The Myth and The Guardian Book II: Christopher

The Chamber of Hyperbolice?” Austin asked slowly. “Yes. Also known as The Chamber of Exaggeration, or The Comet Chamber as Aaron often calls it.” Archie added softly.

“So, this chamber actually makes things more than they really are?” Austin asked curiously.

“Exactly, my brilliant young friend.” Archie spoke proudly.

“Even time?” Austin asked.

“Yes. Especially time.” Archie added.

“So, this is how I am going to get a year’s worth of learning and practice in three months? It’s genius!” Austin exclaimed.

“Yeah, it’s like the hyperbolic time chamber from Dragon Ball Z. I think that’s where they stole the name.” Aaron added out of nowhere.

“The what?” Austin asked immediately.

“You know. Dragon Ball Z. Don’t you watch cartoons and anime?” Aaron added with a strange look on his face.

“No, I watch movies sometimes. Other than that, I read or watch the news and educational programs. If I did, I am sure I would not spend time viewing this nutty dragon x program.” Austin said with seriousness in his voice.

“Dragon Ball Z! As in Dragon, the fire breathing creature, Ball, the round item such as beach ball, baseball, or basketball, or even another name for testicle, And Z, the last letter of the alphabet, or the slang term for sleep. Catching some Z’s.” Aaron explained with more frustration than he needed in his voice while making outrageously funny hand gestures to show what he meant.

“Why on earth would I want to view a program about a fire breathing creature with sleepy testicles? That sounds silly to me.” Austin said firmly.

“It’s not about a…Screw it.” Aaron said as he gave up trying to explain to Austin.

Aaron turned his back to Austin and shook his head slowly, and Austin began to laugh as Aaron turned his back. Archie walked up quietly beside Austin and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Are you familiar with this program he is referring to?” Archie asked softly and quietly.

Austin looked up at Archie with a wide and triumphant smile on his face.

“Yeah, I used to watch the show every weekday after school. My girlfriend has them on DVD.” Austin replied with a smirk.

“Now, that is funny. Good work, Austin.” Archie said with a grin as they both stared at Aaron. “You do realize he would not normally get this frustrated by not being able to explain a show to someone, don’t you? Archie said through his grin.

“Yeah, I do. The Chamber of Exaggeration. Look at him, he is trying his best to figure out how to tell me about the show, and did you see those ridiculous hand gestures?” Austin said with a laugh.

“Hey, I heard that! I’m going to kill you!” Aaron said as he rushed back towards Austin.

Austin and Archie both laughed aloud from the look on Aaron’s face.

“Got you!” Austin said as Aaron finally stopped moving towards him.

Aaron could not force himself not to join in on the laughter.

“You played a joke on me. You even made Archie laugh. It’s funny, but I didn’t think you had it in you.” Aaron said with a smile.

“I had to do it. Remember what you did to me outside?” Austin asked still smiling.

“What did I do to you outside?” Aaron asked.

“You’re a wizard, Harry.” Does that ring a bell?” Austin asked.

“Oh, yeah. Well, I suppose I can’t be mad then. You know, you’re not too bad Austin.” Aaron said softly.

“You’re okay too, Aaron.” Austin said acknowledging that the statement meant he and Aaron were now friends.

“Well, now that the fun has paused, I believe it is time for us to start with your education, Austin.” Archie spoke in a firm tone.

Austin and Aaron looked at Archie and then back at one another as the grins on their faces slowly disappeared.

“I’m ready. Let’s begin.” Austin said hoping his tone hid his nervousness.

“Aaron, three tables with items of various levels of difficulty at each table should be an acceptable way to start the Translusions.” Archie spoke slowly.

“Right away.” Aaron agreed immediately.

Austin was confused about what he had heard, but he was growing used to the feeling. He simply stared at the two of them and waited until Archie spoke again.

“Austin, before we begin, you must first learn the value of your own imagination.” Archie said.

“Imagination? How is imagination going to help me?” Austin asked curiously. “Everything we are, see, do, feel, accept, deny, and experience can be linked to the imagination in some way. This is true for us and humans. Humans create based off of the imagination. If it can be imagined, it can usually be created for or by them. As for us, there are no limitations. Anything we can see, we can create.” Archie spoke with wisdom as he motioned Austin to look at Aaron.

Aaron stood in front of three actual tables that had not been there moments earlier. He stood there with his eyes closed and his hands giving off energy, and everything Archie had said to Austin made sense to him.

“Archie, I believe I understand, but I have a question. Would this place not enhance those effects and make it easier to create what we can see?” Austin asked. “Absolutely, my young brilliant friend. Which is why we are going to push you as hard as we possibly can. So, imagine the energy inside of you and call it to your hands.” Archie spoke clearly and slowly. Austin obeyed immediately and followed the instruction perfectly. He focused and imagined the energy flowing to his hands, but before he had to close his eyes to concentrate, there was glowing balls of brightness surrounding each of his hands.

“Excellent, now, release the energy and control it with your mind. Make it float, flatten it, combine it, and shape it all into one large ball.” Archie instructed.

Austin followed every word that came from Archie’s mouth, and he willed himself to complete the instructions perfectly. The energy drifted away from his hands, floated for a moment, and flattened into the shape of two large rectangles. Austin concentrated harder and stacked the rectangles on top of one another and finally shaped the energy into a gigantic round ball.

Aaron had completed his assigned task and joined the two of them to watch Austin.

“Good job. He’s getting the hang of it, Archie.” Aaron spoke quickly.

“Yes. Now let us see how much he needs to practice. Austin, picture any image you desire and transform the energy into the image.” Archie instructed.

“Any image I want?” Austin asked.

“Yes, any image you choose to see.” Archie spoke.

Austin closed his eyes and searched his brains for the perfect image. The ball of energy flattened again and started to shape into a large canvas. The canvas was soon covered in color and created the image of a girl walking forward while painted pictures fell from an art case. Austin controlled his mind with complete force until he created the picture he had given Alex on her birthday when they were younger. Aaron and Archie watched as the picture became more vivid with each passing second until Austin spoke.

“How is that?” Austin asked as his mind began to fill slightly strained and tired. “Fantastic!” Archie exclaimed. “Try to change the image to include yourself.” Archie added.

“Archie, we’ve established that he can create and change the matter. Stop babying him and get to something difficult.” Aaron spoke firmly. “Austin, keep the painting right where you have it, but move the image of the girl off it and make her walk around.” Aaron said.

“He’s not ready for that.” Archie added.

“We will know for sure in a moment.” Aaron replied.

Austin knew how difficult this task would be and prepared himself to give it his best effort. He had the image of the painting burning into part of his mind, and he could see Alex’s portrait walking from the painting. He concentrated with everything he had inside of him, but nothing happened.

Austin fell to the ground out of exhaustion after a few moments.

“Sorry, I tried.” Austin apologized while trying to catch his breath.

“No, you did magnificently.” Archie exclaimed.

“Yeah, that was impressive. Normally, the beginners can’t do anything inside this place other than control the energy with their hands.” Aaron added.

“Thanks.” Austin replied to them both. “Okay, I think I am ready to try again.” Austin said slowly.

“Not right away. First allow yourself to rest a little more. We can try these advanced techniques again tomorrow.

“Well at least let me try the exercise with the items Aaron collected.” Austin said becoming anxious.

“That is for later on today after you’ve worn yourself out.” Archie replied.

“Yeah, we’ve got to get your skills in shape. Endurance is important for us.” Aaron said with experience in his voice.

“How exactly do you suggest we do that?” Austin asked slowly. Archie smiled and looked at Aaron who had the same grin painted on his face.

“We need a place to sleep.” They both answered at the same time.

“So, you want me to create a few beds for this place? Is that all?” Austin asked with confidence in his voice.

“No, we want you to create a house. Fully furnished and perfect down to the last detail.” Archie replied casually.

“Yes, we need a place to live while we are here, and you have to create it all by yourself.” Aaron added with a smirk.

“An entire home? You want me to create an entire home by myself? It cannot be done. It’s impossible!” Austin answered with panic in his voice.

Archie closed his eyes and focused for only a few moments, and a giant house appeared behind them. Austin stared at the home in amazement before it vanished before his eyes.

“Not impossible, just difficult.” Archie said once the house was gone.

Austin took a few moments to focus his mind on what he had to do. Okay, I’ll give it my best shot.” He said after a long pause.

Archie and Aaron looked at one another and then turned their stares to Austin with smiles on their faces.

Austin focused all of his thoughts on creating the home out of nothing, and walls popped up and disappeared one by one. He could feel Aaron and Archie staring at him as he tried and failed time and time again.

“What seems to be the problem, Austin?” Archie asked showing concern. “Nothing, I just need to catch my breath for a moment.” Austin replied trying to hide his frustration.

“If you’re having a problem trying to picture a home to build, you should give into your emotions.” Aaron said softly with an empathetic look on his face.

“What? What is that supposed to mean?” Austin asked trying to cover his aggravation.

“Relax, man. Just relax for a moment and allow what you feel to take control. It’s what I had to do when I first tried to build during my training. You have to give in to sadness, sorrow, happiness, frustration, and even anger. Each emotion is connected to memories that can be triggered.” Aaron replied.

“Aaron, that’s enough. He can do this without that much intensity.” Archie said firmly.

“No, actually he needs to learn this now. It’s not the same for our kind, Archie. You can do this easily, but you have to remember that Austin and I were given “the gift”. He has to understand how powerful it can be when needed.” Aaron replied strongly. “Enough!” Austin yelled. “Enough with leaving out crucial details! If you are going to tell me what I am, then tell me now. If not, then be quiet and let me focus! Stop rubbing in the fact that I have no idea what’s going on!” Austin said as his frustration transformed into anger.

“Austin, calm down. Remember, this place enhances everything.” Archie spoke softly. Austin took a few moments to control his breathing and allowed himself to calm. “What if I am unable to do this, Archie? What if I fail to get strong enough?” Austin asked in a soft and sad voice.

“Then everyone will die, and it will all be your fault.” Aaron answered before Archie could reply.

“Too much, Aaron. That is far too much.” Archie said with a hint of anger in his tone.

“No, it is not. He has to face the reality of his importance. If he fails, we are all going to die.” Aaron replied sharply.

The words circled inside Austin’s mind before he started to feel them. Fear erupted inside of his body which was enhanced by the chamber. The fear soon became a combination of guilt and sadness that brought him to his knees. His mind replayed Aaron’s words over and over until they were all he could hear. Finally, Austin let go of all of the emotions he had been trying to keep bottled up inside, and a burst of bright light shot from his fists as he pounded on the surface beneath him.

The ground beneath them started to change as Austin pounded on it the first time. The once completely white surface had become floors. The floors were light brown and made of wood. The patterns of long and very thin rectangles connected perfectly were familiar to Austin. He could almost smell the orphanage as he saw the floors appear in front of him.

“That’s it, Austin. Let it out. “Aaron encouraged.

Austin stared at the patterns of the floor. The sadness he felt was nearly unbearable as he thought of the woman who had cared for him many years ago.

“Mrs. Davis.” Austin whispered softly as a single tear drop rolled down his cheek. The images of his loved ones began to flood his mind one by one. There was some memory attached to the emotion each face made him feel. A mixture of happiness, sadness, anger, regret, and guilt filled him until his eyes began to glow the same bright white as his hands. Austin could not see or hear anything at all. He was trapped in a montage of memories that he allowed to take control of his mind. The bright light surrounded his body the more he gave into the emotions, and he could feel a surge of energy rush through his veins. The light grew brighter and brighter the more he let the memories have control.

“What’s going on?” Aaron asked Archie with panic in his voice.

“It’s too much for him to handle! I knew this would happen if he listened to you.” Archie replied.

“What do we do? He’s going to explode if he keeps this up.” Aaron exclaimed. The light grew brighter until Aaron and Archie both became unable to see anything. “Austin, come back! That’s enough!” Archie screamed.

The energy coming from Austin became more intense with each second.

“Austin, you’re going to die if you keep this up. You have to calm down!” Aaron yelled.

Austin released a loud scream followed by another burst of energy that knocked everyone to the ground. There was silence for a moment, and the light faded away until the room was completely dark.

Aaron groaned as he sat up noticed the darkness.

“Archie, I’m blind! He blinded me! I can’t see.” Aaron panicked.

There was no reply.

“Archie, are you okay? Can you hear me?” Aaron asked in a louder voice.

He waited a moment for the man to reply.

“Archie!!” Aaron screamed as loud as he could.

“We’re here, Aaron.” Archie responded loudly.

“Archie, I can’t see anything! I think the light blinded me!” Aaron yelled again. “It’s just dark, Aaron. You’re fine.” Archie said.

“Dark? What do you mean dark? It never gets dark here.” Aaron said softly to himself.

Aaron took a second to take a breath and finally stood up. He squeezed his hands together and formed a tiny ball of light. He threw the ball of light, and it circled the room. The light then floated towards Archie and started to glow brighter. Aaron followed the ball until he could see Archie’s face.

“Archie, what just happened? Why is it dark?” Aaron asked slowly.

“I have no idea my young friend, but I believe it has something to do with Austin being unconscious.” Archie replied with curiosity in his tone. Aaron looked down and saw Austin lying on the floor with his eyes closed.

“Is he going to be okay?” Aaron asked.

“Yes, but he needs to rest now. He just released an abnormal amount of energy.” Archie responded.

“What do you supposed he was trying to do?” Aaron asked still trying to figure out what had happened.

“He was not trying to do anything, but he completed the home.” Archie said slowly with secrecy in his voice.

“Where is it? We should make some light, find it, and take him inside to rest.” Aaron said looking around the dark room.

“We’re inside it as we speak, Aaron. Austin did not just make a home out of nothing. He turned the entire chamber into a home.” Archie spoke with amazement.

“No, that’s not possible. This place is enormous. Plus, he is unconscious. How would this home still be here without his focus?” Aaron asked with disbelief in his voice. “Stand back.” Archie spoke quickly.

He created several balls of light with his hands and sent them floating in opposite the directions. They both waited a few moments and suddenly they could see again. Aaron looked around in amazement at the home the boy had created.

“This is impossible. He just learned how to use his powers and he did this with his mind? Do you realize what this means?” Aaron asked with shock in his voice.

“Yes, I do.” Archie said softly with a mixture of surprise and hope in his voice. “He’s already stronger than I am.” Archie added softly.

Austin gasped for breath as he sat up in the bed, and Aaron was sitting in the bed next to his bed.

“Nice to see you with your eyes open.” Aaron said softly.

Austin stared around the room in shock.

“What happened? Why are we here? How did we get here?” Austin blurted out the questions one by one.

“Here? Where do you think we are?” Aaron asked curiously.

“The orphanage. This is the orphanage. How did we get here?” Austin asked again.

“We’re not at an orphanage. We’re in this mansion you seem to have created. It’s quite impressive.” Aaron said casually.

“Mansion? Created? What are you talking about?” Austin said trying to get out of the bed.

“Just relax, Austin. You still seem a bit shaky. I’ll go and get Archie, and we’ll explain everything.” Aaron said calmly. He got up from his bed and walked through the door.

“Hey, Archie! Austin’s awake now!” Aaron yelled at the top of his lungs.

Austin jumped from the yell and shook his head. Aaron returned to the room with a plain look on his face.

“He should be here shortly.” Aaron said in a soft voice again.

Archie entered the room a few moments later with a calm expression on his face.

“Aaron, why must you yell? I was on my way.” Archie spoke in a casual tone. “Well, how would I know that? I’m not a mind reader.” Aaron responded. “Austin, how are you feeling?” Archie asked while ignoring Aaron’s response.

“I feel well rested and ready to get back to my training.” Austin said.

“Well, you should feel well rested. You’ve been asleep for two days.” Aaron said quickly.

“Hey, how did you manage to create this place and keep it here?” He added. “Aaron, he obviously does not know the answer to that question. Just give him a moment to collect himself.” Archie said trying to hide the curiosity in his voice.

“Why? Is that abnormal?” Austin asked curiously.

“Yes, it’s abnormal. You’re a freak!” Aaron blurted out without thinking.

Austin looked over at Archie who was giving Aaron a look that suggested he stop talking. “What he means is that it is not normal for any of us to create and have the creation stay without any focus. You lost consciousness, and your creation, this place, should have ceased to exist at that point especially considering the size of it.” Archie explain slowly.

“Oh, well I have no idea. The last thing I remember is all of the places I know sort of combining in my mind like a montage. It was as if I could see each place but all at once.” Austin tried to explain.

“Yeah, we know that much, but how did you get it to stay after you passed out?” Aaron asked with excitement in his voice.

Austin took a few moments to try to remember what he felt before he lost consciousness. “I do not know how it happened. I just thought of all the people I know and have known. The next thing I remember is seeing all of the places and then feeling too exhausted to breath.” Austin said slowly.

“Wait, have I really been asleep for two whole days?” Austin asked quickly. “Yes, but the amount of energy you used accounts for that. What we can’t figure out is how you did it.” Aaron explained.

“Do you remember anything else before your body gave out?” Archie asked carefully.

Austin thought for a moment and tried his best to remember anything at all. After a moment he could see what had happened inside of his head.

“I remember the memories, the emotion, and the bright light. Then, the medallion started to glow, and I felt something too strong to describe. It was more intense than anything I have ever experienced.” Austin tried to explain.

“Austin, it is very important that you think hard before you answer this next question. Did you hear or see anyone other than Aaron and me?” Archie asked with a look of horror on his face.

“No, I do not remember… Wait, Yes, I do. There was a man. I could not see him because of the light, but I could hear his voice inside of my head.” Austin said as he continued to remember.

“What did he say to you, Austin?” Archie asked on the brink of tears.

“I can’t remember. It was in a strange language. Spanish or Latin, but I could understand it somehow. It made me feel calm.” Austin struggled to explain.

“The words. What were the words?” Archie asked trying to contain his emotion. “I said I do not remember!” Austin said through gritted teeth.

Archie took a deep breath and stared at Austin for a moment.

“Okay, but if you remember anything else, you must tell me immediately.” Archie replied sharply.

Austin nodded his head in understanding.

“What’s going on?” Austin asked softly.

“Nothing, I just had to be sure that nobody…” Archie said letting his sentence fade.

“That nobody what?” Austin asked.

“It’s not important right now. I will explain more once I return.” Archie said. “Where are you going?” Aaron asked.

“I still have work to do. You cannot just leave and not explain anything.” Austin added.

“I will not be gone long. There is a security measure or something far more important that I have to check on.” Archie explained.

“What type of security measure? What could harm us in this place?” Aaron asked immediately.

“I will explain everything later, I promise. For now, Austin you need to rest, and Aaron can start you on your next lesson if needed.” Archie said firmly.

A bright light flashed for a moment, and Archie was gone.

“Well, there he goes. It’s not like him to be nervous and scared.” Aaron said with a hint of concern in his tone.

“Yeah but it is like him to pile secrets on top of one another. He is always trying to keep me in the dark on every single detail.” Austin growled.

“Hey, take it easy, brother. He tells us stuff on a need to know basis, but he’d never let us walk into a situation blind. So, just relax.” Aaron said as he stared at Austin. “Relax? Take it easy?” Austin repeated.

He felt the surge of rage run up and down his spine and explode in his veins.

“Yes, you know you hate being treated like a child. They put all of this responsibility on you and choose not to share anything with you. It’s like they know you are weak and cannot handle the truth.” Said the voice in the back of Austin’s mind. Austin could feel the answer growing stronger in the pit of his stomach as he felt his neck to confirm the moon medallion was missing. The look of horror on his face was enough to make Aaron concerned.

“Are you okay, Austin?” Aaron asked with worry in his voice.

Austin could hardly contain Christopher as he grew stronger off of his fear.

“No, I am not okay at all. We have a very big problem” Austin said trying to control his emotions by breathing slowly.

“What do you mean? What problem?” Aaron asked curiously.

Austin took a few deep breathes as the reality of the situation settled inside of his mind. “My medallion is missing.” Austin replied slowly trying not to be more afraid of what would happen if he lost control.

“Why are you acting so weird about the medallion? I am sure we can find it around here somewhere.” Aaron replied not remembering the purpose of the medallion. “Aaron, we have to find that medallion immediately!” Austin shouted trying to remind Aaron of what could happen.

“Why? What is going on?” Aaron asked quickly.

“It’s Christopher. He’s back, and he is angry and strong. I cannot control him much longer.” Austin replied honestly.

“Oh, well the medallion is powerful. I can find it with a Blinker if you can stay in control long enough.” Aaron replied with nervousness in every word.

“How long, Aaron? How long will it take you to find it?” Austin asked weakly.

“I don’t know! It’s hard to say in here. Just give me a minute to figure out what to do!” Aaron screamed with immense panic in his voice.

“No, there’s no time. I can feel it. He’s so strong for some reason. Aaron, listen to me. You are going to have to knock me out. I need to be unconscious while you search for the medallion.” Austin said with a strain.

“No, you can fight him, Austin. You’re stronger now. Just give me a few minutes.” Aaron replied as he formed the little blinking ball of light with his hands. “Aaron, please! You have to do it now!” Austin yelled as his body started to tremble and his eyes began to glow a blood red.

“Okay!” Aaron screamed as the ball wrapped around his newly clenched fist.

He swung as hard as he could at Austin’s face and connected. There was loud crunch as the fist hit Austin.

“I’m sorry!” Aaron exclaimed as he felt his knuckles collide with his friend’s face.

Austin’s body hit the ground with a loud thud, and Aaron rushed and knelt down beside him.

“I didn’t mean to hit you that hard. I was scared and…” Aaron tried to say as he looked at Austin’s face to make sure it was okay.

“and you call that hard?” Said the cold voice coming from Austin’s mouth. “Austin, are you okay?” Aaron asked slowly.

“Oh, he’s better than you’re about to be.” Christopher said with a devious grin. Aaron jumped to his feet and prepared to fight, but all he could hear was laughter before everything went completely dark.

“Aaron. Aaron wake up.” Archie spoke softly.

He shook Aaron’s body and waited for a response. A few moments later, Aaron opened his eyes and saw Archie’s concerned face.

“Aaron, are you alright?” Archie asked sincerely.

“I think so.” Aaron replied through a groan.

“Here, allow me to help you up.” Archie said holding and outstretched hand. “Thanks.” Aaron slurred as he grabbed the hand and pulled himself from the floor.

“Austin is not Austin anymore.” Aaron said as he gathered his thoughts.

“I know.” Archie said quietly.

“We have to find that medallion and get it back around his neck. That Christopher is some type of monster.” Aaron added trying to hide the fear in his voice.

“I’ve already found it, but I am afraid it may be useless at this point.” Archie replied pulling the moon medallion from his pocket.

“What do you mean, Archie?” Aaron asked slowly.

“I mean that Christopher understands his abilities far better than Austin. If Austin is already stronger than I am, Christopher exceeds that power by now. He grew stronger as Austin grew stronger when he summoned all of that energy, but he was always the more powerful of the two.” Archie explained with failure in his tone.

“Archie, we can beat him together. The two of us can surely win long enough to get the medallion on him.” Aaron said with half confidence.

“I admire your determination, my young friend, but it would be foolish of us to challenge him at this point.” Archie said in a quiet voice.

“So, now you understand?” Christopher hissed from behind them.

Archie and Aaron turned around quickly as the words startled them. Aaron’s hands began to glow as he stared at Christopher and readied himself for battle. Christopher took a look at Aaron and grinned at the sight of him as if he was being challenged by an insect.

“No, Aaron! Do not fight him. It will only make him stronger.” Archie exclaimed. “Archie, we have to try something. I’m not afraid of getting hurt.” Aaron replied bravely.

“I know, Aaron, but he could actually kill the both of us right now if he wants.” Archie said showing the first sign of fear that Aaron had ever seen from him.

“Kill? Archie, that’s not possible. We cannot be killed by one another. You taught me that, remember?” Aaron said with confusion.

“I’m afraid he is not exactly like the rest of us. He is still the chosen one, and, as a result, has no limitations.” Archie explained.

Aaron stared into Archie’s eyes and could see how serious his mentor was being. He took another glance at Christopher before he finally lowered his hands in defeat.

“Wise decision. I still plan to kill you, but I’ll save it for when I get bored.” Christopher said with a sinister chuckle.

“What do you want, Christopher?” Archie asked immediately.

“I think we both know the answer to that question. Unlike your precious little Austin, I’ve managed to figure out my role in this existence. All, the pieces sort of fell into place while I was trapped by that annoying little necklace.” Christopher replied. Aaron looked confused as his gaze slowly went from Christopher to Archie. “Christopher, I implore you to see the ramifications of this all. You do not have to be this way, and the existence that you seek is a lie. The thrill of power is not worth what will become of you if you succeed.” Archie said with wisdom in his tone.

“Nicely worded, Archie, but I am afraid the statement carries little weight coming from the weaker half of a superior being that once existed. I’ll ask “him” once I’m out of this place.” Christopher spoke slowly with great confidence.

“You do not have to believe me, but ask yourself why he wants to you to have it. Besides, if you know the truth, then you know who you are up against. You know who Austin is meant to be.” Archie spoke slowly.

“Yes, his destiny. Who he is, why he was created, and what would happen if he succeeds is all clear to me. However, I have no reason to want such a world, and I will surely not sacrifice myself for “them”. They are inferior in every single minute detail, and they all deserve to suffer for being such savage little creatures.” Christopher hissed. Aaron was still at a lost for words in his confused state, and Archie looked completely terrified.

“You. You sound just like him.” Archie managed to spit out.

“It shouldn’t surprise you so much. After all, I am who I am.” Christopher replied coldly.

“What is he talking about, Archie?” Aaron finally managed to ask.

“I thought that you were…” Aaron tried to add before being interrupted.

“No, just Austin.” Archie spoke immediately in a matter of fact tone.

Aaron took a moment to think about what he had just heard before it started to make sense.

“Oh my god, this is unbelievable. You mean to tell me that you and your brother were the first ones?” Aaron asked with a surprised expression.

“Yes, we were the first, and I failed.” Archie said with shame in his voice.

“But I will not. Now, how do I get out of this chamber?” Christopher spoke loudly.

“You can’t! You’re not even supposed to be here.” Aaron yelled firmly.

“There has to be a way out of here for those who do not possess “the light”. Christopher spoke in a mocking voice. “And Archie is going to tell me.” He added as his pupils changed color.

His hands began to leak black mist that surrounded them. He stood there staring at them both with challenging eyes that invited pain and death.

“So be it!” Aaron yelled as he formed two small swords out of nothing but light and ran towards Christopher.

“No!” Archie shouted as the same magnificent sword from before appeared in his right hand.

Aaron reached Christopher within seconds, and Christopher stood as still as a statue. Aaron raised one of the swords in the air, and Christopher smiled an evil grin as his opponent neared him. Aaron swung a sword with all of his might, but he did not connect with Christopher. Christopher was standing behind Aaron within the blink of an eye. He turned Aaron around with ease and grabbed each of his wrists with a psychotic look on his face. Aaron tried to free himself from the grasp, but his efforts proved unsuccessful. The two small swords began to glow quickly until they vanished completely. The dark mist from Christopher’s hands had wrapped itself around Aaron’s wrist and began seeping into his flesh. Archie reached the two of them as Aaron fell to the floor in agony.

“Archie, Help me!” Aaron screamed out in pain.

Archie swung the sword and struck Christopher in the left arm with tremendous force. The shriek of pain Archie expected to hear from Christopher came out of Aaron’s mouth. Archie looked down at his young friend and noticed the fresh wound that had appeared on Aaron’s left arm.

“Archie, I can’t move. I can’t move at all.” Aaron groaned.

“Would you like to try that again? Perhaps you would like to aim for my throat this time?” Christopher asked with triumph in his voice.

Archie stared at Christopher and then his eyes slowly moved to Aaron. He took a long breath and the sword in his hand vanished to show his defeat.

“No? I was certain you had more fight in you than that, old man. I guess I overestimated you.” Christopher said with a laugh.

“What did you do to him?” Archie asked as he kneeled down beside Aaron. “Well, since neither of you would let me out of this place, I decided to make myself a key.” Christopher replied.

“What did you do?” Archie asked again unable to hide his anger.

“Look at his hand.” Christopher instructed. Archie stared at Aaron’s left hand which was rapidly turning blacker with each passing second. He then looked up at Christopher who closed his own left hand and opened it to reveal a tiny ball of bright light.

“This will not be enough to escape from this place, but by the time the mist reaches his heart, I’ll have more than enough of his energy.” Christopher gloated.

“His energy? You mean his life? You’re taking his life force with that mist you injected into him?” Archie asked with horror on his face.

“Exactly. I’m taking what I need to get out of here. It will take a while for me get it all because he has to die, but I’m willing to wait as long as you.” Christopher replied softly.

“Okay, I’ll let you out of here if you will spare him.” Archie offered immediately. “Why would I agree to those terms when I will be leaving soon enough?” Christopher responded heartlessly.

“Archie, I feel sick. I’m dying, Archie.” Aaron said weakly before losing consciousness.

“Christopher, let him go!” Archie demanded.

“Was that an order? You would dare give me an order?” Christopher asked with rage in his voice.

His eyes began to glow the blood shade of red that secretly frightened Archie, and he stared intensely at Aaron’s body. Aaron’s eyes opened briefly and he managed to gasp before screaming from his bones crunching. Archie could see Aaron’s bones snapping in his hands and arms as the boy squealed in a way that nearly made Archie cry.

“I’m sorry, Christopher. I did not mean to insult you. I was asking you to let him go.” Archie forced himself to say. “

No, Archie. Do not speak to him as if he’s God. Don’t give him the satisfaction!” Aaron blurted out before Christopher caused the bones in his leg to shatter like glass.

The pain of it caused the boy to vomit before he passed out again.

“Enough, please. You’re going to kill him!” Archie pleaded.

“That’s the point!” Christopher shriek through laughter that showed how much he enjoyed watching the agony he was causing.

“I’ll let you out myself, okay? I’ll do anything you ask in exchange for his life.” Archie begged.

Christopher thought for a moment and gave Archie a look that frightened him even more. “I want the medallion before I leave.” Christopher responded.

Archie gritted his teeth as he reached into his pocket and handed the moon medallion over to Christopher.

“Now, form the portal to the fountain.” Christopher commanded.

“Why? Why would you need to go there?” Archie asked slowly.

“No questions! Just do as you are told.” Christopher yelled.

Archie stood from the floor and began to form a portal that led to the fountain. It took a few moments before the portal was complete, and Christopher finally released Aaron. The mist from inside of Aaron quickly returned to Christopher’s hands. Aaron was still unconscious and his wounds slowly started to heal with the exception of the one on his arm from the sword.

“His body will only partially heal on its own. You will have to heal the rest yourself but not yet.” Christopher said as Archie was about to kneel down to help Aaron. “Go to the fountain and retrieve the third medallion, the stone.” Christopher commanded.

“Why would you need that medallion? It will not help you in anyway.” Archie replied firmly.

“Do as I say, old man! Retrieve the third medallion, or I will kill your little friend.” Christopher said staring at Aaron’s unconscious body.

Archie stood and walk slowly through the portal. There was a quick flash of light, and he was instantly in the secluded cave where the fountain was located. He had been there a thousand times before this one, but he could not help but marvel in the fountain’s beauty. The shine of the gold from which it was forged, the formerly flawless pattern of suns and moons which surrounded the bowl of it like a crown of jewels, and the beauty of the emeralds used to create the sun and moon patterns. To see such magnificence was breathtaking beyond a doubt. It filled him with calming warmth that could only be equated with the level of peace that most people will never fully understand.

“It is truly the most remarkable sight in the world” Archie whispered to himself softly.

He walked steadily towards the fountain without taking his eyes off of it. He could feel the water which engulfed the lower steps of the pyramid pattern steps on the bottom of his shoes as he walked right over it. To anyone else, the fountain would appear to resting on a single flat stone floating in the middle of the water, but Archie knew what was underneath him. After all, he was the one who had chosen this place to be the home of the fountain all those years ago. When he finally reached the fountain, he ran his fingers over the emeralds. Starting at the center of the pattern which was shaped as a partial moon resting on the shape of the sun, he took his left hand and slowly slid it left over the line of jewels until he reached an empty slot on the side of the fountain. The empty slot was missing one of the suns, and Archie closed his eyes and thought to himself.

“Christopher, you are so young and full of rage and hate. I wish with all of me that you could see the beauty that comes from peace.” Archie thought as he saw the sun medallion around Christopher’s neck inside his mind.

He repeated the same motions with his right hand until he came to a missing moon shape on the side of the fountain. As his fingers touched the slot missing the moon, he thought of the medallion that Austin used to wear. He could see the boy’s inviting smile inside of his head as if it were a picture he had taken.

“Oh my young Austin. You brave, brave man. I hope you are still in there fighting. If I could speak to you, I would confess my failure to you and beg forgiveness. I have failed you in ways that you may never know. I have failed the both of you in ways that are unforgivable. Archie thought to himself.

“I’m sorry. I am so sorry.” He whispered aloud as a tear rolled down his cheek.

A small ray of light shot from his left hand and filled the slot missing the sun medallion. Another burst of light came from his right hand and filled the missing moon medallion slot. The entire fountain began to glow brighter as if the light was shining directly through it. Suddenly the water inside of the fountain began to bubble and turn a beautiful shade of blue that resembled the sky. The light began to blink rapidly as the water quickly drained from the fountain. The faster the light flickered, the faster the water seemed to vanish, until there was none left. The blinking had stopped, and Archie moved his hands away from the missing sun and moon slots. He then slowly used his right hand to turn the center piece of the fountain clockwise in a complete circle. The piece then flew open automatically to reveal a secret compartment hidden underneath. Archie reached inside and pulled out the third and final medallion.

“The Blood Stone” Archie said to himself.

The Blood Stone caused tears to fall from Archie’s eyes as he had flash backs of a woman. The woman was wearing the stone the first time he had ever seen it. It was small with the weight of a medium sized stone, flat and smooth, but appeared to be made out of some form of crystal. On the inside of the crystal like material was a spot of sky blue material. It was the exact shade that the water had been before the stone was removed. Archie knew that the water was somehow inside of the stone, but he was still amazed. The small stone could not possibly hold all of that water that had been inside the fountain. It was the size of a flattened marble. In fact, that’s the only way he could describe the stone. A marble flattened into a perfect circle that was surrounded by crystal with a shade of blue on the inside of it.

“Even attempting to describe the stone made it sound more beautiful than I could have imagined.” He thought.

Archie could not help but admire the stone awhile longer as if the stone had some sort of hold on him. He had not seen it in more years than he could remember. None of them were ever allowed to see it after he had brought it here all those years ago. Now, here it was in his hands to be given to the second to last individual who should ever be allowed to have it. Christopher would surely give to “him”. Archie knew that it would surely be destroyed or even used for evil by the two of them, Christopher and Allen. This could very well be the last time that he or anyone else could see it, but he had no choice. He had to save Aaron, and he absolutely had to find a way to save Austin before Christopher discovered the solution to their connection.