At End's Gate

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Everyone ran and sat by Conner as the box opened. Inside the box were several photographs and what looked like a small camera. The kids realized that it was a holographic message camera. Also there was a letter. Paige took the envelope and opened it quickly. Inside was just a name of a location. The place was within the West so it would take time for them to get there." It's just a location in the West. I guess my parents want me to go there. We'll pass by when we try using the the Western escape route."

"Okay, " James said as he went through the photos. The others were going through the photos as well. The pictures were of them playing together whilst they were younger." I think I remember," James uttered.

"I remember too," Lisa said smiling," Paige you always came to my house to braid my hair."

"Yeah I remember. Conner you always came and we played pirates together," Blake commented looking at Conner.

Conner nodded but his face looked troubled." Excuse me. I need to get some water."

Paige followed him." Are you okay?"

He cleared his throat." No. I'm not. I remember everything Paige. I remember I promised to be your best friend for life but I..."

Paige held his hand," Conner listen to me. It's not your fault. You were young. You did what any friend would do. Your promise gave me peace of mind at the time which made it easier to cope with my parents decision. It's okay," she said her hand soothing the frustration in his knuckles. She let go when she felt him becoming relaxed.

He nodded." I'm sorry for allowing myself to forget you."

Paige smiled." It's okay hippo."

He laughed." I thought I told you that's not fair giving me that animal name when I call you dove."

"Good you're fine. Now let's go to the others."

He smiled." Okay."

They went back into the living room where the others were still going through pictures. They sat down and joined them." Your mom was really clever. Installing a lock password that she was sure only you would know," Conner commented.

"Yeah she was," Paige smiled.

Blake's face suddenly turned pale." Paige, James you have to see this," he said showing a picture to his siblings. The picture showed Dukilian and their parents together, all of them looking happy." Mom and dad were friends with this Dukilian," Blake said with a look of disappointment on his face. His brown eyes full of questions.

Paige looked at photo and noticed that her parents and Dukilian were wearing the same jackets." I guess it's true, they were part of the same group."

"So what did they do that made the monster want to destroy an entire city?"

"I guess that camera will help us find out James," Paige said with a serious voice.

Conner took the camera. He wanted to press the button that activates the hologram message but he looked at Paige and her brothers then stopped." Are you guys ready to hear your mom's message?"

Paige shook her head and sat on the couch. Conner nodded." It's fine. Take your time."

James and Blake sat beside their sister. They sat in silence for a while." You guys need time to think and process. The girls and I will be in the kitchen." Conner, Alexis and Lisa left the room.

"J what do you think? What did mom and dad do?" Blake asked his brother.

James looked frustrated ruining his neat blonde hair by rubbing his head with his hand." I don't know B. Maybe they stole from him. Paige what do you think?"

Paige looked petrified by that question. She began to cry." I don't know but whatever they did has left many people dead for sins they didn't commit."

"We're responsible for the deaths of many people," Blake said in a tone of despair.

James was quiet for a while." This is not our fault. It's all Dukilian. I'm not going to allow him to take away my strength. He took my parents. I'm not going to let him take my spirit as well."

Paige wiped the tears and smiled." Yeah. We've walked through fire but we're here so we can handle anything together." She held her brothers' hands.

"We'll be fine," Blake smiled.

"It's time for us to hear what mom had to say," James said boldly. His siblings nodded.