Memory in the End

Chapter 28: Gems of Creation

Well let's say the whole lake thing has clarified a lot and I have tried to be more productive since then, but it seems as if I'm anything but that. We have no plan against Victor and if we want to get close to the castle, we'd need an army. We do have weapons but they can only do so much. Besides, ever since the fight between Aru and Michael, the atmosphere has become tense. Aru brought to life everything that no one wanted to say or pretended didn't exist and now it's awkward. Ivan, Owyne, and Henry aren't doing anything to help either. It seems that the argument had brought up buried thoughts that they all had. No one really speaks to one another unless they're disagreeing with something someone said. With the Five fighting each other, it'll be hard to fight someone else. Either way, without a concise plan about our next move, we won't be leaving this inn anytime soon.

"Well perhaps we can convince one of the other kingdoms to join our cause? Perhaps Arkade in the North?" Henry puts in.

"No," Michael shakes his head, "They're a power hungry country, too much of a wild card and their demands will be very needy."

I nod, "I agree, Arkade can be our last measure."

"Well I'm all out of ideas unless anyone else has anything to add that hasn't been turned down already," Henry says, frustratedly. I understand his frustration, I'm feeling it as well.

"Well perhaps we should just clear our heads? Take a break from this? Sleep, clean up, eat, walk, anything that's not this," I put in.

Michael shakes his head, "No, I told you I'm going to help you get your kingdom back, and I will, even if the others won't."

I swear these boys are worse than the girls at court. This started an eruption of protests arguing about why Michael thinks he's the only one who's invested in this...all except for Ivan who could care less for this quarrel.

"Enough!" I say a little more firmly than I wanted. Everyone shuts up and looks at me, "Arguing won't help with anything. All of you guys want to help me so let's take a break, calm down, and come back with a fresh mind."

I heard a grumbled fine from all of them as everyone went to their own corner to wallow in anger. This was going to be impossible. Especially since the majority of them aren't talking to each other. Apparently when I left the other day, Henry sided with Aru while Owyne sided with Michael and so it's now a civil war between the Five. Ivan wouldn't pick sides and had much better things to think about than a quarrel.

"Well if anyone does care to listen, I do have an idea," Ivan finally speaks.

Aru smirks, "This should be good. What's your great idea?"

Ivan smiles before speaking, "The Gems of Creation."

Those were foreign words to me, but not to the Five. I see all their faces turn solemn and Aru loses his smile. Michael is the first to speak, "No way."

Aru joins in, "For once I agree with Michael, that's way too dangerous."

Ivan raises an eyebrow, "No it's not, it's probably our one chance."

"Wait," I speak, "Is anyone going to elaborate on what the Gems of Creation are?"

Everyone looks at Michael, who sighs, "The Gems of Creation are what made us. It's where our power comes from. There are five gems, one for each of our powers. They enhance our power greatly but in the wrong hands, they can cause destruction which is why we hid them a long time ago."

"But if they will help you defeat Victor, isn't a good thing to utilize?" I ask.

"It's dangerous, the Gems help at a price, we'd destroy Victor but there's always a price to pay when utilizing their power."

"I understand that they are dangerous and that there are consequences, but they seem to be the one thing that would ensure we could take down Victor."

"Arrabella-"

"No, don't Arrabella me, you said you'd do whatever it takes to get my kingdom back. If that isn't the case anymore let me know because I can't sit around and do nothing. We have no good ideas, nothing that can ensure we are able to destroy Victor, other than this. Even if we get an army to help, we'll still be no match for him. So if someone else has a better idea I'd love to hear it."

No one speaks. Everyone sends Ivan glares as to why he mentioned the Gems but they do seem to be our only hope. Eventually Owyne speaks, "I say we've feared the Gems too long, it's time we reach the maximum power we can achieve. If not for us, then for Arrabella."

Henry sighs, "I'm with Owyne, it sucks but it's our only option."

Aru eventually gives in, "I still hate the idea but we should give it a shot."

With all of us rallied against him, Michael eventually bows his head in defeat, "Very well, tomorrow we set out to find the Gems of Creation, but Arrabella, I warn you, the journey is not easy and will be dangerous. You must make sure you understand the risks of embarking on this."

I nod, "I was aware of the risks when I set out to find you guys. I will face whatever we have to face if it means I can have my kingdom back."

Michael sighs, "Very well, we start heading out tomorrow morning."

I smile but feel a pang in my heart. If the Gems are as dangerous as they say, perhaps they can be their deaths. I'm asking them to risk their very lives , and if they die because of this, I will never forgive myself. But even so, it's the only shot we have. If this causes my death, then I shall accept it if it ensures Victor will be stopped. 

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