Shadow of the Past (Epiligue)

Epiligue 1

Hours seemed to pass during that lonely ride upon Shadow toward the northern ocean, just beyond the ruins. When donalbain at last could hear the soft harmonious melody of waves falling upon one another, he dismounted Shadow. He took Illion's body down with him, with grace and gentleness as if he were still living. He slowly walked forward to the edge of the beach and then looked up at the evening sky and saw crimson clouds falling upon one another before the golden sun. He stepped forward and walked into the tepid water, holding Illion up with both his hands. The water was at high tide, but the current was gentle as it brushed against Donalbain's legs. Everything seemed picturesque as if to honor those who had died to protect the world. He walked out slowly until the sea reached Donalbain's chest. This would be Illion's eternal resting place. 2

Donalbain's tears fell from his gleaming blue eyes. He sighed looked at Illion one last time, eternally grateful for his tremendous sacrifice. He did not bother saying thank you again, remembering Illion's powerful response before he died, No... Thank you all... For giving my life meaning... Donalbain shook his head with a smile as he realized that this quest had given his own life a purpose as well. He drew Darius' sword of Honor, and lay Illion's hands upon it softly. He thought it fitting that he should spend eternity holding it. He then took Illion's own katana and put it in his own sheath. Donalbain thought he'd like to die by the same blade as both his brother and Illion someday. He whispered painfully, "Fairwell, Illion, Knight of Doma, and Defender of the Seal..." The last tears of goodbye fell from Donalbain's cheek as he let Illion fall gently into the water. He stood watching a while as Illion's body, the New Seal, flowed out to sea, never to be seen again. 3

As Donalbain thought of Illion all he had taught him, and what he had died for, a stream of tears fell from Donalbain's cheek as he realized his old life was gone forever. But as he looked out to the red horizon beyond the sea, he thought he could almost see Darius, Aridous and Illion, smiling at him warmly once more. He then thought he heard Illion's gentle whisper in his ear for the last time, You still have your life. Live it. Your goal was to make the world a better place. Now you have your chance to see the world you saved. You have a new life to live... 4

The soft whisper in his mind, and the faces off at sea now faded and Donalbain did not know if it was his imagination all the while. All he knew was that those words made sense. His old life was over, but now he had a new life to live, watching the development of the world he helped save. Though he had lost everything and everyone in the old life, his new life came with friends who expereienced his troubles, and shared his glory. His story was not over yet. He had his world, his friends, his life and his memories. Illion may never be known by any, but the memory of him would remain close to Donalbain's heart forever. Donalbain smiled and turned away from the endless sea and walked back to shore, hoping to see his friends again. He hoped to live a life of his own, and watch his dream for the world be realized... 5

Donalbain heard soft footsteps behind him and spun around to see Kyan (again in human form) approaching him with Artemis following behind. 6

Kyan had a warm smile, "With the seal forever wandering throughout the sea, the world of man will soon forget it's worries and hunger for power as the years pass. The magic seal will all be just a legend from this day forward." 7

Kyan turned his head to look into the sea, "If you wish, I can always take you into the deep ocean and find where Illion's soul rests with the seal. I can allow you to speak with him to keep his soul from getting lonely." 8

The ranks of the Opaqun were advancing. Teskan and Nollie were slowing being beaten and Nollie knew that it was time to end the fight. With a final sigh, Nollie let the magic that had built up on his blade fly and slam the ceiling, caving it in and blocking the onslaught of soldiers. He knew they only had a minute to flee before the whole ruins collapsed, so he grabbed Teskan's arm, much to the elf's disgust, and took off. The two barely made it before the entire thing collapsed, trapping the soldiers within. 9

Nollie and Teskan fled throught the smoldering battlefield, meeting with Adreira and Rayyeter, fleeing from the past. Nollie paused only for a moment to pick up his cracked sword, the Crimson Phoenix that was permanently stained with blood. And then he was gone. The shadows of the past would haunt them no longer. The shadows of the past had been vanquished and they all had a clean slate. It was time for them to start over. It would be a while before the bloodshed stopped, but once the greedy realized there was no more power to be gained they would stop... 10

Several days later, it was all over. Donalbain had finally put the new seal to rest. For the time being, Nollie was with Teskan and Adreira. He'd thought of going back home, but he realized that home is where the heart is. And that was with Adreira. Unfortunately, he had one more shadow to get rid of. So he left the two elves, despite the pleas of Adreira, and much to the delight of Teskan. The younger elf begged him to stay, and he only quieted her once he promised he'd be back. 11

So there he was, standing over his father's grave. The whole thing had started because of this man, but Nollie guessed he had to thank the old man. Without him, he never would have met Adreira, never would have figured out what was wrong with people, never would have found great companions such as Rayyeter, Donalbain, Teskan, Illion, and even Aridous. 12

There was just one score to settle. Nollie drew his bastard sword, and looked at it, barely able to hold the weight of the blade. With a sudden burst of rage he plunged it into his father's grave. The lust for power had made him what he was, but it had turned out good. He would make sure that his power never corrupted another. He would never use his gift again, never use magic, because it brought more suffering and pain than it did good. Nollie sighed and looked into the sky, knowing it was time to start over. First he'd find Teskan and Adreira, and maybe catch up with Donalbain and Rayyeter. Nollie smirked and started walking, as the sunshine warmed him up. Things were beginning to look up for him. 13

Kyan in his dragonic form, swam through the depths of the deep ocean. Thanks to his dragon abilities, he was able to breath the water without any problems. 14

The darkness of the bottom of the ocean seemed endless, but Kyan was able to see clearly like it was daylight. 15

He stepped into the soft sand of the bottom of the sea and looked all around. 16

Kyan had finally spotted what he was looking for and walked toward it. 17

He stopped and knelt down and smiled. "Hello again, Illion. I hope the creatures of the deep have been keeping you company. Forgive me if I haven't come to visit you regularly. I just came to inform you that Donalbain has taken the place of his brother as ruler and I'm having a bit of trouble trying to locate Aridous' soul. The rest of your friends are making well with their lives and it looks that Nollie and Adreira will start their own family in the near future. They not know of it yet." Kyan chuckled. 18

Kyan raised an eyebrow, "Why do I say that they are your friends?" He shook his head, "It's not in my place to enforce them to accept me as their friend. They may call me whichever they choose." Kyan smiled down at the glowing orb of light. 19

Kyan remained silent, as if listening to Illion's voice in his mind. Kyan laughed and replied, "What am I doing? Well, you could say that my people on my homeworld are becoming eager for me to become their king. I also have a couple more years left before I go back into the angel business... couple thousand more years I should say." 20

"The dark paladin? Hmm.. I don't know what happend to her." 21

Rayyeter had just met with Adreira when a rumbling shook the entire cavern, and Nollie, along with Teskan, came running up. Well, I guess I don't get to have any more fun. Rayyeter ran with the group, pausing with Nollie to pick up his sword... 22

A demonic voice talked to him in his head. It was the Sarthos Tiera isn't pleased. She wants you dead. 23

In the subsequent days after the escape, Rayyeter left the other trio to be by themselves. "Farewell to you, my friends. I hope I shall see you again. But now there are things I must do. I fear I can only bring to you all death and bloodshed." With a glint in his eye, he left. Just when I find friends, I must leave them. Perhaps it is my fate. To be alone. I will miss them all. 24

Days later, he found a town that would actually allow him within it's walls, and bought a horse. Something in his mind wanted him to go to a village he knew long ago, the village of elves where his wife had been from, where he had buried something long ago... 25

It took him weeks, yet he found the village. He rode in, despite being fearful of what the elves would do. The first one to see him was his once-father-in-law. It shamed Rayyeter to even be there, yet he needed to get what was buried. It's time to complete it.. Time to finish their story... 26

Adreira was dressed in a long and elegant elven wedding dress, decroated with the finest of jewels and colours (but mostly still white), and top with a pure crystal tiara and a translucent white vail. She looked the best she had since Teskan laid eyes on her when she was such a little and innocent girl. She was finally growing up, making her own dicisions and what path was the path for her. It was a long time in the making... 27

...And it made Teskan suffer that much more. Now what was he to do? He had no admirer, no one to look up to him, no one to come to for help and information. He was by all crule and dreadfully meaning, alone. He was, fianlly, along in life. His sister was now, at that very moment, about to marry the man of his hatred. The man he had spent so much thinking on killing and smiling at his lifeless body... 28

Adreira took each pause-step with grace, looking gently to each side of the cememony to see hers, and Nollie's, family smiling and getting all teary-eyed. It was just as much a life changing event for them as it was for him. Adreira Corellon was soon no more, but replaced by Adreira Xavier, the Queen of the Xavier house. She took another step, and another, and another until she reached the front of the temple, where her groom stood in a royal armour with his hand outstretched to take her hand. 29

Teskan shifted in his seat at the sight of his sister's exceptance of the hand. He wanted to let his sister have her day, but he was by no means going to enjoy it. Sure, her happiness mattered, thus the reason why Nollie isn't dead yet, but her happiness had a cost regardless. Ever since she had told him about it months ago, he has had to grin and bare it ever since, holding the back the vomit and urges-to-kill every time the two kissed or showed any sign of affection. The very thought that each night the two of them were making love to one another was distrubing and distracting to Teskan's ordinary routine. 30

Adreira stood next to Nollie, smiling to her first lady (elven bride's maid), Riyane. The priest looked at the two and went on with the ceremony... 31

The ceremony was painfully long for Teskan, and the as soon as that finished and all the guests moved to the receptional area, Teskan headed outside to take a breather. He very much need the fresh air and sounds of wonderfully nature at work. 32

Birds chirped in the air, and the wind blew gently around. It was the perfect scenery for relaxation if he ever needed it any more than now. His muscles loosened and his shoulders slumped. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 33

"What a day," he muttered. "Reminds me of that fight so long ago. Everything about the Magic Seal had occured in day, it was so fast. I suppose it's ashame that it had come to an end after all...things could have at least been worthwhile to do. Now I'm stuck here, like this. Nothing to do, but watch as the world flies by, Adreira and Nollie grow into a large family of children and, ultimately, grandchildren." 34

"You remind me of me sometimes, Teskan," a voice came from his right. Teskan was startling and turned to face the person. He didn't recognise him by look, but he had a feeling that he knew him nonetheless. "Except you're a whole lot dumber when it comes to this nawing anger...you have no conception of "don't put your needs and feelings above other's" 35

"Carpon Orliaus, we meet other than in the history books," Teskan said, stepped towards the Royally-clad armour of the Sumian. 36

"Shut up, Teskan. I'm the one talking here," he said, eyeing Teskan down. "You lack the understanding, don't you?" 37

"What understanding?" 38

"The understanding that you have to move on. So you hated the guy when he won your sister's heart, so what? He makes your sister happy. That's all that matters. You can't protect her for her entire life. She needs to fall in love, even if it ends in disaster. Those are her mistake to be made, not yours. You were there to guide her and show her how to protect herself and live. It's not, whether you like it or not, all about you. You can't live like this...it's only going to end in real trouble for you. Just embrace this event, co-exist with Nollie." 39

Teskan stepped back, his eyes narrowed. 40

"You know nothing of what it's like to be next your enemy." 41

"Oh? I don't?" Carpon rolls his eyes. "My best friend was my enemy you fool. Sunai was at my throat much more than this. Hell, he nearly killed me a few times. Then we became friends and worked together to fight much more poweful foes than this "Magic Seal". Don't fucking pull than on me. I've been there, done that, got the T-shirt. If you want to make your family, and your sister, ultimate suffer later on it's your choice. But that choice is far worse than the one of your sister's marriage possibly not working out." 42

"How dare you!" Teskan yelled, running at the man with his fists held up. He got a meter to Carpon before getting shot into the air and knocked on the ground, hard. 43

"It's your choice, Teskan, don't be a fucker." 44

With that Carpon faded away into the light of day and left Teskan alone. His back stung with pain, but he got up quick nonetheless. His mind was racing, over what had happened just now. He then looked at the temple and paused. 45

"...Maybe..." Teskan muttered heading back inside to join the celebrations... 46

He was there at what was the most contraversial wedding in all elven history. He stood in the middle of everything and everyone. Undetected by Kyan. Aridous watched the ceremony with a beaming smile. 47

He looked stronger and healthier. His long hair was a dark brown and who stood next to him was his sister Serenity. "How sweet." Serenity said as she slid her hand into Aridous' arm. "It is and I pray that they will for a long time be in happiness." 48

"They will be without you on the world!" Serenity said as she poked Aridous' ribes playfully. "Ready to go?" she asked. Aridous turned his head to look at Kyan. 49

"He looks so sad. The poor man has been searching a whole year for me." Aridous walked over infront of Kayn and poked his gut and showed himself to him. 50

Kyan gasped. "Aridous!" Aridous looked around and saw that people where leaving. "Listen to me and listen well." he said sternly pointed a long finger in Kyan's face. 51

"You need to leave me the hell alone, you understand?! You have better things to do then to search for me. You have a people in the brink of a revolution. Oh, you didn't think that I still can't see things?" Aridous closed his eyes and laughed. He looked at Kyan softly and hugged him softly. 52

"We'll never see eachother, Kayn; but we'll have eachother in our memories. I'll remember all of you." Kayn was shocked but forced himself to hug Aridous. "I better go now." Aridous said as he let go of Kayn. 53

"I here there are friends waiting for me. Drakien, Carpon, Sunai." Aridous stoped and his eyes watered. "My wife." He said with a large toothy smile. 54

Aridous and Serenity walked toward the exit of the garden as the area where they were walking to begane to ripple and Carpon and Sunia walked out waiting for the two. 55

"Hurry up!" Carpon called. "My dinner is getting cold." Sunia looked at Carpon and smacked his arm. "Your dinner's been cold since you left to talk crap to the elf." 56

"I know but that's different!" he said. 57

Aridous stoped and looked at the two with a sad face. "I won't rest untill I know. . . ." the three looked confused and Aridous asked his question softly. "Will you all forgive me for the harm that I have done to you?" he asked softly. 58

"We couldn't in life. . . ." Sunia said as he folded his arms over his chest and glared sternly at Aridous. "But we have in death." Carpon said. "You've taught us a lot about ourselves." He said with a smirk. "And you've taught the world even more." Serenity said reasuring ly. "Come." She said as they all walked to their final rest and an eternity of good times with everyone. 59

Donalbain thanked Kyan for his offer and for all he had done during this quest. He then turned sullenly, and mounted Shadow. As he pet the dark stallion, he said "I hope you don't mind if I'm your new master now." 60

He rode back slowly, and sullenly through the cold snowfields, and the mountain passes, and then after long lonley days of silence and emptiness, Donalbain rode into Doma. 61

The nation was still devastated. Rubble and blood covered the deserted streets. Memories of battle, determination and allies flashed before his eyes, but then he realized they were only memories of a life he no longer had. Even in the brutal terror of war, he had had a purpose and now that purpose was gone. His life felt over and completed. But then he remembered Illion's unmistakable words from the sea, You have a new life to live... Donalbain looked around at the bitter ruin and melancholy that had overwhelmed the Doma. He saw a very thin young boy crying in the street. He knelt down beside the boy and examined his dirty and torn clothes. "What's wrong?" he asked him hesitantly, being unfamiliar with children. He continued to cry and never even looked at Donalbain. "Can I help?" he asked, trying to be as sympathetic as possible. 62

"Can you bring back my mother?" the boy shouted at Donalbain. He had no answer. "Can you bring back my home?" the boy said as he continued to grieve. 63

Donalbain could find nothing to say to console the young child so he asked in a simple voice, "What about your father?" 64

"He was a Knight of Doma but... but banished before i was born..." Donalbain's eyes lit up a moment then. There was one Knight of Doma he knew who had been sent into exile long ago. Donalbain could only guess if the boy's father was in fact Illion, but he wanted to believe it was. He wanted to believe he could be the man Illion never had the chance to be. And so, he rented two rooms at the inn of Doma, one for the young boy, and one for himself. The boy's name was Darion, and Donalbain often thought the boy's free spirit resembled that of Illion's, but never said a word. While he supported Darion, he stayed in Doma for some time, helping to rebuild the city and housing the wounded and misguided. He saw it as repaying a debt, for the great sacrifice of Doma. He saw it as a favor owed to those lost, especially to one friend who gave his life... 65

After he spent some time repairing the damages done to Doma, he returned to Valoron, with Darion still at his side, now almost as a son. As king, he restored order to Valoron and then journeyed alone to the house of Xavier to send an important message, on the day of Nollie and Adreira's wedding. He stood in the back of the ceremony, silent but with a smile as he watched the celebration of love. He didn't make a sound as he walked behind Kyan and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Kyan smiled and hugged him, but neither said a word as if the beauty of love before them was too strong to ignore. After the ceremony, Donalbain greeted Teskan, and congratulated the newly weds. Donalbain smiled and held out his hand to Nollie for all the world to see, "Peace between our lands and houses, my friend." Nollie nodded, and the treaty was made between the houses of Valoron and Xavier, and it goes unbroken to this day. 66

Soft and gentle music began to play and Nollie took Adreira for their first dance on the green grass. Donalbain stood aside with Teskan and Kyan, still smiling happily. Then Kyan whispered to Donalbain, "I heard you took Illion's son as your own..." 67

"It was the least I could do. But now it seems to be more of a gift to me, than to him. The love for a child is unlike any. I hope these two may have that joy." Kyan and Teskan nodded, though Teskan remained bitterly silent. Donalbain continued, "I must go. But please if you ever need a place to stay, my home is always open. Send my regards to Rayyeter if you ever see him, and thank him for me. Fairwell, my friends." 68

"Want me to say hello to Illion for you?" Kyan asked. 69

"No... I can do it myself," he said with a smile as he turned to leave the magnificent ceremony. 70

The years passed happily for Donalbain as king of Valoron. But as he saw his kingdom's grandeur and the world's glory, he began to feel his duty to all people was truly over. It was time for him to live his life for himself. At an old age, Donalbain gave his crown to Darion and gave him his own sword, the Blade of Courage. The following day he had vanished. Some say the he left for another adventure, while others say he took his own life. Some say he went north, to the Great Sea, and built a house for himself on the golden beaches. They say he spent his last years with visits from only a few friends, watching the picturesque sunsets. They say he died listening to the peaceful melody of the ocean, with Illion's sword in hand and a smile on his face for a life well lived...71