Chapter 3
"The Final Battle"
Cedric lunged forward at the stranger and swung his fist at him. The
man side stepped quickly and whipped out his sword.
"This isn't right," he said, "You need a weapon."
"What?" Cedric said startled, "So you're a fair bad guy?"
"I have honor. I will not fight unless the fight is a fair one."
"Geez," Cedric grumbled. He dug around in his pocket and pulled out
the only thing half-suited to be used as a weapon-the jeweled egg. "All
right, I've got a weapon now, happy?" The stranger stared blankly at the
egg.
"It's still considered a weapon," Cedric said, "It's got lots of
magical power."
"If you wish it that way," the stranger said. He lunged forward with
his sword.
Cedric was about to move out of the way but something stopped him. He
felt the egg growing hot and it began to quiver. It emitted a golden light
so bright that Cedric had to shield his eyes with his arm.
When he opened his eyes, he found that instead of holding the egg in
his hands, he now gripped the hilt of a beautiful sword. Its hilt was
decorated in a fashion similar to the egg and its blade was sharp enough to
slice a hair in half. He looked up to find the stranger staring at him in
shock.
"Well," he smirked, "I guess I do have a weapon now."
The stranger recovered from his surprise and swung his sword at
Cedric. Cedric brought his sword up quickly to block the blow. The sword
was light and easy to handle but had an immense strength and power at the
same time.
Their swords met with a loud clang and a few sparks flew around.
Cedric tried to cut to the side, but the stranger spun around too and
brought his sword around to block it.
"You're pretty good," Cedric admitted, still smirking mischievously,
"ya got a name?"
"Dameon," he answered softly and then swung his sword to the other
side for a sweep.
"Nice to meet you, Dameon. I'm Cedric," Cedric blocked and jumped
backwards.
He landed gracefully on a rock, but he didn't notice that it was at
the very edge of the plateau. The rock crumbled from under his weight and
he lost his balance, falling backwards. He rolled down the side of the
plateau, bumping into every rock and boulder on the way down. Somewhere
along the way, he dropped his sword.
When he finally reached the bottom, he slammed into a trunk of a
tree. He groaned and tried to sit up, but he was in an awkwardly twisted
position and couldn't bring his arms around him.
Dameon came down the plateau and stood a few yards in front of
Cedric.
"It was an honor battling with you, Cedric," he bowed his head, "But this
is where our battle ends." His eyes were steady but there was no coldness
about them. They still had a mournful look to them as if he didn't want to
kill Cedric. But still, he raised his sword with one hand, high in the air.
As Dameon brought his sword down, Cedric closed his eyes, waiting for the blade to slice him. He waited and felt light wind on his face. His eyes flew open and he saw Kalem standing in front of him, his sword blocking Dameon's blow. "K-Kalem!" Cedric cried gratefully. "Save your thanks for later!" Kalem thrust his sword at Dameon. They continued to fight while Cedric sat watching. Kalem's shirt was ripped a little and he noticed a strange-looking tattoo on Kalem's chest. It looked like three wings and a cross. Where have I seen that mark before? Cedric wondered and tried to remember. But his attention shifted back to the fight. Kalem's skill was obviously more advanced than Dameon's. While he advanced forward, swinging his sword relentlessly, Dameon was doing all he could just to block Kalem's swift blows but still, he received a large series of cuts. Dameon tripped over a large branch as he was staggering backwards and fell down, his sword flying out of his hand. Kalem stood over him now with his sword raised. They didn't exchange any words; they merely watched each other. Dameon didn't look the least bit scared, but seemed to be waiting bravely for his life to end. Kalem's face was expressionless. Then suddenly, he lowered his blade and glanced around warily. The black dragon appeared again from behind the thick clouds and dove down right at Kalem who hurled himself out of the way. Dardylen stepped down from the dragon and strode over to where Dameon was sitting on the ground. He stared down his nose at him with contempt. "You've failed me again, Dameon," he said in his feminine-ish voice, "This is simply unacceptable." "Forgive me, Lord Dardylen," Dameon bowed down at his feet and exposed his neck to Dardylen. Dardylen kicked him hard in the chest. "I'm not going to kill you, fool," he said, annoyed. "Get up." Dameon obeyed and got to his feet swiftly, but painfully. Dardylen led him back to the dragon. They climbed on and the dragon began to flap its wings. Dardylen turned around to look at Cedric and Kalem and said, "You've not seen the last of me! I will be back to claim that egg!" He paused and stared at Kalem as though seeing him for the first time. "You," he half- gasped. Then his expression changed to one full of malice. "Why are you here? Are you actually trying to help the Child of Purity win? Naughty, naughty!" he shook his dainty finger at him. "You're not allowed to interfere with the games this round. You've had your turn!" Cedric turned to look at Kalem, confused. "What's he talking about?" he asked. But Kalem kept his eyes on Dardylen. "You haven't told him?!" Dardylen gasped exaggeratedly and brought his delicate fingers to his lips lightly and pretended to be shocked, "Oh dear, well let me enlighten you, boy! Your 'friend' Kalem, here, is more appropriately one of my minions. In fact, it has always been his destiny to seek the end of the world. You see, he was the Child of Darkness in the last Duel!" He raised his right hand and showed them the ring on his finger with the wings and cross. Cedric froze. He glanced frantically at Kalem and saw on his chest, that strange tattoo again and realized that it was the same emblem that Dardylen had on his ring. It was the mark of the Child of Darkness. **** "Kalem." Cedric managed to say. "It's. not true." Kalem didn't turn to look at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Rafe coming up over the plateau a little distance away. Kalem continued to stare off after Dardylen as the black dragon grew tiny in the distance. Cedric ran over to him in desperation and grabbed his shoulders to make him turn to face him. "No! It's not true!" he cried at Kalem. "You're not really. are you?"
Kalem finally turned to look at him. His eyes were completely flat and unreadable. "The mark on my chest is indeed what Dardylen says it is, Cedric," he said, in an oddly emotionless voice. "The brand given to those who are born to seek the death of the world and all those in it." Cedric stared and slowly released Kalem's shoulders. Tears streamed down his face like an ongoing flow of a river. He shook his head and screamed, "It's can't be true, Kalem! After all we went through together! You came with me this far! You helped me! You saved my life! We're friends! Friends." His voice trailed away as Kalem turned away from him and slowly sheathed his blade. "You lied." Cedric's shock and desperation was now replaced by the fury of one who has been betrayed. "You lied to me! All that. you came all this way just to bring me to Dardylen?" He backed away from him, glaring accusingly. Kalem stared back at him and then stepped forward. "Cedric, listen-" Kalem began, but was cut off . "Oh, hell!" Cedric interrupted fiercely, "You've been faking it all along. Telling me to protect this egg so that no one could get it but Dardylen. I know what you're getting at! You wanted to get close to me-to gain my trust so that you could stab me in the back when the time came! You were going after the egg all along! Well," he chuckled bitterly, "you sure did a good job. Acting like some hero here to help this stupid, little boy, huh? Yeah, you sure had me-you must've been laughing at me this whole time, at how gullible I was. Well, I was wrong and I know it now! You traitor!" His voice rang out in the silence following his outburst. Kalem merely looked down, avoiding Cedric's eyes. "You see the mark and you will not even listen to me." He seemed angry now. "Cedric, you're being a fool!" "I don't give a damn about what you've got to say!" Cedric wiped his tears away angrily. "Get away from me, Kalem! I never, ever want to see you again!" With that, he turned on his heel and fled away to the hills, picking up his sword on the way. Rafe, having just arrived, looked bewilderedly after Cedric and then turned back to Kalem who just stared down at the ground. He hesitated for a moment and then ran after Cedric, concerned. Kalem finally looked up and watched his companions disappear into the distance. "Let them go, Dark One," Dardylen said, emerging from the shadows behind him. "You do not belong with them. They are of Purity. You are one of Darkness." He placed his hands around the taller man's shoulders and pulled him towards him. "Come back with me," he whispered. "Let us fulfill the prophecy and claim the glory of ending this world that should have been ours a hundred years ago. You and I, we should have-" But before he could continue, Kalem strode out of his grasp. Dardylen glared at him. "You fool!" he shouted at his still back. "You cannot change your destiny or that of this world! No matter what foolish ideas have been put in your head, you cannot change who you are!" He tossed his head back and laughed spitefully. "You see, in the end you will always be shunned. Be thankful that I shall end your suffering and the suffering of all the world soon." When Kalem looked up, Dardylen was gone along with his dragon. The rain began to fall relentlessly on his head. "Soon comes a storm." he whispered. **** Cedric stared glumly out an open flap in the covered wagon at the rain. The remnants of violent anger still boiled under his skin, but a deep lethargy and listlessness had settled over him. Even though it had been two days since they had left Kalem, the bitter aftertaste of betrayal still stung at him. The wagon stopped and after a moment Rafe came in from the driver's seat to join him. "Lunch time," Rafe said. He untied a bag and brought out a slab of cheese and two loaves of bread. "Ya hungry?" "No," Cedric replied childishly. "Don't be such a baby, Ced," Rafe grinned and tossed the loaf of bread onto Cedric's lap. "We'll be at the temple in a few hours. You're probably gonna want to be ready and alert then. I hear the priestess is a real sight to see," he added grinning. Cedric made no response to his friend's good-natured attempts. "Come on, Cedric." Rafe sat down beside him. "You gotta forget about all that. It's over, gone. There's nothin' you can do about it, so why worry? The egg's still safe and we're fine." As Cedric continued to say nothing, Rafe sighed and decided to breach the tabooed subject that was on both their minds. "You know you'll meet Kalem again one day. When all this crud is over. And maybe when you do, you guys can settle your differences and be friends again." "I don't want to be his friend," Cedric pouted. "I want him to disappear!" "Hey," Rafe scolded, "be nice. You might get what you wish for." "Whatever," Cedric rolled his eyes, then sighed. "I'm sorry, Rafe. I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything. it's just I feel so .betrayed. it really hurts a lot." He felt the hot tears gathering in his eyes again. Why do these tears have to come? he thought, angrily brushing them away with his sleeves. "Hey," Rafe said gently, "don't worry about it. I'm not hacked off or anything." He put his hand on the smaller boy's shoulder and smiled at him. "Don't worry 'bout it." "Thanks, Rafe" Cedric looked up and choked down a sob, "for being my friend." **** The Water Temple was one of the most beautiful buildings Cedric had ever seen in his life. Its tall stone pillars and steps were made of white marble. The rest of the temple was painted cobalt blue. "Now that's one gorgeous temple!" Cedric whistled in appreciation. "Well, that's one gorgeous chick!" Rafe whistled too. Cedric looked at Rafe who was staring stupidly to the right. He followed his gaze and saw the girl he had seen so many times in his dreams. Her long blond hair was tied up in knots and her unmistakable blue eyes were watching them as they watched her. It was the priestess of the Water Temple, Jibrielle. **** "J-Jibrielle," Cedric stammered. Jibrielle looked slightly startled that he knew her by name but regained her composure. "What brings you to the Water Temple, weary travelers?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. "I want to know what to do about, uh," Cedric dug around in his pockets and pulled out the sword that had been the egg, "this." She stared at the sword in shock and walked briskly up to them. "Where did you get this?" she asked. Cedric, for the third time, relayed the story of how the egg had gotten into his possession. "Dreams? You've been receiving the dreams?" Jibrielle looked puzzled. "How could you? I've been sending them out to the Child of Purity." she eyed him curiously. "Then you, you are the one! The Child of Purity!" Her face lit in a beautiful smile. "What?" Cedric was stunned. "Me? No, lady, you've got your messiahs crossed. I don't even have any special powers or magic. I can't be the Child of Purity." "Oh, but you are! The jeweled egg changed its form for you and you alone. It would not have done that if you were not the One." Cedric was shocked. He did not know how to respond. It had never occurred to him that the egg had been given to him for such an important reason. "If I am, what must I do to save the world?" he asked. Jibrielle smiled warmly and took his hands in hers. "Come with me, we will prepare you for the Duel." **** Jibrielle led Cedric and Rafe to a small room deeper within the temple's walls. She sat down at the single desk and dug around in the drawers. She pulled out a roll of ancient looking parchment and a pair of large spectacles which she put on. The spectacles filled up three-quarters of her face and made her eyes look inhumanly large. She studied the parchment and then looked up at Cedric. "Are you familiar with the conditions of the Duel?" she asked. "What conditions?" he asked puzzled. "Each player, the Child of Purity and the Child of Darkness, are allowed a source to enhance their powers. The closer the source is to the player, the stronger the player becomes. Have you thought of anyone to be your source?" For a moment, the painful image of Kalem flashed in Cedric's mind. He shook his head irritably to banish the thought, then looked at Rafe. "Rafe," he said seriously, "will you do me the honor of being my source?" "Aw, everything but the ring and flowers," Rafe said sarcastically. Cedric blinked and stared at him. "I'll be your source, okay?!" "Thanks!" Cedric embraced Rafe affectionately. Rafe made some sort of an "ugh" sound. "The Duel should begin whenever the two players are ready. So, do you want to start the Duel? If so, you must find the Child of Darkness and confront him." "No need, Jibrielle," a voice said from a dark corner in the room. Dardylen materialized into view with Dameon at his side. "I've chosen my source," he smiled maliciously, "and so have you. The rules say we can begin, so I challenge you right now, Child of Purity!" Cedric tensed up; he was definitely not ready to fight this Duel now.
Jibrielle must have been thinking the same thing, as her expression looked worried. "But Dardylen," she began. "Too late to protest, Jibrielle," Dardylen said, looking triumphant. "The eggs have been gathered, the sources have been chosen, and the Challenge has been issued. You know the rules-we must Duel." Jibrielle looked defeated. "It is as you say," she said soberly. "All right, then. At dawn, let the Duel begin." **** That night, Cedric stumbled into bed dead tired. Even though Jibrielle had warned him about saving his strength for the following day, he had insisted that she teach him everything she could about how to use the magical power of his sword and he and Rafe had practiced joining their spirits to increase Cedric's power. They had been doing well, but Cedric now found that he felt extremely exhausted and still doubtful for the following day. Despite his fatigue, Cedric found it hard to sleep. For some reason, thoughts of Kalem kept coming to him again and again, and the painful emotions that lay unresolved about the dark-haired man tormented Cedric away from any rest. In his mind, Kalem smiled at him as he had at their first meeting. His eyes. Cedric thought, giving up and allowing his mind to float where it would. Something about him made me trust him, made me believe in him. How could I have been so wrong? Finally, frustrated, Cedric sat up and lit a candle. He was about to get up for a glass of water when there was a knock at his door. He got up and opened the door to see Rafe standing in the hallway. "Couldn't sleep either?" the blonde boy asked grinning. "Heh, the sheep are all stampeding on me tonight." He looked down at his feet for a moment and then said, "Worried about tomorrow?" Cedric gulped. "Yeah." "Well. hey, look at it this way! No Child of Purity has ever lost before!" Cedric groaned. "What if I'm the first? Anyway, it only takes one to end the world, remember?" Rafe made a face. "Geh. you worry too much! I mean. the Children of Purity must have some kind of advantage. I mean, look at it this way-even Kalem lost!" His companion looked up at him, puzzled. "That's true." he said slowly. "I can't even imagine it. How could Kalem lose to anyone in a swordfight? His skill is incredible!" "Oh, it had nothing to do with skill!" Rafe snorted. At Cedric's questioning glance, he exclaimed, "Don't tell me you don't know what happened!" "What happened?" Cedric asked, his curiosity growing. "Ahh. I can feel a history lesson from Uri coming back," Rafe said, clearing his throat. "Well, since Uriel was there, I assume he gave a pretty accurate description of what happened. He said that the Child of Darkness was winning; he had the poor guy pretty sliced up. But, at the last moment, when he was about to deliver the finishing blow, something distracted him for a moment-just long enough for the Child of Purity to run him through!" "Run him through?" Cedric looked alarmed. "Then. then how is it that Kalem's alive now?" "I don't know exactly," Rafe confessed. "But Uriel said something about how spirits who are very powerful and have some unfinished business are able to reincarnate as themselves again." "Unfinished business?" Cedric murmured. "You mean to spy on me and help Dardylen win tomorrow?" Rafe sighed. "Stop it, Ced," he said. "You're just hurting yourself thinking like that. Look, I've known Kale for a while. Never knew he was the Child of Darkness before, or whatever until a few days ago, but even after that, I can't believe he's a bad guy." "That's what I thought too," Cedric interrupted angrily. "But it's wrong, everything he did was only to bring me as soon as he could into Dardylen's claws. And it worked too. Now I've gotta face that freak after only knowing I'm the Child of Purity for one day!" "If you're worried about the Duel. look, Cedric, what I came to tell you was that. that you don't need to be worried about tomorrow. You're incredible. You might not have noticed, but you're an amazing fighter! I could hardly believe how you were handling that Dameon guy back there." He shook his head in admiration. "You will win, Cedric. I'd bet my life on that!" Cedric stared at Rafe as if he were seeing something very beautiful for the very first time. "Thank you, Rafe," he said sincerely. "You don't know how much this means to me." "Well you know me," Rafe grinned mischievously again. "I'm always kissin' up to the big guys!" He paused for a moment and then held his arms out to Cedric. "Aw, c'mere, you!" They held each other in a brotherly embrace and laughed afterwards. "Just remember," Rafe said before he left, "whatever happens, I'll be right behind ya, okay? You're not alone, Ced. I'll be there." "Thanks, Rafe," Cedric smiled, feeling more cheerful than he had in days. "Thanks." But after Rafe left, Cedric felt the gnawing absence of another friend even more. **** Just before the crack of dawn, Jibrielle came to collect Cedric and Rafe from the chamber they had been breakfasting in. She led them to a grand courtyard behind the temple where Dardylen and Dameon were already waiting. "Slept well, I see," Dardylen drawled snobbishly, noting the bags under both Cedric's and Rafe's eyes. Rafe advanced toward him, but Cedric caught him by the arm and held him back. "Naughty, naughty," Dardylen pretended to be shocked again, "no one can harm either of the two Children except the other once the Duel's begun." Jibrielle nodded. "After the Duel begins, neither I nor the sources can join the battle." She took a deep breath and turned her clear blue eyes to Cedric. "Are you prepared?" Cedric swallowed and nodded. "Then," Jibrielle said, trying to smile encouragingly. "Sources, take your sides." Dameon walked off to the far end of the courtyard on Dardylen's side and Rafe went to the end behind Cedric. Both closed their eyes and began focusing their energy on their players. "May the Duel begin!" Jibrielle stepped back onto an altar in front of the courtyard. Without hesitation, Dardylen pulled out his egg and turned it to a sword. He lunged at Cedric who rolled out of the way and took his sword out as well. They clashed swords in a fast, furious match. Time and again, their swords met, the clangs of metal echoing throughout the courtyard. Cedric tried to stay as focused as possible and call upon the innate fighting skill he had been born with to defeat his opponent. But Dardylen seemed to be quite adept at sword-fighting, himself. His sophisticated style hinted that he had also been formally trained in fencing. The two fought for quite a while, nearly equally matched. Cedric began to feel hopeful; he was a better match for Dardylen than he'd thought. With Rafe's energy flowing into him and acting almost as a second set of eyes to watch his foe's blade, Cedric felt powerful and alert. He decided to take a chance. He lunged forward, committing himself fully to the force of the thrust to try to break through Dardylen's defenses. However, this was the chance Dardylen had been waiting for; instead of clashing head on with Cedric, he angled his blade so that Cedric's powerful stab would glance off to one side, leaving Cedric's back open for attack as he sprawled forward. Dardylen's smiled widened viciously as he drew back to sink his sword into his opponent, but realizing what he would do, Rafe sent a burst of energy that propelled Cedric backward, back up in time to block Dardylen's attack with his own sword. However, caught a bit off guard, the force of the Child of Darkness's blow knocked Cedric's sword out of his hand. Before he could retrieve it, Dardylen barred his way and came up close to him, the tip of his blade at Cedric's throat. "And so, the world ends for you humans," he purred in Cedric's ear. He moved back and gripped his sword. Cedric stared up into his cold, blue eyes. This can't be the end.! But. how can I get out of this one? He heard Rafe cry out behind him, the link between them splintering as his concentration wavered. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jibrielle turn away, her eyes closed. Cedric turned back just in time to see Dardylen's eyes flash evilly as he thrusted his sword forwards. This is it.! Cedric thought in horror, just as a bright flash blinded everyone for a split second. When Cedric opened his eyes, rather than being impaled, he was alive and well. Confused, he looked up-and screamed. Kalem was standing in front of him, Dardylen's sword stabbed all the way through his chest. "NO!" Cedric screamed. "Kalem!" Dardylen drew his sword back, looking both shocked and annoyed. Cedric caught Kalem as he crumpled to his knees. "Why?!" he cried out. "Why did you do this?" "No one. can enter the Duel once it's begun, so. this was the only way I could. help you." Cedric stared at him in amazement. Kalem grinned. "You didn't listen to what. I had to say, Cedric," he choked out. "I wanted to tell you that my intentions have always been to help you. not deceive you. I'm sorry it seemed that way. I. wanted to repent for what I'd done. I tried to destroy the world a hundred years ago. The memory's as fresh in my mind as ever." "But. why? If you were the Child of Darkness-" "That," Kalem interrupted, "was not my choice. I let destiny move me along, even though, deep in my heart, I didn't want to destroy everyone. That's why. that's why I let the Child of Purity strike me down in the end." "What?!" Cedric cried. "You mean you stopped on purpose?" Kalem nodded weakly. "It wasn't until that moment, when I knew for sure that I would win, that the world would end, that I had the strength to stand up and defy destiny. I realized, despite all the things I had done, it was not too late to stop it." "But. but why did you come back to suffer then?" Cedric whispered. "You saved us." "From immediate destruction, yes," Kalem murmured. "But not from him." He nodded his head in disgust at Dardylen, who was watching the exchange silently from behind them. "He. he was my source back then," Kalem continued in a bitter whisper. "He. stole the Sword of Darkness back then, took it out of my dying hands. With it, he became a dark creature-what you see today. He. has known about the Duel this entire century, prepared for it, to end the world. I. couldn't let him have that advantage." "Well," Dardylen spoke up for the first time. "You can see how little good you've done. I'll still win, and you, you shall die defeated again! It is destiny, don't you understand?" Cedric nodded numbly. "That prophecy Alexial kept talking about." Kalem shook his head slowly, a light returning to his eyes. "No," he whispered with a note of confidence. "Cedric. you aren't afraid to stand up against destiny. like me. I knew that the first time I saw you. Except. you were strong enough to do it from the start. You're stronger than me, and I know that you can win. That's why. I had to come back." Kalem flashed him a grin, but his eyes had become distant. "I. believe in you, Cedric." "Kalem!" Cedric whispered. "No! Don't die! You can't die now." he choked. "You just can't!" "Of course I can, Cedric," Kalem smiled, "I've done what I needed to do now." "I'm so sorry I didn't believe you, Kalem," Cedric whispered, letting the tears flow openly now. "Don't worry, Cedric," Kalem comforted him. "We'll. meet again one day. I promise." "Kalem." Cedric looked down at Kalem, but his eyes were glazed and lifeless. "Kalem. no. no. NO!" His scream shattered the peaceful silence of the early morning. "Dead as a doornail, huh?" Dardylen laughed. "What a fool he was. He had the chance to end all of mankind yet he gave it up at his Duel. How weak. How pathetic." "You," Cedric rose slowly to his feet, "are such a bastard!" "Tears? Aw," Dardylen laughed harder, "don't worry. Now that it's my turn, I'll be sure to right the wrongs. I'll send you to oblivion to join him. You, and all of pathetic, listless mankind!" "No!" Cedric screamed at him. "That's wrong! Mankind doesn't deserve to end. Not all humans are bad!" He rose and pointed a trembling finger at Kalem's body. "He showed me that! This trip showed me that! Humans like Kalem, and Rafe, and Uriel-they're all unimaginably good; they're loyal and kind and know how to care about each other! They were all willing to fight for humankind, to give everyone a chance to live, even those who are weak and petty. People like them are what make life so beautiful, and what makes me willing to believe in mankind, too. For people like them, I won't let you destroy this world!" He jumped to his feet, sword in hand, and charged at Dardylen. Dardylen readied his sword and charged as well. I believe in you, Cedric, he heard Rafe's and Kalem's voices, intermingled, call to him. As Cedric rapidly approached Dardylen, he gave one mighty swing of his sword and cut straight through Dardylen's sword and body. With a gasp of disbelief, Dardylen's sword dropped to the ground and reverted to its egg form. The Duel was over. Cedric had won. Cedric dropped his own sword and collapsed beside Dardylen's severed body and panted for air. Rafe and Dameon came running to them from opposite sides of the courtyard. Dameon fell to his knees beside Dardylen's body and held it close to him. "Again I have failed you, my lord," he closed his eyes and tears fell. Rafe threw himself down beside Cedric and hugged him tightly. "You did it!" he whispered, "you did it!" "Rafe," Cedric said, "I think I understand now. I understand what's been bothering me my whole life. What the meaning of life is. I think I know it now. The reason people are allowed to live is because we possess a very special ability. We possess the ability to feel emotions and to share them with others. Compassion, kindness, generosity. love. We feel and distribute all of those things. On this journey, I learned so many things. I learned what true friendship is; I learned loyalty and bravery. I learned that the world isn't meant to be fought in, but to be loved in. And. that, no matter what, there is always a ray of hope-no matter how discouraging the future is." Rafe blinked at him in confusion, then slowly let an affectionate smile spread over his face. "You are so full of it, Ced," he chuckled as Cedric buried his face in his shoulder for one more embrace. "You have done very well, Cedric," Jibrielle said as she approached them. "As long as humans remember what the true light of life is-remember what justice, courage, love, and hope are- they shall live on." "Yeah." Cedric grinned. "Hope. that's what Kalem gave to me." "And what you gave, Cedric," Jibrielle said, smiling warmly. "What you gave to everyone."
~The End~
As Dameon brought his sword down, Cedric closed his eyes, waiting for the blade to slice him. He waited and felt light wind on his face. His eyes flew open and he saw Kalem standing in front of him, his sword blocking Dameon's blow. "K-Kalem!" Cedric cried gratefully. "Save your thanks for later!" Kalem thrust his sword at Dameon. They continued to fight while Cedric sat watching. Kalem's shirt was ripped a little and he noticed a strange-looking tattoo on Kalem's chest. It looked like three wings and a cross. Where have I seen that mark before? Cedric wondered and tried to remember. But his attention shifted back to the fight. Kalem's skill was obviously more advanced than Dameon's. While he advanced forward, swinging his sword relentlessly, Dameon was doing all he could just to block Kalem's swift blows but still, he received a large series of cuts. Dameon tripped over a large branch as he was staggering backwards and fell down, his sword flying out of his hand. Kalem stood over him now with his sword raised. They didn't exchange any words; they merely watched each other. Dameon didn't look the least bit scared, but seemed to be waiting bravely for his life to end. Kalem's face was expressionless. Then suddenly, he lowered his blade and glanced around warily. The black dragon appeared again from behind the thick clouds and dove down right at Kalem who hurled himself out of the way. Dardylen stepped down from the dragon and strode over to where Dameon was sitting on the ground. He stared down his nose at him with contempt. "You've failed me again, Dameon," he said in his feminine-ish voice, "This is simply unacceptable." "Forgive me, Lord Dardylen," Dameon bowed down at his feet and exposed his neck to Dardylen. Dardylen kicked him hard in the chest. "I'm not going to kill you, fool," he said, annoyed. "Get up." Dameon obeyed and got to his feet swiftly, but painfully. Dardylen led him back to the dragon. They climbed on and the dragon began to flap its wings. Dardylen turned around to look at Cedric and Kalem and said, "You've not seen the last of me! I will be back to claim that egg!" He paused and stared at Kalem as though seeing him for the first time. "You," he half- gasped. Then his expression changed to one full of malice. "Why are you here? Are you actually trying to help the Child of Purity win? Naughty, naughty!" he shook his dainty finger at him. "You're not allowed to interfere with the games this round. You've had your turn!" Cedric turned to look at Kalem, confused. "What's he talking about?" he asked. But Kalem kept his eyes on Dardylen. "You haven't told him?!" Dardylen gasped exaggeratedly and brought his delicate fingers to his lips lightly and pretended to be shocked, "Oh dear, well let me enlighten you, boy! Your 'friend' Kalem, here, is more appropriately one of my minions. In fact, it has always been his destiny to seek the end of the world. You see, he was the Child of Darkness in the last Duel!" He raised his right hand and showed them the ring on his finger with the wings and cross. Cedric froze. He glanced frantically at Kalem and saw on his chest, that strange tattoo again and realized that it was the same emblem that Dardylen had on his ring. It was the mark of the Child of Darkness. **** "Kalem." Cedric managed to say. "It's. not true." Kalem didn't turn to look at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Rafe coming up over the plateau a little distance away. Kalem continued to stare off after Dardylen as the black dragon grew tiny in the distance. Cedric ran over to him in desperation and grabbed his shoulders to make him turn to face him. "No! It's not true!" he cried at Kalem. "You're not really. are you?"
Kalem finally turned to look at him. His eyes were completely flat and unreadable. "The mark on my chest is indeed what Dardylen says it is, Cedric," he said, in an oddly emotionless voice. "The brand given to those who are born to seek the death of the world and all those in it." Cedric stared and slowly released Kalem's shoulders. Tears streamed down his face like an ongoing flow of a river. He shook his head and screamed, "It's can't be true, Kalem! After all we went through together! You came with me this far! You helped me! You saved my life! We're friends! Friends." His voice trailed away as Kalem turned away from him and slowly sheathed his blade. "You lied." Cedric's shock and desperation was now replaced by the fury of one who has been betrayed. "You lied to me! All that. you came all this way just to bring me to Dardylen?" He backed away from him, glaring accusingly. Kalem stared back at him and then stepped forward. "Cedric, listen-" Kalem began, but was cut off . "Oh, hell!" Cedric interrupted fiercely, "You've been faking it all along. Telling me to protect this egg so that no one could get it but Dardylen. I know what you're getting at! You wanted to get close to me-to gain my trust so that you could stab me in the back when the time came! You were going after the egg all along! Well," he chuckled bitterly, "you sure did a good job. Acting like some hero here to help this stupid, little boy, huh? Yeah, you sure had me-you must've been laughing at me this whole time, at how gullible I was. Well, I was wrong and I know it now! You traitor!" His voice rang out in the silence following his outburst. Kalem merely looked down, avoiding Cedric's eyes. "You see the mark and you will not even listen to me." He seemed angry now. "Cedric, you're being a fool!" "I don't give a damn about what you've got to say!" Cedric wiped his tears away angrily. "Get away from me, Kalem! I never, ever want to see you again!" With that, he turned on his heel and fled away to the hills, picking up his sword on the way. Rafe, having just arrived, looked bewilderedly after Cedric and then turned back to Kalem who just stared down at the ground. He hesitated for a moment and then ran after Cedric, concerned. Kalem finally looked up and watched his companions disappear into the distance. "Let them go, Dark One," Dardylen said, emerging from the shadows behind him. "You do not belong with them. They are of Purity. You are one of Darkness." He placed his hands around the taller man's shoulders and pulled him towards him. "Come back with me," he whispered. "Let us fulfill the prophecy and claim the glory of ending this world that should have been ours a hundred years ago. You and I, we should have-" But before he could continue, Kalem strode out of his grasp. Dardylen glared at him. "You fool!" he shouted at his still back. "You cannot change your destiny or that of this world! No matter what foolish ideas have been put in your head, you cannot change who you are!" He tossed his head back and laughed spitefully. "You see, in the end you will always be shunned. Be thankful that I shall end your suffering and the suffering of all the world soon." When Kalem looked up, Dardylen was gone along with his dragon. The rain began to fall relentlessly on his head. "Soon comes a storm." he whispered. **** Cedric stared glumly out an open flap in the covered wagon at the rain. The remnants of violent anger still boiled under his skin, but a deep lethargy and listlessness had settled over him. Even though it had been two days since they had left Kalem, the bitter aftertaste of betrayal still stung at him. The wagon stopped and after a moment Rafe came in from the driver's seat to join him. "Lunch time," Rafe said. He untied a bag and brought out a slab of cheese and two loaves of bread. "Ya hungry?" "No," Cedric replied childishly. "Don't be such a baby, Ced," Rafe grinned and tossed the loaf of bread onto Cedric's lap. "We'll be at the temple in a few hours. You're probably gonna want to be ready and alert then. I hear the priestess is a real sight to see," he added grinning. Cedric made no response to his friend's good-natured attempts. "Come on, Cedric." Rafe sat down beside him. "You gotta forget about all that. It's over, gone. There's nothin' you can do about it, so why worry? The egg's still safe and we're fine." As Cedric continued to say nothing, Rafe sighed and decided to breach the tabooed subject that was on both their minds. "You know you'll meet Kalem again one day. When all this crud is over. And maybe when you do, you guys can settle your differences and be friends again." "I don't want to be his friend," Cedric pouted. "I want him to disappear!" "Hey," Rafe scolded, "be nice. You might get what you wish for." "Whatever," Cedric rolled his eyes, then sighed. "I'm sorry, Rafe. I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything. it's just I feel so .betrayed. it really hurts a lot." He felt the hot tears gathering in his eyes again. Why do these tears have to come? he thought, angrily brushing them away with his sleeves. "Hey," Rafe said gently, "don't worry about it. I'm not hacked off or anything." He put his hand on the smaller boy's shoulder and smiled at him. "Don't worry 'bout it." "Thanks, Rafe" Cedric looked up and choked down a sob, "for being my friend." **** The Water Temple was one of the most beautiful buildings Cedric had ever seen in his life. Its tall stone pillars and steps were made of white marble. The rest of the temple was painted cobalt blue. "Now that's one gorgeous temple!" Cedric whistled in appreciation. "Well, that's one gorgeous chick!" Rafe whistled too. Cedric looked at Rafe who was staring stupidly to the right. He followed his gaze and saw the girl he had seen so many times in his dreams. Her long blond hair was tied up in knots and her unmistakable blue eyes were watching them as they watched her. It was the priestess of the Water Temple, Jibrielle. **** "J-Jibrielle," Cedric stammered. Jibrielle looked slightly startled that he knew her by name but regained her composure. "What brings you to the Water Temple, weary travelers?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle. "I want to know what to do about, uh," Cedric dug around in his pockets and pulled out the sword that had been the egg, "this." She stared at the sword in shock and walked briskly up to them. "Where did you get this?" she asked. Cedric, for the third time, relayed the story of how the egg had gotten into his possession. "Dreams? You've been receiving the dreams?" Jibrielle looked puzzled. "How could you? I've been sending them out to the Child of Purity." she eyed him curiously. "Then you, you are the one! The Child of Purity!" Her face lit in a beautiful smile. "What?" Cedric was stunned. "Me? No, lady, you've got your messiahs crossed. I don't even have any special powers or magic. I can't be the Child of Purity." "Oh, but you are! The jeweled egg changed its form for you and you alone. It would not have done that if you were not the One." Cedric was shocked. He did not know how to respond. It had never occurred to him that the egg had been given to him for such an important reason. "If I am, what must I do to save the world?" he asked. Jibrielle smiled warmly and took his hands in hers. "Come with me, we will prepare you for the Duel." **** Jibrielle led Cedric and Rafe to a small room deeper within the temple's walls. She sat down at the single desk and dug around in the drawers. She pulled out a roll of ancient looking parchment and a pair of large spectacles which she put on. The spectacles filled up three-quarters of her face and made her eyes look inhumanly large. She studied the parchment and then looked up at Cedric. "Are you familiar with the conditions of the Duel?" she asked. "What conditions?" he asked puzzled. "Each player, the Child of Purity and the Child of Darkness, are allowed a source to enhance their powers. The closer the source is to the player, the stronger the player becomes. Have you thought of anyone to be your source?" For a moment, the painful image of Kalem flashed in Cedric's mind. He shook his head irritably to banish the thought, then looked at Rafe. "Rafe," he said seriously, "will you do me the honor of being my source?" "Aw, everything but the ring and flowers," Rafe said sarcastically. Cedric blinked and stared at him. "I'll be your source, okay?!" "Thanks!" Cedric embraced Rafe affectionately. Rafe made some sort of an "ugh" sound. "The Duel should begin whenever the two players are ready. So, do you want to start the Duel? If so, you must find the Child of Darkness and confront him." "No need, Jibrielle," a voice said from a dark corner in the room. Dardylen materialized into view with Dameon at his side. "I've chosen my source," he smiled maliciously, "and so have you. The rules say we can begin, so I challenge you right now, Child of Purity!" Cedric tensed up; he was definitely not ready to fight this Duel now.
Jibrielle must have been thinking the same thing, as her expression looked worried. "But Dardylen," she began. "Too late to protest, Jibrielle," Dardylen said, looking triumphant. "The eggs have been gathered, the sources have been chosen, and the Challenge has been issued. You know the rules-we must Duel." Jibrielle looked defeated. "It is as you say," she said soberly. "All right, then. At dawn, let the Duel begin." **** That night, Cedric stumbled into bed dead tired. Even though Jibrielle had warned him about saving his strength for the following day, he had insisted that she teach him everything she could about how to use the magical power of his sword and he and Rafe had practiced joining their spirits to increase Cedric's power. They had been doing well, but Cedric now found that he felt extremely exhausted and still doubtful for the following day. Despite his fatigue, Cedric found it hard to sleep. For some reason, thoughts of Kalem kept coming to him again and again, and the painful emotions that lay unresolved about the dark-haired man tormented Cedric away from any rest. In his mind, Kalem smiled at him as he had at their first meeting. His eyes. Cedric thought, giving up and allowing his mind to float where it would. Something about him made me trust him, made me believe in him. How could I have been so wrong? Finally, frustrated, Cedric sat up and lit a candle. He was about to get up for a glass of water when there was a knock at his door. He got up and opened the door to see Rafe standing in the hallway. "Couldn't sleep either?" the blonde boy asked grinning. "Heh, the sheep are all stampeding on me tonight." He looked down at his feet for a moment and then said, "Worried about tomorrow?" Cedric gulped. "Yeah." "Well. hey, look at it this way! No Child of Purity has ever lost before!" Cedric groaned. "What if I'm the first? Anyway, it only takes one to end the world, remember?" Rafe made a face. "Geh. you worry too much! I mean. the Children of Purity must have some kind of advantage. I mean, look at it this way-even Kalem lost!" His companion looked up at him, puzzled. "That's true." he said slowly. "I can't even imagine it. How could Kalem lose to anyone in a swordfight? His skill is incredible!" "Oh, it had nothing to do with skill!" Rafe snorted. At Cedric's questioning glance, he exclaimed, "Don't tell me you don't know what happened!" "What happened?" Cedric asked, his curiosity growing. "Ahh. I can feel a history lesson from Uri coming back," Rafe said, clearing his throat. "Well, since Uriel was there, I assume he gave a pretty accurate description of what happened. He said that the Child of Darkness was winning; he had the poor guy pretty sliced up. But, at the last moment, when he was about to deliver the finishing blow, something distracted him for a moment-just long enough for the Child of Purity to run him through!" "Run him through?" Cedric looked alarmed. "Then. then how is it that Kalem's alive now?" "I don't know exactly," Rafe confessed. "But Uriel said something about how spirits who are very powerful and have some unfinished business are able to reincarnate as themselves again." "Unfinished business?" Cedric murmured. "You mean to spy on me and help Dardylen win tomorrow?" Rafe sighed. "Stop it, Ced," he said. "You're just hurting yourself thinking like that. Look, I've known Kale for a while. Never knew he was the Child of Darkness before, or whatever until a few days ago, but even after that, I can't believe he's a bad guy." "That's what I thought too," Cedric interrupted angrily. "But it's wrong, everything he did was only to bring me as soon as he could into Dardylen's claws. And it worked too. Now I've gotta face that freak after only knowing I'm the Child of Purity for one day!" "If you're worried about the Duel. look, Cedric, what I came to tell you was that. that you don't need to be worried about tomorrow. You're incredible. You might not have noticed, but you're an amazing fighter! I could hardly believe how you were handling that Dameon guy back there." He shook his head in admiration. "You will win, Cedric. I'd bet my life on that!" Cedric stared at Rafe as if he were seeing something very beautiful for the very first time. "Thank you, Rafe," he said sincerely. "You don't know how much this means to me." "Well you know me," Rafe grinned mischievously again. "I'm always kissin' up to the big guys!" He paused for a moment and then held his arms out to Cedric. "Aw, c'mere, you!" They held each other in a brotherly embrace and laughed afterwards. "Just remember," Rafe said before he left, "whatever happens, I'll be right behind ya, okay? You're not alone, Ced. I'll be there." "Thanks, Rafe," Cedric smiled, feeling more cheerful than he had in days. "Thanks." But after Rafe left, Cedric felt the gnawing absence of another friend even more. **** Just before the crack of dawn, Jibrielle came to collect Cedric and Rafe from the chamber they had been breakfasting in. She led them to a grand courtyard behind the temple where Dardylen and Dameon were already waiting. "Slept well, I see," Dardylen drawled snobbishly, noting the bags under both Cedric's and Rafe's eyes. Rafe advanced toward him, but Cedric caught him by the arm and held him back. "Naughty, naughty," Dardylen pretended to be shocked again, "no one can harm either of the two Children except the other once the Duel's begun." Jibrielle nodded. "After the Duel begins, neither I nor the sources can join the battle." She took a deep breath and turned her clear blue eyes to Cedric. "Are you prepared?" Cedric swallowed and nodded. "Then," Jibrielle said, trying to smile encouragingly. "Sources, take your sides." Dameon walked off to the far end of the courtyard on Dardylen's side and Rafe went to the end behind Cedric. Both closed their eyes and began focusing their energy on their players. "May the Duel begin!" Jibrielle stepped back onto an altar in front of the courtyard. Without hesitation, Dardylen pulled out his egg and turned it to a sword. He lunged at Cedric who rolled out of the way and took his sword out as well. They clashed swords in a fast, furious match. Time and again, their swords met, the clangs of metal echoing throughout the courtyard. Cedric tried to stay as focused as possible and call upon the innate fighting skill he had been born with to defeat his opponent. But Dardylen seemed to be quite adept at sword-fighting, himself. His sophisticated style hinted that he had also been formally trained in fencing. The two fought for quite a while, nearly equally matched. Cedric began to feel hopeful; he was a better match for Dardylen than he'd thought. With Rafe's energy flowing into him and acting almost as a second set of eyes to watch his foe's blade, Cedric felt powerful and alert. He decided to take a chance. He lunged forward, committing himself fully to the force of the thrust to try to break through Dardylen's defenses. However, this was the chance Dardylen had been waiting for; instead of clashing head on with Cedric, he angled his blade so that Cedric's powerful stab would glance off to one side, leaving Cedric's back open for attack as he sprawled forward. Dardylen's smiled widened viciously as he drew back to sink his sword into his opponent, but realizing what he would do, Rafe sent a burst of energy that propelled Cedric backward, back up in time to block Dardylen's attack with his own sword. However, caught a bit off guard, the force of the Child of Darkness's blow knocked Cedric's sword out of his hand. Before he could retrieve it, Dardylen barred his way and came up close to him, the tip of his blade at Cedric's throat. "And so, the world ends for you humans," he purred in Cedric's ear. He moved back and gripped his sword. Cedric stared up into his cold, blue eyes. This can't be the end.! But. how can I get out of this one? He heard Rafe cry out behind him, the link between them splintering as his concentration wavered. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jibrielle turn away, her eyes closed. Cedric turned back just in time to see Dardylen's eyes flash evilly as he thrusted his sword forwards. This is it.! Cedric thought in horror, just as a bright flash blinded everyone for a split second. When Cedric opened his eyes, rather than being impaled, he was alive and well. Confused, he looked up-and screamed. Kalem was standing in front of him, Dardylen's sword stabbed all the way through his chest. "NO!" Cedric screamed. "Kalem!" Dardylen drew his sword back, looking both shocked and annoyed. Cedric caught Kalem as he crumpled to his knees. "Why?!" he cried out. "Why did you do this?" "No one. can enter the Duel once it's begun, so. this was the only way I could. help you." Cedric stared at him in amazement. Kalem grinned. "You didn't listen to what. I had to say, Cedric," he choked out. "I wanted to tell you that my intentions have always been to help you. not deceive you. I'm sorry it seemed that way. I. wanted to repent for what I'd done. I tried to destroy the world a hundred years ago. The memory's as fresh in my mind as ever." "But. why? If you were the Child of Darkness-" "That," Kalem interrupted, "was not my choice. I let destiny move me along, even though, deep in my heart, I didn't want to destroy everyone. That's why. that's why I let the Child of Purity strike me down in the end." "What?!" Cedric cried. "You mean you stopped on purpose?" Kalem nodded weakly. "It wasn't until that moment, when I knew for sure that I would win, that the world would end, that I had the strength to stand up and defy destiny. I realized, despite all the things I had done, it was not too late to stop it." "But. but why did you come back to suffer then?" Cedric whispered. "You saved us." "From immediate destruction, yes," Kalem murmured. "But not from him." He nodded his head in disgust at Dardylen, who was watching the exchange silently from behind them. "He. he was my source back then," Kalem continued in a bitter whisper. "He. stole the Sword of Darkness back then, took it out of my dying hands. With it, he became a dark creature-what you see today. He. has known about the Duel this entire century, prepared for it, to end the world. I. couldn't let him have that advantage." "Well," Dardylen spoke up for the first time. "You can see how little good you've done. I'll still win, and you, you shall die defeated again! It is destiny, don't you understand?" Cedric nodded numbly. "That prophecy Alexial kept talking about." Kalem shook his head slowly, a light returning to his eyes. "No," he whispered with a note of confidence. "Cedric. you aren't afraid to stand up against destiny. like me. I knew that the first time I saw you. Except. you were strong enough to do it from the start. You're stronger than me, and I know that you can win. That's why. I had to come back." Kalem flashed him a grin, but his eyes had become distant. "I. believe in you, Cedric." "Kalem!" Cedric whispered. "No! Don't die! You can't die now." he choked. "You just can't!" "Of course I can, Cedric," Kalem smiled, "I've done what I needed to do now." "I'm so sorry I didn't believe you, Kalem," Cedric whispered, letting the tears flow openly now. "Don't worry, Cedric," Kalem comforted him. "We'll. meet again one day. I promise." "Kalem." Cedric looked down at Kalem, but his eyes were glazed and lifeless. "Kalem. no. no. NO!" His scream shattered the peaceful silence of the early morning. "Dead as a doornail, huh?" Dardylen laughed. "What a fool he was. He had the chance to end all of mankind yet he gave it up at his Duel. How weak. How pathetic." "You," Cedric rose slowly to his feet, "are such a bastard!" "Tears? Aw," Dardylen laughed harder, "don't worry. Now that it's my turn, I'll be sure to right the wrongs. I'll send you to oblivion to join him. You, and all of pathetic, listless mankind!" "No!" Cedric screamed at him. "That's wrong! Mankind doesn't deserve to end. Not all humans are bad!" He rose and pointed a trembling finger at Kalem's body. "He showed me that! This trip showed me that! Humans like Kalem, and Rafe, and Uriel-they're all unimaginably good; they're loyal and kind and know how to care about each other! They were all willing to fight for humankind, to give everyone a chance to live, even those who are weak and petty. People like them are what make life so beautiful, and what makes me willing to believe in mankind, too. For people like them, I won't let you destroy this world!" He jumped to his feet, sword in hand, and charged at Dardylen. Dardylen readied his sword and charged as well. I believe in you, Cedric, he heard Rafe's and Kalem's voices, intermingled, call to him. As Cedric rapidly approached Dardylen, he gave one mighty swing of his sword and cut straight through Dardylen's sword and body. With a gasp of disbelief, Dardylen's sword dropped to the ground and reverted to its egg form. The Duel was over. Cedric had won. Cedric dropped his own sword and collapsed beside Dardylen's severed body and panted for air. Rafe and Dameon came running to them from opposite sides of the courtyard. Dameon fell to his knees beside Dardylen's body and held it close to him. "Again I have failed you, my lord," he closed his eyes and tears fell. Rafe threw himself down beside Cedric and hugged him tightly. "You did it!" he whispered, "you did it!" "Rafe," Cedric said, "I think I understand now. I understand what's been bothering me my whole life. What the meaning of life is. I think I know it now. The reason people are allowed to live is because we possess a very special ability. We possess the ability to feel emotions and to share them with others. Compassion, kindness, generosity. love. We feel and distribute all of those things. On this journey, I learned so many things. I learned what true friendship is; I learned loyalty and bravery. I learned that the world isn't meant to be fought in, but to be loved in. And. that, no matter what, there is always a ray of hope-no matter how discouraging the future is." Rafe blinked at him in confusion, then slowly let an affectionate smile spread over his face. "You are so full of it, Ced," he chuckled as Cedric buried his face in his shoulder for one more embrace. "You have done very well, Cedric," Jibrielle said as she approached them. "As long as humans remember what the true light of life is-remember what justice, courage, love, and hope are- they shall live on." "Yeah." Cedric grinned. "Hope. that's what Kalem gave to me." "And what you gave, Cedric," Jibrielle said, smiling warmly. "What you gave to everyone."
~The End~