Epilogue

A lonely white rose laid on a freshly dug grave. It was placed with reverence of a young life that was taken so early. A life that had not the chance to truly live. It was a life that hadn't had the chance to experience a child's heart. It was a life that had to grow up too fast. It was a life lived to protect another.

The place, out of respect, stayed quiet as three figures stood over the grave. Two bowed their heads while the third only looked on.

"What a shame that such a young life was brought into the world only to be snuffed out," one shook her head.

"It was a necessary sacrifice," another said in a grave tone.

The third sighed, "There was no other choice… If Sparrow had failed…"

"But she didn't," the first snapped, "This child didn't have to be teased with life that was so fleeting… it was unnecessary…"

"It was necessary," the second sighed once more, "I know you used much of your powers to bring the girl back… but even with your abilities… you know that she would have died anyway… it is better that she passed quietly knowing that her little sister has made a difference in the world… that Sparrow has grown into a strong and beautiful young woman… that she was able to carry on and keep the lessons that she taught her close to her heart."

"Humph," the third snorted, "A life is a life. Whether it was spent or wasted is up to the person. This girl died so that her sister may grow into a "hero"… if you call her that."

Instead of growing in anger, the first only sigh and looked to the sarcastic individual, "Oh child of mine… have you been so long without your precious Aja that you've grown so cold? Did she not open your heart to the possibility that life is a gift and not something that is given," she took the man's face in her hands, "Scythe…," she drew close to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, "Forgive this woman for believing that a child's life is something to celebrate… Forgive her for loving a child that she barely knew… Forgive your mother for… having…," she rested her head on his chest as she held back tears.

"Mother," he felt a deep guilt that had been haunting him for centuries, "I'm sorry…," he drew her close, "… I've lost my heart… My chest has felt hollow for quite some time… Aja… our children… they were my heart and soul… when they left me… a void filled me… after seeing so many… heroes pass before my eyes and they wasting the gifts they were given through their blood… my faith is gone in this world… but," he gently lifted her head, "Seeing a Hero like Sparrow… like her friends… give everything of themselves… even her life… to save a world that I thought was lost… You put your faith in the right child…"

"She… and I put our faith in our blood…," the second stepped forward, "Scythe… Seraphim… I must return to the Spire… to prepare for what is coming… I must know if there is any guard against the coming darkness…"

"Theresa… is there any that we can do to stop it now?" Scythe asked with a snort.

"There is no stopping it. It will come…," she recalled her dark visions, "We have not the strength… This unforeseen battle with Jack as taken much from us… I do fear that Sparrow will die if she were to face it… but…," she for a moment, "… the child…"

"Whose child?" Scythe asked.

"Her's and John's… their child may be able to hold the light in this world," Theresa smiled, "This child, either through good or evil, will hold the key to the survival of Albion… and Aurora…"

"But which one?" Seraphim crossed her arms.

"The Fates have yet to determine that…," she was unsure, "It means nothing though if the darkness is not held back…"

"I will hold as long as possible," Seraphim volunteered, "I have the strength and with these items," she hinted to the dark sword and mask that hung from her belt, "The darkness will not come for some time… but the child must be prepared by the time of its arrival…"

"Mother…," Scythe started.

"I will do everything in my power to make sure that everything falls in to place, but for now," Theresa sighed, "I must rest. Farwell…," she disappeared into a blue light.

"I suppose I should get going as well," Seraphim sighed.

"I can't allow you to do that," Scythe reached out to her.

"Oh child of mine," she clicked her tongue, "I will always do what is best for this world… I have many sins to make up for… this is only a small step in my path to renewal…"

"Mother," he held her close, "your sins are not your own… I pray that you would learn that after so long…, but," he looked down to her, "I will do as you wish…"

Smiling, Seraphim gently kissed him in between the eyes, "Thank you William…"

The End