Gun X Sword: The Lost Region

Chapter 12: The Water of Life

(DISCLAIMER: No, I don't own Gun X Sword because it belongs to the likes of Geneon and FUNimation. So, enjoy the show! Rated M for violence, adult content, and adult language.)

Van was dreaming as he was in the void once again. He was simply dreaming of many shadows as they were closing in on him. He tried to fight them as they were about to torture him with such intensity. He couldn't shake them as they were trying to pull him into the darkness. He was sinking in a quicksand of blackness until he woke up shaking and covered in sweat. He was having a nightmare as he felt his heart pounding too fast. His breathing had become intense as he was scared to the extreme. The time of taking the Water of Life was near as he was dreading it really badly. He remembered the patch of terrain that he needed to go to as it had no vegetation or water in it. It was a rough patch that no one has awakened as Van was most likely to be going there later on.

Sitting up in bed, he was staring at Wendy as she was still asleep. He was glad that she was safe as he was stroking her long hair. He loved her as he was grateful to have her, even if she was asleep. He decided to leave her like as he didn't want to wake her up. It was the beginning of dawn as he got up and checked up on the twins. They were safe in their little bed as they were still asleep. Van also wanted to keep it that way as he didn't want to wake them up yet. He later went straight to the bathroom as he decided to relieve himself. After he finished doing his business, he flushed the toilet as he went to the sink to wash his hands. When he finished up that, he was also brushing his teeth as he was getting ready to start the day ahead.

With his teeth cleaned, he left the bathroom as he was still in the nude. When he returned to the bed, he laid beside Wendy as he saw her still sleeping in the silk covers. He was staring at her as she was also in the nude as well. Her body had matured after all since that day that they first met in Evergreen nearly six years ago as she was just a girl of thirteen at the time. Their companionship had blossomed into something more as a long absence had brought them together again. When they married, they also consummated their union as they also expected twins and a future kingdom to reclaim. Now, that they were in the Lost Region, they also had to go up against the House of Feanor in such a dangerous move that would shake the entire land to its core. The Spring Resurrection was coming as it already made its move the moment that Van and his crew arrived, for there was also the concern for the rough patch.

He remembered the conversation that he had with Edoras as he talked about the rough patch in the terrain. It was a place that was untouched by vegetation and water as it had been like that for centuries. It was also a place where he must consume the Water of Life before sunset as he had to do so in order to awaken from what state he was in now. It was only a matter of time before the House of Feanor attacks again as they weren't the type that could pack up and leave so quietly. The time had finally come when Van was about to be prepared for such a strange ritual that would change his life forever. He was the male Sezorin, the super-being, the drifter, and the future king as he was about to challenge the rule of the House of Feanor and oust them from power one way or the other.

###

Thessaline was up and early as she was still staring at the sky outside. She was aware of the House of Feanor's presence as it was nothing more than a scourge that hungered for more power as they were also the ones that have the power of winter at their fingertips. She became part of the cause along with her brother, Tzippio, as they had witnessed tragedy that forced them to grow up quick. Both of their parents died when they were still young as they went on to become thieves for a cause. They were also part of the Imperium Twelve as they were ready to lay their lives on the line to protect the future king and queen. Now that they were in the Lost Region, they were there on the battlefield as they had a simple grudge against the House of Feanor, for its days of ruthlessness were starting to be numbered in such epic proportions. Thessaline still watched at the sky as she heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, she saw Tzippio standing behind her as he had a plate of pastries in his hand. It was dawn and breakfast was in full swing as it was also time to start the day. Even Thessaline wanted some of the pastries that were being baked as she was starting to get hungry when her stomach growled.

"Here, sis," said Tzippio as he handed Thessaline a pastry. "There's a lot more where that came from."

"Thanks," she said. "By the way, the sky is still ominous since yesterday."

"The House of Feanor sure don't let up when they leave for another attack."

"This isn't like the battles of the past when they attack from outside their borders. Now that we all made it here inside these borders, they won't buckle to anyone from the outside."

"That is the dark business of the House of Feanor," said Kalanen as she was standing at the door to the balcony. "We may have made it this far, but this battle is far from over."

"What are you talking about?"

"Yesterday's attack not only had a tendency to scare the citizens, but to prevent Van from drinking the Water of Life."

"What is this Water of Life?"

"It's an elixir that exists on my homeworld of Shai-Hulud, the sister planet of the Endless Illusion. They say that any man who has ingested it has met a fatal end. Only women survived and lived to tell the tale about it, including the Sezorin Sisterhood and the future queen."

"'Future queen?' That's Wendy!" cried Tzippio as he was concerned. "Are you saying that she took that stuff?!"

"She was made to do so after the fall of the Claw nearly six years ago. She lived, but she was known to be fine the moment she returned to Evergreen. As for Van, he will take the Water of Life at the untouched patch in this terrain, but there's a catch."

"What kind of catch?" asked Thessaline.

"Van has to be escorted by my brother and a member of the Sezorin in order to create the incantation to protect him from harm."

"Wait, are you saying that-"

"He must be in a funeral pyre to awaken further."

"This is insane! How can you be sure that Van will live through all of this?"

"There is an old folktale that I heard when I was young that a woman once drank the Water of Life while she was encased in a funeral pyre. By the time that the pyre burned out, she remained unscathed as she was reborn anew. If it can happen to that woman, it can happen to Van."

Kalanen's words rang truth as she was ready to see this moment before the House of Feanor stepped in. Time was at the essence as everyone was on a time table right now. Sooner or late, the House of Feanor would strike this terrain again in order to prevent Van from drinking the Water of Life as it wasn't backing down not one bit. The time had finally come as there was a ceremony to perform in the rough patch of the terrain. It was a time of testing as the Lost Region was about to be into a standstill of chaotic proportions.

###

Van was up and dressed as he was in the courtyard. He was dreading every minute of this upcoming ceremony as he felt the looming fear closing in on him. He had to do it in order to awaken into the next level as he was also there to face Eomer and his deadly scythe. Pacing back and forth, he was starting to get a little scared as he was almost ready to enter into foreign territory in the form of a rough patch. Just as he was about to return to the main hall, he saw Wendy standing in front of him as she was concerned for his mental well-being. This wasn't the first time that she saw him like this since his first run-in with Metsa as he was shaking like a leaf.

"It's all too much," he said as he was feeling scared.

"Van, listen to me," said Wendy as she was holding his hand. "I know that you have to ingest that awful stuff, but you're not alone here. I was forced to drink that stuff, too, you know."

"I see what you mean..." he sighs as he was starting to feel a little calm. "If I have to guzzle down this shit, then I'm gonna have to do it with my head up high."

"Van," said Thessaline as she was running into the courtyard. "Kalanen and Kalanar are waiting for you along with Carmen. You need to get going."

"Understood. I'll be right there. Anyway, what about the twins?"

"Priscilla and the others are keeping an eye on them," said Wendy. "Anyway, let's get going to the rough patch as planned."

"Yeah..."

Without hesitation, Van followed along as Wendy and Thessaline came along when they left the courtyard. The journey to the rough patch was considered to be a strange one as Van was most likely to ingest the Water of Life the moment he reaches it. With Wendy and Thessaline tagging along, they were accompanied by Carmen along with Kalanen and Kalanar. They were also on hand in escorting Van towards the rough patch as they had a pledge to protect him no matter what danger lies ahead. With Tzippio staying behind to hold the fort down, he saw them leave as they were on their way out into further territory. Just as the party was about to leave the palace, they heard footsteps approaching as they saw Tinuviel running towards them. She wanted to tag along as she wanted to stick with Kalanar of all people. She was also aware of the danger that awaits the party as she even wanted to protect Van and Wendy from the clutches of the House of Feanor. Even though Carmen was with the group, it didn't bother her as she viewed her to be too much of an asset. Tinuviel had matured since her bonding with Kalanar in the cave after saving his life. Now wasn't the time to complain as she was there to be a part of the Imperium Twelve, for she also wanted to put a stop to the House of Feanor as much as anybody.

"So, you're tagging along after all," said Carmen.

"I hate to break it to you, but I can't just sit on the sidelines anymore," said Tinuviel.

"So, you've finally matured. Last time, you wanted to go out to the front line instead of helping out in the delivery of the twins."

"I wanted to, but if I hadn't been forced to stay, Wendy would have died in childbirth. Yes, I still have a fear of blood, but I can't let it bother me forever."

"Let me guess, you got it on with our little alien friend, didn't you?"

"Kalanar's physiology is much more different than a human's. On his homeworld, there are people like him that end up being bonded with either sex due to the moko tattoo that appears on one's ring finger." Tinuviel reveals the mark that she has as Carmen is stunned to see something like that. "This moko tattoo also signifies the marriage between me and Kalanar. It came as a shock, but if I hadn't saved him, he would have fallen to his death."

"Does any of his own kind know about this union between the two?"

"No, but back in the cave that we spent the night in, he was simply using his fingers at my sides in order to stimulate everything that I had. When I felt him the first time, it hurt, but I was in such ecstasy that I even-"

"Hey, it's nothing to be ashamed about. It was your first time after all."

"Yeah... I'm here for you, Kalanar..."

Tinuviel stared at Kalanar as he was in front of her. She had never expected to have feelings for him until now as she found him to be quite a man with that came from another world. Their relationship had became a mutual one since their time in the cave as they were also part of the crew that was made to protect Van and Wendy from the clutches from the House of Feanor. As for Van, however, he was dreading the upcoming ceremony that was about to be performed at the rough patch the moment he gets there. Sooner or later, he would have to ingest the Water of Life, for he also had to deal with it as well.

###

The remaining Armor Armada had been on standby as they were poised to attack the city again. In the front of this group of hulking machinery, there was a tall, lanky man standing proudly as he was dressed in a leather vest and blue trousers. He was armed with mainly whipping weapons as he was considered to be a sadist in his line of work. He was also one of the top dogs that bowed before the Elite as they are still maintaining their hold on power. After getting chewed out by Eomer, he was still reeling from Michael Garret's escape nearly five years ago. He had a new job in hand as he was about to use the remainder of the Armor Armada to wipe out the terrain and the generators that were powering it. This was Eomer's wrath that appeared in the form of a robot army as it was ready to wreak its wintry havoc on the terrain and its people.

"I take it that you're still there," said Eowyn as she appeared out of nowhere.

"Well, well; if it isn't Eomer's sister... and perhaps lover," answered the man in charge.

"You shouldn't say too much, Grishnak. Eomer and I have been close for a long time now..., even for many centuries. As for you, your first failure in doing away with Van before taking the Water of Life is on your head. It is your job to finish it."

"There's also been some growing dissent with the Caliph due to the Feanor tax burden. I just simply went in and crashed a wedding that went on. That pampered old geezer thinks he can ally with that punk in the tuxedo just because he wanted to form an alliance between the House of Telfer and the House of Moria. He's been itching to instigate a rebellion, so I had to do something about it. His citizens are already running for cover like rats until that freak showed up."

"Van is a threat to our beloved Lord Eomer. He was even hailed as a hero in destroying the plans of our late relative, Kroo Kring Koo."

"Eomer is a hell of a lot better than that old geezer. Sooner or later, we'll have Van out of the way, even if it means killing a bunch of innocents along the way."

"Make it soon... Eomer's patience is growing thin day after day..."

With that, Eowyn disappeared as Grishnak was left with the remainder of the Armor Armada that was on standby. He had to finish the job at hand as he was itching to do another torture job in the terrain. The dissent between the terrain and the House of Feanor was nothing new as it was just a territory of the Lost Region that is slowly bowing to the future king. It would only be a matter of time before Grishnak would make another move to strike, for the Land of Eternal Winter was slowly starting to melt one second at a time...

###

Edoras was busy checking up on the patients in the hospital as he was on call after yesterday's big problem during Undomiel and Ghazim's wedding. Somehow, he had help as he saw Libby taking care of the wounded that were hit by the blasts from the Armor Armada. Even Nancy and Dulkas were on hand in tending to the women and children as they were being cared for intensively. The business of the medical experts had packed a wallop as all four were watching over the patients that were being taken care of. It may have been a long day, but they certainly had their work cut out for them.

"This is one huge day here," said Edoras as he was bandaging up one of the patients.

"Tell me about it," said Dulkas as he was tending to another patient. "Some of them have severe injuries."

"It may be quite ironic, but yesterday's attack was simply not only preventing Van from drinking the Water of Life, but to attack the people directly due to the public dissent that occurred the moment we arrived."

"We should also watch our backs around here," said Libby cautiously. "We're in the Lost Region's borders now. Whatever we do here, we're caught in the crosshairs of the House of Feanor."

"Libby's right," said Nancy as she was taking care of another wounded patient. "The House of Feanor may have did damage outside these borders, but they have plenty of authority here in the form of their nasty little Armor Armada."

"I see what you mean," said Edoras. "Earlier, I sent Yutaka over there to the rough patch with some firewood and some papers. No one here knows what's going on, but I know that today's the day that Van drinks the Water of Life in the rough patch."

"Isn't that stuff dangerous?" asked Libby.

"Some say that only women tried it and lived. But if a man ingested it, he would meet a fatal end. That's the real truth of the Rohirrim's Water of Life so far, but Van can't shake this notion about this matter whatsoever."

Edoras was right about one thing as he was also concerned for Van's life. He was well aware that the future king had been a target of the House of Feanor since the fall of the Claw nearly six years ago as he was about to endure a risky undertaking. As for the current situation, Edoras didn't have the time to worry about anything right now as he was on his way into one of the wards where the women and children were tended to. To his shock, he heard the sound of screaming in one of the beds as he saw the wife of Nawaf in pain. He found her to be going into labor as her husband was standing next to her. The situation had gotten a little more complicated as Edoras was about to make a delivery in order to save both the woman and her unborn child.

"What are you doing here?" asked Nawaf furiously. "No other man can touch my wife!"

"Your wife's gonna need some help," answered Edoras as he was not budging from the patient in need. "I know that she's going into labor and if she doesn't geet any help from us, she'll die along with your unborn child that is in her body."

"The laws here are different in this terrain! The women here can-"

"-Not deliver the baby by themselves," said Undomiel as she was there in the ward.

"You're that girl who married my brother! How is it that you of all people know how to do this job?!"

"Because I helped in the deliveries of my brother's children and the delivery of Van and Wendy's twins. I may not look it, but I've been reading medical books all my life and if I were you, I suggest that you let us do our job!"

Undomiel's words rang clear as she decided to help out in the labor of Nawaf's wife. Washing her hands in a sink with soap and iodine, she was ready to go as she saw Edoras doing the same. Both siblings were ready to do this job as they later saw Ghazim standing in awe of how they have come through in the footsteps of their father. This notion had made him realize that he wanted to help out with the laboring and wounded as he decided to wash his hands in soap and iodine in the sink. After he rinsed his hands off, he was ready into assisting his new wife and brother-in-law by delivering the baby that Nawaf's wife had in her womb. It wasn't long until some hot water and towels were brought in by Pavel as he was also helping out in the effort of tending to the needy.

"Looks like we've got another delivery," he said.

"It seems that a little one such as you knows how to do something like this," said Ghazim.

"What are you talking about? This is my second delivery."

"Allah has chosen well of the people here to take care of the sick and wounded. It seems that He wanted you all here after all."

"Hey, didn't you choose me to be your wife?" said Undomiel as she blushed.

"I did and it seemed that I have chosen wisely."

"Hey, you can go to the casbah later," said Edoras. "Right now, we have to deliver this baby."

And so, the people in the ward have helped out as Nawaf's wife was being cared for while Undomiel was on hand in catching the baby the moment it comes out. This was the second team effort that was in play since the birth of Van and Wendy's twins as Nawaf's wife was screaming in pain. With plenty of encouragement coming from the medical team, the woman felt the head of the baby coming out as Undomiel was ready to gently carry it out. With one final push, she caught the baby in the towel as it cried its lungs out. With the umbilical cord cut and tied, the baby was crying loudly as Nawaf was grateful to see it into the world for the first time.

"Hey, Nawaf," said Undomiel as she held the baby in the towel. "You're a new father now."

"I can't believe you did this," he said as he had tears in his eyes.

"It's a boy and he has the same blue Moria eyes just like you."

"I give you my humble blessing, Lady Undomiel." He is given his newborn son by Undomiel as he held him up high. "I name my new son, Theoden, after the father of Lady Undomiel. May Allah the merciful give him as many blessings that are yet to come."

The people in the ward had cheered as Nawaf was grateful that his son was healthy and brought into the world safely. Undomiel had been such a huge influence in the ward as she was there to help not only dabbling in sexology, but to become a midwife as well. Even Edoras, Pavel, and Ghazim were impressed that someone like Undomiel would be taking charge in tending to those who were needy as she cared about the health of the patient that was at hand. Sooner or later, she would also endure pregnancy and childbirth, but not for a while as she was still too young right now. Even Ghazim was blessed that she was there as she was also his wife as well.

After the expulsion of the afterbirth and the cleanup, everyone was exhausted after the long day tending to the needy as it was starting to go into the afternoon. As for Undomiel, however, she was starting to get exhausted as she saw Ghazim pick her up and carry her out of the hospital. The day may have been long, but it proved useful as the newlyweds were walking back to the palace. When they returned to their room, they entered into the bathroom as they stripped off their clothes and turned on the hot water in the bathtub. The sight of Undomiel's body had made Ghazim feel humble to have her as he watched her step into the bathtub that had some hot water and plenty of bubbles. It wasn't long until he stepped into the bathtub as he turned off the water.

He wanted a lot more of her as he saw the suds all over her body. It had been their first romantic interlude together since their wedding night as they were relaxing in the bathtub full of soapy suds. They stayed in there as they were in each other's arms. The warmth of the hot water had enticed them to do more than just have a bubble bath as Undomiel felt Ghazim's hands touch at her large breasts. He loved the feel of them as they would be the ideal catalyst in suckling his future children. He wanted to give her more pleasure as she was being aroused by his touch. She wanted to explore him very well as she touched at his member and pouch. She loved the feel of them as she found them to be quite a useful pair to create life from within. After that long bath, they got out of the bathtub as they drained the water and suds while they wrapped in towels. When they got to their bed, they were still naked together as there was a box of condoms on the nightstand.

"You've prepared us, didn't you?" asked Ghazim as he grabbed the box of condoms and opened them up. "It seems that you know more about how these things work."

"Hey, everyone uses condoms," said Undomiel. "If put on properly, they prevent pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases."

"Your body..., it is ideal for both pleasure and bearing children. As for now, I will give you more than just pleasure by fondling those large breasts of yours."

"Hey, don't you of all people have a big cock to breach at?"

Once again, Undomiel found herself lying on her back as she felt Ghazim's fingers touching at her lower domain. He loved the feel of her as he wanted to give her more pleasure since their wedding night. He wanted to give her more desire as he decided to take out one of the condoms and unwrap it very quickly. When he put it on his hardened member, he spread Undomiel's legs wide open as he entered deep inside of her once again. She felt him taking her as she felt his hot member pulsing with passion. He was more powerful as he was sucking on one of her nipples when he heard her moan with such intensity. He felt her lower domain throbbing with excitement as his member was thrusting in and out of her. The more he plowed into her, the more she became one with him as he was fondling at her large breasts. By the time they reached the peak of orgasm, they were tired as they were in each other's arms. Undomiel became more aroused as she simply gushed after Ghazim pulled out of her. He had never been so powerful as a lover before after he removed the spent condom and threw it away in the wastebasket. Returning to bed, he was laying next to Undomiel as she was fully sated with him after that interlude. She loved him and he loved her as they were meant to be together until they part from this world.

"I've never experience something like this until now," said Undomiel.

"No one around here in this terrain has a body like you," said Ghazim.

"To each our own..."

Undomiel giggled as she snuggled in Ghazim's arms. She loved the warmth of him as she still blushes sometimes, but not too much. Somehow, she got herself a man that not only has nobility, but he was a descendant of the House of Moria as well when she would also bear children that have his bright blue eyes in the future..., but not yet.

###

Van and the rest of his party arrived at the rough patch that didn't grow. The place beneath the terrain was a patch that was devoid of plant and animal life as it didn't didn't even have any water in it. The party had never seen anything like it as they were walking in a bone-dry area that had no life in it. This was also the place where the ritual was about to take place in which he has to ingest the Water of Life after all. Van was here to accept both his destiny and his fate as he was scoping out the rough patch. There was once a castle there as the rough patch had been large enough to fill it up. Van was also interested in searching for more clues about the rough patch as he found a small hole in the center. Where did it come from? How did a small hole appear in such a rough part of the terrain? It was a strange thing that was there indeed as it remained there for many centuries. It was only a matter of time before something strange was about to happen.

"What's with the hole?" asked Wendy as she was standing next to Van.

"It's where a castle once stood," he said.

"Or we're standing on an inactive volcano."

"There is no volcano here," said Kalanen. "This was where Moria Keep once stood in the middle of a vast lake that is now the rough patch that you see today. According to several Rohirrim scholars, Moria Keep was destroyed by the House of Feanor after the slaughter of the House of Telfer centuries ago."

"Wait, are you telling us that we're standing in the middle of a lake that was dried up?" asked Tinuviel. "This is totally impossible to have a lake here after being a rough patch and all."

"This rough patch was once a stronghold of the once mighty House of Moria long ago," said Kalanar as he was studying the hole. "After the downfall, most of the House of Moria's bloodline fell to ruin as the descendants now occupy this terrain today."

"Looks like the House of Moria once dominated the southern part of the Lost Region back in the day," said Thessaline as she was examining the hole. "They were part of the Five Noble Families that dominated this place, but looks like that there's a comeback brewing."

"I know..." said Van as he was feeling troubled.

The ceremony was already well underway as he saw the cart with Shinichiro and his horses coming. Yutaka was riding shotgun with the retainer as he was there with the firewood and gasoline that was made for this ceremony. Even Wendy and the others were stunned to see them as they were here at last when they got out of the cart. As for Shinichiro, however, he was disappointed that he didn't get a chance to fall in love with Tinuviel, who was now married to Kalanar, as he was simply pining for Thessaline, who was more gorgeous with her shoulder-length blond hair and brown eyes, but she was older than him. As a retainer, he was simply just a typical weakling as he also had his horses with him, but he still had to get to work on the upcoming ceremony at the rough patch.

"It sucks that I can't get a date," he said as he was busy getting out the firewood and gasoline.

"Whoa, little man; let me help you there," said Thessaline as she picked up some of the firewood that dropped out of Shinichiro's hands. "I take it that you're the same bumbling retainer that clings to his horses."

"It's a shame that Miss Tinuviel got with that alien guy."

"Hey, some girls like the cool guys. I also take it that you're about to turn seventeen in a couple of months."

"Yeah, but I just wished that I still went with Miss Tinuviel." He sighs heavily until he gets a bright idea forming. "I have it! If I get with either Miss Libby or perhaps Miss Zira, I'll marry and have children just to form an alliance with Miss Tinuviel's future offspring! It's perfect!"

"I think that you should go with Zira. She's about to turn sixteen in September and you can dig her sexy cat ears that she wears."

Shinichiro was elated that he finally has a reason to fall in love instead of being a weakling. Unfortunately, now wasn't the time to be worrying about love troubles as he was still doing his job by helping Thessaline gather up the rest of the firewood and gasoline for the ritual at hand. As for Van, however, he was still staring at the hole in the middle as he later saw the firewood and gasoline being set up very nicely. It was starting to become a funeral pyre as it was being set up that way along with some stones that formed a circle around it. With several strips of paper being written with Rohirrim incantations by Kalanar, they were being shoved into the wood as the gasoline was being poured over it. The pyre was ready as there wasn't much time left before the sun sets.

Van was now prepared as he saw Kalanen fish out the crystal flask as it contained the Water of Life. This was the first time that he saw it on hand as it was glowing with such intensity. He gulped fearfully as he felt his heart pounding sharply beneath his ribs. This was the moment of truth as he had dreaded this moment since he left for this place. With Wendy and the others standing in front of him, they were both worried and hopeful that he would pull through as he took the flask and opened it up. He was ready to fulfill this ceremony as he saw the sun about to go down in the afternoon. He had to do it quickly as he was ready to do so.

"Van, be careful," said Carmen cautiously. "This isn't like those tall glasses of milk that you order."

"I know," he said. "I better get this over with before the sun goes down."

"Van," said Wendy as she was right by his side holding his hand. "Please be alright." She kisses him on his lips. "I love you..., Eovanuus."

"I love you too, Wendy..."

And so, Van drank the flask as he had finally ingested the Water of Life as planned. Laying down, he was starting to feel pain in his stomach. He was experiencing the effects of the Water of Life as he was seething in pain. This wasn't the first time that he was facing dire consequences as he once had to deal with the destruction of Dann's satellite at the time. Now, he was suffering from the effects that the Water of Life has as he wasn't able to contain his pain any longer. It wasn't long until he let out a loud piercing scream as it shook the entire planet. It was a scream like no other as it rattled the Lost Region and the rest of the Endless Illusion to its very core. He was starting to fall into a dreamlike state as he was losing consciousness rapidly. He was the first man to drink the Water of Life as his fate was uncertain, for it would also become a turning point in taking out the House of Feanor once and for all.

###

The sound of Van's piercing scream was heard all over the place as it even reached the sleepy town of Gloria. The three surviving members of the El Dorado Five were still at the Pink Amigo as they were talking about the good old days. They remembered the victory over the Claw very clearly as they saw the picture of the original heroes on the wall. Those were the days back the, but the three members of the El Dorado Five were getting much older by the day as they still remembered their late colleagues, Chizuru and Carlos as well.

"It's about to become six years since we tackled the Claw's dastardly plans," said Nero as he was taking a swig of tequila. "It reminds us of that Van guy."

"That picture on the wall always reminds you of Van," said Jose as he was looking at the empty chair. "If only Carlos were still alive..."

"Don't worry about a thing," said Barrio as he was staring at the wall of many pictures. "I'm sure that Van and Wendy are okay."

"What about that scream out there?" asked Nero as he heard it from outside. "That damn thing's pretty loud, I can tell you that."

"You sure aren't getting wiser for your age," said Jose.

"I may not be wiser, but that scream isn't normal around here."

"That scream must have came from the Lost Region," said Barrio. "Strange things happen there, but this one's different."

All three old men were stunned as they were still reeling from hearing that loud scream from the Lost Region. Just as they were about to resume their reminiscing, they saw a young girl enter into the restaurant as she was all dressed in black. She was a young girl that was about ten years old as she had blood coming from her nose and mouth. She was a Sezorin in training as she even had the old men and the rest of the customers worried about her. It wasn't long until Josh came back from the general store as he saw the girl collapse onto the floor. He had to do something quick as he set down his groceries and grabbed several napkins in order to wipe the blood from her face.

"Hang in there," he said as he cradled the girl in his arms. "You're gonna be fine. I'll go and get a doctor for you."

"Josh, what's wrong?" asked Yukiko as she was holding little Chizuru in her arms.

"This girl's in bad shape. We need to get her to a doctor now!"

"Oh, no..."

"Hey, hang in there!" he was still wiping away the blood from the girl's nose and mouth. "What is going on here?"

"It's... Van," said the girl as she was coughing up blood. "He has drank the Water of Life that the Rohirrim had given him..."

"Van? Wait! That scream that I heard earlier! It had to be him! I know it!"

Josh had finally realized that the scream that he heard earlier had been Van all along. It had been seven months since Van and Wendy's wedding as Josh was certain that something was happening in the Lost Region. Unfortunately, the hero who defeated the Claw was far away, but his scream had shaken the Endless Illusion to its infrastructure as everyone here had heard it very clearly. It wasn't long until a doctor came is as he carted the young girl away while Josh was still stunned about what happened everywhere. The loud scream was an omen of what's yet to come as the time of the House of Feanor was slowly coming to an end.

###

Van was slowly fading into unconsciousness as he felt blood trickle from his nose and eyes. He had drank the Water of Life as his fate still remained uncertain at the time. Everyone around was worried for him as the scream had did a lot more than shake the core of the Endless Illusion. Even Carmen was coughing up blood as it was a sign that Van had ingested the Water of Life. She was not only an information broker, but she was also a member of the Sezorin Sisterhood as well when she still felt blood trickle from her mouth.

"Are you alright?" asked Yutaka as he caught Carmen just as she was about to collapse.

"Van, why did you do this?" she asked.

"It was his destiny, but we have to act quickly and get him to the pyre immediately. Shinichiro, get a stretcher from the cart."

"Right away, Master," he said.

And so, Shinichiro went towards the cart as he grabbed the stretcher in order to cart Van into the pyre. With a little help from Kalanen, Kalanar, and Thessaline, they carried Van into it as they carted him towards the stack of wood and papers that smelled of gasoline. Getting out of the way, they waited for Wendy and Tinuviel to light the fire as they had a wick that was shoved into the fire. Getting out her gun, Wendy used the flint end to light it as the pile of logs and paper incantations were set ablaze when she and Tinuviel got out of the way. The fire was already set as it was blazing brightly in the middle of the rough patch. It was also Van's destiny to survive the fire as he was about to be reborn anew...

"I hope that he makes it," said Tinuviel.

"Van's survived much worse," said Wendy. "I know that he can make it in the end."

BOOM! CRASH!

"What's going on?!" cried Shinichiro worriedly.

"The Armor Armada is coming," said Kelanen as she got out her spear. "We need to stand our ground and protect the funeral pyre!"

"Then we have to do it!" yelled Tinuviel. "It's a matter of life and death out there!"

The sounds of approaching Armors was coming a bit closer as the sky was darkening. There was danger in the air, for the House of Feanor was back with a vengeance. The party that travelled with Van had to protect him as he was in the funeral pyre since he drank the Water of Life. With the battle at a critical point, they had no other choice but to fight the Armor Armada before they triumphed over the terrain and the rest of the Lost Region.

To be continued...