The Truth Is Sometimes Worse Than The Lie

Journal Entries and a Fate Set in Stone

??/??/???? -end of year 1
Year one ends tomorrow. Too many lives have been lost. Shad's pulled back from his constant battles with me. Probably because he realized it was a waste of energy. I could tell that Aaron was slowly leaching energy from Shad to help us. Smart kid. Lunar has been travelling around to try and find a way to unbind their souls. As far as we knew, there was no out like I had.

??/??/???? -year 3
It's been three years since this whole thing started. Me and Laurence returned to the Nether last week to start leading the charge there. Our army has slowly but surely gotten bigger as more and more people are informed on the rebellion. I am in charge of making sure there aren't any spies in our midst. Luckily, not many people think we're worthy enough to be spied on do no one has tried. Next week will be the march on the castle.

??/??/???? -year three
Zak, a close friend and colleague, could not be more of an angel. The relief I felt when he finally showed up, two children in tow. Of course, we were in the Nether so I was petrified at first, but knowing they were safe was enough of a relief. I wrapped my arms around the two and broke down. They apologized, of course, but I shook my head, laughing in relief. They were safe. I summoned the Nether portal and shouted at Laurence that I would be back soon. I brought them back to the island, not caring to de-transform out of my Shadow Knight form. I was hammered with questions but I simply told them I'd explain everything when I had more time. I pleaded with all of them to not pull another stunt like this until I was back. They made me promise that I'd take them to Ru'an when that time came. I agreed. The only reason they were on this island was to have an escape from the rest of the world. A safe haven that Shad couldn't get to. I had to go back however and it wasn't a pleasant sight. A fight had broken out and we were losing. I immediately changed the position to the enchanted forest, far from Hyria's cabin, just in case they were to get through. I smiled maliciously and summoned my knives and a sword in a sheath on my hip. I launched into battle, almost immediately turning the tide. Then again, Lunar and Laurence also chose this moment to step in.

??/??/???? -year 4
We stormed and claimed the castle today. Shad and some of his lackeys fled. Figures.

??/??/????
The final battle is tomorrow. Me verses Shad. Lunar is in charge of separating Aaron from him while Laurence, Zenix, and crew fight off everyone else. Laurence hasn't been able to keep me from pacing all day. The past week has been a week for preparations. I had all of my things ready to go after day one. I spend the days sharpening my knives and pacing. Laurence finally convinced me to write my thoughts down so...

God this whole journal was so dumb. Mystreet me thought it was the best thing in the world but I think it's really dumb. I sighed as the door to the barracks I was in opened. It was probably Zenix or someone. The four of us all shared a sleeping space so that we wouldn't take up too much space. I sat up completely and looked over at the door. To my surprise it wasn't anyone who slept here.
Instead it was Zak, clutching a note and breathing hard. "Luna!"
I immediately got serious, hopping out of the bunk bed I was in and rushing over. "What's wrong?"
He shoved the book at me and continued catching his breath. I quickly opened it and recognized the handwriting immediately.
Luna Ro'meave,
We regret to inform you that Zianna has passed on. With no one else to claim Lordship, it falls to you. We await your return.
Tears formed in my eyes as I reread the letters so delicately written in Luka's calming handwriting. I took a few steps back before rushing past Zak and out of the barracks. I quickly summoned a portal to O'khasis, hearing commotion behind me but not caring. I ran to the gates, being welcomed by the guards and asked to de-transform. I, of course, did and was let inside. I ran to the castle and pushed the doors open. The moment I did, I regretted it. Everyone turned and bowed. I felt tears gather in my eyes before spilling as I fell to the floor. I felt a hand on my shoulder. Luka's gentle touch, a reminder that I still had a battle to win and a country to lead. I took a few moments before steeling myself and got up.
I stood tall, not bothering to wipe the tears from my face. "Has anyone told my brothers?"
A shake of the head of the royal advisor told me all I needed to know. I was the first one notified. I sighed but before I could say anything else someone pulled me forward. A transfer of power was always done in this fashion. The country's best magician knelt in front of me before standing up and forming a crown on my head.
I smiled softly at him before turning to everyone in the castle. "I will go inform my brothers and send someone to rule temporarily in my place. I have a fight tomorrow that I cannot simply not show up to."
They all nodded and left, understanding that they were dismissed. I walked over to Luka, who was the only one to stay where she was.
She nodded before I even got a word out, "Their rooms will be ready."
I let my front down and let out a soft "Thank you."
She smiled softly and we parted ways. I left the castle, my wings popping out of their restraints in my back. I did a couple test flaps, just to make sure they'd carry me, before taking off in the direction of Phoenix Drop. I only prayed that at least Garroth would be there. I landed out side the gate, the guards letting me in a moment later. I walked in, my posture tense and commanding. I had to prevent myself from running as I reached the plaza. The sun was setting so most of everyone was there. It took me a solid minute to find Garroth in the crowd but when I did, we looked eyes. His eyes filled with tears as I could only assume that he saw the crown. I calmly walked over and hugged him, wrapping my wings around him as well. The rest of the crowd was thankfully oblivious to what was happening. He eventually pulled back, his eyes filled with sorrow and questions.
I pulled him to the side. "I'm sorry to even have to ask but the final battle is tomorrow. I have to be there and not O'khasis. Please, take care of everyone until I can come back?"
He simply nodded, "Who else?"
I sighed, "Just us. I don't know where Vylad is."
Both fortunately and unfortunately, a voice called out at the exact moment. "Garroth! There you are! Who is-" Vylad cut himself off as he took the sight of me in. "No. No, no, no, no! Please tell me she's not-"
I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, "I wish I came with better news."
The three of us shared a hug and I wrapped my wings around them. At some point late in the hug I pulled back.
I looked at them sadly. "There's one more person I need to tell."
They both looked shocked but nodded and waved me off. I knew they'd go to O'khasis so I flew off, tugging the necklace I never took off and casting a tracking spell. It might be my possession now but it was Zane's first. It latched on quickly and I flew to where he was. Transforming into my Shadow Knight form just in case. I landed in a clearing and willed my wings away. Zane could be unpredictable. I walked closer to the cave the tracking spell lead to. I saw a faint light down the ways so I knocked on the rock. Letting whoever was down there know about my presence. The light was quickly smothered as I made my way down.
I quickly made an orb of light to sit in my palm. Whoever was down here would be able to see me before I saw them. Blind trust and all.
"Luna?" Zane.
I smiled sadly and a lantern was lit. I felt arms around me. Zane pulled away and looked over me, stopping when he saw my head. He took a step back. I, however, took a step closer and wrapped him in a tight embrace. I silently cried into his shoulder and he held me.