Shane drove the van but would continually look over at Lori who sat on the passenger seat with her gun in her hand resting on her lap. Lori would look behind her and breathe deeply as she caught glimpses of the sleeping enemy on the floor of the van. Gabriel sat while pointing his gun towards the unconscious Rikart as did Carol. Carl would lower his gun every time he looked over at Michonne who sat next to Rikart with a peaceful grin on her lips.

"Don't lower your gun son… Don't ever underestimate!" Lori urged. Carl wanted to refuse but ultimately did as he was told.

"He is in deep slumber. He cannot hurt anyone of you." Michonne shared with a smile, but her words did very little to assure and calm her fellow companions.

"I know." Judith whispered and sat next to Michonne as she placed her small hand on Rikart's right hand. "He won't hurt us." Judith added. Shane shook his head as he continued to drive. The journey was shortly stopped near a small gasoline station. The group needed to gas their vehicle and buy food and other supplies.

Shane poured the gas and noticed a large RV for sale. Shane believed that it would be best to change vehicles hoping to lose the following enemy. Shane called out to Gabriel and pointed towards the RV. The two quickly walked over. Meanwhile, Michonne watched Rikart as he slept. Carl entered the van after getting some chips and refreshments from the small convenient store in the gasoline station.

"It looks like Shane is trying to trade this van for the RV. I hope he does it quick, we can't be out here too long." Carl said as he opened his bag of chips and offered some to Michonne. He noticed how she continued to look at the sleeping Rikart despite his offering of snacks. "Was he like… Your friend or something?" The teen inquired.

Michonne finally looked at the curious boy and smiled. "He was a great light among many and Father spoke about him all the time." Michonne answered as she grabbed one of Carl's chips.

"He was one of the good guys… Right?" Carl asked.

"He was like no other." Michonne answered with a warm smile.

"What was he like?" The boy asked with wide eyes as he sat back waiting for a story. Michonne watched the eagerness possess the young companion. "Besides, we have to wait for Shane to exchange the van for the RV anyway."

Michonne nodded. "He was a great warrior and could not be matched in strength, speed, commitment and loyalty. The Father knew that he would be the best leader in any way and so, he did. He led battles against the Fallen. He was victorious in everything. His victories and loyalty to Father made him the first choice to leave the battlefields and protect a chosen few."

"Chosen few?" The boy inquired.

Michonne looked into her young companion's eyes and offered a warm smile. "Yes, Seekers."

Carl smiled. "Like Judith?" The boy asked.

Michonne answered with a nod and continued to tell the beginnings of Rikart.

_0_

Narrated by Michonne:

Watching Rikart return from battle and how all other Pure Lights admired him didn't give justice to the stories that were told. Then one day Rikart was quickly called off the battlefield and Father waited for him with a special assignment. Despite the many victories that Rikart had and other loyal warriors like him acquired, the Fallen found other ways to destroy and torment as humans became unknowing victims. Father decided to give gifts to a chosen few where they were able to see the enemy and even cast them out. It gave them equal footing in a battle that could only be won with exceptional abilities. Father knew that the Seekers would become targets and called upon many of his victorious warriors. Rikart was one of the first to be named. I remember hearing the stories Father would say about Rikart's victories and his loyalty, but when I actually saw him I could see why he was so admired. I saw him walk by from afar and he stood tall and strong.

It was many years ago, when kingdoms and great armies with swords and shields ruled the lands. A peasant family lived on a small farm trying to survive the harsh seasons. The father was Mendel Andrus and he lived with his young wife and new born son. One evening, after a long day of working on the farm, Mendel was finally able to rest his head next to his sleeping wife. The infant was near in a small wicker basket. Less than an hour of sleep Mendel was awoken by the sound of horses, screams and deep voices. Mendel quickly stood on his feet to see what the matter was when suddenly his front door flew open and six soldiers covered in metal armor along with sharp swords and shields.

"What…What is wrong and why are you all in my home?" Mendel questioned as he looked at the menacing soldiers. One soldier moved forward from the rest and presented a decree from the king.

"We are here by King Mordon." The soldier stated as he presented the document to Mendel.

"What?... What does the king want with me?... I am just a farmer and I have paid my taxes." Mendel insisted.

It was at that moment when his wife entered the room with child in her arms.

"You have a baby?... How old?" The soldier asked. When there was no answer the soldier took a couple of quick steps towards the confused mother. "I asked you a question woman. Use your useless tongue, unless you want me to cut it out! Tell me, when was the child born?" The soldier yelled as he grew impatient. His yells frightened the baby and he began to cry.

"He was born just before the fall began my lord." The woman answered as her tear filled eyes looked over at her concerned husband.

"Give me the child." The soldier ordered. The mother looked at his extended arms, his stern look and began to take steps backwards as she shook her head. "It is your choice if you do not want to comply with me. I tried to spare your miserable lives." The soldier ended his words as he unsheathed his sword and the other soldiers followed.

Mendel ran towards the soldiers as they followed his wife and was met by a piercing sword that went through his abdomen. It rendered him helpless as he fell to the floor watching his crying wife trying to flee the soldiers to no avail. She was trapped in her room and placed the baby in his basket and pleaded with them, but she was met with the same fate as her husband. Her body fell next to her son with her right arm stretched out and her fingers were close enough for her son to grab. The soldiers approached the unaware infant that looked up at them.

"As ordered by our King Mordon, you are to be taken from this world." The soldier that killed his parents raised his sword with both hands ready to plunge into the final victim that inhabited the home.

Just as the soldier was going to complete his appalling task he suddenly stopped and opened his grip on his sword. His sword fell to the ground and he is slowly lifted from the floor. The other soldiers watch as they gasped. The soldier turned his head to see behind him. He was grabbed by the neck by a large hooded being. The soldier opened his eyes widely and before he can say a word he was quickly tossed across the room knocking him unconscious. The other soldiers ran towards the large presence but it was too quick and too strong. They were all defeated and were left lying on the floor without the ability to move. The victorious figure moved closer to the infant and before it bended to retrieve him from the basket he revealed himself and removed the hood. He was Rikart. He took the child and began to walk out of the room and before he could completely exit the home he heard slight movement. Rikart quickly unsheathed his large sword and looked to find where the sound was coming from. It was a dying Mendel on the ground. Rikart approached the fading man.

"His name is…. Is Marcus." Mendel said in a tone that almost sounded like a whisper. Rikart nodded. "Please care… For…Him."

"The Keeper will forever be protected under my guardianship." Rikart stated without emotions but with complete truth in his words. Mendel took his last breath and Rikart left with the child.

_0_

Many years past and the baby had grown into a strong young man. He lived in the concealment of the woods along with Rikart. Rikart taught Marcus how to fight and survive. Rikart never parted from his side for eighteen years. One day as they practiced sword fighting they heard the quick trampling of horses. Marcus grew curious and ignored Rikart's insistence to continue practicing. From far, upon mountains they could see armed soldiers entering the neighboring villages, taking whatever they pleased. If someone opposed the soldiers they were left dead on the ground as their loved ones wept. Marcus breathed in deeply and shook his head. He had enough of what he was seeing.

"We cannot allow this to happen." Marcus said as he gathered his sword and began to walk.

"Do not take another step!" Rikart ordered with a stern voice. Marcus stopped but did not turn around.

"Those are innocent people being harmed and tortured. I know how to fight. You taught me well… But what good is it if I am to remain idol as others suffer?" Marcus asked as he looked down on the ground.

"You have been chosen to do something great and the Father will show you the way, but you are not to put yourself in harm's way for anyone." Rikart answered and proceeded to walk past Marcus. "Now I think it is time for us to head back before they find you… Marcus?" Rikart turned to find that the boy had left.

_0_

In the village there were all type of mayhem and sorrow. Marcus slowly surveyed the area as he approached with a sword in his hand. He could tell that many of the looting soldiers had left, but at that moment he heard screaming from within a home. Marcus quickly ran in and saw three soldiers. One was holding a beaten young man on the ground and two were trying to violate a young woman. Everything was stopped as they placed their stare upon the young man with the sword.

"My… The boy thinks he can stop us… He also needs to be taught a lesson." One soldier said as he laughed and threw the girl on the ground. He started to walk towards Marcus but stopped when Marcus slowly lowered his sword and tilted his head.

"I can hear you in there… I know who you are." Marcus said with wide eyes.

The soldier opened his eyes even wider and then looked over at his companions. "It's a Seeker!" Before they could flee, Marcus closed his eyes. After the passing of a few seconds he opened his eyes and revealed that they were covered in bright lights.

"You must leave those you occupy!" Marcus commanded and with great force the soldiers fell on their knees to the ground. The beings came out violently leaving the hosts motionless lying on the ground in great pain. The beings were moaning shadows on the corner. There was very little visibility to what they were. They appeared to be an emaciated human shape with broken or hollow wings. They appeared to be in pain as well. They limped, crawled and slithered their way through cracks, holes in the walls and an open window.

The woman quickly got up off the ground and ran to the waiting arms of her beaten companion. They quickly thanked Marcus and proceeded to run out. Marcus was about to follow when he heard one of them call out to him. He turned with his sword ready. It was the soldier that spoke to him. He appeared to be different as he sat up, cried and thanked Marcus.

"Thank you so much young warrior… You liberated me from a hell that I had been trapped in for so many years." The soldier shared as he wept.

Marcus lowered his weapon and gave the thankful man a warm smile.

"Marcus!... Marcus!" It was Rikart that came running into the home where Marcus stood watching the weeping man. "Are you alright?" Rikart asked as he checked the young man.

"I am fine, but there are more soldiers." Marcus wanted to continue the battle.

"Most of them are gone and those that remained have been dealt with." Rikart assured Marcus. "We must leave now!" Rikart insisted.

"Please… Don't." The soldier begged stopping Marcus from leaving and making Rikart concerned. "My kingdom needs you… I do not know what gift you hold, but I do know that my cousin, King Jared needs to understand that the enemy is like no other… You've seen what they can do. I was a simple collector of taxes and without word my village was overrun by Mordon's merciless soldiers…"

"Did you say Mordon?" Marcus interrupted with his inquiry. Marcus looked at Rikart who slightly shook his head slightly as he looked in his eyes.

"I suspect that he has crossed path with you before?" The soldier asked.

Marcus looked away from Rikart and once again looked at the soldier. "His soldiers murdered my family and tried to kill me when I was just a defenseless baby.

"Then you know too well what Mordon is capable of." The Soldier said. "He has done atrocities to many and has an incomparable strength. My cousin has a large and trained army, but they can never defeat Mordon. I am not a trained soldier and I could barely use a sword, but when they came to terrorize my village something took over within me and I had no way to fight back. I could see and feel everything I was doing and I couldn't stop it… You gave me back my life and for that I am always indebted to you… And it pains me to request more… But more people will fall victim of the same torment and others will perish as your loved ones did… Unless you help us…"

_0_

Against Rikart's wishes, Marcus assisted the pleading man to his cousin's kingdom. He formerly introduced himself as Asher Baron. He was a known tax collector in the neighbor villages of his cousin's kingdom. He did not particularly like his employment, but he was grateful to have had it. They arrived to the kingdom at a moment when all able body men were gearing up for the unstoppable war with Mordon's army. The rumors flew everywhere of how unstoppable they were and how they left dead everywhere they touched. Asher urged to speak with his cousin who was too busy speaking with his high generals about strategies and keeping the defenseless safe, but once one of the soldiers recognized Asher he unsheathed his sword and told him and his companions not to move. Rikart looked at Marcus and shook his head. He was about to unsheathe his sword but Marcus told him to wait.

"Please take us to your king… If you waste more time, more people will die and that is blood on your hands." Marcus stated with a stern look. The soldier looked at the three men and grabbed Asher aggressively by one arm.

"Come with me." The soldier growled.

Asher was bruised and battered from his encounter with Marcus and all the years of his body being used by the evil being. He tried to limp as quickly as he could to keep up with the soldier as they approached his cousin that stood near a large table covered with maps. Asher's legs could not hold himself any longer and he fell out of the soldier's grip to the floor. Marcus quickly assisted him and helped him to his awaiting and shocked cousin. King Jared's shocked look quickly turned to anger.

"Lord Jared… You must listen to what I have to say." Asher insisted as he held on to Marcus.

"Dear cousin or should I say traitor… Why should I even let you speak to me?... I should put you out of your misery." Jared stated as he looked at his cousin with disdain.

"I know you feel I betrayed you, but that was not me… I was taken over by a monster." Asher insisted. His words were met by a burst of laughter from the king and his surrounding soldiers.

"The only monster here is you and I heard about the things you've done to so many innocent." Jared looked at Asher's companions. "And who might you be?... Are you also going to add to my cousin's lies?... I warn you, my patience is very thin."

Rikart looked at his surrounding, standing ready and confident, he would never allow anyone to harm Marcus.

"Asher speaks the truth… I fought him and liberated him from the darkness that held him captive and if you don't believe him your entire kingdom may carry the same fate or worst. Eighteen years ago my parents were taken from me because Mordon commanded it." Marcus shared.

"Are you a prince… What have you that Mordon wanted you eliminated?" Jared questioned.

"Unlike you and your large army, I can see and hear his true force." Marcus answered.

"True force?... The monsters my cousin cries about?" Jared mocked.

Marcus stood strong and looked Jared in the eye. "Monsters that will make all men in your kingdom cry… All men."

Jared was taken aback by the boy's warnings and accompanying confidence in his words. He looked at his men and began to witness the look of concern appearing on all of their faces. He looked again at an unwavering Marcus. "I have a kingdom to lead and protect… I also have a family that I hold dearly to my heart. I know that Mordon has destroyed many kingdoms and broken many hearts. If what you say is true and you can bring us the victory and secure the safety of my family you will be indebted to me for all the years of my life.

Marcus breathed in deeply and looked over at Rikart. Marcus focused his gaze upon Jared and nodded.

_0_

Mordon's army came in the darkness. They were more in numbers than Jared feared. They consisted of people from other overrun kingdoms and villages. Mordon sat on his white horse from far and commanded his army to run in and break the thick wooden entrance. The enemy began to hit against the large gate and everything around it began to shake. Jared could feel the kingdom shaking. All of his soldiers were posted where they were supposed to be and began shooting the enemies with bowl and arrows from above, but it would do very little to stop the eager enemy from entering. In a matter of a few minutes the barrier that tried to keep the evil from entering gave way and the threat was in with all its strength and destruction. Many of Jared's men with prepared weapons fought back but they encountered an enemy like no other and they began to fall to their death by the dozens. Mordon's army was well in the kingdom and as they continued to move forward it was evident that they were trying to reach the king and his family. Mordon wanted Jared's kingdom to be another victory. As his army moved forward towards the king's known headquarters, a horn from a balcony in the far left was heard. Mordon's army of thousands suddenly stopped and looked towards the piercing noise. They could see a young boy with very little armor and a simple sword stand tall and confidant. One of Mordon's general laughed and shook his head.

"What does the boy want?... For your annoyance you will not have a quick death." The General said as he held his sword tightly in his left fist.

"I do not request anything from you… But I do ask the one within you to leave at once!" The boy commanded.

"What?... How do you know…?" Before the general could complete his question he saw the boy's eyes turn bright. In a low tone the boy said a few words asking for the being within to remove itself. The general along with many of the others around him began to scream due to excruciating pain as the beings possessing them began to forcefully exit their bodies. The boy continued as many more soldiers began to fall, but due to the number of the possessed it began to take a toll on the boy and he could feel himself becoming weak. The enemy could see that the boy was getting weaker so many of the one's still standing proceeded to go towards his location but were abruptly stopped when Rikart appeared swiftly and disallowed them to take any more steps near him. At that point is when the remaining fallen either began to leave their hosts willing or ran off with them. The lasting soldiers of Jared's army followed the enemies as they fled and took the ailing ones on the ground prisoners.

Rikart went to find the boy, but he was not in the balcony where he left him. In the kingdom's headquarters, Torin, Jared's greatest general entered in haste to tell his king that the enemy was vanquished but as he was reaching his king with a grin of victory he suddenly stopped when a large sword pierced through his back coming out from his chest. The sword was quickly removed revealing that it was Mordon. Jared was with his wife, son and daughter. He urged them to run back and hide as he fought Mordon. Mordon was much bigger than Jared and a better skilled fighter. He was known for winning all his battles, but there was something more about him that brought shivers down Jared's back and he could see it peeking through Mordon's eyes.

"You come here to kill me and take my kingdom… Tell me, am I fighting King Mordon, or another?" Jared asked as he readied his sword.

"You should not worry yourself about who challenges you… You should concern yourself with the sharpness of my sword… And when I am done with you it will also claim the life of your whore and your wretched offspring." Once Mordon was done insulting Jared he flung towards him with all his might. Jared fought back, and the swords connected multiple times. Mordon was able to hit Jared's sword out of his grasp, but Jared was able to acquire a shield and protect himself against the powerful swings. Mordon's strength was too much for Jared and his shield was removed from his hold. Mordon was amused by the defenseless man and decided to take his time like a cat playing with a mouse. He began to kick him and stomp on him and laughed as he heard the cracking of ribs.

"You may kill me… But your reign will one day come to an end." Jared stated through gasps.

"Says the loser." Mordon responded as he readied his sword.

"Out you forsaken creature!" A voice yelled from the door. Mordon suddenly stopped, dropped his sword and couldn't move, but with all his might he forced his head to turn and see Marcus standing there with bright eyes. Mordon tried to yell 'No' but was unable and with the command of departing, the being within began to come out accompanied by Mordon's screams. The dark creature fell to the ground and moaned as it crawled as fast as it could until it was met by Rikart's boots. Rikart took his sword and plunged it into the creature. It made a high pitch screeching scream and then dissipated. Mordon still stood motionless with closed eyes. He suddenly opened his eyes and looked at the boy, but before he could say a word his eyes widened when his sword entered his abdomen. It was Jared stabbing Mordon with his own sword.

"No!... Wait!" Marcus yelled but to no avail.

Mordon pulled the sword out and dropped it to the ground. Blood exited his wound and his mouth as he opened it to speak. "I saw too much and could not do anything to stop it." Mordon smiled at Marcus. "Thank you." Then fell to the ground succumbing to his injury.

Marcus looked down at the conquered enemy with sadden eyes. He looked over at Rikart that nodded at him and then returned the gesture with the same. Many of Jared's soldiers entered to find a slain Mordon and an injured Jared. They told their king with excitement about their victory and how the remaining enemies had fled.

"Make no mistake… This victory could only have been received thanks to one man." Jared said as his soldiers helped hold him up.

"You my grace." One of the soldiers blurted out with pride.

"No… Marcus… He can ask for anything and it will be granted." Jared shared.

"Thank you sir, but I am grateful that Mordon's army will not hurt another innocent again." Marcus replied. "Tonight your kingdom and many villages will be able to sleep once more." Marcus added. He provided a slight smile and turned to leave with Rikart.

Jared's wife and sixteen year old twins, who consist of a boy and girl, ran past Marcus towards the bruised king. The daughter whose name was Orchid thanked Marcus as she hugged her father. They could hear everything from where they hid.

Just as Marcus was about to leave, the king tried one more time to convince him to stay. "I have lost my best general and you have opened my eyes to an evil that I did not know existed among men. You also showed me the wonderful gift you behold… Stay and become my trusted general and my right hand."

Marcus turned and saw shocked faces among the soldiers that surrounded him. Jared was aware and did not care. He limped towards Marcus as he held his right side and placed his left hand on his right shoulder and looked at the young man that saved his kingdom and his family.

"You are young, but that plays on your favor… I will not be here forever and I hope that my children precede me, but I have more confidence that my kingdom will continue to stand and my family will live if you stay here by my side… I cannot see anyone taking that place …. Come and stay and whatever your heart wants will not be denied." The king pleaded with an eager smile. Marcus looked around and saw all the beauty that encircled him, but there was one beauty that caught his eye and it was a smiling Orchid. Marcus looked away for a few seconds but finally accepted with a nod and the king and his men yelled loudly with contentment. As many celebrated Rikart sighed deeply and from far out of everyone's view the king's son Ethan looked upon Marcus with dark and fuming eyes.

_0_

Many years followed the victorious night that placed Marcus in a high position with Jared. Marcus was such a skilled and confident warrior that he led Jared and his kingdom to countless victories. The kingdom was the riches, strongest and most well respected. Rikart continued by Marcus' side which also entailed that the victories were always certain to occur and remain. Marcus also became closer to Orchid who was older than Ethan by ten minutes. Marcus asked for Orchid's hand in marriage and Jared accepted with delight. The wedding was an affair that the entire kingdom celebrated. All were happy except of Ethan, whose hatred for Marcus grew stronger every passing year.

It was a cold winter when Jared had grown ill and he could barely get out of bed. His queen had expired a couple of years prior. Marcus and Orchid had a son they named Jayce. He was ten and had grown close to Rikart. Rikart began teaching him how to use a sword and shield as he had done with Marcus was he was a boy. Jayce did not have the gift that Marcus had, but he was just as determined and fearless.

Jared's remaining family gathered by his bedside along with all his trusted generals and advisors. The doctor declared that he would not past the night. The advisors of the king were preparing for his funeral and the succession of his thrown to his only son. Ethan barely stood by his father's bedside as his health began to deteriorate in the earlier months. He was too busy preparing his clothes and speeches. He also shared openly that he wanted the royal room's furniture to be thrown out and new exotic ones to be brought in from faraway places.

During Jared's final hours Ethan finally stood at the foot of the bed with very limited emotions. Jared raised his head with the little strength he had left to look at his son.

"Son… What do you see before you?" The King asked.

"Why do ask father?" Ethan inquired.

"What do you see?... Be honest." The King insisted.

Ethan took a deep breath. "I see an old man asking me a question with no answer to give."

Jared took his gaze off his son and looked over at Marcus who stood next to him and has been by his side since he fell ill. "Marcus… What do you see before you?" Jared asked.

Marcus gave Jared a warm smile. "I see my King." Marcus' words were followed by teared filled eyes.

Jared rested his head. "That is all I need." The king whispered and his advisor nodded. Less than twenty minutes later Jared took his final breath.

With tears in their eyes, Orchid and Marcus walked towards the large balcony from the King's room. There stood Ethan, Jared's trusted generals and his advisors.

"I believe words should be said about their fallen king and it should only be said by their new one." Ethan said as he began to walk to the front of the balcony.

"You are right Ethan." The oldest advisor stated.

"Sorry… Do you mean your King?" Ethan angrily tried to correct.

"No… You are not the king." The advisor countered and walked towards Marcus who met the man's gaze with wide eyes.

The advisor stood before Marcus and opened a large scroll and began to read. "By the powers and requisition of King Orillious Jared and signed by his own hand you are declared the new ruler and King of his Empire."

Everyone was left with wide eyes and opened mouths, but no one was more shocked than Marcus and Rikart who stood near watching all unfold. Ethan's eyes looked ready to come out of his head. He insisted on reading the scroll, but could not deny that the signature belonged to his father and the authenticity of the decree. The advisor looked over at the stunned crowd, walked over at Marcus and led him to the front of the balcony. "Here enters the King!" The advisor yelled.

In a matter of seconds the crowd began to cheer and shout and then as the generals, advisors and Orchid began to kneel the crowd followed suit. Ethan could not hold out and also knelt, and as his knees touched the ground so did his tears.

_0_

Ten years had passed and a hooded figure entered a pub one dark night. The hooded figure sat at a table and waited until a thin pale woman with dark brown hair sat on a vacant chair near him.

"Is everything prepared?" The woman asked.

"Yes… I kept my side of the bargain… Do not fail me!" The hooded figure stated with a deep male voice.

The woman smiled and stood from her seat. "You will get what you want but we expect the same." The woman walked away. The hooded figure stood and also walked away.

_0_

Marcus had become a king that believed in working with other kingdoms and lands and did not want to simply conquer for his ego. He was respected and quite loved by many and his kingdom reaped his rewards. All was good in the kingdom and Jayce was a young man. Rikart was always very present in the kingdom and by Marcus' side. Despite all the wonderful occurrences around them, they were unaware that there was true evil growing and plotting from far and a traitor was very close.

It was early morning and Marcus had awoken to a special day. It was his birthday and it was going to be a great event. Instead of a special dinner Ethan convinced Orchid to make a special breakfast and all of Marcus' generals and closes advisors sat at the table. The table was covered with a feast that was truly set for a king. Marcus sat at the head and before they can eat Ethan asked to make a toast. He clapped his hands and servers came in with bottles of wine. All were served except Jayce who did not like the taste of grape wine and preferred to drink something else and Orchid who drank cold milk.

Ethan stood and extended his glass. "I want to make a toast to my King… Marcus, may your name be one to remember even when you're no more." Ethan gave Marcus a huge smile that was returned in the same manner. Marcus took a drink and so did the others at the table.

Marcus looked over at his smiling son, his beautiful wife, Rikart who stood by the door, but close and all his men at the table. Marcus took a big breath and felt true pride. "I am truly fortunate to…." Marcus stopped talking when he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He grabbed himself quickly and looked over at his wife who met his gaze with a concerned look of her own.

"Marcus… What is it?" Orchid asked. Before Marcus could speak the others at the table began to fall ill as well and scream in pain as they hit the ground. Marcus tried to stand but heard the distinctive sound of the emergency horn. It is something very unfamiliar for the kingdom for many years.

"Quickly… Go with Jayce!" Marcus told Orchid. She did not want to leave him, but she could hear the unseen threat coming. In the chaos dark figures began to fill the room. Rikart unsheathed his sword and started fighting as he prevented anything from reaching Marcus. Marcus' generals and advisors were succumbing to the mysterious ailment and blood exited their mouths, ears and nose. The same began to occur with Marcus. Ethan quickly grabbed Orchid's arm and pulled her towards him and insisted that she and Jayce follow him to safety. Orchid and Jayce were reluctant to leave Marcus but there were too many dark figures in the room and they knew they could not defeat them. Marcus yelled for them to leave as he stood tall, grabbed his sword and slowly walked behind a battling Rikart. Orchid and Jayce ran to hide with Ethan. Marcus took one last look at his family and then turned his gaze on the beings battling Rikart. His eyes turned bright and the beings stopped for a moment and took a few steps back.

"Rikart… Listen to me." Marcus grasp as he walked over to Rikart holding his pained abdomen.

"Go back!... I won't let them get to you." Rikart stated with his sword in his strong grip.

"Rikart… There is nothing you can do to stop my passing." Marcus said. Rikart turned to truly see the bleeding and dying Marcus. Rikart walked over to the injured man. "I have failed you."

"No… No, my dear friend… You have never failed me… You have given me more than I could have ever hoped for…" Marcus fell to the ground coughing and more blood came out from his mouth. "I am dying… Please… You cannot save me but allow me to save my son… If I perish you will leave… Please enter and allow me to…"

"No… That cannot be done!" Rikart exclaimed.

"Please… He is my son… He came from me and I ask you… Not as my protector, not as a friend, but as the one that saved me and raised me… Save my son…" Marcus asked with pleading eyes. Rikart looked at the enemy that got closer, he could see Marcus fading and he knew that once Marcus was gone his purpose being there would end. Rikart looked at the dying man and remembered the baby he rescued, the boy he trained and the man he had become. Rikart knelt down near Marcus and held his head up. "Marcus…ask it." Rikart said.

"Possess me…" Marcus whispered. In that instant Rikart became a great light and in one quick moment he entered Marcus. Marcus lay on the ground with his eyes closed. The dark figures in the room were quiet as they looked on. Suddenly Marcus' eyes opened and he stood with sword in his hand. Rikart was within. He could feel all of Marcus's emotions and thoughts. He could feel that great love he had for his family and his kingdom and the grief knowing that his end was near. The emotions were new and overwhelming, but Rikart fought through them as he looked upon the enemy before him. He ran towards them and ended every one before they could flee. After his victory over the enemy he went to check on Orchid and Jayce. He called out to them but there was no response. He finally found Jayce's locked room. With one kick the door swung open.

"Orchid… Jayce…" Not too far from the door lay Orchid and Jayce in a pool of blood. Standing next to them was a smiling Ethan.

"They should have drunk the wine." Ethan mocked.

Rikart exited from Marcus. Marcus fell to the ground. He gave his last breath with tears in his eyes. Rikart looked upon the scene and an unfamiliar feeling took over and he walked over to Ethan at a quick pace.

"Kneel before your king." Ethan insisted.

Rikart grabbed his sword tightly and impaled Ethan. He kicked Ethan off his sword. "You have no dominion over me!" And with one swing Ethan's head was no longer on his body.

Rikart felt another feeling come over him that he had never experienced. He fell to his knees and wept as he took in the entire scene. "Why Father?... Why this?..."

_0_

Present time….

"What happened?" Carl asked when Michonne stopped. Carl noticed that Michonne was looking at an awake Rikart. Rikart sat up and saw the two onlookers.

"What did you do to me?" Rikart questioned Michonne.

Carl quickly got his weapon.

"No, don't… He won't hurt us." Michonne shared as she extended her hand motioning for Carl to lower his weapon.

"Why be so certain?" Rikart asked as he breathed in deeply.

"I know that the one that protected Marcus is the same Pure Light that I see before me today." Michonne stated.

Rikart had not heard Marcus' name mentioned in many centuries. He looked away as he thought about the boy he later understood was like a son to him. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Then you know nothing." He quickly exited the van. "You are fighting a losing battle. I am trying to spare you from learning as I did."

"Wait!" Michonne followed him in haste. She reached him and grabbed his arm. Rikart turned to face her, his angry stare slowly turned to a softer glare as he observed her face. She watched him and smiled. "Don't leave… Your victories were unmatched. Stay and help us."

"What the hell!... Carl get away from him!" Shane yelled as he ran towards them with his gun pointed at Rikart. Gabriel followed.

Rikart extended his right hand and slowly touched Michonne's left cheek. He turned his gaze to the others that were coming towards him and expanded his wings. He looked at Michonne once again. "Careful, there are many." He flew away.

Carl and Michonne looked up. Carl looked at Michonne. "Hey… I think he likes you."

_0_

Thanks for reading and there is more to come!