Hey everyone! We're going to spend some time catching up with Daewon and Arishtat in this chapter. This chapter will not focus on Maire and Darius. Sorry, I know you guys like (and ship) them, but I'm going to spend a lot of time on them, trust me. For now, we need to see what's going on with Daewon and Arishtat.

Previously on ATIS...

Sharzad stared up at the boy. His shoulders were slumped and he was very short, even shorter than Daewon. His tawny hair was unkempt, but not in the natural, wild way that Sedna and Nukilik's hair was – instead, it was dismal. His eyes were a stormy blue, an emotionless color that stared right back at her without giving anything up. "Hi," she said awkwardly.

"He cannot talk," Akna answered. "His tongue was injured in an accident, and I cannot cure him. He is from Glacia, but is here to stay."

"I'm sorry." Sharzad said apologetically, meeting the boy's eyes. For a second, she thought she saw a flicker of emotion, but it went away just as quickly as it came.

-o-o-o-

"This reminds me of MOA," Aria laughed. "The kids who couldn't sing had to sweep the floor of the common-room, while the rest of us would sit and eat."

"But that's so mean," Angéle gasped.

"So?" Aria responded. "They deserved it for not being able to sing as well as us. I was the star. I ruled over everyone." She smiled smugly. "And that is why Isolde brought me here, you see. She's going to make me triumph over my enemies, and restore all that is wrong with the world. She's going to make me rise!"

Angéle's mind was reeling. Without thinking, she turned her back to Aria.

"What are you doing?" Aria demanded.

"You're not who I thought you were," she sobbed, turning around and fleeing to her room.

She could hear Aria's enraged shouts behind her. "Well then, fine! I never liked you, anyways! You're a stuck-up loser, just like the rest of them! Anyways, once I get my revenge, I won't ever have to see you again!" She slammed the door.

Angéle's legs gave way, and she hit her bed facedown, crying. She was at a complete loss for words.

How could I have thought I'd ever find a friend?

-o-o-o-

"Priestess, please help me," Arishtat sobbed. "Tell me what I need to do for penance, for the crimes I committed against the two children I was supposed to keep safe. Tell me what I should do to be forgiven."

"I know you seek a solution that will immediately relieve you of the guilt you carry in your heart," Saraswati said. "But I cannot help you. In order to start feeling better, you are going to have to forgive yourself. You are going to have to accept that each of us is inherently flawed, that we all make mistakes. Most importantly, you will have to accept yourself."

CHAPTER 17: THE SIREN'S SONG

The wind whipped fiercely as the eternal night raged on. The temperature had dropped to thirty below zero. It was not the realm for the faint of heart, not even for its citizens, people who were used to frigid temperatures. Nunangat was part of the realm of winter, but this amount of chill was unnatural. And so the citizens hid in the depths of their dwellings, praying that their firewood would last the night.

One woman, however, was not inside her home. She didn't even have a home, as a matter of fact. She'd been lying right there, in plain sight, for a good few weeks now. It was a miracle that she wasn't dead.

As the frozen world came to life, she woke up, blinking at the unfamiliar world around her. The white was too brilliant even for her, and she stared, mesmerized by its beauty. This – the perfectly carpeted snow, the icy wind, the colorful auroras – this was where she belonged.

But how had she got here? Where even was here?

She closed her eyes. All she could remember was becoming a frozen fractal, every nerve and vein inside of her turning to ice. And then… nothing. She could not remember anything after that. But before… maybe something important had happened before.

Gradually, she recalled what had happened. Approaching an icy blue structure – the Gate of Glacia – in a spacecraft. Flying out towards it, against her sisters' pleas. And then… touching the structure. Her entire body had frozen over, and then she had been no more.

But something didn't make sense. If she had touched the damned thing, how could she be alive? All who touched the Gate were doomed to certain death. She couldn't imagine how she had been able to survive this enchantment.

Perhaps… And then a mad smile played across her face. Perhaps I am simply powerful enough. Perhaps Moria has predestined me not to die, but to survive. To emerge victorious, even after all odds. She closed her eyes, and a surge of energy shot through her. An icy blue ray shot through her hand and hit a dusting of snow.

My power's back! Triumphant, she flew into the air, taken by joy. She knew, however, that her powers were limited. Something had happened to trigger them back, so that they could manifest themselves again. But it wouldn't last long. In order for her to maintain her magic, she would have to consort to – drastic means.

She looked at the glacier ahead of her. Now she could recall this place. It was known as Nanurjuk Glacier, prized by the primitive tribes of Nunangat. These people disgusted her, by their simple ways of living. No wonder Glacia took them over. And yet, these people were also filled with many secrets, secrets that she needed if she was going to be able to succeed.

She let out a cackle, one that rivaled even the fierceness of the wind. I'm gonna go and kick some butt. Smiling, she propelled into the air and flew towards the glacier.

"Thanks for showing me around the camp," Sharzad said, sitting down next to Leif. Since her interrogation with Sedna, the restrictions around her had been loosened. She was allowed to walk around the camp of the Adlivun Tribe, as long as she had an escort. They were sitting in Akna and Sedna's igloo.

Many of the other tribe members had started becoming less wary of her, as well. The younger ones eyed her with envy and distrust, but the older members, the ones who had lived long enough to see a life before isolation, talked to her frequently. All of the tribe members, however, shared one trait in common – their desire for revenge.

No wonder Adlivun is a part of the Spring Soldiers, Sharzad thought. Clearly, the tribal groups found solace in uniting together, a solace that went beyond old rivalries. They all desired only one thing, and that was to see Queen Isolde gone. I just hope I can help them. Sadness etched in her heart, and she lowered her head.

Leif was never present in any conversation. Whenever she talked with another tribe member, he disappeared behind her like a shadow, and no one made any mention about him. It was clear, from the moment Sharzad had seen him, that Leif was an outsider in this tribe. But why? What had happened to him before his arrival at the Adlivun Tribe?

Leif nodded. Then he frowned, and scribbled something on the notepad. Wait one second. I have to use the bathroom. Then he disappeared out of the door.

Sharzad frowned, sitting by herself. She gazed around the room, at the simply curving walls and the mats on the ground. Akna, Sedna, and Sedna's little sister lived in this igloo, but there wasn't much to look at, and she was getting bored. I want to go around and see more. Of course, she couldn't go anywhere without Leif by her side.

A few minutes later, Leif still hadn't returned. Where has he gone? The restroom building was nearby, a building with no running water. According to Akna, there had been no running water since the Gate of Glacia was created. She couldn't understand where he had gone off to, but she was getting impatient. Maybe he hasn't gone to the bathroom at all. Sighing, she left the igloo. It was then that she spotted Leif's igloo, right next to this one. He must have gone there. Before anyone could catch her for being by herself outside, she immediately darted into the igloo.

She stopped as she entered the tiny formation. It was a tiny room, and there were five mats on the floor, presumably for four other male trainees. There was no sign of Leif here, and she didn't know how he could disappear in such a tiny space. Where did he go?

She was about to turn around when she caught sight of something. An opening in the floor was underneath Leif's mat. Walking over, she realized that his mat was on top of a trapdoor. He's down there… Pushing the mat aside, she saw there was a ladder. Curiosity got the better of her, and she climbed down.

Sharzad jumped off of the ladder at the very end. The room was only lit by candles, and she could barely see what was there. It took her a moment to adjust to the light. Then she heard movement, and gasped. "Leif?"

The boy jumped, clearly not expecting her presence. He turned back at her, a surprised expression on his face. Although he couldn't speak, it was clear that he did not want her here.

"What are you doing here?" Sharzad asked, her eyes adjusting to the light. She walked up to him and lightly touched him on the shoulder. "What are you" – It was then that she noticed paintings in the back.

"Woah," she said, her jaw dropping for a second. "You – you made all of those?"

The boy nodded, his cheeks flaming; it was the first sign of emotion she'd seen from him. She walked up to the paintings, her eyes gazing over the canvas as she stared at them in awe.

There were three paintings. One was a painting of arctic lights, a stunning display of colorful lights dancing over dark blue waves; the other two were of ships in the sea. The brush-strokes vividly captured the waves and the sky. They were bold, yet also subtle enough. The colors were carefully selected, more vibrant than any she'd seen before.

It was the third painting that caught her attention the most. It was a painting of a man and a woman, on a capsizing ship. The wind behind them was virulent, and the expressions on their faces were of pure terror. Sharzad could almost feel their anguish as they stood there, half-praying for salvation that would never come.

"They're so beautiful," she breathed out loud.

The boy looked surprised. Then he scribbled something on his notepad, and showed it to her. "You like it?"

"I love it," she breathed. How could anyone not like this? "You're so talented. You – why have I never heard the others talking about it?" Of all the people she'd met, people like Akna and Nukilik and Sedna, not one person had mentioned Leif's talent.

The boy frowned, and then scribbled on the pad. "They don't know. They want me to be warrior, not artist. Paint is very hard to come by. I had some when I came here, but it is disappearing. I hide everything down here in the food storage room." He nodded at the tiny red, yellow, and blue cans of paint on the ground.

"Well, you do a lot with very little paint," Sharzad said, gazing at them. "I won't tell a soul." She stared into his eyes. "And Leif, I appreciate it, even if others don't."

The boy looked surprised, and then Sharzad saw a smile appear on his face, a rare beacon of sun that lit up his features. For the first time, Sharzad realized how sad he was.

"So, who's the subject of the painting?" she asked.

The boy's eyes widened. "Which?"

"This one, obviously," she answered, pointing to the painting of the man and woman. "There must be a subject. Who are the people who" –

She stopped as she saw the look on his face. It had become deathly pale, and his eyes beseeched her. Don't ask… they seemed to say. Sharzad stopped immediately, closing her mouth. "I'm sorry," she said finally. "I won't talk about it if you don't want me to."

She shivered. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how mysterious Leif was. She knew nothing about him, and doubted anyone else had made the time to, either. At the same time, it made him even more intriguing, and a desire to protect him rose up within her.

"Come on," she said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let's get you upstairs."

The boy nodded and slowly began to walk towards the ladder. He was surprisingly agile and swift as he climbed up the ladder; Sharzad followed close behind. His face had regained its color, but he still looked unsteady as he climbed up.

I don't understand, thought Sharzad. What happened to him? She shivered.

Who is this boy?

She's gone… she's never coming back…

She's fallen into the Gate, turned into ice…

And now he's following her, following her into darkness – look!

Arishtat opened his eyes. He was in an underwater well, one made of stone. Tendrils of seaweed bound his body, nearly strangling him as he looked up at where he'd come from.

He tried to swim up, making his way to freedom. But the fierce current raged down upon him, and he fell down. Breathless, he lay in a bedraggled heap on the bottom of the sea floor.

Where am I? he thought, feeling woozy. What's happened to me? To me and… Daewon?

That's when he remembered. Daewon being forced into the whirlpool, right before Arishtat's eyes. Arishtat's desperate attempt to save him. And then… being sucked into the whirlpool himself, despite his strength and all the hours he had trained.

Where is he? he thought frantically. Where did he go? What happened to him… why isn't he here? Why has he gone the same way as… Sharzad?

His shoulders shook as he hunched over, sobbing. He couldn't believe what a fool he was. Why had he failed both Sharzad and Daewon? The two people he'd been assigned to protect, at all costs?

I'm a failure, he thought. He's probably dead now, after that fall. His body is much less hardy than mine… he could be dead! And it's my fault! He leaned over, and then he cried.

"What's going on?" someone said. Arishtat looked up as he saw a rock being slid over, and then a blond-haired mermaid with a red tail stuck her head in. "I thought I heard something – oh!" She stared at Arishtat, her eyes wide. "You're crying!"

"Please, leave me," Arishtat said, looking away.

"You're hurt." She swam down to him and gently tapped his shoulder, but he looked away. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Daewon's gone," he answered through clenched teeth. "And it's my fault. I failed him."

"Daewon?" asked the mermaid. "Who's he?"

"The love of my life," Arishtat declared. The mermaid looked at him in confusion, and then asked, "What does he look like?"

"Why are you asking?" Arishtat cried. "He's got spiky brown hair, narrow brown eyes, and white skin… you can't find him, anyways, there's no point" –

"You can find him," the mermaid answered, "because he's here. My people saw him lying here an hour ago, and carried him in."

Arishtat stared at her. "They did what?"

"Your friend's alive!" the mermaid said. "I'm telling you, he's fine." Her eyes twinkled. "Want to see him?"

But Arishtat was already swimming towards the porthole, pushing himself through the opening as he entered the cave. "Hey, wait for me!" he heard the mermaid shout, but didn't care. All he had was one thought:

He was going to find Daewon.

Angéle was in a land of bouncing, fluffy clouds. The clouds were soft at her feet and the azure sky was breathlessly beautiful, lighting up the cool, bountiful sky…

"Hey there," a voice said. Angéle turned, and her heart did a double-take as she saw Aria. Opening her arms wide, she ran forward, calling. But Aria was quicker, and she tackled Angéle to the ground, pushing her into the soft, fluffy clouds. The clouds were a perfect comforter for her, allowing her to fall into bliss on both sides.

The two gazed intently into each other's eyes. Angéle stared at Aria's dark blue eyes, bluer than reflecting pools. Then she felt Aria move towards her. The two kissed, their bodies softening and melding into one…

Angéle woke up, gasping. The sheets felt hot, and she could barely move. Her head felt woozy. What's going on? Why… do I feel this way?

She couldn't understand why she felt this way. She'd imagined herself kissing Aria before, but had always dismissed it as a product of having an overactive imagination. But this… this was real. It wasn't going away.

But I'm not that kind of girl, she thought frantically. She was a girl, but more importantly, she was a priestess. Priestesses didn't fall in love with other girls. They married other priests, for the sole purpose of carrying on the family line. Homosexuals were banned from the Rêvian United Church until they conformed. Her mother, a supporter of gay rights, had tried to soften the Church's stance towards gay men and lesbian women; she had been unsuccessful, as the social stigma surrounding them was just far too high.

But more importantly, Angéle couldn't love anyone. She'd only ever cared for one other person, and she'd destroyed her, the same way she destroyed everyone she touched. Aria was already fragile enough, and Angéle couldn't do that to her. I can't hurt her. She closed her eyes.

Her body was weakening, and she felt her limbs stiffening. She had never felt this tired before. Tired wasn't even a strong enough word – she felt drained. Almost as if there was nothing left in her.

"Morning!" A cheerful voice made her jump. Aria was standing in the doorway of the room. She was smiling in a way Angéle had never seen before – a cheerful, genuine smile. A steaming cup was in her hand.

"M-morning," Angéle stammered. It took a second for her to realize that Aria didn't mean it in the literal way. After all, morning hadn't descended upon Glacia for sixty-two years. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, forcing herself to sit up. "Where'd you get that?" she asked, looking at the steaming cup of tea.

"One of the kitchen staff got it for me," Aria answered. "Turns out they're not all total losers." She handed Angéle the cup. "I got it for you."

"Oh – that's so nice of you!" Angéle cried out, genuinely meaning it. "Thanks, Aria." She took the cup and smiled at her, taking a sip. It was rose and honey, the blend as brightening as a new dawn, washing the tiredness away. "How did you know this was my favorite?"

"The kitchen staff told me," Aria answered with a shrug. "I figured it would wake you up after your nap."

"Well, it did." Angéle had never felt so refreshed. "So, what do you want to do?"

"There's this piece I really like," Aria answered. "It's a Rêvian song, translated to the Common Tongue. I've sung it before, but never with a harpist."

"What's it called?" Angéle asked.

"Cygne d'amor," Aria answered.

Angéle's head whirled, and she stared at Aria in shock. She knew that piece. She'd played it on her tenth birthday, and had sung it along with accompanying herself, back in the days when she could sing. And she had played it the week before her mother had died.

"What?" asked Aria, looking annoyed. "Why are you making that face? – I mean," she said quickly, settling her face into a kinder gesture, one that she definitely needed more practice with, "is there something wrong with that piece?"

"No," breathed Angéle out. "It's fine."

"Okay," Aria said. "Let's start then."

Angéle closed her eyes, playing the opening bars. Aria took a breath as she began to sing, her mouth open wide:

When shall my swan find me?

She hides in the lake, loving me

As much as I love her. But

Fear entraps her, and she stays in the water,

Never realizing her true desire.

Please, my swan, please come to me.

Mother used to sing this for me, Angéle realized. Her head began to feel woozy as she remembered her mother's voice, a beautiful soprano not unlike Aria's, shimmering across the room and relaxing her with its lullaby.

She doesn't know that I shall

Never give up on her, no matter

How many trials we face, my swan and I,

For our love. She is my angel, the

One that has let me live through all this time.

My swan, you are all who has guided me,

Making me see life where there was none,

And hope out of the coldest ice.

Aria was looking directly at her now. With a shock, Angéle realized that she was singing for her, that she was Aria's swan. Oh no… Her knees shook as she fought against blacking out, forcing herself to pull at the strings.

Please, my lovely swan, please

Stay with me, and don't give in to the darkness of

Despair, for we are one and together, for all of eternity,

And that is how we shall stay.

Angéle's mind whirled. She doesn't know what she's doing… Without thinking, she jumped off the harp stool, and ran. She crashed onto her bed, her sobs filling the air.

"What?" Aria was immediately next to her. "What's wrong?" She kneeled on the bed, stroking Angéle's black hair.

"Don't touch me," Angéle breathed. Aria drew back, looking at her in confusion. Angéle let out a shuddering breath. "You don't know who I am. You don't know what I've done."

"Really." Aria narrowed her eyes. "So, what is it? Are you lying about your ability to play the harp? Is that what's going on?"

"No, it's real," Angéle choked out. "It's very, very real, all thanks to one person." She looked away from Aria. "And you can't be with me."

"Why not?" Aria demanded. "I like you very much. Why?" She glared at her. "Why can't I ever be with the people I like?"

"You just shouldn't be friends with me," Angéle gasped. "Trust me. It's not worth it."

"You told me you would always be there for me." Aria's voice was rising, her tone furious as she glared down at Angéle. "And, of course, you lied! Just like everyone else!"

"It's for your own good," Angéle cried. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Hurt me?" Aria's tone was of utter disbelief. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Angéle cried. "Please, just go."

She lay back down on the bed. Aria glared at her, and then stormed towards the door. She heard her slam it shut and lay down, her head still aching just as much as it had before.

She had no idea whether Aria would ever speak to her again, or why she was hurting so much. All she knew was that she was going just as insane as her mother had before her last breath.

The mermaid caught up easily with Arishtat, and forced him to slow down. "You're a land-dweller – don't tire yourself out," she said. As much as Arishtat hated to admit it, he knew she was right. Besides, he didn't exactly know where he was going. He followed her down the long, winding corridor, impatient to find Daewon.

As the two swam, the mermaid introduced herself. She was named Pingyang, after a merprincess who had defended her father's kingdom against the onslaught of the Zenithians in the Third Dimensional War. She, in fact, had a very interesting lineage.

"I can trace my lineage as the great-great-granddaughter of Matsu Lu," she said. "She is my ancestor, the one who brought us to shame."

Arishtat stopped and stared at her. "You're her great-great-granddaughter?" It seemed too good to be true.

"Yes," said Pingyang sadly. "My great-grandmother, Shun, was the daughter of Matsu Lu and Hideki Sutoku, the general who invaded the realm in the Fifth Dimensional War. Orphaned at age ten, no family would take her in, as she was the daughter of a warlord and a traitor. It is then that she fled foster care and came to this cave, where she died about fifty years ago. We are always haunted by the sound of Matsu's song, never hearing anything else, as we are unable to leave here. The spell my great-grandmother put on the entrance to the well still remains."

"So, you're saying you guys are stuck here because of shame?" Arishtat asked.

"Yes," said Pingyang, and this time, her eyes were on fire. "It's not right. Why should we have to suffer just because of something some woman did a millennium ago? My mother and her mother shouldn't have to suffer."

"Shame is a universal killer," Arishtat agreed.

"What about you?" Pingyang asked gently. "You seem to suffer from shame as well."

"What do you mean?" Arishtat asked, ducking his head.

"I mean," said Pingyang, "that you were so sad when you thought Daewon had died. You were so convinced that it was your fault. Something must have happened, didn't it? What happened?"

Arishtat ducked his head. He didn't want to talk about it, least of all with a mermaid he barely knew. Don't think about it…

"Arishtat?" Pingyang prompted.

"I used to be a guard for the Fulgur Palace," Arishtat blurted out, "and I let the princess die." He looked at Pingyang. "And I was so worried I let Daewon die, too."

Pingyang stared at him. "But you can't cripple yourself with shame," she said. "Otherwise you really will become a bad soldier."

"What?" asked Arishtat, feeling confused. "No, that's wrong. It's the fact that I keep reminding myself that ensures I won't make the same mistake again."

"No," said Pingyang, "that's not true. If you keep reminding yourself, you'll only think of the past, instead of thinking about how to be a better guard. Then you'll certainly have a repeat of the same problem. Heed my advice, Arishtat. My mother and grandmother and great-grandmother have been ruined by shame – I don't want the same thing to happen to you."

Okay, thought Arishtat, nodding his head. Pingyang continued on.

"I know a secret exit out of here, which I'll show you to once we find Daewon," she said. "I continually sneak out, which is why I am different from the rest of them. Don't worry, Arishtat. You and Daewon are not stuck here forever."

They reached a section of the cave. A bed of seaweed was on the ground; merpeople surrounded it. Two mermen and two mermaids were there, staring at the bed. Confused, Arishtat stared at Pingyang. "I thought your lineage only consisted of women."

"The men are from outside," Pingyang answered. "There's a reason why the entrance to this place is a one-way waterfall – so that my mother and grandmother can seduce men and continue their lineage." She shuddered. "Don't see what the point is, if we're all going to be shamed anyways."

The two women saw Arishtat, and said something to Pingyang in a different language. Pingyang nodded. She took Arishtat's hand and pulled him forward.

Daewon was lying on the bed, sitting up and grimacing. He opened his eyes and saw Arishtat standing over him. His eyes became wide.

"You're here!" he grinned.

"I thought you were dead," Arishtat choked. He stared down at Daewon.

"I thought I was dead at some point," Daewon grinned humorously. He stared up at Arishtat. "Hey, Arish – you aren't crying?"

Arishtat was. He pushed the tears away from his eyes and turned towards the two women.

The older woman had white hair and sunken blue eyes, looking to be about four hundred years old and approaching her deathbed. The younger woman was probably two hundred years old. Both had identical blue tails, tails which Pingyang clearly hadn't inherited. Her father, the merman next to the younger mermaid, had the same bright red tail. So she takes after her father…

"Welcome," said the old woman in a raspy voice, speaking the Common Tongue. "You have landed in the Cavern of Matsu. Unfortunately, neither of you are leaving here at any point. The charm on this cavern is irrevocable, and here you shall remain, until the end of your days.

"However, we believe Pingyang will be a suitable bride for one of you, or maybe even both of you. We are always looking to expand our brood." Her eyes glinted. "So, welcome."

Arishtat looked nervously at Daewon, whose eyes were wide. He mouthed she isn't serious? at Arishtat, who just nodded grimly and looked at the woman.

"Your friend is fine," she said. "We healed him. And now you shall stay with us."

"With all due respect, my lady, I do not understand," Arishtat said. The cavern suddenly became silent, and the old woman fixed him with a deathly glare, one that clearly meant don't understand what?

"I don't understand why you tie yourselves to this place," he said. "You have nothing to be ashamed of." His voice shook as he spoke, but he stared down at them. "What happened a millennium ago is not your fault. You don't have to isolate yourselves for the rest of your days. You can set yourselves free and" –

"Excuse me?" barked the younger woman. She swam up to him, her face level with his. "My great-grandmother was a traitor! And my grandmother died to save herself from enduring shame. This is how you disrespect her? You outsider, who knows nothing about the way we live?"

"I" – Arishtat backed away. He couldn't understand why she was being so defensive. What is wrong with her?

"Calm yourself," the old woman said crisply to the younger one. She looked at Arishtat. "You do not understand," she said. "We are shamed forever by the merfolk of Harmonia. No matter what, we will always face stigma. And so we shall stay here, forever carrying out our sentences."

"But that's wrong!" Arishtat cried. He thought he saw Daewon giving him a sideways glance of confusion as he spoke. "You can choose to set yourselves free, or you can entrap yourselves in this mentality, forever living with shame you do not own" –

"That is enough," the old woman said with finality. "We are not reversing our position." She nodded wearily at Pingyang, who was in the entrance, her arms crossed. "Pingyang, show them to their room."

Pingyang nodded, gesturing for Daewon and Arishtat to follow them. Arishtat helped Daewon get up, and they followed her down the hall.

"Don't worry," Pingyang assured Daewon in a low voice. "You're not staying here. I know a way out."

"Oh, thank Dadi," Daewon gasped. "I was beginning to think we'd be stuck here forever."

"I wouldn't allow that to happen to you," Arishtat said. His voice came out harsher than he'd meant, and Daewon stared at him. Arishtat stared intently into Daewon's eyes, not looking away.

What was happening between them? What was going on?

"Let's go," Pingyang said. "I'll show you the way."

"Actually, wait," said Arishtat, remembering their mission. Pingyang stopped and looked at him. "We are looking for Matsu's song. We want to hear it."

Pingyang stared at him. "You want to hear that?" She curled her lip. "It's the most depressing thing I've ever heard."

"We're not here just for kicks," Daewon answered. "We're here because we have a mission, and we need to cast a spell, but that spell involves Matsu's song. That's the only reason why we're even here."

"Wow." Pingyang looked impressed. "You must be good wizards, then."

Not really, thought Arishtat, fighting a laugh. He wasn't even a wizard, and Daewon, a student at the Academy of Paladins, could hardly be considered a skilled mage. Pingyang couldn't tell the difference between them because she was a mermaid; he didn't want to hurt her feelings by pointing this out, though.

"Okay," said Daewon. "So whaddya say we go and find that song?"

The crevasse loomed ahead of her. She flew down into it, flying between two sheets of ice. Ah, the coldness of the ice all around her. She loved it.

She eventually reached an underground lagoon, one which had icy fragments on it. Stalactites of ice shined down upon the ceiling, and she flew down lower, careful not to touch the spears above her. I'm in the right place. The air became more fluid as she flew, in the direction of the lagoon, speeding through the tunnel.

The tunnel opened up into a cathedral. With stalactites and stalagmites, it was one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen. Blue ice glittered all around the walls, and she stared, dazzled by its beauty. When I take over the dimension, I'm going to live here…

She was interrupted by the sound of a man clearing his throat. A man stood upon the cathedral steps, his arms crossed. "You are not welcome here."

She glared at him. Flying up to him, glaring down at him from above, she snarled, "Excuse me? Do you even know who I am?"

The man didn't flinch. "Of course I do. You are Icy Sekuko, one of the three witches who have constantly campaigned to take over the Magical Dimension. Neither of them is here with you. And you want something from here, something you are not getting."

Icy rolled her eyes. "Brave words, old man," she sneered. "I am a witch of ice, and I was once empress of the Infinite Ocean. You shall not thwart me."

"Listen to me," the man warned her. "You may destroy this cave, but you will not find what you are looking for. You may have power, but you will not have wisdom. As long as you continue in these behaviors, Icy, that shall be your curse."

Icy laughed. "Who are you?" She looked at him disdainfully, seeing his white hair and sunken eyes. "Some old, deranged man who's been left to guard this cave? I can tell your mother didn't want you." She raised her hands. "Show me where the Elixir is!"

She could feel her power connecting with the cave, as the witch of ice that she was. Something was within this cathedral, something hidden underneath. She could feel it. If only she could figure out where it was…

"No!" shouted a voice, and Icy was blasted off of her feet. The man was standing over her, glaring. "You shall not find what my ancestors have labored so much to hide!"

"Shut up!" Icy snarled, and she delivered an icy punch to his face. The man staggered back, and she focused her energy again.

At last, she could feel it. It was right beneath her, hidden underneath the icy floor. Opening her eyes, she shifted the ice, and pulled it out.

It was a frozen ice crystal, glimmering with power. The blue ice shined with all of the colors of the aurora, and she held it to her heart, greedily sucking in its power. The man watched in horror. "No!" he shouted.

She laughed, a pure, maniac laugh. She closed her eyes, absorbing the Elixir within her. She could hear the man's yells, but there was nothing he could do about it – she had gotten what she'd come for.

She could feel herself transforming, her powers reaching unprecedented levels beyond what she had ever felt. More than when Darkar had granted her Gloomix. More than when Valtor had given them that totally lame Disenchantix. More than when she and Tritannus had found Sirenix. No, this was her power, her true calling. And this was where she belonged.

"And now," she said, smiling at the man. He still stared at her with a fierce challenge in his eyes. "Now, you will see what happens when you go against my orders."

She could feel her power soaring, freezing her veins as she pointed her hands to the ceiling. Blue ice shot through, hitting the ceiling and walls. She closed her eyes, destroying every part of the cave she could get.

She could hear the man's gasps as she flew out of the wreckage, the ice that would be sure to fall on him. He would die, along with Nunangat's most precious power. For now she owned it, deep inside of her. And it was never going away.

Laughing, she flew towards the horizon, reveling in her newfound power. Now all she had to do was to find Darcy and Stormy, and then her plan would be in motion.

Now I've got it. Now I've got the power to take over the world…

Daewon held onto Pingyang's shoulders as she and Arishtat swam. The mermaid was sleek and fast, and was able to guide them through the long, winding tunnels. Tunnels which were as winding and confused as Daewon's thoughts.

He couldn't understand why Arishtat was acting so weird. Sure, he'd woken up in this strange place, a place that neither of them had known about before. And they'd almost lost each other. But they'd found each other, after not even twenty minutes. Why was Arishtat so worried? The way he'd spoken, it was almost as if Daewon had been on his deathbed.

And then he'd made that impassioned speech to the mermaids. It was so out-of-character, for him of all people. Arishtat never spoke about anything other than duty. Not only that, but he was advocating freedom, something he never would have advocated before! He was entrapping himself in his own guilt, and yet, he was telling others to stop doing the exact same thing. It just doesn't make sense.

Then he heard the music. Sad and soft and sweet, it washed all of his thoughts away, and he stared forward, drawn by its simple, lamentable beauty. It made him mad with excitement, and he pushed Pingyang, trying to get her to move forward.

"This song sometimes affects men," said Pingyang, looking at him worriedly. "Sometimes, men lose themselves to the song's madness… Daewon? Are you okay?"

"I want to hear that song," Daewon said rashly. "I want to hear it."

"This does not sound like a good idea," said Arishtat crisply, glaring at Daewon. "Pingyang, please take him back."

"But I want to hear it!" Daewon cried. He couldn't believe that Arishtat was interfering. Why won't he let me listen to it?

"Arishtat, you can't send him back," Pingyang protested. "Not when we're so close."

"I don't care," Arishtat answered. "I do not want him hurt again because of me."

Pingyang moved forward, and Daewon stared up at Arishtat. He looked so handsome today, all of a sudden. That black hair, blue eyes… Daewon giggled drunkenly and stared up at him.

"You cannot shield him," she answered. "I don't know what kind of spell you're casting, but you must be together. If he doesn't hear it, the spell probably will not work. Either way, he has already heard the song. There is no point in sending him back! You must take him, Arishtat. You cannot hold him or yourself back any longer."

Arishtat looked as if he was about to protest. Then, something changed in his blue eyes. He nodded slowly, and turned to Daewon.

"All right, Daewon," he said, "we're going." He began to hoist Daewon forward.

The song became louder. Daewon heard the lamenting of a million cries, cries of love lost and sadness. He closed his eyes, remembering…

Aria was holding him tightly. They were both kissing, Daewon's heart beating a thousand times in his chest. He remembered how much he'd loved her, how he thought they'd stay together forever, how nothing would pull them apart…

And then he remembered seeing her with Cixi. How his heart had broken, just as Matsu's when she'd realized that Sutoku was only using her. How pained he was, how lost, how heartbroken –

"Daewon!"

Daewon opened his eyes. Arishtat was staring at him, looking scared. "Are you okay?" he asked, shaking him. "What has happened?"

Daewon didn't respond instantly. Everything was suddenly so much clearer to him now. He looked at Arishtat, and, fumbling with his pocket, pulled out the key. He held it in front of Arishtat.

"A key is used to open gates," he said. "And I believe there's more than one between us. We need to resolve it, now."

The song around him shimmered, the sadness clear in every stroke. Arishtat stared at him.

"What are you talking about?" he said. "I'll always protect you, if that's what you're worried about."

"No," said Daewon, "that's not what I'm worried about." He drew in a breath. "I mean your feelings for me."

Silence reigned. Arishtat stared at Daewon. His blue eyes emitted clear distress and worry.

"I know you love me," said Daewon. He meant to speak clearly, but it came out as more of a whisper. "You want to be with me, but you're ashamed. You think that your feelings will compromise your job to protect me."

"They will," Arishtat said. His face had gone red, though he still stared into Daewon's eyes. "And I love you, so I cannot hurt you."

"That's not true," Daewon answered. Now he was beginning to understand what he should have known all along. "Lovers hurt one another, Arishtat. We screw up, we make stupid mistakes all the time." Like how Aria and I did. "But as long as we still love each other, we'll always be able to reconcile. No matter what, you'll never truly hurt me."

"But I don't deserve you." Arishtat's voice was pained. "First of all, you're another male – a splendid one, but still a male. Secondly, how will this work? I couldn't even protect Sharzad – how will I protect you?"

"Protect me by loving me," Daewon answered. "Stay with me, Arishtat." He stared up at him. "I can't believe I'm the one saying this, but – we've gotta move from our past mistakes, Arish. Dude, you and I are both tied to the past – you with Sharzad, and me with Aria." He smiled. "But isn't that what breaking gates is about? Letting go of the thing that binds you, and soaring freely. You even said it yourself to those old hags: 'you have nothing to be ashamed of.' And neither do we! So we're going to let go of all that has gone wrong, and work together. You and me, we'll break that Gate down and free Aria. We'll do it together! So don't worry, Arishtat. No matter what, I know you've got my back."

Arishtat stared down at him, and Daewon saw tears in his eyes. "That – that" – And then in one swift motion, he leaned down and kissed him.

As they kissed, the key in Daewon's hand lit up, infusing itself with the song around them. The song's tone had changed – from sorrowful and ruminating, it had changed to energetic and joyful. I have a feeling those mermaids are going to be moving out of that cave pretty soon. Behind him, he thought he could hear Pingyang cheering as well.

This is how it is, he thought. And this is how it always will be. He held Arishtat tightly, happy to be with the one he could finally love.

Alright, so Daewon x Arishtat is officially canon! What do you guys think?

Next chapter:

- Darius and Maire speak to each other about their next course-of-action.

- Daewon and Arishtat return to MOA for a school assembly.

- Sedna and Sharzad go to the Shaman's lair, where a new problem is in-store for them.

- Aria does a makeover for Angéle, trying to get her out of her dark spirits.

See you all next time!