Rise and Fall- The Fight Inside

Firepower

Reagan called Luka and Mackenzie to ask for their help. After a long conversation with both of her siblings, Reagan returned to give the others the news.

"Good news guys- Luka, Mackenzie, London, Oliver, Madelyn, Violet, and Scarlett agreed to help," Reagan announced.

"That's great timing considering we are about to land on Onli." Arielle interjected. 

Ryland's mind was still hung up on the fact that Castiel captured his father. It was one thing if family did it but his girlfriend's evil brother? It seemed a little far-fetched for even Ryland to believe. He looked over at Arielle, pretending to be glancing as he studied her face. He tried to envision a male version of Arielle. This, however, only made his anger towards Castiel grow. He remembered what his father had warned him about. "Don't give into your rage for once you start down that path, it is impossible or extremely rare to return back into the light." Ryland thought long and hard about his decision but he came to terms. He knew from experience that the dark side far outranked the light side as far as powers go. The dark side had the black fire which was immune to the light side's ice or water. If he turned to the dark side, he would be unstoppable, have unlimited power. Ryland recalled the day his father was taken. He remembered back to the first time he saw the scar run across his face. Castiel had given him that scar and he was going to pay for it. 

"Ryland, is everything okay?" Reagan asked, noticing his mood swing. 

"I'm fine." Ryland growled, getting up from his chair and returning to his room. 

"What's wrong with him?" Arielle wondered.

"Well, your brother did kidnap his father and put that scar on his face." Bailey acknoledged. 

"Castiel gave him that scar?" Arielle whispered.

"Yes." Reagan told her. 

Arielle sat back in her seat, trying to picture a younger Castiel giving a young Ryland that scar. Arielle was shocked. Never would she think Castiel of all people would do something so cruel and evil. Meanwhile, Ryland sat on his bed. He closed his eyes, picturing Castiel burning. Ryland must have thought of at least forty different ways to kill him. 

"Choosing will be so hard." Ryland muttered evilly. 

Reagan shivered, feeling a presence she hadn't felt in a long time. 

"What is it?" Bailey asked, feeling the room temperature drop. 

"I only know one thing that can do this.... the dark side." Reagan whispered.

"Do you think that there is someone on the ship?" Bailey asked.

"Whoever it is, they have been on the ship for a few minutes." Reagan replied.

"How long ago did you feel the dark side closing in?" Arielle asked.

"Ever since... Ryland went to his room. You don't think-" Reagan gasped.

"Ryland!" Arielle screamed, cutting Reagan off. 

"No, not Ryland!" Bailey cried. 

"Bailey, stay here and fly. I am going to find out what the heck he is up too." Bailey ordered as she jumped up from the chair and sprinted off to Ryland's room.

Reagan followed closely behind, prepared to knock some sense into him. Arielle approached the door with caution. She had met many people in tune with the dark side and none of her experiences were pleasant. With that much power, they became unstable, a loose cannon that could fire at any moment. 

"We need to be careful. We can't scare him or say anything to set him off." Arielle stated.

Reagan nodded in comprehension. 

Arielle turned the door nob and opened the door just a crack. She quickly caught sight of Ryland and shut the door. She stood with her back against the wall and her hand covering her mouth.

"What? What did you see?" Reagan asked frantically. 

"His eyes were completely black, his hair was black, and he was holding black fire in both hands. He was smiling. I don't know what is behind this door but it isn't Ryland." Arielle gasped. 

"Oh god no." Reagan muttered as she opened the door.

"What are you doing! Do you not listen to a word I say!" Reagan shrieked as she opened the door.

Ryland sat on his bed. He narrowed his eyes and smirked in the most menacing way. He held the black fire out to Reagan.

"This is what real power looks like. No wonder everyone likes it so much. I can practically feel myself growing stronger by the second." Ryland told enthusiastically. 

"Look at yourself! Ryland, there is no going back!" Reagan yelled.

"Shut up and get out before I test my new powers." Ryland snarled.

"Ryland I am trying to help you!" Reagan shouted. 

"I said enough!" Ryland yelled.

He looked up, his smile turning to anger. His hand flew to the side. Arielle watched from the side as Reagan flew into the bookcases. She struggled to get up, a bruise appearing on her forehead. She held her hand out, trying to make Ryland fall unconscious but he was far more powerful. He snapped his fingers and watched as Reagan fell to the ground in a heap, dead. He smiled, marveling at his work. With the click of his finger's, he snapped Reagan's neck. Arielle felt the life drain out of Reagan and she knew she had to take action. 

"Ryland, I am not here to hurt you but please listen." Arielle stated, walking very slowly into the room with her hands up.

She watched as Ryland's face became horrified. 

"Stay away from me." Ryland demanded.

"Everything is going to be fine but you need to stop. You just killed Reagan. You killed your family. I know you well enough to know you aren't a killer so why don't we go back to the cockpit and get back to Onli." Arielle suggested, trying to calm Ryland.

"Why are you trying to help me? You do realize that I am going to kill your brother right?" Ryland stated intimidatingly. 

"No, you aren't." Arielle remarked. 

"I'm not afraid of you, Arielle. I told you to stay away from me!" Ryland screamed.

He threw out his hand, grasping Arielle's throat and collapsing his fingers. Arielle gasped for air, she didn't want to hurt him but if she didn't she would die. 

"Ryland stop! Come back.... I love you!" Arielle choked out. 

Ryland quivered, feeling the pull between the light and the dark. He let go of her throat, his hands flying to his head as he fell to his knees. 

"Make it stop!" Ryland screamed. 

Due to Arielle's powers, she recovered quickly. She knelt down beside him, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You have to fight it!" Arielle yelled. 

Ryland could feel the light and the dark fighting inside him. The turmoil gripped his emotions. he felt as if he was being ripped apart. Arielle's words struck a nerve, causing the recollection of past memories. Ryland hated Castiel for ripping him family apart and he saw Castiel in Arielle. Deep down, Ryland knew that Arielle was not like Castile but he was still afraid she would choose her brother over him. Ryland became weak from the fight.