A/N: I actually surprised you with the reveal that Malcolm was the shadow spirit! I wasn't sure if it would be obvious or not! :D So much cursing from all of you. I take it as a compliment to my writing, so thank you!

TAPDANCING GIRAF – Well clearly there was no pulling the wool over your eyes. XD Iris is fine. As fine as you can be when you're wandering the forest alone and without a friend.

Cupcake – Actually, you'll get that explanation in this chapter! :D

Chapter Twenty-Four – Memories Erased

"Malcolm?" Branch gawked.

"Malcolm….." Peppy gasped.

"Malcolm?!" Bliss shrieked.

"Question!" Ariana raised her hand like a child in school. "Who the heck is Malcolm?"

"That can't be possible." Branch said.

"I killed Malcolm myself; and it's not exactly something I'm proud of." Peppy said.

"I know that voice anywhere, Peppy." Rosiepuff affirmed. "I spent thirty years listening to it. Every time he caught me after I escaped, he'd tell me the same thing: stop fighting, because I'll always bring you back where you belong."

"Hello! Confused trolls over here!" Ariana gestured to herself, Cobalt, Yuki, Snowstar, and Jasmine. "Who is Malcolm and why do we care about him?"

"Malcolm was a madman who attacked the Troll Tree Kingdom, nearly killed Peppy and my son, and kept my grandmother in a cage for three decades." Branch said. "He was killed over a year ago."

"That makes sense, then." Yuki said. "If the shadow spirit's attacks got worse around the time of his death, it must've been him."

"It can't be." Peppy said. "Malcolm is gone and he can't come back."

"I'm afraid that's not true."

Everyone turned as Rosie and Creek entered the infirmary. "Where have you two been?" Snowstar asked.

"Investigating out in the forest." Rosie said. "And before you freak out, Dad, we're fine. We tried to find out more about what happened out there, and Grandma's right. The shadow spirit is Malcolm."

"Malcolm?" Rosie repeated. "Whoa, Creek. Hold on a second. Are you sure?"

"It has to be." Creek said. "It explains everything! He's the only other troll who would do this. Eclipse wouldn't do this much damage if she truly cared about her kingdom. But Malcolm likes to cause harm. He would do something like this."

"I guess he would." Rosie said. She looked around at the damage. "What now? Where do we find him?"

Creek glanced around him. He took a few steps forward and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Hey Malcolm! Come on out you sniveling coward!"

"You really think it's wise to tease him?" Rosie asked.

"Like I care anymore." Creek scoffed.

Rosie shrugged. "Oh Uncle Malcolm! Come on out and play!"

The teens jumped back when a fireball exploded in front of them. Creek readied his staff and Rosie summoned fire in her palms. The shadow spirit floated down to them and settled on the ground. The shadows materialized in the form of a troll, entirely black in color with streaks of grey in his hair and his eyes glowing red. But his looks alone betrayed his true identity.

"Long time, no see, my little princess." Malcolm chuckled. "And Creek. You've grown."

"Stronger than ever." Creek assured.

"Oh, I have no interest in destroying you right now." Malcolm waved a hand dismissively. "Besides, if I kill you now, who will deliver my message to your father, Princess?"

Rosie didn't extinguish the fire in her hands. "What do want?"

"Go back to your father, that Emperor Branch, and tell him he has three days to surrender his kingdom to me." Malcolm ordered. "If I arrive and he is not bowing to me, I will kill him and all who stand in my way."

"We would rather die than hand over the kingdom to you." Rosie said.

"I'm quite certain your father will feel the same." Malcolm chuckled. "Which will make this so much more fun for me." He dissolved into a shadowy cloud and flew off, laughing evilly.

"At least he gave us a deadline." Branch said. "We'll take this time to prepare for an attack."

"Are we certain he will give us the three days?" Cobalt asked.

"Malcolm loves the theatrics." Peppy assured. "He'll give us the three days and then make a spectacular entrance."

"And we'll be waiting." Branch said.

"I've never fought someone with magic, but you'll have me by your side." Snowstar said.

"I as well." Yuki agreed.

"I would like to stop my granddaughter from joining, but I can guarantee she and I will both be there to fight." Cobalt said.

"The real good news is we have another sorceress with us." Rosie said.

"We do?" Peppy asked. "Who?"

"Rosiepuff." Creek said, pointing to the purple-skinned troll.

"What?" Rosiepuff asked, bewildered.

"We went back to the battlefield, and there was so much damage." Rosie said. "I cast a spell to find out how, and we found out it was because of you, Grandma. You have magic."

"I most certainly do not." Rosiepuff said.

"You don't realize it, but Kessie and Jasmine can confirm this." Creek said. "Your aura radiates with magic, similarly to Branch, Rosie, and even Ash. You have magic. Someone must've given it to you."

"No. Who would give me—" Rosiepuff paused. She absent-mindedly put a hand to her chest. "This is a piece of myself that now lives in you."

"Who gave you the magic?" Kessie asked.

"I think it was Eclipse." Rosiepuff said. "Years ago, she gave me this magical gift. She said it was a piece of herself. Something that would protect me should I ever need it. I thought it might make me immune to magic. I didn't know it was actual magic!"

"You've never used it before?" Yuki looked surprised.

"Eclipse said I could bring it out whenever I needed it, but I never did!" Rosiepuff said. "I was always so afraid I'd lose control of it. Apparently, I was right."

"Right?" Rosie scoffed with a disbelieving smile. "Grandma, if you had seen what we saw, you wouldn't think that way. What you did was amazing!"

"You're the reason David is free from Malcolm's control." Creek added. "You dispelled the shadow from David's body and saved him."

"But I don't remember that." Rosiepuff said. "After hearing Malcolm's voice, I blacked out."

"Well, you'll have plenty of time to practice until the battle." Branch said.

"Let her get her strength back first." Jasmine said, shooing everyone away. "She can prepare for the fight later."

"All right." Branch hugged his grandmother once more before guiding everyone from the room. "But we can't wait. Our preparations start now."

Branch led everyone out to the training area, and he called the guards' attention. After explaining the shadow spirit's identity, Branch began his orders. "The villagers need to be protected! Are the trees to the north safe?"

"Yes, sire." Willow and Wisteria replied at once.

"The villagers need to pack what is sentimental and be prepared to move out there." Branch said. "Hawk, Tyto, I want you to go out and prepare suitable shelter so the villagers can hunker down. Once that is ready, take some of the guards to escort every villager to the safe place. Phoenix riders, groom your steeds for battle. Everyone must prepare for the fight. Any able-bodied troll must be ready to fight in three days. David will return shortly to help plan for the battle." The guards looked hopeful at that, anxious for the return of their captain. "This is not going to be an easy battle. I won't lie to you about that. But no matter what happens, this ends. You will no longer live in fear of Malcolm and his darkness! I've seen firsthand what he is capable of. I won't let Moonlight Kingdom suffer any longer!" The guards let out a mighty cheer, getting to work on their emperor's orders.

"Spoken like a true leader." Cobalt mused. "I'm impressed."

Branch looked to Ariana, Cobalt, Yuki, and Snowstar. "Don't stay. Go home to your own kingdoms, where you will be safe."

"And let you have all the fun?" Yuki scoffed.

"Not a chance." Snowstar agreed. "We're standing with you."

"Moonlight Kingdom is my ally." Cobalt declared. "You are my ally. Therefore, I pledge my loyalty and strength to you. A few extra magicians ought to level the fight in our favor."

"We're here to help, Emperor Branch." Ariana assured. "You can't get rid of us that easily."

Branch saw the determination in their eyes. He smiled. "Thank you."

Rosiepuff struggled with her new powers, which seemed to react to anything and everything she did. A simple smile made sparks appear on her fingertips. She hugged Rosie and turned her pink without meaning to. Anytime she thought about Malcolm and his threat, something near her exploded. It became quite bothersome. So Rosie and Peppy stuck by her side while she did some research in the library for the rest of the day.

After Rosiepuff ate dinner and assured Peppy for the thousandth time that she was all right, she and Branch approached David at his bed in the infirmary. Crimson, Jasmine, Aka, and Moxie were by his side, as they had been all day.

"David?" Rosiepuff said. "I need to speak with you."

David rolled over. He couldn't see Rosiepuff, so he put on his glasses. When he realized who talked to him, he fell out of bed in his hasty move to kneel before her. "Lady Rose, you have my deepest apologies for the harm I caused you. I am ready for my punishment."

"No, none of that." Rosiepuff knelt in front of him and guided David's eyes back to hers. "David, I remember what happened. Which means you didn't hurt me at all. In fact, I'm pretty sure I kicked your butt. So stop beating yourself up over this."

"But it's my fault." David said. "I killed trolls. I nearly killed you and the emperor! What right do I have to live?"

"Right?" Rosiepuff scoffed. "Everyone deserves to live, David. You are not at fault for what Malcolm made you do."

"I should've been strong enough to fight it." David muttered.

"I was his prisoner for thirty years." Rosiepuff said. "I escaped a hundred times and was always caught. But I kept up hope, and I kept trying no matter how many times he caught me again. You cannot let what he did keep you from fighting."

David stared at the ground. "I wish you had killed me."

Rosiepuff stared at him for a moment. Then she stood and pulled Branch aside while Crimson pulled David into a hug. Rosiepuff kept her voice quiet. "Branch, he's not going to get better by talking or by leaving him to solve it himself. He needs help. Much more than this."

"There is one thing I've been thinking might help." Branch said. "It's a little drastic."

"We need drastic." Rosiepuff said. "Do what you have to." She left the infirmary with Peppy.

Branch sighed heavily. He returned to David and encouraged Crimson to stand back. "David, I've decided my punishment for you."

David looked relieved. "I'm ready, sire."

"Your Majesty—" Aka tried to protest, but Branch held up his hand to silence her. He knelt down in front of David. The guard captain didn't move, even when Branch took his spectacles and put them on the nightstand.

"Branch, please." Crimson begged.

Branch glanced to Crimson, and then returned to his work. He placed his hand on David's forehead, and he muttered under his breath. After a moment, light flickered to life between David's skin and Branch's palm. David's eyes opened, and they began to glow. Branch finished his spell, and he pulled his hand back. As he did, a trail of light, like smoke, followed his hand. A ball of light floated in Branch's palm, and David passed out again.

"Get him to his bed." Branch urged.

Crimson lifted his son into his arms. "What did you do?"

"I took away his memories." Branch said as he stood. "The memories of all the things he did when under Malcolm's control. I'm going to lock them away forever, and even take everyone else's memories of the events. No one will remember that David did all that. They'll think it was just the shadow spirit. But just in case the truth ever needs to be told, I am leaving you with your memories unaltered." He looked to Crimson, Jasmine, Aka, and Moxie individually. "Do what you can to prevent anyone from knowing the truth, especially David."

The four trolls nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Branch." Crimson said. "For saving my son."

"All I did was take the pain away." Branch said. "Thank my grandmother for playing exorcist. Now, if you'll excuse me." He left the infirmary and went to Eclipse's spellcasting chambers. He found an empty glass bottle and put David's memories into it, corking the bottle shut. He grabbed a larger bottle and journeyed to a balcony that overlooked the village. Branch cast his spell over the entirety of his kingdom. He had to get this right, or else taking David's memories would've been a waste. As he worked his magic, trails of light came from the village. The memories of the sleeping villagers went to Branch for changing. Branch knew the best way to make this right would be to change just a few simple things. Nobody would remember David attacking the village with shadow magic; they would only remember the shadow spirit attacking and killing. Everyone would believe David was in the infirmary, recovering from injuries after a fight against the shadow spirit. That's what Moxie and David's family would tell the captain when he woke. Now, that's what everyone would remember as well.

Branch put the memories into the bottle and corked it shut. "There. Locked away at last."

David moaned sleepily. He stretched and yawned before sitting up. He opened his eyes and fumbled for his glasses. Someone handed them to him, and he finally saw he was in his bedroom with his family and Moxie.

"Hey…" David rubbed his eyes.

"Thanks for finally waking up, my darling." Jasmine kissed her son's head.

"What do you remember?" Aka asked.

David thought about it, and he gasped. "The shadow spirit! Where is it? How did it get into the kingdom?"

"Slow down, David." Crimson soothed. "When were you fighting the shadow spirit?"

David blinked a few times. "The spirit….it managed to get through the barrier….I don't even know how it could do that, but I went in to fight. I guess I got beat pretty good."

"But you put up a good fight, I'm sure." Crimson said.

"You've been unconscious for a few weeks, and recovering in the infirmary." Moxie said. "We also found out that the shadow spirit is an old enemy of Emperor Branch. A sorcerer named Malcolm."

"That must be how it got through the barrier." David murmured.

"We're preparing for a major fight." Crimson said. "The villagers will be hiding in the trees to the north."

"Well I'll be ready to fight." David assured. "Don't worry. Just let me sleep for the night, and I'll be ready to go in the morning."

"You're sure?" Aka asked.

"Absolutely." David said. "I'll compile my best battle plans in the morning."

"Just sleep, for now." Crimson chuckled. "Moxie, why don't you keep an eye on him?"

"My pleasure." Moxie said. Crimson hugged his son, and Jasmine kissed him again. Aka hugged her brother tightly. David still looked disoriented, but back to his old self. He shakily rose from his bed and pulled off his shirt and pants to sleep in his boxers.

"You don't mind?" David asked. "I don't have the energy to put on my pajamas."

"As long as you don't mind if I do the same." Moxie said.

David blushed. "Not at all. As long as you're comfortable."

"I want you to be comfortable, too." Moxie said.

"I'm always comfortable around you." David said.

Moxie giggled softly. She pulled off her shirt and skirt, and David scooted over so she could crawl into bed with him. He held her close, pulling the blanket over the both of them.

"This is comfortable for you?" Moxie asked.

"Yes. Very much so." David said. "I think I was a bit nasty now and then before I went unconscious. I owe you and everyone else an apology."

"That will come tomorrow." Moxie assured. "But I have to ask: do you remember anything else before the shadow spirit broke through the barrier? Like that special place you showed me?"

David chuckled. "I can't forget that. It was the happiest moment of my life. The moment you said you loved me."

"And I do." Moxie said. "You love me, as well."

"With all my heart." David said. "Everything about you."

"There must be some things about me that annoy you." Moxie said.

"Oh, maybe I'll think of something as time goes by." David shrugged. "Is there anything you don't like about me? Anything that bothers you? Or am I enough?"

Moxie reached up and brushed her fingers through David's hair.

Your eyes, so deep, I get lost every time
Sweep me off my feet, but I don't mind
The softest touch drives me wild

David kissed her forehead. He held her close and inhaled silently, taking in her very scent.

Ups and downs, we've been through it all
Stand strong, but I'll catch you when you fall
What a team we make
Take on anything that comes our way

The two of them sang together, their soft voices harmonizing in the darkness.

Two worlds, one love
Finding our destiny
Our paths have crossed
Now I have all I need
We aren't perfect, but that's okay
You're enough for me

David analyzed Moxie's face, from the shine in her eyes to the orchid color of her skin and hair. She was beautiful. David had seen pictures of Moxie's grandmother, Lily, and believed Moxie inherited her grandmother's beauty. Moxie loved David's warm and gentle gaze, and the smile he wore to show that he loved her. If she had to be honest, she thought David looked like a complete nerd. Not just because of his glasses, but because of his casual clothing under his armor and the fact that his skin sometimes looked pale. He didn't look like a soldier. But he fought like one. He was strong, and could catch his opponents off-guard.

He was also protective, but that was something Moxie blamed for David getting possessed in the first place. If anything, the shadow knew David would stay back to keep the others safe, and Malcolm singled David out.

David frowned worriedly. He reached up to brush Moxie's tears away. "What's wrong?"

"I thought I lost you." Moxie sniffled. "I didn't know if I would ever see you again."

"I'm sorry if I worried you." David said. "But I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere." He sighed and hugged her tighter. "I do fear for this battle we're about to go into. It's going to be fierce. I'm not saying you can't handle it, but maybe you should hide. Go somewhere safe."

"And let you have all the fun?" Moxie scoffed.

David pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't want to lose you."

"And I don't want to lose you, either." Moxie said. "But we can't guarantee anything in this fight. So let's go in together and do our best to get out alive. I still have to introduce you to my parents."

David chuckled. "Okay. Deal." He kissed her and held her close.

Two worlds, one love
Finding our destiny
Our paths have crossed
Now I have all I need
We aren't perfect, but that's okay
You're enough for me

Moxie sent up a prayer to her grandmother and Crimson's late wife and daughter who died so long ago. Please. Please just let him live. Lend us your strength.

You're enough for me