It's going to be a big one! And prepare for the villain reveal!

SkekMal growled as he tugged at his robe. He couldn't believe it. A Gelfling small and weak as she was strong enough to fling his blade back at him, even at that height. With one firm tug, he ripped the sleeve of his robe. The blood red and dark blue dangle below the cruel weapon. He huffed with frustration. He pulled out the token Ghost gave him. He sniffed. The aroma of her reached his nostrils. Then, thought of something. Why did she smell of a small fire and stronger rain? What secret is she hiding?

He tried to ignore the sensation in his heart. The Hunter thought Ghost would be easy prey. Then, went up against him like a mighty warrior. Her scent had changed. Her eyes showed a strong spark of the will to live. His steps went faster. The vision of the forest blurred. Her capability of slithering out from under his grasp with some weird power shocked him. SkekMal had never felt this excited in a long time. Harsh breathing escaped his beak. Animalistic growls erupted. Suddenly, there was a loud boom. He stopped in his tracks.

"What was that?" SkekMal said. He leaped up the tree line to have a better look. Birds flew in several directions. He cried out when he felt a shockwave that nearly caused him to fall out of a tree. His claws sunk into the bark. A wild sensation felt through him. It felt like some sort of comfort. Like a childling being held by their mother. A happiness that wasn't prey. He took a deep breath. He closed his eyes. He could feel the warmth of Ghost snuggled deep and- No! He shook himself. "I must find her and put an end to her destruction to the Skeksis!" The Hunter pushed forward. He went deeper and deeper into the direction of the blast until he heard a scream.

His nose twitched as he smelled Ghost reappearing in a different location. He ran to it. A predator zeroing on his prey. He jumped to a hidden spot. Then, his legs froze in place before he could draw a blade. Before the Hunter was a sight that was stranger than him. Covered in a dark blue cloak, a mysterious creature was tall and had bony hands. Dug into its shoulder was a dagger, turning purple to a dainty blue. It plucked the small blade off and snatched a Grotten Gelfling. An explosion temporarily blinded him.

As the smoke cleared, SkekMal saw a skeletal mask in place where the hood would be. When it spoke, a chill went down his spine. The voice sounded hollow and lifeless. But it didn't frighten him as much as the voice that came next.

"How do you know about us?"

"Ghost…" The Hunter breathed. His heart thundered hard. Even if the voice was distorted, there was no doubt it was hers. That same gentle voice which could calm the wildest of Landstriders. Not again! She's the enemy you fool! He nearly jumped when she roared her demand. He found himself staring at her with intent. Listening to her part of the wager. Then, saw her gaze turned toward him. She could see his fear and emotions. In turn, SkekMal began to notice the fear, the pain and sorrow. As if tears would spill out. He raised a hand, but blinded by smoke once again. His green eyes focused on the lone dagger that laid in place of where Ghost stood.

-(Rian, Ordon and Gurjin, Castle of the Crystal)-

The sun was starting to set. The dark halls of the castle turned into shades of dark orange and purple. Creatures in the walls scurrying around. Podling servants and Gelfling guards began to turn in for the night. All except for three. Captain Ordon poked his head from behind a corner of a hallway. His brown eyes darted around the corners. He leaned back in. "Coast is clear."

The Captain walked out from his hiding place. He hefted his sword on one shoulder, then shifted his pack. Rian and Gurjin followed suit. The two friends carried bags as well. Each of the bags rattled with wrapped food and medicine to help care for Ghost. After their dreamfasting, the trio decided to go and look after Ghost. However, it had to later in the day to avoid suspicion. They walked down the hall as they made their way to the gates.

"Shouldn't we use our Landstriders to look for her?" Rian asked in a hushed tone.

"They would've made too much noise." Ordon explained. "Going on foot brings less suspicion on us."

"But Ghost could be miles from here!" Gurjin protested. "She may know Stonewood, but if this 'Hunter' is something of a good locator then we need to find her fast."

"Exactly."

The trio jumped. Swords were drawn out. To their shock, they saw three of the lords standing before them. Each of them wearing a suit of armor. Scientist looked oddly eager to get out there to seize Ghost. Ordon calmly sheathed his sword. "Pardon us, General. We were merely stepping out after-"

"Save it." SkekVar snorted. "We heard that conversation of yours in the halls."

Rian growled. He stepped forward. "Ghost is in danger! I don't know what happened back at the catacombs, but I've known her long enough to know is that she's never shy when it comes to making friends with anyone no matter who or what they are! She always sees things as not as they are but what could be! Maybe she didn't tell us because she loves us!" His eyes started to brim with tears as he thought of Mira and Ghost when they were together. "She'd never ask for power!"

SkekTek silently pulled out a scroll. He unrolled it. His eyes misted with sorrow. He walked forward between the General. The Scientist held it up for the Gelflings to see. "I...Know…" His voice crackled. His hand began to shake. "Scroll Keeper always said that when she writes, you could feel her emotion nonsense in it. However, I don't see any nonsense here." Tears went down his face. "I...want her back as much as you do."

"Scientist! You do realize how crazy this is?!" SkekLach sneezed. His pustules oozed out. However, his eyes also glowed with sorrow and fear.

"So what?!" The blue Skeksis turned to the Collector. "We've known that SkekSil was jealous of her for as long as we could remember. Now, we had to listen to him while Ghost is out there possibly rescuing Ornamentalist! We must get her back before anything else happens!" SkekTek breathed heavily from his efforts not to sob. He gulped hard. "If anything, Ghost has been around us to know we have a strong sense of smell. If she's able to hide her scent, Hunter must be slowed by that effort."

SkekVar shook his head. "Even so, the Endless forest is vast and she had only seen Thra through the carriage. Hunter is a relentless fighter. For him, the hunt never ends. Once he has his sights on Ghost, He will stop at nothing to get her. Not even a horde of Arathim would help her. It would only be a matter of time before her heart…" The General felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He looked down. Trying to hide his mournful gaze.

Gurjin stepped forward. "We have to try!"

Rian nodded. "Gurjin's right. Ghost would come after us at her own expense. Let's do the same for her. I know you care for her considering what I've seen."

The three lords were silent for a moment. Each trapped in their own , SkekLach sighed. "Alright, Gelfling. You can tag along with us. At this rate, we're going to need all the help we can get." With that the lords walked down to the unoccupied halls to go find their Ghost.

-(At Stonewood Forest, Deet)-

Deet stood there motionless. She couldn't believe what she saw. Ghost sacrificed herself to save everyone here. Her wings shook as she thought back to those claws that snatched her. They were just cold like iron. She briefly smelled death on his breath. Her heart froze. She looked up at Hup who was also stunned by this. Her dark eyes turned toward the other creatures that stood there. Her ears picked up the mournful howls of Fizzgigs and bellows of a Silk Spitter. Then, Deet heard footsteps and gasped.

Out of the shadows was a creature she's never seen before. It looks like one of the Skeksis, but the skull on the creature's head made it more of a monster than a lord. He knelt down. His blades swaying at his side. His face inches from the dagger that was on the ground. His nostrils twitched at the blade. His eyes focused. He picked the dagger up. "Whoever that was seems to have something to keep from tracking the scent."

Another Skeksis, this one purple with a silver beak cover, marched over to the hunter. "SkekMal! Can you still track her?!" His black robes fluttered with every frustrated gesture he made. "She must be brought to me alive or dead!" He cried out when a rock went right to his head. His cover glowed in the bright light as he twisted his head around. He heard a raspberry and saw Hup. His blue eyes narrowed dangerously. Before he could say anything, he soon received a heavy peck by a steel gray bird.

"Don't you dare hurt friend Ghost! You stinkin' beaky!" The bird flared his feathers in a way that made him menacing. In his claws was a strange object that swayed in his claws. "She risked life to save you. That a necromage!" He quickly dodged a blade that the boned Skeksis swung at him.

"Don't you dare talk to the Emperor like that!" The Hunter growled. Then, he stared in shock as well as the Emperor. "Did...you just talk?"

The bird just glared. He flew over to a nearby branch. "Yes, did talk. My name Razz and ain't afraid of no beaky. Razz go find her with real friends." He lifted his strange object. "If any beaky follows, Elctor give you thrashing!"

Deet walked forward. She couldn't help but be curious about this bird. Hup followed her, but kept a close eye on the Silk Spitter and the little Threader that were also crawling over to Razz's spot. "You know where she's being taken?" Deet took another step forward. She took a quick glance at SkekMal. No movement so far. "Can you take me to her? I need to help her."

Razz looked at Deet silently. He looked at his charm. If he showed them the way, it may cause problems. If he didn't...He sighed. His amber eyes focus on her. "You do realize you walk in danger right? Might incur wrath of King Neco."

"King Neco?" said a different voice. "Who's he?"

Razz and Deet turned their heads to the left to see three more Skeksis join the group with three other Gelflings. Two of them being Stonewood and one being Drenchen. A heavy weight of exhaustion draped over them like a thick blanket. The Skeksis were breathing heavily as if they've never traveled this far before. When they all looked at the Emperor, a heavy sense of tension landed on everyone like a heavy bolder.

Razz groaned. "Ok. No time for explanations. If everyone wants to get Ghost back home! Alive!" He glared at the Emperor. "Razz have Elctor fly over to BlackBone Castle. From there will need boat!"

"A boat?" asked a Skeksis who had ooze dripping out. "What do we need a boat for?" He jolted with a realization. "Wait! Are you saying-"

Razz sighed. He murmured a few words and suddenly, the object glowed. The sky above the woods darkened to a pitch black thanks to a few thick clouds. A clap of thunder made a few of them jump. Deet and Hup backed away from the trees. Suddenly, a thunderbolt struck the ground. Everyone fell backward from the shock and flung into a few bushes. In the remaining energy from the bolt stood a bat-like creature with a scorpion tail. It gave a shriek as it took its form. Ears perked to listen. Dark eyes, all six glanced around. Deet walked toward it slowly while Hup and the young Stonewood, who she now remembers is Rian, showed their weapons to the creature.

"Excuse me." Deet walked forward before being stopped by Hup. Her dark eyes stared back at the beast. "Do you know where we can find BlackBone Castle?" Deet braced herself for a roar, but it didn't come. The creature simply sifted the dark gaze to the sickly Skeksis. She followed it and noticed the concerned gaze on the Skeksis' face. "You know where it is don't you?"

The head glowed with ooze as the last brother was about to disappear from the sky. It didn't take long for everyone to follow Deet's gaze. "Yeah...That castle that gray birdie mentioned is actually the one I saw with Ghost back at the Silver Sea." He fiddled with his hands.

A blue Skeksis thought for a moment. "That does make sense. The sea is vast and no doubt a great hideout. Unpredictable currents. Aquatic beasts. Almost untouchable." He looked up. "It has to be it."

"Then we have to get going." Deet spoke. She was soon stopped by The Emperor.

"What makes you think you'll rescue Ghost?" The purple Skeksis sneered. "She's none of your concern!"

"Yes she is!" Rian shouted. He got between the Emperor and Deet. His blue eyes cold. "I don't know what happened, but I do know she sacrificed her life to save everyone here."

Deet looked up at the Emperor. She glanced around and saw glimmers of determination in the Silk Spitter's eyes. "Can't we have a small truce? Let's get Ghost and anyone else who may be imprisoned in the castle. Can't we just get along?"

"I agree!"

Everyone gasped. They all turned to the blue Skeksis. Shocked stares spread across. His eyes looked glazed. His back straightened. On his face was a flower laying flat against him. "Ghost never wanted power." As he spoke, it was distorted. Almost as if he was starting to turn into a bug. "She only spent time with Arathim to see if she could forge peace between Arathim, Podling, Gelfling and Skeksis. Ghost never told anyone because she wanted to give everyone time before she was ready." He raised his arms in defense as the second roundest Skeksis was about to attack. "Wait! I'm not hurting him! It's my only way to talk to you I promise!" There was a slight pause. Suddenly, a sob escaped from the blue face. A tear streaked down. "I miss her. She risked everything to save us back there from the darkening." The eyes turned cold. He pointed a finger at the Emperor. "Including you! Despite what you said to her back at the caves, she took that blast for you! You owe her your life. And I know you care for Ghost too, SkekTek! I can feel it in your mind. I'm willing to get along with you lot for her sake!"

With that, the flower moved and detached herself off. She jumped into Deet's hand. The young Grotten quickly covered her as SkekTek tried to advance forward. "Stop it! This growling will never get us anywhere!" Deet turned to Elctor. Tears began to appear in her eyes. "Please...I know this is a lot and time is of the essence. I know that our fighting might cause trouble, but can you take us to save our friends?"

Elctor was silent. Then, he spread his wings out wide. One by one, he scooped them up and set them on his back. His ears were filled with bouts of protests as he took to the sky. The group soon grabbed the shell. Strands of black fur being lifelines to their long flight. "I saw your hearts, I shall take you to where you need to go." In a few strokes, Elctor headed to the Silver Sea.

-(Ghost, BlackBone Castle)-

Ghost stood before the castle's entrance. A menacing skull loomed over it. As if ready to bite down on the people walking into its dark, foreboding inside had the realistic appearance of bone. She doesn't know if the corruption of the Darkening was getting to her, but she could smell something decaying inside. Ghost could feel nothing but death. She turned to her "escort". "Is he in there?"

"Indeed." The figure nodded. His hood was still down. The voice is still lifeless when he answers. "He's still of use to us. Though his emotions and thoughts are going against our king's policy."

Ghost held back what she was going to say next. A civilization that bans emotion and thought?! She mentally screamed. Oh SkekEkt! Mira! What in Thra are they? Her body ached viciously as she walked forward. The halls echoed with chains as they continued down. Her purple eyes see frightened shapes moving in the shadows. Ribs and gaunt limbs making skeletal monsters hidden in mud. Globes of light that reflected the dull lighting that managed to leak through. Ghost's ears flicked as she heard a few whispers before they were hushed by the necromage. Ghost felt her body vibrate with the dark butterflies. Calm down. You can't let the darkening get out of control. You might put Ekty in jeopardy.

A large black double door stood. Etched on them was a sinister creature. A Centipede with multiple eyes all along its long body. Something about the gaze was that of hunger. A hunger for despair and chaos. It's nest of skull formed a ring underneath it. Ghost couldn't help but feel as if she's seen this thing before. But where? The Necromage knocked on the door. A hollow sound reverberated off the walls. Then, the doors opened. The dark mage simply bowed. "After you."

Ghost was hesitant. She couldn't see much of the throne room, but she knows something evil waits for her. She shook herself and took four steps into the room. The doors slammed behind. An unseen meeting that was about to unfold.

-(Outside the Castle)-

Vassa swam close to the floating castle as he dared to. A whimpering bellow rumbled out of his throat. SkekSa was at the helm of the ship. The Mariner tried her best to steer while keeping her own legs steady. "Easy now, Vassa." She said. She turned to the Emperor who was only a few feet from her. Further down the deck, the others gazed at the ship. Deet leaning against the railing to get a better look. "This as far as we go I'm afraid. You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find this treacherous castle." She raised a brow at Shield clutching against the railing in hopes that the poor Silk Spitter didn't fall. His eyes nervously focused on the water. "I'm still having a hard time believing all the things you told me are true, but I want to see Jewel Eyes and listen to her side of things."

Elctor managed to track Vassa down. How? SkekSa and the Skeksis will never know. The Emperor, Razz, Deet and The Hunter all explained the situation to her. It only made things difficult and confusing to say the least. Considering two of her passengers are Arathim. However, hearing about Ghost going after the Ornamentalist and giving herself up, SkekSa decided not to lose her chance to talk to her again.

Rian looked at the sheer wall of the castle. It was slick. The dark walls seemed to look more menacing than the Castle of the Crystal. "The walls seem to be slick with sea water. Anyone got ideas on how to reach up there?" He turned to look at Shield. "I don't suppose you have threads strong enough to make a bridge?"

Shield gave an indignant look. Then, took a deep breath and aimed. He spat a web that gave a satisfying splat. He attached a piece of silky thread to the rails and got to work. His mind thinking of the bridge drawings that Ghost drew in one of her journals. Strong enough to climb as well as able to support heavy creatures like the Skeksis. He ignored the sensation of fear as he stared at the water. In a matter of moments, he created a thick ladder for everyone to climb. The Silk Spitter gave a smug look as everyone gawked at his work.

Gurjin leaned next to Rian. "Remind me never to call a Silk Spitter a dumb beast again."

"Alright." The Emperor said. He stepped up the railing as he prepared himself for the first step. "Find Ghost and the Ornamentalist. Make sure that you're quiet." He then turned to Ordon. "We'll discuss more details once we're far away from here." The purple Skeksis grabbed the rope and started to climb. It didn't take long for everyone else to join in on the long climb ahead.

Deet was about to fly when Rian grabbed her hand. "They might see you through the windows." Rian said. He gestured to Razz who laid himself flat against the Hunter. "This is the closest we'll get to a blind spot. Razz told me that this may be the only spot that didn't have as many guards. If you fly around they might see you." Deet silently nodded. She couldn't help but feel her chest being warm around those blue eyes. The two started to climb up the threads.

Shield was the first to reach the hole. His heart froze. He looked around cautiously. Something about his place made him shaky. Even more shaky than the water. He leaped into the hole. The air around him began to feel sick. Every part of him screamed to run away, but he knew that he couldn't let Ghost down. Not again. Shield watch everyone crawl into the hole. Suddenly, he felt vibrations just as Deet, Ordon and Rian were just reaching for the ledge. Before anyone could stop him, Shield grabbed the trio and landed on his back as he pulled them up.

The wall suddenly snapped shut behind them. Deet gulped. Her hand squeezed Rian's hard. Everyone's eyes grew wide. Even Razz's feathers raised at the mere idea that those walls could have crushed them. It didn't take long for Gurjin to voice what everyone was thinking. "Well," The Drenchen said. "No turning back now."

"Yeah…" SkekLach agreed. He turned and groaned. Right in front of the group was a hallway that split into four different paths. "Problem is...Which way to go?"

They all turned to Razz. He was still perched on Hunter's shoulder. Fear was clouding his eyes as he relieved the haunted memories. His claws deep in the robe. "R-razz only remembers going down a few halls. Mostly stuck in a cage." His dark eyes met Hunter's green gaze. A silver beak frowned deeply."It true! Razz not much of liar!"

SkekTek tried to sniff the tunnels. He tried to fight off the wave of nausea that crawled into his throat. Smells of death and decay reached his nostrils. Mingled with fear and blood. The darkness gave no comfort. Even trying to take some deep breaths without gagging seemed to be a challenge. "I'm afraid we're going to have to be in groups for this." He turned to face them. "I can't smell Ghost and whatever they're doing is time of the essence! If we split up, it would help cover the castle grounds faster." He flinched at a scrapping in the walls. "If...you could call it that…"

SkekVar grunted. "Ok. Let's separate into groups. Each group will be assigned each a tunnel." He turned to SkekSa. "Mariner, you're with me and Gurjin. We'll take this tunnel." He pointed a claw to the tunnel furthest to the left. "Captain, you stay with your son, the Grotten and the Hunter….Take the bird too."

"Bladewing!" Razz squawked in protest.

"Whatever." SkekVar waved it off. Then, he turned to the SkekLach and SkekTek. His brown eyes took note of the tiny Threader sitting on SkekTek's shoulder. "Scientist, Collector, you go with the Arathim and Fizzgigs. Make sure they don't do anything stupid. Take the Podling too." He ignored the indignant growl from Shield and the squawk of surprise from Scientist. "Emperor-"

"I'll go alone." The Emperor stated plainly. "I want to see what information we can exploit from these bizarre enemies." With that, he went down the hall furthest on the right.

Everyone was silent for a moment. No one even attempted to stop him. One by one, the group began to disperse into the other tunnels. Hup grumbled in his language as he joined his assigned group, only through the convincing on Deet's part.

Rian walked down the halls with his father. The Hunter walked in front of them. Mostly because he was more skilled in fighting off an ambush. Or so that is what he said. Rian didn't trust the Hunter since that Skeksis was the one who agreed to kill Ghost. His hand grew tight on the hilt. Questions burned in his mind. Rage and fear fighting to be on the same plane. Then, those feelings started to fade by a gentle hand. Rian looked up to see Deet look at him with sincere worry. He sighed only to regret it later as the odor hit him. He cupped his mouth.

Ordon kept a sharp on Hunter, but he kept glancing around the shadows. He drew out his sword as he saw one shadow moving too close. He swung it as a warning. Only met by a rumble. He stopped as soon as he heard sniffing. "What is it Hunter?"

"I smell Ghost." SkekMal said. "I don't know how, but I can smell her."

"She must be close by." Rian said. He pulled out his sword. Deet close behind him.

Razz clacked his beak nervously. "Careful. Castle can have hidden guards. Wall proved that. Only escaped because of Elctor." His feathers were raised. His whole body was vibrating.

Suddenly, a crackling noise echoed in the halls. The group ran to the sound. They were soon met by a shout. "What have you done to him?!" They reached a small balcony where purple lights were starting to glow. Crouching they carefully peeked over the lip of the stone railing. All jaws dropped at what they were seeing before them.

-(Ghost, earlier in throne room)-

Ghost looked at the throne. It was made entirely of stone. Carved to resemble large beasts. Beasts that aren't from Thra, but another world. There were seven in the least. Each one roared out in rage as if her presence is something that shouldn't be here. Sitting on it was the king of the invaders. He wore a mask just like those that stood next to his throne. His body wolf-like. Even his ears moved solemnly. A crown was made of bone. Dark eyes could be barely seen through the eye sockets. A long cloak with skull sewn into the cloth draped over him. Ghost tried to hide the chill that came off of him.

"So...You must be the little Gelfling that our prisoner is so 'fond' of." The king said. His voice was ghost-like. Almost every word in a sentence almost took an exasperated effort.

"And you must be the ones who attacked his caravan and killed a good friend of mine." Her words burned of anger and sorrow as she spoke. Her body twitching with the butterflies crawling underneath. She soon realized she had to be careful as the king stood. That movement alone made the chained creatures have a flash of fear in their eyes before they turn back to being emotionless. He proved that he was far taller than any of the Skeksis.

"Choose your next words wisely, Gelfling, or they'll be your last."

Ghost felt her heart echo against the walls. She took a deep breath, but stopped as the rancid smell hit her harder than before. "Why have you come here? What do you have to gain from this?"

"We are simply here to heal this world?"

"Heal?"

"Purge it of thoughts and emotions. Child, they are a dangerous thing. They cause nothing but war and famine. As well as the shadow madness. By riding them, we can be rid of it. And death gives that permanent release."

Ghost gasped. "Release?! Is that what you call killing my friend against the very song of Thra?! All creatures need emotion. It's what makes us alive!" She bravely took a step forward. "What right do you have to take that away!? You're no god! You certainly aren't a lord or a king despite what you claim." Her eyes turned cold. She then turned toward the chained creatures on his right. "Why would a king that bans emotion and desires need slaves?"

The king's ears flicked in a certain way. Almost giving a hidden concept of annoyance or rage. It was hard to tell since it was so subtle. He tilted his head down slightly. His teeth slowly being revealed beneath the mask. "How unfortunate... You sound like him. He too said such things, though in a squeaky mockery." He flicked his claws forward. "Bring him in."

The doors creaked open. Ghost turned to see large soldiers and creatures that resembled deformed Fizzgigs drag a misshapen shadow. Chains rattled. Their cargo was barely able to stand. As they drew closer, it was revealed to be a Skeksis' body. The face covered by a mask that had strange swirls carved into it. Shallow breathing echoed in the halls. One of the guards removed the mask. It was none other than the Ornamentalist. His body was riddled with gashes and welts. He only wore a loincloth as his twisted body was revealed. His shriveled secondary arms hung on to the chains. His eyes were half-lidded.

Ghost found herself crying. Tears streaming. She hustled over despite the screaming in her soul. Her hands lifted, wanting to touch her mentor's face. The fear of rot stopped her. "E-Ekty?"

SkekEkt moved. A voiceless moan escaped. Violet-blue eyes turned upward to match Ghost's gaze. He tilted his head as if confused. Fear mingled in them voicelessly formed the words Ghost. Then, shut his eyes completely. Head bowed.

This time Ghost could no longer hold back the butterflies in her body. She turned her body toward the king. Rage consuming her soul. Memories of the injured guards and Mira dying made the butterflies flap harder. "What have you done to him?!" She roared in a way that sounded strange. Purple energy erupted from her fingers. Her eyes flashed. A force ring of purple thorns and black butterflies filled the room. Suddenly, she heard and disjointed. The statues in front of the throne turned their heads toward her.

"Give…" An Anteater-like creature whispered.

"Darkening…" Squeaked a lemur creature.

"Us…" Uttered a shark creature with manta ray wings arched. His eyes focused on her. "Give that power to us."

Ghost's balled her hand into fits. "Power?! Is that the only thing that everyone wants? This power is nothing but a curse. It kills! Rotting everything that it touches. Nothing but pain came from the darkening." She tried to wipe her tears but it even hurt to lift her arm. She could hear the guards moving forward. Instinctively, she raised her hands. "If you want this power, then take it and never return! Take it! TAKE IT ALL!" Her voice turned into a roar as the power that she held was released.

The stone mouths opened wider. All the black butterflies flew away from Ghost's body. A black cloud heading straight for them. The eye began to glow purple. The lightning began to follow. The ring slowly disintegrated around Ghost and Ornamentalist. Finally, all the dark energy was gone. Silence flooded the room.

Ghost stood there. Weak. Her body showed strong vapors of smoke. Her white hair gone from her head. Her cheeks hollow. Eyes turned dull. Breath weakened. Her skin was a sickly gray color. She wanted to see if SkekEkt was alright, but she could only hear the sound of her own heartbeat. The only thing she could feel at that point was someone scooping her up. Her gaze met with a familiar bony face before all went dark.

That ends this chapter. Stay tuned because it's going to get more epic. Warning: Will be dark moments ahead. Review please!