Chapter 5: Wilting Feathers and Cracked Shells

Crystals formed underneath where Hannigar and the rest went to discuss. Black energy surged within them causing a chain reaction within. Particles accelerated and bloated, before exploding. The ground tore open, crystals, dirt and metal flew back in a huge blast. Workers and passersby stopped in shock. Yells filled the air calling for an emergency shutdown. Worried that the pipes would explode, or forge crystals overloaded. Cleia jumped into the crater she had caused. Raven feathers grew from her back. Cyan and black merged together in the form of a long pole. Inside was still blistering hot from all the machines. Hood still draped over her head. Not a drop of sweat graced her pale face.

Hannigar flailed out of his chair. Eyes bulged as he scanned his surroundings. He dove for his shotgun and took a trusty hammer. Magma slowed its course and time froze. Cleia stepped in debris still flying out of his home. Nosediving, gun, and hammer pointed to the ground. He had not seen her in over a decade or so. Her appearance hadn’t changed one bit. Always with the same cloak and dreary expression. At least she had gotten taller. He could sense her resolve and had a hunch about why she was her. Either way he did not want to fight her. The sensation of drowning hit him, and angry old veins throbbed. Going out without a fight wasn’t an option.

“Still the same messy place as ever. Never fixed your body up?” Cleia said. Pole at her side, a red crystal formed at the end.

“Heck no. These beauties have kept me going for the longest time.”

“Avaron could—”

“Avaron can lick the oil off my steel pits missy.” Hannigar’s face curved into a smile. Blood ran down the corner of his eye.

“Rude. I have plenty of scars.” Hannigar said. Trickles fell to the floor. He ignored the wound as it pooled. Crystal lodged into the wall behind him.

“Why do you still resent him still? He has saved us more than once. Even let us walk free and live our lives.”

Words almost escaped him. Then he held his head low. Briskly he put a mechanical hand on the picture of the turtles.

“Cleia, I’m simply tired of war and fighting. I do not despise Avaron. Both of you know that. My spark is long gone. Not even a glimmer remains.”

The turtles proudly stood on his shoulder. She smiled, standing next to him.

“Arcadia and Alden. How I miss them both.” She said.

Minutes passed as Hannigar kept his head down and trembled. She put a feathery hand on him.

“Me too. Me too.” He finally spoke.

“How is your devious duo doing?”

“They are doing well. Still sleeping and regaining their strength after that day.” She said. Her smile fell.

“Sorry kiddo. Glad they are still sleeping and lending you strength.”

“We can go see them if you would like. Though they are likely asleep as well.”

Hannigar nearly fell to both knees.

“I can’t meet them in this state. Never have been able to have the courage to see them. Wouldn’t want to die in front of them either. I will reunite with them when I go.” Hannigar said.”

Limply he took his weapons and started to head out.

“If you are here then we are in the final stages. Sooner or later Malgerius would try to off me again. Better you than anyone. Let’s not end it in this drab. We should go there if you don’t mind.”

“It’s out of the way. For you I will take a detour.” Cleia said. She touched her face, one eye formed hexagonal patterns. Yizmola, I need to take a priority detour. Keep an eye on them. Intervene if necessary. She gave Hannigars place one last look over.

Finally. Time to start ignition. He replied.

Days after the escape from the mysterious tower, Cleia, Hannigar and Mathias all sat in on a war council. King Malgerius yelled and boasted about Ovoroth’s powerful navy. How they planned on fighting back against Graylands invasive technology. More pressing was the recent activity from Archveil. The island had been surrounded. Navy ships kept most of the re-awakened idol ones in check. Prioritizing the safety of this world was their top priority. Efforts to mine and search for crystals in the deepest part of the Boiling Sea, the Molten Belt and Last Light isles continued. Sabotage broke out in their ships in the Last Light isles. Navel commanders believed it to be the work of Grayland. Cleia rocked on her heels as the speech drug on. Spit hit the ground and she walked out. They would give them orders regardless. Advice or suggestions they thrown out would just be swatted away.

The air outside was nice and crisp. Dozens of orange crystals stood around the palace. Globes of light gently touched them from the rays of the sun. Through azure streets of the palace, she took to the city. Different colored crystals sit on corresponding pillars. The capital alive this time of day. Wavelength was her destination. A place where memories could be accessed through certain types of crystals.

Hey Kee? Have you been able to get any information? Cleia asked.

Sorry young one. Communications with other species have led to little results. Try as they might, information is tight. Just the same stories. Missing people, drained crystals, and whispers of deceit. Kee responded.

Vehicles hovered by. Thrums from the engine bouncing off crystals. Pedestrians went around her. Crystals worn by every single citizen somewhere on their outer body. The upper right shoulder was the main place.

Might as well avoid going there. If we are just going to around in circles. She thought.

Multiple fingers tapped on her shoulders. She blinked several times and turned around. Mathias stood there with a grin on his face.

“Hey there. I got some good news. Where you headed?” He said.

“Was headed for the usual spot. No new information. If you got something, lets go.” She said.

Bodies stacked against crystals in Wavelength. Smooth stone trickled skin. Some people had their hands fully around the crystals in an embrace. Recalling memories, while others had suffered and rolled along the floor. Tongues burnt, dirt in the eyes, lips remised of flavor and feeling. Memories of pain and pleasure. All under the umbrella of the crystal. Cleia and Mathias took a seat. Via touch, she called over a server. These beings lacked flesh and bone. All crystal, service of Ovoroth. Made from toughened gemstones as well, it knelt. Cleia touched its cold surface. It left and came back moments later with tall glasses of clear liquid with crystals mixed in. One go was all it took as she chugged it. Mathias looked at her while sipping on his.

“That bad, huh?” Mathias asked shaking the cubes.

“Just trying to numb myself as much as possible. So, what have you dug up?” Slamming down the drink. She dug her elbow into the table and placed a hand on her cheek. He scooted closer to her and whispered while keeping an eye out.

“Found out through one of the soldiers – there is scheduled to be an execution, tonight. We are not invited, of course.”

“So, what, Malgerius is constantly disposing of whoever he pleases.” She repied. Groans rose from around the corner. Someone did not want to wake up.

“Let’s just say, it’s going to be huge. Most likely missing people are the ones who will perish.”

Cleia stood up and stormed to the door.

On all fours, a Patreon had been chasing after something. Attached to an orange crystal. A link tethered to them. Cleia kicked him in the face, and he went flying back into the crystal. Legs waggled in the air. Mathias took her by the arm as they entered the overcast sky.

“Where do you think you’re going? I didn’t even tell you where.” Mathias said. Breath heaved as he tried to hold on.

“Right to the King. He has ignored us for long enough.”

“Wait, wait, wait now! How about I talk to him and see if I can’t get us down in there?”

Soon as he finished a hand came across his face. He stood there and frowned.

“Really after all the sneaking we have done. You think now he’s going to take a lock off that vault now?” She said.

“No, you are right. Damn. Well on short notice then, come with now.” Mathias said. This time around he took her by the arm and marched to an alcove farther down the shore.

Gunpowder shot out from cannons and rifles. Targets exploded on the shore and on boats. Cannons fired off to the east. Dummy boats exploded. Some even imploding from the weaponry. Crystals shattered and some lost their color. Smoke drifted in the sky. Target practice was in full effect. Hannigar stood tall. His face fully covered in shell. Fist smashes against fist. He was duking it out with another man. Just as tall as him and ripped to the core. Blow after blow they were engaged in combat. Not even the thundering sounds of firepower could stop them. Cleia asked one of the soldiers watching the bout. It had been nearly two hours since they had started the fight. The fight must have been ending as their blows slowed. Sweat and bruises from the abdomen to head. Fire never left their eyes. Hannigar feinted to the left. Muscle head did as well. They both charged at each other. Bruised flesh tore and bled as they both attempted to throw each other. Sand picked up and their bruised feet dug farther in.

“Time!” With the biggest smirk a man with a skipper cap and gold and navy-blue uniform came over to them. He swatted their muscles. Rivers of sweat sank into the sand. From his pockets he presented them each with a Chartreuse colored crystal.

“Fine display as always you two. Rest up. For the real battle is coming soon.”

Sand kicked up as two shoes smashed into each other. Hums took over as guns went silent. He gave the two a salute as his chest relaxed, the humming stopped. Shortly after practice resumed on the beach. Hannigar took notice of the two and made his way over. Beak wide opened, he gulped down the crystal. Soon as his mouth closed it reverted to human, from turtle. Cleia’s mouth raised noticed, Mathias shake.

“Enjoy my moves? Been working on it for some time.” Hannigar said. Deep purple and blood-stained gashes dissolved away while he spoke.

“Another tie with packed gill head over there, huh? Not impressed” Cleia said.

“Will take a draw anytime. Losing flat out though not so much.” Hannigar said. Cleia frowned as Hannigar came over and started pinching her, as well as tickling her. Try as she might he was unaffected. Hood fell over her face as she lost gravity. Hannigar picked her by the side and chucked her over his shoulder. She didn’t bother fighting back and pawed at his face.

“Glad you are having a good time. Ready to get serious now?” Mathias said, amused.

“What kind of trouble are we looking into now?” Hannigar asked.

“Not here obviously. Come with me.” Quick as they got there. They left. Cleia on Hannigar’s back, fighting hands the whole way there.

The three of them traveled to a secret area of the castle. Crystals and gemstones lined the walls as they went through a tunnel. It opened into a giant cavern. In the center, a large piece of crystal pierced through the ground and went higher up. Little construction was needed to keep it from collapsing. Small fires and pedestals with gems scattered the caverns. Blue was the main thing they saw to the sides of them. Giant tentacles shielding parts, while aquatic life swam by. Often, they would come here to just to unwind. Mathias led them over to an orange crystal. Hannigar placed Cleia on her stomach then sat down and waited for the news. Mathias paced back in fourth for a minute before sitting.

“Tonight. There is going to be slaughter. I care not to think of how my father speaks. While getting knowledge from our local scholars, so was my father. Great I know.” Mathias said.

Cleia and Hannigar winced. Mathias continued:

“I was just a level below him having a lesson on the Thara and Arch tribe before we were interrupted. Yells filed and shook the walls. From my father, no doubt. He was going on and on about the increased activity in Archveil. A new threat emerged as well.”

Cleia lowered her head and thought back to when all of them escaped. How much fun they had when arriving at Archveil. Avaron had to report to Grayland after that. Neither of them had a clear picture of if they would join him or not. However, that day, swung the pendulum.

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“One they have never dealt with. Shadows, demons, whatever you care to call them. What exactly my father was under siege from was unclear. The Chairman of Ovoroth tried to explain to father, the consequences of destroying the ancients’ relics. Gateway To the Black. There was another phrase, but I couldn’t make it out under fathers interrupting roars. The point is this could be our fault. What we did we Avaron likely put bigger targets on our backs.”

“What a load of shit, our fault!” Rock and crystal flew across the room. Harmlessly sliding to a stop. Hannigar stood up.

“All we did was search for answers. Don’t forget three parties excluding ourselves, already had plans.”

“I did say could, buddy. Just in case you feel guilty. I already do. For fucks sake I’m the damn prince of this Island and treated equally as the poor souls below. If I didn’t have you and a few others, father would have gladly kicked my corpse with rest. If we survive tonight, I’m leaving Ovoroth.

Hannigar stood slack jawed. Cleia approached him and put her hands on his face. She could see his choice was made.

“I, we are as good as dead if we stay and continue to live dangerously.” Mathias said. He briskly touched Cleia’s fingers and smiled.

“I’ve decided to go to Laden Bridge for the moment. Cozy place just south of Clausum Mare. Should be able to stay off the radar until I’m ready. When all is settled, I will go see Avaron. How about you two?”

“Well after spending time with Avaron, I will go meet him in Grayland.” Hannigar said. Quietly, he sat back against the crystal.

“I’m only still here because you two and my family. This place is just not right. I want to meet with Avaron as well.” Cleia said.

“If we find them. Tonight, we leave. We came into this world with nothing. Let us leave this place the same. Save the cloths on our back of course.” Mathias said smiling.0

“Anything else you found out?” Hannigar asked.

“Just rampant corruption top to bottom. Ways to live longer, thoughts of immortality. Sabatoging Grayland or starting a war with them. Father is apparently convinced with the navy and blessings from Heatherweald. Murder, slavery and masking alliances.”

Cleia put a hand on the orange stone and closed her eyes. No memories were stored within. She let the others know it was empty. All three gathered around the crystal knowing their last moments were here. Good and bad, they all placed their hands on the crystal. Their bodies seeped a light orange and white as they spiraled inside. Heatherweald in the back, seemingly grew brighter. The chamber fully illuminated. Eyes from depths gathered and watched this ceremony. Dispersing as it dimmed.

“Once night falls, we go. First thing is help me with this crystal. Going to hide it far from here. Also, we are going to have to knock a few heads. Don’t worry, we got this.” Mathias gave a stupidly wide smile and jogged the way they came.

Night came and the trio did as such. Each member of the royal family of Ovoroth had their own boats. Not far from their chambers in a bay. Most of the city and palace had been asleep. Tonight, they would be the ones doing saboteur work. The crystal was light enough as they paced to his boat. It was neatly wrapped in a giant blanket of Ovoroth. The likely hood of someone stopping them was zero. Once it was secure his small boat, the palace awaited.

On the way back, a single soldier was patrolling this portion of the castle. Just outside the docks. Soon as they passed by, Hannigar spun around and launched a punch square in the back of the head. Like a squashed bug, he splayed out on the ground. They threw him in a cooled storage room. Cleia quickly put the gear on and stuffed her old ones with the crystal. The soldier was left naked. In a crate full of fish. Mathias and Hannigar took spare helmets and threw them on.

King Malgerius was on his way. The march of boots getting closer. Cleia noticed the filthy robes walk by. Others still in plainclothes. Was there another place that held people underground? They had never heard or seen traces of one. Her parents were nowhere to be seen. Too many bodies smushed together as chains rattled the ground. Cleia clenched her fist. Cyan from the crystals merged with her raven feathers, coming out in anger. She was now gripping a long pole and blinked at it. Her pupils black as a raven.

Much as I would love to peak and feast upon every single eyeball here, let us only do what is necessary to get out and escape. If need be, we will increase aggression. Kee spoke directly to her. Crunching her face, she adjusted the navy feathered helmet and got in the marching line.

Something is off here. Be on your guard. Kee spoke to Cleia. One of her gray eyes turned raven-like. Cleia whispered to Mathias. Dilapidated buildings of the first layer, The Befouled City haunting them with each step. Soldiers lined the steps as they descended. With each layer passed, another group stayed behind. The end of the second level came. Cursed Cauldrons. Dedicated to the so-called heresy of both primal tribes. Half of the soldiers remained as they went into the final layer.

King Malgerius stood in the center sword drawn. His wife by his side. The herd came to aa stop. Only a single fire was lit. The shadows beckoning to the heap below.

“ALL OF YOU! COME FORWARD. SINGLE FILE, FIVE AT A TIME. OUR TROOPS WILL BE STATIONED IN THE BACK AND STRIKE OR SHOOT YOU DOWN IF YOU TRY AND FLEE.” He screamed at the top of his lungs.

Backs towards the crystal, most heads hung low.

“Each of you have been useful in some way to Ovorothian society. From teaching and trading. To soldiers and nurses. Now you are no longer needed. Tribes of Thara and The Archs and all bastards spawned between you and our people. I thank and salute you. Your blood and sacrifice will continue to feed Heatherweald and Ovoroth for generations. Farewell.”

His blade changed into a darker, midnight blue. Old as he was, the blade struck quick. Five heads rolled, some into the pit. The Queen ripped each symbol off their articles of clothing. After words took their crystal necklaces off. Bodies slipped into the pit as the King and Queen shoved them in. Cleia stood silent and bile fumed in her mouth. This continued until three groups remained.

Kee. I haven’t seen them, but we are running out of time. Do you know any way out of here? Thoughts raced as she looked at the sacrifices.

Wait a minute. Kuu knows a way. You won’t like it though; we need to touch Heatherweald. Just like before, Kuu and Alden will guide. Kee told her. Soldiers across from them watched carefully as they whispered to each other. The next group took their place. Her mother and father stood tall.

“Ahh this is always difficult. I would like to thank them personally and offer them a serenade. Before their trip to the afterlife.” Salutes stood tall and hums filled the air.

“For giving birth to another protector. I bid you farewell and safe travels!”

Cleia jumped and charged down the steps. Soldiers tried to block her way. She battered them with the long pole. Their armor dented; the back of the pole smashed into the helmet as she made her way forward. Hannigar punched a helmet hard enough for the head to spin around three hundred sixty degrees. Enemies falling, Mathias took a lance and struck back while keeping pace. All the meanwhile hums still filled the air.

Before they could reach them. Malgerius calmly stood to the side and drove the blade through them. Skewering them both. He flung them into pit as they charged at him. Cleia’s struck, just missing his face. She ripped a sharpened feather off her arm and attempted to jab it into his side. Malgerius threw his sword down to block it. His other arm struck forward at her face. She angled her face to the side, raven beak out. Blood covered his blade as his arm was torn open. King Malgerius nearly dropped his blade as the side of his face ripped open exposing the bone. Heat vented from his body. Adrenaline rushing, he swung the blade back at her. She was unbalanced and exposed. The azure blade sank into her side. The old man had enough strength to send her flying into the pit.

Grunting, she was face to face with hundreds of decomposing bodies. The base of Heatherweald just in front of her. Blood spilled out but it was not red. It was black and teal. Raven feathers fell off and scattered like the last rays of the day.

Kee! Are you there! Kee! No response. Kuu came out from her feathers on the other arm. Cawing loudly.

“Father you are beyond a sick piece of work you know that!” Mathias yelled.

“Shut up you half-bred rat. You are not my son and have never been. I killed your mother just like this ages ago. You were never gifted any powers from Heatherweald. Just keeping up appearances.”

“You…evil piece of trash!” Mathias charged at the king. Instead of striking him, he slid and drove the lacne at an angle that went straight through the queen’s head. They both fell into the pit.

“No! Bridgette! I’ll hunt you to the ends of the earth you insolent—” Malgerius head crashed down. Hannigar struck him in the head. Beaten and bruised he yelled: KNIGHTS TO ME!

Hannigar threw a left hook and sent teeth flying. Saggy skin flipped from the blow. His eyes raged azure and he swung missing. Footsteps closed on Hannigar as he stood and fought landing blow after blow. Spears bounced off his back and swords broke. This gave Malgerius just the time he needed to strike. Hannigar was distracted for a moment, couldn’t believe it. The azure blade pierced through his calf. He fell forward and climbed to the edge as fast as he could. His advance was halted as Malgerius crushed one hand and drove a sword into the other.

Mathias kicked the queen farther down into the pit and crawled to Cleias father and mother. She was trying to pull them up. She spoke to them, trying to keep them stable. They did not need to go far.

“Hannigar come on! Lets g—” Mathias yelled.

Hannigar was pinned to the ground. King Malgerius stood over him. Brows furrowed and bloody. Baring his teeth, flesh cracked, and blood poured over old hands. Before anything could be said or done. The azure blade stabbed down. Hannigar’s arm was cut clean through. Crawling away was a useless endeavor. He was pinned.

Go you two! Hurry get out of here. Save them and yourself! Hannigar pleaded in his mind. Two turtles emerged from his other arm. They jumped into the pit unnoticed. Next, his other arm was gone. Malgerius had his men flip over. Boots dug into his chest to keep him from moving.

“A shame. You are and were one of my greatest assets.” Malgerius said. Then severed his legs off. Soldiers tossed his extremities into either side of the pit.

“Go to your friends and die.” The king and his soldiers picked up Hannigars body and hurlded it into the decomposing corpse pile.

Hannigars lights went out as he spiraled into the pit. Cleia and Mathias tried to catch him. They had to get out of here. Alden and Kuu touched the crystal and cawed at them. The base of Heatherweald spiraled open, leaving enough room for them to enter. Not waiting a second, Cleia and Mathias held on to the wounded and struggled to go in. King Malgerius stood eyes ablaze a dark azure.

It was all dark where they went through. Soft fabric above them, a hard surface below. Cleia and Mathias frantically pushed, trying to find a way out. They found themselves on his boat.

Alden and Arcadia crawled up to the husk of Hannigar. They poked at his face, with theirs. No response. Energy seeped out into them. Both buckling under the pressure. Kuu jumped up on Cleia. Immediately he funneled energy to Kee. After such an escape, he laid down and dissolved water molecules back into her. Both were quiet as the raven feathers left her body. With the last gasp of their lives, Cleia’s mother and father touched her face. With a smile the last of their energy faded and they left the world.

Hannigars severe wounds sealed up. The two turtles came up to Cleia. She held their hands out and they waddled in.

We can’t reach or connect with him anymore. He is too severely injured. We are both drained of energy and can no longer stay. Arcadia said to her. A voice that she didn’t hear as often. But was always welcome and there since coming to the surface. Cleia looked at Hannigar, one of her best friends. Her dead parents, Mathias and fading Marrows. Her face flushed of color, tears filled the turtle’s shell.

Will we see each other again? Cleia asked.

Of course, Birdie girl. In this life or the next. We are bound to Heatherweald as you. Arcadia said, before hardening into jade.

That was the last time Cleia smiled.

Clausum Mare was a necessary stop to refill on fuel. Smoke blew in their faces as a man introduced himself as Kain. On the way here they debated on what to do with Hannigar. Still in a coma. He was not ready to see Avaron. To fulfill their friends wishes, they asked if they could leave him here. Kain saw the man wide eyed took him to the hospital himself. Together Cleia and Mathias took Arcadia and Alden back to the shores of Archveil. Kuu presumably resting. They preserved Cleia’s parents the best they could and buried them somewhere shade could not creep. Destroyed and singed, the tower where they escaped hardly remained. Most of the damage and remains had been taken away. Hills above marked their destination. Somberly as they carried the orange crystal. Distant sound of waves, the only noise. Flat slopes, but it was good enough. The remains of their escape lay eroding. Sand covered ruins like a warm blanket. Tides cooling them with each ebb. Moss trying to block out the light.

Piercing gray eyes grey, leered at Hannigar under her weapon. With his back turned he kicked up dirt. Old sands of time flung disturbed and misplaced. Electricity chaotically lit the insides. Cleia winced as the shots blew past her sides. Static singed and she felt the burn radiating her sides. The old man still had some fight and aim after all this time. Especially without Arcadia and Alden backing him. If only he hadn’t helped and conspired with Avaron’s targets. Those Marrows had caused him trouble in the past. Two had escaped his grasp. Not without consequences. She dug into her arms, as if pulling out her own flesh. Dozens of feathers flew at Hannigar. Chunks of wrinkled flesh scattered from his face. He grit his teeth and spat out blood. Just like a boomerang, feathers made their way back. Cleia’s hand extended. Electricity went wide as Hannigar stumbled forward. Screws and other mechanical pieces sprung out. Crystal hardened in its place.

Hannigar lunged forward at a pace she hadn’t expected. Craters filled the sand and sunk back. His hammer swung up with his right hand. The blow landed straight to her chest. She took the blow unamused. Armors of crystal cracked underneath. The long pole spun several times. Red crystal took in sunlight as it swung low. Not high enough for her. The spear pierced through his hip. Clear out the other side. Not a gasp from Hannigar as Cleia tore it back out and swung again. Octopus encircling a globe, faded back into time as sand pooled over it. The battlefield they had once escaped, became one once more.

A bone breaking crunch rang out. Hammer smashed into her lower leg. Eyes slanted into the familiar ravens. Gun at her chest, Hannigars eyes went wide and stern. Crystal shattered from her body as she hit the sand. She had forgotten the last time they had seriously fought each other. It must have been shortly after she first came to the surface. Most of the robe was in tatters, she brushed the burning cloth off. Black feathers began to cover her bare chest. Shadow stretched across the sand. Black wings burst fourth from her back. She folded them in front of her. Hannigar dive kicked at her ankle. Electricity backfired as he lined up another close range shot. Static shook them both as Cleia shoved a hardened feathered hand through. Light escaped through another hole. Red spewed and ran down metal legs. Just above his heart. The gun fell harmless to the sand. She wanted this to stop. A quick painless death for him. That was not the case as with every blow, she could sense his enjoyment. They had been separated for some time. This was the only way to close a reunion. With his stupid resolve and grin.

Time stopped as history added another chapter to the battlefield. Blow after blow, the hammer never his side. Speed slowed as haggard breaths matched the sloshing of waves. Layer after layer, red was replaced by black. Until bright black crystals extended from the flesh. Cleia’s fingers gently wove circles. Until movement could no longer be made. Hannigar, finally let go of the hammer. On his back shadows closed over him. Cleia sat down and shaded him from the light. His head rested on her feathers, now soft.

“Finally…I..got you. G..-.ot to….change…that damn depp..resing jac..ket…” Hannigar said. With a smile across his beaten body.

She gently slapped his face.

“You sure did. You brat.” Cleia said. Face obscured by wings.

Hannigar felt something on his stomach. His gaze fell from Cleia. Arcadia and Alden rested calmly on him.

“Ah…there yo—u are. My friends. Glad, we can…leave…this place.”

Feathers fell from within this cage to Hannigars chest. Four clawed feet gently walked over his lifeless body. Two beaks touched his face. Crystals, bone, and blood all slowly evaporated. For just a moment a small jade turtle sit on her chest. One of the ravens took the small turtle in its beak. The other sank back. Red patterns across its eyes, it looked up at Cleia’s face. A wing parted just enough for the raven to get through. Kuu bowed for a moment before flying to the top of the hill. The battlefield now quite besides the restless waves. Dirt kicked up as beak and clawed feet dug until orange reflected in its eye. With jade in its mouth, one raven remained on the shore. Wings once again letting no light in.

Above the clouds, Kuu dove down past the giant crystal of Archveil. Creatures that had been silenced and presumed dead, stirred. All under the gaze of the crystal. Energy from its core giving life. Kuu stopped his mad dash as the shore came into view. Near the cliffs, he went inside a small den in the earth. Two jade turtles stood idle. A third, now joined them. Kuu carefully placed the small turtle next to the others. Before he took off, he covered the entrance with sticks.

Green light gently filled the den. Kuu flew to the top of Archveil.