The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 84: Where they aren't. (Part 1)

Chapter 84: Where they aren't.

Endithalia:

Endi stumbled into the war room, her hand plastered to her head as she winced from the thudding pain that continued to echo within her mind. What had once been the throne room of the Elastire palace had been transformed into a battle-ready operations centre. The leading members of the ISPA were taking the helm in the absence of Zen, Aria and the others, all under the watchful eye of Elene the head maid.

The director turned her head as Endi entered from the side passage, "Miss Endi! What's wrong?" She headed over immediately, assisting the pale and sweating girl to a chair. "Did something happen?"

"It's a trap," Endi spoke through barred teeth. The Mana Heart within her chest was working overtime trying to purify the decay it was always in contention with.

Director nodded, "Yes, we knew it was a trap. We figured that out when they concentrated all their forces together. Aria, Zen and Poppy were confident they could win."

"No-," Endi grimaced. "That's not the trap. He-He planned this. It's what he wants. For them to be gone."

"Who wants them gone?" the Director became concerned. "How do you know this?"

"The demon- I don't know why I know, I just do." Endi's eyes suddenly shone brighter and the two horns upon her forehead grew into ghostly flames. Her body went rigid, back straightening as her voice spoke in monotone, "He wants him alone. He wants him desperate. He wants to push him to the edge."

The Director stepped back, alarmed at the girl's change in demeanour, "Endi... who are you talking about?" All eyes on the room turned to her.

"The lover and the demon." A burst of force erupted from her body, causing those in the room to fall to the floor.

By the time the Director managed to stand, Endi had collapsed, a thick black liquid oozing from her mouth, "Get the medic n-."

Before she could finish her order, the head maid of Elastire appeared, pushing them aside, "Move. I will assist the lady." Elene picked up Endi's body, feeling her temperature from her forehead.

"Is she alright?" the Director asked.

Elene shook her head, "No and if what she said is true. Help will be far away. I will do what I can. Focus on what you can do instead. The Merge is upon us. The world cannot be left in fear."

"Understood," the Director grimaced. Despite all she had helped to build with the ISPA, she was powerless compared to the greater forces at play. That would not stop her however from doing all she could.

**

Ardent Friend:

"So, this is the Sand's Heart," Mia looked towards the tower that led to the dungeon. We stood at the lip of the crater. The destruction of broken buildings mixed with sand still hovering in the air above, slowly moving about as they twisted and turned. "I'm... I'm not confident about this."

"If everything goes to plan there should be nothing to worry about," I remarked with a gentle smile. "You rolled your dice, didn't you? There won't be any great danger."

Mia shook herself, compared to Endi, despite her powers being more developed she lacked confidence, "You met a different version of me, someone who was older and more capable. My predictions aren't always correct. I saw her through your memories... and while, it did help me, I-I just don't know."