Elements

Chapter 25

Once again, narrated by Ira Thomson.

The battle raged on. White dust was sprinkled everywhere like sea salt, drifting into the air and swiftly settling in piles along with the remains of fallen elementals. I stole a glance at a fallen Sapling, who was slowly disintegrating, sinking into the soil. Its sad emerald eyes were slowly engulfed in the ground. I closed my eyes and went on.

Up ahead, I spotted Samantha in battle with a griffon. I began to decide if she would need help, but once she front-flipped onto its back and unsheathed the trident from its case, I knew she had it covered.

I darted around numerous fights. My main goal was to find Mother Nature and tell her of the prophecy. The words the Enchantress had told me still rang in my ears. Only love could conquer hate.

What could she mean? Was it a symbolic message? A riddle? A foretaste of our success?

Finally, I saw Mother at the east of the kingdom, dodging soldiers and fairies so fast she looked like a storm of spectrum. When she turned to me, her eyes flared with colors I couldn't recognize. Colors I'm pretty sure didn't even exist.

"I sense it," Mother brought me aside and we both crouched behind a pillar near the east wing. "She told you a prophecy, did she not?"

I nodded my head, "Yes." I told Mother of the riddle. Her eyes flared once more, though I couldn't figure out if it was from confusion or fear.

"Ira, listen very carefully to me," Mother grabbed my hand and put it to her cheek. I locked my eyes with her and stayed still, listening, "I need you to go to the tower in the west wing. There, you'll find my study. And maybe something that can help interpret this prophecy."

"Understand?" I nod my head once again, and she kisses the palm of my hand. "I love you, Ira. Be careful."

"I will," I sprint again to the stairs of the east tower. Gazing upward, I make out a bridge between the east and south tower, then the south and west. I had to cross both, and fast.

Climbing up the steps so fast I almost trip, my mind frantically tried to decipher the prophecy. Being in this kingdom had definitely enhanced my multitasking skills.

Only love can conquer hate. Maybe it spoke of the hate of the Destroyer? But what did he hate?

I rush led past the south tower passage and cross the bridge to the west tower, holding up my dress so I didn't trip. Suddenly, I realized the dress was already shortened to my knees. Wasn't it up to my ankles just seconds ago?

No matter. I had other things to do.

I reached a grand door with gold letterings on it. I couldn't read the language, but I guessed it was some sort of ancient text. I glanced at the door knob. It was bronze, with five engravings of elements carved on the rim. I pointed out the ice tree, and frost over the engraving. I heard the lock clock open, and turned the door knob to enter.

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"Destroyer, Destroyer...." I skimmed through the books, trying to find any mention of his name. Nothing. Argh, if only I knew more or the Destroyer's history!

Who would know?

I ran outside the study and glance down at the kingdom, scanning the scene. I spot Jane fending off a few griffons, then running towards the west tower. The study.

"Jane!!" I yelled, darting down the stairs, barely catching up to her in time, "Jane, I need your help."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"The Destroyer. When did he start terrorizing the kingdom??"

"Umm..." Jane looked around, searching her brain, "I-I think about 15 years ago, around when I was born. Why?"

"I-"

BOOM!

The vibration sends a wave throughout the kingdom, sending Jane and I to the floor. The entire kingdom falls silent.

"What was that?" I stared at Jane, who had turned as pale as snow. She locked eyes with me.

"The gong," She whispered. "From the prophecy."

My eyes widened. What...

Then I saw him. The Destroyer, standing atop a hill in the meadows, a gong beside him. His face was etched with a wicked grin, his eyes gleaming hungrily. All eyes were on him.

He began to laugh. Slowly, but loudly. Then he locked eyes with me. Everything was still.

"Oh, Elizabeth," The Destroyer still stared at me, making his way down the hill. "You know, this all didn't have to happen. There could've been no deaths, no bloodshed, no sorrow. But, alas, you chose this."

"What are you talking about?" Mother Nature appeared by my side, and I jumped. She cautiously stared at the Destroyer, like a mouse watching a cat, waiting for it to pounce and kill it. "W-who are you? Why are you doing this?"

"Because!" The destroyer exclaimed, adjusting his eyes from me to Mother. " you've always had power, fame, beauty. No one else was ever worth a dime in your presence. After all, isn't that why I left you?"

Mother's eyes widened. She started to back up, "No, this can't...I....how?"

"What is he talking about, Mother?" I focus on her. "W-what does he mean?"

"I mean," The Destroyer stopped in his tracks and gave me a cruel smile. "I'm not just the Destroyer. I'm also your father."

WOOHOO! YES! THAT'S DONE! YAY!

Ok, I know this chapter needs some work. I'm going to edit it don't worry. But for now, I hope you liked it! See you next time! Love ya'll! ❤️