Part 23

Virgil was standing at the waterline looking at Fuse and Havoc as they walked across the waves at him. Well Fuse was walking, leading Havoc with him. Fuse held the staff proudly in his hand and smirked when he noticed Virgil. Virgil just crossed his arms and stood his ground. Soon Fuse and Havoc had reached them. Havoc smirked and was about to talk but Fuse held his hand up and stopped her. He slammed the staff into the ground, making it shake. Virgil refused to move a muscle, even though he was in truth terrified. Fuse had changed. His eyes were lighter, he looked bigger, he walked with faster steps, he looked more collected and his grin was warmer somehow. It must be the elements affecting him in this way. Fuse towered over Virgil, had he always done that? Virgil was not sure. Fuse leaned down slightly and flicked him on the forehead, sending Virgil flying. Virgil managed to maneuver himself midair and landed on his feet about ten meters away. He glared at Fuse and rubbed his now aching forehead.

"Look I don't want to kill you", Fuse said, ignoring his sister's protests. "So let that be a warning."

"I'm not afraid of you", Virgil said and looked at Fuse and Havoc. "You don't have to follow through with this plan Fuse. You can end it here. You can release the Souls and we can all go home. Forget this quest you're on and go back to where you came from before you do something you will regret."

"I've already done lots of things I regret", Fuse said.

"Fuse jus' leave 'im and let's go ge' Darkness!" Havoc spat and slapped him on the arm. But when her hand met his skin she yelped as she was electrified. She looked at her throbbing hand. "Fuse?"

"I'm not here to do what you want me to sis", Fuse said and looked at her. "I am here for Darkness and nothing more."

"Whot!?" Havoc screamed and used all her might to punch her brother, sending him sliding back into the ocean. "Whot do you mean!? We came 'ere for Darkness an' then we are gonna kill the Ocean Deity and bring back tha 'ood!"

"No…" Fuse said and stood tall. "Not to bring back the Hood."

"WHOT!?" Havoc attacked him again, kept punching and kicking him but Fuse did not react to any of it. "We came 'ere to bring back tha 'ood! That is tha only reason we've been doin' this! 'ave you forgotten everything I told you!?"

"No… I just realized it was wrong", Fuse said and grabbed her arm just as she was about to punch his face again. "We can't bring back someone who has been dead for that long."

"Then whot are you gonna do!?"

"I'll take the power myself and use it properly."

"Over. My. Dead. Body!" Havoc roared and flung herself at Fuse, but Fuse sidestepped her. She roared and went at him again. Virgil just stared. What was going on? He had not predicted this. None of them had. Was Fuse betraying Havoc? He turned and looked at the temple where he knew Scott was watching him through Brains' spyglass. Virgil made a: 'now what'-gesture with his hands before he turned to watch the battle… or rather Havoc's attempt at a battle. Fuse kept swatting her aside and she kept getting angrier. Had Fuse had a change of heart for some reason? When Havoc went for his face again Fuse gripped her wrist tightly and she yelped.

"Stop it", Fuse growled. "It is not helping you."

"You're betraying me!" Havoc roared.

"Only because I know you were about to do the same. You were about to claim the staff for yourself and become the new goddess. You never planned to bring the Hood back. You planned on taking over yourself. Planned to leave me behind. Planned to be the new Ocean Deity, the most powerful being on this earth and I would not and could not allow that. You do not deserve it. So… I'll betray you before you betray me." With that he swung his staff and flung his sister out at sea. Virgil gaped and stared at the man who now turned to him.

"Now tell me… little man", Fuse said. "Where can I find Darkness?"

"I am not telling you", Virgil said. "You say your sister does not deserve to become the new goddess? Well you don't deserve to become the new god either."

"What do you know about that?"

"I know that you have destroyed way more in your life than you have created and protected. The Ocean Deity is supposed to protect and govern all life along with Te Fiti. You are a destroyer of life. You won't change even if you get a new role. So I will not give Darkness to you…"

"Fine I'll find him myself", Fuse said and raised his staff it started glowing. Virgil shielded his eyes from the bright light and when he opened them he saw… nothing really. Fuse was still standing there with the staff outstretched. He looked confused.

"What the…" he said and looked at the staff. "Come out!" He tried to summon the images again. "Do my biding!"

"No", several voices said, echoing around them and Virgil gasped and grasped his heart because he felt so overwhelmed. He was not sure why though. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Scott. Scott looked at him worriedly. Their plan had unraveled before it even began. Virgil and Scott nodded at each other before they hurried from the beach. Fuse growled and took chase. As they ran Scott and Virgil kept an eye out for Alan. Alan had promised to guide them to the cave. Fuse swung at them with his staff but it never hit them. Kayo grabbed onto it, appearing out of nowhere. Fuse glared at her and she glared back in defiance.

"You shall not harm them", she growled at Fuse.

"Out of my way Tanusha", he growled. "They know where Darkness is and they have done something to the staff!"

"No, they haven't. You have", Kayo said and jumped back, letting go of the staff. "Don't you remember what you told my father before you stole his soul?"

"What do you mean?" Fuse asked.

"This is our world too", Kayo said. "That's what my father said. Then he asked you what the Souls have ever done to you, to make you hate them so much."

"They haven't really done anything…"

"And yet you are trying to destroy them all… for what? Power?"

"I… I want to be stronger."

"But at the cost of the entire world? Is that really worth it?"

"You don't understand… you have always been strong."

"Not always. You see… I too tried to become stronger and by doing that I forgot what really mattered… I lost my father… I lost my mother… my home… my friends. In my hunt and thirst for power I lost what matters most to me… like you just did. Havoc won't be satisfied with being cast aside. She will come after you and will you be able to kill her? You love her like a sister, could you truly kill your own sister?"

"I… If I must. To become stronger. The earth will be mine."

"You think you own whatever land you land on", Kayo said. "That the earth is just a dead thing you can claim." She walked closer to him, making sure the brothers would get enough time to regroup and set up the trap. "But I know every rock and tree and creature has a life, has a spirit, has a name."

"I know that…"

"You think the only people who are people are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger you'll learn things you never knew, you never knew. I speak from experience here. Before meeting Gordon and Alan, I was stuck in my own head, my own greatness and my own pride. They showed me what gives true strength Clarence. Do you know what that is?"

"Love?"

"Exactly. In their case brotherly love and just think about it. You stole one of their brothers from them, physically and from their memories. Still that very brother has been fighting you all this time. You heard it yourself. The Souls won't let you control them anymore."

"When I get Darkness they won't have a choice."

"Why? What gives you that right?"

"What gives you the right to deny me?" Fuse asked and swung the staff at her. Kayo vaulted out of the way and nearly fell over. But Parker appeared out of the darkness around them and steadied her. Fuse growled and slammed the staff into the ground. Parker met his gaze and smirked before taking off along with Kayo. Fuse looked about ready to explode from anger. Darkness had been there all along!? He focused all his energy on getting the images out and this time he was too strong for them to fight him off completely. Six images appeared in front of him.

The first to emerge was a image that looked like a woman glowing softly in the dark. Her eyes held no irises, they just shone brightly. Her entire being was shining as if she was made up by pure light. She held a rapier in her hand as well as a shield.

After her a being completely made up by lightning appeared. His body crackled and shot little bolts of lightning whenever he moved. The color of said lightning was orange. He was armed with a spear.

After him came a being made up by fire, the flames burned crimson and hot in the night. He was armed with an axe.

Then came the wind image which only Kayo remembered seeing before. Followed by the earth one and lastly the water one. Fuse smirked at the little group in front of him. He pointe at Kayo with his staff.

"Attack", he said and Kayo gaped when all six attacked her at once. She transformed into a falcon and hurriedly flew towards the cave. Not without trouble because Lighting and Wind kept trying to knock her out of the sky.

"Kayo watch out!" Penny shouted and suddenly rocks appeared around her, cancelling whatever attack the two images threw at her. Kayo transformed back and landed beside Penny. Penny was armed with her sword again and handed another to Kayo. The two of them stood back to back and were soon encircled by the six images. Kayo's gaze landed on Air and felt that heavy feeling of guilt again. Opposite Penny was Earth. The two women let their gazes swipe over their opponents, trying to figure out which one would attack first. It turned out to be Light with her rapier attacking first. Penny pushed Kayo aside and met her blade with her own. Kayo rolled over the ground when Penny pushed her, gripping Earth's feet and pulling them out from underneath him. The image fell backwards with a loud crashing sound. Kayo then spun around on her knees to avoid Water and Wind. Kayo looked at the pair. They were standing so close, then she remembered. Water and Wind were allies. She saw Wind put her hand on Water's arm and then both of them unleashed their powers together, freezing everything in their path. Kayo jumped out of the way.

Penny was busy fencing with Light when Lightning appeared behind her. Penny spun around on her heel and kicked him in the face with her other foot. She hissed in pain but ignored it because the dirt on her slipper injured Lightning. She then dropped into a split when Fire sent flames at her head. She made some impressive acrobatic moves to avoid all three and rolled onto her feet closer to Kayo. The two of them stood back to back again. Opposite Kayo was Water and opposite Penny was Fire. Penny smirked.

"Kayo on my signal… duck", Penny said.

"Fine", Kayo said.

"Now!" Penny said when Fire and Water unleashed their attacks on them. Kayo rolled left and Penny right. They heard a scream and turned their heads. Fire was screeching and twisting in pain after being drenched by Water. Water's eyes widened and then he screamed when Lightning hit him with a strong bolt of lightning. Wind screeched in horror as Water exploded. Air screeched and went for Lightning, joined by Earth.

"Parker get us out of here!" Penny shouted and Parker appeared from her shadow and gripped both of them. When he did the four remaining images turned to look at him. Parker just smirked and pulled them into his shadow.

Scott walked around the cave that Alan had found, trying to make sense of the carvings on the walls. They seemed to depict battles. He could see what appeared to be spirits fighting each other and above all of them was a man holding the staff Fuse now possessed. Scott shuddered. He felt Virgil's hand on his shoulder. He turned his head and looked at Virgil. Virgil's gaze was as horrified and worried as him. Alan and Gordon were studying the stand. The moon was almost perfectly above it. Alan grabbed Gordon's hand, just like he had so many times when they tried to restore the Heart. Only this time they were trying to restore six Souls. The cave shook and they could hear Fuse's angry roar on the wind. Then Parker, Kayo and Penny arrived through Gordon's shadow. Gordon pulled Penny into a hug and Alan grinned at Kayo. Scott and Virgil hurried over.

"So the plan failed", Scott said.

"Not because of us though", Kayo said. "Now we know that Fuse can feel Parker so Parker start revealing yourself."

"Exactly how do you want me to do that?" Parker asked and crossed his arms, Sherbet stood just beside him. As if something out there had heard his question the violet gem started glowing, beckoning Parker. His eyes even turned completely violet and he started heading for the gem. They all shuddered because they could all feel it… darkness was overtaking them. Mostly they felt sadness and guilt. Sadness for the friends they had lost and had no memories of. Friends that were counting on them to save them. Virgil wondered how John could have such faith in him and his brothers. After all he must have known they would no longer remember him, but still he believed they would rescue him. How, how could he have so much faith in them?

Scott wondered if John was watching from that staff or beyond somewhere. Had he seen and heard that Scott didn't miss him? Scott felt guilty. He still didn't miss his brother. After all… he had no memory of him even existing. He had seen those memories at Ahtohallan but they did not really evoke any feelings other than sadness of not feeling them. He had seen those memories, he just didn't feel them. When he had watched them at Ahtohallan he had felt overwhelmed, happy and relieved. But the further away they got from the ice cave he felt less and less about them. Maybe because he didn't really remember. They did not affect him in a way he was sure they would if he could actually remember it. How could John believe in them if he had seen or heard everything that Scott had done and said?

Gordon was sure he had let John down. He had not remembered his brother, still didn't really do. He knew of him thanks to Kayo and those memories they had seen at Ahtohallan but he still didn't know him. He had seen many memories, one had been of a young John hugging Gordon and singing to him after he had fallen and scraped his knee. Gordon could not remember that or the song John had sung. The look of pure adoration in is brother's eyes in those memories had rocked Gordon to his core. How could he not remember such strong love as that? The way John's memory had spoken to them… Treasures is what he had called them. He treasured them most and they let him down. How could Gordon ever live with that guilt?

Alan was scared. Fuse was coming, they could all feel it and his brothers would have to face him without Alan's help. Alan couldn't do anything. The others had all gotten powers from the other elements, but Alan had not. He opened his bag and looked at Fischler who was sleeping in there. The poor bird had been so tired these past few days. He was not sure what had happened to make him so tired. According to Kayo the Light Spirit had hid within Fischler and that was why he was still alive. After all… Fischler was now older than Alan. That should not have happened but still it did. Alan looked at his brothers who were all looking at the ground. They were all so strong, so determent… so brave to fight this while all Alan wanted to do was run… run as far and as fast as he could. He wanted to flee… run and forget all this had ever happened. Then… he heard a popping sound, as if a single drop of water hit a pool and it echoed around him. He felt a stinging sensation in his hand and looked down at a small wound on his finger. He had no memory of getting it. It was almost burning and he hissed. Then he gaped when the little wound started emitting light. What was going on? The light spread all around his body and filled him with a strange warmth. Wait. He didn't need to be afraid. His brothers were here with him and they had proven that as long as they stood together they had nothing to fear. As long as they believed in each other and themselves there was nothing to worry about. For crying out loud they had faced of with Kakamora, storms, Ash Spawn and Te Kâ herself! They had stood up for each other and together they had beat the darkest curse before! Alan gripped Gordon's hand tightly. Gordon turned his head and stared at him. Alan saw the sadness and guilt in his eyes. Alan looked past him and noticed the same air around Scott and Virgil. He turned his head the other way and saw Kayo and Penny look just as miserable. Parker was still emitting darkness around him. Darkness can overpower and corrupt if not balanced. Alan let go of Gordon and jumped onto the yellow gem that symbolized light.

"Guys we can't give up", Alan said and looked towards the moon which was approaching the right position.

"What do you mean don't give up?" Scott asked. "It's already hopeless. Can't you see? We failed before we even began."

"We messed up and now Fuse will win", Virgil sighed.

"What difference does it make if we try and fight?" Gordon asked.

"It makes every difference in the world!" Alan objected.

"We've already lost all fights so far", Kayo sighed and sat down.

"No! Listen!" Alan looked around at them. "Look I messed up tonight I lost another fight. I still mess up but I'll just start again. I keep falling down I keep on hitting the ground I always get up now to see what's next."

"Alan it's hopeless", Gordon said but Alan looked at his small mark and stomped on the gem, making it shine slightly.

"Birds don't just fly they fall down and get up. Nobody learns without getting it wrong. I won't give up, no, I won't give in 'til I reach the end and then I'll start again."

"What?" Virgil asked and looked up at him.

"No, I won't leave, I wanna try everything. I wanna try even though I could fail."

"But… what if we fail this last battle too? The world will end. We should just give up."

"I won't give up, no, I won't give in! Not 'til I reach the end!"

"What if you fail?"

"Then I'll start again!"

"Come on Allie the situation is hopeless", Gordon sighed. "Our best laid plans failed because of Havoc and now we will lose. We should just leave this place now."

"No, I won't leave. I wanna try everything, I wanna try even though I could fail."

"What's the use?" Penny asked. "My father was right… I am a failure and we will all fail this as well because of me."

"Look how far you've come!" Alan interrupted and focused on his little mark. Maybe he could spread the light. "You filled your heart with love, Penny you've done enough, take a deep breath." Alan looked at Scott now. "Don't beat yourself up don't need to run so fast. Sometimes we come last but we did our best."

Scott looked up at him and some of the light had returned to his gaze. Not beat himself up over this? But he had… no, no Alan was right. This was beyond their control but he would not just bend the knee and give up. He would not give Fuse the satisfaction! Scott got onto his feet and stood tall.

"You're right Alan", he said. "Like you I won't give up, no, I won't give in 'til I reach the end and then I'll start again. No, I won't leave I wanna try everything, I wanna try even though I could fail." Scott turned to Virgil and hauled him to his feet. "Virgil come on we got turned into Ash Spawn and still came out victorious! We can do this. You and me remember?" He caught Virgil's gaze and saw the light return to his eyes as well. Virgil smirked and nodded. This was beyond his control, but it was okay. He could fight it.

"I won't give up", he said. "No, I won't give in 'til I reach the end and then I'll start again. No, I won't leave I wanna try everything, I wanna try even though I could fail."

"I'll keep on making those new mistakes."

"I'll keep on making them every day." Virgil turned to Gordon and pulled him into a hug. "Gordon, this… this doubtful spirit is not who you are. You know who you are. Who you truly are."

"Who am I?" Gordon asked and looked at Virgil. "I… I am the boy who loves my island… and the boy who loves the sea… they call me…"

"Yes", Virgil urged. "What do they call you?"

"I… I am the son of the village chief and we are descended from voyagers who found their way across the world and they call me… I… We have journeyed farther. We are everything we need and more and it calls us…" He stood tall and grinned. "I won't give up, no, I won't give in 'til I reach the end and then I'll start again. No, I won't leave I wanna try everything, I wanna try even though I could fail." Alan grinned at them and focused. The small light he created spread across the cavern and it even affected Parker. The spirit's eyes looked human again and he blinked in confusion.

"What?" he asked.

"Your power just overwhelmed everything Parker", Penny said and got up. "But we're fine now thanks to Alan and Light." Alan grinned and looked at his hand. Kayo snorted.

"I knew that bird was good for something", she said and then twirled around. They all followed her gaze. Fuse stood in the entrance of the cave. The images were not with him. They had torn each other apart. Fuse had Havoc over his shoulder though, he might be angry with her but he still loved and cared for her. He put her down on a rock and made sure she would not fall off it. He then turned to them and his gaze landed on Parker.

"Ah here you are", he said. "Now be a good spirit and join your friends within my staff."

"I won't", Parker said. "And you can't make me."

"We will see about that", Fuse said and raised the staff. Virgil felt a strange feeling of urgency and looked down. The water around his feet was… alive? It kept moving, urging him on. He looked up and saw the blue gem in the floor glow.

"'Find us seven and unite us before the fallen two shall do'", he said and gasped. "Guys get into each zone! We need to unite their powers!" With that he jumped onto the water gem and when he did it lit up. Scott hurriedly followed him and stepped onto the red one. Gordon stepped onto the orange and Penny the green. Kayo stepped onto the indigo one and Parker smirked.

"You are too late Fuse", he said. "The elements are one."

"What?" Fuse growled and noticed the floor shining. "No! This was supposed to be my chance! My chance to make it right!" He raised the staff and fired a beam of light at Parker. Alan focus his mind, as did the others and a wall made of red, orange, yellow, blue, green and indigo rose up and protected Parker from the staff.

"NO!" Fuse shouted and raised the staff high. The six images came out again, but this time it was different. The six of them ended up in the same zones as their counterparts. In front of Scott appeared a man dressed in red, black and brown. He had ginger hair and beard and blue playful eyes.

In front of Gordon another man appeared. This one looked younger. His skin and hair was rather dark. He was dressed in black, orange and brown. His dark hair was shaved on the sides but the hair on the middle of his head was standing up, like Fischler's comb. His arms were bare and they could see what looked like lightning crackle up all over them. He smirked at Fuse.

Alan gasped when a woman appeared in front of him. She was wearing a golden dress that fit her body perfectly and sparkled. She had a sun tattoo between her breasts and she wore long gloves. On her feet she wore golden sandals. She had long ginger hair that reached down her back and when she opened her eyes they saw that she had green-blue eyes.

A man appeared in front of Penny. He wore a long green robe with nature decorations such as vines and leaves. His feet were bare. He wore green chest plate and pauldrons and green arm protectors on his forearms. He wore a green cloak with the hood up. He had dark hair and eyes the same color as Kayo's. He had a dark beard as well. He looked kind and gentle though.

Virgil smiled softly at the man who appeared in front of him. He had light blue skin, ginger hair and green-blue eyes. The man did not have any legs though instead he had a tail and a fin. The tail was blue and the fin was orange. He also wore silver necklaces and silver bracelets. He smiled softly at Virgil. Virgil felt a strange warmth well up within him. Then the man turned from him.

Kayo felt her face split into a grin when the young girl appeared in front of her. She had ginger hair and green eyes. She wore an indigo skirt and an indigo top with four hearts on it. She smiled at Kayo and waved Kayo waved back.

Lastly Parker changed into the same shape he had shown them aboard their boat. Mostly. He still wore black and grey clothes but on his head a silver crown now rested. Sherbet sat down between his feet and Parker smiled at the little dog. When Virgil looked closer he saw a violet pattern in the fur on Sherbet's chest. How had he not seen that before?

"You guys did perfectly", a voice said and Virgil realized it was the young man in front of him. His voice reminded Virgil of something. Like a long forgotten memory just starting to surface. "Now leave the rest to us."

"How dare you disobey me like this!" Fuse yelled.

"No, how dare you try and rob us of our freedom?" John asked. "Prepare yourself Clarence. You are on your own and it's time to fight."

TBC Don't you just love it when plans don't turn out the way you planned?