Earth fell in a day.

Valiant stands were made all over the globe, but even with superior numbers the humans were no match for the training and ferocity of the Dark Legion. Swarms of Thizzers, Weres, and Ogres marched across the day side of Earth, while Vampires and other dark creatures haunted the night. Cities were transformed into makeshift prisons. Once the humans realized that surrender only meant prison and fighting meant death, they began to surrender in droves.

Black flags with three red drops in the center flew from the roofs of every building. Ogres enforced the law. Thizzers and Weres hunted any humans that refused to stay in the cities. Leaders were captured and taken to Dark Legion Cruisers. The Elders didn’t have any information about what was happening to them. The best guess was they were dead.

When Alex woke up he knew that he wasn’t on Mettan’s ship. The room was different. It was spacious and had paintings, rugs, and furniture adorning it. The Sun was shining through the window. He tried to sit up but he got nauseous and fell back into the pillows.

Andrew walked into the room and said something, but Alex was drifting back into unconsciousness. He knew Andrew was alive, that was good enough for him.

When Alex woke up the second time it was dark outside. His head was spinning, but he was feeling better. This time when he sat up, he didn’t get sick. He looked around the room. There was a dark-colored couch on the wall opposite the bed. Mettan was lying on it, the Elf’s arms were folded across his chest as he breathed rhythmically.

Snoring came from his right. Andrew was posed awkwardly in a white metal chair. His brother mumbled something as he shifted. Andrew had always talked in his sleep. Alex smiled. With everything that had happened, some things hadn’t changed.

The cool night air blew into the room through a curtain to his right. Alex stepped onto the cold marble floor and padded over to the curtain and pulled it back. There was a balcony on the other side. A full moon welcomed him to step into the night.

Alex walked out and leaned against the gold rail. He could smell the salt of the ocean in the air. The shore was almost a mile away, but beyond that was nothing but water. Atlantis was built on a flat island. From the top of the central tower, one could easily see the entire island.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

Alex turned around. Kark was standing behind him. The red-haired Elder held out a ration bar, “Hungry?”

Alex took the bar and bit into it. It was dry and bland, but it took the edge off of his rumbling stomach.

“Thank you.”

Kark flicked his hand. A cup of water appeared on the rail next to Alex, “No problem.”

They stood in silence while Alex finished his meal.

Alex wiped the crumbs on his pants, “Is everyone okay?”

Kark took a hesitant breath, “We lost the two junior Elders, twenty-four elves, and seventy-three human charges.”

Alex grimaced, “That’s not good.”

“It’s war.” Kark stated

“Um.” Alex fumbled for words, “What about the rest?”

“Your friends are fine.” Kark shook his head, “They’ve been worried about you.”

“Why?”

“It’s Friday.”

Alex looked down at his left arm. His watch was gone. The implications ran through his mind, “Did we win?”

“You killed Feletis,” Kark stated

“No. Yes. I mean I know.” Alex stammered, “What about Earth?”

“We estimate at least a billion humans died failing to repel the Dark Legion.” Kark looked away.

“Failed?”

Kark turned back. There was a tear in his eye. “The Dark Legion has claimed the planet. Most of the remaining humans have surrendered. It’s over.”

“What about the prophecy?” Alex demanded, “Can’t Andrew do something?”

“Prophecies are just a glimpse of the future. We don’t know when, where, or even how the Human Triftion will destroy the Dark Legion.” Kark shook his head, “Your brother might not even be the prophesied Triftion.”

“There could be another Triftion?”

“No. There is only one.”

Alex scrunched his brow, “So what do you mean? The one after Andrew will be the one?”

“I hope not.” Kark looked back into the room, “Triftions live for hundreds of years. Even then, that doesn’t guarantee that a new Triftion will be born immediately after one dies. The Universe has gone for over a Century without an Elf or a Dwarf Triftion.”

“So Andrew is the one.”

Kark nodded, “I believe so.”

“How do we help him?” Alex asked,

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“We go about our lives.” Kark looked out at the water, “The Dark Legion will be destroyed.”

They stood in silence. Alex could tell that there was something else that Kark wanted to say, but the Elder was hesitating. When Kark didn’t speak, he decided to ask his question.

“Feletis called me a Venificus. What’s that?”

“A Venificus is a Mage that is also a Water Elementalist.” Kark kept looking at the moon, “Different powers don’t mix well. The hybrids are very rare.”

“So I’m a Mage?”

“You’re Vita,” Kark answered,

“What’s Vita?”

“Have you heard of a Lich?” Kark asked

Alex thought for a moment, “An undead Mage?”

Kark nodded, “Yes, but there is so much more. Lich are brought back with Demon Magic. The Magic become a part of them, it filled every fiber, every cell. Who they were gets burned away. All that is left is a dark shadow of who they used to be.”

Alex gulped, “Is that what I am?”

“No.” Kark smiled, “Lich choose to be that way. You are something else. Something stronger.”

“Such as?” Alex prompted. Images of his arms rotting off filled his mind. It didn’t help that his right arm was still burning.

“You should have had more training to prepare you for this.” Kark shook his head, “We didn’t think to check. The odds of a family having all five possibilities are nearly impossible.”

“What am I?” Alex grabbed Kark’s arm, “What is a Vita?”

Kark stared into Alex’s eyes, “You can’t repeat any of what I’m about to tell you to anyone that isn’t Vita.”

Alex started to pull away, but Kark grabbed Alex’s arms, “Swear.”

“I-I-I swear.” Alex stuttered

Kark studied Alex's face. Satisfied, he continued, “Just like a Lich, Vita have died and were brought back by magic.”

“I’m undead?” Alex put his hand over his heart. It was beating strong and rhythmically.

“Yes and no.”

“Am I going to get old? Can I die again?” Shock washed over Alex’s face, “Can I have kids?”

“You are immortal. You can be killed and yes you can reproduce.” Kark counted off the answers

Alex hung his head. It was too much to take in, “Why?”

Kark pointed at Alex’s back, “You blocked the attack that was meant for your brother.”

Alex reached back and touched the scar. It was still knotty and warm and it itched.

“Vita are created when a Mage commits a selfless act of sacrifice. Before the soul can leave the body the Mage’s magic fuses with their soul. Sealing the soul back in the body and bringing the Mage back from the dead”

“Is Feletis dead?” Alex asked, “He was Vita, wasn’t he?”

“Andrew cremated his body. With no body, there is nothing for the soul to stay anchored to.” Kark turned away, “Feletis is gone.”

“I’m sorry.” Alex apologized

Kark turned back. He studied Alex, “For what?”

“Feletis was your friend.” Alex rubbed his arm, “I killed him.”

“Feletis was a Werecat and a traitor.” Kark’s voice darkened, “He was really the leader of the Dark Legion.” A lone tear rolled down the Elder’s cheek, “The Universe is a better place without him.”

“That doesn’t mean he wasn’t your friend.” Alex looked at the landscape.

Kark didn’t reply. They just stood in silence, watching the moon dance over the water.

“Am I going to turn into one of those?” Alex asked

“One of what?”

Alex turned over his arm. It was still red. The impression of Feletis’ teeth was scarred into his arm, “A Werecat.”

Kark shook his head, “Elementalists are immune to the Were virus.” He pointed at the scar on Alex’s arm, “It will take a few months for your body to burn out the virus, but no, you won’t turn into a Werecat.”

Alex nodded, “What about?” He motioned at his back

“That one is permanent.” Kark lifted up his shirt. There was a burn on his chest just over his heart.

“All Vita have a mark.” Kark touched his scar gently, “It reminds us of what we were willing to sacrifice.”

Kark let go of his shirt, “You need more training, but we don’t have time.”

“Why not?” Alex asked quizzically, “Can’t you train me?”

“I could.” Kark shook his head, “But you won’t be on Earth much longer.”

“We’re leaving?!” Alex exclaimed, “I can’t leave! I have to help free Earth! I have to-” Guilt tore at his heart, “My family is out there.”

“Andrew and I have been looking for your family.” Kark put his hand on Alex’s shoulder, “He is the Triftion. His place is here, but you-. You belong with Mettan. And we need Mettan out there.” He motioned at the stars.

“I can’t leave right now.” Alex shrugged off Kark’s hand, “Not until I know the rest of my siblings are safe.”

“It’s okay.”

Alex turned around. Andrew was standing in the doorway. He walked over and leaned against the rail to Alex’s left. He looked out at the view.

“You have a different destiny than I do.” Andrew turned to his brother, “You need to follow it.”

Alex swallowed. He didn’t want to leave. He hated traveling, that had always been Andrew’s thing. But he couldn’t argue. He nodded slowly, “If you’re sure.”

Andrew turned back to the empty view and nodded slowly. Alex could tell his brother wanted to be the one that was leaving. Honestly, he was jealous that his brother got to stay.

“Then you’ll leave in the morning.” Kark grinned, “Oh! One more thing.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a six-inch long wooden rod. There were spikes on each end of the rod. Silver runes decorated it from tip to tip.

Alex took the rod from Kark. It felt familiar in his hand, but he didn’t know why.

“What is it?”

“Feletis’ staff.” Andrew gestured at the rail, “This is his old tower. They’re giving it to you.”

Kark nodded, “It seemed fitting. While we can’t give you the rank of Elder, we can let you use any of our unoccupied towers when you’re on Earth.” He caught Alex's eye, “If you’re okay with that?”

Alex nodded. He turned the rod over in his hand. It felt good to hold it, but it didn’t feel like it was his. He looked at Kark, “Does it have to go to a Mage?”

Kark raised his eyebrows, “Maybe? What are you thinking?”

Alex tossed the rod to Andrew. As soon as the rod touched his brother’s hand the ends shot out to their full length.

“I think it would suit Andrew better.”

Kark looked between the brothers, then shrugged, “That works.”

Andrew twirled the a few times, then shrank it back to its compact size, “Thanks.”

Alex nodded, “So when is Mettan leaving?”

“Tomorrow.” Kark replied

“Tomorrow?!” Alex exclaimed, “What if I had still been unconscious?”

“We would’ve moved you back to your room.” Andrew smiled, “you float easy.”

“Thanks.” Alex said sarcastically. He pushed off of the railing. “I’m guessing we’re leaving early too?”

Kark nodded

Alex turned to Andrew, I’ll go. But-“

“I’ll find them.” Andrew said, “I promise.”

Alex backed away from the pair. He needed to get some sleep. In the morning he was going into space. To another world. Many other worlds. It was going to be an adventure.

“Joy.” Alex muttered under his breath.