Tales from the Rebellion (Book 6 of the Chosen Universe)

by PinkAtHart

A series of one-shot stories about the Eltarian Rebellion. If you've read my other Power Rangers fics, you're familiar with the Rebels. Here you'll find bits of history from the Eltarian Rebellion as well as the stories behind what made the Rebels end up following the paths they did. Featuring all of the Rebels you know from the Chosen fics universe and some new ones.

37. Thirty-Seven: Flight (Lido's Origins)

THIRTY-SEVEN: FLIGHT (This is Lido's origin story. It was the very first one I knew I wanted to write, and it is the very last one I am writing. That's right! After this, there will be no more Tales from the Rebellion. This story heavily features Daphne, Serafine, Ash, Laby, Jezzeff, Celestia, Keizos, Zell, Young Zordon, Tiktah, and Aliese. It also features a few other familiar faces including the Witch.)

Eltar was a planet filled with superstitious people. They believed in omens and did not trust things they didn't understand. That was part of the reason why, when Zadia gave birth to her son, she panicked.

She had given birth alone in the woods. Strangely, hundreds of birds surrounded her as she screamed and delivered her baby. They all seemed to focus entirely on her, as if they were awaiting something.

She blacked out from blood loss. When she awoke, a man was tending to the infant. He smiled when he realized she was awake.

"You were in rough shape, but all is well now," he said soothingly. "I am Hill. The baby is healthy... And rather big!" He smiled as he handed the infant to her.

The child was very large for a newborn. Zadia had never seen such a big infant. As she held him, he looked into her eyes with trust and curiosity.

His skin is too dark, she realized. Meezan will suspect he is not his son.

The affair had been short. Zadia and Meezan had traveled to Earth on business. Meezan had been working when Zadia met a handsome man with unusual powers. He was one of Earth's Mystics. He was very tall and extremely handsome. His kind smile had warmed Zadia's heart. Meezan was never kind to her. She had married him only because it was her father's dying wish.

They married when Zadia was fifteen, days before her father's demise from a long illness. A year later, Zadia had given birth to her first child, a boy she and her husband named Colby. She'd heard the name on one of her trips to Earth and she rather liked the sound of it.

Colby was a happy boy. He was cheerful and had a gift for music. He brought joy to everyone he met. Zadia adored him and Meezan believed he would bring honor to their family. He was a little mischievous, but that just endeared him to people even more. Now, Colby was thirteen, and Zadia had a newborn to focus on.

"What will you call the boy?" Hill asked.

"Lido," she replied softly.

"A strong name for a strong boy," Hill decided with approval.

When Zadia brought Lido home, Colby was immediately excited. He gushed over the infant and was quick to take up the roles of both caregiver and playmate.

Meezan took one look at the child and frowned. As soon as he got Zadia alone, he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against the wall. He'd never do that with Colby nearby, because the boy would not tolerate such violence toward his mother.

"What did you do, Zadia?" He demanded.

"Apologies, my husband... I was too frightened to tell you the truth," Zadia sobbed. "When we last went to Earth, a savage attacked me..."

She hated lying about a man who had been so good to her, but she feared Meezan would kill her. "You were attacked," he repeated.

"I am so sorry, my husband... Please forgive me."

He nodded and released her. "It is not your fault, my beautiful wife," he said. "Tell me his name. He will learn his lesson... I will see to it he never harms another."

She wanted to lie, but she couldn't. If Meezan didn't find him, he'd kill her for lying. He'll just go confront him, she thought. He would never risk his career over killing a man from Earth.

"He is called Onacona," she replied. She'd loved his name. It meant white owl, and she thought that was beautiful. She honestly loved everything about him, and in that moment, she wished she'd run away to stay with him... But she couldn't leave Colby. That was the one thing that had stopped her.

"Onacona," Meezan repeated. "Tell no one. We will raise the boy as my son." He stormed out of the house.

Within a day, Meezan found Onacona. The kind, gentle man was tending to the woods when Meezan approached. The birds began to make a commotion.

Onacona looked up at Meezan and frowned as he saw his weapon. "This is a poor choice," he said.

"You violated my wife! I will teach you not to take what belongs to others!" Meezan declared.

The birds surrounded Onacona protectively. He muttered soothing words to them before sending them away and facing Meezan. The Eltarian had never seen birds listen to a person in such a way before.

He is an Aviary, he thought. The strange entity with great power over birds, as the prophecy described.

A long time ago, a very superstitious Eltarian had written a prophecy about a great entity coming to Eltar who would have enormous power within him. His previously unseen gift would likely lead to horrible things, or so the Prophet claimed.

I must destroy him before he can destroy us, Meezan decided.

Onacona hated violence, but Meezan left him little choice but to defend himself. The two men battled for a short time before Meezan cast a very dark spell to poison the Aviary. He began coughing up blood, his eyes wide with shock. The birds returned, panicking as they surrounded him. Meezan left Onacona to die in the woods.

It was Amos who found him. He had tried to reach him before it was too late, but it was not meant to be.

"Apologies, my friend," he said sadly. He recited a blessing for Onacona's spirit before bringing him back home.

Soon, Amos saw exactly what had led to Onacona's demise. He also saw the difficult path his son would face. "I swear to you, Onacona, I shall find your son when the time is right, and I shall help him become who he is meant to be," he vowed.

Back on Eltar, Meezan confessed his crime to Zadia. She was terrified of what Meezan would do if she ever crossed him. Heartbroken, she couldn't bear to look at her son. Colby was tasked with doing nearly everything for the infant. He didn't mind because he adored his baby brother.

For nearly three years, Colby was the only one to show Lido affection. As Lido grew, he was far too big for a child his age. Birds also reacted to him, and Meezan and Zadia realized he was an Aviary like his father.

"He will only bring destruction to us," Meezan insisted.

"He is just a boy, my husband," Zadia protested.

"He is evil, Zadia! We cannot raise this creature!"

Of course, they couldn't just abandon him. Colby would never stand for it. Meezan began considering ways to murder the abomination. He would have to make it look like an accident or he might face criminal charges.

For several months, Meezan tried to kill the boy. He tried everything he could think of, but somehow, the boy always survived. He left a scar on the center of his forehead, but even that injury didn't kill the boy. Meezan had no idea that back on Earth, Amos had cast a protection charm on the boy to save him from such attacks.

It wasn't until a week before the boy's third birthday that an opportunity presented itself. At first when the Witch showed herself, Meezan was hesitant to speak with her. Then, she blurted out, "I can help you get rid of the boy!"

"What do you want in exchange?" Meezan asked.

"Nothing much. I only wish to collect your child."

"Of course. Take him! Tell me what to do."

She smiled as she cackled. "Shake my hand to seal the deal," she said.

He extended his hand. She cut it before shaking it, sealing their pact in blood. Meezan did not realize she had chosen her words cautiously and deliberately.

Two days later, the Witch told Meezan to bring Lido to the woods with his wife. Zadia did not protest abandoning their son. After all, he was said to be an abomination, even if he was so much like the man she had loved.

They left Lido alone in the woods with only the clothes on his back. Zadia refused to let herself say goodbye as they abandoned him. He wasn't quite three yet. He would surely die out there within days.

When they returned to their home, they discovered an enormous amount of blood. Colby was nowhere to be found.

"Witch! Witch, what is the meaning of this?" Meezan demanded.

"I told you the price, Meezan," the Witch replied with a laugh.

"I gave you the boy! We left him where you instructed us to!"

"I said I wanted your son, Meezan. Lido is not your son... Colby, however, is."

"You murdered my son?" He demanded.

"You paid a price and I got rid of your burden. Lido is no longer your problem. You're welcome!" She cackled again before vanishing.

They never found Colby's body. No one ever figured out that was because Colby wasn't dead. The Witch tortured something to "death," but she never realized it was a powerful tulpa created by Amos, who hid Colby on Earth because he knew it was the only way to protect him.

If Lido had been any other toddler, he would have perished quickly. Instead, he was raised by birds. A phelinx who shared his birthday became his constant companion. Zuzu ensured Lido was taken care of. He and the other birds brought him berries and fruit until he was old enough to learn to fend for himself. Since he could easily communicate with them, he soon became far more comfortable doing that than speaking aloud. Lido was barely old enough to have a mild grasp of the Eltarian language when he was abandoned. He soon lost many of the words he did know because he no longer used them.

Five long years passed. Word spread of the "Beast Boy of the Woods." People occasionally saw a child living in the woods like an animal, but he seemed feral, and no one was willing to approach him. They feared him, and as it became clear he was an Aviary, that fear grew worse.

Lido was quite content to avoid people and live amongst birds and other animals. Sleeping beneath the night sky or in a small hut he made out of mud when the weather was poor felt natural to him. He had everything he needed right there in the woods, and he learned quickly that the few people who dared to approach him rarely had good intentions. Luckily, any time someone tried to kill him because they believed he was evil, their attempts mysteriously failed.

One day, he was quite surprised to see Zuzu in the company of a person he didn't know. The little girl had blonde hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. She radiated with light and reminded Lido of the sun. The fact that Zuzu seemed to like her combined with her innocent smile made Lido consider trusting her.

She began making the light dance for Zuzu. Lido had never seen such magic. Her ability to call the sun intrigued him, and he cautiously moved closer to her.

"Hello," the girl greeted him cheerfully.

Lido paused. He hadn't expected such a pleasant greeting. Most people screamed when they saw him. There was no fear in the girl's eyes as she smiled at him.

Lido motioned toward Zuzu. "Is he yours?" The girl asked. Lido nodded as Zuzu rubbed his head against the girl's face. She giggled, and the sound brought joy to Lido's heart. "What's his name?" She asked.

"Zuzu," Lido replied.

She smiled wider as she realized he could speak. "What is your name?" She asked. He hesitated, so she added, "I am Daphne. It is nice to meet you. What do I call you?"

He understood enough of her words to decide how to reply. "Lido," he said. One word answers were simple enough.

"Lido," she repeated. "Let's be friends."

Lido was surprised by her invitation. Friend was a word he vaguely remembered. He sat beside her with Zuzu.

Daphne was a little shy, but Lido wasn't really talking, so she decided to try harder to keep communicating with him. She engaged in a long conversation with him, and he enjoyed it. He replied when he could, although his grasp of the language was far weaker than hers. Still, somehow, he understood the meaning of her words.

Curiously, Daphne traced the scar on his forehead as he sat beside her. The motion was gentle and caring, like she wanted to heal it, but the injury was too old. It still made Lido feel oddly comforted. Whenever he seemed sad in later years, she would repeat this act to bring him some peace.

When people discovered the youngest Veritez child playing with the Beast Boy of the Woods, they panicked. "Stay away from him, Daphne! He is dangerous! A savage!" They insisted.

Every time this happened, Daphne would smile at them and politely reply, "No, he is not. His name is Lido, and he is my friend."

No matter who tried to talk her out of it, Daphne stubbornly refused to stop visiting Lido in the woods and playing with him and Zuzu. Soon enough, Lido began returning her smiles and looking forward to her visits.

Tiktah and Aliese heard their daughter was in danger and tried to insist she stop running off to see the boy in the woods. She gave them the same polite reply as everyone else.

Realizing she wouldn't listen to them for once, Tiktah and Aliese asked Serafine and Ash to reason with their baby sister. They followed Daphne into the woods and watched her as she played with Lido and Zuzu.

"He is incredibly big for a child, but he is not a threat," Serafine decided.

"Sera, are you certain?" Ash asked nervously.

"Look at them. They are simply playing together innocently, as children should. He is not going to harm her. He is being very gentle with her."

Ash couldn't deny she was right. They decided to approach the two younger children. Lido tensed at the sight of them and moved protectively in front of Daphne.

"Sera! Ash!" Daphne cried in delight. "These are my friends, Lido and Zuzu." She motioned toward the phelinx as she said his name.

"Hi, Lido... And Zuzu," Serafine said indulgently. "I am Daphne's big sister, Sera, and this is our brother, Ash. It's nice to meet you."

There was something about Sera's warm smile that reassured Lido. He nodded. "Hello," he replied.

"He speaks," Ash said in surprise. "People say he is feral and doesn't communicate."

"Lido mostly talks to birds," Daphne replied, "but he talks to me, too. He just doesn't know a lot of words. I'm trying to teach him more... Like hug!" She looked at Lido expectantly. He smiled slightly before wrapping his arms around her. She snuggled against him contently.

"Our parents were worried, but I don't think you want to harm Daphne," Sera said. "Do you?"

"No," Lido replied. "Daphne is friend."

"That should be Daphne is my friend," Ash corrected him gently, "but that was pretty close. I can help you learn proper sentence structure." He offered Lido an eager smile.

Sera laughed. "Ash is very scholarly. That means he likes learning things," she explained. "How old are you, Lido?"

Lido paused. He couldn't count very high, but he looked at Zuzu, who told him the answer. "Eight," he replied.

"With your size, I'd have guessed twelve or thirteen," Ash said in surprise. "You are still just a child."

"Lido, since Daphne has stubbornly insisted on being your friend no matter what anyone tells her, we're going to be your friends, too," Sera decided.

"Friends?" Lido repeated.

"Friends. And we'll tell our parents they can trust you. So you don't have to hide from us, okay?"

Lido nodded. As a few weeks went by, Sera and Ash came to accept Lido as another younger sibling. Soon, he met their unusual companion, Laby. The boy had strange magic and an even stranger sense of humor, but he was extremely close to Sera, Ash, and Daphne, and that was good enough for Lido. Laby soon also began calling Lido his friend, affectionately nicknaming him Bird Boy.

Lido also met Terridian's nephew, Jezzeff. Jezzeff made Lido nervous for reasons he didn't understand. After all, he was like family to the Veritez siblings. Jezzeff was always very polite to Lido. He showed him kindness. He was never cruel to him and never showed him fear. Still, Zuzu did not like him, and that made Lido reluctant to trust him. The first time Jezzeff tried to affectionately pet Daphne's head in front of him, Zuzu pecked at his hand angrily until he stopped touching her. Daphne had tried to explain to the phelinx that Jezzeff was a friend, but Zuzu didn't seem to accept that.

Over the next few months, Lido told Daphne the little he knew of his past. He didn't know who his parents were, but the birds had told him they had abandoned him out of fear. He sometimes had vague flashes of an older boy with a bright smile that comforted him, but he didn't know who he was. Unfortunately, that was all he recalled of his beloved older brother, not even understanding they were related.

When Lido first met Daphne, he could already share his sight with Zuzu. They'd had that bond since the day they met. One day, something unexpected happened.

It started when Daphne stumbled and fell into a ravine. She hit her head on a rock, and although she didn't black out, she was too injured to move. She was in pain and became terrified as it started getting dark.

Suddenly, Lido could see through Daphne's eyes just like he often saw through Zuzu's. He felt everything she was feeling. Looking around as she did, Lido realized exactly where she was.

The connection broke as Daphne lost consciousness. Lido immediately ran toward the ravine as fast as he could. He found Daphne and started climbing down to her. He tended to the worst of her injuries before carefully picking her up in his arms. At eight, Lido was young but very strong. He easily carried the five-year-old as he made his way out of the ravine.

Daphne awoke as Lido gently set her down on safer ground. He began tending to her other injuries, using herbs and plants he'd learned helped heal his own injuries over the years.

"Lido..." She groaned softly.

"Safe," Lido replied soothingly. "Daphne safe."

She smiled at him weakly. "You rescued me."

"I saw it... Like I was you. I see what you see."

"Like you do with Zuzu?"

He nodded. "But how?" Daphne asked. Lido shrugged. He honestly had no idea, but he was grateful it had happened.

When she was in better shape, Lido carried her home. Tiktah opened the door and eyed them with concern. "Daphne, what happened?" He asked. "We were very worried when you didn't come home. Your mother and I just took a brief break from searching for you to check if you had come back."

"I fell into the ravine," Daphne admitted. "Lido found me. He saved me!"

"Oh, my sweet girl..." Tiktah replied, smiling sadly and shaking his head. He was well aware of how clumsy Daphne was.

Lido cautiously set her down. He'd had to bind her right ankle with vines and sticks, but it seemed to support her weight well enough. "Did you do this?" Tiktah asked as he looked at her ankle.

"Yes," Lido replied nervously.

"You did an excellent job. Thank you for taking care of my little girl. Come inside for a bit."

Lido had never been invited into a house before. He nervously hesitated. "It's alright, Lido," Daphne said. "Mother is making tea. I can smell it."

From that day on, Tiktah and Aliese accepted Lido as part of their family. Aliese tried to convince him to move into their home, but Lido still preferred sleeping outside. She took care of him when he allowed it, but he was still reluctant to let people do much for him. Despite this, Tiktah and Aliese became the closest thing to parents Lido had, and he loved them as much as he loved their children.

Daphne and Lido continued to share sight. If either of them was in danger or became especially emotional, the other would get pulled into their mind and see and feel exactly what they were experiencing. It made Daphne feel very safe, and it made Lido happy to know he could bond with another person on such a deep level.

For two years, Lido grew closer to Daphne, Sera, Ash, and Laby. He tolerated Jezzeff but still kept the boy at a distance. He loved Daphne, Sera, and Ash with everything he had, and Laby always found ways to make him laugh. He was a little odd, but Lido valued his friendship very much. Daphne and Ash both helped Lido improve his language skills, and they took turns teaching him how to read and write.

The last thing Lido expected was to make any other friends. Still, when he spotted a boy, beaten and trembling in the woods, he approached him.

"Here," Lido said after a minute. He offered a blanket to the boy, who simply stared at him in silence. "You are shivering," Lido pointed out before wrapping the blanket around him.

The boy nodded at Lido but did not speak. Lido was reminded of his first encounter with Daphne. What would Daphne do? He wondered. Suddenly, he knew. "I am called Lido," he said. "Do you have a name?"

"Keizos," the boy replied. "Mother called me Kei. I liked that."

Lido nodded. "You are safe now, Kei. Whatever happened, you have escaped."

Keizos was clearly exhausted. He fell asleep quickly in the woods. When he awoke shortly after, Lido had presented him with food, which Keizos eagerly devoured. He had clearly been starved.

"I can get more if you like," Lido said.

"This is more than enough," Keizos replied quickly.

"You were treated unkindly," Lido observed. "I was also unloved and abandoned."

"The people of our village fear me."

"They fear me, too... Daphne and her siblings have helped people see I am not what they think... They can help you. Rest here. I shall take you to Daphne in the morning."

When Laby returned later, he found that Keizos was not alone. A girl sat beside him. Her eyes reminded Lido of the night sky. They had actual stars in them. Only Laby had such unusual eyes, with the golden spirals he usually shifted to avoid accidentally hypnotizing people. This girl's eyes were oddly comforting.

Lido was still concerned she might be a threat. "Who are you? How did you find us?" He asked suspiciously.

"I am Celestia. You must be the Aviary... Lido, yes? My cousin Laby has mentioned you live in these woods," Celestia replied.

"I did not know Labyrinth had a cousin," Lido replied in confusion. That might explain her unusual eyes. He decided to try to trust her for the time being.

"We do not always get to visit, however, my parents had business in town and brought me along. Something drew me here..." She looked at Keizos. "Why do you cry?" She asked. Keizos did indeed have tears in his eyes, making Lido concerned.

"It's dark... It is always so dark... In my mind..." Keizos replied softly.

Celestia reached toward him. He recoiled, clearly expecting to be hit. "I will not harm you," she promised him. She touched his cheek gently, wiping away his tears before raising her hand to the sky. "Look," she said soothingly. "The stars are dancing for you."

Lido looked up, too. Sure enough, the stars began to dance in the sky. Lido was startled. He had seen the stars do that before, but he never realized someone's magic was the cause. He decided anyone with such light magic must be trustworthy.

The next morning, Lido learned that Keizos was wanted for High Treason. He had killed his father, an Eltarian Senator. As Keizos tearfully confessed to the crime, Lido and Celestia paid close attention to his words.

"He was hurting you, Kei," Celestia said soothingly. "He deserved what he got. Besides, they cannot prove anything. You say nothing was left behind."

"The Great Wizard has identified that Keizos is responsible. No one will question his word," Lido said, recalling what he'd heard from Tiktah and Aliese. "Yet, you were defending yourself... They may drop this if you appeal to him."

"How would I meet with the Great Wizard of Eltar? He has no reason to assist me," Keizos argued.

"I shall ask him," Celestia said firmly. "People listen to me. Perhaps he will, too."

"Certainly he has better things to concern himself with..."

"We shall never know unless we try." Celestia walked away, too determined to let his meek protests stop her.

Somehow, Celestia convinced Zell to drop the charges against Keizos. From that day on, Celestia and Keizos began to visit Lido frequently. As Zell mentored them, Celestia and Keizos trusted only Lido enough to show him what they were learning. Their magic balanced each other. According to a prophecy, together, they would lead people out of the darkness and into the light.

Lido was grateful to have new companions. In his early years, he had never imagined having one person befriend him, let alone the number of friends he had now. Keizos spent most of his time in the woods because his childhood abuse had left him severely claustrophobic. Lido also greatly disliked being confined indoors and the two bonded over that. Celestia visited as often as she could, bringing light to them both. When Lido was sad and Daphne wasn't beside him, Celestia was always able to cheer him up.

Life was good for a while. Lido continued growing closer to his small but comforting circle of friends. Tiktah and Aliese treated him as if he was their own child, and Tiktah even began to affectionately call him "Son." Sera and Ash moved to the City, but they returned frequently to visit Daphne, and it always brought Lido joy to see them. Laby often came with them. Sometimes, Celestia would join him on those visits.

The first sign of trouble came when Talon died. The dragons fell into a frenzy of despair and anger. Lido couldn't communicate with them, but he watched them as they flew through the woods in a state he'd never seen them in before.

He had never seen Serafine so devastated, although she tried to hide it. Ash wasn't doing much better. The two began pulling away from everyone, although Sera appeared to remain devoted to her boyfriend, Zell. Lido had never met him, but people talked about him constantly. He was very respected and revered, and no one ever questioned him. Zell was Eltar's Great Wizard, a wonderful man whose purpose in life was to help others.

Daphne was as devastated as her older siblings when Talon perished. She sobbed in Lido's arms after the funeral when Sera and Ash left to return to the City. "Talon was my family," she said softly.

"I know," Lido replied. He'd been exposed to Talon less than Daphne had, but he still knew and liked him. He understood her grief. He had never seen the generally happy child so broken, and he hated it. He desperately wanted to make her feel better. "Come with me," he said.

Daphne sniffled and took his hand. He led her deeper into the woods until they reached a clearing surrounded by trees. A nest of baby birds sat in one of the trees. The birds looked at them curiously. Daphne smiled as she spotted them.

"They're so cute," she said as she moved closer to them. They chirped happily in response.

Several other animals moved through as Daphne and Lido stood beneath the nest. Daphne's sorrow soon lessened as she looked at all of them. Some approached her and let her pet them as if they sensed her pain and wanted to help her. Lido felt relieved as Daphne soon began playing with the animals and giggling.

Her laugh is like the sun, he thought. It warms my spirit and brings me peace.

He stayed close to her after that, emerging from the woods often to check on her and make sure she was okay. Although she missed Talon terribly, she tried to keep her spirits up. Spending time with Lido seemed to help her do that.

One afternoon, Daphne kissed his cheek as she often did. She could only manage this if he was sitting, as he was significantly talker than her. He smiled, feeling peaceful as he held her. They snuggled beneath the clouds, watching them float through the sky.

A flock of birds flew by. Lido envied them. Sometimes, he felt more like a bird than a person, only he couldn't take to the sky and be as free as they were. At night, in his dreams, he flew amongst them. That was when he felt the most at peace. On occasion, gryphons allowed Lido to climb onto their backs and he was able to experience the real sensation of flight for himself.

"Lido... May I stay here with you tonight?" Daphne asked.

"Your parents will worry if you do," Lido pointed out.

"I'll send them a message. They do not worry when I am with you. They know you keep me safe." She smiled at him.

Lido melted at the look of hope in her eyes. "Of course, Daphne. I would like that," he admitted.

She looked nervous as it became clear she was tired. "We can rest now if you like," Lido said.

"I'm frightened," she replied.

He frowned. "What frightens you?" He asked.

"The woman in my dreams... She is very dark, and she wants to hurt me."

"Who is she?"

"They call her the Witch... She torments me almost nightly. I hate sleeping because I know she will come."

"I will protect you, Daphne. If you are frightened, reach out to me. I will connect to you in your dreams and chase her away," he promised.

As Lido stretched out on the grass, he opened his arms for her. Daphne curled up with her head on his chest. He wrapped one arm protectively around her as she drifted off to sleep listening to his heartbeat.

I cannot fly, he thought, but this brings me almost as much peace.

She had no nightmares that night. Neither did Lido. He liked waking up with her still in his arms. It was comforting to know she was safe.

The next night, everything would change. The dragons flew into a bigger frenzy than ever. Lido knew something was very wrong.

He found himself seeing through Daphne's eyes suddenly. She was extremely distraught. Somehow, she knew what had happened... Serafine was dead. She was inconsolable and unable to tell her parents why she was upset. She simply kept sobbing, "Sera..." Assuming she just missed her big sister, Tiktah tried to comfort her by enchanting her blankets and sheets to dance around the room while Aliese held her and told her it was only a bad dream. Daphne knew better.

"Not Sera..." Lido mumbled in horror. He knew Daphne was right. Sera was gone. Something horrible had happened. He could feel her absence almost as much as Daphne. Still, he denied it to himself.

It was a nightmare, he insisted. Sera is fine. All is well. It was only a horrible dream...

Zell came to Terrio Vas the following morning. He arrived carrying Sera in his arms like an infant. She was covered in blood.

Aliese gasped in horror before trying to shield Daphne's eyes, but Daphne refused to look away. "Sera!" She cried, trying to break free of her mother's arms to reach her sister. She only stopped when Tiktah took Sera into his arms, sank to his knees, and began to weep. Lido had never seen Tiktah break down like that before.

"People of Eltar," Zell began in a soft tone. "A great tragedy has befallen us this day. It pains me deeply to report I found my beloved Belladonna savagely and brutally butchered in the home we shared. Even I could not protect her from this fate."

It was Laby who spoke first. He let out a sob of grief unlike anything Lido had ever heard before. "Sera..." He whispered before falling to his knees beside Tiktah. He wept openly as he gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her eyes. "Who d-did t-this to y-y-you?" He stuttered out.

Daphne pulled free from her mother's arms and ran to Laby. As she stared at Sera's body, she froze. Laby automatically pulled Daphne into his arms. He refused to let her look at Sera, using his chest to hide her eyes from the sight. He kissed the top of her head soothingly. "D-don't look, Daphne," he said softly. "She... She w-wouldn't want you to look."

Lido knew that was what finally made the truth sink in for Daphne. Laby's tears landed on her face, and she started to cry with him. "Sera..." She sobbed softly.

"Serafine... My beautiful, cherished Sera..." Tiktah said, his voice cracking.

Laby released Daphne as Lido wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Lido..." She cried out, losing herself in his embrace.

"I came as soon as I saw through your eyes," Lido replied soothingly. "I am so sorry, Daphne. How did this happen?"

"Yes... How did this happen? Who did such a thing to our beloved Serafine?" Laby's father, L'Derro, asked. He stood beside his wife, Maizza. She put a comforting hand on Laby's shoulder. This only made him cry harder. He stood and threw himself into his mother's arms.

"It is with great difficulty that I must report that my dear Bella's own brother, Ash, is responsible for this crime. I discovered him beside her, covered in her blood," Zell replied.

A hush fell over the crowd. "That's not possible," Aliese said.

"Had I not seen it for myself, I would agree. I do not understand how such evil consumed him." Zell sighed. "With a heavy heart, I must sentence Ash to death for High Treason for the murder of my lover."

Daphne shifted out of Lido's arms and stared at Zell in horror. She walked toward him with tears in her eyes. Humbly, she said, "Great Wizard, Sir... You must be mistaken."

Laby was the first to react. "Hush, Daphne," he said gently, looking horrified as he pulled her closer to him. "Please pardon the girl, Great Zell. She knows no better," he added quickly. Lido could tell Laby was terrified for Daphne's safety, although he couldn't understand why.

Zell looked at Daphne curiously. "Nonsense, Labyrinth," he replied. "The honesty of children is refreshing." He knelt down so he was closer to her height and not quite as intimidating. Gently, he said, "Hello, my dear. You are their sister, correct?"

She nodded nervously. "Please, Great Wizard... My brother would never harm Sera. Ash is gentle, and he loves her," she said softly as she forced herself to look into his eyes. She sniffled, trying to hold back more tears.

"Daphne... She adored you, you know," Zell replied softly. Lido was surprised by how gentle and concerned he had suddenly become with her. "She spoke so highly of you. I can see why."

"Please, Great Wizard, spare my brother's life... He is innocent. I know this in my heart," Daphne said bravely.

He looked at her sympathetically. "Your loyalty to your brother is admirable," he replied. "I wish I could do as you ask, my sweet Daphne." She started to cry again. Zell softened even more. "Now, now, none of that... I long to ease your pain, my sweet child." He gently wiped away her tears with his thumbs before pulling her into his arms and whispering soothing words as he stroked her back in slow circles, trying to calm her down.

She finally stopped crying. That put a small smile on Zell's face. "There. That's better," he said. "You are quite strong, my dear girl."

"I am not strong," she said sadly. "Sera was the strong one."

"I think you'll find you possess a strength of your own, my dear, deep within your heart."

"Daphne... We must go now," Aliese said softly. "We must prepare for what is to come." She pulled her away from Zell protectively. "Tiktah, my love..." She called gently.

Tiktah looked at her sadly, still clinging to Sera. Terridian approached and offered him his hand. "Stand up, Tiktah," he said. "It is time."

Tiktah nodded and stood. Terridian helped to steady him. Laby moved closer to Sera. "I'll k-keep her s-safe," he said. He opened up a labyrinth. "I-I- l-lo-love y-you, S-S-S..." He began, unable to say her name. His mother touched his shoulder again. Laby hid Sera safely in the labyrinth. Once it sealed shut, he collapsed again. Tiktah knelt and hugged him.

"Thank you for always loving her," Tiktah said. He patted Laby's back before rising and collecting Daphne from Aliese's arms. She sobbed in Tiktah's arms as he carried her.

Tiktah paused beside Zell. "Thank you for bringing her home to us," he said.

"Of course," Zell replied. "I am terribly sorry. We grieve as one."

Lido slipped back into the woods as Daphne's parents carried her home. Unable to get the visual of Sera's dead body covered in blood out of his mind, Lido began to run until he reached the deepest, darkest part of the woods. He collapsed onto his hands and knees, sobbing hysterically.

Not Sera... Please not Sera... He thought desperately.

"Lido?" Keizos called softly.

Lido tried to wipe away his tears, but more fell. "Keizos..." He began.

"I know what happened. Celestia is beside herself, and her parents won't let her go to Laby. Everyone knows how close Laby was to Serafine. The brutality of this murder has left the people talking of scandal, given her own brother did it, and Celestia's parents do not want to be associated with it. They are cutting Laby off."

"Laby is broken! How can they be so cruel to their own nephew? He needs Celestia's light now more than ever."

"Laby was also close to Ash. They don't want the taint of his friendship with a murderer to touch them."

"Ash is innocent," Lido said firmly.

"Lido... The Great Wizard himself saw him sitting beside her body, covered in her blood. Why would Great Zell lie about something like that?"

"He wouldn't... But there must be something we're missing. The Great Wizard must have been deceived. Perhaps Ash discovered her too late to save her, tried to help her anyway, and simply went into shock upon realizing he failed. That would explain how her blood got all over him. Ash would never harm Sera. He worshipped her, and he has not got a violent bone in his body. He is incapable of this crime."

"How is Daphne?" Keizos asked, subtly changing the subject because he wasn't sure what else to do. They had no answers, and before Lido said something crazy or treasonous in his grief, Keizos thought it best to move on.

"She is heartbroken. Tiktah and Aliese brought her home." Lido sighed. "I know she needs me, but I cannot go to her. The family should be allowed to grieve together in peace."

"Lido... They are just as much your family. They would welcome you tonight."

"I can't, Keizos..." He felt fresh tears in his eyes. "Sera is dead, Ash is about to be executed, and I cannot make myself stop crying long enough to be strong for Daphne and for their parents. They do not need me falling apart in front of them. They are broken, and I must remain strong in their presence so I can help them, but I cannot do that tonight." He started crying harder, making his chest hurt.

"Lido..." Keizos said softly. "All is well. Cry as much as you must. I shall be strong for you tonight, my friend, as you have so often been for me." He gently rubbed Lido's back as Lido's entire body shook with grief.

That night, Keizos remained by Lido's side as he tried to process the impossible. The following day, Lido got his emotions under control and went to see his almost-family. Daphne was a broken mess. Jezzeff tried to comfort her. Tiktah and Aliese, however, seemed unconcerned with their daughter.

"Tiktah... Aliese," Lido said politely. "I came to check on you and Daphne."

"That was kind of you, Lido," Tiktah said in an oddly detached tone. "We have things to attend to."

"Go run along and play with Daphne," Aliese added dismissively.

Lido frowned before heading toward Daphne and Jezzeff. Zuzu had followed him, and he went straight to Jezzeff, biting his hand hard enough to draw blood.

Jezzeff cried out in pain and released Daphne. "Zuzu!" Lido said in surprise. He'd pecked at Jezzeff before, but he'd never drawn blood. "Apologies, Jezz. I think he is grieving Sera as much as we are." Lido protectively pulled Daphne into his arms, feeling suspicious of Zuzu's behavior. Clearly, the phelinx had sensed something.

"All is well, Lido," Jezzeff replied as he recovered. "I should tend to this..."

Daphne gently touched Jezzeff's bleeding hand. It healed almost instantly. "All better," she said softly.

Jezzeff smiled at her sadly. "Thank you, Sweet Daphne," he replied.

"What has become of Tiktah and Aliese?" Lido asked. "They seem... Distracted."

"I believe they are in shock," Jezzeff replied. "The weight of grieving not one, but two of their children is too much for them."

"Ash is innocent. He must be."

Daphne sniffled, clearly becoming upset as she thought about what was about to happen to her beloved big brother. Jezzeff softened and gently stroked her hair while she snuggled against Lido. Zuzu was displeased, but he didn't attack this time.

"Lido... It appears to have been vizu-induced psychosis," Jezzeff said gently. "Sera was always working with vizu. Ash must have been exposed to one's eyes accidentally."

It was a logical enough conclusion, but it felt wrong to Lido. Ash was too clever for that. He knew better than to look into the eyes of a vizu, and even if he had, Sera would have called Laby immediately to remove any lingering madness.

Zuzu looked into Lido's eyes and Lido knew not to voice his thoughts aloud. He was supposed to trust Jezzeff, but he didn't, and right now he was unwilling to take any chances.

"Poor Ash," he said instead.

"I want to see him," Daphne said. "I can get through to him. He will tell me what really happened."

"Daphne, he is unresponsive. You should not have to see your brother like that," Jezzeff said soothingly. "My mother suffered from vizu-induced psychosis. It is a horrible thing to watch. Please, spare yourself that pain."

"He needs me, Jezz... Please. I already lost Sera..." She sniffled once more, trying not to start crying all over again. "I cannot lose Ash. He did not do this. I know him. Please... Arrange for me to see him."

Jezzeff sighed. "I heard Medira went to see him this morning and the Guard allowed it... I suppose they will allow you to visit, but only with supervision. He is accused of killing one sister. They will not leave him alone with the other."

"He is not being guarded by Peacekeepers?" Lido asked in surprise.

"Tiktah is a Peacekeeper, and this is his son. That would be a conflict of interest. Besides, Ash committed the highest form of treason. A crime so savage warrants the involvement of the Eltarian Guard."

That evening, Jezzeff led Daphne and Lido to the prison. Lido did not want to go inside, but Daphne needed him. He forced himself to enter the building. Two members of the Guard followed them. Lido knew who they were. Everyone on Eltar knew Lady Eleanor and Sir Matthew, and Celestia was quite attached to both of them. She spoke of them often to Lido.

Ash sat catatonic and staring at the wall. Daphne immediately ran toward him.

"That is close enough, Child," Lady Eleanor snapped before Daphne could reach him.

"Eleanor, my love... Let the poor girl hug her brother," Sir Matthew said gently with a patient smile. "Go on, Daphne. We will protect you should the need arise."

Daphne hugged Ash tightly, sobbing as she wrapped her arms around him. "Ash... Brother, please... Tell me the truth. Tell me who did this," she said.

Ash did not respond. He didn't even move as Daphne clung to him. Lido knew he wasn't aware of his surroundings. Whatever Ash had witnessed, his mind had shattered and he had retreated too deep inside of himself to be reached.

"Ash... Ash, speak to me! Please! I need you... Sera is gone, Ash... You are the only sibling I have left. Do not remain silent. If you do, they will take you away from me forever. I cannot lose you, too, Ash! Please..." She started sobbing harder.

"Enough," Lady Eleanor said. "What was the Prime Minister thinking allowing a ten-year-old girl to come to a place like this, especially when her brother is in such a state? It is too much for the child. Get her out of here before we traumatize her further."

"You are correct, my love," Sir Matthew agreed. "This will only do further harm to the girl. I had hoped she might get through to him, but I fear Ash has gone where none can reach him."

"Come, Daphne," Jezzeff said gently. "We must return to your parents now."

"No... No, I cannot leave him!" Daphne cried. "Please, Jezz, do not make me go... Not yet. He needs me. I can reach him. I know I can."

"Your devotion to your brother is clear, sweet girl, however he is in no shape for visitors," Lady Eleanor said in the gentlest tone Lido had ever heard her use. "You must leave now. We will care for him."

"You believe he is guilty," Daphne said.

"It is not the job of the Guard to decide such a thing."

"Please... Ash did not do this. He could never harm Sera. Please help him! He's going to be killed for a crime he did not commit!"

"Shhh, Sweet Daphne," Sir Matthew said quickly. "I know you only say such things out of grief. As a child, you are far too young to understand such a tragedy. We will look after him, I promise. We will do all we can for him."

"Daphne... We have to leave," Jezzeff said again as gently as he could.

She clung to Ash tighter. "Wake up, Ash... Please return to us! Say something! Please, it is the only way to save yourself," she insisted.

Lido's heart broke. He noticed Lady Eleanor and Sir Matthew speaking in hushed tones. He subtly listened closer. His hearing had always been exceptionally strong.

"Matthew... We must silence her," Lady Eleanor said. "At her age, her words are not treason, but they may draw the wrong sort of attention."

"Can you blame her, my love?" Sir Matthew replied. "The boy is innocent. His sister was raped and tortured to death... Strangled and stabbed repeatedly. We both know Ash could not have done something so savage, especially not to Serafine."

"They will try to silence the child if we do not, and they shall not be kind. We can do nothing to save the boy if he will not speak and clear his name, but we can protect this innocent little girl."

They believe he is innocent, Lido thought. Why do they not speak up? They obviously want to save Ash. They care about him and Daphne.

He knew the answer suddenly. There was no evidence to say Ash was not the killer, and with the murder having been committed in Zell and Sera's home, only two others would have had easy access to do it. One was Laby, but no one would ever believe that Laby killed Sera. The other was Zell himself, and that was simply impossible.

Sera must have known her killer. Perhaps she let someone in, and he killed her. He couldn't think about the rest of what they'd said. Someone had violated Sera before they killed her, and that was too horrific for Lido to process. He wasn't surprised Zell hadn't told the people of Terrio Vas that. He was obviously trying to protect her, even in death, by not revealing the more horrifying details of how she perished.

"Daphne, sweetheart, we really must go," Jezzeff said again.

"Ash... Ash, please... Look at me! Say something!" Daphne begged. "I love you... Please let me help you!" She was sobbing.

Lido had seen enough. He walked over to her in silence and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry," he said softly. He pulled her out of Ash's lap and carried her to the door. Daphne wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder.

"Good work," Sir Matthew said kindly, patting Lido on his back gently.

"Take care of her," Lady Eleanor added.

"Always," Lido promised. "Please be kind to Ash. Whatever happened, it is not his fault."

"We will do all we can for the boy," Lady Eleanor vowed.

Lido was numb through Serafine's funeral. He focused on trying to comfort Daphne, which was impossible. He watched Laby stare in horror at the casket, clearly not processing what was happening. His parents attempted to comfort him, but he was inconsolable. Zell stood, stoic and strong, presenting himself a little too calmly.

He is numb, Lido told himself. He loved her.

At the execution that followed soon after, Ash remained unresponsive. They are killing a boy who is already dead inside, Lido realized. Ash died the moment Sera perished.

Daphne was not in good shape. Lido was about to go to her when Zell did instead. He somehow stood in two places at once, swooping in to comfort Daphne and taking her away before she was forced to watch Ash's execution.

Lido wanted to leave, but he felt he owed it to Ash to stay. If Laby, Jezzeff, and Medira could force themselves to watch Ash die, so could he.

It was over quickly, but that didn't make it any less horrifying. Lido's chest ached as he ran to the woods to find a place to break down privately. This time, only Zuzu and the other birds could comfort him, as Keizos had gone to Celestia. Lido sobbed, surrounded by birds who grieved with him as they felt his pain.

After that, Ash and Sera were rarely spoken of. Those who dared to bring them up did so in hushed tones. They began referring to Ash as "the brother," too superstitious to speak his name and risk calling his evil spirit back to Eltar. It broke Lido's heart to see his kind, gentle, brilliant friend's memory reduced to nothing but the legacy of a deranged killer.

As Tiktah and Aliese became entirely different people, only Lido, Laby, Jezzeff, and D'Dodi and his brothers paid much attention to Daphne. Surprisingly, Zell took a very strong interest in her almost immediately, but he couldn't always be around. Still, whenever he was, he doted on the girl. People praised his kindness for looking after the poor, lonely child.

The more Zell was around, the more Lido got to know him. He sort of tended to keep Daphne away from her other friends, but she never let him push Lido away. Still, he was forced to see her a little less often.

Lido began spending more time with Keizos and Celestia. Keizos checked on him daily, and Celestia came at least once a week under the guise of training. She couldn't see Laby anymore, so Lido gave her information on her cousin whenever he could. Their friendship continued to grow stronger.

As time moved on, Daphne seemed to heal, but she always had a sadness in her eyes that hurt Lido's heart. When she was twelve, she started acting differently. Something had changed.

Lido noticed bruises on her wrists. He was immediately concerned. "Daphne, what happened to you?" He asked.

"I must have fallen," Daphne replied quickly. "I do it so often, I sometimes barely notice," she added with a forced smile.

Lido knew finger impressions when he saw them. Someone had restrained her wrists with their hand. "Daphne... If someone has harmed you, please tell me."

"No, no, of course not," she replied too quickly. He could tell she was terrified.

Lido would eventually assume those marks, like so many she received later, had come from Zell, but in truth, they were Jezzeff's doing. He had no idea that the boy Daphne trusted so much had begun violating her, and he would not find out for several millennia. Despite her fear, she was able to keep Lido from slipping into her head during those events.

When Daphne was thirteen, Zell announced they were dating. Tiktah and Aliese were perfectly fine with this, which Lido found odd. Zell was over two hundred years old. It was one thing when he dated Sera, who was of age, but Daphne was still a child. Everyone else on Eltar seemed delighted by Zell's choice of lover. After all, Daphne was beloved by the entire planet, and who could possibly be better to her than the purest force of Good on Eltar?

Lido couldn't explain why this pairing made him uneasy. Perhaps it was simply because he was so protective of Daphne... Or perhaps it was something more. He loved Daphne with his entire heart. All he wanted was for her to be happy. According to everyone, she was very happy with Zell.

To distract himself from his confusing emotions, Lido spent even more time with Celestia and Keizos. Their combined energy was deeply comforting to him, and no matter how lost he felt, they always made him feel better. That was their gift, after all. He valued their friendship deeply.

One day, when Lido was eighteen, he was at Daphne and Zell's house. Everything was going fine until Zell returned from walking the timeline. He was clearly displeased to see that Daphne was not alone, simply waiting for him.

"Hello, my darling," Zell greeted her, pulling him into his arms possessively. Lido saw the way Daphne flinched nervously. He frowned. "Greetings, Lido. I was not expecting to find you here, but thank you for keeping my Daphne company until I returned."

Lido sensed the hostility beneath his calm words. "I just came by to check on her," he replied.

"How thoughtful. As you can see, all is well, and I am here now. I'm certain you have other things to tend to."

Lido was about to protest when he saw the plea in Daphne's eyes. She's frightened, he realized. She nodded at him slightly.

"Of course, Zell," Lido said reluctantly. As soon as Daphne had stopped using Zell's title at Zell's insistence, so had Lido. He hugged Daphne goodbye. She was trembling slightly, but he knew he couldn't stay. He sensed that would make things worse for her. He left and tried not to worry about her despite the massive anxiety in his chest.

A few weeks passed before Daphne came into the woods looking for him. She was terrified and he sensed her, seeing through her eyes. He rushed to her side.

"Daphne, what troubles you?" He asked.

"Lido..." She sighed. "I am going to become a mother."

"A mother?" His eyes widened in surprise. "Daphne, you are only fifteen!"

"I'm an adult."

"Barely." He shook his head. "Is this what you want?"

"I love children. I've always been good with them... And Zell is very happy."

"But are you happy, Daphne?"

She paused. "I am," she replied. "I lost my siblings, Lido. I miss having a family... These are my children, and I already love them."

"Children..."

"They shall be twins."

"Daphne, you are so small... The strain on your body..." He shook his head. "I am sure Zell will take care of you when the time comes."

"I want to do this, Lido. As I said, I already love them... I just fear I shall not be a good enough mother."

He could tell she truly had already gotten attached to the children despite her fear. He wanted to reassure her. "Daphne, children adore you. You'll do well."

"It is just doing this alone which frightens me... Zell has to be away so often..."

"I will help you," Lido offered automatically.

"You will?" She asked hopefully.

"Of course I will. It was you and your family who taught me how to love and trust. You are younger than me, Daphne, but you cared for me when no one else would. Your heart is strong, and you shall be an excellent mother. It will be an honor to help you."

She flung her arms around him and started sobbing. "Thank you," she whispered. "There is no one I trust as much as I trust you."

During Daphne's pregnancy, Lido kept a close eye on her. She was nervous, but as her babies grew, she seemed to find peace.

Although Lido suspected things were not as perfect with Zell as they appeared, Daphne wouldn't admit to it. She was bruised more often than not, often with poor excuses Lido saw through. If Daphne was just falling and injuring herself, he would have shared sight with her. Instead, something seemed to be blocking Lido from seeing what was really happening. He knew he could not voice his suspicions aloud. They were treasonous, after all... But he was becoming more and more certain that Zell was hurting Daphne behind closed doors.

The night Daphne went into labor, she was alone with Zell. Lido began sharing sight with her and got stuck, unable to go to her.

Daphne was in bad shape. She wasn't due to give birth yet, but her small body couldn't support keeping the children in her womb anymore. She was terrified as she cried out in pain.

"Hush, my dear one," Zell said soothingly. "Everything will be fine. I am here."

She continued to sob as she looked at him. "I love you," she told him softly.

Zell seemed to soften a bit. "Daphne... My dear one..." He said softly, stroking her hair. "You are everything to me."

"Zell... Save the children. Please. If it is a choice, choose them."

"Do not trouble yourself with such things, my darling."

She screamed as something went wrong. Her pain was almost too much for Lido to process. Zell appeared alarmed.

"Hold on, my darling... Just a little longer," he said.

Daphne managed to deliver the first baby. Zell appeared to be horrified as he looked at the child. "Zell... What is it?" Daphne asked weakly.

He waved his hands, apparently trying to heal the silent infant, but nothing happened. "I am sorry, my dear one... She draws no breath."

Daphne's grief nearly destroyed Lido. Soon, she began bleeding more heavily. "The other child is coming," Zell said.

Daphne delivered the second child soon after. He began to cry immediately. "Our son is strong," Zell said with joy in his eyes as he held the infant. "He is beautiful and healthy, my dear one." Lido had never seen Zell look so genuinely happy before.

Daphne smiled in relief before she began to grow weaker. "Zell... I..." She cried out in pain. "I love you," she managed before she lost consciousness.

Lido was suddenly back in his own mind. He took off running, heading straight for Daphne and Zell's house. When he arrived, he flung the door open, not waiting for an invitation. Breathless, he managed to ask, "Where is she?"

Zell was cradling his infant son in his arms. He smiled reassuringly at Lido. "You saw it," he guessed. "Daphne gave me a fright, but I was able to heal her. She is perfectly well, Lido, just resting."

"I need to see her."

"Soon. Let her rest a little longer. Stay, Lido. Come meet my boy."

Lido moved closer. The infant looked up at him with trusting eyes and studied him. "He's so small..." Lido mumbled.

"Well, I imagine everyone is small to you, my friend," Zell joked. Lido wasn't sure Zell had ever told a joke in his presence before. Holding his son seemed to have put him in a good mood. "He is small because he was born earlier than anticipated, but he is strong. He will grow up healthy and powerful."

"Did Daphne decide on names for the children?"

"Yes. Our poor daughter was to be called Anise. I trust you know what happened." He shook his head. "And this is Zordon."

"Zordon..." Lido repeated. "I am sorry about your daughter, Zell."

"Thank you, Lido. Only the birth of our son and the fact that I was able to save Daphne brings my heart some comfort." He paused. "Do you wish to hold him?"

"What if I hurt him?" Lido asked.

"You are large in stature, Lido, but you have gentle hands. I have seen you tend to wounded birds. Simply treat Zordon as a baby bird."

Lido cautiously took Zordon into his arms. Looking at the infant, his heart immediately filled with love. He looks like Zell, but he has Daphne's eyes, he thought. This is Daphne's son, and he is perfect.

Daphne awoke some time later. Zell carried Zordon to her as Lido followed. "Daphne..." Lido said softly.

"Lido..." She sobbed. "I lost her... I lost my daughter..."

"I know," Lido replied. "I am so sorry, Daphne..." He gently stroked her hair as Zell moved closer to her.

"Daphne, my dear one... Meet our son," Zell said.

Daphne managed to stop crying as Zell placed Zordon in her arms. She clung to him as if her life depended on it. "Zordon... My sweet Zordon..." She whispered.

"You did well, my darling."

"I lost our little girl..." She started crying again.

Zell moved to take Zordon, but she clung to him harder. "Not yet... Please..." Daphne sobbed.

"Very well, my darling. Focus on our son. He is healthy and strong. My heart is full of joy because of this."

Daphne loved Zordon with all she had, but she continued to grieve Anise. She lost her smile, and it broke Lido to see her like that. When Zell made Daphne forget Anise existed and told all of Eltar to never mention her again, Lido understood why he did it. Still, it seemed wrong. Daphne remained depressed, but she slowly began to live again.

It was not long after Zordon's arrival that Zell proposed to Daphne. It was an attempt to bring her joy in her grief and to reassure her he would be there for her. The gesture was unexpectedly kind.

At the wedding, Lido felt an unfamiliar emotion filling his heart. As he watched his beloved best friend marry Eltar's Great Wizard, he could not feel happy. Daphne looked stunning in a beautiful blue dress, which was traditional marriage attire on Eltar. Zell stood in the appropriate attire as well, looking incredibly happy by her side. Tiktah and Aliese sat in the front row with Laby and his parents. Laby was gushing over Zordon and keeping him entertained during the ceremony. Zell's family had come together for the wedding, and everyone else who loved Zell and Daphne seemed to be there.

"You're jealous," Celestia said softly.

Lido frowned. "Why would I be jealous?" He asked in confusion. "Daphne is happy. That is all I want for her."

"Daphne is happy, but you aren't. Lido, you can admit it to me. You are in love with her."

His eyes widened in surprise. "I love Daphne with all I have, but we have never been romantic, Celestia."

"Because you're both clueless about your own emotions," Celestia replied with a laugh. "Love is like the stars, Lido, and I know the stars. You wish it was you marrying her today."

"She is in love with Zell."

"I know. That doesn't change the way this makes you feel. It's alright to admit it to me. I won't tell anyone."

"All I care about is her happiness. If Zell makes her happy, then I am happy."

Celestia sighed. She gave him a tight hug and his emotions shifted. He began feeling better, like a weight had been lifted from his chest. "I'm sorry you're sad, Lido... But you'll be okay," she promised.

As Daphne and Zell kissed and sealed their marriage, Lido allowed Celestia to keep holding him. It helped keep him calm. When the kiss ended, Daphne scooped Zordon up in her arms. She was smiling more than she had in ages, and Lido knew she was truly happy. He tried to find comfort in that.

As time passed, Daphne began getting injured again. She always had quick excuses for the bruises and cuts, but Lido saw through them. He was becoming more and more concerned for her safety.

"Daphne," he began one day as Zordon was napping. "Where did you get that cut?" He pointed to an angry mark on her arm.

Daphne adjusted her sleeve nervously. "I had an accident with a kitchen knife," she replied. "It was foolish really."

"Daphne, please do not lie to me," Lido said sadly. "Someone is hurting you. Let me help." He paused. "Was it Zell?"

"It's nothing... It was my fault. I distracted him while he was cleaning the knife. The knife slipped and caught my arm... It was an accident," she insisted.

Lido shook his head, trying not to show how angry he was that Zell had injured her. "It seems he has many accidents when it comes to you, Daphne."

"Lido, please, let this go. It really was an accident."

"He hurt you!"

Daphne shrank at the anger in his tone. "Daphne... I'm sorry. I am not mad at you," he clarified.

"I know," she replied quickly.

"Why do you stay with him?"

"I love him, Lido... And it wasn't his fault. It was mine."

"He doesn't love you..." Lido said softly, afraid of how she'd react.

"He does," she insisted. "He is different from others, and he struggles to show it, but he does love me, Lido."

"He hurts you, Daphne."

Zordon came running toward them excitedly. "Mother! Uncle Lido! Look!" The toddler said as he showed them the creature in his arms, effectively ending their conversation.

Daphne's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a nine-tailed fox. "A kitsune..." She said softly. "I have not seen one in person since..." She shook her head.

"Ash," Lido finished her thought, wrapping his arms around her to comfort her. It was unknown to most on Eltar, but Ash had an affinity for kitsunes. They were fairly rare on Eltar, but the ones who did dwell in the woods were very powerful. After Ash's death, they'd all retreated deep into the woods, and even Lido had not seen one in years.

Zordon sat on the floor and began playing with his new friend. "How did it get in the house?" Lido asked.

"He climbed in my window," Zordon replied excitedly. "He came to play, like in my dreams. Can he stay, Mother?"

"Kitsunes belong in the woods, sweet boy," Daphne replied patiently, "however he is welcome to visit whenever he likes."

"He is soft," Zordon observed as he pet the kitsune's many tails. He went back to playing.

Daphne smiled sadly. "He has an affinity, just like Ash," she said as the baby kitsune entertained Zordon.

"Kitsunes are powerful protectors," Lido replied. "I encountered several in the woods over the years before..." He didn't complete the sentence, not wanting to upset her by mentioning Ash's death. "Zordon will be safe in their care."

Lido watched Zordon with a peaceful smile on his face. He adored that boy as if he were his own. He spent more time around him than Zell did at points. He helped Daphne care for him, played with him to give Daphne a break when she was exhausted, and taught him about nature as he took him for walks through the woods. Now, the child he adored so much was showing a rare and powerful affinity, and Lido couldn't help but feel proud, like a father would.

Within a year of the discovery of Zordon's gift, Zell and Daphne took in a young girl who had been terribly abused by her father. Felina was powerful even at six, but she was also terrified of being hurt. She attached herself to Zordon quickly, and the two became as close as siblings. Daphne immediately fell in love with raising the girl and became attached to her. Lido couldn't help but wonder if she remembered losing Anise on some subconscious level. She doted on Felina, and when Zell could not be by her side, Lido helped her with both children.

"I like your bird," Felina told Lido shyly one day.

"This is Zuzu," Lido replied with a kind smile. As Zuzu studied Felina curiously, Lido added, "He likes you as well."

There was something about the child that Lido didn't quite comprehend. She radiated with incredible magic. Zell seemed to have an abnormal interest in her, keeping her close to him whenever possible. Everything in Lido wanted to take her away from him to protect her, but he couldn't understand why. After all, Zell showed Felina incredible kindness and doted on her as much as Daphne did. There was no obvious cause for concern.

It broke Daphne's heart when Zell decided to send Felina away to a new family. Lido couldn't understand his decision. It seemed cruel to both Felina and Daphne to separate them. Although Zell continued to mentor her and Zordon was allowed to visit her often, Daphne wasn't permitted to see her anymore. Lido spent many days comforting her after Zell sent Felina away.

Something changed in Felina after she was taken from Daphne. It was subtle at first, but over the years, Lido watched the darkness inside of her begin to grow until she was unrecognizable to him as the shy little girl who'd liked Zuzu so much.

By the time Lido was twenty-five, things had reached a critical point with Daphne. He knew Zell was hurting her, but she was still trying to deny it. He desperately wanted to save her, but all he could do was wait. Without evidence, he could not take his thoughts to the government, and if he tried to intervene directly, Daphne might get hurt even worse.

One day, as he sat with Celestia and Keizos, they began to discuss Zell. To Lido's surprise, Celestia spoke in a hushed whisper as she said, "I don't know if we can trust him."

"I agree... Something feels... Wrong," Keizos admitted.

Lido frowned. "I don't trust him," he admitted firmly. If it was safe to say such treasonous words to anyone, Celestia and Keizos were it.

"What?" Celestia and Keizos asked in surprised unison.

"I do not like the way that he treats Daphne," Lido replied with a shrug. "She says she is happy, but... Her eyes tell another story."

"Do you think he hurts her?" Keizos asked.

"I cannot say for certain... She will not tell me, and although our connection is strong, it weakens when he is around her," Lido said sadly. "I do not always see what she is facing... However, I believe that she is afraid of him."

"Daphne is so gentle the unicorns sit with her," Keizos said with a frown. "How could anyone harm her?"

"We must be cautious," Celestia decided, "but I think we should investigate him. Something is very wrong here."

They started to look into things. They did not get very far before everything in Lido's universe changed.

Daphne came to him one day, terrified. He ran to her and wrapped his arms around her protectively. "Daphne, what is it? What has happened?" He asked.

"Lido, I need your help," she replied. "You are the only one I trust."

"Of course. What do you need?"

"I must leave Eltar soon, with Zordon..."

"To go where?"

"I do not know... Somewhere we shall be safe."

"Safe from what, Daphne?" He had never seen her so frightened before.

"From him," she replied softly.

"What did he do?" Lido demanded, knowing she meant Zell.

"I cannot discuss it... It is too horrible... He is evil, Lido. I see that now. Please, Lido, promise you will help keep Zordon safe. I must protect him. Swear to me you'll protect Zordon."

"Of course. I will protect you both." He paused. "I am going on a journey today. You can come with me."

"I cannot... Not yet. I must take care of a few things first. Zell is away. He should not be back for several days. I will leave before he returns."

"I can delay my journey-"

"No. You need to do what you planned. Zell will become suspicious if you do not. Zordon and I will be fine until you return. Then you can help hide us."

"I will go with you. Wherever you and Zordon journey, I will remain at your side."

She hugged him tightly. "I love you," she said.

"I love you, too, Daphne," he replied.

"I shall see you when you return." She got up on the tips of her toes, so Lido bent down, allowing her to kiss his cheek. She traced the scar on the center of his forehead again. It soothed his nerves as it had ever since they were children.

That night, he embarked on what was to be a three-day journey. A day and a half later, he found himself sharing sight with Daphne.

The door to the house was flung open roughly. Zordon let out a startled cry of surprise. "Zordon, go to your room, please," Daphne said nervously as a cloaked figure entered the room.

Zordon stood, but was suddenly frozen by a spell. The man in the cloak laughed and said, "Let the boy see what happens when you betray me."

"Zell... Please..." Daphne whispered.

He grabbed her by her throat and slammed her against the wall. "Mother!" Zordon cried, trying to break the paralysis spell and run to her, but it was no use. "Stop it! Release her!"

Zell squeezed harder, strangling her. Daphne grabbed at his hands, but she was not strong enough to make him release her. She began struggling for air.

Even while stuck sharing sight with her, Lido headed toward his home. He called a gryphon to him, and the bird flew him back toward his hut. It would be much faster than traveling on foot. From there, he should he able to find his way to her on foot, even if the connection didn't fully break.

Zell pinned Daphne to the floor. She began sobbing harder, begging him not to do this in front of their son, but Zell seemed to be out of his mind with rage and completely irrational.

Lido wanted to scream as Zell forced himself on Daphne in front of Zordon. The boy watched helplessly, too young to fully understand but knowing the monster in the cloak was hurting his mother and he couldn't stop it.

Zell continued to strangle Daphne repeatedly as he violated her. Something inside of her broke as she couldn't protect her son from this trauma. She didn't scream; she simply sobbed softly as her husband, the man she loved, brutalized her.

When he was done, he stood. That was when he pulled out a knife.

I have to save her, Lido thought desperately. He couldn't make sense of where he was. He kept wandering, moving away from his hut and further away from Daphne. It's a spell, he realized. He knew I'd try to save her so he made it impossible. I have to find her!

As Zell stabbed Daphne, she tried not to scream in pain. She looked at him desperately. "Please, Zell," she said weakly, her voice hoarse from being strangled. "Please don't... I love you..." She had tears streaming down her cheeks as she begged for her life.

Zell didn't seem to hear her. He continued stabbing her. There was so much blood, Lido knew she couldn't survive unless Zell suddenly decided to heal her.

With a final stab to her chest, the connection violently broke. Lido dropped to his knees and let out a scream of anguish. Zuzu made a similar sound at his side. Everything inside of Lido shattered.

Daphne was dead. He had failed her.

After nearly an hour, Lido finally forced himself to stand back up. He had to keep his promise... He had to protect the child. Zordon was practically his own son. Daphne had made him swear he'd protect him, and Lido was determined to do exactly that.

He finally made it to the house two days later, since he'd managed to travel halfway across Eltar as Daphne was killed. Zell had been called back home to comfort his son, who'd been found still clinging to his mother's dead body. Lido was disgusted at the sight of the boy in his father's arms. He wanted to rip Zordon out of them and keep him safe.

"Zell." Lido said, putting venom in the single syllable.

Zell didn't look surprised to see him. "Zordon, it's time for bed," Zell said gently.

"No, Father... Don't make me sleep. Please..." Zordon begged.

"Shhhh, my dear boy," Zell said soothingly. On the surface, he was the perfect loving father, comforting his son even in his own grief. "I promise, there shall be no bad dreams tonight." He cast a spell Lido knew was meant to soothe the child and Zordon immediately fell asleep in his arms. Zell put the boy to bed before returning.

"Lido... You have heard," Zell said.

"I felt her leave this world," Lido replied. It took every ounce of strength he had to say those words and not break down. Zell had treated him with as much respect and kindness as he treated Daphne. Part of Lido trusted him unconditionally, and he desperately wanted to let Zell comfort him now... But he knew the truth. He'd known for years, even as Daphne denied it and he tried to do the same.

"It was you!" Lido said harshly.

"Lido, I know you are blinded by grief, but-" Zell began.

"No! You killed her! You are not the kind, gentle wizard you claim to be! You have fooled us all, but she realized what you were... She begged me to protect her son... And I shall."

"My son is perfectly safe-"

"No! Stop lying to me! I know what you are, Zell! You are a monster!"

Zell frowned. Very gently, he said, "I could never have hurt her, Lido... I loved Daphne far too much..." Zell looked genuinely upset. "It wounds me deeply that she met such a horrible fate while I was away... There was no one here to protect her but the boy... Zordon is far too young... And he saw it all."

"He... He saw it?" Lido asked in horror. He'd known that, but Zell was already playing with his memories, slipping into his mind with a subtle spell and changing what he thought he'd witnessed. Lido was too broken over losing Daphne to detect it.

Lido's heart broke for Zordon. He'd adored his mother, and no one should ever have to see such a thing, let alone a child...

"He did... Lido, I know you are grieving... But if I had murdered my wife, would my son really seek comfort in my arms?" Zell asked.

Lido hesitated. If Zordon had seen his father kill his mother, surely he would not let him touch him... "Daphne was certain you were evil..."

"It truly breaks my heart that someone put such thoughts in her head... Surely, they meant to frame me for her killing... They made her paranoid, my dear Lido... They convinced her I meant to harm her, but I only loved her... I loved her so much..." Zell sighed. "The true killer is still at large, Lido. I trust only one man to find him."

"Who?" Lido asked, overwhelmed with conflicting emotions.

"You, my boy. Only you will search until justice is served. I know you will not rest... You must find her killer so that my beloved may be at peace..."

"You... Want me to find her killer?"

"Yes. I shall make you immortal, Lido, until you see justice done for my sweet, sweet Daphne."

"Immortal?"

"I fear it may take a long time for you to accomplish this mission... This guarantees you are able to succeed... I shall bestow this gift upon you, binding you to my service until you find the killer."

"But Zell... I... I am not certain-"

"You can do this, Lido. I know you loved her. You could not save her, my boy, but this... This is something you can do for her."

Grief threatened to overwhelm Lido again. Zell was right... He couldn't save Daphne, but he could certainly see that her killer was punished. "You want to help her, Lido... Don't you?" Zell asked.

"Yes," Lido said as tears streamed down his cheeks. "More than anything."

Zell nodded. "Very well. Now, prepare yourself."

Flames shot out of the floor. Lido jumped back in surprise. "All is well, Lido... The flames will not harm you. They shall simply purify you and seal your fate."

Instinct told Lido he was in danger. "Zell... I don't think-" Lido began, but Zell shoved him back into the fire before he could protest further.

Lido screamed as the flames burned around him. The pain he felt wasn't exactly physical, but it was like something was being ripped away from him. "Relax, Lido," Zell said soothingly. "It will be over soon, and then you shall feel much better. Purification is necessary."

Lido couldn't stop his panic. Everything about this felt wrong... Suddenly, Zuzu flew into the fire to try to save him. "Zuzu!" Lido cried in alarm. The flames didn't harm him either.

"Interesting..." Zell said. "Your familiar protects you even now. Zuzu is a loyal friend indeed."

The energy shifted and he no longer hurt. Lido began to feel stronger. He looked at Zuzu, who decided to perch on his shoulder. "You are immortal, Lido, as is Zuzu," Zell said.

The flames fell away suddenly. Lido felt hollow inside. He assumed it was Daphne's absence he was feeling and turned his attention to Zell. "You made Zuzu immortal, too?" He asked.

"I hadn't planned to, but when the phelinx jumped into the flames to save you, I knew he was worthy. Such a bond should not be broken by something as mundane as death... You and your familiar are connected for eternity now, Lido. In order to kill you, they must kill Zuzu, too, and with immortality gifted upon you both, that shall be extremely difficult to accomplish."

"I shall do everything in my power to seek justice for Daphne, Great Zell," Lido vowed. He wasn't sure why he hadn't used Zell's title for so many years. After all, Zell deserved enormous respect.

From the day on, Lido's life became about finding Daphne's killer. He felt nothing at her funeral. He was far too numb. He watched Laby weep over her coffin, whimpering and stuttering out her name.

"I-I'm s-s-s..." Laby tried to say. "Sorry, D-D-D-Da..." He shook his head, unable to complete her name. His mother wrapped him in a tight hug before his father picked him up and carried him away from the coffin.

Lido knew he should be as broken as Laby, but he had a purpose. He needed to find Daphne's killer. That was far more productive than crying and falling apart.

A few months later, he ran into Celestia and Keizos when he finally returned to the woods.

"Lido... I am so terribly sorry about Daphne," Celestia said as Keizos stood beside her. "What can we do to help?"

"Go away," Lido replied harshly.

"What?" She asked in surprise. "Lido... Please. We're your friends."

"I have no friends. I must complete my mission now."

"Mission?" Keizos asked.

"I must find Daphne's killer... And bring him to justice."

"Lido... You said yourself you think Zell was up to no good... Perhaps he-?" Celestia began.

"How dare you speak against Great Zell?!" Lido demanded.

Celestia looked as if she had been slapped. Her eyes widened in surprise and she stepped closer to Keizos on reflex.

"Lido... Your tone was harsh," Keizos said.

"As it should be. Great Zell is everything to Eltar, and he grieves his wife, yet you dare fling around accusations of that sort," Lido said.

"My apologies," Celestia said quickly. "I did not mean to imply such an absurd thought. If you need us, you know how to find us." She led Keizos away. Lido never saw them again.

The day Celestia and Keizos were murdered, Lido's dark state seemed to solidify even more. He knew only shadows and death. He would find Daphne's killer. He would see justice done. And then, he could finally rest.

He saw less of Zordon after Daphne's death. He only encountered the boy when he reported on his progress to Zell. Nine years after Daphne died, Zell moved Zordon to Earth on a mission. When Zell died, Lido felt it.

Without the Great Wizard, Lido felt lost. He didn't know what to do with himself anymore. He headed deep into the woods and did not emerge again for three centuries.

When he finally did, the first thing he discovered was a man hiding at the edge of the woods.

The man stared at him in surprise as he spotted him speaking to Zuzu. "The Aviary?" He asked. "They said you were dead..."

"I am not," Lido replied simply. It was strange speaking to another person after so much time, but it felt right, almost as if Zell had wanted this to happen.

"Clearly... Where have you been all this time? People have wondered what became of you..."

"Who are you?"

"I am Raffitty... You may call me Raff."

"You have many questions. I have only one. Why do you hide in these woods, Raffitty?"

"I am not meant to be seen on Eltar. I am a wanted criminal, after all." Raffitty shrugged. "I am known as a murderer, Aviary. I killed my father, a Senator, because he was a terrible man who did terrible things to his teenage son... And he is the reason my mother took her life."

Lido looked at Raffitty and saw something familiar in his eyes. He might talk tough, but deep down, he was still a boy who'd been abused by the father who was meant to care for him.

"Kei..." Lido said softly, feeling something he couldn't quite touch or identify as Keizos flashed through his mind.

"Pardon?" Raffitty asked.

"You remind me of someone, Raff."

"I see... Is that good or bad?"

"I have not decided..." He paused. "My name is not Aviary. It is Lido."

"Lido. It is nice to meet you." Raffitty paused. "You don't have to hide here, Lido... Perhaps my friends and I can help you."

"I have no purpose," Lido admitted. He felt empty inside. Daphne was dead. Zell was gone. Celestia and Keizos had perished... He had nothing left.

"We can give you one... We are called the Rebellion of Eltar. We stand against the corruption this planet's government is filled with... We seek to make a difference and put an end to the injustices... If you stand with us, you will have a place to belong, Lido."

Lido considered this. It might be nice not to feel alone all the time... And Raffitty reminded him so much of Keizos. "Yes," he said after a moment.

"Yes?" Raffitty asked in excitement.

"Yes. I shall join your cause."

"Excellent. Come with me, my friend. It's time you find something worth fighting for." Raffitty gently took his arm and led him toward what Lido hoped would be salvation.

Upon his joining the Rebellion, it became clear Lido was an excellent hunter. He began to train in tactics, eventually earning the nickname of the Executioner, the fiercest and deadliest member of the Rebellion. If Lido was ordered to execute someone, they did not survive for long.

Without emotions or anything to remind him of his humanity, this was who Lido became. He was the Executioner, feared by all just as he'd been as a child. Nothing hurt him anymore. He was simply an empty shell existing only to bring justice to the people the Eltarian government had betrayed. Finally, he had a purpose again.

This was what drove him for several millennia until Zuzu found Daphne's reincarnation and the single shred of humanity in Lido's heart began to reawaken. Simply by existing, Daphne's new incarnation gave him a reason to fight and finally find his way out of the darkness that had consumed his heart.

He had no idea that his true journey had only just begun.