Disclaimer: I do not own Sudeki or it's characters. They are the property of Climax and Microsoft.

Chapter 1 - From the Void back to Illumina.

As innocent blood the beasts do spill,

Four join forces to fight this ill.

But when dark and light reverse their roles,

You'll see the shadow of your own soul.

It was a bright, sunny day after the defeat of Heigou. Tal, Ailish, Buki, and Elco headed back to what was once the grand kingdom of Illumina. Once inside of Parham County they sat down on a bench near the bridge where a little abandoned house and shed are. They remembered passing it several times on their journies to and from Illumina, New Brightwater, or just to access the nearby portal taking them into the Shadow Nexus.

Elco did most of the talking for once, mainly a bit of worry about Tilly. They had checked back in New Brightwater at Densi's house to see if she was still there.

"She just took off, after we felt the earthshake and the sky grew even brighter.", was all the elderly woman said.

Tal reassured his pal that Tilly was more than likely back at Illumina Castle now that Sudeki has been reborn and the once corrupted by a selfish wish, Queen Lusica was dead. He, immediately turned towards Ailish and apologized again, about her mother's death.

"No, Tal. It is ok. I was never good enough for my mother. She cared about nothing but her power, wealth, and being soverign. So much that she made a deal with the devil himself for immortality. Yet, I still loved mother. And, will think of her from time to time. But, I shall live on."

Tal, softly patted Ailish on the shoulder. "You are very strong, Ailish. And, I'm sure that you'll make a great queen."

Ailish blushed slightly as she looked at Tal. "And, you'll make a great captain of the guards."

Tal blinked, a bit surprised yet slightly remorseful at the same time. "Ailish, that'd be a great honor, but I.. I don't know if I could take my father's job. He's so proud of it."

Alish giggled a bit, "Well, Arlo is well past retirement. And, I will pay him pension daily. 50 florins a day. He can have fun at the tavern. Which seems as though all he likes to do as of late. Besides It will only be temporary.."

Tal tilted his head to the side slightly, looking at Ailish.. "Temporary?"

Ailish nodded, "Yes, temporary. You see, I am to be queen of Sudeki and... I will need a king, eventually." She blushed a little.

Tal, a bit slow-witted as usual thought about what she could mean before Elco patted him on the back saying, "Ailish a QUEEN, YOU a KING. Get it, Tal?"

Tal blushes a little in embarassment before he exclaims, "Oh! I get it now... Ailish."

Alish giggles as Buki laughs a little at Tal's usual ditzy behavior. "Yes, Tal. You see I-.. perhaps I should tell you this later. When we return to the castle."

Tal nods having a slight guess as to where she was headed. "Yes. Ok, Ailish."

"Yes, it is about time that we had a change of subject." Buki says with a slight tinge of ice. Elco, blinks and then chuckles a bit. "What's the matter, Buki? Have you no one special in your life?"

Buki looks at Elco in slight bewilderment and then blushes a little with embarassment before making a non-chalant face. "Of course not. I have no time for this, love. I am a proud Shadani warrior. I will return to Shadani-Mo after I escort Tal, Ailish, and yourself back to the castle. And, then.. I will return to my hut and help guard the Temple of Mo."

Elco shakes his head a bit compassionately. "Buki, you... You can't spend your entire life watching over a temple. I know how you feel about 'love'. I once shared the same feelings when I was devoted extremely to science. However, after I lost my arm. Tilly made me feel that 'love', everytime that I had to gaze upon that robotic monstrosity where my real arm once was. And, I knew what love was then.. However, now I have my real arm back since Tetsu merged us with our shadow selves. Yet, my heart still loves Tilly."

Buki blinks, "Elco, why are you so concerned? I have Nico within my soul and our new body. She gives me enough love and strength to carry on alone."

Elco says a bit friendly yet sternly, "Because, I am your friend, Buki! And, Nico although was once her own person is now part of you.. and well, It is good to love yourself. But, I still think that someday you'll find someone else to. I will drop the subject now though, Buki."

Buki smiles slightly, "Thanks Elco. I have had enough talk of romance and compassion for one day. Let us continue walking to the castle, before it gets night. I will have a bit of a walk back to Shadani Mo tomorrow."

Elco nods, and Ailish says "Yes, let us. Sorry for keeping you here so long, Buki." Tal nods in agreement.

Buki smiles softly, "No worries, my friends." The other three smile and they head off towards the now known as Sudeki castle.

Although no Aklorian warriors were left to fight there were still scarecrows, and bats amongst the farmhouse. The four took them all out in less than 1 minute. They'd all grown and achieved their maximums. Now much more mature, stronger, and wiser than when they started questing together so long ago now, it seems. They made it to the tunnel, greated by troops apologizing for their constant attacks when the late Queen Lusica ordered them.

Ailish smiled slightly, waving one hand in dismissal. "Do not worry. We know that my mother ordered you to do it."

The guards smiled underneath their helmets and lowered their swords, bowing they let the four pass through. Ailish, Buki, Tal, and Elco raced through the tunnel. Laughing, and almost out of breath the four stop at the harbor, and look at the great view of the castle from it.

Alish smiles and says, "The view from here is still breath-taking."

Elco makes his usual witty retort, "I don't know about the castle. But, all of that running sure did take my breath away." The other three laugh at the scientist's comment.

And, Tal pats his friend on the shoulder. "Well, we're but a few feet away now, Elco. What are you going to do once you're back?"

Elco grins, "Well, Tal, my friend. Of course I am going to look for my darling Tilly. I shall also return to my fellow scientists at the castle's research facility. That is, if Queen Ailish decides to keep it, and fund the research." He looks over at Ailish.

Ailish smiles, "Of course, Elco. You need something to keep you busy."

Elco smiles slightly, "Thank you, Ailish. And, well Tal.. I might also take a little vacation back to Transcentia, later on this month. You're welcome to join me, if you'd like."

Tal nods, "Sounds great, Elco. A little traveling sounds good. But, right now.. all I want is rest. We've been all over three worlds and I'm tired."

Ailish, and Buki giggle while Elco pats Tal on the back, "I know how you feel, pal."

The four continue walking until they make it inside of the castle. Where they're immediately saluted by all of the guards. A slur of apologizes are heard, before Ailish puts her hand up in dismissal once again. Bowing the guards return to the training grounds. All except one..