What Is Light?

Chapter 13

The three Elders were just about to test out the portal they've created. A large stone gate stood tall and intimidatingly, runes inscribed on each side. Supposedly, the doors work only when the Elders are present or exist in the realm. The humans were of course, a little worried over the gate's existence in general.

" So, this is just testing right?" Miko asked them without lifting her head from the card game the kids were playing together. " No turn." She smirked as Val gave her a dramatic gasp.

" Supposedly." The Forest Elder said as the Vault Elder inspected the runes one last time. " If the test goes well, we'll be able to go home tomorrow."

" That and get the creatures back where they belong." The Wasteland Elder said as he watched the children play. " Jack and Hyde are close to finishing." He said in anticipation.

" Not for long." Sunshine said cheerfully as he laid out the +4 cards. " Sorry, End." He said apologetically, only to receive a small soft smile.

" No, Sunshine." She shifted her four cards and lifted one for all to see. " I'm sorry. Uno reverse." She avoided his heartbroken gaze as she continued to place down the card onto the pile.

" By the Elders..." Weslen muttered. " You're so cruel, End."

" I did what I had to." Arch nodded to her in agreement as Perry patted Sunshine on the back.

" Sacrifices must be made." Hyde replied simply as she laid down her last card. " Uno."

" Alright, everyone clear out." Fowler said to the kids as they prepared the area for testing. June stayed close with the kids as the Vault Elder finished adjusting the last rune. " Here we go." The doors started to open slowly with a dim glow as the runes lit up.

" Where does this lead to again?" Smokescreen asked before flashes of lightning filled the room. The children flinched as the light silently flickered and flashed. Knockout could recognize the red atmosphere of the realm behind the door. All those present tensed at the sight, the swirling dark clouds, flashing thunder and the feeling of imminent danger emitted from the door.

" Eden..." Sunshine muttered as End watched the door cautiously.

" You're home is a storm??" Arcee asked in disbelief.

" That doesn't look safe." Bulkhead said as Miko stayed close to him.

" We aren't going today." The Forest Elder reminded them. " If we cross now, we," She gestured to the Elders. " And the creatures will be immediately transported to The Light. But the children will have to go through Eden to reach The Light."

" Why?" Patch asked in a shaky voice. " I've never....I can't. Why can't we go straight to The Light too?"

" I don't quite understand your 'rebirth' system." Knockout spoke up. " You let these children go back and forth through the realms and then you tell them to die in order for what? To ascend and come back?"

" The children are like vessels." The Vault Elder said calmly before the Wasteland Elder could reply. " They are capable of carrying tremendous amounts of light and share it between themselves. Yet, as vessels, they can also harbor darkness within themselves. A journey through Eden is a process of maturity and cleansing of the body. Corruption is the damage inflicted upon the vessel, most are reversible with the Light's healing. But others, like the red gems, leave scars and some cannot be treated. There's also the question of the child itself. To allow that corruption to effect them also depends upon their emotional and mental state. Trauma of any kind results in scaring. Physically."

" Do not worry, children." The Wasteland Elder began. " For you will have a guide through the Eye of Eden."

" I... I'm not experienced with such a large group." End confessed as eyes and optics rested on her.

" We understand. We've already called upon some assistance." The Forest Elder told them as the portal hummed and the figure stepped through. The door closed behind the figure just as they stepped through, shutting out the storm and lightning.

" Greetings, children." She was as tall as June, wearing a blue uniform with purple trousers and boots. Draped over her shoulders was a purple cape similar to the one Val wore with ten stars glowing over her back. She wore a white headscarf with a white and gold fox mask. " Reed? That you, kid?" She asked in a questioning tone as she approached End. Knockout was cautious, this person had a strange air to them. Friendly but dangerous.

" Uh, hello, Erudina." The red eyed girl looked down, almost embarrassed.

" Of all people...Of all the End Runners that could've come...." Val muttered. " It had to be you!"

" What's up? Is she bad?" Miko asked quickly once she observed the slight hostility Val showed, it caused Hyde and Weslen to be tense as well.

" Jadyz." Her tone was stiff but her smile remained. " My favorite Valley Model. Been flirting with my kid?" This made Val tense further.

" I-I.."

" Chill, chill. I'm your oober for tomorrow anyway." She paused as she looked up at the bots and back to End, Reed, repeatedly. " Child, where's your mask?"

" There was a krill."

" THERE WAS A WHAT?" She practically shouted.

" She took on three." Val added immediately.

" Three?? You- I. Hate. Krills. Why the frick would you face three head on?" End tried to calm the taller figure down but was receiving an earful of honks instead.

" I'm afraid I don't understand what's happening." Ultra Magnus spoke up.

" It looks like she's End's mentor or parent." Hyde said. " She's scolding End for going on krills alone. It's kinda cool, her parent."

" Why's that?" Ratchet asked her.

" She's one of the best fliers back at home and one of the top End Runners out there." Weslen explained after further analyzing her appearance. " I think my mentor introduced me to her before."

" You seemed kinda tense before." Wheeljack pointed out.

" Grandma, calm down!" Sunshine blurted out.

" I am calm." She said turning to him with a sigh. " Look, kid. What did I tell you before?"

" If I'm dying then die where it's worth it." End quoted.

" Is dying with krills worth it?"

" No." Erudina sighed silently and patted her head.

" Here." She slid her mask off and over End's head. " Don't think I forgot how long you waited to get that mask." Immediately, they noticed her crimson red eyes that gleamed confidently despite the scars underneath her eyes. She seemed to be wearing some sort of face paint that covered said scars.