TALON'S POV

The Argonne defined power in lots of ways: physical might, skills, looks, and size. At this very moment, this being, Aeris or whoever he called himself, had in a blink of an eye transcended it all. Just the sheer pressure he exuded was something most had not even felt from the Aerondam.

"Who are you?" It took everyone casting glances his way to know he was the speaker. Still, he kept his face straight and watched Aeris/Ozai.

"I am Ozai."

"What are you?"

"Why are you here?"

"What did you do to Aeris?"

Aeris/Ozai looked around. "I am what you believe as Ser'Tuk'Itan. But not Ser'Tuk'Itan. Here, here? or in this world here? I did nothing to him. He's perfectly fine. For now." His attempts to answer all tbe questions thrown at him going unheard.

"Let him go. Now!" Skyhorn shouted.

"Okay. The nice way of doing this is not working. Let's try this..." I sensed something bad coming, but it was too late to even act.

Another burst of pressure smacked into me, and from the groans around, I could feel I wasn't the only one.

"Brace yourselves and try to bear it. Had to ask a favor for this."

The ground beneath my feet vanished. I was falling. The sound of a splash came one moment, and the next, all sound was lost. I felt myself sinking, and falling, as I held and was pushed by something all around me.

'Water'.

It was dark in here. Very dark.

"Do you know what all the waters around you signify? Such a precious commodity. It represents life, change, constance, flow, balance, power, and many more things your mind couldn't decipher."

The voice came from everywhere and nowhere. Suddenly, there was light. No, not light. But color. The water, I was underwater. The water had gone from dark and colorless to gold. So bright it hurt.

"Welcome to the Source." Something large rushed through the water. It was mighty and horrifying. Unlike anything I had ever seen. My mouth opened as I screamed in terror, the thing drew closer at astonishing speeds, and water filled my mouth and into my body.

Something pulled me back, and the next thing I was on the ground of the grove coughing and spitting. I choked badly. I could still feel the sensation and terror. Yet I was still as dry as before.

"How...what was that?"

"My apologies. Seems my sister has outdone herself once more." Aries or whoever was inside him rose from the seat and raised a hand. A surge of light washed over us, and I could feel my discomfort and sore throat go away.

No one spoke again. The display was enough to shake our minds. Whoever this was, he had effectively shown us that he was unlike Aerondir.

"Ser'Tuk'Itan." An old voice from behind me exclaimed. I turned to see an Aego bowing. "What the..."

"Ser'Tuk'Itan."

"Ser'Tuk'Itan."

"Ser'Tuk'Itan."

"Ser'Tuk'Itan."

The five Aegon had lowered themselves, their Argannen furled up behind them, and hands folded to their chest.

"Wait... Argannen." Indeed, the Aegon were Arg'elno no more. One of the Aegon rose. Blackflight Windkin. He was the oldest of the Aegon. At least he should have been. I watched perplexed as this Argo walked forward on sturdy legs. His expression, the once lusterless beak, and eyes now showcased as much surprise as us with each step he took.

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He stopped before Aeris and gripped his arms in his own tighter. "We thank you."

It was clear what he was doing, but I do think this was..."

"But we also wish to understand. If you are Ser'Tuk'Itan then why and where were you? We do not understand. Our people fought and died. Our past Aegon told us of the times before we came to the Zephyr Isles. Times when we fought and died to the Mon'ha (beasts) of the lowlands. Why return now?"

We could all see Blackflight shaking in barely repressed anger.

"Like I said. I am no Ser'Tuk'Itan. The one who deserves such a name is not here. And may never be here. We are but her leasers. Born from her bosom but not her. We are here to see her work."

The being's face seemed to twitch for some reason.

"What then are you if not Ser'Tuk'Itan? And where is Ser'Tuk'Itan?"

Aries/Ozai laughed. "The one you ask for is beyond our reach and us. This world is but one in the vastness of all that is life. This does not make you less important to Ser'Tuk'Itan but Ar'myn (Time) is less."

All eyes frowned and hardened. For the being to use our language in the explanation for Ar'myn gave the notion that time was scarce and the Ser'Tuk'Itan had less of it.

Ar'myn was something we Argonnes cherished. Faster flight time, faster strength gain, faster growth. So when we grew up or had less time, it was a bother and bad for us.

"What I am. In your language would be, Arg'Pheyso."

We shuddered at the implications. All eyes rose to try and peer past the trees that hid the skies.

"The ones from above and beyond." Blackflight shivered.

"Time draws less. My identity can be discussed at a later time. I, Ozai, would love to be known and know more of you. I came solely due to the Arg'feyt of this one whom I inhabit. My true form and that of my family would decimate this realm. Now if you may I would retreat. Know that my eyes shall watch over you and I will aid as I can to ensure success." He turned to look behind us in the northern direction of the villages.

"The red ones as you know them draw closer to the other two villages you also wish to safeguard."

Blackflight turned and looked at me. "Talon. They wish to keep reinforcements from helping any of the villagers."

I rose to my feet and walked up to the two. By my side, I could see Seraphina already following, her eyes narrowed on Aries/Ozai. 'Stubborn Argn'. I mentally shook my head at how she was more annoyed at being caught so disrespectfully.

"It would be bad for us if what they have planned works. The three villages have always taken care of threats as one. They seem to know this and separating us was the idea all along."

"What would you advise Arg'Pheyso?" He asked, looking up to the over 8 foot being.

"This vessel and his are blessed by me. I am certain their improved capabilities can work to halt any plans."

"What would you have us do?" I asked this time.

"Past your walls and into the Verdant Veil, I sense your kin."

"A back attack?"

"The hunters." Blackflight and Seraphina echoed simultaneously. Aries nodded.

"Draw their attention and pull them into the woods. The Red ones are not strong but their numbers are a problem," he looked to the side where another Aego stood.

"Is that a map?" The large being moved, his steps lithe and smooth for someone of his size. His Argennen, which should have given him problems, simply furled themselves to his back.

Taking the map from the Aegon who stood there shocked, Ozai opened the map, and his face twitched. "Three villages, three major paths that lead out of the Verdant Veil forest. With the ongoing siege, the goblins have pinned all fighters into their villages, stopping reinforcements."

His eyes moved to the forest, and then he tapped a finger on it, holding the map in his left palm. "You have some hunters in the forest. I can sense and feel their presence there. Why not have them make attacks on the goblins to throw them off and distract them?"

"We thought of that, Arg'Pheyso. But the goblins are ruthless and could kill these few hunters before they even fled. Plus, we suspect there might be a Blyn'maje in their ranks." I tightened my fists in annoyance at the thought of something like that.

The Arg'Pheyso froze, then sighed. "I will communicate with your hunters and help them in these attacks. If there is a Blyn'maje, I will keep tabs on it and make sure it ruins nothing." He looked up at us.

"Once the attack is underway, get a message to your other villages. I would do it myself, but we don't have time for all the sights I showed you all now."

I and the other Aegon nodded.

"I will leave now. Observe your enemies. I will convey information through these two. Prepare to move."

Ozai's face twitched. Then his head flung backward. His arms spread out as his Argannen unfurled. Instead of flapping, they shook and quivered. First were his limbs. Both hands and feet shrunk till he was shorter than before. His torso joined halfway to bring him back to normal. The weight of the extra-large Argannen pushed him to his knees. His face still looking up.

Skyhorn rushed past me, obviously intent on holding his friend.

"Let it end." Grasping his hand, I stopped him, and we watched on. Next was his second upper pair of eyes. Their golden glare dimmed. Then the eyes shut and faded back into the forehead. The forehead shrunk and his face was back to normal.

His Argannen stiffened and then flowed as it was covered in bright light. Aries screamed. The wings shrunk till they were back to their former size. A bit of their former size. His Argannen were obviously bigger than they had been.

Skyhorn shook off my grip and slid to his friend, stopping the Argo from hitting the ground face-first.

His eyes opened to reveal gold-spotted pupils. "Anyone who is touched by Aeg'pheyson will always be touched."