Year 56

*Having reached the ruins, Emma and Therion stand around an incomplete map of the dungeon. The troops light torches and finish setting up tents while the two talk.*

Therion: The report said they only got to the second floor.

Emma: And why did they stop again? You said there were no enemies.

Therion: The reports just say they felt uneasy. As if something was trying to push them out.

Emma: That’s right. And they didn’t detect any magic affecting them. Well, tomorrow we’ll work on lighting up the first floor. We’ll camp out here again and then repeat the process. Twins!

*Oliver and Olivia both drop the wood they’re carrying, Moris rolls his eyes as he picks them up. The twins quickly run over to Emma and Therion.*

Twins: Yes, Captain?!

Emma: Starting tomorrow, you two will stay with Therion during the day. You’ll work with Stella and Orlando at night to check the surrounding area.

Twins: Sir, Yes, Sir!

Emma: Keep an eye out for spies as well. I haven't sensed any for a few weeks now.

*The two elves nod before taking place among the trees.*

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*Reaching the end of the second Floor, Stella runs back to the group with a look of panic.*

Stella: We gotta go. Gotta go. We need to leave.

*Emma grabs hold of Stella.*

Emma: Why do we need to leave?

*Stella blinks a few times before returning to her old self.*

Stella: I-I don’t know why. It was like I was filled with fear or discomfort.

Emma: Where is Orlando?

Stella: We split off. The path forks just up ahead.

*Reaching the fork Orlando waves to the group.*

Orlando: Wait. Stella? I thought you went that way. That’s why you didn’t return.

Emma: How are you feeling? Stella’s path gave her a meltdown.

Orlando: Are you okay?! What happened?!

Emma: *Laughs* Nothing that we know of. Let’s finish lighting your path before we head that way.

*As they reach the end of Stella’s path, they're met with a dead end.*

Emma: Well I feel fine.

Stella: It was just up ahead.

*Stella points to the end of the path.*

Emma: Um. Stella, that's a wall.

Stella: What're you talking about? It's an archway, I can see the room on the other side.

Emma: Okay. Gareth, go check it out.

Gareth: Wait! Why me?!

Emma: Because you tried to have me killed once, let’s go.

*Emma waves for Gareth to hurry up while Smiling. He turns to the entire group, who is waving to him. He hesitantly walks towards the wall.*

Stella: The weird part is I don't remember a path here before. I touched the wall and...

*As Gareth touches the wall, he falls through, landing on his face.*

Gareth: OW!

Emma: You still alive in there?!

Gareth: Yeah...

*Gareth suddenly starts running out of the room, screaming.*

Gareth: WE NEED TO LEAVE!!

* Emma calls for the group to return to the surface, where she sits down to talk with Therion again. Gareth sits outside the ruins breathing heavily, next to Corey and Liam.*

Emma: I have an Idea. But you’re not gonna like it.

Therion: Worse than the Seers?

Emma: It’s a Wendigo.

*Therion shivers upon hearing the name.*

Therion: But we wiped them all out thousands of years ago. How do you even know about them?

Emma: I’ve read about them. Ross, Rodrik, and Monica all say they’ve fought them before, they were a common reaction back then.*Sigh* So tomorrow we’ll have comfort cast on us while we explore. It’s just weird. There are no other signs yet.

Therion: I'm surprised they didn't attack. they used to say, "If you feel discouraged it's already too late."

Emma: That's why it's only an idea at the moment.

*The next day, after casting comfort, Everyone walks through the archway. As Emma walks through, both she and the figure inside her are overcome with a sense of dread. As she holds her head in Panic, Corey lays his hand on Emma’s shoulder.*

Corey: Should we keep going, captain?

*Emma stands up, holding Corey’s hand on her shoulder.*

Emma: Don’t let go. For some reason, it seems to be affecting me more. I think it's because I’m a seer. But, yes. We will keep going. Let’s light up the floor, but this time we’ll move slower. Keep on the lookout for anything at all.

*Because of the slowed progress the group, managed to reach the fourth floor after four months. The group makes its way down the floor when a blinding light flashes up the stairs.*

*A female voice calls out.*

Voice: Emma! Wake up.

Emma thinking: who is that? I don't know I don't care.

Voice: ㅈ口रԴあנ. Wake her up. You two need to be up and ready, we're leaving in thirty minutes and if we're late I'm selling all your gifts from Santa.

Emma thinking: They'll be lucky to get me up in thirty minutes, let me sleep.

*The sound of footsteps can be heard as the voice walks away. When her hair is suddenly being pulled.*

Emma: OW!

*Emma kicks toward the one responsible for pulling her hair to see a young human child sitting on the ground. They begin to cry and Emma tries to apologize, but as she reaches out she notices. She is a child as well, she turns to a mirror and notices she's a young human child. Emma looks around the room, confused by all the strange objects when a woman comes in.*

Female: What did you do now?!

Emma: He surprised me, and pulled my hair.

ㅈ口रԴあנ: *Crying* I tri-tried t-to wake her, but whe-when I grabbed her hair by accident, she kicked me.

Female: You kicked him?!

*The female kicks Emma to the ground. She stays there, trying to make sense of everything.*

Female: There. How do you like it? Huh?!

Emma: *Softly* I'm sorry, it won't happen again.

Female: If you're not dressed by the time we leave, you're getting left behind.

*The female walks away and slams the door shut.*

ㅈ口रԴあנ: You're lucky you caught me by surprise. Try to hit me again, and I'll break your toys. Maybe I'll make Mom give me one of your presents.

Emma thinking: Toys? Presents? Santa? What is going on? I remember being with Lily... wait who? I said Lily but who is that?

*A tear drops onto Emma's hand.*

Emma thinking: Why am I crying? Well, whatever is going on. I guess I should get dressed... Lily made me cry, so maybe she's someone I lost?

*After getting dressed Emma looks at her outfit in the mirror.*

Emma thinking: I can't remember much but my muscle memory helped me with my clothes.

*Mom enters.*

Mom: That's what you're wearing? You need stockings with that outfit and you can't wear those shoes.

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*Mom throws down a coat and begins helping Emma with her outfit.*

Mom: I don't know why you can't figure out how to dress yourself properly. Now go, the car's already on, we can't waste gas let's go!

*Emma spends the day in her head trying to remember anything from the days before.*

Emma thinking: Assuming Lily was just from a dream. Maybe I should tell Mom.

*Memories of Emma spending time with Sarah flash by momentarily.*

Emma thinking: What was that? This isn't right.

*Soon after reaching their destination, Mom has Emma and ㅈ口रԴあנ bring in the presents after grabbing the first one he drops it on the ground.*

ㅈ口रԴあנ: It's too heavy.

Mom: Emma you can bring it in, hurry up.

*After bringing in the presents Emma walks in, and sees everyone else sitting down to eat. An elderly woman, presumably the grandmother, points to a spot in the other room.*

Grandma: We didn't account for your cousin to bring a friend and since you were last we gave them your spot.

ㅈ口रԴあנ: Do we have a cookie for her?

*Emma's face lights up for a moment. *

Grandma: That's what I forgot, sorry Emma. Maybe next time.

*Emma's smile fades. After dinner, Mom calls everyone over. Some of the other children misbehave while Emma sits in the corner, thinking to herself.*

Mom: Picture time!

*Emma spaces off.*

Mom: Emma get over here!

*Emma looks over*

Emma: Why?

*Mom walks around the corner and gets in Emma's face, scolding her.*

Mom: Keep up this attitude and see what happens. Now you're going to go in there and smile.

Emma: This is wrong. My Mother wasn't some angry bitter woman. YOU'RE NOT MY MOM!

*Emma's memories begin to flood back, Lily roars as she breaks through the front door. Emma changes back to herself and she hops on Lily's back. As Emma turns back to the humans she looks at ㅈ口रԴあנ and the figure cowers deep inside her.*

Emma: We won't let you hurt her anymore.

*Another flash of light blinds Emma and Lily, they open their eyes and look around to see she is back in the ruins with her team lying across the room, The fire still burning slightly from their torches.*

Emma(TL): Lily?

Lily: Yeah?

Emma: I need you to go get Therion.

Lily: What about you?

*Emma looks at Lily and smiles*

Emma: I’ll be fine. I’m just feeling groggy still.

*Emma sits up and Lily darts off. She looks around at everyone and starts crying.*

Emma:*softly* This is all so much. I hate all of this. If I had never gone with Isabelle that day I would have just stayed in the capital with Dad. I never asked to be this “Chosen one” I’m not strong enough to protect them all.

*Emma continues to spiral with negative thoughts.*

Emma: Why did Arie have to choose me? I could’ve lived a…

Figure: That’s not how you really feel.

*Emma gasps as she hears the figure's voice inside her.*

Emma:*Smiles* You’re right. Ariella’s the reason I got to meet Kimmy. My grandma. I never would’ve met all the amazing people we helped across the world... Thank you. I can't really remember it all, but that was your family wasn't it? You don't have to answer. I think I know. I meant what I said by the way.

*Lily arrives with Therion on her back, soon followed by the twins.*

Therion: Emma! What happened?

Emma: I’m not completely sure.

*The twins cast comfort on the elves starting with Corey and the other blue-eyed elves. Emma walks over to Therion.*

Emma: Any idea?

Therion: Everyone saw traumas from their past.

*Emma looks around, Gareth looks at Emma in terror.*

Emma: How’s Gareth?

Therion: His was, apparently the first time you two met.

*Emma walks over to Gareth.*

Emma: Hey. Are you going to be able to keep going?

Gareth: Yeah. I. I just need a m-m-moment.

Emma: You can go guard your dad if it’ll help at least until we head back.

*Gareth nods.*

Gareth: I'll be fine in a couple of days. Just need to finish coming back to reality.

*Gareth gives a reassuring smile, and after resting he leaves with the twins and his father.*

Rodrik: We’re ready whenever you’re Captain.

Emma: *Nods* Before we get going. How are we on magic? Priscilla, Ross?

Corey: All good here Captain.

Liam: I think I can go another couple of hours thanks to that nap.

Emma: Okay. Let’s get going.

*As they reach the next floor, they come upon another archway, Emma commands for everyone to stop.*

Emma: I’m going to walk through first. Corey, keep your focus on me.

*As Emma walks through she is overwhelmed with negative thoughts and emotions. She turns to see everything around her, destroyed. Screams fill the area, She looks around to see she is in the Capital. Everywhere elves run around for their lives. Emma looks up as the Veiled Glade has been destroyed, the night sky visible with all four moons in view. Goren holds Isabelle, both covered in wounds and bruises.*

Isabelle: We always knew it might turn out this way. *Cough*

Goren: Yeah, but at least the girls are safe.

*Isabelle’s hand falls and tears fill Goren’s eyes. Archon walks through Emma and approaches the two.*

Archon: Where is she?

Goren: *Laughs hoarsely* You think I’d tell you even if I knew. You lost. Your big plan failed. By now those two have made it out of the city. You may have beaten us physically, but now you'll never get the glade.

*Archon picks up Goren. Emma watches in horror as her father is electrocuted to death in front of her. His screams ring in her ears as Archon walks toward her stops in front of her and looks through her.*

Archon: I don’t know where you are, But, next time I see you. I’ll kill you myself. I won't give ЖOرΔอン the luxury.

*Emma's face turns pale as she returns to Monica and Corey rocking her back and forth.*

Corey: Captain! Can you hear us?!

Emma: Ugh. Stop screamin', what happened?*Rubs head.*

Monica: Sorry, Captain. You stopped mid-step. Then when Corey placed his hand on you to see if you were okay, you didn't respond so we assumed you had been hypnotized.

*Emma stands up and looks around, then back to Monica, who has stepped through the archway now.*

Emma: Are you okay?

Monica: Yeah, it seems only you were affected.

Emma: I guess that means next time we’ll throw Benjamin through.

Benjamin: Wait why me?!

*Everyone laughs. Emma continues to think about what she saw.*

Monica: What about you captain? You look pale.

Emma: Yeah, I’m fine.

*Emma puts on a clearly fake smile.*

Monica: Captain. Should we head back?

*Emma turns around to the group.*

Emma: I guess since we found out clearing the floor removes the curse or whatever is happening. We can head back for a bit. If we lose ourselves to madness we'll be useless.

Wendy: Yeah, we don't need another Gareth situation.

*Everyone laughs as they finish lighting the nearby torches before heading back to the surface, where Therion is giving a lesson to the twins. Therion pauses as he hears the group approaching and turns to see Emma.*

Therion: What’s up?

Emma: Taking a break…

Therion: You look out of it though. Did something happen?

Emma: No. I'm just exhausted from the mental strain. I’m gonna take a nap. Wake me at dinner.

*Therion watches Emma head into her tent, while Monica and Corey inform Therion what happened.*

Therion: Did she say what she saw?

Monica: No, she just put on a fake smile and said she was fine.

Therion: Hmm. She said the same thing last time. She's the only one who couldn't remember most of the blackout. What she does remember was a "weird Seer trauma thing" as she put it.

*As Emma exits her tent from her nap, Therion approaches her.*

Therion: You can tell me what’s eating you up. Or I can tell Ariella.

*Emma glares, then responds in a very irritated tone.*

Emma: I saw my Dad killed in front of me. I'm assuming it's the future if things continue how they are. Which doesn't exactly comfort me.

*Emma storms off*

Lily: Mama?

Emma(TL): What?!

*Emma immediately stops.*

Emma(TL): Sorry, Lily. I just want to be alone at the moment. What do you need?

Lily: I know Mama. I just wanted to say I’m proud of you.

*Tears start to form in Emma’s eyes.*

Lily: I realized not many people tell you that. You go above and beyond for others. And at the end of the day, you can always share your true emotions with me. I love you Mama, and I’m proud of how far you’ve come in life. You wake up every day happy. Sure we have had some rainy days, but we like the rain, it makes hunting interesting. Even if we can't beat them, when has that ever stopped us?

*Lily sits in front of Emma, with tears glistening in her eyes. Emma wraps her arms around Lily, holding her tight.*

Lily: You're not alone, you have everyone here. When I first met you I struggled to keep up with you. You were always moving it seemed. But as we got older I learned things you couldn't do. This is something only you can do. And your Father was proud of you in that vision, I saw it too. I connected to you and I felt your anger. Do you want to be angry? Do you want to be sad? Fine. Turn that Anger into the reason we won't give up. Turn these tears into drinks we will all have after we win. Because if anyone can pull off a miracle, It's you, Mama.

Emma(TL): *Smiles* Thank you, Lily. I know what I need to do.

*Emma walks into camp holding Lily.*

Emma: Attention everyone. You have until I return to finish preparing to head back in.

*She Looks out to her team, and they all smile.*

Therion: I'll keep them disciplined in your stead.

Emma: Good. I expect improvements then.

*Emma’s troops salute her as she hops on Lily and they run off. Just as night falls, they reach AuroraGlen. Emma approaches the statues of her grandparents.*

Emma: I wish I could’ve met you.

*As Emma looks up at the statues a female elf approaches her.*

Elf: Hi, Ms. Can we help you at all?

Emma: Yeah, I was hoping to see my spirit.

Elf: Oh, I’m sorry to hear. Yes, come this way.

*Emma follows the elf to the same room she entered as a child with her family. After being left alone, Lily hops out.*

Emma: I know you can’t hear me because Mom isn’t here, But I wish I could talk to you right now Grace.

*After a moment of nothing happens, Emma turns to Lily.*

Emma: I guess it’s too much asking for that.

Lily: It was a good idea.

*Lily looks over Emma’s shoulder, and Emma turns to see Grace before her.*

Emma: You came?

Grace: *Nods* Of course. I knew you’d come back one day. Grandpa always said you’d need me.

Emma: But he passed before I was born.

Grace: Yes. But Your grandfather told me before they passed.

Emma: Wait is my Mom there?!

Grace: Focus, Emma.*Giggles* Your grandpa told me to teach Sarah's child and pass on the wings of Harmony when she was old enough.

Lily: You can do that?!

Grace: Yes, I can give you the ability to access it but it will be up to the two of you to bring it out. But you must remember. Its arrows must never strike another life. Your Dad might be able to help you find the catalyst if he still has it.

Emma: Grace… I’ve found ruins that make it sound like nothing we do is going to stop them. What do I do?

Grace: *Smiles* Keep looking. And remember. You’ve only lost if there is no one else left to save. Don’t be discouraged because you couldn’t get the results you wanted. You are a Spiritwalker, you will either die protecting what you love. Or spend your entire life watching others die around you. It’s not the best life, but even in peace, we lose those we love most. Death is inevitable, Just know a lot of us are rooting for you, we’re all so proud of you and Lily both.

*Tears form in Emma’s eyes, but this time not of sorrow. Emma nods and smiles.*

Emma: Thank you. Hey, Grace. Tell Momma that we miss her.

Grace: *Smiles* I will. Now little one. Come here.

*Lily sits in front of the mirror, Grace bows and a light flows from Grace into Lily. Lily glows for a moment before the light fades.*

Grace: With this, I’m sorry to say. We won’t be able to meet again. Just know, that even though we can’t reach you, we’re all routing for you both.

Emma: *Laughs* Really laying on the responsibilities thick huh?

*Emma wipes away a tear.*

Grace: All we want is for you kids to be happy. If you want to save everyone else. That’s up to you love.*Giggles*

Emma: That's terrible! *Laughs* But seriously, I’ll do my best I promise!

Grace:*Nods* Good. That’s what we wanted to hear. Now go, I know this might sound terrible. But. I hope we never meet again.

*Emma and Lily smile at Grace.*

Both: *Nod* We hope we never meet again.

*Lily hides on Emma and the two leave, the elf from before waits outside the room.*

Elf: You seem to be in a better mood. Did you get the closure you wanted?

Emma: *Smiles* Yeah. I learned I expect too much of myself. And that I’m allowed to worry about myself as well as others.

Elf: *Smiles* That’s so true.

*Emma looks up to the lights in the sky, remembering her last visit with her family, before heading back to camp where the group prepares to head back into the ruins.*