Alexander was stirred from his slumber by a loud thudding at his door. Still half-asleep, he tried to ignore it at first, thinking he may still be dreaming. It happened again; this time louder. He groaned and sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” he muttered, stumbling out of bed.

He opened the door to see Merlin pacing frantically, with Erika and Elizabeth standing further down the hall, dressed in their robes and armor respectively. The two of them looked nervous and concerned.

“What’s going on?” Alexander asked, still groggy and confused.

Merlin stopped pacing and looked at him, her eyes wide with urgency. “We are out of time, Lord Bellmont. You and the girls must return to your world now.”

He was momentarily stunned, then asked, “W-where is this all coming from? It wasn’t that long ago that you said I still wasn’t ready.”

Merlin’s expression hardened. “You weren’t ready. You still aren’t. But we are out of time. I’ve been keeping a watch on the vampires. Things are starting to get out of hand.” She paused, her voice softening. “I wish it didn’t have to be like this, but now it is up to you to root out this vampire infestation that has taken hold in your world.”

Alexander quickly and frantically changed into his robes, nerves and a possible sense of excitement flowing through him. As he dressed, his mind raced. He was finally going home, but what he find there upon his return? Could he really handle this?

Merlin turned to Erika and Elizabeth, her expression softening. “It has been a great honor and privilege to train you both, and watch you grow into the powerful young women that you are.”

Erika’s eyes filled with tears as she stepped forward, her voice trembling. “Master Merlin, thank you for everything…”

Merlin’s stern facade cracked slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I am so proud of you both.”

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Elizabeth, usually stoic, couldn’t hold back her emotions. She stepped forward, her voice breaking. “We won’t let you down, Master. You’ve taught us everything we know.”

Merlin placed a hand on each of their shoulders, her voice filled with warmth and pride. “Watch over him. Trust in yourselves and in each other. You have the strength to face whatever comes your way.”

Erika bowed deeply, tears streaming down her face. “We will make you proud, Master.”

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “We will!”

Alexander emerged from his room, a nervous sweat collecting on his forehead. “Thank you, Master Merlin, for all your lessons. For everything. I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do my best!”

Merlin smiled softly. “I know you will, Lord Bellmont. I have one final gift for you.” She had him turn around and with a flick of her wrist, a red cloak appeared and settled onto his back. “This is an enchanted cloak with advanced defensive wards and even a levitation spell.”

He ran his hands through the red fabric. It was smooth as silk but he could sense the magical power running through it. “Thank you! I’ll use it well!”

Merlin then addressed the three of them. “Once you return through the gatestone, find the Bellmont Temple.”

Alexander looked at her, puzzled. “The what?”

Merlin quickly explained, “The temple will serve as your base, your headquarters. Once inside, you will understand better.”

“Aright, but how are we supposed to find it exactly?” he asked.

“You will be able to find it. It’s hard to explain but trust me. Now, you really must go.” she replied. “Good luck to you, World Guardian.”

They rushed off, leaving Merlin alone in the castle for the first time in a long time. She watched with a sense of pride, but also regret and sadness. She wanted to believe they would be successful, but the direness of the situation gnawed at her.

Alexander, Erika, and Elizabeth returned to the top of the grassy hill with the crystalline gatestone, where they had arrived on Avalon some months ago. The reality of the situation was beginning to set in for Alexander, the sweat that had been collecting on his forehead now ran down his face. He muttered to himself, “So, this is really it.”

Elizabeth grabbed his shoulder, squeezing it firmly. She gave him a confident smile. “Remember, you’re not alone.”

Erika nodded, giving him a reassuring look. “Just watch our backs, and we’ll watch yours.”

For a brief moment, the nerves seemed to fade, and Alexander thought that with them by his side, he couldn’t possibly lose. With them, he could do this. They would handle this, together. Determined, he thought of the world that he had left behind, envisioning it vividly in his mind. He slammed his hand against the gatestone, glowing in the night sky. The light enveloped the three of them, carrying them away from Avalon.