The United

Chapter 17

No! I defy you stars... I will forge my own destiny! My mind was surrounded by light as I saw a large gate. It's dark doors surrounded in light.

Princess of the shadow realm. Have you come to accept your fate as Queen? And unite the worlds as they once were?

"I am. I must save my family.... My friends... I mustn't die here. I must fight on.... To save the others." I answered and closed my eyes, beginning to feel warm inside.

Child of light and love, shadow and hate, you have the heart of the Ether. The balance needed to restore the land. Go now. You have always had this within you, sleeping, but now, let it Awaken in brilliant light!

I blinked my eyes, and saw as I went back through the mist into myself. I had died as Fortuna had foretold, but I forge my own destiny. I thought of the book in Fortuna's painting, and I willed it to existence. I opened my eyes, and felt the magic flow through me.

"Hoc capere arma damnato Deo caeli . ducit ad lucem et caritate perpetua tenebris ostendere vias . Salva animam sicut Pater vester coelestis dabit illi ut me adiuvet lucis , et una figura." I shouted and was blinded by light.

What?! How did you learn magic? NO! I must stay! I shall not return to the night!

"They all shall be one soon. Farewell child of Hypnotism." I said and watched as he vanished. I collapsed onto my hands and knees, and finally let down the barrier. I heard Aaron's footsteps coming towards me as I collapsed.

"Mari! That was idiotic!! You could have gotten yourself killed! Never! Do that again!" Aaron scolded me before helping me to my feet. I leaned on Aaron as much as I felt comfortable with. I didn't like being weak like this. I like to keep up the illusion that my life is in check, and that I don't need to depend on everyone for everything. Even though Aaron has told me a thousand times never to worry about such things.

"Aaron.... I'm sorry..... I know I shouldn't keep doing this... I know it is dangerous.... I just don't want you to be hurt.... I can't bear the thought of what she could have done to you...." I whispered and flinched and shook as the pain hit me. I nearly blacked out from it, though I fought and stayed awake.

"Please... just don't leave me.... Don't leave me here. This place is cold enough.... And I have light and warmth from you. I can't go on without you.... There is no way I even want to imagine what that would be like." Aaron muttered and looked deep into my eyes, his ocean eyes wrapping me safely within them. I put my arms around his neck and hugged him.

"I don't want to leave you..." I muttered.

"Then don't." Aaron smiled slightly at me.

"I can't promise that I won't get into dangerous situations, but I promise I will stop looking for them..." I said quietly.

"You know I won't stop fighting with you about this right?" Aaron muttered. "Stop being so humble and think of your damn self for once." Aaron said before pulling me close and sheltering me in his arms.

I tried to protest, but Aaron whispered to me, "You have saved me enough times, you will let me help you now." before lifting me into his arms.

I kept my arms around his neck as my vision pulsed and faded to black.