyran nodded, understanding. —So that's why Sapphire acts the way she does. She thinks that by being indifferent, cold, and sarcastic, she'll push away the pain and hide who she really is. And our father's absence for years… it probably made everything worse. Maybe that's why she resents me.

Terry interrupted him firmly: —He doesn't hate you, son.

Kyran looked at Claudius seriously. —There are things we haven't told you, Father.

Claudius nodded, understanding the gravity: —Yes… there are secrets we have kept.

Rodrick, with a wry smile, commented, —Brother, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Terry, visibly upset, raised his voice: —Okay. Tell me what's going on.

Kyran took a deep breath and explained, —Ever since we returned from Zalara , Sapphire has been constantly harassing me. She always makes comments filled with irony and cynicism. Claudius has witnessed this, always intervening to prevent us from fighting. But now I understand why she might hate me. I was with you in Zalara , and perhaps Sapphire feels that you are more on my side than hers.

Zahori , looking at Terry with concern, added, —It's possible. Safiro was always very attached to you, especially since that day he got lost. It was devastating for him when you disappeared. While the rest of the family held out hope that you would return, he thought you wouldn't. That hopelessness fueled his darkness, and that made his inner demon grow even more. What has happened recently has only aggravated his pain and anger.

Terry, clenching his fists, said resolutely, —The first thing is to get him out of Belial 's clutches. Then, we will take care of healing the wounds he carries inside.

Rodrick suggested strategically, —Let's go back to Whittaker Castle. There we can devise a plan to rescue Sapphire from Belial.

Everyone nodded silently, aware of the gravity of the situation. They climbed into the car and headed back to the castle, a sense of urgency and determination filling the air.