Aisling walked alongside Samyaza through the silent corridors of the castle, her thoughts swirling. She had never really taken the time to consider the idea of returning to Earth. For her, people had always mattered more than the place itself: ensuring her people could survive, be born and grow in health, thrive, and flourish. She had always fought for that—mankind's survival had always been her sole priority.
But now… now that Nimrach had fallen, and the fortifications had proven powerless against the forces that besieged them, she was beginning to question. Death had hypothesized human souls continued to return to Earth, finding their way back to that ruined world. Was it a sign that their destiny was tied to it, that they could never truly escape their original home?
She bit her lip as she thought it over. Humans might remain here, in the Twilight Realm. They might even prosper for a time. But for how long? A century? Two? And then? When a new attack inevitably came—because it would come—where would they flee next? What refuge would remain for them?
They eventually reached the vast central hall. Their footsteps slowed naturally as they approached the grand staircase, at the foot of which stood the gigantic sculpture of the tree, half in bloom, half barren.
"Every world has its own Tree of Life and Death," Samyaza said, stopping beside her. "They are more than mere plants; they are portals, pathways that connect all worlds. In the bright worlds, the tree is one of life. In the lower worlds, it is one of death. But in truth, the two trees are one and the same."
Aisling listened intently, her brows slightly furrowed.
"And what about Earth? I've read many accounts and legends, but I've never heard of a Tree of Life or Death on our home world."
The Watcher slowly turned its gaze away from the carved tree to rest its spectral eyes on her.
"The Tree of Earth was reduced to ashes long ago, under the orders of the Charred Council."
"Why?"
"The official version was that the tree had to be destroyed to prevent interference in the war that was to come, to protect humanity and allow them the freedom to determine their own fate," the Watcher shrugged slightly, a ghostly sigh emanating from its form. "But with everything that has happened since, I wonder if there wasn't another purpose."
There was a faint hint of doubt in his voice, almost imperceptible, but enough to intrigue Aisling.
"Do you think they lied?"
"What is undeniable is that destroying the tree severed humanity's connection to the rest of the universe. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise… or a curse."
Aisling nodded, lost in thought. Fury's words echoed in her mind—when she had disguised herself as a human and confessed to Ren that she had personally destroyed Nimrach's Tree. It had hidden humanity's refuge world, rendering it invisible to those who hunted them. Aisling couldn't help but feel the bitter irony in that fragile, temporary protection, which had still left them vulnerable. Humanity's survival had always been a race against time. Even the Horsemen couldn't protect them from this reality.
"We can't keep hiding and running like this. We need a way to defend ourselves. To live and not just survive."
The Watcher studied her for a long moment, an odd glimmer in his spectral gaze.
"Touch the tree. It has something to show you."
Aisling frowned, intrigued, as Samyaza drifted back, leaving her alone before the imposing sculpture of the tree. She let her fingers graze the intertwined stone roots, sensing a faint quiver beneath her touch.
The ring on her finger began to hum softly, as if resonating with a mysterious force. A faint light emanated from it, illuminating the sculpture ever so slightly. Without warning, a low grinding sound echoed through the hall, and slowly, almost hesitantly, the wall before her began to split apart, revealing a staircase that plunged into utter darkness.
Aisling stepped back, startled. She turned to the old Samyaza, seeking answers in his ghostly eyes. He observed the unfolding scene with an air of serene certainty, as if he knew exactly what was happening.
"What you seek lies below."
She hesitated, a primal, almost instinctive fear clawing at her throat at the thought of descending into that abyss. Or was it lingering distrust of the Watcher? After a moment of deliberation, she drew a deep breath, determined not to falter. She stepped toward the gaping entrance and began her descent into the stone stairwell, Samyaza floating silently by her side, a reassuring presence in the intimidating darkness.
The steps were ancient, worn smooth by time, and the air grew colder and heavier as they ventured deeper underground. Oppressive silence reigned, broken only by the echo of her own footsteps against the stone. Aisling felt an overwhelming sense of disorientation in the subterranean expanse, as though the outside world was closing in on her.
After what felt like an endless descent, she finally broke the silence.
"What's down there?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Samyaza, who seemed to find an odd kind of amusement in her question, let out a soft, almost imperceptible chuckle.
"The Horsemen never knew where to look. They never understood that some truths hide… beneath the surface."
The steps grew steeper, and then, as they rounded a final bend, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them.
They stood on the edge of a vast natural cavern, so immense it seemed to stretch far beyond the limits of her vision. Lush vegetation clung to the rocky walls: plants with vibrant leaves, a small waterfall cascading softly into an underground lake, and everywhere, clusters of mauve crystals embedded in the rock. Their faint glow bathed the cavern in a gentle, soothing light. These crystals emitted a faint hum, a barely perceptible melody that resonated through the air.
At the center of the cavern stood a massive tree, colossal in scale, its grandeur beyond imagination. One side of the tree was vibrant with life: its branches spread wide, covered in radiant foliage, and small blue lights floated like magical fireflies among its boughs, dancing in harmony with an unseen force. The other side, a stark contrast, was barren and blackened, its twisted, skeletal branches reaching like frozen remains of death. Its gnarled roots clawed deep into the ground.
Set into the monumental trunk of the tree was an enormous stone door, imposing and enigmatic. Two massive locks flanked it, heavy and foreboding, like silent sentinels.
Aisling stood frozen for a moment, her mouth slightly agape as she took in the titanic scene before her. She had never witnessed anything like it, and a mix of awe and reverence coursed through her. At the foot of the staircase, the old Watcher observed her kindly, allowing her time to absorb the magnitude of what she was seeing.
"What was destroyed can be rebuilt… or, in this case… replanted."
With a sweeping gesture, he indicated the tree.
"The Trees of Life and Death hold the essence of the worlds where they grow. If the world dies… the tree dies with it."
Aisling stepped forward, her thoughts racing.
"If a tree is replanted… does that mean the world could come back to life?"
The Watcher nodded slowly, his scarred face twisting slightly into what might have been a smile. His multiple eyes glowed faintly, an understated sign of approval. A mix of excitement and uncertainty played across Aisling's face.
"But… you said the tree of Earth was destroyed. That nothing of it remained."
"That's true. The Charred Council made sure to destroy not only the tree but also its ashes. They didn't want to take any risks. However…"
He raised one of his spectral, clawed fingers.
"They kept a relic. A single seed… for the day it might become necessary to reconnect Earth to the other worlds. It's a well-guarded secret, hidden even from the Sons of Heaven, the Lords of the Hells… and especially the Nephilim. No one was supposed to know. The Council itself tends to have willfully forgotten it. You three are the first in many ages."
"Three?"
Samyaza seemed amused by her surprise and gestured fluidly toward the stairs. Nimue was descending slowly, with Idris and Fenja following close behind. Their steps were determined, their faces resolute. Aisling stared at her companions, partly surprised and partly anxious that they might try to stop her.
"But… what are you doing here?"
"Your little pocket ghost told us everything," Idris said casually, gesturing toward Nimue.
He wore that mischievous grin that made it hard to take him seriously in grave moments, but his eyes betrayed a deeper gravity.
"No way we're letting you go alone," Fenja added firmly, nodding with unshakable determination.
Aisling looked at them one by one, searching their faces for the slightest hint of doubt.
"You… really agree with all this?"
Idris sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to shake off the tension weighing on his shoulders.
"I think we don't really have a choice anymore, Ais. We lost Earth long ago, then Nimrach… and good people. A lot of good people. If we have even a chance to stop all this, we have to take it."
He cast a quick glance toward Fenja, his face showing faint concern for her, but the huntress remained impassive.
"We need a home."
Aisling's heart swelled with hope.
"You know what this means, right?" she couldn't help but test their resolve one last time. "If Ren, Brianna, or the Horsemen find out what we're doing—and it's only logical they should find out.… we'll be torn to pieces. Are you ready for that?"
Idris, true to form, walked past her nonchalantly, shrugging slightly.
"After your little stunt earlier, you're already screwed, old girl. As for me, my mother will probably just make me run across this world to measure its length. Nothing too terrible."
He flashed a sly grin, and Aisling let out a breath of laughter despite herself.
"Is Ren angry?"
"Furious… which, for him, boils down to a frown. Do you regret what you said?"
"Well… no. And… the Horsemen?"
"Don't ask if you won't like the answer!" Idris's laughter echoed as he walked away.
Fenja stepped closer then, gently taking Aisling by the shoulders. Her gaze, filled with tenderness and worry, locked with Aisling's.
"I'm here for you," she said softly but firmly. "But remember, you're not a fighter. If I say we stop, we stop. I won't lose you, not you, not Idris."
"I promise, we'll be careful."
"Are you worried about me, too?" A few feet away, Idris was laughing at the sight of them.
"I've grown used to you. That's not the same thing… and people do get attached to their pets."
Idris burst out laughing, unsure if she was joking or not. As always, Fenja wielded her ambiguity with surgical precision. Samyaza took advantage of the brief levity to pull Aisling aside.
"Listen carefully, young human," he murmured gravely. "I will open a portal for you to a hidden world where the seed is kept. But know this: the Charred Council has set traps and protections to prevent anyone from approaching it. You must be extremely cautious. I can't go myself, none of the Watchers can: it's our curse to keep the Council's secrets and not be able to do as we please, they've made sure of that. "
He paused, his expression growing even more solemn.
"I know you can succeed, Aisling… but you must understand one crucial thing. Do you remember what I told you when we first met?"
Aisling's gaze drifted momentarily to the specter's missing arm.
"Freedom comes with a price."
"Yes… Just as with Earth, your survival, and the dream of Seraphel and Varakh, a sacrifice will be necessary."
The old Watcher nodded slowly, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, solemn and grave.
"A life… for billions."
Aisling, unsettled by his cryptic words, didn't know how to respond. Yet she nodded softly.
"I'm ready."
Samyaza inclined his head silently and let her rejoin Idris and Fenja, who were waiting for her. Nimue flitted nervously around them, muttering to herself as much as to them.
"It'll be fine, it'll be fine…"
The Watcher, after one last look, moved to an intricate tangle of roots at the base of the monumental tree. Slowly, the roots began to rise from the ground, forming a rounded arch. Suddenly, the space within the arch lit up with the same blue, vibrant light as the Reflecting Pool's portal. A subtle hum accompanied its activation, vibrating like a low musical note resonating in the air.
Samyaza stepped back, nodding gently.
"I'll wait here. Good luck."
Without hesitation, Idris was the first to step through the portal, disappearing as if plunging into a liquid surface. Fenja followed close behind, her gaze resolute. Aisling took a deep breath, feeling the mix of excitement and fear burning in her chest, and stepped through after them.
Upon stepping through the portal, Aisling was immediately struck by an oppressive weight. Even before her eyes could adjust to the portal's luminous glow, she felt the dense, humid, and stifling heat of the air. Her breathing became labored, and her clothes clung to her skin under the relentless moisture.
When she finally opened her eyes, she beheld a stunning scene: a lush jungle stretched before her, almost surreal in its grandeur and richness. Towering trees rose skyward, some so vast that thirty adults holding hands wouldn't encircle their trunks. Their canopies seemed to merge with the sky, impossibly high and out of reach. The ground was a tapestry of plants in myriad shapes and colors, with others draping from the branches above. Many emitted an eerie bioluminescence in shades of green, yellow, and red.
Insects the size of fists buzzed through the air, oblivious to their presence. Occasionally, sharp cries from unseen animals or birds pierced the heavy atmosphere, echoes of the hidden life within the forest.
Their first steps into this new world were a struggle. Aisling immediately felt her boots sink into the sticky mud with a nauseating suction sound. The mix of sludge and earth seemed eager to trap them with every step, making progress grueling.
"Fantastic..." grumbled Idris as he yanked his foot free with an unpleasant squelch, grimacing.
They eventually reached a more stable area—moss-covered rocks slippery underfoot—where they paused to catch their breath. Idris turned to Fenja, his tone light despite their predicament.
"Well, this is clearly your domain, Fen. Lead the way."
Fenja nodded silently, her hunter's instincts taking over as she scanned their surroundings for the safest paths through the swampy jungle. She quickly identified stones and sturdy logs that could bear their weight.
"Follow me, and watch your steps," she said as she took the lead.
They trudged deeper into the jungle, their cautious progress punctuated by the sounds of their steps and the distant cries of wildlife. Idris wiped sweat from his brow, his frustration with the stifling, unpredictable environment becoming evident.
"Seriously, how are we supposed to find a damned seed in this mess?" he muttered.
"Do you have any idea what we're looking for?" Aisling asked, turning to Nimue.
The little specter darted nervously around them, her many eyes scanning the towering trees and dense undergrowth.
"This is a very old world," she murmured, her voice tinged with unease. "There was once a primitive civilization here, but it's long gone now."
She floated higher, scrutinizing the surroundings with keen interest.
"I'd wager we're looking for ruins. If the seed is protected, the defenses will match the treasure they guard."
The group nodded in silent agreement and pressed on, slogging through the oppressive jungle. The suffocating air and clinging mud made every step an ordeal. Hours seemed to pass as they navigated the treacherous terrain, branches closing in on them like grasping fingers.
Suddenly, Fenja froze and raised a hand to halt the group. She crouched down, examining something on the ground. As Aisling drew closer, her stomach churned. They stood before the remains of a creature, half-devoured, its bones splintered and its flesh partially dissolved as though it had been digested alive.
"What exactly wiped out the previous civilization?" Idris asked, his voice laced with newfound caution.
"The wildlife..." Nimue replied, drifting closer with a flicker of dread in her eyes. "It reclaimed this world long ago. I'd wager this is part of the 'protections' left by the Council."
"Have to admit, getting eaten is a pretty effective deterrent..." Idris muttered.
Every sound and movement in the jungle now seemed to carry a sinister awareness, unseen eyes tracking their every step. Their pace slowed, Fenja remaining ever-vigilant at the front.
After what felt like an eternity, Fenja signaled for them to stop again. She pointed toward something ahead—a dark shape partially swallowed by mud and roots.
Through the massive trunks and thick foliage, they could make out the outline of a structure, ancient stones blanketed in moss, nearly lost to the swamp.
"I'll take a closer look," Nimue offered, floating ahead to scout the ruins.
The specter glided silently toward the structure while Aisling, Idris, and Fenja prepared for the grueling task of crossing the muddy expanse between them and the entrance. Their legs sank knee-deep into the muck with every step, accompanied by foul squelching noises and the stench of decay. The slow, laborious trek tested their resolve, the thought of unseen dangers beneath the mire adding to their unease.
When they finally reached the ruins, they exchanged wary glances. The structure was dark and damp, its walls crumbled and overgrown. The main entrance was submerged in the swamp, and attempting to force their way in risked stirring things best left undisturbed.
Nimue returned, hovering above the mud like a small beacon of light.
"There's a hole in the roof. You should be able to climb up."
The group nodded, relieved to avoid the swampy entrance. With Fenja and Idris's help, they scaled the massive roots and crumbled stones leading to the roof. The climb cost them a few scrapes, but they eventually reached a stone platform above.
Aisling stepped onto the cracked, rounded roof, noting the massive breach in its center. Upon closer inspection, she realized the hole wasn't natural—something colossal had burst out from inside, leaving a gaping wound in the structure. The sheer scale of the damage sent a chill down her spine as her mind raced with possibilities of what could have caused it.
"Doesn't look like a squirrel did this," Idris quipped, eyeing the breach with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
Fenja said nothing, her sharp gaze scanning the area for any signs of immediate danger. Aisling took a deep breath to steady herself.
"All right... let's go."