Alivier explained everything to them.

“My Ancestor? Elena the War Maiden?” Lyra balked in disbelief. However, a part of her believed it as if she was still in that memory as Elena.

“Yes. Elena and countless others were hand-chosen, if you will, by Lumos herself as Witnesses. These individuals from different backgrounds banded together to defeat Deimos and his dark creations.”

“And where was it you said that you fit into this?” Sly questioned him.

“Merely a guide chosen by Lumos, too, to lead the Witness to victory. Elena was also given a gift from Lumos. It was why Lyra could possess Divine powers. Even touch the dark miasma because Lumos’ divine protection protected her.”

Lyra’s head was reeling. Yet, it explained recent events that had happened.

“If that is true,” Malakyh interjected himself into the conversation. “Why didn't this divine protection protect her when she was being controlled back at the Ravens Farm?”

Alivier sighed. Shrugging his shoulders. “I don't know. Perhaps it wasn't time, or there is such a thing as holding onto too much emotions.”

“I was thinking about my dad during that time. How I might finally know more about him after all these years.”

“So, what you're saying Lyra was vulnerable to the negative presence?” Cassandra pondered. “I suppose it does make sense, and everything so far seems to be adding up.”

“And so now what?” Sly asked. “What does this entail for the future? Because call me crazy, but I seem to recall history saying that all those who took part during the war of shadows died.”

Alivier said nothing.

“Alivier!” Everyone seemed to shout at once.

Despite the raging confusion and uncertainty, Lyra knew it wasn't best to sit here and argue. They still had a mission at hand.

“Let's just calm down and… Well, keep moving. We can't do anything about it now, and it won't help our situation if we start losing our heads.”

The group nodded, understanding the situation.

They continued their travels to Gearford the following day.

•†•

Hinterlands - base of the Dawn Coalition

“What was that game you tried playing earlier?” Blackthorn angrily yelled into his thoughts at him.

At first, it took some effort, but after a moment, he could become tangible, at least in thought.

Eamon might not have had his body, but he was grateful for some consciousness instead of being secluded in a dark prison. Possibly the same one Blackthorn had been in when he was in cold sleep.

I don't see what the issue is. You’re safely inside of the Dawn Coalition base. One step closer to completing your mission, right?

Blackthorn grumbled. “Don't patronize me. How were you able to wake up?”

I have my secrets. So if you want to ensure you can stay under the radar, we could wager a deal?

Blackthorn could feel his face growing hot from the sheer demand he made, but what else could he do? In order to effectively kidnap Klause, he'd need the Man to trust him. Otherwise, the Dawn Coalition would fight him to the death.

Not that they can take out some civilian turned-rebel. However, he did have to worry about a commotion, like a deadly fight that he and the Ash Borne demon would cause, which would undoubtedly draw a crowd and raise some eyebrows. He wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible.

“Fine. But if I smell foul play, you'll regret it. Understood? I'll even promise to make a visit to her and kill her myself. That's not what you wanted, though. You'll have to watch her die, and you'll forever fall into the abyss.”

There was silence but Blackthorn could feel the rising anger from inside of him. He was fuming, not in anger, but desperation. He knew he was powerless and that was exactly how Blackthorn wanted to make his victims feel.

Crystal. Was the only thing he said in response before going quiet again.

Blackthorn was more at ease, yet, he still couldn't shake the uneasiness feeling in his gut.

•†•

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He hadn't been expecting sunlight to stream into the holed up quarters. His circadian system was already pretty used to getting up early from his time traveling (and during his military training). An arm stretched across his face. Their ear-length white hair fell across sun-kissed cheeks.

“Morning already…” he said out loud. “I shouldn't sleep the day away because we have a crazy schedule ahead of us.” so normally and casually that, for a moment, he didn't realize what was happening.

His eyes snapped open. He was staring up at the stone ceiling of the Dawn Coalition's base. He wasn't where he thought he was or with someone. Yet, something else left him gob smacked.

He was back in his body. Not a voice screaming into the void but it really him.

Eamon sat up and wildly patted around his chest, grinning from ear to ear at the sheer luck.

Or for a split second he actually felt… Relief.

Then he heard laughing, in his head, mocking him.

Eamon’s smile dropped. His chest fell and his blood turned cold; he was sure the color had drained from his face.

“Had you really going there for a minute, hmm”? The voice was none other than Blackthorn.

He should have known.

“Now, don't try anything funny. I'm far stronger than you when it comes to understanding deep sleep. We ‘work together,’ as you put it, and there won't be any consequences. So….”

Eamon’s body stiffened. He wasn't in control.

“It's our first day in a new rebel camp. Have fun, make friends, and don’t embarrass me now.” Eamon could feel him smiling.

“Is there anything else?” He gritted his teeth, holding back his annoyance.

“Oh, yes!” he exclaimed, almost comically, but that changed instantly. “Don't double cross.” Eamon’s blood ran cold, and his heart skipped a beat at the dark undertone of his threat.

If he could control his body at whim and even could tell his thoughts, Eamon wasn't sure how he'd be able to cross him.

“Got it.”

He stood up. He was preparing to start the day when he noticed the long, hair-bandaged Sovran#0, The Ash Borne demon.

“What about him?”

“Nothing. He'll follow you whenever. If danger strikes, he'll react.”

He nodded. At least there was one thing he didn't need to worry about. Yet, he couldn't get past something…. about the Sovran. He wasn't sure what it was, but there was almost a feeling of deja vu in the air.

He brushed it off. He most likely recalled moments when he had been asleep watching the Ash Borne and Blackthorn.

Pushing it from his mind, he continued to hey ready until he was out the door of the room.

“Seems like someone has decided to be up this morning,” Ludwig Klause said when he spotted him walking downstairs, which led to the rooms. “How'd you sleep?”

Eamon shrugged. “I've had better. Thank you for asking.”

He gave a bow of his head. “You want to eat or something?

Eamon’s stomach growled loudly.

Klause grinned. “I'll take that as a yes.”

Eamon took a seat, and the next second, a plate of bread, cheese, and water was in front of him.

“Apologies that it isn't appetizing. One can only get so much as a rebel faction, but speaking with the right group has its perks. It does help that some of the resistance used to be farmers.”

Eamon shook his head. He picked up the bread. After joining the military, he was used to meager portions.

All the while, Ludwig Klause watched him with intensity in his green eyes, studying him, if you will.

Blackthorn grunted in annoyance. Also, noticing the man like Eamon had.

Control yourself. Eamon said to him. He didn't want any sudden reaction to give himself away.

“So… you said your name was–”

“Let's just call me E.B. for now,” Eamon interrupted, not wanting to trigger the safe word even more. He could feel Blackthorn laughing in his thoughts.

“E.B.… sure… so, E.B. I've asked this already, but I hope you'll humor an old man anyway.”

Confused, though compliant, he nodded in agreement.

“Why did you want to join the Dawn Coalition?” The deep sea green of the man's eyes bore into him. He might have been on to him, and if that were the case, things would not end well.

“Watch what you say,” Blackthorn warned him, but Eamon had an idea. He just hoped Blackthorn would play along long enough for it to work.

“To be honest, I came to find you.”

“Oh?” Klause was intrigued now, leaning forward in his seat, his chin resting on his hands. “And why is that?”

“Yes, why is that?” Blackthorn cooed. He, too, was waiting, curious to know if he was foolish to reveal everything when he had no way to protect himself against Blackthorn taking control again. “I hope you know what you're doing.”

Thankful for the chance, Eamon explained his reasoning:

“I used to be an ex-military–a similar case to your own since you, too, worked for the military.”

Klause nodded. “Aye, that I did. A scientist to a doctor. It's practically common knowledge. What of it?”

“I've always felt like an outsider in the military. So hearing of your leave from the Empire and taking up a practice for everyday civilians, only to have that taken away, resonated with me. Your cause. I want to fight for something I care about that accepts me for me, not for the past or what I did.”

Silence passed between them. Ludwig didn't look away from him, studying him.

“For one so young, you seem to understand pain. It is not something I'd wish on my worst enemy. Thank you for confiding in me. I hope you can go back to what was when this is all over.”

“Thank you, sir. Truly. I hope so, too.”

Klause nodded. “Now, how about we take a walk? A bit of fresh air will do us both some good.” Standing up from the chair. Eamon followed after him.