Kei was hurriedly taking care of coughing fairies when Gaelin and Ailsa arrived. He barely looked up at them, merely jerking his head toward a smaller room. "Elf is in there. Had to restrain him because he tried to slash his own throat."
Ailsa sighed and entered the room slowly.
"Not going to let them torture me...kill myself first! I won't go back!" The elf was restrained in both a straitjacket and on a gurney. His eyes were wide and unfocused as he trembled.
"Hey.. everything is alright. We aren't going to let anyone hurt you," she said softly as she approached.
He went still, his eyes locking on her. "You..I saw you..who?"
"I'm Ailsa. I saved you."
"The light..it took the darkness away and I saw you." He was quiet for a moment, then asked "Am I to be executed for falling?"
"No. You're free now. You're just restrained to protect you from yourself. We'll protect you and keep you safe."
"No one can keep me safe. What year is it?"
"In human years? Around 2020."
The elf went pale. "2020?"
"Hey, everything is ok. We will keep you safe. And I'm sure it's a bit of a shock, but yes it's 2020. You were probably with them a long time, right?"
He took a deep breath. "Apparently it's been 200 years.."
"I'm sorry. And I'm sorry I couldn't have saved you sooner. We can help you adjust if you need it, though."
He shook his head. "The council will never let me live. But thank you for saving me."
"I'll protect you from the council. Just leave the worrying to me."
He raised an eyebrow. "You can't possibly believe you can defeat them?"
"Well, I'm either going to or die trying."
"You sound like I did, once upon a time." He looked sad, tears falling silently.
"Well, at least I've saved one person from them, and that's farther than most get. So I'm trying to stay positive."
"What do I do now? Everyone was destroyed two hundred years ago..I'm alone. Maybe you should have killed me.."
"You're not alone. You have me, and everyone else here at the Sanctuary. Might not be what you're used to, but.."
"But we will be your family now. No matter what happens, we'll be by your side." Gaelin said firmly. "What's your name?"
The elf didn't answer, his eyes on the floor.
Ailsa sighed, "It's okay. I'm sure you need some time to process everything."
Gaelin nodded, taking her elbow and leading her into a corner. "He's pretty messed up."
"That just means he needs some extra care."
He nodded slowly. "Did you get a name before everything happened?"
"Oh, when he was with them? He said.. Trevan?"
"NO! That's not my name!" The elf screamed, thrashing as he tried to free himself. "Not my name!"
She went back to him, "Shh, hon. It's alright. Why don't you tell us your real name and we'll work on letting you out?"
"Ryon..my name is Ry.." He slumped back unconscious.
She sighed and scanned him over with her light, making sure he was alright physically.
"I shouldn't have asked that." Gaelin ran a hand through his hair as he watched them.
"It's alright. He just needs some time." She said softly as the light vanished. She went to his side and gently kissed his cheek.
"Time is one thing I'm not sure we have." The dark fairy looked out over the infirmary, clenching his jaw as he saw beds covered with white sheets. "We should go back to your place."
She nodded, "Give me a few to help with the others, okay?" She went out and went to the covered beds. Light began glowing under them as she worked. After they were healed enough she uncovered their faces and continued pushing her light into them.
Ryusei and Tsukasa stared up at her, their faces smoke streaked and still.
She winced but continued working.
After a few moments, Ryusei began breathing.
She let the light fade from him and continued on Tsukasa. She closed her eyes for a moment as she felt herself weaken. It was a normal experience for her but as she used her light, she noticed her darkness was growing, throwing off the usual balance. She frowned, writing it off as she opened her eyes and looked back at Tsukasa.
He was staring at her, his eyes swirling a fiery red.
"Hey, you okay?"
He jerked, then blinked. When his eyes reopened, they were normal. "They attacked..taunted us."
"I'm sorry."
"Where is Daiki?!" Tsukasa asked, growing agitated.
She glanced around before spotting him, "He's here. Don't worry."
Tsukasa shook as a panic attack overtook him. "I couldn't stop it..I could hear the others screaming...but I couldn't stop it.."
"Shh, it's okay. Everyone is safe." She pushed calming energy into him.
He slowly calmed, his eyes slipping closed.
"Thank you for lying." Daiki limped toward her.
She sighed and began pushing energy into him next.
"Guess I have to live in the village now.."
"Well, can't you guys rebuild?"
"I'm sure the others will rebuild the apartment building. I..I won't rebuild Tet's place.. No point to it."
She frowned and looked around, "Where is Tet?"
"Dead."
"Where though?"
Daiki looked up at her. "Next door. Ail, don't subject yourself to seeing him."
She shook her head, "You know I have to try." She went to the next room, closing the door behind her. As she looked him over, her eyes began flashing black.
He'd been tortured, deep cuts on his face and torso. Burns obviously inflicted while he was alive were visible as well as smoke in his lungs.
She tried to control her anger, but she couldn't. She threw her arm out toward one of the side walls. A large hole dissolved through it. After another minute, she was in control, forcing light into the body. Slowly, bit by bit, the wounds closed and the burns healed. She continued until he was breathing, then turned away. She took a deep breath, feeling dizzy but she exited the room. She looked at her brother, "He'll be okay." Then she left the infirmary.
Gaelin looked up from his study of the floor and paused. "You don't look good."
"I'm fine.."
Daiki ran out of the infirmary. "Ailsa, what happened? There's a huge hole in the wall! You didn't use that power, did you?"
She looked up at Gaelin before looking at her brother. She was about to speak when she swayed and fell back.
"Shit!" Daiki barely caught her, exchanging worried glances with the dark fairy.
"Let her rest for now." Gaelin frowned before turning and leaving.
Daiki picked her up and returned to the infirmary.
A while later, she began to stir. Finally, her eyes opened and she assessed her location.
She was laying in the infirmary beside Ryusei. Tet lay across from her still unconscious. Other than them, the infirmary was empty.
Ailsa pushed herself up and left the infirmary, unsure where she intended to go. She wandered a while, considering just leaving to go back to the forest. She headed to the front door.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" Daiki was hidden in shadow, but his voice was loud in the silence.
"Well, there is still work to do in the village."
"You know what I mean! Stop deflecting! You're hiding from everything.."
She looked down, "What am I supposed to do?"
"I thought you were going to destroy the council?" Ryon spoke behind her. "Or was that just to pacify me?"
"I am. I just haven't come up with a plan yet.. Figured I could at least go home first. Unless you have a plan for me?"
"Don't..don't tell me what I want to hear. Just..go." Ryon pushed past her and out the door.
Daiki emerged and grabbed her in a tight embrace. "I can't lose you.."
"I'll be alright," she said softly.
He released her. "You..I'm sorry. I should be stronger than this."
She shook her head, "You are strong."
"No..no I'm not. I'm weak. I ran from Father without fighting back, I've been hiding ever since. I'm a worthless friend. A worse brother. I deserve to be exiled and forgotten. I'm sorry I convinced you to stay. I should have let you go and live your own life."
She stared at him, "What's going on? Where is this coming from all of a sudden? You're a great friend and an even better brother."
He shook his head. "You've always been the light of the family. Keep hold of.." He fell into her arms, convulsing wildly.
She began checking him over, forcing energy into him to try to calm his body down.
There was darkness entwining his soul, choking the blue light he carried. It was trying to smother it, but the light was resisting.
Daiki screamed in terror. "I won't let you have me or her!"
She focused a burst of light into him, working on untwisting the darkness and forcing it out.
He jerked, then went still.
The darkness washed over her, her eyes glowing black. She just continued to kneel there, though, watching her brother.
His breathing sped up, his eyes flying open. They were a dull black and he stared at her with no recognition.
She went back to forcing light into him, hoping to fix whatever the problem was.
His monotone voice broke the silence. "Must..protect.."
"Everyone is safe, okay?" She said softly, forcing another large burst into him.
"She's hurt..Father, it wasn't me! Don't send me away!" His eyes flashed blue, then black as he trembled. "Don't make me leave her!"
"Dai.. I'm right here. Come on, come back to me."
His eyes flashed once more, then closed as he arched his back before going limp.
She held him close, praying he was alright.
"Ail..sa.." Daiki's voice was slow.
"Hey, everything is okay. Just rest."
He nodded slowly before passing out.
She carried him to the infirmary and laid him down gently. Her eyes were still glowing black, but she was feeling mostly calm and worried.
"He okay?" Tet sat up in alarm.
"I think he will be now."
"Those things did somethingto his head..He was screaming, then passed out."
She nodded, "They put darkness in him."
Tet's eyes went gold as he growled. "I'm going to tear them apart."
"Not if I get to them first," she chuckled. "Don't worry about him though, I cleansed him of the darkness."
"Your eyes are black..are you okay?"
She frowned and closed her eyes. When she opened them they were back to her usual blue. "I'm fine."
He looked unconvinced, but didn't press further. Instead, he said "You didn't have to bring me back."
"You deserve to live."
He gave her a wry smile as Gaelin entered. "Have you seen Ryon lately?"
"Yeah.. he seemed kind of upset but I got distracted taking care of Dai."
The fairy scowled. "He's not on the property. Ailsa, he doesn't know how to do anything."
She sighed and stood, heading toward the door. "Let's go find him."
Her cell rang.
"Hello?"
"Ailsa? Help me...it's so loud and there are things racing past me..where are the horses?" Ryon's voice was frightened.
"Stay away from the racing things. People don't ride horses much anymore.. just wait there and I'll find you, okay?"
"O..okay.." The call disconnected.
Ailsa frowned for a moment, "He knows nothing yet he managed to call me...?"
"Maybe someone helped him?" Gaelin shrugged.
She sighed and headed outside. She focused and a ball of light appeared and began leading the way.
Several blocks later, the elf was spotted cowering in a tree. His eyes were flashing and he was crying as he muttered to himself. "No one wants you..no! She's our friend.."
"Hey, Ryon.. I'm sorry you got scared. Let's go back to the Sanctuary and we can tell you a bit more about the current world."
His eyes focused on her and he smiled. "You came!"
"Of course," she smiled. "I wouldn't just leave you out here alone."
He climbed down. "He said you wouldn't."
She frowned, "Who?"
"Him." Ryon sighed. "Trevan."
"Oh.." she continued frowning for a moment then smiled again, "Don't listen to him, okay?"
The elf nodded slowly, then swayed. "My head hurts.."
"Alright, let's get you back," she wrapped an arm around him and led him back to the Sanctuary.
Kei met them, visibly distressed. "Ryon! You shouldn't wander off."
Ryon dropped his eyes, whispering "sorry."
"Hey, it's okay. Everyone makes mistakes. What's important is you are alright." Ailsa said gently.
The elf nodded, then stiffened. "Your mistake was bringing me here." Trevan's voice answered with a laugh.
"Oh shut it," she answered.
The elf snarled, wrapping his hands around her throat and squeezing.
She shoved light into him as she struggled to breathe.
Kei recited a spell to which he screamed.
The light began to burn Ryon and he released her in terror. "Help me!"
She pulled away quickly, confused as to what was happening.
Suddenly the elf split, two Ryons appearing. One of them was dark haired but in the armor she remembered, writhing as flames engulfed him. The other, red headed, huddled in a ball on the ground covering his ears.
"What the hell?" Kei looked at her.
"Trevan and Ryon split."
"But..they're one person..aren't they?" Gaelin asked in surprise.
"Not entirely, it seems."
Trevan finally collapsed, his body smoking. Ryon stayed huddled.
Ailsa knelt by Ryon, "Everything is okay now."
He shook his head. "I remember everything now.." He slowly crawled to the body, embracing it as he burst into tears.
"Is there anything I can do to help you?" She asked softly.
"Yamae..I'm sorry! I didn't protect you.." Ryon sobbed, not acknowledging Ailsa's question.
She watched sadly for a moment before wrapping her arms around him.
He released the body, clinging to her. "I..I can't..kill me please."
"I'm sorry, I can't do that."
"Please..I have to atone for hurting him.." Ryon begged through his tears.
She shook her head, "I'm going to take down the council so no one else has to hurt like you are. But we can help you through the pain. I don't know what you did, but you don't deserve death."
"I didn't protect him. I let the council twist him and steal his life. You say I don't deserve to die? It's the opposite. I don't deserve to live!" He tore away from her and ran into the road.
The car slammed into him, sending his body flying a few feet away. The driver skidded to a halt, climbing out in horror.
Ailsa's eyes were now flashing again as she stood and slowly made her way over. She looked at the driver for a moment, reaching a hand out and touching a finger to their forehead, erasing the memory of what they'd done. She got them back in the car before going to Ryon and lifting him, taking him back to the property before forcing light into him.
He lay still, his broken body bleeding slightly.
Gaelin turned away in sorrow.
Ailsa fixed him up, bone by bone. Her focus wavered for a minute as she realized the darkness in her had grown again. She had to take out the council while she still had control.. then, she'd figure things out from there. She decided she should probably start staying away from the Sanctuary as much as possible though, trying not to cause harm to the others.
She brought her focus back to Ryon just as he finally took a breath. She lowered her hands before slowly standing. "Get him inside."
Gaelin exhaled sharply, then lifted the elf and went inside.
Kei was muttering spells over the other body, his eyes glowing bright.
"Need help?"
"Please. He's healed and alive but his spirit isn't awake. It's like he's locked in a dark room."
She nodded and focused on him for a moment then light surrounded him.
The body's eyes opened, a young voice speaking. "Is someone there? I can't see you."
"Hey," Ailsa said softly.
He turned his head toward her voice, revealing milk white eyes. "I'm sorry. I must have knocked into you. My brother always tells me to wait for him, but he hasn't come back. Do you know where he is?"
"Ryon? Yeah, he's safe. We're friends of his. I'm Ailsa." She looked at his eyes closer, "I can't make any promises but I might be able to help your vision."
He cocked his head. "He's alright? They made him scream…" He shuddered.
"He can tell you all about it." She said softly before focusing light to his eyes.
He remained still, unblinking as the white melted away to a hazel color.
She gave him a smile as the light disappeared.
He started, his face shocked. "I-I can see you…"
"I'm glad."
"How? We were told it was permanent.."
She shrugged, "I'm a fairy, and I've been known to do some helpful things."
Kei hefted him to his feet. "Let's go inside."
Ailsa stood there watching them, debating on if she should follow.
"What's wrong?" Kei turned to look at her.
"It's.. it's nothing." She shook her head.
The Mahoutsukai frowned, then shrugged as Gaelin came toward them.
"He's awake and threatening bodily harm to you."
She shrugged and headed toward the door.
"Who would want to hurt you?" Yamae followed her in confusion.
"Your brother."
"Careful, he has a nasty temper. But I thought you were his friend?" He froze in fear. "This is a trick isn't it?"
"We.. saved him from his own actions, so he's mad. It's no trick. And even if he has a bad temper, I doubt it's worse than mine."
"You didn't see what he did to the people who killed our parents…"
She sighed and entered the room Ryon was in.
He tried to rip the restraints free. "Why? Why did you save me?!"
She began undoing the restraints for him. "Come at me all you want, I won't stop you. But when you're done, your brother is outside waiting for you."
He went white. "That's cruel.."
"It's true. But you don't have to believe me."
"My brother's dead! You saw it! He's dead…" Ryon pressed his hands to his eyes as he began to sob.
"We saved you, didn't we? Don't think we could save him as well?" She snapped slightly.
He flinched, then sniffed as he wiped his face. "Sorry."
She sighed, "I'm sorry.. shouldn't have snapped. Been having slight.. anger issues."
He took a deep breath. "It's my fault, isn't it..the darkness.."
"No. I chose to cleanse you, not knowing what would happen. And on top of that, I am part dark fairy, so I have some issues anyway." She looked down, "Don't tell the others I'm having issues. Though it's probably obvious, seeing as I blew a hole into a wall.. I just don't want to worry them more."
"If you had killed us instead.." He began to argue when his eyes caught sight of Yamae. Like a shot, he was out of bed and embracing the teen. He froze as he saw the hazel eyes, then looked at her in disbelief.
She just gave a small shrug and went to pass him.
He grabbed her hand. "I know I can't ever repay you, but anything you need.."
"If you have any ideas on where to look next, that would be appreciated. But I'll let you two catch up first."
He swallowed hard, then answered "There's a grove..they use it for rituals."
She nodded, "Alright. Thanks." She headed back toward the front door.
"I'm going with you." Gaelin stood in front of it, his arms crossed.
"You should stay here where it's safe.."
"And let you possibly get killed?"
She shrugged, "Better than you being killed."
He growled at her.
She sighed, "I just.. you're important to me and I don't want you hurt."
"I could say the same thing."
"Alright.. we'll go together then." She held her hand out to him.
He looked at her for a moment, then reached out his own.
She took his hand gently, kissing the back of it before looking away slightly, "I think I love you."
He chuckled. "No thinking here. I know I love you."
She moved, kissing him hard. She closed her eyes and focused a quick burst of energy into it before pulling away.
Gaelin's eyes went wide before he swayed and began to fall.
She caught him, laying him down gently before kissing him again. She then disappeared out the front door, headed to the grove Ryon mentioned.
She recognized it as the place they'd found Jack and Zal. She began looking around for any signs of people.
A pack of wolves appeared, circling her and growling.
She prepared to shoot light into them if they came closer.
They parted as a robed and hooded figure approached her. "Do you wish to join the Council?"
"You hurt people. I can't let that stand."
The figure repeated the question emotionlessly to her. "Do you wish to join the Council?"
"No."
"Do you wish to join the Council?" The question was repeated once more in a monotone.
She shot light at the figure.
It didn't move, aside from the hood falling away to reveal a teen girl with empty eyes.
Ailsa stopped a moment before forcing a burst of light into her.
She jerked slightly, the wolves beginning to howl in pain.
She forced more light into the girl rapidly.
The eyes went purple, then rolled up as she crumpled. The wolves surrounded her, nudging frantically.
Ailsa moved in, checking the girl over, "She'll be alright."
One of the wolves met her eyes, then shrank in fear. The others did the same, huddling together as if waiting for a blow.
"Are my eyes black again..? I'm sorry, I'm not going to hurt you."
"You're not one of them.." The voice in her head was teen aged.
"I'm not with the council, if that's what you mean?"
The wolf padded closer. "You swear you won't hurt her? Or us?"
"I swear. I'm here to destroy the council."
"You're pretty confident." Another voice spoke.
"Well, I'm going to try my best, anyway."
"You'll die. Or at least wish you had. Go home and forget about that foolishness."
She shook her head and turned to head further into the grove.
A light brown wolf separated itself and stood in her way. "Didn't I tell you to go home?"
"I can't let them keep hurting people. If I die, I die. But if I succeed.."
"Don't try to raise our hopes."
"I can't make any promises. But I can't win if I don't even try."
The wolf growled.
The first voice returned. "Before you go, will you do something for us?"
"Alright?"
"We have been held hostage for years, forced to stay like this. Will you give us the freedom of death?"
"Stay like this? Are you not really wolves?"
"We are Were."
She nodded slowly before shining light over all of them.
The pack slowly toppled over, becoming a mix of teens and two adults. One of the teens gave her a grateful smile before his eyes closed.
She made sure they were all okay before continuing past them.
"You were always gifted with light, weren't you?" A voice spoke above her.
She froze, looking up quickly.
A fairy with black eyes jumped down from the dead tree. "Hello..sister."
She stared at him in shock.
"Nothing to say?" The man in front of her laughed.
"But how..?"
"The Council was true to its word. I gave them what they wanted and they gave me the power I desired."
"No.." she shook her head.
His eyes glittered. "I was punished for failing to get you though.."
"Why? How could you hurt our people?"
"Why?" He stared at her as his eyes began to flicker. "Why? I..don't know?"
She moved closer slowly before shooting a burst of light into him.
He jolted, then grinned sadistically. "You think you can save me?"
She shot another burst at him.
He lifted a hand, throwing dark energy back at her.
Instead of it harming her, her body appeared to just absorb it.
He stopped, cocking his head. "You.."
She focused a big burst of light and forced it into him.
He screamed, throwing his head back as a black cloud emerged.
"Ave?"
"Ailsa? Where?" His brown eyes were confused.
The black cloud slowly moved toward her and she decided to shoot it with light. It burst apart before the fragments flew into her. Her eyes quickly turned black.
"AILSA!" The man ran toward her frantically.
She stood there silently for a minute. She then pulled out her cell phone and handed it over. Her voice showed no emotion. "Call Kaito and get these teens out of here. He'll take care of you." Her wings appeared and she began to rise off the ground.
"Kaito? Ailsa, what are you talking about?"
"Our brother!" She snapped slightly before her voice went quiet again. "Just call him."
Avery nodded, slowly pressing the call button. After a minute of arguing, he told him what she had said. He hung up and looked at her. "Don't go."
"I have to."
"Why? Talk to me, please."
"I'm taking out the Council. I just rescued you from them.. but I need to finish my task."
"Alone?"
"Better that than anyone else getting hurt."
He wilted. "You better come back to me."
She stared at him a moment before saying, "I'm glad you're alive."
He gave her a small smile as voices were heard.
She quickly flew off, trying to continue her job.
"Ailsa, wait!" Gaelin flew behind her.
She stopped, not turning to face him.
"I'm coming. And I'm not falling for that kiss trick again."
She didn't look at him, just gave a nod and went back to flying.
He followed, not saying a word until they reached a spooky half destroyed castle. "Oh boy..that looks positively terrifying."
"You can stay out here if you want."
"Unh unh. Where you go, I go."
"Gaelin.. I won't be able to control it much longer. Please, when I tell you to leave, do it."
"And leave you here? Not a chance." His voice was determined.
"I don't want to hurt you!"
"And I don't want to lose you. The only way to make me leave is to kill me."
"I'm.. I'm afraid I will if I lose control."
"If it happens, it happens. Let's go."
She finally met his eyes, her black ones filled with tears.
"Hey now, let's deal with it after we take down these creeps." He brushed a hand over her cheek.
She nodded and headed into the castle.
There were eight hooded and robed figures chained to holes in the floor as another chanted above them.
"I thought they were supposed to be big bad guys? Look more like prisoners to me. Aside from chanter, that is." Gaelin whispered.
She shrugged and flew toward the chanter. She focused hard, shooting light into not only him, but all the robed figures.
The chanter snarled, slapping Ailsa into the wall as several of the robed figures screamed as not only was the darkness removed, but their life force. The multicolored lights started to fly toward the chanter.
Ailsa pushed herself up and tried to fly toward him as well.
There was a blast of dark energy at the chanter, Gaelin shouting to her. "Free them before he absorbs the lights!"
She nodded and focused, forcing light into the eight figures. The light was almost blinding as it lit up the room.
The colored lights returned to the fallen bodies as the others tumbled to the ground.
Gaelin had a glowing sword now and was attacking the chanter until he was viciously hit by an energy orb and thrown back into the wall. He crumpled to the floor and lay still.
"You dare challenge me?" The chanter asked Ailsa.
"Yeah," she nodded.
"Then die!" A massive dark energy orb formed and flew at her.
Instead of it hurting her, her body simply absorbed it. She then created her own orb, one of light, and threw it at the chanter.
He recoiled, waving his hands wildly as if he could bat it away. As it enveloped him, he screamed. He thrashed and fought, then disintegrated as the light died.
Ailsa moved to Gaelin's side, checking him over and forcing light into him.
"Did..we win?" The dark fairy's voice was wheezy, his eyes unfocused as he fought for breath.
"I think so," she said. She continued to pour light into him. After a few more minutes, she stood, going to look at the figures on the ground.
They were unconscious, but unharmed.
She slowly made her way to the exit, glancing back one more time before going outside.
Kaito gave a relieved smile and ran toward her as Kei shouted a warning.
Ailsa stared blankly through her still black eyes.
Kaito slowed, reaching a hand out slowly. "Ailsa?"
"Take care of them."
"Where are you going? Ailsa!" He grabbed her wrist to stop her movement.
"I need.. to go."
"No. You need to stay. Let us help you." His grip tightened, his voice slightly panicked.
She was silent for a moment then spoke again quietly, "You're all in danger."
"We don't care." He wrapped his arms around her. "I'm not letting you go."
"Ave is back.. I'm no longer needed," her voice showed no emotion.
"I need you. Gaelin needs you. Please don't leave.." Daiki's eyes filled with tears as he spoke. "You'll have to kill me first."
"That's what I'm trying to avoid!" She snapped slightly.
He stiffened, letting her go and dropping his eyes. A minute later, he raised them again. They were swirling blue and he gazed at her determinedly. "I will cleanse you."
"I don't want you getting taken over either, Dai. Plus, I think you need actual powers of light to do that." She sighed, "Let's just get everyone back to the Sanctuary. I'll just deal with this, okay? I won't leave."
He didn't answer, water cascading in a wave from his hands toward her.
As if moving on it's own, her body jumped up into a tree. A voice not her own laughed, "That's your plan?"
"I will not lose her to you, foul darkness! The pure water of life will remove your taint from her and banish you!" Daiki's voice was steely, his eyes darkening as he increased the flow of water and aimed at the tree.
She threw a hand out, a ball of darkness forming. Suddenly, though, instead of it flying toward Daiki, it stayed and her other hand went to her head. She shook violently for a moment before bringing the ball of darkness toward herself. Soon, it was swirling, a mix of light and darkness. She stared at it for a moment before plunging it into her abdomen.
"AILSA!" Gaelin was suddenly in front of her, his hand reaching in and grabbing the ball. He pulled it out, his jaw clenching as his hand burned. He shook his head at her. "You will not die today." He moved away slightly, then absorbed the ball. He gave one cry before falling backward, his body plummeting to the ground.
She stared a moment before screaming, darkness pouring out around her.
Daiki went stiff, then fell. Kei followed a moment later.
"No.. no.." she muttered as her body shook. The darkness halted, then shot at her rapidly, impaling her as if with spikes. She focused her light all around, into Daiki, Kei, and Gaelin as well as into the darkness. Once the darkness had vanished, she fell forward. The light surrounding the others disappeared as she hit the earth with a sickening crack.
A minute later, Tsukasa appeared with several others. He winced at the bodies, then got them into the van parked nearby.
Ryon held Ailsa's limp hand and sobbed.
A light appeared in the morgue, first floating to and surrounding Gaelin, reviving him. It then flew to Ailsa and merged with her.
Her body jerked and she sucked in air rapidly.
Avery and Kaito entered slowly, dressed in elaborate outfits. They moved to Ailsa's side, their eyes downcast.
"I..never thought I'd be doing this for her.." Kaito said in despair as Avery squeezed his shoulder silently.
"I know. But we'll honor her properly." Avery gently lifted her torso, then stopped. "She's..warm?"
As if on cue, her eyes opened, glowing white.
Avery dropped her as he and Kaito backed up in fear.
A voice, not hers, spoke, "I am the ancient spirit of light. She was admirable in fighting my opposite, the spirit of darkness. It's been running rampant for centuries. She's in control of the darkness for now, but it's a vicious thing that could lose control at any time. For now, I'm lending her my power so she can be equal in light and darkness. She's a vessel for change and is needed, which is why I've revived her."
Both men stared in disbelief.
Kaito warily asked "Is she a danger to us? She'd rather stay dead if she is."
"With my power equalizing the darkness, she should no longer be a threat."
He exhaled slowly, then glanced at Gaelin.
"He has been revived as well, as a gift."
Avery moved closer to Ailsa. "You swear she's okay?"
She nodded, "Though I suggest you not tell her about me or the spirit of darkness inside her. She'll simply see the light and darkness have been equalized."
Both men nodded.
"She'll be needed in the future for something big, so try to keep her safe. I'll try as well."
Ailsa's eyes closed. When she opened them again, they were unfocused but her usual blue.
"Ailsa..?" Avery's voice was shaky and uncertain.
"A..Ave? What happened? The last thing I remember.. is fighting the chanter..?"
"It's a long story. How do you feel?"
"My head hurts but other than that I'm okay."
Avery helped her sit up as Kaito went to Gaelin's side.
"Is Gaelin okay? He hit the wall pretty hard.."
Kaito grimaced. "Did more than that..He's alive, though."
She nodded slowly. She looked up at Avery, "Are you doing alright?"
He gave her a smile and a nod. "I'm fine. I can't believe you put yourself in danger to save me."
"You're my brother, of course I would."
"I was trying to kill you. Completely in thrall to the darkness. You could have been overcome."
She shrugged, "As long as you're okay, it doesn't matter."
Kaito's eyes darkened and he clenched his fists. "Why do you do that?! We are not more important than you!"
She looked down and just whispered, "Sorry."
Kaito's face crumpled and he turned away.
Avery embraced her silently.
She rested against him for a moment before looking over at Gaelin. "He's still hurt, isn't he?"
Avery pursed his lips. "He was revived, but after what he did..I don't know."
She nodded and began moving toward Gaelin's side. She stopped and silently hugged Kaito before going to her love. Her eyes suddenly began glowing white and light poured out of her rapidly into him.
He arched his back, then his eyes flew open. They were black and swirling.
"Everything is okay," she said softly, continuing her work.
"Ail..sa..I won't let you die.." He gave an agonized cry, one hand reaching for hers.
"We're safe now, okay?" She held his hand tightly.
He took a deep breath as his eyes cleared. "You're okay… I was so scared."
"I'm sorry.. I don't remember everything, but I know we're safe now."
He nodded slowly, then looked over at Kaito. "He okay? Why is everyone dressed up?"
She froze and looked them over closer.
Avery averted his eyes.
She took a deep breath and looked around, realizing where they were. She winced and looked at Gaelin again, "Let's not worry about it right now." She hugged him tightly.
"It's cold.." He clung to her quietly.
"Let's get out of here and go somewhere warmer." She helped him up.
He nodded again. "The council was taken down, right? It wasn't a dream?"
She glanced at her brothers with a questioning look, "They were, right? Everything is fuzzy.."
"Yes. They were freed from the darkness." Avery helped them out of the room.
She nodded, holding Gaelin's hand tightly. "I think we're free of trouble finally."
"I hope so. I need a vacation." Gaelin smirked at her.
She chuckled and kissed his cheek.