Frozen Memories - 1-8 Bridge

by Xeir Zith

Hidden Past - Back Cover. Hidden Past remake! This is entirely overhauled with missing dialog added to inital scenes with expansions and spelling fixes to the original writing from Hidden Past. In Bridge we see exactly what happens between Frozen Memories and War of the North - Frozen Memories. Xeir dreams and Elsa lives in a simulated city. Light works, Jarius writes Xeir sleeps

3. Elsa Eight Days: 3rd Day

Frozen Memories – 1.8 Bridge

Hidden Past – Back Cover

"Was that Haversham made of data ?" He asked seeing the reactions from DiT

DiT was silent for a moment before speaking "No, Haversham has not been seen by anyone outside atherial for decades."

"Then why did he appear in the similation and speak with her ?" He asked

"That I cannot answer. They all grow bolder now, the Wolf Queen herself is now our new problem! That is the first time I almost had her!" DiT's fist smashed into her armrest with a hard crack of energy. DiT had been tracking Ingrid within the sim, and when she and her right hand man, Haen, had left the club office so Marion could get the session completed in the sim town Ingrid had disappeared. Haversham being in the sim however had her new attention drawn his way.

"Calm down" Said the hooded stranger, raising a hand trying to aliviate the anger and spent energy DiT was building up. It seemed to work.

"It does not matter now. He is still working on restoring their memories" DiT continued thoughtfully. Not turning to him she asked simply. "What of the undesired ?" She meant the hordes of shadows that Draco had let in

"Many are now destroyed, a few platoons got away however. And there is still His much army to worry about. Shadowlingss, Kobolds under his control and also those under Kethends control. Among others. All of them affected by by them all" Said the hooded stranger

"And you ? Can you feel them ?" DiT asked, when she did not get a reply, DiT then asked the hooded stranger. "Fine, keep your secrets, but, tell me, what is your name ?" Of course it was how the question was asked that made the hooded stranger pause for a brief moment, then smirking under his hood he removed it.

"Nara" was all He said DiT saw a head of pale brown hair, black eyes, and sharply set features upon his face. It was clear the man had something of importance for this mission. The whole similation had the man on edge, and it showed in his expression, he didnt like the current timeset of things.

Rather than answer DiT started laughing. Then she said. "It is an honor, Nara" Nara's black eyes danced with a strange inner light, and his face showed experience beyond his years, he was not amused the least bit by DiT's laughter.

Elsa Eight Days

The 3rd Day

15 June 1969

Scala ad Caelum

Dawn

Dawn broke clear as the hammering of the forges and smithies never ceased even after the arrival, and pretty miuch instant defeat of the Bandit King, the forges never slept at Warforge. But it was a clear day, and for once, the children were allowed to sleep in and go over what they had the day before; the arrival of a burning ship that promptly exploded like a small massive nuke. Which was kind of odd for such an attack to occur. Nobody asked questions to why there were broken up paving stones in the Warforge Village Market, nor did anyone ask why a body was being burned outside town to begin with.

In one compound, the morning sun found three people awake. Charity, like always, was the first one up, followed by her son, and then shortly afterwards, her daughter. So she had snuck out of the compound the night before after everyone went to bed. Of course Marcus went with her, and they had met up with Bashain. Charity was unable to sleep until she had conferred with the Elder on what to do of the two girls in her home without their parents or memories, if her husbands hunch was correct, which she feared it was, then the two girls, Anna and Elsa, were up for adoption. And Charity wanted them both.

Bashain agreed, and insisted that Charity get some sleep, going so far as saying that Marcus could knock her out if he had to so she could sleep. Thankfully it never came to that.

Never the less, Charity was up first every morning. Cooking breakfast in the massive open air kitchen the compound possessed; since they were also within a very protective wall around their massive compound, it'd be a while before anyone could raid the house for anything. Fox meat had been prepared by Mora the nightbefore, so, with Mora in bed still, Charity took it upon herself to cook breakfast. With three slabs of fox meat, and some wolf meat, she began cooking breakfast when she heard faint footsteps behind her. "Good morning Mark" She said, not turning around. A smile on her face.

Mark looked up at his mother and hugged her leg from behind, since she was qutie tall compared to him still. "Morning, mom" he said sleepily, trying to hop up and see what she was cooking, even though he could smell it; he wanted to see it as well. "What's for breakfast?" he finally asked after a few unsuccessful hops.

Diamond and Xeir were still asleep in Mark's bed, and the two had snuggled up to one another in the night, leaving Mark all by his lonesome; which he didn't mind, because it made it easier to get out of bed that way.

"A little bit of Wolf meat, and some Fox meat, well, mostly Fox meat" Charity replied. She motioned for Mark to help her set the table; with her long reach, she was pretty much twice the hieght of her son at this point, but she knew that very soon he'd be able to reach everything like his father. She handed him plates and silverware to set on the table. "There is no session this morning, for your father and I have something rather important planned. Bashain has informed the rest of th families to wait until noon to send their children for the session. After what happened yesterday he wants the children, meaning you and Marion as well, properly rested"

Mark took the plates and silverware to the table, setting them up perfectly while listening to his mother's words. "Until noon?" was all he cared about. "But... Mother, who wants to wait until noon to play?" He whined; still very much thinking that these mock battles and training sessions were really just games. Every kid thought that until they started maturing, then the battles got more and more intense as they really seemed to try to kill eachother with brute force and willpower, then as they got even more mature, they mixed it with Technique again, and became the perfect warriors.

"What's so important that we have to wait 'till noon to play?" he asked, pouting after setting the last plate and set of silverware.

Charity thought for a long moment in silence, how could she tell he son he was about to have two new sisters in the house with Marion ? "Your father and I spoke with Bashain last night; He wants to see us, you, Marion, the girls, your father and I. It is rather important and it concerns the girls you rescued from the Bandit King, who is now slain thanks to the Village" Charity was going to keep the secret with her to the grave of what truly happened to Taryl. She turned to Mark then and dropped down to his hieght, "Your father agreed with my request of him. The girls never cried for their parents did they ?" That was one way to tell a child that they were going to have a new sister or brother. And Xeir was only two years younger than Mark at that point. and Diamond was the same age as Marion. Which was perfect for their already well respected family.

There was a sparkle in her silver eyes as she asked of Xeir or Diamond crying for their parents when Mark took them inside the night before

Mark tilted his head slightly, and then looked up as he remembered yesterday's events. "Um, not that I can remember. No, they didn't cry for their mom and dad." he said calmly. "Why do you ask, mama?" he asked as she got to his height. Then he blinked a few times. "Wait... are you saying that..." he blinked a few times as the idea finally hit him. He was going to get two new sisters?! Oh, happy days! With a cry of joy he all but tackled his mother in a hug. "Yay, Two new sisters!" chanted a few times before laughing happily.

Charity chirped a startled cry as her son pretty much tackled her, thankfully her balance was well kept as he hugged her, She hugged him just as tightly. "Now you understand why its so important to your father and I. Bashain wants to meet them to make it offical though, but from here on out. Xeir and Diamond are your sisters. Once they meet Bashain and Nazur, it'll be recorded; so, once we get back, until noon meal, I want you to show them the grounds. Oh and your father said he wanted some help at the forge over lunch" They had been adding two new smelters the last few days and the latest rainfall alowed just enough runoff in order to make some more brick to ensure the heat stayed within the thing. Every forge had at least one smelter, but the Wolfe Forge had two already, and they were adding two more!

She gave her son another hug, "Now, I am sure your father is up, I'll see to him, go check on Marion and the girls; Milia and Dauriko should be coming back tonight in time for dinner; if they're all awake, bring them here to get some food, as soon as everyone is well fed, we're seeing Bashain." She said letting him from the hug. She was happy for two reasons, the first was that her son was making her prouder than she had ever hoped, and that he was truly happy, overjoyed. Two sisters joining their family.

But Charity could not help but wonder who had lost the two girls. And how they had lost their memories.

-8-8-8-

The two cloaked beings watched the datastream. "Was that a datapacket ?" Asked Nara. DiT smirked under her bandages.

"No, it was the Wolf Queen, Somehow she hijacked the data herself! She is beyond our control!" DiT replied, calmly busted a blood vessel. "Has He been told of his new task ?"

"Yes" Nara replied

"Good. When Jarius finishes his goal, we will not need worry of what befalls our foursome." DiT said simply. Nara had no reply to that.

15 June 1969

Somewhere Unknown

Three days East of Arendelle

Sunrise

"I hate waiting" Belyrr stood at the door, the massive iron and oak door that lead to Kethends massive mansion of a house. Set upon a low hill and hugging it as well the house sprawled crazily in a mixmash of several directions and levels. The massive wall surrounding it was manned by countless Shadows and in some cases there were even kobold like creatures guarding doors and points on the wall

But Belyrr waited, as was the order for Mosar and Taztan to join her and Nymeth before giving their full report. Everything went to plan perfectly. And the ship, The Silversparrow, had pretty much dropped anchor for the last two days straight and the crew searched as far as the eye could see for the missing girls. Which meant they were to be missed as soon as the queen got back aboard. So they had to do the report quick and get back before they were missed "I hate waiting" Belyrr grumbled once more as she began to pace.

Nymeth grumbled to herself as she leaned against the wall, watching her twin Shadowling pace back and forth. "I swear, it's like Masor and Taztan like being in the pits!" She hissed, annoyed at how late those idiots were. She yawned and looked up at the walls, winking to a Shadow that was currently staring at her for some unknown reason, and making it turn around and get back to work. Again her strange, flirty personality showed, though she was still quite mad at the moment.

"Quit yer bitchin' we're here." Masor's voice called out as he walked up the stairs. "You would not believe what they did to Taryl." He laughed, stopping in front of the two Shadowling Twins.

It was all Taztan could do to not make scissor motions with his hand towards his own groin, being shadows he thought it was hilarious, but he knew that Masor laughing crazily over it internally. "Shoulda been there" He said to the Twins, "Once they raided the ship, this hot babe came up out of nowhere and broke his nose, then offed his balls without tossing her cookies!"

Belyrr smirked, speak of the devil and they appear she thought darkly; "Well, Idun had us stop the ship, so you guys had fun... Good fuckin' toadstools, Masor you reek worse than the deepest Pit!" Apparently some of Xeirs last upchuckery had stuck to Masors 'shoes' "The hell you swim in ? Simi digested fruit ?"

"Somewhat" Taztan replied, "The blondie is stupidly seasick; Kethend was right to give us that Ironstomach; the blonde barely ate anything when on the Houdini, but threw up so much it was actually kinda colorful and pretty once you get past the smell... OW!" Out of nowhere Belyrr's fist caughnt Taztan in the face dead on, Taztan slammed into the stonework on his ass as Masor reeked!

Nymeth smirked at the news, but visibly flinched at the smell. "Clean yourself up; the Master's don't want to smell that shit." She ordered. "Or it's a week in the pits." she smirked, winking at Masor, who growled and promptly found the nearest bucket of water and dumped it on himself; effectively ridding himself of the smell at least for the time being.

"Better? You ass-kissing little-"

Nymeth was at Masor's throat with a blade in a second. "Go ahead; say it. I'll feed you your balls and make you enjoy it." she said softly; seductively, even. Masor gulped and closed his mouth, no longer wishing to speak. "Good boy, now if you'll all quit trying to organize an orgy without me, the Master's want our report!" She said, smirking and winking to her twin.

Belyrr tried not to laugh or even smile, only staring in slackjawed silence mostly at the appalling scent, Nymeth was right, The Masters would not want that scent inside the Queens home! But it ws Taztan making it hard for her not to even snicker as he made scissor motions with his hands again behind Masors back; which sadly made one of the Kobolds laugh stupidly and promptly get shot in the face with a acidic arrow from one of his own fellows on the wall.

"Never Laugh at a Shadowling" was the Kobolds primary motto

The massive iron and oak gate opened and let the foursome in. the path was well designed, and yet, still well lit only so far, leading to the main entry to the vast sprawling house. Three floors that went pretty much everywhere on the walled in property. The house was absolutely massive and yet, clean. But the only servants were shadows

The foursome went into the house through the main door and down a flight of stairs, then along a short hall and up yet another flight of stairs to a white oak door that stood open, inside was the main living room; a cavernous room even for a massive house as if it were underground to begin with. Kethend sat on a tall backed dark silver chair, drinking from a tall thin wine glass. She slowly set the glass down as the foursome entered.

"Ahh, so they arrive at last!" Kethend purred softly from her seat at the table. Her cyan eyes took in the four Shadowlings. "You have news ?"

Nymeth bowed before Kethend, as did the other three. Masor looked around quickly; Draco was no where to be seen. "Of course, your highness. The plan went better than expected. Taryl has not only dropped the girls, devoid of their memories, off at Scala ad Caelum, but has also perished in quite the gruesome way!" Nymeth announced, a small giggle just over the horizon of her voice.

It was Masor's turn to use the scissor motion of his fingers over his groin area along with the typical slitting throat motion of his other hand while Nymeth spoke. As he did this, however, something slimy fell onto his shoulder, causing him to look in horror and disgust as it slowly streaked down his clothes like honey made of pure shadow. Nymeth nimbly dodged a few blobs of this strange goop before they fell on top of her.

"Hail! Lord Draco!" She said, lowering to a knee immeidately after rolling out of the way of another scoop of sludge. At those words, even Masor dropped to a knee in a deep and submissive bow. More and more sludge fell from the ceiling, falling all around them and between them and Kethend, slowly forming into larger puddle.

Kethend raised a pretty eyebrow. "It all went to plan then ?" She didn't even smile when Masor made the scissor motion, she did however raise an eyebrow and stood. "This was ... unxpected... Retrive his body, or has it already been burnt as per the plan ?" She started pacing thoughtfully.

"The girls were placed aboard his vessel as ordered Masters" Belyrr said calmly, dropping to one knee as her sister had, never looking up she gave her end of the report "The Queen had us order the ship to halt, we rigged everything to make it seem as if the cannon had sent the girls over the side. It went according to plan if not better; The Queen had the ship halt and drop anchor now for two days searching. We came as quickly as we were able to report in"

"And Taryl is dead ?" Kethend pressed, turning to Taztan and Masor, they were stationed with the Bandit King in the first place

"Yes my lords; the blonde kept upchucking, as you predicted; we gave them both the drought as instructed, and then rigged the ship to blow as ordered. We scattered some of it on the sea in order for the Queen to find the remains of the vessel." Taztan reported giving a look back to Belyrr, one word of the scissor motions to Masor and he was taking her down with him to the Pit!

Kethend looked thoughtful. "Taryl is dead, the remains of his ship scattered on the sea; the girls memories properly removed... and lastly, they're at Warforge. Perfect! All to plan!" She said while pacing, she halted and turned to the four, "Alright, new tasks for the four of you, My King permitting, I want you four to see to it that no messeges of the girls missing or missing posters with the girls faces ever make it to Warforge for at least as long as possible" Preferably, Kethend mused, the next twenty years should do nicely.

Her nose then twitched. "What is that stink ?" Uh oh, it seemed that the bucket of water Masor used, did little to kill the last of Elsas upchuckery on the Houdini.

"If a single message reaches Scala ad Caelum about those girls..." Draco bubbled up from his puddle of shadow gunk, wearing his trademark black overcoat and glaring at the four shadowlings. "You each get a month in the pits without any rest." He explained, turning away from them to sit upon his throne beside that of his Queen's.

Nymeth gulped down her fear. "S-surely you jest, my king!" she laughed nervously. At Draco's stern look, her laughter faded to nothing.

"You want it to be a year?" Draco raised his eyebrows.

"N-no...M'lord." Nymeth said softly, submissively.

"Then get to work. Not a single message, or else..." Draco huffed, a loud rumble shaking the foundations of the palace for a second. Nymeth nodded and stood, nodding to her fellow Shadowlings as she began to take off in a dead sprint for the door out of fear of her Master's rage.

Draco sighed as they left, and looked to Kethend with a softer look on his fair face. "Well then, My Queen. Are you pleased with how your plans are going, or would you enjoy some more chaos?" he asked softly.

Kethend smiled, watching the foursome take off for the tasks. "Two decades. And all memories the girls have left, will be overwritten completely with that of Scala ad Caelum. They have their orders, for two decades no messages, posters, or otherwise akin to searching for the girls, are to get to or from, Scala ad Caelum. that city island must remain in the dark of the girls true linage for two decades." She walked over to the table. Tracing a delicate finger of the dark oak surface

"I can wait twenty years for the next part of the plan. Idun will be searching daily for her missing children. Not knowing they were under her very nose the entire time. Twenty years... and this will be ready" She tapped at a paper, a poision recipe. "For a poison to be properly potent to take as long as possible to slay its target, in this case, the Queens own mother, Marei, Queen Regent, will contract this in twenty years exactly, maybe sooner if the potion maker does his job well enough"

She smiled and turned back to Draco, leaning back on the table she said "By that time the girls will have no memory outside of Scala ad Caelum, They will be so ingrained into that cultre they will forget completely their true heritege. Idun will die childless, and you and I my dear one, will be King, and Queen, of Arendelle" Kethend planned for Marei, Iduns mother, to contract an illness that would leave her in bed constantly, slowly dying. Lasting just long enough that Idun will need something short of a full blown miracle to save the Queen Regent.

Kethend was overjoyed with how things worked so far. Idun had forced her own ship to halt in the middle of the sea to search for the missing girls before heading home the rest of the way. Taryl was dead as planned, and his ship ruined as well. Hopefully scattered parts of it could be found; "So, my dear one, What do you think of the plan ? Taryl is dead so I hear, most gristly of a fate too..." Kethend somehow wished she was there to witness the woman pretty much nuetering the Bandit King but then she dismissed the thought from her mind. Nymeth and the others report on the plans progress so far was good enough for her

Draco stood from his throne and lightly placed a hand on the small of Kethend's back, snaking it around to her hip and pulling her against himself, a smile on his face. "What do I think? Hmm... I think it is perfect, love." He said, a small smirk tugging at the end of his lip. "All of the threats that stand agaisnt our eventual dominance over the world are slowly falling; and Arendelle will be the first to go. And go it will." He laughed softly, offering to hold Kethend's hand in a slow dance around the hall as music began to play from the shadows.

Whoever said the Shadow King couldn't be loving? Certainly not Draco himself, and with poetic grace he led the love of his ancient life in a slow dance all around their throne room, the music keeping the same pace. "But still that begs the question, my dear, of whether or not we have enough troops to take Arendelle by force should the need arise." he contemplated softly to her. "The Arendelle Army is strong; strong enough to give my Legion of Shadowlings a tough time. Which is obviously bad if we want a quick and brutal victory if it comes to a war." He explained softly to her, twirling her around as they began to reach the climax of their dance.

Kethend took his hand as he started the dance, matching him step for step. She smiled as she span, never missing a step, Oh how she loved dancing with him. And one day soon she knew, they'd be dancing in the Throne Room at Arendelle, in victory! "We want Arendelle, my dear one, in one piece. Should it come to war, my Kobolds can take the brunt of their forces should the need arise, However, there are other ways" She said, spinning again in their dance. "You see, there is a young Emporer to the southwest; Silias, of the Southern Isles. He has eleven sons, and his wife is expecting twins! So by time the poison is ready for Marei to drink in her wine, the youngest child that Silias rears with his wife will come of age. It is through him we will attain Arendelle for our very own!"

Their dance came to its end as he dipped her and she kissed him dead on the lips, all her love for her dear Shadow King flowed through her viens. Even if he wanted to deny it, she couldn't. She loved Draco with her entire being. "The only way" She said softly to him after their kiss "To ensure victory complete and secure, is to cultivate the youngest child of Silias to be our weapon. With the Shadowlings keeping Warforge devoid of all information of the loss of the Princesses of Arendelle. in twent years, it will all come to completion! For us, what is another two decades but more then a week ?"

Draco allowed himself to feel his love for Kethend in that kiss, and deepened it to a burning passion for a few seconds before breaking it away and allowing Kethend to straighten up, the burning passion in his eyes dying down a little bit with each second. "Do tell me who taught you to dance, love." He chuckled, pinching her side gently before heading back to his throne. He heard Kethend's plan for the youngest child of Silias, and he chuckled. "I will corrupt the boy; he will listen to you and I without question."

He sighed and leaned back into his throne, lifting a leg up onto the arm rest as he began to relax. "What say you to that?" he asked, winking to his Shadow Queen with a smile.

Kethend smiled and steepled her fingers, her smile was truly devilish...

15 June 1969

Scala ad Caelum

Ealier that same morning

It was all a complete rush, One moment they were starving, an while they were eating breakfast Charity, no, not Charity, Xeir corrected herself, her imother/i announced that she was going to adopt her and Diamond, giving them a home. All Xeir could remember was being on the ship, everything else was a fog. As far as she knew, it was just her and Diamond. But now, now she had a family who could care for them both. And what was more, it was the same boy that saved them that was to be her brother. But something in her heart made her want him. But she feared what he'd say. She held onto the stange cloth she slept with the night before. Never letting it from her grasp. It was as if it was something of a good luck or other type of keepsake she possessed. Possibly the only thing she had from her past life.

Which it actually was. With that scrap of cloth within her grasp the night before, Xeir had slept like a deadgirl. No bad dreams, no nightmares, nothing. Just plain dreamless sleep.

But now she had a brother, and another sister, and a mother and father! People she knew who'd love her and Anna dearly. But it was all a complete rush to her as Mark pretty much dragged her around the massive property. Showing her and Diamond everything he could. Xeir briefly thought back on the memory, how it worked; meeting Bashain, the Elder and defacto mayor of the vast acity island, every house and store and bed really was a armory ready for use! Just meeting Bashain had made it offical for her and Diamond, adopted by Marcus, and Charity Wolfe. A very important family. But as far as Xeir was concerned, she had a mother!

"Come on! I haven't shown you the best part of the house yet!" Mark said, still holding the hand of Xeir, who in turn held Diamond's hand as he all but dragged them around. He then opened the large doors of stone, and viola! they were in the forge! The Pride of the Wolfe family, and practicaly of the village. "This is where we make our swords and stuff." Mark said, smiling and giggling.

"Mark! You forgot me again!" a little girls voice called out from behind. He turned to see his little sister Marion standing there, crossing her arms and pouting.

"Oh! You're right, I'm sorry, Marion!" he laughed, stratching the back of his head. "Xeir, Diamond, this is Marion, your new little sister." He said. "Marion, these are our new sisters. Mama and Papa adopted them earlier today!" He said to her.

Marion blinked a few times, and in a flash she was hugging the two girls, laughing happily. "Now get ready for the games, Mark!" Marion said.

Mark blushed and blinked. "O-oh! That's right! We were gonna get everyone together today for a huge war!" He said, taking off to his room to get his leather armor and his sword.

"War ?" Diamoind asked looking to Xeir confused, the heck family did they join ? Diamond however felt right at home though and hugged Marion tightly, surprised to say in the least at how strong the slightly older four year old was compared to herself

Xeir was more shocked over anything of how strong Marion was but accepted and returned the hug; Mark had a sister ? No no, they had a little sister; It wasn't just Mark and Marion anymore! It was the four of them. Xeir shrugged her shoulders to Diamond, "No clue" Thankfully Marion was there and could hopefully explain.

Marion saw the confused looks on the faces of the girls and giggled. "You'll see in about five minutes." she giggled, leading the girls out to the training field, where at least 18 other kids were waiting for both herself and Mark to get there to form teams of 10. "You two wait here; you don't have swords or armor yet." she said, smiling and running out to the group.

Mark then hopped over the low fence and jogged quickly over to the group. Within minutes he had picked his team, the other captain choosing theirs. They went to opposite sides of the field and drew their weapons; swords mostly, but Marion was there with her twin short-sword and dagger combo.

"Charge!"

With a resounding cry each team charged forward at the other, clashing and throwing each other to the ground, rolling out of the way of killing strikes and getting up to get into lightning fast yet extremely delicately placed fights with eachother, swords clashing, scratching the leather armor of the other children, cutting a cheek. Punches and kicks were thrown as well, landing on a face, or in the ribs or stomach. These children, they fought like fully grown men and women in an army of Shock-Troops with astounding stamina.

Suddenly their was the sound of a little boy crying; and the fighting stopped immediately, staring at the little boy as he held his barely bleeding arm, sniffling and crying. "Th-that hurt!" he cried.

The other kids all stared at him and narrowed their eyes. "Cry baby!" one kid cried out. "Cry baby!" The rest of them started chanting, pushing him over onto his back. "Get over it, whimp!" Mark growled, stomping on the kid's stomach. "You'll never get strong crying about a little cut, Jake." He said, kicking the boy in the ribs to make him get up.

Marion grabbed Mark by the arm. "That's enough." she said simply, stopping Mark from beating little Jake senseless as the young brown haired boy slowly got to his feet and wiped his face of tears before striking at Mark in anger, only to be blocked by Marion, who quickly launched a side kick to his stomach, making him double over again.

For the next half hour each child in the group would "strengthen" the will of little Jake by angering him by letting him get up and pushing him down again with more pain; conditioning him to it quickly until he was able to knock down at least one of them on his own. Then they stopped, formed ranks again, and charged again, continuing their war.

Xeir watched the kids, they got a smaller boy, possibly a little younger than herself, used to being harmed, but after a few minutes the group of kids got back into it, shortly joined by a dozen or so more kids around their ages. Xeir watched them all as they playfought in the massive grassy yard. So this was their new family. Somehow she felt that tomorrow was going to hurt.

"Wow" Diamond spoke up softly watching as Marion, their sister, darted among the hug group of kids so expertly that only one kid, another girl managed to tackle her briefly before getting tackled off her by Mark. "Do you think we could be out there with them ?" Diamond was already getting ideas it seemed Thankfully before Xeir could speak up, she heard footsteps behind her and turned to see who was there, it was their father, and their mother. Diamond's eyes brightened and she darted for her new fathers arms with a happy shout, "Papa!"

Marcus knelt down and gladly hugged his new daughter. "Ah Diamond!" he returned the happy shout, picking her up in his strong arms. "Did Mark drag you out here to show off his little mock wars ?" He asked her in a sweet voice, handing Diamond to Charity and picking up Xeir in his arms to give them a better view. "So, what do you think. Think you can play with the rest of the kids after a few sessions of training?" he asked Xeir. "That does look fun, right?" he asked, his voice energetic and happy as he watched the kids get back up and charge again into another battle, little Jake no longer crying and holding his own against Mark.

Marcus looked to Xeir and smiled. "What do you and your sister say? Wanna get some armor and swords? We'll teach you the basics today if you want!" he offered, looking to his Wife, who shared his enthusiasm.

Seeing that Diamond wanted to take part pretty much right then, Xeir wasn't so sure, but being on her fathers strong shoulders she thought it over. "Does it have to be now ?" Armor and swords ? Wha ? All these things happening at once!

"Oh come on Xeir lets do this it'll be fun! Besides, Mama can teach us, maybe even Mark ?" Diamond was pretty much bouncing in Charity's arms with glee; apparently she wanted to take part and be with Mark and Marion, the quicker the better it seemed.

Xeir thought but a minute longer, then nodded "Could Mark teach us ?" She had no idea why she asked for him in particular, maybe it was that he saved them the day before from the Bandit King that made her want him to be her tacher ? It was not exactly easy to explain, but Charity seemed to understand.

"I think that is wisest. Come on girls, lets get you some weapons. Marcus, honey, I'll get Mark" She easily passed Diamond over to her husband, now with both girls on his shoulders he looked every bit the happy dad. Sadly Charity had no idea what she was about to get into. Thankfully the kids knew how to fight, and so did she; and they all knew the rules of the mock battles they did. one touch with bare hands or a weapon and they were 'killed' or 'wounded' depending on where struck

Sadly, Charity was not expecting to get mobbed by nearly three dozen kids...

Thankfully the kids didn't trample her

Mark was currently lost in the heat of battle, and as his mother approached, he turned, swinging the butt of his sword as if to knock out an opponent. He was then tackled by Marion. "Mark! Stop it ya dork! That is our mother!" she cried out, Mark snapped out of it, and looked up at his Mother as Marion stood above him now, backing up a few steps as the kids started to stop fighting.

Mark blinked a few more times and stood up, looking up to his mother. "What is it, Mama?" He asked, sheathing his sword at his hip.

Charity smiled trust Marion to notice her first, Shortly however the kids were all called back by their proper parents, but as that occured; Charity spoke dropping to one knee to get closer to her son and daughter; "Your father and I have a rather important task for you two, if you're up for it. Consider it part of your training and battles here in the yard if you like." She told them

Mark thought about it for a second. "D-does it have to do with my... our new sisters?" he asked.

Charity nodded, "that's right" She said, "Diamond wanted to take part with you all in this session, but Xeir does not seem so sure of joining in just yet, your father however thinks to get them into the swing of things quickly, but I want you two to do one on one sessions with them before introducing them to a full scale session, we can even introduce them into using the forge to craft their own weapons for the sessions as well" she explained holding a hand out to her son to help him to his feet. Charity looked bone thin, and yet, she was healthy and very strong

"So, can you two do that ? Can you guys get your sisters ready for battle ?" She asked her two children, hers by blood. Children she was proud of, overwhelmingly so

Mark nodded and accepted the hand up from his strong mother. "I can do that." He was then socked in the arm my Marion. "Ow! WE can get them ready for everything..." he said, rubbing his arm as Marion punched him again for being weak. He huffed in anger and walked towards his father and the girls. "Hey! You two wanna learn everything?" He asked Diamond and Xeir as Marcus looked at the two of them, gently putting them down on their feet. "I'm willing to train you in everything you need to know, if you wanna do it, that is. It's really fun!" he said, smiling.

Diamond was pretty much bouncing on her fathers shoulder happy as a clam, really excited to be learning new things. And when quickly joined by Mark and Marion both she was nodding her head crazily, however it was Elsa that spoke "Yes. Mark, could you teach us ?" Not only did it look like fun, but it looked like a way of life that Xeir seemed to want th more she saw the kids working as a team, the forges being worked by kids and adults alike making weapons and armor, everything was something she felt she wanted to do.

That left one thing;

Where to start ?

-8-8-8-

Sunlight streamed into the bedroom that Mark shared with the family cat. Misao was a good cat, and somehow chose his bedroom for his kitty tower. Mark stared at the ceiling, his hand raised above him, he closed his fist and his old dagger he'd used as a kid, the same weapon in the dream, appeared in his hand. "Another dream about them. Huh." Mark dismissed the weapon and dropped his hand as he laid in bed staring at the ceiling. First Marion spoke about having a lapse and nearly clocking herself on the dining room table two days before, then yesterday marion had spoken with Haversham as she was investgating what happened outside her window the night before.

Then that night, the night before infact, Mark remembered it with a frown. They had gone to the cable car station, taking Marions path the night before, they were so very close to going and even with tickets it wasnt easy to get past the ticket teller. What upset Mark however was that the ticket keeper stated the last cable car had left only minutes before they arrived, sadly they could only refund their credits.

But then Mark wondered why was he dreaming about teaching his new sisters as a boy when they first joined their family ? It didnt make sense to the young man quite honestly. Mark sat up in bed, Misao grunted and gave him a dirty look before nesting on his now freed pillow. Mark paid the cat no heed as he stood from the bed and went to the window. Opening it he looked out and for the briefest instant thought he saw his sister in the street on the other side of the fence.

Mark looked at the sunrise, he had about an hour until breakfast, which then allowed him a measure of peace to try and think over things. First, they lost the credits to go by boat to another city island on their first attempt to leave by ship, then, they missed the cable car by five minutes and had to refund their credits on the second attempt to leave. When would they have their chance to leave Scala ad Caelum ? Were they trapped there ?

Mark closed his window and sat on the low bench, meditating carefully on what to do next. He didnt much like it if at all. Twice now their attempts to leave Scala ad Caelum had been thwarted, the third time could be stopped as well. So he had to plan for everything. And not just one or two eventualities, but the whole shebang. If there was one thing he knew, it was planning. Mark needed plans, and he needed backup plans, a few backup plans infact.

In addition to their recently earned credits in the infiltration Session, they still had five days of summer vacation left. Mark started planning things carefully. He knew everything there was about Scala ad Caelum, he knew there were other citiy islands easy to see from their own compound. He poured himself a drink from the teapot upon the table he sat beside. Thinknig carefully on his next move, they couldnt afford another failed attempt to get free of Scala ad Caelum. So he had to plan their next attempt carefully from several angles. They did after all have the plan to go to another city island before summer was over after all.

Mark meditated in his hour before breakfast. Normally he was the second one up, followed by marion, then Anna, then finally their father Marcus, and then lastly, Elsa. Their mother was always awake first. Mark meditated within his room upon the low bench. When it was nearly breakfast, the maidservant, Mora, stepped to his door and knocked twice. He knew that knock. "Enter" He called out

Mora did so and shut the door behind her,m as was natural for them. Mark had insisted she get a habit ofd closing his door when entering his room to fetch him for breakfast. "Young Master, your mother and sisters are awake, and now waiting on you and your father for breakfast" Mora said. The woman was a good servant, paid infact to raise the kids carefully.

"Thank you Mora, I will join them in a moment, but first let me ask you something" Mark said

"Ask it" Mora replied

"Have you ever left Scala ad Caelum ?" The question was clearly unexpected and it took a moment for Mora to think up an answer.

But instead of answering a simple yes or no, she said to him. "Say it again"

Mark stared at her, never in his life had anyone asked him to repeat himself. So he did so, word for word. "I asked you once, surely you heard me. Have you ever left Scala ad Caelum ? Answer me, yes, or no."

Mora had no idea how to answer that question, as she was originally from Arendelle and had indeed been off Scala ad Caelum a few times. Finally as the breakfast bell rang. She spoke. "Yes, but it was well before your birth."

Mark smiled, "Thank you, Mora, that was what I wanted to know. Come let us go to breakfast, speak to no one of what you told me" He told her. Mora nodded and left the room. Mark following her shortly after.

-8-8-8-

The computer beeped as DiT watched the readout, no progress had been made recently, but it was enough to be worrisome. However He stood behind DiT, casually flicking a knife around his gloved fingers without a care in the world. "Did he really just ask that question ? To a maid of all things" Nara asked

"Yes" DiT replied simply. "What is more, the maid asked him to repeat the question"

"Mark is not used to having to repeat himself" Nara mused

"He will have to learn to get used to it. Being a leader comes with it" DiT replied. Turning to iHim/i she then said "Has the arrangements been made ?"

For a long moment Nara said nothing, finally He said"yes"

"Good, you have your mission. Dont mess it up this time" DiT said, without a word, Nara rolled his eyes within the shadows of his hood and disappeared into a portal

-8-8-8-

In the bowls of the city a group of soldiers walked down a hall in formation. Calm and in step to each other the men walked past a small pond, over a bridge and into a structure. Seconds later another patrol exited. And then two young men appeared outside the gate. They were dressed in basic Wolfe reglia colors.

"This is the place" Said Malik

"Is it ? It looks like a jail" Said Samuel, "You're sure this is where the Session's information is located ?"

"Positive, come on" Malik said the two went to the guard on duty and were directed inside. Once inside they found the jail was set up in three floors. A man waited for them. His face shrouded in a black hood and shadows.

"About time you two got here." Marcus said to the two younger men, the hooded man turned to Malik. "On the lower floor you will find what you seek." He then tiurned to Samuel. "On the upper floor you will find what you seek, good luck to both of you" Both men bowed in thanks and split up.

On the lower level Malik found a cell, a single prisoner was strung up inside it, her feet on the floor. Looking close he recognised the hair color and style. "Linda ?" Malik asked clearly confused; was it truly her, the womans hair was unkept and a mess. Her clothing nothing more than rags by that point. The former beautiful young woman looked as if she had been tortured, when she was infact simply left to rot.

The woman turned her gaze as Malik leaned closer to the cell wall. Her face finally visible to him, Malik's eyes went wide. "Princess Linda ?!" He hissed softly recognising her

"Master Sharn ?" Linda asked confused seeing him outside her cell. What was he doing there ? Malik looked around and saw noone, the cell door was unlocked so he silently slipped inside the cell and shut the door quietly behind him.

Hiding between two pillars to Lindas left he asked her "Did the Masters capture you ?"

She shook her head. "It was the thriteen Masters of Shadow Mist Sect" She said simply

Malik stared at her in shock, he shook his head. "I have never heard of them, other then word of mouth. And even then its faint to false. Most rumors say they are honorable people"

"They killed my family, even those I let free to live their lives as they saw fit, and then captured me and locked me here" Linda said not looking at him.

"That's impossible." Malik replied, if this was part of the Session, it was really hitting close to home for him, he was after all engaged to Linda for a time. So he then asked. "Did you offend the Masters in some way ?"

Linda chuckled. "I... have offended the Soul Valley" Malik's breath caught in his throat. He couldnt bear to see Linda propped up like this. "For years I thought someone had it out for us, my family. There were spies over town, covering themselves in every step, testing us time after time." Linda sighed. "I just wasnt sure if it was the Shadow Mist Sect"

Malik shook his head, finally his mouth and brain worked at the same time. "Its impossible, the Masters and Shadow Mist Sect cannot co-exsist. The Masters are towers of strength and respect, they're wise and resolute, They're the leaders of Scala ad Caelum" he said, he was then at a loss for words, leaning on a pillar.

Linda spoke softly. "Are the Masters aware you came here ?" Malik shook his head, the only two that knew he was there were Samuel and the Sessioner. "Is it safe ? This will not bring harm to you will it ?" Malik didnt say anything. Linda slightly smiled. "Do you remember when, back then, my grandfather and I went to the Hisao clan to cancel the marriage contract ?" She asked him. Malik tried to not think about it, Lindas father had abolished his skills and made a mistake from it all. "My father made a mistake"

She sighed as Malik simoply watched her, breathing softly yet loud enough to be heard "Before we went to the Hisao clan. Your brother contacted me on your behalf. I knew too that on this city island, only the strong are respected. Father knew too, and he had no choice in the matter. Hisa just wanted to vent his anger. He wanted to hear Father personally nullify the marriage contract, but I didnt expect our families to become enemies." She scoffed then. "I never expected the centries old friendships between our two families would be destroyed just because of Hisas anger. Father regretted it to his dying breath."

"Let me get you out of here" Malik said going for the chains holding Linda

"No" Linda said softly, "It is beyond you, even if you were to get me free, were would we go ?" She sighed then. "Why are you even here ?"

"I was told I would find what I sought down here" Malik replied

"A session ?" Linda smirked, Malik nodded. "Figured, they had emptied these cells around me this morning. That one, they put something in it, but I couldnt see what" She jerked her head to her right. "Then they unlocked my cell and left"

Malik left the cell as Linda spoke. "I'll get some way to get you free, if the masters knew you were here maybe they can help" he said going to the next cell over and finding an envelope, and a cube that shifted its colors.

"Heh, adults make mistakes, just like kids. But the more powerful, and more respected the person is, the more harm can be done." Linda said with a snicker "I'll be fine here, Malik. Go, finish the session, when its over, you know where I am" Malik shed a tear and gave her a kiss before leaving her cell.

-8-8-8-

Upstairs Samuel found his cell easily and was going through the information packet when a man stood in his path, his face covered in shadows. "Can I help you ?" Samuel asked as a womans voice called out for him, it was Marion, his cousin. The hooded man said nothing. However when Samuel looked for his face he saw fire and sparks and a pair of red eyes. "Wait, arent you the one who split Malik and I up ?"

"No, I am not he" Said the hooded stranger. Smoke flowed from the hood, and also from his hands, where his hands should have been, he raised an arm, smoke poured from the sleeve and formed fingers of a hand. "I am an envoy from the Shadow Mist Sect."

Samuel had only heard about the sect in rumors. "So they're real ?" He asked

"Very much so" Replied the hooded man. "And you have attracted their attention in the strangest way simply by coming here."

"What is your name ?" Samuel asked dropping the cube and data packet and drawing a sword from his hip.

The hooded stranger chuckled. "My name is Hao Fan. Envoy of the Shadow Mist Sect. And you are Samuel Green, of Scala ad Caelum, by coming here to this structure you have attracted their utmost attention." As he spoke a womans voice cried out for him again. This time much clearer. "And by taking their complete attention, they left it to me to clear up this mess."

At that Samuel narrowed his eyes. "Clear up ?"

"Yes, by any means desired" Hao Fan replied. Samuel didnt like the sound of the unknown mans voice. A weapon formed from smoke and fire in the mans hand. Samuel adopted a stance and struck

The battle was swift, fast and brutal. Trading blows with the hooded stranger Samuel was no match for the envoys speed and magic. Swiftly moving and shifted in the air the envoy faded to smoke when Samuel made a strike and reappeared froim behind, swiftly moving so quickly that Samuel was struck repeatedly before falling.

Standing over the boy the hoodedf stranger smirked. "Silly child. Did you really think you could win against Shadow Mist Sect ?"

"Samuel!" the womans voice screamed out seeing him laying on the ground, the hooded stranger turned and regarded Marion, her twin swords ready for use. She adopted a stance. "You bastard I'll kill you!" She screamed before lunging at Hao Fan rapidly striking the envoy easily blocked alll her strikes and sent her flying aside. Crashing against the cell walls she broke through it and landed in a empty cell. The echoing laughter of the envoy was heard

"Silly child, silly girl. Two birds with one stone. Perfect" The envoy floated into the cell as Marion struggled to her feet. "To kill just the boy would be enough, but you had to step in. No matter, I can still clean this up nicely" His sword reformed in his hand, and he raised it to strike Marion down. Only to halt as Samuels sword stuck through his heart

"Not if I kill you first" Samuel said weakly. The envoy chuckled. Fading into smoke as his laughter echoed in the cell and Samuel slid to the floor of the cell. Marion scrambled to his side as Samuel sank to the floor, she laid him gently on his back. Seeing her Samuel smiled. "I did my mission, Teacher said one of us wouldnt return alive, I'm glad it was me. I get to see grandmother now." He reached a hand to Marions face, she took it. "I am so sorry I couldnt see you before the session"

"Dont be" Marion said simply. Samuel smiled

"Then; I rest easy. You are not mad, and I am not guilty." Marion tried to smile as Samuel gently caressed her face, gently wiping away a tear from her eye. She took his hand in hers.

"I know your face. Thank you. Marion, I am honored to have been your friend" With htat, Samuel died, his spirit left his body as marion cried, his body broke apart into wisps of smoke and light. Marion picked up her swords. Turning towards the cube and data packet on the floor she went to it. She burned the datapacket with her magic, but picked up the cube.

She had work to do

-8-8-8-

The coputer beeped. Nara wasnt happy "Was that envoy made of data ?" He asked

"No, the Shadow Mist Sect is growing stronger, Dracos children were smarter than we thought." DiT said, without turning to him she then said "Deal with it as you see fit. But do not get caught or seen by them"

Nara didnt say anything for a moment, finally asking "Why are you doing this ? The simulated town, the four in the sleeping pods alone, us working together ?"

For long moments DiT said nothing, finally she said simply one word. "Revenge"

Nara ignored that "If the Shadow Mist Sect knows how to get into Scala ad Caelum the simulation you created base on my dreams and memories. Then we have a bigger problem on our hands than the Necromancer herself."

"The Shadow Mist Sect was a splinter group of TheDragonWatch, you had gone against them before. Eliminate them as you see fit. Scala ad Caelum was crated based on your homeland, Nara. It is time you defend it" DiT said to him, and rather then reply a portal opened and Nara disappeared into it. DiT smirked behind her mask and went back to work

-8-8-8-

Marcus was waiting inside the Grand Hall. With him was Marion. Four soldiers entered, escorting Malik, and oddly, Mark, and finally a pair of soldiers also escorted in a third boy. James. As the three sat down and regarded Marcus Wolfe, he spoke. "Marion was reckless today, I have already persuaded her to explain things. Hopefully you can all help in this matter"

Malik said nothing, James simply was confused. "Tomorrow is the last Session of summer, and Samuel is dead. I fought with his killer but was overpowered. Tomorrow, after the Session, I will hunt that man on my own."

Now Mark was staring at his own sister. James spoke "Marion, where are you going so urgently ?"

"I fear that if I do not leave, it will make others uneasy." Malik again said nothing. Marion stood from her low table, a servant approached her wityh a pot of tea, Marion took it and stepped across the hall, and filled the glasses of her brother, James, and Malik. Malik and Samuel were seen going into the jail hall as part of todays Session. But Teacher said nothing of one of you not making it out alive. So I followed you in." Marion said to Malik.

She went to her brother and filled his glass. Then finally she went to James and filled his glass. "There was another in the jail hall. It was you wasnt it ?" Marion returned to her seat and set the teapot down. Then she too sat down.

"Someone killed Samuel, and they are on this island city. The two of you had last contact with him didnt you ?" Marcus spoke up. "If you explain yourselves now, it could help in finding his killer. Marion stated she fought with his killer. Malik, you went into the jail hall with Samuel, did you speak with anyone ?"

Mark and James focused their attention on Malik. For a long moment Malik didnt say anything. Doing so was pretty much admitting guilt for the whole thing. "It was true that Teacher had said only one of us was going to leave the Jail Hall alive. I honestly had hoped it would be Samuel who'd leave there alive. But I never expected him to die. Samuel is a skilled man, a good fighter. And a good friend" Malik said at long last

"Did the two of you speak to anyone upon entry to the Jail Hall ?" Marcus repeated himself.

Malik nodded. "A hooded man, shrouded in a dark hooded cloak spoke with us. He pointed out the steps of the Session, and said for us to split up. That was the last I saw of Samuel. However I found what I had sought." Malik revealed the cube and set it on his table. "But I never killed Samuel"

"What did the man look like ?" Marion asked, she wanted details, if the man shrouded in smoke was indeed the same man she had fought and nearly lost to was the same man

"Couldnt see his face, but he had a grating voice, he told Samuel and I that on the bottom floor and top floor we'd find what we'd sought respectively. He didnt detail anything else other then that" Malik explained

"Then it was indeed him, he knew you were in the Session, it must not have been Teacher, but another Elder, someone we trusted or otherwise." Marion said softly.

"You encountered him ?" Malik asked confused

"He called himself Hao Fan, that was what I overheard before finding him standing over Samuel, we fought, he fled, Samuel died in my arms" Marion said

"Hao Fan... " Marcus mused

James stared, his eyes wide, "that's impossible!" he bluterterd, everyones eyes focused on him directly. He got hold of himself then spoke. "Hao Fan is a legend, nobody has seen him for hundreds if not thousands of years now"

"So a dead man killed Samuel ?" Mark finally bluntly spoke up

"If it was Hao Fan, then we have a problem, the Sessions arent safe, even for children. If the Shadow Mist Sect, as Hao Fan was said to have founded so long ago were here in Scala ad Caelum, we would have a major crisis on our hands" Marcus said

Mark waved a hand. "No, Father, dont be niave. Once Shadow Mist Sect gets an idea in their heads, they fullfill it, no matter the cost of lives it takes to do it, similar with time, if they must do so, then they will wait ages for the right moment to strike. If Hao Fan indeed is the killer of Samuel, we're doomed as it is. Tomorrow is the Last Session of Summer. We do it, Marion leaves to find Samuels killer, then we're in the clear." He said, Marcus didnt like it, nor did Mark, but it made the most sense at the time

For a long moment nothing was said. Finally Marcus spoke. "So its true then, You want the credits, you want to leave Scala ad Caelum a second time, why ? What is out there for you ?"

Mark stared at his father in confusion. "What ?"

"Its true" Malik said, Mark looked at him, all eyes were on them both. "Samuel and I chatted over dinner last night, and the night before, he'd found books, log books, of where and who left the city island and where they went. He even showed me the books."

Mark didnt know what to say, he stood up and went t othe door, looking out of it, turning slightly he asked Malik. "Where did he find the books ?"

"In the Hall of Stories. He even took me there to where he found them. I went there this morning, we planned to meet there before todays Session with Teacher. I got there before him, all I found in those books places were piles of ash. Samuel accused me of burning them, but the Keeper of Stories and I spoke before I headed there, the Keeper was the only person to have seen me before Samuel and I met up, he even guided me there to where we met up. I swear I didnt burn those books" Malik said, Mark simply stared at him

"If Elsa and I left Scala ad Caelum for Aerendelle, we would have known it. She wants off Scala ad Caelum as much as I do" Mark said, He turned to face his father. "So if Elsa and I did leave Scala ad Caelum, where did we go ? Did the book say that ?"

Malik shook his head. "The books said only that you left Scala ad Caleum by boat, but the Keeper reported in another book that none of the other island cities recorded your arrival there. Nobody knows where you two went"

"Arendelle" Marion said a moment later. Everyone looked at her, even Marcus. "Elsa and Mark left Scala Ad Caelum, the only place on the Keepers maps that is the closest to here is a town called Arendelle, to the northeast. Where else would they go ?"

James stood. "If they went to Arendelle, why doesnt Scala ad Caelum report that ? Why did they go there in the first place ? Can you remember the trip at all ?" Mark shook his head that he did not.

"It does not matter right now, what matters is tomorrow is the last Session of Summer, and Samuel is slain by a member of Shadow Mist Sect. Be on your guard, all of you. You are dismissed" Marcus said, the others filed out, leaving Mark alone with his father, it didnt make sense to him whatsoever. "Is something troubling you son ?"

"If Elsa and I did leave Scala ad Caelum last year, why cant we remember it ?" Mark said, "If we did go to Arendelle, what did we do there, why did we go there ?"

"That I cannot answer. But I can say this. You will do as fate dictates, if you indeed went out of Scala ad Caelum as the books Malik speaks of said you did, if someone came here when you returned, find out who it was that came here" Marcus said. "In the meantime, let me worry about Shadow Mist Sect. Go attend to your lessons." Marcus told him, Mark nodded, a brief bow to his father and he left the Hall. His mind still working on plans. Wouldnt the Keeper have records of any arrivals to Scala ad Caelum ? That could help with his planning wouldnt it ?

-8-8-8-

"Are you sure that is a good idea ?" DiT asked to Nara as the man casually sat upon a tree overlooking the ancient lakeside. "Allowing them to bring up the topic of the dream of going to Arendelle this soon will only make things harder for everyone, us included"

"For once, relax, I want them awake as much as you do. By moving things in this manner we bring closer to light certain events. Mark wants off Scala ad Caelum, even to go to another city island, why are we stopping him from doing so ?" Nara said simply. "I have been all across Scala ad Caleum and all its city islands. With my memories to construct the place in full, Mark can go to any island he wishes."

"This is not your task" DiT said, giving him a hard look as the hooded man looked towards her. "I give you your missions within the simulated town, nothing in your missions is changed. If you keep this up, they wont waken in time" DiT growled out. Nara smiled behind his hood, making DiT mad wasnt exactly amusing, but the way she was acting in his revealing certain things however was amusing in and of itself to begin with.

"Relax for once, you've been seated at that computer for too long, its time to take a rest for the time being and let me handle things. Mark wont dream about leaving until the restoration is past seventy percent anyhow" Nara said simply When DiT Was about to speak Nara raised a gloved hand. "Let me put it this way, You take a break, and let me handle the simulation from within it. That way I can both observe and if needed, eliminate any... unwanteds. Agreed ?"

For long moments DiT said nothing, finally she sighed and nodded. "Very well, You are correct, I need to take a break. Go into the simulation. Observe, and if needed, eliminate anyone of the Shadow Mist Sect, or further Shadowlings unnamed." Nara smiled behind his mask and waved DiT to take her rest. As he did so a portal opened and he fell into it. Like DiT had agreed, he had a task to do.

-8-8-8-

The door to the Hall of Stories opened and Mark stepped in. He was curious, since Malik said there was a book that recored every ship leaving Scala ad Caelum, whatabout a book of arrivals ? Going right to the keepers desk he tapped twice on it. The hour was about ten am in the morning.

"Young Master Wolfe, how may I be of service ?" Said the Keeper, a young ish appearing man, with silver hair, and black eyes.

"This morning two boys were here, one said they spoke with you before meeting up at a certain place within this Hall, But I am not lookong for where they met, but for a certain Book" Mark said

"What kind of book ? Scroll, bone scroll, slatroll or pillowbook ?" The Keeper asked simply.

Mark thought a moment then said "I'm lookong for a book of arrivals to Scala ad Caelum, every city island I assume has one kept somewhere ?"

The Keeper nodded. Standing up the man said "Follow me" He guided Mark to a small area out of the way but within easy hearing distance of the main walkway. Pulling a book from the shelf he handed it to Mark. "These Arrival Records are arrainged by year. This book denotes since the start of spring to now; an identical copy is kept at each dock and cable car station." The Keeper stepped back as Mark stepped closer, finding what he sought. "I will be at my desk if you need me" Mark thanked him and set the book he had been given back on the shelf.

Pulling the desired book out he started through it. He found nothing of any important arrivals since Malik had said it was recorded a year beforew when he and Elsa had left for Arendelle. So he figured, search for arrivals, he started first looking for anyone of the Wolfe clan, when that didnt work he search first by name. Then by last name, and finally by date. The book in question was in four parts, and was set up like a typical pillowbook. Flicking quickly through the pages of the book and went through a few slatscrolls before finding the date.

Reading softly to himself he read aloud "August ninth, one fifty three PM, Muledeer wagon transporting three people and weapons arrives at Schola Atrium. Driver Mike pays for passage." Mark set his jaw then confused. Well that was unhelpful to say in the least. He flipped two more pages and then stared. "Arrival, two women, sisters, Crown Princess Tiri pays for passage and accomendations." Mark closed the book gently. Taking it he went for the Keeper

"Yes Young Master ?" The Keeper asked, "Did you find what you sought ?"

"I did, for the most part in as much time as I have right now, May I take this pillowbook of records of arrivals to Scala ad Caelum home with me for the week ?" Mark asked holding it into view. He didnt plan on stealing, far from it.

The keeper smiled. "Normally the records of arrival and departures are not permitted to leave the Hall of Stories, But, you and your family are most trusted among the elders and families here, Yes, you may take the book, for seven sunrises. I expect it back here on the eighth sunrise." The Keeper said, he then allowed Mark to leae the structure. As soon as Mark left the building and the door closed behind him the Keeper sighed. He heard a soft breath. "For now, Mark has his answers, it will keep him on his toes until the real threat arises."

-8-8-8-

Across the island city, Anna found Marion, it was just after one in the afternoon. Marion hadnt been seen since that meeting with their father and the others that morning in the Main Hall. "Hey, are you OK ?" Anna asked her sister. Marion shook her head no. "What happened ?"

"Samuel's dead" Marion said dejectedly. Anna didnt know what to say to her sister about that, She hadnt been that close to Samuel growing up, werent they cousins ? Why was Marion acting so strange about it ? "A guy from Shadow Mist Sect, killed him."

"I see, is that where the cube came from ?" Anna asked, nodding to the cube in Marions hand. It shimmered a strange dance of colors and patterns in her hands.

"Teacher said that only one of them would come out alive, I asked teacher about it directly, it was true. But they were hoping Samuel would return. Malik even swore he hoped he'd perish during the session." Marion explained to her sister.

Anna for a long moment didnt say anything, then she asked "Did you have the dream again last night ?"

"About you and Elsa joining our little family ?" Marion replied

"Yes, that one" Anna replied

"Not last night, but the night before, yes, when I saw the fight outside my window I had the dream, but last night directly, no I didnt dream" Marion said, Looking up to her she asked "Why ?"

"I dont know, I was just looking at the cube and trying to decern what importance it could be, only to find and think, maybe its connected to the dreams we're having ?" Anna said simply

"You havent told mother or father yet have you ?" Marion asked her. Anna shook her head no. Marion sighed "I think we might have to tell them, tomorrow or the day after. Father gave me leave to do tomorrows Session, and then find Samuels killer."

"Did you see his face ?" Anna asked

"No, but I heard his voice, and will recognise his stature. Plus I know his name. Hao Fan, the envoy of the Shadow Mist Sect" Marion said simply. It made little if any sense for why that ancient cult would suddenly just show up and kill Samuel so quickly. "I just cant understand or fathom of why Samuel became their target." She looked at the cube in her hands, tossing it into the air, it was about the size of a common rubiks cube. Marion stood up, looking to her sister she held the cube up and again stossed it into the air. "Whatever is on this, it killed Samuel, the Envoy killed Samuel but forgot to take the cube, he even tried to kill me before Samuel drove him off.

"Wait, I thought you said Samuel was killed by the guy then you fought him, how could Sam drive the guy off if he was already dead ?" Anna interected. Marion smiled trust her sister to figure out the problem dead on.

"The man mortally wounded Samuel, when the man was about to strike me down, Samuel used the last of his strength to kill the man, but I dont think he is really dead." Marion said "He faded into smoke while laughing"

"That cube has why Samuel died, lets find out what its for" Anna said, Marion nodded, the two women headed for the Session Hall where the teachers waited, it was about three in the afternoon by the time the two found the desired teacher.

"Can I help you ? The brown haired woman asked simply

"Yes" Marion held the cube up for the teacher to see. "This cube was what Samuel was sent to recover as part of todays Session, I think what is on it got him killed. Can you open it and show us what is in it ?"

Giving the two women a hard look Teacher held out a hand, Marion set the cube on it and it floated in the air a brief moment before its puzzle locks activated and opened without a sound, a holographic imagery of various items formed in the air around the cube. Little pictures no larger than a palm of ones hand. As they viewed it, Teacher said "It appears that the information on this cube that killed Samuel concerns an event he had either witnessed by chance or come across through a Session of Researching."

"What do you mean ?" Marion asked

"Its possible that Samuel had witnessed a event that included his killer, or had seen his killes face at some point in the past." Teacher replied calmly Another scene formed and they all saw it. Samuel had indeed spoken the truth concerning the books of departure kept in the Hall of Stories. "It appears that by finding that book, he drew the attention of unwanted men"

"Father has given me leave to search Scala ad Calelum, eve nthe other islkand cities as I see fit to find and bring Samuels killer to justice." Marion said, howerver finding the Shadow Mist Sect, even their envoy, wasnt going to be easy in and of itself.

"Your father made the right choice in letting you conduct your search of the city islands, if you need any help at all, contact the Keeper in each city Hall of Stories, every island city has one" Teacher replied. "But be warned, aside from aiding you, the Keepers have other duties, and they can and if needed will, hinder you in your search. Trust only those you know in your heart you can trust while on this search." Marion and Anna nodded, Teacher smiled, the images faded and the cube returned to its normal colors and patterns shifted endlessly. Teacher handed the cube back to Marion. "Hold onto this, you might need it. Dismissed"

Marion and Anna smiled, the two women nodded and briefly bowed to Teacher before leaving, it was time to go home to get dinner and be readied for the next day. One more session.

RESTORATION AT 48%