The next following day, Bryson lounged around on his sofa inside his large bedroom. As he laid on the couch, he had his deck of playing cards in his hands. Practising a few slight of hand techniques, he had a tablet on his coffee table displaying a recording of card tricks that he watched as he played.

A knock on the door caught his attention. Pressing pause on the video he looked over to the door, “Who is it?”

“It’s me.” A voice called back; it was Viola.

“Come in.” Bryson said sitting up from his couch.

Entering the room Viola looked over to him. Bryson blinked in surprise, she wasn’t wearing her usual casual outfit, but a proper formal dress. Sunglasses laid atop her head and she had her purse on her side.

“What’s with the outfit?” Bryson asked.

“I’m leaving today.” Viola said gently.

Bryson perked up immediately, “What? Aren’t you supposed to leave tomorrow?” He said getting up from his couch.

“Mother expedited the airship. They’ve packed my things already.” Viola said.

“So no goodbye party?”

“Doesn’t seem like it. Which is why I came here to say goodbye. I’ve already spoken to Sable.” Viola said.

“So now you’re saying goodbye to me?”

“That’s the idea.”

“Okay… so goodbye?” Bryson said awkwardly.

Viola walked up to Bryson, looking down at him she bent down and gave him a hug.

“Please don’t touch me.” Bryson said stiffening up, unsure how to react.

“Bry. I probably won’t be able to see you in person for a while.” Viola said earnestly.

“I think that’s a bit dramatic, you’ll come visit.” Bryson said still standing as straight as a stick, not exactly comfortable with this embrace.

“I won’t be able to come home for a few years. It’s mandatory I stay in Daxson to run the business there.” Viola said somberly as she pulled away from him. Bryson immediately relaxed as he now had his personal space back.

“That can’t be real. Why wouldn’t you be allowed to leave?”

“Mother and father want me to prove that I can be fully independent.” Viola shrugged.

“So that means no coming home.” Bryson said nodding, “But in a few years I can come visit.” He said hopefully.

“In a few years you’ll be going to The Academy, the chances of meeting are slim.”

“We don’t know if I’m actually going to The Academy.” Bryson said.

Viola simply gave him an unimpressed look, “You have insane magical aptitude, you and Sable are the youngest between all us siblings. You’re both going to The Academy.”

“Okay, so it’s likely.” Bryson admitted.

“Which is why I want to say goodbye before I leave. We can always use our Communicators and we can always mail things back and forth, but we won’t be able to meet in person for a long time. And I am worried as hell about you.” Viola said somberly.

“Oh come on Viola. I don’t go looking for trouble.” Bryson said half-jokingly trying to lighten up the mood. Viola’s face only seemed to increase with concern.

“Bryson we both know that that bitch is trying to mess with you.”

“Language.”

“Shut up.” Viola said poking at him, in response he gently swatted it away. A ghost of a smile appeared on Viola’s face.

“I won’t be there to protect you.”

“I can handle myself.” Bryson assured.

“I’m your older sister. It’s my responsibility to look after you and now I can’t.”

“Like I said I can handle it.”

“But you shouldn’t need to and now I won’t be able to help.” Viola emphasized before taking a deep breath, “I know you have friends and they’ll do what they can to help you.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“I wouldn’t call them friends.” Bryson mumbled.

“Sure you don’t.” Viola said sarcastically, “Nevertheless, they’ll help you out of trouble and you’ll probably get into trouble trying to help them. No matter what happens Bryson, promise me that you’ll stay safe.”

“I’m pretty sure out of everyone I would probably be the most concerned about my own safety.” Bryson pointed out.

“Bry, promise me.” Viola repeated.

Bryson gave a small sigh and looked down at the floor, “Sure, I promise to stay safe.”

“Well, that will have to do I suppose.” Viola said reluctantly accepting his promise. She then reached out and patted his head, “Grow up smart Bry. No matter what happens be smart and you’ll be safe.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Bryson said pushing her hand away from his head.

Satisfied, Viola smiled and left his room. Just before she left she took one look back, “Goodbye Bry.”

“Bye Viola.” Bryson said softly.

Hearing his goodbye as she closed the door behind her, she couldn’t help but smile. Turning to Lila Forst who was waiting outside the door as per her instructions she gave her a nod.

“Watch him for me.” Viola said.

“Already do Lady Viola.” Lila said with a smile.

“Thank you.” Viola said nodding, “Say goodbye to your sister for me.” She said as she walked down the halls of her family manor for the last time in a long time.

***

“How is he still alive?!” The Goddess of Heroes fumed as she read the most recent report.

“Um, who are you referring to my goddess?” A tall elf dressed in a classic butler uniform asked curiously.

“That Spencer Khan!” She screamed.

“I’m sorry my Goddess, but I don’t believe I recognize that name.” The elf butler said in concern.

“Of course not, he’s a nobody.” Afa said rolling her eyes.

“I see… so why are you observing him?” The elf asked now thoroughly confused.

“Because he was supposed to die. It was for my story!” She complained as she rolled around her massive throne in a childish manner.

“I see.” The elf said still not anymore less confused.

“You want to know don’t you?” Afa said, excited to tell of her ingenious plans.

“Oh, I suppose so.” The elf said, guessing that this was the most appropriate reply to have. He was right as quickly the Goddess of Heroes began to excitedly speak.

“You see this Spencer Khan has a little brother. A rather impressive prodigy, for a mortal of course.” Afa said, adding the last part with a dismissive wave of her hand, “A Charles Khan, weird bug freak, but useful.”

“I see, and this Charles Khan is key to your plans?” The elf said slowly.

“Of course.” She said as if the elf was an idiot, “With the death of Spencer Khan due to the Coldwaters, Charles would swear revenge.”

“I see.”

“Except that didn’t happen. I even tried twice now.” Afa said folding her arms, “This is what? The fourth time something went wrong? Ugh, it’s so stupid. Why can’t I just make my story the way I want it!” She complained.

“Uh, because too much-” The elf began before being interrupted.

“Yes, yes. I can’t interfere too much because it will risk the safety of the mortal realm, blah, blah.” Afa scoffed, “Please, do people around here not realize that the forces of evil are going to strike soon? Isn’t it I, Afa Goddess of Heroes job to protect the mortal realm from such evils?”

“Why yes of course.”

“So why can’t I do what I want? If it all worked out the way I planned, the heroes will be perfectly set to save Strarth. All it would take are a few sacrifices, and my perfect story would be complete.” Afa pouted.

The elf felt as though Afa was more interested with whatever narrative she was trying to tell than the actual safety of the world.

“So what do you plan to do now my goddess?” The elf asked.

“Since I can’t try again without those old has-beens complaining about it, I suppose I’ll leave that cold wasteland alone for a bit and focus on my precious heroes.” Afa decided.

“Oh, my goddess.” The elf said carefully, “Pardon my curiosity, but how exactly are these heroes going to appear? From what I heard; they aren’t going to be from Strarth.”

“Of course not, you think any of those impotent mortals on Strarth are worth receiving my blessings?” Afa laughed.

“I remember hearing about a few rather promising mortals on Strarth.” The elf recalled many beings all trying to fight against the forces of evil and chaos on the planet.

“All of them are either too old or crazy freaks or just plain old uninteresting. None are very useful for me. They can support my heroes but they cannot be them.” Afa said dismissively.

“I see. That’s why you are looking for outside sources?”

“Obviously.”

“So how are they to enter Strarth? It requires the approval of The Sixth does it not?”

“Oh, no need to worry about this. I already have that issue resolved.” Afa said in a tone that indicated for the elf not to delve too deep into the subject.

“I see… so when are these heroes supposed to arrive?”

“Excellent question! In a couple of months, the first hero should be making their way here. After that more will come.” Afa said with a wide smile on her face.

“Ah, will there be a location that they will land in?”

“Oh, you’ll let me worry about that problem.” Afa said before ordering him, “Now off you go now, go get me some of that Lit Apple Elixir.”

“Of course my Goddess.” The elf said bowing deeply before leaving Afa alone for her to plot.

***

“Hello, I know your home.” Hallow said knocking at the suit of armour dubbed The Omen that was currently inside the large basement of the Coldwater manor. Currently, the whole area was empty and Hallow thought it would be a good time to have a quick conversation.

His white eyes glowed brightly as he gazed into the visor of the suit of armour. A moment later the armour began to hum, and its visor glowed.

“Go. Away.” The Omen, no Crux said.

“Hah. No. Not yet anyways.” Hallow scoffed.

“Why are you here?” Crux’s metallic voice asked.

“To comment on how you haven’t done anything yet.” Hallow said disappointed, “I mean seriously, are you just going to sit there?”

“I’m only to interfere if you do.” Crux cautioned.

“Hmm, yes. Pretty boring if you ask me. But who am I to judge?” Hallow said as he paced around. The helmet followed him as he did so.

“Well, you’ll be sitting out for a bit longer as I won’t be doing anything new. Everything has already been set up for the next event.” Hallow said grinning.

“What did you do?” Crux said about to move from the stand he lay.

“Uh-uh, no spoilers. You’ll just need to wait and find out.” Hallow said wagging his finger, “Bye.” He said vanishing, leaving Crux alone.

The suit of armour stood there for a moment longer before the light within it vanished again and The Omen went inert. It will rise when it is needed.