Here's another episode chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
The Great Gates Part One:
"She's been sleeping for a long time," Ezran said worriedly.
"Rest is all that she needs," Caldor assured.
Raylan was standing in a corner, rubbing the Phial given to him from his Spirit Guide. "Thank you, Galadriel,".
Soren approached him and quickly Raylan stuffed it away in his knapsack. "Care to tell us where you got that item from?". Stella snarled. "And why does your gerbil keep snarling at me like that?".
"She's not a gerbil. She's a Cuddlemonkey," Raylan corrected. "And that item was given to me by someone who's been watching over me …,".
"Since you abandoned Caroline?"
"Do you have to keep bringing that up?" Raylan was getting heated with the way Soren was talking.
"Would you two just stop?" Benji begged. "You are not making things easier for any of us,". He pointed to Yonas who had been crying again for hours. Caelus who still held him, glared the two boys down and instantly they shut their mouths. But no sooner than they did, three Skywing elves came flying through the hole in the cave. They gracefully bowed before the queen and prince.
"Our Queen and prince," Thorten addressed with respect. Zubeia slowly bowed her head.
"Caelus summoned us and it breaks her heart to learn of what has happened," Dovina said solemnly.
Their son Surah was heartbroken too. But the moment, he and his parents saw Raylan, their sorrow turned to joy. "Is that really you?".
The Moonshadow elf smiled. At least some other people aside from Ezran were overjoyed to see him. "It is old friend,"
Suroh hugged him. "It's good to see you. Where have you been all this time?"
"It's a long story but that must be for another time,".
Suddenly, the sound of Caroline waking made their heads turn. Her body shook about, her eyes sealed tight, her head still spinning like she was in that dream plane again. "Get out of me! Get out!".
"Cary! Cary! It's okay! It's okay! You're with us now!". Willow assured. "You're alright,".
Carol took a moment to breathe and calm down. She opened her eyes and saw nearly everyone leaning over her with relief, Raylan the tallest above them with the biggest smile. "You see? You're alright," Benji assured her. Pliph gave Carol a lick, and she laughed a little.
"Take it easy." Caldor steadied her, raising her to sit up.
Zym licked her as well, nuzzling her. "Easy, Zym. Give her some space," Zubeia said.
"Are you okay?" Ezran asked, kneeling to her.
"Yes," Carol winced as her head ached. "Ow! My head hurts. What happened?" Her answer was twisted heads and so she saw the looking glass had smashed. "How did…"
"Aaravos shattered the looking glass so we couldn't spy on him," said Willow grimly.
"I shouldn't have looked into that mirror alone. How could I have been so stupid?" Carol cursed herself for being rash in her grief. Ghost and Felix purred, and she hugged them.
Soren slowly helped her stand up, keeping a firm hold on her to help with balance. "Just take it slow,".
"I can't believe Aaravos controlled me like that. Did I hurt someone?". She panicked.
"You didn't," Yonas took her hands. "It wasn't your fault,".
"The only thing that matters is that you're okay," her brother assured. "But how did you break free like that?".
"I don't know. I was in some kind of black astral plane. Aaravos was there. I was so scared like I didn't have any courage left to resist him. And then my Spirit guide saved me again,".
"He spoke through you. What's his name?" her sister asked.
"His name's Murtagh. And he's a Dragon Rider from another world,".
"I'm afraid you're not the only one who met their Spirit Guide," Willow spoke up, eyes turning to her. "My Spirit Guide was an owl who appeared to me in the library and told me about a letter from dad,".
"I dreamed about a warrior carrying a horn," Soren added.
"And you?" Carol questioned Raylan straightly.
"Mine is an elven queen. I met her … soon after I left. And she came to me again when I was outside last night,".
"Did she give you the light you used before?" Soren asked. But Raylan didn't even have to answer.
"I'm sorry I looked at the looking glass without permission, Zubeia," Carol apologised.
"The only thing that matters is that you are alright," she assured. "But now, we must hold a funeral for our fallen friends,". No sooner had she said that three Skywing elves flew through a hole in the ceiling and landed before them.
Outside the Spire, all the bodies of dragons and elves including Ibis's were covered with blankets. And blue and white roses were laid all around. Zym sneezed because he was allergic to them. But today was a day of mourning and that was more important. Carol and Yonas laid flowers before his covered body before holding out their fingers with Caelus.
"Sepultura Caelo," they chanted together. Flocks of birds erupted from under the blankets, where the dead bodies once lay and flew off into the sky taking their last journey to the sky.
The youngest elf cried and Carol side-hugged him. "We will always remember Ibis,". She saw Ibis's staff lying next to where his body lay and genuflected, picking it up. "I think he would want you to have it," she offered Ibis's staff to Yonas.
With Icanvine's sweet chittering, he slowly accepted it. "I hope I can make him proud,".
"You already have,".
Yonas hugged his beloved friend, and Zym joined in too.
Carol sat at the top of the Spire, looking out to the clouds. Felix and Ghost were beside her, doing all they could to counsel her. They heard footsteps and bared their teeth. It was only Raylan who raised his hands.
You shouldn't be here. Felix growled.
Felix, he just wants to talk to her. Ghost purred.
He abandoned her. He broke her heart.
But he's here now. Let's give them some privacy.
Fine! Felix whacked his tail into Raylan's leg as they bounded off. He decided to make a move now. "It's so strange. The last time I was here, I leapt to my certain death to bring Viren down. But then you spread your wings and you saved me," Carol still couldn't look at him. "So much has happened since then,".
"Yeah. You're right about that," she wiped her eyes.
"I am truly, truly sorry for Ibis's death, Carol. But you must know that none of this is your fault,". Nothing he said could make her better. "I know you probably don't to hear this but um … if there's anything I can do, please let me know,".
"I need to be alone," Without looking at him, Carol stood up and marched down the steps, leaving him to sigh again. She walked past Thorten, Dovina and Suroh, who were walking up, wanting to have a word with Raylan themselves. As much as his return brought them joy again, he still knew he had a lot of questions to answer.
"I know you guys are wondering why I just disappeared like that,".
"We searched everywhere for you," Thorten berated gently.
"I had to go out by myself. I couldn't risk anyone else getting hurt. I had to find out whether Viren was alive. If Claudia and the Cult were making a comeback ….,".
"But we don't understand Raylan. How could you abandon Caroline?" Dovina gently criticised.
"I had to. I left to keep her safe from everything. The Cult. My people. And …" he touched his masked neck. The Skywing family knew he was hiding something. "I couldn't bear to lose her like I lost my parents. I made a promise to her father the night he was assassinated that I would keep her safe. And I felt this was the only way to do that. And I'm certain you guys would do the same,".
"I don't blame you," Suroh consoled. "But It will take some time for her to get over it,".
"I'm not sure. She hasn't really talked to me and she was so angry when she saw me again,".
"Of course, she'll get over it," Thorten promised. "She searched everywhere for you whilst studying magic. it shows how much you mean to her. Just give her time to get over all that has happened and everything will be alright. She will forgive you,".
Carol couldn't stop staring at the Looking Glass, her reflection bounced off the pieces of glass scattered on the floor. But her eyes caught something. A chain bracelet that looked like a snake. She recognised it. She picked it up and gripped it tightly, bending her eyebrows.
"They will pay for this," she swore. "Historia Viventum,". Moon magic filled the room. Three figures were formed out of its essence, and she recognised the cult leader with the star tattoo over his eyes and the girl she once called a beloved friend. But when she saw the third figure, her lips parted in shock.
"I can't believe Ibis is gone," Willow grieved. Her head fell against Caldor's shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around them.
"I know. It is too hard,". Ezran stroked Bait who croaked very sadly. Serena was on his shoulder honking quietly.
Raylan came inside. "I know Ibis's death is so heartbreaking. but we must make our next move or his killers will kill again,".
"This is the Cult's doing," said Soren bitterly. "They're obviously planning a comeback if they're trying to free this Startouch elf who tried to control Caroline,"
"Not just them," Carol marched into the room, a grim expression on her face. They stood up, desperate to hear what she had to say. "Claudia," she held up her snake chain bracelet which Soren recognised at once, shocking him deeply. "She, Castor and another elf killed Ibis," her voice broke.
"She's picking up from where my dad left off," said Soren. "It must have been Aaravos communicating with my dad through the mirror with his caterpillar,"
" 'Caterpillar' ?" Ezran was confused.
"Was it a purple star caterpillar around his shoulder?" Raylan asked, remembering the confrontation with Viren back in the Spire.
"Yes. He was talking to it. He must have been using it to communicate with Aaravos and it was he who swayed him into doing all these horrible things." As Soren spoke, Raylan's fingers reached towards his neck scarf and Carol eyed him worriedly. But when he noticed her, her head tilted away immediately.
"He was already horrible enough," sneered Willow. She noticed the pale look on her sister's face. "What is it?".
Carol couldn't prepare herself for how much shock her words would bring. "Viren is alive,"
The Being that had emerged from that chrysalis was a strange creature. It had butterfly wings but it looked like a little dragon with a star symbol on its chest. and it had blank yellow eyes and hair growing out of its head.
"Incredible," Castor with his mask over his face observed it closely. Laius, Tellus and Delmar with their masks fastened under their tattooed eyes were intrigued as well.
"Castor, our riders failed to capture the girl. So, what do we do now?" Delmar demanded.
"They will have found out what happened by now. So, they will be going to where we need to go. And this creature will lead the way," he said.
"I do not see why all of us should go. Word will be spreading by now and we need to divide and conquer," Laius pointed out.
"Couldn't have put it better myself?".
"Send me to the Sunfire elves," his brother insisted.
"Very well. But do not engage with the Sunfire queen. You will have your revenge soon enough. Delmar, you will cover the other areas and join the other riders. And Tellus, you will be coming with me,".
"It would be our pleasure," Delmar saluted. "But let us not forget we must bring Ihar forward to face justice for betraying us,".
"Yes. Go and prepare my brothers,". Castor looked into the distance and saw Claudia, Viren and Terry with their stuff all packed up. The enthusiastic girl eagerly waved and he waved back.
The news of Viren's resurrection brought a dark cloud over everyone's heads. "How?! How can my father still be alive?!". Soren was the most petrified.
Raylan was just as petrified as him. Viren was alive after all. "Was he here too?"
"No. But Castor spoke his name as they were leaving. And he wouldn't lie about Viren with Claudia of all people,".
Willow felt like she couldn't breathe. "He and Claudia must have used dark magic to resurrect him,".
"What I don't get is why the Cult would even want to resurrect Viren," said Carol.
"What makes you say that?" Ezran asked.
"Viren orchestrated my attempted kidnapping years ago,". Her answer shocked everyone. "But he covered up his involvement when they got caught,".
"So, he betrayed them just like he betrayed me," said Soren, narrowing his eyes. "It's obvious they're only working together because of Claudia," he stood up tall and strong. "We have to find them and stop them," He couldn't believe he was going to be fighting against his family again but he was not going to let them win.
"How? I spent the last two years hunting for them whilst trying to keep my people away from the Border. And even though I was able to track down those Riders, I failed to find them," Raylan cursed himself.
"And we don't even know where to start looking," said Willow. "I've seen nothing in my visions about where they're going next or what they're up to now. They could be anywhere,".
Ezran remembered. "But we do know what they're looking for. So, if we find it before them, we can stop them from freeing Aaravos,". Zubeia was outside silently mourning with Zym and the Skywing Elves whilst Pyrrah was keeping Thaisan company.
The team came outside and Ezran spoke up. "Lord Viren is alive, Zubeia,".
Zym gasped. "What?".
Zubeia's voice brewed with anger. "How?".
"Claudia and the Cult of Aaravos resurrected him. It was they who killed Ibis and took the staff," Carol answered bitterly. "And now they're working to free Aaravos so he can finish what he started,".
"Your Majesty, you told us that Aaravos's prison was a secret," Willow reminded. "That each of the Archdragons has a peace of the puzzle. With their help, could we solve it before our enemies do?".
"Yes. Apart from the Looking Glass given to me and Avizandum, there were three clues given to the three other Archdragons. Rex Igneous of Earth. Domina Profundis of Ocean. And Aaeseris Cosmica of Stars. Rex is where they will be going to,".
"How do you know that?" Soren asked.
"Because they do have what is needed to summon Domina from the Ocean Depths. And none of us have seen Aaeseris in centuries, nor do we know where to find her. We must set off for the Great Mountain of Umber Tor at once,".
"Then we must head off now," Carol said. She addressed their Skywing friends. "You must all go and help spread the message. And you Caleus need to recover with all your soldiers,".
"I'm coming with you," Yonas stepped forward, armed with his new staff.
"No, Yonas. I need you to stay here and look after Zym," The queen informed.
"What?" her son whined.
"It is too dangerous. I will not lose you again," his mother said.
"But I want to help!" he whined. "Carol, say something,".
"Your mother is right," she said. "It's too dangerous and you'll be safe here,".
"It's for the best," Raylan agreed. "And you should stay here as well, Carol,".
"Absolutely not," she refused. "I am not hiding. I am not the same helpless child they came for all those years ago and I have to avenge Ibis,".
Raylan tried to argue but Soren stepped in. "She can handle herself,".
"Oh, sure. Like she did back at Katolis and you and the others could barely give her a helping hand," Raylan realised he had offended her and she turned her back on him.
Soren fumed as well. "Well at least we didn't leave her behind,".
"You know what Soren, I've had about enough of your …,"
"Enough!" Benji shouted. "Carol has to go. She's the master of three primal sources. If anything, Claudia and the Cult should be afraid of them,".
"Absolutely," Zubeia agreed. "All I ask is that you are certain, Caroline?".
"Yes. I have to find out what they want with me and why,". As Carol spoke, Stella, Felix an Ghost noticed that Caldor nearby was pursing his lips and quivering. He knew something.
"Then it is settled then," the queen said. "We leave now. But you kid, I would like to ask you to stay here with Zym,".
"But I have to help. I have to go," Benji implored.
"Please, Benji," Willow begged. "Now that we've seen how serious and dangerous things are, it's not safe for you,".
"No. you don't understand I have to come with you all,".
"You're going to need a better explanation than that," Soren lectured, a little rudely.
"Don't scare him," Raylan touched his shoulder.
"Don't touch me,". He shoved his hand away.
"Well then don't scare the kid,".
An infuriated Caroline pushed them apart. "Stop it both of you or I'll bang your stupid, empty heads together,". Felix and Ghost growled to silence the two quarrelling young men.
"Please Carol," Benji begged. "I know I may sound like I'm naïve and I don't know what I'm doing. But like I said before back at the Graves, I need you to trust me. It's like this calling that I'm important in what's to come. Like how you and your siblings felt when you found Zym's egg. Please will you trust me?".
Carol took a moment to think. She eyed Soren, who shook his head and her siblings who were conflicted. "Trust him," Zym beseeched.
"Farewell, for now, my brothers," Castor embraced Laius and Delmar. "And be careful,"
"So long as you both are careful," Delmar eyed Viren dangerously. "Do not trust him,".
"If he betrays us, I'll bury him alive," Tellus whispered, making him chuckle.
Castor eyed the Sun-Mage seriously. "Remember you're to observe what they're planning only. Find whatever Sun magic we need but do not engage with the queen. Yet. Am I clear?".
"You are clear," Laius's answer sounded gruff.
"We will help spread the message," the Skywing family promised.
"I will watch over Zym closely," Yonas promised. Carol embraced him and Caelus. "Make them pay,".
"Be careful," the Sky captain bid.
"I will,". She mounted Zubeia and Soren helped her sit down. Zubeia spread her wings and the Skywing elves watched as she, Pyrrah and Thaisan carried their riders across the sky to the far east.
Castor, Tellus, Claudia, Terry and Viren made their way through the forest following the strange creature who was leaving behind a trail of strange moon-blue goo.
"The mysterious Being hasn't said anything yet," Terry observed. "But look at this ooze," he picked up a bit. "It's liquid, it's solid," he started playing with it. "It's got an elegant sheen, and uh, post-viscosity,".
Viren approached it, Castor still watching him carefully. "You keep a good distance away from that Being," the former warned.
"Oh, come on," Viren growled. "As if I could hurt it. And besides I'm the one who carried it on my shoulder when it was a caterpillar. Now shut up and let me speak,".
The creature turned around to face him. "Behold the messenger of Aaravos,".
Tellus chortled. "Keep up the good work, former Mage,".
Viren chose to ignore him and kept on going. "Guide us, direct us to our destiny,". His choice of words was becoming more and more amusing to the brothers," he fell to his knees and bowed his head as if the Being was a king. The creature approached him slowly, staring into his soul with his plain yellow eyes and spreading out its powerful butterfly wings. It closed its eyes, opened them again and …. Rrrrrrr!
Viren's face was covered by green goo. Castor and Tellus chortled so much they fell to their knees. He growled and became further annoyed when even Claudia and Terry joined in the laughing.
Claudia cleared her throat and calmed down. "Maybe it wants us to name it. How about Sparklepuff!". Terry liked it.
"I don't approve," Tellus said bluntly.
"Come on," she whined playfully.
"Oh no. Not for this goo-spitting creature. It deserves something more dignified,".
"Okay. Something more dignified. How about Sir Sparklepuff?". Gawking again at the Being, Claudia squealed out: "See, it likes it!".
The Being flapped its wings again and wandered off. Terry chased after it. "Wait. Sir Sparklepuff!". Claudia chased them too.
Viren was still wiping the goo off his face. "If you ever laugh at me again …" he threatened Castor and Tellus.
"Or what?" Castor mocked. "You're still very scared to pick up Ziard's staff even when your daughter claimed it for you. Now we move on and you'd better keep your mouth shut near the Being, or Sir Sparklepuff as your daughter would like to call it,". They wandered on ahead leaving their arch-rival to sneer behind them,".
It had turned dark. Soren was standing at the front on Zubeia's crown of spikes. "Feels good being one of the good guys this time. Humans. Elves. Dragons. We're a Dragang!"
The Queen chuckled. And so did Carol and Benji sitting at the front with their companions. "It's kind of your team to bring their court jester on the journey,".
"Oh, he's more than a court jester. He's the youngest Crownguard in history," Carol complimented.
"It's like the Dragonguard but the … royal family guard," Soren explained. "and that's what I intend to be on this quest,".
"And we are grateful for your protection," Carol said approvingly.
"Well, if your sword is as sharp as your wit, then the royal family are in good hands," the queen complimented. Flying on his dragon, Raylan grew more and more jealous seeing Carol laugh with Soren.
Whilst riding on Pyrrah, Willow was quiet and she looked like she was about to nod off. "What is wrong, Willow?" Caldor, also riding with them asked.
"I just … I wish I could have seen something. Maybe Ibis and all those soldiers would still be alive,".
"Willow, you are not to blame," Caldor rubbed her shoulder. "Just because you have that gift doesn't mean you can see everything,".
"Caldor, we've always wondered where we got those gifts. We are not descended from elves nor do we do magic like our sister. But I found this under our father's bed," Ezran pulled out from the envelope from the other day. "Willow dreamed of our father talking to our great-grandmother, who, like Willow, could see visions. She says her gift and my ability to communicate with animals were gifts passed down to us from the first-ever queen of Katolis. Great-grandmother Willow told him that one day we would inherit these gifts which we would need to defeat a great evil, her ancestor once helped defeat,".
"Aaravos," Caldor clarified. "I think the young human girl from Zubeia's story is your ancestor. She helped expose his crimes to the world and she was rewarded for that. And now the gifts she was rewarded have been passed down to you two so you can continue what she did,".
Carol becoming tried all of a sudden, lay against one of her horns with Benji's head on her knees, their companions cuddling up together. The Adoraburrs included. Zym had insisted they'd come with Carol and they eagerly agreed.
Raylan watched as she was sleeping peacefully, all wrapped up in her new blue cloak. Stella chittered and gave him a hug.
'Everything is going to be alright'. His dragon purred. 'She will talk to you again'.
"No matter what happens guys, I'm going to protect her. I'm going to keep my promise to her dad and take care of all of them. No matter what comes my way. But when the time comes, Viren is mine,".
And that's this chapter done. What did you all think? I hope you all enjoyed it. I've edited the last chapter a bit. Thank you all for the notification about Yonas and the Adoraburrs. I will make sure I update another story. I will be working on the next Alternate Avatar one tomorrow and re-read Encanto 2 so I can keep working on it.
One thing I'd like to ask. What do you guys think of Soren ending up with Tua? I would like to hear some answers, please. If you could, it would be most helpful.
See you all next week.