EPILOGUE

Are you proud of yourself, Althena? Have you looked upon your work, wherever you are, and declared it good?

In his private chambers, Ghaleon sat alone at his desk, brooding. It had been five years since Althena and Dyne had renounced their power. Since that day, Ghaleon had watched carefully, awaiting the chaos that would surely descend on Lunar. So far, things had been quiet. The world was apparently at peace.

But I know better. This is merely the calm before the storm. That has always been the difference between you and me, Dyne. I know what's right for Lunar. I always have.

Thinking of Dyne always made Ghaleon bitter. He had valued Dyne's friendship, and his betrayal had hurt him, more than even he had realized. He knew why Dyne had gone ahead with Althena's insane plan, even though he had kept it secret. It had always been easy for him to figure Dyne out. The poor, romantic fool was in love with her.

You took advantage of my friend, Althena. You knew of his amorous desires and used them to bend his will to yours. He could be dead now, because of you. Is the so-called bright future you envisioned so important that it was worth the life of my best friend? Or any of the lives that will be lost when chaos and anarchy sweeps across this defenseless world?

Since that dark day, he had devoted every spare moment to mastering the most powerful spells he knew of, as well as creating new ones of his own. It was going slowly. Some of the older spells had not been used in ages. The new spells required such extreme concentration and power. The slightest miscalculation would mean failure, and possible injury. But those were risks that had to be taken.

You and Dyne left this world unprotected, Althena. I shall not. You both lacked the courage...and now you lack the power. When Lunar finally is in need of salvation, I shall not lack either. I have the knowledge. I have the resolve. And soon, I shall have the power.

But Lunar doesn't need a mere protector. Or even a ruler. Lunar needs its goddess.

Earlier that morning, he had read how the Dragons were conduits for Althena's power. It was through her that the Dragons were able to use their power to protect the humans. He thought of The Magic Amplifier he had built, which could amplify magic and project it across great distances. Perhaps a device could be fashioned that could draw that same power from the dragons and channel it back into Althena's mortal form. If successful, Althena would become immortal again, regain her power, and...

And what then? What would stop you from trying the same thing? What would prevent you from trying to escape your responsibilities a second time? Who would you enlist to help you? No, no, Althena. You have proven to me that even if you could take back your power, you can no longer be trusted with the fate of our world. You are no longer worthy of such power.

But I am.

Ghaleon's lips formed a sardonic smile as he reached a sudden realization. He could do it. He really could. He knew of ancient spells strong enough to contain the Dragons themselves. With them under his power, and using the machine fueled by magic, he would be able to claim Althena's power for his own!

To harness Althena's power would be simple...so marvelously simple! If I can control the Four Dragons, I can easily control you, my dear Althena. And then, with you under my spell, you shall willingly and joyously transfer all your reclaimed power into me! Then I shall lord over Lunar as a g-d for all eternity!

And why shouldn't I? I am the most powerful being on all Lunar! But I can become even more powerful! I am of the Magic Race! Power is my birthright! And unlike you, I shall not abandon my responsibility!

Suddenly, Ghaleon began to laugh. It was not a joyous laugh, nor even triumphant. It was sinister...demonic...psychotic. He kept laughing, unleashing five years of anger, betrayal, and hatred in a violent flood. The laughter kept getting louder and louder, echoing through the chamber.

The laughter of Ghaleon continued throughout the day...and long into the night.

THE END