TWENTY-NINE: ACTUALITY (The history of the Treygan Family prior to their time on Eltar, and the origins of the Witch, referred to here as simply, "Dark", and a second intangible, "Light," whose ultimate identity I cannot reveal here without spoiling the final chapter of Chosen Legacy, so if you haven't read that yet, you'll just have to wait and see who it became when it incarnated. Featuring Renessa, Rinton, Rygano, Malavez, Blissandra, & Captain Rizdan Treygan, Windzor, Camdell, Levi, & Captain Zekiah Yizak, Moriazan Martenz & Lieutenant Martenz Vretiz, Telzos & Captain Finnellez Farmell, and more... With a surprise revelation at the end of the chapter about a couple of Eltarians you should be quite familiar with by now. Enjoy!)
The war had been going for over a millennia. No one quite remembered what had started it, but they knew it must be fought. After all, the people of Nozann were primitive monsters, or perhaps the people of B'Deston were ruthless savages... It really depended on who you asked.
At twenty years of age, Camdell Yizak had already gained a reputation as a decorated soldier of the Nozann Army. Everyone expected he would become one of the Army's top Captains, like his father Zekiah. He was fierce in battle and had what it took to do whatever was needed to win the war.
The last thing Camdell expected was to defy his orders. He took his duties very seriously. One day, a group of Nozann soldiers went to B'Deston to try and rescue several women the B'Deston Military had abducted. His father detonated a powerful explosive to bring down the soldiers surrounding the building where they held the Nozann women hostage. It also took out anyone standing within a nearby field that functioned as a barrier to keep unwanted intruders out.
"They are all vile creatures," Zekiah said. "Liberate our women and leave those with B'Deston blood to perish."
"Yes, Captain," Camdell replied to his father. He proudly led the rescue mission, and most of their people were freed safely. It was not until he found a woman beneath some of the rubble that he hesitated. She had long, dark hair and very pale skin. Her injuries were severe, but Camdell was startled to realize she was still breathing.
She fights so hard to cling to life, he thought. She is brave and strong. He knew he should finish her off. His father would put a bullet in her head to end her suffering quickly. He pulled out his gun and aimed it at her, but Camdell couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger.
He scooped her up in his arms and did something positively mad... He opened a portal to Nozann and brought her with him. Knowing no one would understand him sparing the life of a B'Deston woman, he brought her to the only person he trusted to help.
"Brother... I need your assistance urgently," Camdell said.
Windzor looked up from the book he was reading. He didn't stop to ask questions as he saw the gravely wounded woman in his older brother's arms. "Bring her here," he said, clearing everything off of the nearest table. He immediately began to heal her.
When she was stable enough not to immediately bleed out, Windzor asked, "What happened to her, Camdell?"
"We did," Camdell said softly. "She got caught in the crossfire."
Windzor suddenly seemed to understand. "She is of B'Deston?" He asked in shock.
"I... I could not leave her, nor could I bring myself to put her down," Camdell said, hanging his head in shame. "Father would be disappointed."
"You did the right thing, Cam," Windzor said. "She did nothing to our people."
"She is the enemy, Windzor. Father would kill me if he knew I spared her life." He sighed. "I should not have involved you. If he learns you assisted me in saving her-"
"Cam... She awakens," Windzor said softly.
Camdell looked into her eyes as they opened. They really are quite beautiful, he thought. Then he saw them fill with fear. She sat up and tried to get away from him.
"Easy, Miss," Windzor said soothingly.
"You are of Nozann..." She said in B'Deston's native tongue. It was somewhat similar to Nozann's, but there were enough differences to make communication awkward at best. Over the last few centuries, enough invasions between the planets had created a bit of a hybrid of both languages, and that was what the diplomats and Military officials used to communicate with each other.
Camdell decided to try to speak to her in the hybrid language, as many born into the younger generations of both planets were taught to speak it for their own survival. After all, if they were ever captured as Prisoners of War, being able to communicate with the enemy might save their lives.
"We will not harm you," Camdell stated firmly. "I am Camdell. This is my brother, Windzor. He healed you, at my request."
"What are your intentions?" She asked. It was clear she was terrified, but she did not cower or cry.
"I only wished to save your life," Camdell replied honestly. "I did not think about anything beyond that."
She softened a bit. "Why would you save me?"
"I found you, still alive beneath the rubble... And for reasons I cannot explain, I could not bring myself to kill you." He paused. "What is your name?"
"I am Renessa," she replied after a moment. "Renessa Treygan, Daughter of Captain Treygan, Head of the B'Deston Military."
"You rescued Captain Treygan's daughter?" Windzor asked in shock.
"Father truly is going to kill me," Camdell said in horror. "My father is Captain Zekiah Yizak," he explained to Renessa. "He's amongst the highest ranked officials in the Nozann Army."
She tensed, considering him. "They say all Nozann men are monsters... That they will abduct our women and children to torture and violate us... Yet you have saved my life," she said. "You may be the son of one of the highest ranked Captains, but I trust you."
"My father is not a monster," Camdell said. "He is an honorable man doing his duty to our planet. However, the Army deemed you and the others to be necessary casualties today as we rescued our women."
"Yet you did not agree?"
"I did... Until I saw you." He sighed. "You should rest, Renessa. Windzor is a skilled healer, however, you still have a long road to recovery. You shall be safe here. Only my brothers and I know of this place. It is our sanctuary, a place where we can gather without fear of harm. Windzor, will you help me keep the younger ones away for a bit?"
"Of course, Brother," Windzor said solemnly.
And so, Camdell and Windzor nursed Renessa back to health. Windzor quickly grew fond of her, and she warmed up to him almost immediately. Their friendship was unlikely and would have been frowned upon, but what was far worse was what Camdell was feeling. It did not take him long to realize he had begun falling for the B'Deston girl. He longed for their stolen moments together, and he dreaded the day she would be well enough to return home.
That day came only three weeks later. As he helped prepare her for the journey, Camdell once again did something mad... He kissed her. It was shy at first, but soon, they were both deepening the kiss. For the first time, Camdell felt like his very soul was on fire. Prior to that, only the thrill of battle had ever made him feel anything, and this was different.
"I do not know how I am supposed to let you go," he admitted when they finally released each other. "I fear that I may love you, Renessa," he added very softly.
"I must return to my family, Cam," Renessa said sadly. "I love you as well, however, my siblings need me. Mother perished years ago when Blissa was just one month old, and my father... He can be cruel."
"Does he harm you?" Camdell asked in horror. "You could remain here, a refugee from the war... Father would understand if you needed to be rescued from Captain Treygan."
"I cannot abandon my younger siblings."
He sighed. "I understand. I, too, have a duty to my younger brothers. Perhaps we can rescue them as well?"
"My father would tear this planet apart if I brought them here. Perhaps... Perhaps one day we can change things, Camdell. We can improve the relationship between our planets by proving neither side is inherently evil. Our love could unite our people."
It was a nice thought, but could it be possible? "Renessa... If you return, I may never see you again," Camdell said softly.
"We shall meet in secret... Until it is safe." She kissed him again. "I love you, Camdell Yizak. I vow this day, I shall always return to you."
Renessa kept her word, and for months, the young lovers met in secret as often as they could. Camdell told his father he was traveling to B'Deston so often to spy on their troops. Renessa's father never noticed when she disappeared for a few hours. Captain Rizdan Treygan had far more interest in his sons.
Rinton and Rygano were born two years after their sister. The twins were their father's pride and joy. From a young age, they trained as soldiers and brought honor to their family name. All of B'Deston knew who the twins were. Every young man wanted to be them and every young woman wanted to bed them. They possessed incredibly strong magic, as did every member of their family line. Even Malavez and Blissandra, at eleven and eight, were showing remarkable affinities for magic.
Rizdan stood with Martenz Vretiz, his direct Lieutenant and the man he trusted more than any other. "The Nozann forces grow stronger, Martenz," he told him. "They took my wife from me years ago, when my sweet Blissandra was an infant. Today, they destroyed our hospital and killed our most vulnerable, including your eldest son... Your first heir, the finest young soldier in our ranks next to my own sons, who was recovering from the wounds he suffered saving no less than a dozen children from those Nozann monsters. We must take action."
Martenz was more broken than Rizdan had ever seen him. "Moriano was a good man... He made me proud. I am devastated by this loss, but I know we must continue to fight. Moriazan Martenz is next in line... I shall train him to take up his brother's duties."
"Young Moriazan is fierce, Martenz, and he is your namesake, but do you truly believe he can fill such a role while grieving? He is still just a boy."
"He is the same age as your twins, Captain Treygan," Martenz replied respectfully. "And the boys are close. I am certain your sons can help him through this loss so he may emerge stronger."
"Of course. Are you up for a journey, Martenz?"
"I shall do whatever you need, Captain."
Rizdan smiled. "Come with me. I am going to see someone who can give me more power."
Martenz obediently followed his Captain until they reached the Warlock village. It was easily recognizable. Their powerful, dark magic had spared them from the worst of the war, and their village stood beautiful and strong.
"Warlocks?" Martenz asked in shock. "Rizdan... Captain... This is madness."
Rizdan smiled at him kindly. "We grew up together, Martenz. You are my most trusted ally. You alone are free to call me Rizdan when we are in private."
"Rizdan, the Warlocks cannot be trusted. Everyone knows that."
"I am not merely seeking a Warlock, Martenz. I am seeking the one known as the Intangible Keeper. He can hear them, you know. And he can help me summon them."
"You wish to summon an intangible?"
"They are the only ones who can give me the power I need."
"This seems too dangerous."
"I am avenging our fallen, Martenz... Including your son. It must be done."
They found the cottage of the Intangible Keeper. He answered the door with a sadistic smirk on his face as if he had been expecting this visit. "Captain Treygan. Lieutenant Vretiz. What can I do for you gentlemen today?" He asked.
"I require power, Keeper," Rizdan replied.
"Power? Well, you've certainly come to the right place for that." He laughed. "I am called B'Darlo, by the way. You don't have to call me Keeper. Step inside, Gentlemen."
Rizdan and Martenz entered the cottage. There was strange, dark magic there, but Rizdan wasn't interested in what the Warlocks got up to in their personal time. This was business.
"Now... If you truly wish to possess great power, you must choose what sort of intangible to summon. Dark would suit you best, but Light has great power as well," B'Darlo began.
"Both," Rizdan replied.
"Both? You are ambitious. It cannot be done."
"Anything is possible, B'Darlo... And I want the greatest power in existence."
"There is a way... But it comes at a great cost."
"What sort of cost?" Martenz asked skeptically.
"You would need to offer up a sacrifice... The life force of your twin sons would serve this purpose well."
"My sons?" Rizdan hesitated. "You want me to kill my sons?"
"No, of course not... I don't want you to do this at all. It is a test, Captain Treygan. One you must pass before the intangibles will grant you the sort of power you seek. An act of faith to show you are serious."
"Captain, let's go. This was a mistake," Martenz said.
"Of course," Rizdan replied. "Your suggestion is Treasonous, B'Darlo. You have some nerve." He led the way back home.
Two days later, Rizdan left Martenz in charge and returned to the Warlock village with his twins. Rinton and Rygano stood at his side as he met B'Darlo at a dark cave. "What is this place, Father?" Rygano asked nervously.
"Hush, Boy. This is not the time for questions," Rizdan replied. Rygano did not dare to cross him.
Only when the circle was cast and Rizdan approached Rinton with a dagger did Rygano interfere. "Father, no!" He cried. He jumped in front of his twin. The blade slashed his throat instead. His blood splashed across his twin brother's face.
"Rygano!" Rinton cried as he caught his brother in his arms to keep him from hitting the cave floor.
"Rin..." Rygano croaked out. His eyes closed and he went limp.
"You bastard! What have you done?" Rinton demanded. He tried to wrestle the dagger from his father, determined to kill him for taking his twin from him.
"It has to be this way, Rinton... And there are other heirs to my line," Rizdan replied. Rinton fought fiercely to stop him, but his father ultimately slashed his throat, too.
When both boys lay dead at his feet, Rizdan turned to B'Darlo. "Well? Where are the intangibles?" He demanded.
"Patience, Captain Treygan," B'Darlo replied calmly.
"I just murdered my sons, B'Darlo! I have no patience right now."
Suddenly, both boys began making choking sounds as they sat up. They immediately started rapidly healing. "I... They're alive?" Rizdan asked.
"Of course. It was only a test, Captain Treygan." B'Darlo laughed. "You passed. The boys will remain in a trance as the intangibles give us answers."
Rinton looked at his father with eyes of pure black. It made Rizdan nervous. "Rinton?" He asked softly.
Rinton's body shook its head. Then, he let out a laugh unlike any Rizdan had ever heard before. "This one is strong. I like the evil within his heart... It's not pure yet, but so close," he said. "I could easily snuff out the tiny shred of light."
"Leave him be," Rygano replied. His eyes glowed pure white. "This one loves his brother. He was willing to give his life for him. His heart is pure light."
"You ruin my fun, Light," Rinton said with a pout. "I want to enjoy this time and make use of it."
"We are here because we were summoned, Dark," Rygano replied. "Only that gives us the ability to think in ways these beings can understand. We have no desires of our own, for we do not truly exist on our own. Do not be fooled."
"I have desires," Dark insisted. "And I shall see them fulfilled."
"Enough," Rizdan snapped. "You are here to serve me, Intangibles."
"Of course," Dark replied with another laugh. "How may we service you, brave Master?"
Rizdan did not known an intangible could be sarcastic, as it should not have been possible, so he accepted that as a genuine term of respect. Light shook its head slightly at Dark's antics.
"I desire great power unlike any other... My family must be the strongest. We must become unstoppable," Rizdan replied.
Dark and Light looked at each other. B'Darlo nodded at them. They had to grant this request.
"Actualization," the intangibles said in unison.
"Actual... what?" Rizdan asked.
"Actualization," Light repeated helpfully.
"It's a thought-based ability," Dark clarified. "It can manifest in many ways. The more common is the ability to change the thoughts and reality of another with a simple touch. You will actualize your thoughts, make them the actual truth for that person."
"And the other?" Rizdan asked.
"The ability to bend reality to one's will and not just trick others into believing a new reality," Light replied. "Those in your line who possess that version can fully make or unmake reality, limited only by their imagination."
"And the Universe," Dark clarified. "We are ruled by balance. Some of the more drastic changes cannot stick, but they are fun while they last."
"There are other extensions of the power. They will reveal themselves in time," Light finished.
"Thank you, my friends," B'Darlo said. "Go now. Return to your intangible states." He sent them away.
Although they were no longer dwelling within the twins, a slither of each intangible remained attached to them, watching but not interfering. Dark enjoyed the evil growing within Rinton. It knew that, one day, he would have no light left within him. The light had never been his path, after all. Light watched over Rygano, touched by his gentle nature and kind heart. As Rinton grew darker, Rygano only grew more light.
The purest of the Treygan children, however, was Blissandra. Ever since she could crawl, Blissandra had possessed a gift for light magic. She made sparkling lights dance in the air and giggled as they changed color. She was a natural healer. She made everyone around her smile even in the darkest of times and she was truly the heart of the Treygan family. Even their father smiled around the girl. When she was with Rinton, he showed just a little bit of extra kindness to her, unable to stand making the child sad.
One day, when their father was in an especially foul mood, Rinton grew frustrated listening to Blissandra sob for help as their father beat the youngest Treygan son, Malavez. He was a good son who would no doubt make an incredible soldier one day, but he was also an eleven-year-old boy with a mischievous streak. Malavez was on the receiving end of their father's beatings more often than any of them. As the youngest child in the family, Blissandra endured the least physical trauma, but she'd seen enough to suffer psychological trauma more than once. She usually kept a bright smile on her face, but not when her father was angry.
It's good for him, Rinton told himself as Malavez begged their father to stop beating him. He must learn discipline if he's going to become a soldier. Father is right to beat this foolishness out of him now, while he is still young.
"Father, please, he's still just a boy," Rygano said with as much self control as he could manage. "Surely he has learned his lesson."
"I decide when his punishment ends, Rygano!" Rizdan declared. Rinton heard the unmistakable sound of his twin brother crying out in pain as his turn began.
Rinton silently cursed. Taking a deep breath, he calmly entered the room instead of walking out the front door as he'd been intending. "Father, I have received word that there are Nozann troops near the river," he said urgently.
Rizdan snapped to attention and grabbed his gun. "Where is Renessa?" He demanded. "I need her to watch your younger siblings."
"Rygano can stay behind and watch them," Rinton said quickly. "It won't do to have him showing up to fight already covered in welts."
Rizdan nodded. "Yes. Yes, watch the young ones, Rygano. Follow me quickly, Rinton. We must hurry." He raced out of the house.
"Are you alright, Ry?" Rinton asked softly. He touched the angriest of the wounds on his twin brother's back. It was bleeding and Rygano whimpered in pain, filling Rinton with rage.
Rygano was trembling, but he nodded. "Thanks, Rin," he replied just as softly.
"Of course. Where is Renessa? She's meant to help when he's out of control like this. She is the eldest, after all."
"She left about two hours ago. I'm sure she'll return soon."
"Nice of her to abandon us. I should be the eldest. I do all the hard work around here anyway... This looks bad, Rygano. Have Blissa heal the worst of it. Take care of Mal the best you can."
"I will." Rygano hugged his twin quickly. "He is going to be furious when he realizes there are no Nozann troops by the river. Be careful, Brother."
Rinton smirked. "He won't realize it. I'm going to make him think we fought an incredible battle and won. No survivors."
Rygano sighed. "You know we aren't supposed to use that magic without orders."
"He'll never know unless you tell him, Ry. Besides, how will we get better at it if we don't practice? Might as well be on him." He smiled reassuringly. "All shall be fine, Rygano. Tend to yourself and our younger siblings." He knelt beside his sobbing sister and pulled her into his arms. "Come on, Blissa... Don't be sad now. I made it all better."
Blissandra sniffled. "Father scares me when he does these things," she said softly.
"I know, Sweet Blissa... Just remember, your big brothers will always protect you. All is well." He kissed the top of her head, tickling her before offering her his cheek. Blissandra giggled as she kissed it. He released her and stood.
Malavez was a bloody mess. Rinton sighed and checked his injuries quickly. "What did you do, Mal?" He asked.
"I went outside without permission," Malavez said in a trembling voice as he put on a brave face. "I wanted to see the storm... It called to me."
"It always calls to you, Mal," Rinton said. "It's your Water affinity... However, you know how dangerous it is out there. Children are abducted from their front lawns by enemy troops every day."
"I'm not a child. I'm eleven!" Malavez protested.
"Exactly. You are a child, and you may know how to fight, but you are not old enough to go out alone. You know better."
"I'm sorry, Rin." He looked ashamed.
"I know. Just try to use more sense next time, Malavez." He shook his head. "I have to go. Take care of each other." He hurried after his father.
He hadn't quite made it to the river when he saw something that stopped him in his tracks. His older sister stood, smiling and oblivious, in the arms of a man wearing a Nozann uniform.
"Cam, I have to return home," she said with a laugh as the man refused to let her go.
"Just two more minutes, Renessa," the man protested. He kissed her deeply, and from the way Renessa reacted, this was clearly a frequent occurrence for them.
She ran off to let some Nozann scum violate her while her little brothers were being beaten! Rinton thought in disgust. That worthless little tart! If Father only knew that his first-born was such a traitor... Rinton paused. A wicked idea popped into his head. He knew exactly what Rizdan would do to Renessa if he realized she'd become some whore to a Nozann soldier. Then Rinton would finally be the eldest.
He hurried off to find Rizdan. His father looked furious as Rinton arrived. "There are no troops here, Rinton," he said. "What is the meaning of this?"
Rinton touched his arm before he could react. "You will forget this, and the anger you feel toward Malavez and Rygano," he said. "You are going to redirect your rage to a new target." He released him.
"I... What are we doing here, Rinton?" Rizdan asked in confusion.
"It pains me deeply, Father, but I must inform you of something," Rinton replied. "Surely I misunderstood what I witnessed, but Renessa was in the arms of a Nozann soldier."
"What?!" Rizdan demanded.
"They were kissing, Father. I fear my sister has been tricked into betraying the family... Nay, the planet."
"Take me to her."
Rinton led his father to where he'd seen Renessa. She was kissing her love goodbye.
"Camdell Yizak," Rizdan practically spat. They were still far enough away that Renessa and Camdell didn't see or hear them. "Son of Captain Yizak of the Nozann Army... That vile boy is a decorated soldier for our enemy."
"It's worse than I feared," Rinton said.
"Rinton... Cast a shield. Ensure no one can see or hear what happens within. Right there." He pointed to the street.
"Of course, Father." Rinton gladly followed his command.
When Camdell was gone, Rizdan grabbed Renessa by her throat and dragged her into the shielded area. He immediately began beating her with more rage than Rinton had ever seen him display, which was saying something.
"Father! Father, stop! Please!" Renessa sobbed.
"You want to be the whore of some bastard soldier from Nozann? Then you can be a whore for everyone else, too!"
"Cam!" Renessa screamed. "Cam, help me!"
Rinton was startled as his father tore Renessa's clothes in response to her pointless screams. Camdell couldn't hear her, even if he was still close by.
"Restrain her," Rizdan commanded.
Rinton didn't hesitate, but he hadn't expected this. His father beat them all frequently, but he'd never forced himself on either of his daughters before, as far as Rinton knew.
"Rinton... Rin, please, help me," Renessa begged.
He thought of Rygano, beaten bloody because he'd protected Malavez while Renessa was too busy whoring herself out to the enemy. He stared at her coldly, refusing to release her wrists as he pinned them above her head.
Renessa sobbed as Rizdan treated her like the useless wench she was. When he finished, he looked at Rinton. "Take your turn, Boy," he said. "Show me you're a man."
Rinton had certainly had sex before, but this was his own sister. He hesitated for just a moment as Renessa sobbed out, "Rin... Please don't."
He thought of Blissandra pleading with their father not to hurt their brothers. He thought of Renessa, snuggled in the arms of the enemy. And then, he felt her power levels calling to him, and he decided there was no point in resisting any longer. Renessa was going to die regardless. He might as well have a turn with her.
After he'd finished, he watched Rizdan beat her to death. Renessa didn't fight. She simply sobbed in silence, too broken to do anything else. Rinton felt deeply satisfied as Renessa exhaled her last breath.
Rizdan turned to his son. "You are my eldest heir, Rinton... As it should have always been," he said. "I am proud of you, my son."
Rinton smiled. "Thank you, Father," he said.
They disposed of Renessa's remains on Nozann, tossing her into an open field, naked and beaten nearly beyond recognition, with a note.
Camdell knew something was wrong. He could feel it in his heart. Unfortunately, there was no way for him to get away from his father and the rest of the Nozann troops.
"Men... Hold back," Captain Finnellez Farmell said. Captain Farmell was one of the few men who outranked Captain Yizak. He was in charge of all of the Nozann soldiers, and they did not dare to question him. "Zekiah, come. Bring your son."
Levi, the youngest of the Yizak soldiers, automatically tried to follow them, but Finnellez shook his head. "Stay back, Levi,"
He said kindly. He might be terrifyingly fierce in battle, but he was a good man and he cared very much for his men. "You are still just a boy, and I fear what we are about to discover is something no boy should see. Keep watch over the rest of the men."
"Yes, Sir," Levi said obediently. He immediately took charge. Levi was young, but was already deeply respected by the other soldiers. His quick mind and natural agility had saved the lives of countless men before.
Camdell followed Zekiah and Finnellez. What they finally arrived at was a horrifying sight. Camdell felt like he couldn't breathe as he looked at the only woman he'd ever loved, naked and exposed for the world to see, and covered in so much blood and so many bruises he barely recognized her. Trembling, he automatically took off his uniform jacket and covered her to give her some dignity.
Zekiah patted him on his back sympathetically. "That was kind of you, my boy," he said.
"She was of B'Deston blood, but she couldn't have been much more than a girl... The sheer savagery of this beating is horrific and was clearly unneccessary," Finnellez said, shaking his head in disgust. He picked up the note that had been left beside her body. His eyes widened.
"What is it, Finnellez?" Zekiah asked.
"This girl was Captain Treygan's daughter," he replied. He began to read the note aloud. "Keep your harlot... Now that she has been defiled by Nozann blood, she is no daughter of mine."
"He brutalized his own daughter? His savagery knows no limit!" Zekiah said in horror.
Everything began to spin. Camdell turned away from the sight of his beloved and ran several feet away before he fell to his knees and vomited.
"Cam!" Levi called with concern.
"He's alright, Levi. Stay back," Zekiah said as he knelt beside his eldest son. "It's alright, Camdell. I am as disgusted as you are... I've simply had more practice facing the horrors of B'Deston's actions."
Camdell couldn't reply. His father rubbed his back for a moment before helping him back to his feet. "Take the rest of the day, Son. I'll issue you a new jacket tomorrow. Go home."
"What will you do with her?" Camdell found the strength to ask.
"We'll bury the poor girl," Finnellez replied. "It's not her fault she was born a Treygan. She's probably never been shown kindness before. This is the least we can do for her. After all, we are not savages, unlike her people."
"Keep her covered," Camdell said softly. "She shouldn't be exposed like that."
"Of course, Son. Go on home," Zekiah said.
"One moment," Finnellez said. He took Camdell aside. "What was her name, Camdell?"
Camdell stared at him in surprise. "It's alright, Son," Finnellez continued. "Your father may not see it, but I know grief. I lost my wife, remember? Tell me her name so we can at least give her that in death."
"Renessa," Camdell replied softly.
"Renessa." Finnellez nodded. "Very well."
"I'm sorry, Captain Farmell. I know it was forbidden..."
"You're still young, Camdell... I forget that sometimes. The heart is complicated. Just learn from this. Understand how vile the men of B'Deston truly are. I'm sorry you had to learn that lesson in such a painful way. I'm sure poor Renessa did not deserve such an end." He patted him on the shoulder gently. "Go home and grieve, Camdell. Take whatever time you require. I'll ensure your father leaves you be."
"Will you tell him?"
"No... Although you should."
"Thank you, Sir."
Finnellez nodded and dismissed him. Camdell ran home and barely made it to his room before he let out a scream of grief and collapsed onto his hands and knees again.
"Cam..." Windzor called softly.
"Not now," Camdell replied.
Windzor knelt beside him and wrapped his arms tightly around him. Some of the emotions overwhelming Camdell eased a bit.
"Tell me, Cam... Whatever's wrong, please tell me. Perhaps I can help," Windzor said softly.
"They killed her," Camdell replied numbly. "Those savages killed her..."
Windzor understood. "Oh God... Not Renessa?" He asked in horror.
"It was her father, Win. He killed his own daughter... Because she loved me."
"Cam..."
"I'm going to make them pay... Every last vile man with B'Deston blood will suffer and die just as she did!"
"Cam, Renessa wouldn't want that."
"She's not alive to want anything because of them!" Camdell snapped.
"Renessa was gentle. She wanted peace between our people. You both did," Windzor reminded him.
"We were fools, Windzor! There can never be peace! Look what sort of vile beasts they are! The Captain of their Military beat his daughter to death! He left her naked in a field, discarded like trash! And he was so proud of himself he left a note!" He was shaking violently. "They will pay for this, if it is the last thing I ever do." He stood and ran off.
"Cam! Cam, wait! Come back!" Windzor called, but his eldest brother did not return.
Left to face his own grief, Windzor went to the field. He watched his father and Finnellez bury Renessa and conjure a small headstone to mark her final resting place. When everyone left, Windzor went to the grave.
"Oh, Renessa... I am so sorry," he whispered. Focusing all of his magic on the ground, he grew a circle of beautiful flowers around her grave. He curled up on the grave of the girl he'd nursed back to health and befriended and cried himself to sleep.
The younger Treygans were told Renessa had been murdered by Nozann soldiers. Rinton went along with the lie, only admitting the truth to Rygano when, in tears, he asked him if their father had killed her. Rinton left out his role in things, and in his grief, Rygano didn't question him.
They were not permitted to mourn her loss. Only when Rizdan was not home could her siblings mention her name and grieve her. Rinton pretended not to notice when they'd cry over her. They all assumed he was staying strong so they didn't have to. No one suspected he'd enjoyed her death.
After Renessa's death, Rizdan began training Malavez as a soldier. He didn't care that the boy was only eleven years old. He worked him hard and told him it was time to grow up and become a man.
Without Renessa around to stop him, Rizdan grew more abusive by the day. He beat all of his children, even Blissandra, for the slightest misstep. Even Rinton was not spared. He endured less beatings than Rygano and Malavez, but if he wasn't his father's perfect soldier, he suffered greatly for it. The beatings terrified the others, but they only made Rinton angrier. He held that rage inside of himself, a ticking bomb ready to explode.
One day, Nozann soldiers stormed B'Deston in tremendous numbers. Blissandra was left with a neighbor, but Rizdan brought all of his sons onto the battlefield. There was carnage everywhere.
"Rin... I'm frightened," Malavez said softly.
"Don't be a child, Malavez," Rinton said harshly. "You are a man now. Fight with us and do the Treygan name proud."
"It's alright, Mal," Rygano said soothingly. "I was scared during my first battle, too... I still get frightened sometimes. Just stay close to us. We will protect you."
Malavez nodded, wiping away the tears that had started to form in his eyes. "I'll be brave," he promised. "Like you and Rinton."
The battle was brutal. Rygano tried to keep a close eye on Malavez in the chaos, but it wasn't easy. Suddenly, two unstoppable men fired upon the Treygans. Rizdan dove for cover. Malavez was shot. Rygano screamed and tried to run to him, but as a bullet came straight for him, Rinton knocked him to safety, covering him with his body.
The twins were both wounded. Rinton took the worst of the gunfire, but it was nothing fatal. Rygano had a bullet in his leg. He watched as someone approached Malavez.
The boy was young, possibly a couple of years younger than Rygano and Rinton. He braved gunfire to kneel beside Malavez and check his pulse.
"He's far too young for battle," Captain Yizak said. He shook his head. "Is he alive?"
The boy hesitated. "Levi, does the boy live?" He asked again. "Either Camdell or I fired those shots, not realizing a child would be caught in the crossfire... His wounds are fatal. They'll surely kill him. It's my duty to put a bullet in his head to end his suffering if I must. Does he still draw breath?"
Levi subtly stroked Malavez's hair for a moment. "No, Father," he said. "The boy has perished."
"Very well. Let's move on," Captain Yizak said. He took his son and walked away.
Rygano was confused. He could tell Malavez was still breathing, although barely. Why had the Yizak boy lied to his own father about that?
"Rin... Mal needs us," Rygano said as the Nozann soldiers began to leave.
"You're hurt," Rinton argued. "You need a healer."
"It's just my leg. Mal's hurt worse. Please... Let me go to him."
Rinton nodded and allowed Rygano to limp to their little brother while Rinton hurried to their father's side.
Rygano pulled Malavez into his arms. His baby brother looked into his eyes. "I... I'm sorry..." Malavez whispered. "I w-wasn't brave enough."
"Hush now," Rygano said soothingly. "You're the very bravest of us, Mal..." He stroked his hair with his free hand, forcing himself to appear calm as he tried to comfort his baby brother. He could feel the healing magic on the boy. It was Water based and very strong, but it wasn't enough.
Levi Yizak tried to save him, he realized as he added his own magic into the mix.
Malavez looked sad as he whispered, "Stop, Ry... I... I know I'm d-dying."
"Shhhh, Mal. You'll survive this. I'll heal you," Rygano insisted.
"Save your strength... Hug Blissa for me... I l-love y..." He stopped speaking before he could get the last word out.
Rygano began to weep as he hugged his brother's corpse, holding him tight against his chest and rocking him.
Rizdan was uninjured. He looked at Rygano and Malavez and shook his head. "The boy was useless anyway," he said.
"I know, Father," Rinton replied, "but he was still our kin. Treygan blood was spilled today because of the Yizaks and the Nozann soldiers."
Rizdan nodded. "Right you are," he said. "And we will have our revenge."
"Ry... It's time to go," Rinton said softly.
"No..." Rygano whispered.
"Get up, Boy. There's still a battle to be fought," Rizdan said harshly.
"No!" Rygano cried. "Malavez just died in my arms, Father! He was eleven... A baby! And he's gone because of this war! Enough is enough!"
"Rygano, hush," Rinton said.
"Don't you dare raise your voice to me!" Rizdan said, reaching for his belt.
"Father, wait! Rygano is gentler than I... He is in shock. He knows not what he says," Rinton said, stepping between his father and his twin. "Please... Let him bring Malavez home. Give him this day to process what has happened."
Rizdan was going to argue when Rinton touched his back gently. "You want to send Rygano home. He needs time to grieve. He will come back stronger, to fight in honor of what we lost."
"Rygano... Take the boy and return home. Don't let Blissandra see him. Spare her that until we can clean him up. Go on," Rizdan said.
"Yes, Father," Rygano replied. He stood, carrying Malavez, and walked away.
Rinton noticed another soldier holding the body of a fallen ally. "Mori..." He whispered in surprise.
"Father shielded me," Moriazan Martenz said as he held Lieutenant Vretiz's corpse. "He saved my life."
"Damnit, Martenz..." Rizdan mumbled. "This day has taken far too much from us. We must make the people of Nozann pay for every drop of blood they spilled here."
Rinton knelt beside Moriazan. The boys had grown up together. They'd been friends for a long time. He knew he should comfort him, but Rygano was much better at things like that.
"Mori, I'm sorry for your loss," Rinton finally said. "We lost Malavez today."
That made Moriazan pause. "Not Mal... Oh, Rinton, I'm so sorry," he said in horror. "He was still just a child!"
"He was, but the Nozann scum did not care... They killed him, like they killed your father, and so many others... We'll make them pay, Mori. We'll avenge our kin." Rinton offered him his hand.
It was obvious it took a great deal of strength for Moriazan to release his father, but if there was one thing Moriazan had in spades, it was strength. He let Martenz go and allowed Rinton to help him to his feet. Together, they found other survivors and got help to as many of them as they could.
Many of the nearby buildings had been taken down. The Freyst residence was amongst them. "Vrenris..." Rinton mumbled in horror. Vrenris Freyst was a friend of the Treygan family. Rizdan believed him to be one of the best soldiers their Military had. He respected him deeply.
"Captain Freyst! Do you think he was inside?" Moriazan asked.
"Even if he was not, his family was. Come on, Mori... Help me find them."
They began digging through the rubble, working together to lift the debris until they found something.
"Rinton..." Moriazan said softly.
"Oh, no..." Rinton replied.
Vrenris Freyst was covered in blood. He'd been shot repeatedly. His head was severely injured and he was bleeding from too many places at once. His body covered his wife and young son protectively. Their bodies were also riddled with bullets.
"His wife took a bullet to the head," Moriazan said sadly. "The boy was shot in the chest... It looks like he bled out quickly. Has Captain Freyst perished?" Moriazan asked.
"He's breathing," Rinton said in surprise as he realized it. "Mori, help me. Perhaps we can still save him."
They set to work. Neither understood how Captain Freyst could have survived. Moriazan used his Water affinity to help heal him while Rinton kept pressure on his wounds.
"Rinton... The baby!" Moriazan said suddenly.
"Where could she be?" Rinton asked.
"I don't know... We must search. If there is any chance she survived..."
"Keep healing him, Mori. I'll look for the baby." He began searching for the infant because it was his duty, but he knew she'd most likely perished.
He was startled when he found her, perfectly safe in her crib in a part of the house which had been spared. She cooed at him curiously.
Kill her, Rinton thought.
He was startled by his own thoughts. "That's absurd... She's a baby," he said aloud.
Kill her. Steal her power. It's pure. Taint it and make yourself stronger.
Rinton shook his head. "This is madness... I have gone mad," he decided.
No, Rinton. You have just grown dark enough to finally hear your true thoughts. You belong to the darkness. You always have, but when I finally touched you, I knew for certain... You are perfect, Rinton. You and your brother possesses great power, but you are the key to it... And one day, it will come to life.
"Why do you want me to kill the girl?" He asked.
She can save her father. That would ruin the fun.
"But I want Vrenris to be saved."
Not his life, Rinton... She can save his soul. He loves his family deeply. The boy and woman are lost, but if the girl survives, he will remain weak. He needs to be strong. Your father would agree. The damage to his brain is extensive... He will be whatever we want him to be now... But if the girl survives, he will fight. He may heal from things that should be impossible to heal from. We need him like this... Emotionless. Dark.
"Emotionless? He's a very loving man. Everyone knows his kindness. He clearly tried to shield his family today at the risk of his own life. Captain Freyst is a fierce warrior, but he's also a very selfless man. He feels deep empathy for others. Father says it holds him back, but he tolerates it because he's such a strong soldier."
The damage he suffered today prevents him from processing emotions. He will never know love again, unless you spare his daughter. She can heal his heart, Rinton. She will make him weak.
Looking at the child, Rinton could sense the power within her. She'd be quite strong one day. He wanted that power. He couldn't deny it.
Do it, Rinton. Kill the girl, steal her power, and turn Freyst into the perfect ally. You'll need him one day. People will trust him over the Treygans when it counts. His history will work in his favor. Keep him close.
He pulled out a sword and slashed the infant's throat. As her blood poured over him, so did her power. It was even more satisfying than he'd expected. He knew the darkness within him was satisfied for the time being. He'd never felt so powerful before. He cleaned his sword and sheathed it before scooping the infant's corpse up in his arms.
"Mori," he said in an appropriately horrified tone as he cradled her close to his chest."Those beasts murdered her!"
Moriazan looked heartbroken at the sight of the infant. "Monsters..." He whispered. He paused after a moment of studying them. "Rinton... You're covered in her blood."
"Well, of course I am. I picked her up."
"Her blood was still flowing when you picked her up... It shouldn't have been flowing anymore, Rinton..."
Rinton silently cursed. Moriazan had always been extremely smart and observant. "I found her like this, Mori," he insisted.
Moriazan shook his head. "Rin... What did you do?" He whispered in horror.
Rinton sighed. "Nothing, my friend," he said, touching Moriazan's shoulder. "I found the baby like this. It is tragic. The Nozann men slaughtered an innocent baby. I am covered in her blood because I tried in vain to revive her." He let him go. After a moment, he said, "Mori... Are you alright? I think you are going into shock."
"I... I'm fine," Moriazan replied. It was clear he was confused, but he shook it off. "We need to get Captain Freyst to a proper healer. I have done as much as I can for him."
Freyst woke up three days later after several healing rituals were performed in an effort to save him. As the Darkness had predicted, he showed no emotion when he was informed that his wife and children were dead. He remained stoic and cold. He buried them with dignity, but he did not weep for them. Instead, Rizdan convinced him to throw himself into seeking justice through battle. From that day on, for the most part, Captain Freyst was nothing but a fierce B'Deston soldier.
Blissandra was inconsolable after Malavez's death, but just as she had done when they lost Renessa, she tried to keep the family happy. This had always been her role, and she seemed to understand that. Nothing ever seemed to dim that child's light. She remained the heart of the Treygan family.
Rygano, on the other hand, was no longer playing the part of the perfect Treygan son. He began speaking out against the war and calling for peace. He begged people to see that innocent lives were being lost because of the endless war their ancestors had started over a millennia before. No one even knew why they were at war anymore... Both planets simply hated each other and wanted to destroy their enemies at any cost.
Rizdan beat Rygano several times. On most occasions, Rinton managed to calm him down or distract him, but he was getting angrier every day. After Rinton begged him to at least come defend the innocents targeted by Nozann soldiers, Rygano returned to work as a soldier, but his heart was no longer in it, and everyone knew as much. He stuck to protecting people and would only fire his weapon when left with no other choice.
They were on the battlefield on Nozann when Rygano made a decision that would ultimately change everything. He spotted a young soldier severely wounded and slowly bleeding out. Rizdan stood beside him and looked at the boy Rygano suddenly recognized. "Ah... The youngest of the Yizak soldiers," he said. "Finish him off, Son."
Rygano hesitated. He looked at Levi and remembered that this boy had tried to save Malavez. He'd spared him when his father would have put a bullet in his head. It was true Malavez had still perished, but because of Levi's kindness, he had died in the comfort of his brother's arms instead of alone.
"He is young, Father," Rygano said softly.
"Yes... And he is a Yizak. They took your older sister and younger brother from us, Rygano. Now, let us spill the blood of their youngest warrior," Rizdan replied. "You will kill this boy, Rygano. Or else."
"Of course, Father. Forgive me," Rygano said. Then, he did something he never did willingly... He touched his father's arm and said, "You will forget this order, Father. You will walk away and forget you ever saw Levi Yizak here today. In fact, you will forget that Levi Yizak exists. Even if you see him, you will not find any reason to cause him harm. Walk away, Father. Your men need you."
His father walked away in a trance. When he was gone, Rygano knelt beside Levi and did his best to heal the severely wounded boy. Levi finally opened his eyes with a groan. He froze when he saw Rygano kneeling beside him.
"Get away from me," Levi said in terror.
"Shhhh... I'm not going to harm you, Levi," Rygano said soothingly.
"You are Captain Treygan's son. Of course you're going to harm me."
"I am Captain Treygan's son... But not the one who would harm you." Rygano had no doubt Rinton would have killed the boy without a second thought.
Levi paused, considering Rygano's face like he was trying to find the lie in his words. "Why not?" He finally asked.
"Because you tried to spare my brother's life... And because this is not our war, Levi Yizak. It is the war of our ancestors, and I no longer wish to see lives wasted for a cause that isn't even ours. Now, let me finish healing you." He touched Levi's face gently, trying to heal the damage it had suffered. Levi relaxed slightly, allowing it as he looked into Rygano's eyes.
He's a beautiful soul, Rygano thought. The light shines in his eyes. He knew he'd done the right thing sparing this boy's life.
"You are a strange sort of Treygan," Levi said softly when Rygano finally released him.
"Yes, I am," he agreed with a slight laugh. "And you are healed, Levi Yizak."
"Thank you... I do not even know your name."
"Rygano. I am called Rygano."
Levi smiled at him then, and it lit up his entire face. It made Rygano's heart happy to see the way Levi's eyes seemed to laugh. "Thank you, Rygano Treygan," he said. He offered him his hand. "Friends?"
"Friends," Rygano agreed, shaking it. He couldn't identify what he felt then, but he knew this moment was an important one in his life.
"Our fathers would kill us," Levi said as he laughed. "I guess we'll have to keep this between us."
"Indeed," Rygano replied. He knew his father actually might. He wondered if Captain Yizak was as harsh on his children as his own father.
Rygano became even more committed to trying to end the war. One day, after he called for peace again, Rizdan slammed Rygano into a wall. He began beating him furiously, worse than he ever had before.
"Stop!" Blissandra cried. "Father, please stop! Don't hurt him!"
"Stay out of this, Blissandra!" Rizdan shouted. He hit Rygano again and blood came out of the boy's mouth.
"Stop it!" Blissandra cried again. She sent an attack at her father, something no one had ever expected of the happy, gentle girl. Her light magic attacked like a hundred firecrackers going off around him at once. His skin was singed. Even Blissandra seemed to be stunned by what she'd done.
Furious, Rizdan turned his rage on his daughter. He slapped her hard across the face before taking his belt to her a couple of times. She sobbed and apologized. He threw her into a wall before taking Rygano and leaving the house.
Rygano would never speak of the horrors he endured that day, but they made him silently pray for death. That would have been a kinder fate than the wrath Rizdan unleashed upon him.
Rinton knew something was wrong. He took Moriazan and ran home. They found Blissandra hysterical on the floor.
"Blissa? What happened? Who did this to you?" Rinton demanded, pulling the terrified child into his arms.
"It's Father, Rin," Blissandra sobbed as Moriazan silently began to heal her. "I tried to stop him... He wouldn't stop hurting him... He's taken Rygano!"
Rinton was filled with rage. "Where?" He demanded.
"I don't know! He's really hurt, Rin..."
"Mori, stay here with Blissa. I have to go after my brother."
"You shouldn't go alone, Rin," Moriazan said practically.
"I would only trust you with this, and Blissa needs you more than I do. I'll be fine. My twin needs me, Mori. Please do this for me."
Moriazan nodded. "Of course. Blissa will be safe," he promised.
Rinton ran off. He closed his eyes, focusing on Rygano. Somehow, he found him. He snuck into the empty warehouse his father had fled to. Rizdan was still torturing Rygano, who was too weak to do more than whimper in pain. That sound made Rinton even angrier.
As Rizdan moved to attack Rygano again, Rinton grabbed him by his shoulders and flung his back into a post. His head hit it, leaving Rizdan in a momentary daze.
"Rinton?" He asked after a minute. "You would dare turn on me? You, my favorite son?"
"You made a mistake, Father," Rinton replied coldly. "You hurt my twin. Rygano is part of me. I take this personally." He pulled out his sword, toying with it and watching his father start to look concerned.
"Your brother has been behaving in a manner unbecoming of a Treygan, my boy," Rizdan said practically. "I had to show him the error of his ways."
Rinton glanced at Rygano. He was bloody and terrified. He'd never seen his brother look quite this broken before. "You took it too far, Father," he replied. "And now, it is your turn to pay for your choices." He raised his sword by the blade, hitting his father with the hilt several times before he switched to using his fists.
The sheer power of beating his father the way he had beaten all of his children for so many years was deeply satisfying. Rinton unleashed the full power of his rage upon the man he'd once tried so desperately to please. He kept going until his father wept in pain and begged for mercy. Rinton only saw his siblings' faces... Little Blissandra, shrieking for help... Malavez begging to be spared their father's wrath... Renessa, sobbing as he bashed her head against the wall or floor... And most of all, he saw Rygano... Gentle, kind Rygano, sacrificing his own safety to try to protect his siblings, even their whore of an older sister. Rygano, who had been reduced to a whimpering mess and who was clearly in severe pain, all because he was still upset Malavez had died in his arms at just eleven years old.
Every bit of anger Rinton had within him appeared as another bruise on his father's body. It took him a while to realize Rizdan had perished. When he did, he stood over his corpse, smiling sadistically. "I'm finally the head of the Treygan family line, Father," he said with a laugh. "I'll be far better at it than you ever were."
He took a deep breath before heading to Rygano. "Rygano... Ry, Brother... I am here," he said soothingly.
Rygano continued to tremble, staring into the distance in obvious shock. "Come on, Ry... I need you to come back to me. You are my twin, Rygano... You are part of me. I need you."
Slowly, Rygano's whimpers died down. He looked at Rinton with tears in his eyes. "Rin..." He whispered.
"I'm here, Ry. It's alright. I'm here, and it's over now. He can't hurt you anymore. He can't hurt any of us anymore."
Rygano seemed to realize what his words implied. "Rinton... What did you do?" He asked softly. He turned and finally saw the bloody mess that had once been their father. The horror in his eyes made Rinton pause for a moment. He had thought Rygano would be thrilled their father was dead and gone.
"I saved you, Ry," he replied. "I had to. I couldn't let him keep hurting you. We are twins, and I am the eldest. It is my duty to protect you."
"Rinton... They'll execute you for this!" Rygano cried.
"I'll tell them it was Nozann soldiers. No one will question me. They never do."
"That will make the war worse... I'm here because I wanted to stop all of the bloodshed, but if they think our father was murdered by the enemy, the war will never end."
Rinton looked at his twin and knew he was genuinely upset by what he'd done. "Rygano... I did this to protect you. I had no choice."
"I know," Rygano replied sadly. "I'm not mad, Rin... I love you. I know you were only trying to save me." He hugged Rinton, which clearly caused him pain. The soft whimper he couldn't stop from escaping his lips only fueled Rinton's rage at the entire situation.
"They'll execute me... You're right, Rygano." He paused, knowing what he needed to say to make his brother cooperate now. In a noble tone, he added, "But you are worth it, Brother. Saving you... Saving Blissa from that monster... It is worth the price."
Rygano looked torn. "You protected me today, as always," he finally said. "It is my turn to protect you... I will tell them Nozann men attacked Father and I. It will explain both of our injuries. And we will say that you put them down for it."
Rinton smiled. "Thank you, Rygano. We're safe now. No one will ever harm us or Blissa again."
No one questioned the twins about what had happened. The B'Deston Military mourned their leader by declaring every single person on Nozann would perish at their hands. No man, woman, or child would be safe.
Blissandra seemed to begin doing better after the threat of their father's wrath was finally gone. With their father dead, Captain Freyst began visiting more often to check on them. He decided it was his duty. Surprisingly, Blissandra latched onto him. Rinton watched them one day with concern.
"You're sad," she said.
"I don't feel sadness anymore, Sweet Blissa," Captain Freyst replied. "I don't feel much at all, really."
She paused thoughtfully before placing her hand over his heart. "You can still feel it, Captain Freyst," she told him, sounding as serious as the most mature of adults. "You just don't understand it anymore. Maybe I can help. I'm getting better at healing every day."
He smiled at her kindly. The light that had left his eyes after he lost his family and nearly lost his life seemed to return for a moment. "I wish you could, Blissa, however, this damage cannot be healed. The strongest healers on the planet tried. They say my head suffered too much damage and this part cannot be reversed."
She kissed his cheek. "I'll find a way to save you, Captain Freyst," she promised. "There's still good in your heart. I feel it, even if you can't."
"You have enough light in you for both of us, Sweet Blissa," he replied with a sad smile.
"You'll find your way back to who you were. I'll help you," Blissandra vowed.
Rinton frowned as he saw Captain Freyst look hopeful for the first time since he'd lost everything. This is going to be a problem, he realized. I need Freyst on my side. He realized he was going to have to do something about Blissandra.
Two days later, war tore through Nozann. Gunfire was exchanged and men were lost on both sides. Rygano watched in horror as Zekiah was shot in front of his sons. The wound to his head killed him instantly. Camdell reacted by flying into a rage and shooting anyone from B'Deston who dared to move where he could see them. Levi froze, kneeling beside his father and looking devastated.
"Levi! Get over here! I need you!" Camdell shouted.
Levi dutifully joined his brother. They fought together before circling back nearly to where their father had fallen. Seconds later, Rygano saw Rinton fire a shot at Camdell, who fell to the ground dead. Rinton smiled sadistically as Levi screamed.
"Cam! Cam, no!" Levi cried. He pulled his brother into his arms and continued to scream. All Rygano wanted to do was run to him and help him, but he couldn't.
"Only one more to go," Rinton said with a laugh.
"Rin, no," Rygano said. "Please... He's younger than we are... And he's already broken. Don't shoot him."
"It would be kinder than leaving him to grieve."
"Rinton... He spared Malavez when he didn't have to. He even tried to heal him. He's not like his father and brother. Please don't hurt him. Just this once, spare his life."
Rinton sighed. "You're too soft, Brother... But alright," he agreed. He walked away, and Rygano followed him, but he continued to watch Levi.
A woman was trying to help the wounded soldiers. She was shot, which made Levi stop screaming. Instead, he ran toward her and tried to stop the bleeding. "Mother... Mother, please, don't..." He said softly. She looked at her son briefly before exhaling a final time, and Rygano knew she had perished. Now, Levi simply held her and wept, too broken to do anything else.
All Rygano wanted was to comfort him. He wanted to tell him he understood grief... He wanted to hold him and tell him he'd be okay, but he knew that was a lie. Levi would never get over that pain. No one could get over watching their parents and eldest sibling die in front of them within minutes of each other. Still, perhaps if he knew someone cared, it would help.
One day, he promised. One day, I'll help him through this.
To Rygano's surprise, Levi left his mother when he saw a young child wander into the middle of the battle as he followed his father from their home. Levi threw himself in front of the boy, shielding him from bullets and getting shot several times. He's a true hero... Selfless, kind, and brave... I cannot let this be how he meets his end, Rygano thought. He closed his eyes and thought, He survives. He shall not perish. No matter what happens, Levi Yizak will not meet his end. Even if he exhales a final breath, he shall reawaken.
It was meant to put positive energy out in the hopes that someone would protect Levi. Rygano did not know that while he did possess the ability his twin had to change a person's reality, he also possessed the second version of the gift... The ability to alter actual reality with his thoughts.
Rinton did not have this part of the gift. Having this gift meant that, in truth, Rygano was the strongest member of the Treygan family, not Rinton, but no one would ever realize it. Rygano's desperation activated the power, and not only did Levi survive his surely fatal wounds that day... He would continue to do so, surviving things no one should have. Rygano had unintentionally altered reality so that Levi could never remain dead for long. Even if he died, he would reawaken, either on his own or with the help of another.
As it was clear they'd won that fight, the B'Deston soldiers returned to their planet. Rygano had no idea that Rinton was plotting something truly terrible.
It was Finnellez Farmell who had the vision of what was to come. "Men... We must go to B'Deston on a mission," he said.
Levi had quit the Military after watching his family perish a week before. The horrors he'd witnessed and his extreme grief had inspired Windzor to begin working on plans to possibly leave Nozann for good and find a sanctuary planet where they might start over. The rest of the surviving soldiers were still invested in the war and were ready for the next battle. They stood behind Captain Farmell, ready to follow his lead.
Finnellez had seen a vision of a child... The youngest Treygan, who by some miracle was pure light, was in terrible danger. Her own brother was going to turn on her. Considering what had happened to the eldest Treygan daughter, Finnellez had no doubt he was right. The innocent child's purity made it impossible to ignore that she needed their help. He arranged a rescue mission to liberate the girl before they would go back and kill her brothers and anyone else who got in their way. No matter what, the girl was to remain safe. Captain Treygan ordered his men to protect her even at the cost of their own lives. No one argued. They'd all seen Blissandra around B'Deston. None of them could bring themselves to cause that child harm or leave her at risk.
It was easy enough to take her from the house. No one was with the girl. Finnellez was kind to her and did his best not to intimidate her. Blissandra trusted those who she sensed light in, so she agreed to go with him when he promised it was for her own protection. The Nozann soldiers were all very kind to her. They kept her safe and entertained, letting her show off her unique light magic to keep her distracted. Finnellez intended to explain things to her when she was older, but for now, he didn't have the heart to tell her that her own brother was going to try to kill her. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to tell her the truth.
Captain Freyst and Moriazan both came running toward Rinton and Rygano. "Rin! They've taken Blissa!" Moriazan cried.
"What?" Rinton and Rygano asked in unison.
"It was Captain Farmell himself," Freyst replied. "Your neighbor watched him walk up to your front door and abduct that sweet child... Boys, we must act now, before they can harm her."
"Why didn't they stop him?" Rygano demanded.
"It was the head of Nozann's Military, Rygano," Moriazan said practically. "It would be like one of their civilians challenging your father."
"He's right, my boy," Freyst agreed. "They came and found us. That was all they could do."
"We'll get her back," Rygano said.
"Come on, Men," Rinton said. He led the way into battle.
They found the Nozann soldiers easily enough. That was because Rinton had set things in motion himself. He'd seen Finnellez and the others arrive on the planet and had simply touched the Captain's shoulder and told him they needed to hide in an abandoned warehouse until night fell and they could return to their planet. He knew they'd come for Blissandra, and now, he had the perfect way to dispose of the problematic little girl.
He should have felt guilty. On some level, Rinton knew that. After all, Blissandra was the light of the family. She was sweet and gentle and precious. Unfortunately, she was also the only one who might stand in the way of Captain Freyst turning into the monster Rinton had seen in his visions ever since Freyst had woken up after the attack. He couldn't allow that. Freyst would be an asset to the Treygan family... He would be their man on the inside when everything changed. Blissandra couldn't be allowed to jeopardize that.
The four soldiers surrounded the building. It was Rinton who blew it up with the Nozann soldiers locked inside. They were trapped with no hope of escaping. Finnellez did his best to shield Blissandra with his own body, but her injuries were still too extensive for any child to survive. When the B'Deston soldiers entered what was left of the building, they found all of the men dead. Finnellez was still covering Blissandra, his arms wrapped protectively around her. He was barely recognizable, but her body was still in tact. She almost looked like she was sleeping, if they ignored the blood.
"Blissa..." Rygano whispered in horror. He pulled her into his arms gently, sobbing as he held her and rocked her body just as he had rocked Malavez.
"I didn't know..." Rinton lied. "I didn't know she was in here... I thought they'd hidden her somewhere else... I didn't feel her in the building." It was believable. After all, he'd shielded her before they arrived so Rygano and the others would have no idea she was present. "I'm so sorry, Blissa... I didn't know..." He repeated.
Rygano looked at his twin with tears in his eyes. "Rin..." He said.
"I'm sorry, Rygano. I... I wouldn't have..."
"I know, Rin... You'd never hurt Blissa. It was an accident..." He sighed. "But it has to stop, Rinton. How many more lives will we lose for this battle which isn't even ours? Please, Rin... Please put a stop to this."
"How can I?"
"There's been talk... Some of the men on Nozann are thinking about searching for a sanctuary planet as an escape from the war... Perhaps they would allow us to join them."
"Which men?"
"Windzor Yizak is the leader."
"Yizak? Are you mad, Rygano? They have taken everything from us!"
"We cannot keep doing this, Rin. The war won't end on its own until all of us are dead and gone! We're going to destroy ourselves. Look at our planet... It's in constant chaos. There is carnage everywhere. Not a day goes by when lives aren't lost. It must end."
Rinton took a deep breath. "You're right," he said. "If Windzor Yizak extends the invitation, we will accept."
Sure enough, that invitation came days later. Windzor Yizak and Telzos Farmell, son of the fallen Finnellez, would represent Nozann, and they wanted two people to represent B'Deston. Rinton was the first person from B'Deston to volunteer for the mission. He turned to the only person he fully trusted other than Rygano. "Mori... Will you come with me?" He asked.
Moriazan nodded stoically. "Of course, Rinton. I'd be honored," he agreed.
And so, the four boys who had volunteered to search for a sanctuary planet set out on a journey that took two months. Over that time, they began to bond, despite their distrust of each other. It was hard to dislike Windzor, and Moriazan quickly began to trust him. Rinton still viewed Windzor and Telzos as the enemy, so he stayed close to Moriazan.
One day, they found themselves on a very dangerous planet. Darkness covered the land. It was inhabited by evil forces who had named the planet Onyx. The dark intangible attached to Rinton responded to the place. Rinton's own thoughts turned darker.
Are you making me evil? He asked as he realized the same voice he'd heard when he'd killed Freyst's infant daughter was in his head again.
I don't have to, Rinton, it replied. You're already evil. I'm just helping you be comfortable enough that you listen to your own thoughts. I haven't influenced you once.
He knew it was true. He also knew that listening to the darkness inside of him helped make him stronger. He smiled and embraced it. He grew more powerful during their time on Onyx and was so focused on that, he neglected to watch over his friend.
Moriazan let out a cry of pain as demonic forces attacked him. "Mori!" Rinton shouted in alarm. He froze as the creatures tried to tear his friend apart.
Windzor ran toward Moriazan. "Windzor, no! It's too dangerous! You'll be killed!" Telzos shouted.
"He'll die if we leave him!" Windzor replied. "We have to help him, Telzos! We're on the same side now. He's our friend."
Telzos nodded. He raised his sword and ran after him. Rinton joined them, raising his own sword. Together, the three boys fought off the creatures. Rinton and Telzos continued to battle them as Windzor struggled to reach Moriazan.
"Stay with me, Moriazan," he said. "You're not dying on my watch."
"But... We are enemies..." Moriazan said in surprise.
"Not anymore, Mori," Windzor replied. "We're brothers now." He finally reached Moriazan's hand and clasped it tightly, pulling him to safety.
Moriazan looked at him in shock. "Thank you," he whispered.
"No problem. Let me heal you."
Rinton watched jealously. Surrounded by the darkness of Onyx, he was filled with rage as he watched Windzor befriend his best friend. The hatred he already held for the Yizak family grew even stronger, but he kept up appearances, pretending to be just as grateful as Moriazan that Windzor had saved his life.
Two weeks after that incident, they found Eltar. Soon, they moved their families to their new sanctuary planet. No one knew that the intangibles who had attached themselves to Rinton and Rygano followed them to the new planet. Light was pleased by it, and decided it would make a lovely home for the survivors of the war. Dark had other plans.
We have access to a great power, Dark thought. The Treygan family will spawn a generation who are meant to hold the B'Deston version of the power... But the Yizaks hold the Nozann power, and I want them both... That power must become tainted, too. And so, Dark hatched a plan to find a way to taint the power from the Yizak line. It could wait. Dark had eternity to allow this plan to be set in motion, just as long as it happened eventually. Dark watched from its intangible state, waiting for an opportunity to arise.
Windzor was selected to be the Prime Minister of the new planet. Rinton was furious. "I'd be a much better ruler," he argued.
"Rinton, you're a natural leader, however..." Moriazan began.
"However?" Rinton demanded.
"Windzor is selfless and values peace. You are battle-minded, as are most of us from B'Deston. He will rule without losing his temper."
"Mori, you're my dearest friend! How can you choose him over me?"
"It's not about that, Rin. I simply see that Windzor possesses a quality we desperately need if we're going to make Eltar work. Please don't misunderstand... I value our friendship... But he saved my life, Rinton. And he didn't have to. I was the enemy, but he put that aside to rescue me at the risk of his own safety. He is very brave, and he always thinks of others... And he views us all as brothers... Family. You still see Nozanns as the enemy."
Rinton sighed. "You really think he'd be a better ruler than me?" He asked.
"Yes, but only for now... Once we adjust, and you learn to reign in your temper a bit and view everyone as allies, I think you'll make a fine ruler, and you will have my support."
Rinton was angry with his friend, but he smiled anyway. "Of course, Mori. You are right as usual." He publicly supported the decision to name Windzor as the Prime Minister, but he vowed to make Moriazan pay one day for his betrayal. He'd see to it that Moriazan's entire family was wiped out unless his old friend realized the error of his ways before the time came for Rinton to strike.
In the meantime, Rinton ensured Captain Freyst became Mayor Freyst. He was the secondary ruler of the planet, and Rinton knew he could control every move the Mayor made as long as Freyst held the position. After Blissandra's death, Freyst had become little more than a puppet, no longer even hinting at the possibility that there was still light within him. His broken heart was something he couldn't process because of the damage to his brain, and it translated to anger and rage. Freyst would always long to find that purity again, which ultimately turned him into a monster who preyed on children because Rinton had ensured that only evil filled his heart. Very few people knew the truth about what Freyst had become until after his death, and by the time it came out, almost no one who had known the true Vrenris Freyst remained alive to wonder how he had turned into the heartless beast he became.
Eventually, Dark achieved its goal of tainting the Nozann power through Windzor Yizak, but it knew it would have to find the one who was truly meant to hold the power and influence him to become its puppet. One day, a child full of light would bless the planet of Eltar, and Dark would stop at nothing to turn him into the most evil monster Eltar had ever seen. In order to do that, Dark had to take on a true form... It found the right combination of energies and incarnated, takings its original vessel... Her name was Evianna, or as she preferred to call herself... The Witch.
To stop its sister from destroying everything she could, Light also chose to incarnate, but it would be a very long time before anyone realized who his vessel became.
Some time after the birth of the brothers who inherited the Nozann magic, the B'Deston magic found its destined brothers as well. They were born to the eldest daughter of Rinton Treygan, Alina of Eltar. Alina realized as soon as she was pregnant with her first child that something was different about the boy. His magic was powerful even from the womb. She ran away before anyone could discover she was pregnant, taking the boy's father, Luxton, with her. A few months later, their son was born. The seas rose to greet him, and the sun shined brightly that day.
Stone of Eltar was a quiet baby, almost like he was thinking intensely before that should have been possible. He was clearly wise, just as his element of Water, and Alina and Luxton adored him. One year later, Alina and Luxton welcomed another child. Dragons came from their dens to greet the child, and it became clear the first time he hiccoughed that he had an affinity for Fire. They named the child Talon in honor of the dragons who watched over him.
Days after Talon was born, Rinton found his daughter and her lover. Alina created tulpas to watch over their sons, knowing her father would not let her survive. She'd run away and betrayed the family, but at least Rinton would never know about his powerful grandsons.
Rinton slaughtered Alina and Luxton without mercy. The Witch, who was no longer attached to Rinton, found the boys on her own. She took control of the tulpas, causing them to become abusive toward the children. This was a test, or a game, or possibly both. Stone, at just four years old, destroyed the tulpas after they attacked his baby brother. From that day on, Stone raised Talon on his own in the mountains, and no one knew about them until they got a little bit older and Talon started becoming curious about the rest of the world. The people feared their power, especially since they didn't know where the boys had come from or who their parents could possibly have been. Stone kept his distance for the sake of their comfort, but Talon refused, and soon enough, he won everyone over and became very popular. Stone allowed Talon to move into the city, but he continued living in the mountains. The Witch was satisfied, knowing she would be able to influence Stone when she needed to because she'd manipulated things and kept him isolated.
No one realized Stone and Talon came from a Founding Family, including the boys themselves. This would remain a secret that only the Witch knew for millennia, until the time was right for the truth to come out.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I started this chapter before I finished Chosen Legacy and it remained unfinished until now. If you read the end of that fic, then you already know who the light intangible incarnated as, but I didn't want to spoil that surprise with this chapter for anyone who hasn't read it yet. I'm still working on my other project, but I felt very strongly that it was the right time to complete this one-shot. The details will become important once I start Chosen Destiny, especially regarding Stone and Talon. Anyway, I'm nearing the end of my other project, so look for Chosen Destiny in the near future! I can't wait to start writing the conclusion of the Chosen Universe very soon! Thanks for your continued support. It means the world to me.