Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A young man walked through the halls of a black stone, and obsidian palace. Its halls were adorned in purple stained glass which shone brightly with endless stars spanning in purple sky outside them. The man walked quickly through the twisting halls; he had been called by the High Elder to the throne room of the paradise that they called home. The man exchanged greetings with those he called family. They were hard at work caring for the kingdom. He knew why he alone was called. The elder has deemed those he was charged with overseeing must meet their end. He wished deeply in his heart that this day would never come, but he knew that as a Watcher he was never meant to interfere with those he was tasked to watch. Humans, such a weak-minded species, easily manipulated by power and greed. He bit his lip angerly, purple blood dripped down slowly. He realized what he had done and stopped briefly in his tracks. What was he getting so worked up about? ‘They’re just humans.’ he thought. ‘I am an all-powerful Watcher, an ideal and pure being. A being who does not bare the emotions like those humans who walk that cursed land. Why do I yearn for them? Why did I wish for their prosperity!? They are humans, imperfect beings. Your job is to watch! Your job is to cleanse unclean beings if the Elder deems it so! I should have never believed that those humans I’ve watched for the last 4 years wouldn’t make those mistakes, I knew their fate and knew they would eventually turn on each other. Such is the way when the unclean over exsert resources. They took too much from the land and now the land withers and dies. They send prayers to the gods to restore their resources and hope. Their greed knows no ends. Now their factions divide them. The Red King showed his true nature and the hand who protects the king has signed his name in blood.’ The man’s wings curled around his narrow body. And his winged feathered ears reviled dilated black slit pupils with a brilliant purple glowing iris. He continued forward onward to the throne room. He wasn’t far now, soon the High Elder would bestow upon him The Fang of Atonement, a holy and blessed sword from the ancient deity Dragon that bestowed the blessings on the Watchers at they’re final resting place. Each Watcher was given one fang, and each Watcher would be given their Fang when their world they oversaw would turn to ash. Now was his turn. He alone, would bring about, their doomsday.

The man approached the doors guarded by the knights of the Moon. Their purple-black wings were cast in a pink glow from the amethyst and pink stained-glass windows. Adorned in its panes was the ancient dragon. The man stood before the knights. “The High Elder summoned for me.” The knights turned to face one another and drew open the obsidian and amethyst door which he nodded and walked through. The door closing behind him. He had only seen this room once before, when he turned 18, he had been granted his world to over see. He remembered it like it was yesterday. He joined the Elder at the alter of choice and was given his role among the Watchers in the kingdom and was given his divine blessing to cleanse his body of impurity. He approached the stairs that led to the throne of the Elder. He knelt before the throne and bowed his head. “Good evening highest one. I received your summons. I have come to receive your divine orders.” The man spoke with respect. “Raise your head my child, for today you may look on at me with your fullest gaze, remove your winged feathers from your eyes and allow me to allow you to ascend to the great dragon and your many ancestors who have come before you as keepers of our solemn vow.” Returned a soft parental voice, the voice of the Elder, their voice always sent chills down his spine because he never fully understood how a voice so warm in nature could be so cold and jarring in one breath. He pulled his winged ears back from his eyes, he kept his eyes closed tightly. He felt out of his element, he was before the elder, the rule before the Watchers was, they were not allowed to gaze upon each other, Watcher’s eyes are meant to stay hidden for their own safety. Their aura cast upon them when each Watcher was born into their kingdom allows them to see without seeing. It had always been a foreign concept for him ever since he’d been young. He’d often be scolded by his teachers for trying to peak at his eyes when he was young which he in hindsight was never allowed to do. So, if this rule was so important why was the Elder asking him to do so? “Forgive me, Highest one, we have always been told we cannot cast our gaze upon you or other Watchers, for our safety. I do not wish to receive divine punishment if I turned my gaze upon you.” He said turning his head away from the Elder. He felt them smile softly and felt their hands grasp his. He turned to look at them continuing to keep his eyes closed. “Young fledgling, I am giving you an order. You are now entering your role officially, Prophet keeper. You have studied for this role and are on your final length of your roles journey before you are able to take on your role by my side. So just this once before you are fully integrated into your role, I ask you again. Raise your head my child, for today you may look on at me with your fullest gaze, open your eyes and allow me to allow you to ascend to the great dragon and your many ancestors who have come before you as keepers of our solemn vow.” They said touching his face.
The man took a slow breath in. before breathing out again. Prophet Keeper a role that keeps this kingdom within check and in working order. Their role was to keep the means of everyone in the realm and bestow all worlds status to the Elder, it is an extremely rare role that is bestowed on one Watcher every Ten-thousand years, with the most recent Prophet Keeper joining the Ancient Dragon a year ago. He slowly opened his eyes; he stated at their hand which was holding his. Their hand was a purple black with purple vaines glowing just beneath their skin. He continued to work his way up to meet their eyes. The Elder wore a lavishing purple black dress that was made from their feathers their dress adorned in amethyst crystals. He looked to their face and was mesmerized by the endless void that was their purple eyes. The Elder was truly a sight to behold. Their strength, beauty, and knowledge were intoxicating, he had wished he could always gaze upon the Elder, but he also understood why he had to bring his feathered winged ears to cover his eyes once more despite never wanting to stop. “You are truly a sight to behold Highest one, forgive me for gawking for so long. It was insecure of me. For I could never hold a candle to your brilliance.” He said over stumbling words. The elder chuckled to themself. “You say that to me in every life that we speak, it is just who you are.” They then guided him to the top of the stairs. “Are you prepared for your task my child? It is a task we Watchers wish we did not have to be tasked with but, it is our solemn duty given by the Ancient Dragon before their passing.” The Elder said calmly. The man nodded his head. “I am prepared to wipe the slate clean; the choice was made; they created factions and have divided themselves. The Red King and his hand, those men especially are to blame for the division. I have watched them since their world was bestowed upon me, their greed has destroyed their land and as a Watcher it is on me to reset the balance of their world.” He said as the elder released his hand once in the place they needed him to be. “You know what happens when a Watcher enters the cursed land and brings forth divine judgement?” The Elder softly asked him. He nodded his head. “Yes, the humans will have their souls cleansed by the Fang, the world will reset with their souls taking on new forms, and reset memories, unable to recall the divine judgment. When completed the Watcher will return to the kingdom and return their Fang to you and will start their watch over again to ensure that their world will never turn to bloodshed.” The Elder again smiled; they approached the wall behind their throne. They laid their hand on an amethyst crystal and the wall opened to expose a rack of Fangs from the Ancient Dragon. The Elder took his Fang from the rack and the rack closed back into the wall. “Please hold out your right hand.” The Elder ordered. He raised his right hand, and the Elder placed the Fang into his palm. He watched as the Fang glew purple and formed into a blackened sword infused with the words “Devine Sun” in glowing purple flame. He turned his head to look back at the Elder from his sword. “It is time now young fledgling to enter their world from our own. I wish you the best on your mission, may the Devine protection from the Ancient Dragon guide you on your mission. I will await your return home.” The Elder said to him. He walked to the edge of the Devine Gate which sat atop the steps. Once he went through the gate he could not return until his mission was complete. He turned to face the Elder and bowed once more to them. “I will take your gracious words of luck and protection with me. It is but an honor to service the will of our/my Elder. He turned back to look at the Gate. He walked forward and disappeared into the Gate.

Chapter Text

He held his breath and walked through the Gate. The world he once knew fell all away, nothing was under him when he re appeared, he yelped as he fell through the air falling at a fast rate of speed. “Oh yeah, of course I’d be cursed with the worst luck!” He growled. He opened his brilliant black, purple wings and glided himself to the forest below. He landed a little too hot and ended up falling face first into the dirt. Now he was really annoyed with himself. An All-powerful Watcher, forgetting how his powers worked. Yeah, that all but unfortunately checked out with what was his bad luck. He would always get too confident and then somehow end up in the alchemist lab having to get stiches despite Watchers having excellent healing abilities. He pushed himself up off the ground and used his wings to dust off his black and purple robe. Once clean he observed the clearing, he had landed in. It was full of lush oak trees, with the occasional flower growing here nor there. So, this was the cursed realm? From home it seemed so small and irrelevant but now that his feet stood on the soil, it seemed gander some how? His winged ears twitched as he heard footsteps coming towards him. He turned to the direction the footsteps were coming from. His hand hovering over his Fang around his waist. A man poked his head into the clearing from behind an oak tree. His face was covered in scars and so was his arms and chest. The unknown man had his eyes meet with his face. He looked on with what he could only describe was awe, too stunned to speak possibly. He smirked with pride and confidence. Of course, this human would be stunned into silence. Turley Watchers were a sight to behold. They where the very idea and embodiment of perfection. Not a single flaw. The unknown man walked into the sunlight that shone into the clearing. "You look beautiful, I've never seen a human with wings like yours! Who are you?" The man with the scars asked him. He was taken aback by the scared man's question. 'Did he just call me a human!? I'm a Watcher an angelic being! I will not be compared to him.' He thought with a scowl on his lips. The scared man saw the scowl and threw up his hands. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to offend you in any way if I did so I do deeply apologize.” He spoke. "Are you able to tell me your name?"

'Watchers don't typically use names rather titles to converse with one another. But it would sound strange to this human if he called himself Prophet Keeper.' He said to himself. He had to think quickly to give this man an answer. Even though he didn't owe him that right. Also, he was human, and his job was to erase their world and reset it, despite this thought at the forefront of his mind he looked upon the man with the scars and observed him closer. This man wasn't armed though, in fact he only carried a small satchel that rested across his bare chest and rested peacefully on his hip. "Where I'm from we don't actually have names." He spoke. Why did he just say that! It sounds stupid when said out loud. "Oh?" Said the man with the scars. "How about I call you Grian then? Does that sound like a good idea. Do you like that name?"

'Grian.' He thought the name was so foreign to him and yet that name for whatever reason felt like some form of connection he had from a previous life. It brought him some unexplainable comfort. Which was surely impossible, he was a Watcher, born with the Stone of Beginnings. This was of course an enchanted crystal tear drop from the ancient deity dragon. 'I've always been a Watcher.' He said to himself. 'Where am I getting ridiculous ideas like that?' He looked back to the man with the scars. "Grian is an acceptable name. Please refer to me by that name. And what do I call you?" Grian asked. "My name is Scar! Nice to meet you Grian." Scar said as he outstretched his hand to him. Grian was surprised by the motion, he understood the idea of this action he knew it to be a handshake, a greeting between humans. He looked down at his hand. Sighed and took Scar's hand into his own. Scar stared rather intently on his hand. "Scar, you're staring again." Grian said with a stern voice. "Sorry, I'm just surprised your skin on your hands and wrists are the same color as your wings and your robes. I'm not lying when I say you truly look fascinating. You're extremely unique! I've never seen anyone with wings like yours. The closest person I've seen bare wings is Jimmy." He said as he let go of Grian's hand. Grian stopped and considered Scar's words carefully. He knew of a man who bore smaller yellow wings. He was prone to finding himself in trouble. He fractioned with a man who bore a star crown with blue hair. "Scar, do you mind if we find a more comfortable place to speak? I have quite a few questions that I was hoping you could answer for me. If you're comfortable with that that is?" Grian said as he placed his arm around Scar's shoulder. 'I hate this idea; I would rather have just killed him but for whatever reason I can't bring myself to do it!'

Scar smiled. "Sure, we can go back to my house in the Sandlands. Please follow me I'll take you there." Scar then turned on his heels and begun walking through the oak wood forest. Grian followed him, walking cautiously and keeping his distance. From his observations he knew Scar chose to divide himself from all factions that were created when the Red King proclaimed himself King of their world. He knew what the alliance looked like but not their names. That was hopefully were Scar would provide him with intel about the Red King and his alliance! With them in better check, he could better craft a plan to intercept them at the heart, while also restoring order to their world. He felt his hand instinctively place itself over the left side of his chest. But in doing so Scar would die at his hand. Of course, he didn't care about his well-being and safety surely! That'd be a ridiculous idea! A ridiculous thought, he was only using Scar! Yes, that had to be it that had to be the reason. He needed him alive to achieve his master plan of wiping the slate clean. Scar was just merely a pawn to use if the situation was to become desperate. 'He seems interested enough in me and has been nothing but peaceful and friendly towards me. He doesn't know what I am or why I'm here. So, if I keep my primary goal a secret from him, he could maybe see me as a friend or ally. And then when the Doomsday starts, he'll watch me clean the slate, there is an 80% risk he'll help me if I manipulate him enough but there's a 20% chance, he could potentially turn on me if given an order too depending on if I haven’t got him fully under my control. I fully understand what I'm doing is not what Watcher's typically do. Or what is allowed for us. I'm taking an incredible gamble. But if it pays off, I could convince factions to even fight one another! Making my job all the easier. I can blend in with their night sky. It will be much more satisfying when I watch their corruption and greed leave their eyes when I take their final breath.' Yes, that would be the way, that would be a worthy gamble. He could see the prophecy set out before him. He could see the bloody battle ahead and from what he saw thus far it would fall in his favor. As they came through the tree line Grian was awe struck by rolling mountains of sand that reached out for the heavens. Upon the highest peak stood a brilliant sandstone castle. It looked well built and was shocked by its modern feel. He found it hard to believe Scar could create such a build. A grand staircase leading up to the front door. He took notice of a white Lama that slept a top the hill. A wall of cactus and lava bordered its perimeter with a bridge to cross it. As they went over the lava Grian experience its heat for the first time. It sent shivers through his feathers on his back and his ears. He decided then that he did not like the cursed realms lava. That stuff could due a lot of damage to his wings and he wasn't about to experiment to see if his feathers could grow back quickly if they burned up. He would have to adapt to solve for this issue in the future. Scar began to walk up the many steps to his front door. Grian took one look at the stairs. Nope nuh uh. He wasn't about to climb those stairs that’s what wings were for. He opened his black, purple wings and took to the sky. Scar looked above his head and saw Grian flying up to the door. His eyes filled with wonder again! Grian looked in his element up there. He looked free. Scar sighed, oh how he too wished he could be as free as the man who he had named Grian. To have wings and sore free into the clouds and not be bound to the Earth. It reminded him of how he felt when he was younger before winding up here in this world. His fellow people would scavenge and take only what was necessary to live, and they would replenish what was taken. Here they all fought over resources. They killed the environment and cursed their soil from being able to grow healthy and hardy crops. He wondered if Grian's sudden appearance had been the heavens finally answering his prayers for the rebirth of the land. Every being in this world would eventually return to the Erath and then life would begin its cycle once more. He watched Grian land at the top of the stairs and Scar joined him moments later. "You really are just so incredible." Scar said as he got to the top step. Grian of course smiled pridefully again. The lama looked up from it’s sleep. “Hello Pizza, I’ll come feed you shortly okay.” The lama flicked its ear before falling back to sleep. Scar opened the door and they both walked inside.

Inside Scar's home was even more interesting. There were many barrels that lined the bottom floor with a furnace and a caldron full of water for washing dishes. In the center of the downstairs room was a small wooden table with a few oak chairs around it. "Please have a seat, I'll join you momentarily once I put away the things I scavenged for in the forest, I will also pop on some herbal tea for you and me to share." Scar told Grian with a smile. "Are you sure you could spare your resources with me Scar? I feel like you don't get too much food, you're awfully thin." Grian said out of concern. He was well off feeding off his aura for the time being, Watcher’s also didn't typically eat, and the only time it was allowed was during the solstice of the moon festival which came once a year. His aura would feed him otherwise. "I assure you that you need it more then I." He exclaimed further. "I don't typically get hungry. Or thirsty. I am fine without but thank you for the offer." Scar shook his head side to side. "I understand your qualms and appreciate you thinking about my well being and my food situation, but I feel your being here is by fate and that alone for me is worth celebrating. So, I must insist. At least humour me just this once, would you?"

‘By fate huh? Funny he should mention it in such a way. It was fate but he didn’t know what Scar could be specifically insinuating by his statement.’ He cocked his head to the right. “Fate, you say. What about my being here gives you such a wild idea? Do tell I’m eager to hear it.” Scar continued to empty his satchel and had his back turned to face Grian. “Well, if you really are so inclined to know what is on my mind about it, I’ll be totally honest with you. I may not know what you are but what I do know is that I believe you could be a divine angel sent here to bring about the rebirth of our world, where I am from, we spoke often about angels that bore wings black as the night sky. They would come to the world when crimes of bloodshed were spilled. It was said long ago that it happened in my homeland before my time. However it has happened here. I’m aware you most likely know of the Red King, his hand, and his alliance. Am I falling in the lines of that theory?” Scar openly admitted as he placed the kettle on the top of the furnace to begin boiling the water for their tea. This time it was he who was stunned into silence. The man with the Scars knew of Watcher’s knew of their duties and rituals. But how was this possible?! “I’ll take your startled silence as a unconfounded yes. Grian I am willing to help you with your duties here, but I must make this fact abundantly clear from the beginning, I am not your enemy, I was the one praying for your arrival here. There is a war brewing in the capital of Dogworts! The King’s name is Ren, and his right hand is Martyn. They are the reason this war will breakout and the reason of your being here.” The water in the kettle on the stove blew out a high-pitched whistle prompting Scar to remove it from the furnace’s stove top. He poured both cups of tea and let the bags soak in the water, he walked over to the table Grian was sitting at his head was lowered and his hands were trembling. He placed the tea in front of Grian and then touched his trembling hands. He nearly jumped out of his skin at the touch because he was so deep into his own fear. A human knew this much! He had only known this man for approximately thirty minutes. He messed up really bad this time. This was way more then he was qualified with dealing with! ‘Prophet Keeper now you’ve really done it! A human not only saw you, but you’re also now sitting in his home, he knows basically what you are without knowing, and fully understands your mission for being here! ARE YOU ACTUALLY KIDDING ME! This is worse than I feared, it is way worse than I planned for. Oh, Elder I’m such a fool! I’m truly sorry, I was committed to my mission, I still am but I just couldn’t kill this man and can’t comprehend why I am torn by wanting to do so.’
“Apologies Grian, I’m aware how startling that conversation was, it’s okay to be afraid about that. You’re allowed to feel that fear, it’s the fear I live with everyday knowing that the war will breakout. I’m truly happy that you’ve come. I’m here to act as your guide if you wish it to be, I understand that I will die in the process of your duties and I understand why that will be. I will be allowed to be reborn through the Earth. This is what my people have lived by for centuries. So please if I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask anything of me.” Scar said as he sat down in the oak chair across from Grian. There was a long pause of silence between the two of them, Grian’s hands still trembling. He drew in a small breath before raising his head. Despite not being able to see Grian’s eyes Scar knew they were full of fear. “Well, I have done a rather horrible job in trying to think you weren’t intelligent enough to see right through everything about me, and especially as quickly as you have. It’s honestly blindsided me and you’ve really killed my confidence.” He said as he broke the tense silence between them. “You mentioned that you weren’t from here. How’s that possible? You’ve been living here for the last four years.” Scar shrugged with a heavy sigh; he took a sip of his tea. “Well to be honest that part of my memory is somewhat foggy you could say. I went wondering on my own, like I always had, I went deep into a cave and then remembering the cliff falling out from under me, when I awoke, I was here in this land. With people I didn’t know, to be honest I don’t think any one of us knew how we got here. I’d always try to strike up a conversation with the others but meany either ignored my questions or told me to buzz off. The only two people I could say I have a peaceful relationship with is Scott and Jimmy, but even they are keeping their distance from me now days.” Scar muttered. His smile turning more into a frown. So, he’s saying that he traveled between realms! But there was only the gate in the Watcher’s domain. This was a troubling phenomena that he’d just been told. Perhaps this world he was tasked to watch over was a realm ripped from the Gate. But that would mean a Rift had opened between worlds. So not only was a war about to break out, not only did the man covered in scars know of his people and their duties and accepted that by siding with him it would bring about his death, and he was at peace with that ideology, but now there was a high risk of a Rift! Grian brought his hands to his face and buried his head in his hands. “OH NOOOOOO! Great Dragon, your divine protection is not, going to save me this time. I’ve just walked into the worse possible nightmare scenario.” He then put his head on the table, he tried to keep his sulking to himself but there was the occasional sob that was audible, and he cursed himself for showing such emotions, especially in front of a human it was truly unbecoming of a Watcher his age. But he couldn’t help it. He would have to change his whole thought process now knowing this new information. “Hey, drink your tea, it’s got lavender and chamomile in it, you’ll fine that’ll help with the distress you’re feeling.” Scar exclaimed pointing at the steeped tea. Grian lifted his head and looked at the cup in front of him. He reached out and picked up the cup. He brought it to his face and sniffed the cup. He could smell something strong in the tea, that had to be the lavender Scar spoke of. It also didn’t smell like it’d been tampered with. He brought it to his lips and took a sip. He swallowed the sip, it was surprisingly good, he was astounded by the bold flavours that popped out from this small cup. “It’s delicious.” He said to Scar before taking another sip of his tea. “That’s excellent to hear, it makes me happy.” Scar proclaimed his lips turning up into a smile again. There was something so intoxicating about that smile Scar wore. He was starving and had not much resources to his name and yet he could smile in the face of this trial he was faced with; it piqued his interest in him even more. He had always had thoughts about humans, had always thought they were flawed beings, and yet for whatever the reason may have been Scar was proving his allegations wrong. It made him angry to be entirely honest. He was sent here to bring about their Doomsday, and he was sitting here in his house making deep conversation and sipping tea steeped from the cursed realms resources, this was insane, what oh Erath was he doing here? He was a Watcher he was meant to bring order here. Not sip herbal tea with a human. “Well Scar, as you’ve already explained my being here, I’d like to know the names of the Red King’s alliance. As well as know the names of the other factions.” Grian asked prompting Scar to nod. “Well Ren is their king in the capital. He’s extremely charismatic and offered quite the deal too all of us when he took the throne and proclaimed himself king. Martyn was his ally from the beginning of all this, so I am unsure if they knew each other and fell through the world like I did together or just immediately allied with one another when they got here. When we were given the choice to join, Etho, Bigb, and Skizz joined the Red Army. To my knowledge Ren and Martyn forced them to sign a contract with their blood. By doing this it sealed their fate to fight for Ren only, though I have very little idea what the terms of the contract was, Scott may know more about it then I do.” Scar exclaimed as he recounted the day that Grian had saw. “I see, and why do you believe Scott, whoever they may be, knows what was on the contract they signed?” Grian asked him promptly. “Scott’s powers are different then most others here. He can create star shards that can be left in places, those star shards connect with the crown he has, think of them as some sort of bio-organic surveillance system. He secretly planted a few in the capital and keeps tabs on everything.” Scar replied. Again, Grian was shocked into silence. “He wouldn’t happen to be a man with blue hair, would he?” He asked breaking the silence once more. Another nod from Scar. “That would be correct.”
“What would Scott’s wiliness to join us?” Grian asked after taking another sip of the tea Scar had made them. He watched Scar pounder the question he scratched his head. “Eh, probably low. Scott may be a skilled fighter, but he tends to want to avoid conflict then start it. Jimmy on the other hand is Scott’s opposite. He doesn’t think before he acts, he tends to just do whatever his impulse tells him. Although…” Scar trailed off before finishing his sentence. “Don’t leave me in suspense Scar. Although what?” Grain muttered in complaint. Scar took a sip of his tea he shifted awkwardly. Something was on his mind and it clearly causing him distress. “Scar, please tell me, whatever you’re trying to keep from me I can handle it.” Grian said in a more serious tone as he reached out for his hand laying on the table, Scar pulled it away, he was frowning again. “Scott, he doesn’t like, outsiders. I doubt he’ll be friendly with you coming onto his land.” Scar admitted. “I see, well that will be a risk I’m willing to take.” Grian replied with confidence behind his tone.
Suddenly they heard Pizza alarm in destress. “Pizza!” Scar cried as he ran to the door. Before Scar got to the door Grain appeared in front of him with his wings raised. “Grain! Move!” Scar demanded. Grian motioned for him to stay quiet. Scar looked on with confusion. Grian walked to the door in Scar’s stead. He cracked the door and saw a man dressed in a black and red trench coat with blond hair. ‘This is the hand of the Red King! But what’s he doing here?!’ Martyn took notice of the door opening. He went to reach for the door. Huge mistake. Grain forced the door open and held his Fang to Martyn’s throat. He let out a yelp of surprise at the speed in which this event happened. Grian opened his wings and glared down at him. “I’ll grant you five seconds to explain your being here and know I will know if you if you lie to me!” Grian snarled bearing his fanged teeth. “I’m here for Scar! Who the heck are you?! You are aware attacking me is a federal crime! Punishable by execution!” Martyn yelled back at him still staring down the blackened sword. “See, I don’t abide by your filthy king’s rules, I make my own. And you Hand of the Red King are to be sentenced to death!” He pressed his blade into his flesh. Pain that was all he could feel, he couldn’t move he couldn’t pull away. “I order you to drop your weapons, if you do that, I’ll be more willing to chat, it will not change that you are to die but I am willing to hear you beg for forgiveness!” Grian said as he pulled his feathered ears away from his eyes. Martyn attempted to protest but when his eyes met Grian’s he dropped his weapons in an instant. His once aqua blue eye’s glue purple. Grian lowered his Fang but still held it close by. “What did you come here for why you have come to see Scar this afternoon?” Demanded Grian. He wanted an answer he knew that they have always hated Scar. So why come to the Sandlands as Scar called it? “I came with a warning to Scar. That the Red King demanded he come to the capital of Dogworts unarmed for a public execution to demonstrate what happens if the factions do not submit to the King. Scar is to be the catalyst to bring about the Red Winter! If he is to resist us the Red Army will siege the Sandlands and take him by force!” Martyn answered Grian. ‘Scar, the sacrificial lamb to be used for slaughter just to prove that they alone are all powerful in this realm. How revolting! They really do wish to shed an undesirable amount of blood to reach their cause.’ Grian knew Scar was watching on from within the sandcastle. He could sense his fear, sense the tears trying to breach the corners of his eye. He couldn’t imagine what it felt like to be told your life was nothing more then cannon fodder to ignite what would be a ceaseless war of bloodshed. Scar was not a fighter; he was not a warrior. He was just a man who cared for this realm more then any other human who walked it. Grian’s eyes stared hard into the Hand’s. Martyn’s eyes were unwavering even staring into his eyes. He spoke the truth. Pathetic. Had he always believed in this corrupt rhetoric? Or had the Red King spoke of only impurity, enough to take this mans soul and ration from him? “Stand up, filthy human scum!” Grian snapped. Martyn stood at his order. He now had no weapons on him. “Why has the Red King decided on bringing this realm to its knees?”
“My liege wishes to restore order, he wishes to control with power and might. Our faction alone should authoritate the dominion and rules upon this land.” Martyn responded honorably. “A foolish cause,” Grian hissed. “You humans starved this world of life already; you brought about your own destruction! You did not wish well of others, you only strived for self interest and preservation! At it’s climax your king wishes to continue to seep innocent blood into your soil! At wait point will you understand your cause is unjust?!” Grian’s purple eyes cut narrowly at the man before him. His anger bubbling to the surface. “You call it what you wish! My King will bring about a new dawn for his people, and if that means blood must be shed then I will follow my Kings orders without fail.” Martyn sneered back in retaliation. Grian’s hand tightened around his Fang. He raised it above his head. He brought it down across Martyn’s chest. His eyes returned to their aqua blue color. Martyn held the wound along his chest. When did he get cut? When had he found himself here? Who was the man before him adorned in black and purple. “W-what happened? How did I get here? When did I get cut?” Martyn asked trying to get his grip back on reality. Grain’s feathered ears returned to cover his eyes. “You came here to pass along a message to Scar, you were successful in your mission. You were injured when a zombie carrying a sword cut you on your way back to the capital. You will not remember seeing or speaking to me, as far as you know I was only a figment of hallucinations with that zombie’s poison dipped sword if you are asked by your King. Do you understand the orders I’ve given you Hand of the Red King.” Martyn stared up and the being before him and nodded. He grabbed his weapons and left the desert promptly. Grian finally released his breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and sheathed his Fang back on his hip. He turned back to the castle on the hill. He walked into the door and Scar thew his arms around him in a hug. Grian pushed him away a moment later, no hugs were not particularly something he was used too nor at least now wanted to be a part of. He sat back down at the wooden table with their tea. He took a rather large sip. His muscles were tense, and he could feel the anger brewing inside him. He didn’t kill him he had every opportunity to do so. But if he did it now, without understanding the lay of the land it could result in the Red Army coming to the Sandlands before he was prepared. Seeing the greed and corruption firsthand he now clearly understood the differences between humans. Scar now seemed like an outlier in this corrupt world. If he could help it, he would do everything in his power to protect Scar until Doomsday ended. Scar sondered back to the table and his chair. He too took a rather long sip of his own tea. “I have a particular hatred of your neighbors, Scar.” Grain said with an irritated expression in not only his tone but plainly written across his lips. “Yeah, I’m not overly impressed either. How foolish could Ren possibly be? As if I’d have accepted his warning and demands. I’d rather die on my land then submit to his tyranny!” Scar retorted as he crossed his arms and leaned back into his oak chair. “I’m also surprised that he stopped and listened to you, you reveled your eyes too him, that’s the first I’d seen you remove your feathers from blocking your eyes. So, is it a form of hypnosis, perhaps?” Grain heaved a sigh. Yup he was way too intelligent, he couldn’t have possibly gone with the original plan of manipulating Scar. “You realize I’m rather annoyed by your tactical observations. But, yes, you’d be correct. If done right my eyes can act as a means of defence, it will only work if my opponent is either weaker then I or if I can time the effect just right to where they don’t expect it. Though in this case I couldn’t pinpoint which case it was as this is the first I’ve used the ability in combat.” Grian exclaimed casually. “Uh huh, first time? That was tactical, not only that but he really got under your skin there I could see your feather’s bristle up when he spoke to you. You really need to work on your anger issues.” Scar teased. “I DO NOT HAVE ANGER ISSUES TAKE THAT BACK, SCAR!” Grian said pulling his feathered ears back this time showing Scar his eyes. “OOOO! I knew you’d do that if I provoked you! Wow, your eyes are stunning to see.” Scar said with a warm smile. Grian’s brow twitched with irritability. “Scar, I swear, you’re walking thin ice with me.” Scar laughed and smiled harder. “Ow, ow, ow, my checks hurt from smiling.” He said as he massaged his checks. Grian pulled his winged ears back over his eyes. “I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt Scar, I don’t tolerate humans but I was willing to look the other way for you, but I don’t know maybe I will take your life first.” Scar jumped out of his chair. “No please Grian I was only joking truly. I just wanted to have an excuse to see your eyes. Please forgive me I’ll do anything!” Tear welled up in his eyes. This time it was Grian who let out a maniacal cackle of his own. It sent a bone chilling shake through Scar’s whole body. “G-Grian?” He asked with a shaken voice. He stood up and reached for his fang and drew it. Scar started to step backwards. “Grian please I’m serious it was just a joke! Please don’t do this like this!” Scar tripped and fell backwards. Grian stood over him with his Fang resting inches from his throat. Grian looked at the fear behind Scar’s eyes. He was afraid he was terrified. He’d seen enough. He pulled the Fang away from Scar’s throat. Smiled warmly and held out his hand to Scar. Scar’s whole body shook from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. “Huh? So, you’re not going to kill me?” Scar asked his voice still quacking from his fear. “Not today no. I just wanted to remind you that I have the power here, so please understand that I do take jokes seriously. I’m a very serious being.” Grian said as Scar grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. Grian then walked back to the table. “Now please tell me about the other factions, before we got interrupted.” He said as he sat back down at the table. Scar looked back at the man at the table. So that was what the divine angels were like when they sought to slaughter those who committed crimes of bloodshed. He was truly terrifying. The blackened aura around him just then was darker than what he’d witnessed only a short time ago when he had watched Grian cut Martyn across his chest, he was still being merciful then, here he had every intention of killing him. He didn’t stager he didn’t shy away from his intention. He got his point across no more jokes, no prodding just serious conversations only, he hoped perhaps maybe he could break through his outer shell, but they weren’t even close to getting to that point, and maybe even further now because of his selfishness to want to see his beautiful purple eyes for himself. “Are you coming back over are you too afraid to come close to me now, which I wouldn’t blame you if you did want to keep your distance from me after that.” Grian called over to Scar breaking him out of thought. “No, I’m coming back over, you just really surprised me is all. It was foolish of me to be as casual as I was, I misjudged the situation. We’re not close friends in the slightest. I shouldn’t have provoked you in my own selfish interest to have the opportunity to see what your eyes looked like behind your feathered ears. It was wrong of me, and I should have been more respectful than I was. I’m sorry, Grian.” Scar apologized. “You’re brave for taking on that responsibility of your misjudgment. Most humans wouldn’t accept the blame of their wrongdoing, as you saw firsthand with the Hand.” Grian told Scar as he watched Scar sit back down in his chair. “Yeah, you’re right. Most people here would only look out for themselves. I try to not do that. Anyway, you asked about the other factions. First, we’ll discuss the other independent faction. That would be Joel, he chose to live alone like me, he’s rather outspoken though in most circumstances. He did agree to join Dogworts but thankfully I was able to talk him out of it. Then there is the Crastle Alliance comprised of Impulse, Cleo, Bdubs, and Tango. Impulse originally was going to side for Dogworts before they forced them to sign the blood contract. He backed out and joined that faction instead. And then of course as we’ve already discussed Scott and Jimmy make up the Hobbits, and then the Sandlands which is just me. Then Ren, Martyn, Etho, Bigb, and Skizz making up the capital of Dogworts and the Red Army. Now you are a member on the chess board. It’ll be your choice if you chose to join a faction or remain an independent. You’re an angel with immense power at your disposal. I know that no matter what you choose none of us will escape your judgement. How you wish to enact that judgement again would be your choice. War in this country is inevitable. I believe we all know this.” Scar openly admitted clarifying the last of the details too Grian. Now he knew about all the players in this war. If he could help it, it would work best if he could get the Hobbits, Joel and the Crastle Alliance on their side. It would most certainly change the tides of battle for them. “Do you know he heads the Hobbit and Crastle factions?”
“That would be Scott and, and despite countless arguments back and forth between Bdubs and Cleo they’ve settled on no directing leader but if you want an exact answer Cleo has the best combat skills and observation. They would be best to speak with.” Scar answered. Grian nodded in understanding. “Alright then, that’s settled. Scar, until Doomsday ends, I will keep you alive. I will even offer up my own life regarding keeping you safe. I will join the Sandlands as your sword and shield. That is, if you allow me to be.” Grian said back to Scar with his descion now made in full. He held out his hand to Scar. Scar was taken aback in surprise by the angel’s words. Had he really made that much of an impression on Grian to have swayed him enough to ally himself with him. Scar smiled warmly back in response reached out his hand to take Grian’s. “Welcome to the Sandlands, Grian. The two of us are about to take on the world and win baby!” Grian heard overwhelming joy leave Scar’s voice. Grian’s lips twitched, and he felt himself smile genuinely for the first time. He felt happy, he had a purpose to fight in this war, and it was for Scar’s sake. For him for whatever the reason might have been that put him here, he’d fight to see Scar’s endless smile that pierced his angelic heart. They’d win the war. He knew that to be the truth. “Scar, let’s go see Scott and Jimmy, I want to see if they will join our cause.”
Scar agreed and they left the Castle, but Scar gave Pizza his food before they left. They were on their way to the Hobbit’s home. ‘I hope this will go just as smoothly as it did with Scar.’ But in the back of his head, all he could hear was Scar’s warning about Scott. “Scott, he doesn’t like, outsiders. I doubt he’ll be friendly with you coming onto his land.” So what would he be walking into?

Chapter Text

Scar led him through the oak forest and through tall mountain ranges to get to the Hobbit Hole. It honestly felt like forever walking to their base of operations. “Flying there is out of the question, if someone were to see you flying it could risk someone seeing you! As of right now you’re an unknown, we should keep it that way.” Scar had said when they were walking over too Scott’s when Grain had suggested he’d carry Scar with him to just beyond their boarders. He was frustrated by the truth that Scar held behind his words. Sure, he walked around the Watcher’s kingdom regularly, but he’d always sneak out after hours while his fellow Watcher’s slept to stretch his wings more regularly. The sky always felt better then the ground he walked on, to sore up there with their sun, that’s where he longed to be. He heaved another heavy sigh. “How much further, Scar? I’m used to flat ground when walking not these dang hills. Why did you think I flew up to your front door earlier today?” Grain complained. Scar looked over his shoulder. “Just up this last hill, is their borders. Then we can either climb down the hill or jump in their small pound if you don’t mind getting your feet wet.” Scar answered to Grian’s complaint. “Yeah, I think I’ll pass jumping into water, do you even realize how long it could potentially take for my feathers to dry. I have awful luck and knowing my clumsiness I’ll get myself completely soaked. Which would work out terribly if I had to get you and I away from here if there was an emergency.” Grian replied. They reached the top of the hill and crossed over the wall into the Hobbit Hole’s territory. Scar and Grain slowly descended the mountain, and their feet hit the ground. Scar looked around confused. Typically, Scott and Jimmy would meet him as soon as he crossed into the border.
Skreeeeeeech!!! “AAAAAAAHHH!” Grain screamed out in pain and fell to his knees gripping his head tightly. Scar was at his side in seconds. “What’s wrong with you?” Scar asked quickly. “Shut that scream up Scar! It’s so loud! It’s hurting my ears!” Grain whimpered in pain. Skreeeeeeech!!! “AAAAAAAHHH!” He screamed again his body trembling from the sound. “Grain it’s quiet right now there’s no screams. Whatever you’re hearing I am unable to hear! I don’t know how to help you!” Scar felt helpless in that moment. What was hurting Grian like this?! “What the hell is that thing, Scar!” Scott said appearing from behind them. “Scott? Are you the one causing this?” Scar asked. “Answer my question Scar! What is this monster you brought here! You realize it’s not human like the rest of us!” Scott snapped at Scar. Grain let out another pain filled scream. His ears were ringing his vision was blurry, he couldn’t sense Scar anymore, his aura felt suffocating. What was this shrieking that he alone could hear. He couldn’t hear anything but that putrid sound in his ears! “He’s not your enemy Scott! He’s with me, so please! Stop hurting him!” Scar pleaded. Scott stared down Scar. “I’m sorry for this Scar.” He walked up to Scar and knelt beside the pair. He held up his hand in his palm three-star crystals appeared. He blew them into the pair’s faces. Grain fell unconscious instantly when the shard hit him. “S-Scott, but-why?” Scar tried to finish his sentence before he felt his eyes grow heavy and the last thing he saw before he collapsed was Jimmy running to meet Scott.
It was dark, the world was dark, where was he? What had happened too him? Was he dead? No, he wouldn’t be here if he was dead, he wouldn’t be feeling his breath. He slowly lifted his head. Where was he? It was hard to see, his aura was being blocked somehow, it had to be, he couldn’t see his surroundings clearly, and where was Scar? “S-Scar?” His voice was horse, it sounded pitiful. “So, you’re awake.” Came an unknown voice. “Who’s there?! Who said that?! Where are you?!” He snapped; he tried to move to reach for his Fang but was restrained. ‘So that’s why I can’t see, my aura was disrupted when we got here and hasn’t recovered because my Fang can’t regulate my aura. This is not good, yeah figured this wasn’t going to go as well as it did with Scar.’
“What are you?” Asked the voice. “As if I’d tell you a thing! What did you do to me! What did you do with Scar! Answer me!” Grain snarled bearing his fangs. Skreeeeeeech!!! “AHHH!” there was that god awful sound again! He wanted to cover his ears but couldn’t. “Answer the question, what are you, we both know you’re not human! What kind of monster are you?!” Came the voice this time it sounded harsher. “So, you really want to do this, you think this is a game, torture? You’re a poor filthy human scum; it’s going to take a lot more then that god awful sound to have me break. I’m not telling you anything about me.” He heard the voice scoff. “You seem concerned about Scar’s well being, perhaps you’d be more pervasive if I tortured Scar in your stead, you seemed rather attached to one another.”
“TOUCH HIM AND I WILL END YOUR LIFE HERE AND NOW HUMAN! YOUR RESTRANTES WILL NOT HOLD BACK THE FURY THAT BURNS WITHIN MY SOUL!” Grain snapped as he broke a chain restraining him. Skreeeeeeech!!! “GAH!” His head throbbed violently. What was causing this, Watcher’s didn’t have weaknesses so how was this human debilitating him?! “That’s so loud!” He snarled shaking his head. “If it’s working it means you’re not human. You have wings like him but yours are nothing like his, your body is also not fully human, you may have an appearance of one, but you have black, purple skin on your arms and legs, and your body seems to react to the shards in a way a mob here would. That sound you’re hearing in your skull is meant to control most mobs. Though, you seem to have some sort of seal that’s preventing me from being able to get the information that I am seeking, you’re not someone I want around honestly, I even tried to cut you to draw a blood sample, but your skin wouldn’t cut. So naturally you’re a threat to us all. So, I’ll ask one last time before I involve Scar into this matter. What are you?!” The voice demanded. So, he was speaking to Scott, now he understood the situation he was in more. So, Scott’s Star Shards didn’t just act as a form of observation as he once thought, they could also be used offensively and defensively for attacks. Much like how his Fang could regulate his aura outside the Watcher’s realm and his eyes could cause temporary hypnosis Scott’s power worked similarly like his. “I see, well Scott, you’ve defiantly made a very sour first impression. I’m going to request that you leave Scar out of you and I’s personal conversation. We both know Scar is not a warrior like you or me. I can smell the fear permeating off you from here. You were smart enough to take my eyes away from me. If you are so interested in what I am, come closer to me, I’ll tell you when I tear your heart out.” Grain said in a dark chilling voice as a sickening smile crossed his lips. This time he felt something hot pierce is shoulder. “AGH! What the hell?!” It burned; he could smell his burning flesh. He felt the thing that was in his shoulder get removed. “Looks like lava dipped iron rods seems to at least hurt you.” Scott said as he grabbed his chin. Grain smirked. “Scar told me you weren’t a fan of outsiders. I can see why. Do you do this with all your visitors? Or am I just special?”
“You’re pretty peppy for someone who’s on the receiving end of all this, what is this like a normal thing for you?” Scott questioned. “Nope, but you’ve caught my attention in the worst possible sense. I came with noble and diplomatic relations on my mind for you and Jimmy, I’m fighting the war on Scar’s side. Scar told me you keep regular tabs on the Kingdom of Dogworts. I simply wanted to stop a war, but you’ve chosen a side I suppose.” Grain prompted. “A thing like you doesn’t have noble or diplomatic relations. Your Sword is not a regular weapon, its properties are holy.” Scott sneered in his face. Now he was right were he wanted him to be. He pulled back his fathered ears his eyes meeting Scott’s for the first time. He now could officially see his predicament. He was restrained by iron chains with small engravings on the chains. And three star like crystals floated around his head. One chain had broken off that held him, but seven other chains kept him restrained. “So, you have purple eyes, that’s extremely unique for a mob, Enderman are the only mob who bare purple eyes like yours, however they do not bare the features you do. You’re part avian, like Jimmy, but you’re not a canary breed of avian. So, I’ll ask one last time, what are you?” Scott scowled.
“Scott!” Came a voice. “Jimmy I’m in the middle of an interrogation, not now!” Scott snapped back. Jimmy got to the bottom of the stairs out of breath. So, this was the impulstic canary. “Scott, He’s an Angel.” He heaved. “A what?” Scott asked in an onset of confusion. “Scar, told me.” He answered. Scott turned to look back at Grian. “Is what he’s telling me true?”
“Look man, I didn’t tell Scar nothing either, he’s living a fantasy of his own, but sure let’s just say he’s right and move on with our lives.” Grain said with a shrug. He was happy to know that at least Scar was alright and safe. “Are you satisfied with that answer?” Scott looked to the Star Shards above Grian’s head. They moved to meet Grian’s eye level. A bright light glared into his eyes. “AGH! OW! What the heck was that for?!” His vision now had black spots in them. That was enough, he was done fooling around with Scott. His wings cut the seven remaining chains immobilizing him. Grian stood and stared down Scott and Jimmy, his demonic smile returning to his face. “Well, gentleman I’ll rate that integration as a one-star review, your time just ran out. I’m not going to so forgiving, especially towards you Scott, I’m not a huge fan of your games. Apologizes.” Grian said as he held out his hand. His Fang appearing in his hand. He felt the rush of his aura regaining its strength. He opened his wings again. “Let’s see how well you can see in the dark.” He flapped his wings and the torches on the walls all went out simultaneously casting the whole room into darkness. “SCOTT!” Jimmy yelped. Grian charged at Scott who was just about to grab his sword from its sheath. The pair’s swords clashed creating a loud clanging sound. “Jimmy, go grab Scar! I’ll keep it busy.” Scott told Jimmy. Grian lunged and pinned Scott to the floor, his nails dug into Scott’s flesh. “Jimmy, if you harm Scar, I’ll take your life like I’m about to take Scott’s!” Grian purred through a demonic tone. Those words sent chills through his whole body.
Hard footfalls could be heard throughout the room. Grian could sense Scar’s presence, but the sent of Scott’s blood was making it hard for him to get an exact location. He felt someone grab him under the arms and was yanked off Scott’s body. He looked behind him to see the person who had removed him, it was Scar. “Scar! I’m in the middle of trying to kill Scott why’d you stop me?!” He snarled his feathers brisling with fury. He watched Scar lower his head to his ear level. “Grian, do you trust me?” He narrowed his eyes back at Scar. “I do.” Scar stood up and walked past him, Grain watched as he approached Scott. How could he see in the pitch black? Scar stood over Scott; he watched Scar pull something from his pocket of his pants. He watched as Scar knelt to Scott who was holding his neck, blood dripped haphazardly though his fingers. His nails had sunk in deep with the amount of blood that he was losing. What was Scar holding? He couldn’t tell. He brought something to Scott’s lips. “Drink.” Scar said coldly. So, whatever he had was a drink? He didn’t bring anything to drink with them, at least not what he’d seen. He watched Scott swallow the unknown liquid. The sent of blood faded away, he watched as Scott’s neck wound healed itself. “W-What did you do! Why is he healed!” Grian spat angerly. Scar walked back to Grian. “You too, drink!” He said his face getting inches from Grian’s. He forced a glass bottle into his lips, he tried to pull it away from his lips. “Drink it Grian!” Scar snapped. Grain swallowed the unknown liquid. It tasted awful! Scar pulled the bottle away. “YUCK! What poison did you give me?!” Grian said with a shudder. He felt pain from his shoulder. He looked down and watched the burnt flesh slowly begin to mend itself. Just like he’d seen the cuts on Scott’s throat heal. But his aura wasn’t the thing healing the wound. “What witchcraft is this?!” Grian demanded an answer from Scar. Before Scar could answer Jimmy was able to ignite one torch on the wall with his flint and steel. The space now was lit with very little light. But it was enough to see Scott’s blue shirt having had been dyed crimson. Scott went to approach Grain again with his sword. Grain was ready to fight again. Scar pushed them both apart. “SCOTT! Back off. Do not make this worse for yourself. You’re lucky I stopped him the first time, I will not stop him again if you raise your weapon too him again, do you understand me. I will let him take your life.” Scar warned in an extremely serious tone. “Why are you protecting it?!” Scott snapped back in his own serious tone. “He is not a thing Scott so stop referring to him in that way! His name is Grian, he's an angel, and he will kill you. He is not very friendly and I was the one to bring him, we came with good intentions Scott, he was willing to work with you both before you attacked him, granted it was out of your own fear because I will agree, his aura and the way he holds himself just screams enemy, kill on sight but he really is only trying to bring our world back into balance!” Scar exclaimed to Scott. “There you go preaching your foolish fantasies again. Balance comes when the stars align! Not from the Erath!” Scott sneered waving Scar off. Did he say stars align? How peculiar, he looked at Scar who looked angry. “Gentleman give me a moment to breath. So, Scar we’re both under your understanding that for you and your people balance comes from returning to the Erath. Scott, you’re saying for your people it comes from the stars, am I following thus far?” Grian said sitting up before pushing to his feet and joining Scar. “Correct. Both Scar and Scott answered simultaneously. “I see, how interesting. For me, my balance comes from the Sun. All three of those are symbols I’ve seen before.” Grain explained. Scar looked at Grian with confusion. “So, you’ve seen our ideologies before?” Grian could only shrug. “Well, it’s rather complicated to explain, it was in an ancient textbook from home. It spoke of pillars, The Sun, The Star, The Moon, Mars, The Earth, Mercury and Pluto. All these titles are of celestial beings or bodies. They pre-date my time however the text exclaimed that they left a crystal to one day be inherited by the new pillars to replace them. So, I find it rather piacular that potentially there’s three of us standing in this room right now with the ideologies described by its texts. “You’re both insane.” Scott said shaking his head. He walked back to the fractured chains on the stone floor. He picked one up to study it. “I had etched celestial inscriptions into these chains as well, so I’m rather surprised that if Scar is telling me the truth about you, these chains should have held true. They should have been able to hold an angel if that was the real case. So, you’re not actually an angel.” Scott said as he held the chain. “I told you; I am not telling anyone anything about me especially what I am. I’m not a fool. Even if I told Scar what I was, I’d have to erase his memory, because clearly,” He paused and looked directly at Scar. “Scar can’t keep his mouth shut about these kinds of things.” Scar could hear the ping of annoyance in Grian’s voice. “It stopped you both long enough for me to separate the pair of you.” Scar interjected. “Not by choice Scar.” Scott and Grian said in unison. Jimmy and Scar exchanged a glance between them. “I’ll take my hot head if you take yours.” Jimmy muttered so Scott couldn’t hear. “I heard that, Jimmy!” Scott said condescendingly. Jimmy looked back at Scott. He rubbed the back of his head. Scott sighed. “Jimmy, you’re going to be the first one out of all of us to die first. Your Canary Curse follows you everywhere.” Scott said as he joined Jimmy at his side again. He then looked back to Scar and Grian. “So let me get this perfectly clear. Your being here was for my information I’ve collected from Dogworts.” Scar nodded. “That’s correct.”
“Well Scar, that information does come at a rather high price. I’d say it’s worth 15 diamonds.” Scott said as he placed his arm around Jimmy’s shoulder. “Scott.” Scar said cutting his eyes at Scott. “Scar, unlike you I haven’t chosen to burn a Dogworts banner in front of it’s people, I may have information, but I’d rather fight battle’s I can win.” Scott retorted back. “You wouldn’t have won your battle with me.” Grain said interjecting into Scott and Scar’s conversation. The star crystals that still floated above Grian’s head became active again, this time causing vertigo. Grian glared at him through the spinning. “It’s diamonds or no information Scar.” Scott said with a confident grin. Grian did not like Scott, he was extremely cocky and took every opportunity to hold himself over others. He believed his powers were second to none clearly. How about if the tables turned? That was easy enough. Grian looked up at the Star Shards that floated above his head. He reached up to grab one. “What are you doing?!” Scott demanded. Grian gripped one in his hand the once white shard turned a black, purple color. Scott’s crown turned the same color. “What did you do?!” Scott demand. “I just simply acted on impulses really, your Star Shards are organic, per Scar’s explanation to me before our arrival, I thought if that perhaps is the case your shards on your crown acts as a hive mind to control them, that perhaps is I could force my aura upon yours that suddenly your powers fail to work because I’ve overwritten their commands. You’re too confident in your powers for your own good. There will be no payment, only a share of valuable information. If you do that, I’ll retract my aura from yours. I feel this is an extremely reasonable deal. So, Scott, what’s it going to be, because trust me, the longer I leave my aura on your powers who knows what could potentially happen. The highest risk is you lose your abilities entirely. How would you protect yourself and Jimmy if that were to happen?” Grain said cunningly. Scott gritted his teeth. There was the reaction he’d hoped for. That was the spot, hit him were it really hurt. His shards now reacted for him. ‘Now the question was, was he going to be foolish or be smart here?’ Scar turned his head only slightly enough for Grian to catch his eye. He looked thankful by any case. Good so he’d made the right call for Scar’s sake, and his own. If Scott couldn’t affect him, it meant that they now had the upper hand over Scott. Scott cut his glace at Grian who stood just behind Scar, he looked back at the floating shards above his head. He sent a wave of energy through the shards. Scott gripped his head and fell to his knees. He felt like he was being suffocated. ‘Not so cocky now, are you, Scott.’ Grain thought with a satisfied grin. “Okay, I get your point lay off! I’ll tell you what you want to know.” Scott said through pain filled grunts. Grian pulled his aura back off Scott temporarily. Scott pushed back to his feet. “What do you want to know about Dogworts?” Scar responded. “We want to know what the details of the blood pact that Etho, Bigb and Skizz signed with Martyn to fight as the Red Army.”
“That’s rather specific, especially for you to ask, Scar. So, I’m guessing Grain behind you is the one who you’re seeking the answers for. Though I’m unsure how that information would give you an upper hand against the Red Army. The contracts terms were absolute. “Thou who seekith asylum from poverty, shall bare arms for the Red King. To prove thy self to he the Red King of these lands cut thy wrist and offer thy blood and sever ties with those who wish his kingship harm. With your blood drawn sign thy name in crimson and bind thy life in service of the Red King.” These were the terms that they agreed too when they signed away their lives in service of the King. The proposition that Ren told us was too good to be true, we all knew this and yet those fools no longer have freedoms, and you Scar, burned a banner in defence. I’m surprised you had the confidence to leave the Sandlands to come here. The Red King wants your head on the chopping block, in fact Martyn should have paid you a visit to mark you the sacrificial lamb to try and get the rest of us in line.” Scott recounted. “Oh, yes Martyn did come, and Grain took care of our issue.” Scar exclaimed aloud. Grian wacked Scar with his wing. “Ow!” Scar whimpered rubbing his red cheek. “What was that for?” Grian rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Stop just telling the enemy everything. If Scott doesn’t have eyes at the Sandlands that’s a good thing for us, not only that but if the Red King catches wind of Scott’s abilities he could be forced into a contract against his will. That will put our alliance at high risk. Scott’s abilities are on par with my own, I won’t go into specifics but having had this interaction I know I’d much rather have Scott either off the board entirely or allied with us.” Grain explained in detail. “So, his abilities are like yours?” Scar asked as he looked back at Grian. “Then, in that case Scott, we’d like you to join our resistance against the Crown.”
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you’re both insane, you’re walking into a death sentence, I want no part of fighting Ren or his cronies.” Scott scolded. “Scott I’m going to have to point out your errors here, you don’t have much of an option. If you don’t join us in fighting the Red King and his army, it’d mean if we fail you and other outstanding factions must choose to fight or submit. If you fight you die honorably if you submit you’ve chosen the cowards option and lose your freedoms, you savor even now. I have seen both options laid out before you. Ren most likely will target your faction after Scar. You’re considered his other largest threat. If you take the ladder choice, I can not guarantee they won’t force you to sign your name in blood. Jimmy is their target. They’ll use his life as leverage against you. You know it and I know it.” Grian openly admitted. Scott knew that he had a point and Grian knew this because Scott was glaring at him with a burning hatred. “If we join you lunatics we’ll die any way. I fail to see any real options that we don’t die or get enslaved.” Scott proclaimed. “Exactly, that’s why I’d fight until my end to say I did something with my life and didn’t submit to the Red King’s tyranny. You can say with your whole chest you chose to die on your own terms.” Grain said as he approached Scott. He held out his hand to him. With Scott’s abilities being useful to him instead of harming him it could mean he could expand the scope of sight in this world, he didn’t have a viewing pool in this world, which limited his overview of this realm too only so far with his aura alone. So having an ally on their side that could fill that void for him would be extremely useful. Scott looked Grian up and down. Before Scott could act Jimmy took Grian’s hand. “Deal.” Jimmy said. His hand lit up purple. Jimmy winced and pulled away. Scott looked on in concern. “Jimmy what happened are you alright?” Jimmy held his left eye. He winced as he slowly opened it. Scott looked at Jimmy and anger crept in. Jimmy’s left eye was purple like Grain’s. A smile was across Grian’s lips. “What did you just do?!” Scott demanded getting into Grian’s face. “He took the deal; all I’ve done is ensure that you had my divine protection. I was hoping he was the one to take it, you said he has horrible luck. The Canary Curse as you called it, yes? If something happens to Jimmy, I will come to your aid, simple. In return for protecting his life you will join the Sandlands faction in a call to arms against the Red King and his army. It’s not a soul binding contract like Ren’s with his army. You both still have your freedom. However, know this as a warning, if you fail to come to Scar’s aid when called, I will personally see to it that you will be given a serious punishment that reflects the crime. Are we clear.” Grian told Scott with a smile. Scott turned his head back to Jimmy with a look of annoyance. “Jimmy, I swear, you’ve just signed our death warrants.” Jimmy looked up at Scott and gave a confident response. “If you don’t trust him I will! If Scar chose to fight along side him even if it means death. I don’t want to serve under a dictator like Ren! I’m taking my curse into my own hands this time!” Jimmy was being serious this time, his voice didn’t even waver. Scott let out an agitated sigh. “Well Scar, Grain, I guess we’ll join your foolish escapade despite knowing it’s going to end up with us most likely getting killed.”
“That’s amazing to hear! You won’t regret joining the Sandlands. I promise!” Scar said as he hugged the two Hobbits. Grian was satisfied now that the deal was done. He reached for the Star Shards that floated above his head. He took the shard in his hand and the shard turned to it’s pure white color again, Scott’s crown also returned to its pure white color. “As promised with the exchange I’ve freed your aura from my own. We’re now on the same side, so for future, please avoid using them against me from now on.” Grian said before motioning for Scar to see themselves out. Scar joined Grian at the stairs too the exit. Grian didn’t say anything further as he climbed the stairs out. Scar waved to both men. “Bye you two!” He then climbed the stairs following not far behind Grian.
Grian could smell the fresh air as they got close to the top of the stairs. He started running the rest of the steps. Scar trying to keep up after him. Grian broke out into the opening and took to the sky flying towards the setting sun. He hovered in it’s dying raise. He felt at ease now. It’s raises were warm. Just like at home. His body always seemed to relax when it was bathed in the sun’s embrace. He watched the sun dip into the horizon and out of sight the moon raising to take its place. He flew back down to Scar who’d climbed the cliff face and was waiting for him to join him once more. Grian landed next to Scar. “Feeling better? You looked much happier up there then in that cave.” Scar asked Grian as his feet touched the ground. “Much better, I’m just happy that I could even get the last few minutes of your Sun’s raise before it went to sleep for the night.” Grian said as he walked along side Scar who had begun to descend the cliff face heading back towards the Sandlands. “So, what was in that glass bottle you gave Scott and I, you didn’t get the opportunity to tell me back there.” Grian asked following behind Scar. “Oh yeah, it was a healing potion, I carry a few on me whenever I leave in case I get attacked. I just so happened to have been carrying two in that moment. I know they don’t taste the best, but they sure do work.” Scar exclaimed. Grian had a bewildered look on his face, that drink could heal wounds. Surely, they couldn’t do alchemy like the alchemists within the Watcher’s realm. “So, you have alchemy here?” Scar shook his head. “Not exactly, no. We have brewing stands; they’re used to create different potions that can be used in battle. I wouldn’t consider it to be in the same category, though you might consider it so from your home’s perspective.” How fascinating, their world was much more resourceful than he’d anticipated. They had knowledge of such advanced medical skills. One drink of their healing potion that Scar had given him healed a wound that pieced his flesh and seared his skin with third degree burns. His aura barely had made a dent when his aura returned in full. Like he’d anticipated their worlds lava would be a problem. Watcher’s skin was extremely hard to penetrate as they grew older and learned to regulate their aura. Now that he though about his situation more his aura was in a weakened state when his shoulder had been pierced by the iron rod. Could his skin have protected him from a worse attack or would it have pierced him like it did unprotect. These were troubling thoughts. Perhaps he would ask Scar to make extra for himself in the likelihood an emergency arose that required it. “Well you’re deep into your own thoughts.” Chuckled Scar. Grian lifted his head. “It appears I have. Apologies, I’m simply reviewing the battle between Scott and I in my mind. I was considering the likelihood of the severity of the injury I received from Scott while my aura was lost. Even when it returned in full the process of my injury to my shoulder healing was regrettably slow. Which is concerning to me. It seems that this could present an issue in my defence. It's possible that I may require spare potions if you’re able to spare some.” Grian explained as he caught up to Scar’s side. “It’s getting more difficult to make them, but I suppose I can spare some, though I will have to take the opportunity to review the ingredients to confirm I have enough to spare, if not then it may require us to take a dangerous trip to the neither.” Scar told him. Grian nodded. “Sounds good.” Growlllll. Grain looked around for the source of the sound. He saw Scar touch his stomach. “Did that sound come from you?” Grian asked Scar. “Yeah, I’m just hungry is all, not that I have enough food to satisfy the hunger, but I’ll eat the few barriers and rotted carrots and stale bread I have waiting for me at home. Other then that I doubt I’ll be eating the next few days, it’s becoming harder and harder to live like this. The land has been tainted so resources are becoming less available. I’ve had to space out days to eat to about 3 days. To be safe I should just eat the bread and keep the berries and carrots for two days from now just to play it safe.” Scar said his voice filled with longingness for a bountiful meal where he wasn’t wasting away. He tried to not think about it, but the hunger delusions made this difficult even on his better days. Grian knew that he was tight on food and that the land wasn’t providing well for the compatriots of the land, but Scar’s thin nature was the warning sign that he was already struggling to survive. Scar depended on the lands resources to survive. With the soil tainted by blood the Earth in turn was crying out for their mercy. Scar was the only one of them to try and advocate for their survival. No one bothered to listen to him. Now because of others he was left to suffer in loneliness and seclusion. That was no way to live for anyone. Scar didn’t deserve that kind of fate. He had to do something, but what?
The pair reached the desert in twenty minutes and crossed back into Scar’s territory. Scar tried to walk up the stairs, but his legs gave out from under him. Grain fortunately was next to him to catch him before he hit the ground. “Scar?!” Grian gasped as he held him close to his chest. Scar was breathing heavily, and his body shook like a fragile leaf in the wind. Grain looked on at him with great concern. “Apologies, I didn’t mean to burden you.” Scar said as he tried to stand on his own, but his legs refused to hold him. “Scar be honest with me when did you last eat?” Grian asked begging to have Scar open up to him. “Be honest huh? Seven days ago, I’ve spent more time here just trying to sleep. I pushed past my limits today and paying the price for it now it seems. I’ll eat the bread and go to sleep, I’m sure the rest will get my strength back.” Scar said haphazardly. Grian picked Scar up into his arms. Scar was like a feather to pick up. Yeah, he defiantly was starving to death here in the desert. He carried Scar to the front door. He opened the door with his hand while his wing cradled Scar while he did so. He helped Scar into his seat. Scar tried to get up and Grian glared him down. “Stay put, where’s your food?” Grian ordered. Scar pointed to the barrel by Grian’s head. Grian opened it and took the Carrots, berries and bread out and prepared a suitable meal, or well as suitable as he could make it with what he was given to work with. He put the wooden plate in front of Scar. “I just wanted the bread; I won’t have food if I eat it all tonight.” Scar said looking to Grian. “I’ll figure something out, now eat. I can’t have my friend starve to death on my watch.” Scar looked at Grian with big eyes. “You just called me your friend.” Grian rolled his eyes. “Yeah, so what if I did? I promised you that I’d protect you until the war ended, didn’t I? It’s not that big of a deal.” Scar smiled up at Grian with the smile he’d started to be quite fond of. “It’s a big deal to me.” He looked back to the food on his plate. He put his hands together. “Thank you. Erath for providing me this meal.” He then started eating the food. He seemed thankful for every bite he took of the food that Grian had made him. In fact, he had a few tears drip down his cheeks as he ate. Once he had finished, he sighed with relief. “That meal was amazing Grian, thank you. I feel much better than a few minutes ago.” Scar admitted. “Good, I’m glad to hear that. Do you think you can make it up stairs, or do you think you’ll need help?” Grian asked. Scar stood up; he wobbled for a moment but braced himself on the table. He turned to head for the stairs to his bedroom. “I’ll be okay, I have a spare bed upstairs if you, wanted to rest as well, though I’m unsure if angels even sleep.” Scar said. “Goodnight Grian, and for whatever it’s worth, I’m really happy you’re here.” He went to disappear upstairs. “Scar?” Grain asked. “Yes?” Scar answered. “If you could have any food in the world right now, what would you like to eat?” Scar had to stop and think for a moment; it was a very precarious question. “If I had to answer, I loved the salmon my mother used to make when I was little. So, if I could have anything I’d love to eat that if given the choice.” Scar said before he disappeared upstairs, and it left Grian alone in Scar’s kitchen. He washed the plate he’d given Scar and left it on a wool towel. He looked out the kitchen’s window. He was alone now and left with his own thoughts. Scar was starving and most likely unable to fight in this war. He seemed to use to have a body that had a lot of muscle tones to it just from seeing his torso. Despite that having been the case the lack of food has taken its toll on him over the last year. He’d seen him in the viewing pool plenty of times before this, but now that he could see the toll in person, he couldn’t believe Scar had the endurance to push on like he had. He himself didn’t require food like Scar, so he had never felt what starvation felt like. Scar was living everyday like that. Humans could only last three to seven days without food. He hadn’t eaten for a week until today. Well, no more, he was going to help ensure Scar could eat his fill. He walked to the door and opened it; he closed it behind him and took to the sky. He was looking for something specific this evening. A secluded pond, lake or river. It didn’t take long for him to find a small lake not far from the desert. He landed nearby it’s crest. He knelt beside the water. What he was about to do was forbidden for Watchers to do. He was about to interfere with this world. If it meant Scar could see this war to the end by his side, then. “I beg you High Elder, forgive me for the sin I’m about to commit.” He placed his hands into the water and his hands glue purple and so did the water. Suddenly the lake sprang to life with many fish of various types. He removed his hands from the water. He’d done it, he’d broken taboo. He could be killed for this, but he was willing to lose not only his status but his life. He didn’t know exactly why he had acted like this, but it just felt, right to him. He went to a near by tree and drew his Fang. He cut the bark carefully and made a small basket. With one made he flew over the lake catching a basket full of fish. With that in hand he flew back to the desert satisfied by his bounty. He entered the sandcastle and put the fish on ice. He’d get up at daybreak tomorrow morning and make Scar the best breakfast he’d ever have! He headed up the stairs and saw Scar sleeping soundly in his bed. He smiled at him before he walked over to the spare bed on the other side of the room. He took off his boots and slipped his body under the covers and stared at the celling. His eyes grew heavy as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Grian shifted in his bed he groaned softly.

He slowly opened his eyes, and found himself at an obsidian table, he lifted his head, his brain still foggy with sleep. He took in his surroundings. ‘I’m in the dinning hall back home? How’d I get here? I haven’t completed my mission, if I’m here I’m probably going to be punished.’ He stood up from the chair he was sitting in and pushed to his feet. He left the hall and headed for the throne room where the Elder most likely waited for him. Watchers young and old passed by unfazed by his presence. He didn’t feel like taking up conversation, he was going to face the consequences head on. He arrived at the doors to the throne room. There were no knights guarding the door. ‘How bizarre? There were always knights meant to guard the Elder. Their role was far too important to be left unprotected.’ Grian knocked on the doors before entering the room. He saw the Elder waiting at the base of the stairs. “I’ve been awaiting you, Prophet Keeper.” They said as he approached. He knelt before them. “Forgive my intrusion highest one, I hope you haven’t waited long.” Grian said in respect. He saw them smile softly. “I have not waited long, for it was I who summoned you here as I wish to converse with you.” He couldn’t stop himself from flinching. They took his hand into theirs and guided him to an obsidian table. He ensured that the Elder was seated first before himself. “You seem uneasy my child.” The Elder pointed out. He was far from being uneasy in fact he was frantic, what were they going to do? What would they say to him? His head bubbled with hectic questions that he couldn’t answer or anticipate for. “W-what gives you that impression.” He said as he fumbled over his words and shifted nervously. ‘Could you be anymore obvious! Get a grip Prophet Keeper. Calm yourself. They haven’t even accused you of your crime yet.’ Grian had to take a sharp breath in, and it shook as he breathed out. ‘Smooth really selling yourself.’

“Prophet Keeper there is no need to be so on edge, I’m not going to discipline you with regards to you braking taboo if that is what has you so uneasy.” The elder calmly explained. His head shot up. “You’re not mad? But I interfered with my world, it is outlawed by your supreme rule! So why forgive me for my treason! Surely you must hold some form of discipline for me! I disobeyed a crime in that degree should yield my death or at least my rank stripped at the minimum!” Grian asked abruptly. The Elder raised their hand, and it silenced him. He sat back into the obsidian carved chair. “I did not say I wasn’t angered, nor did I say I felt anything on the matter, I simply wanted you to be at ease with yourself and know that I have merely observed you on your mission and deemed you would not receive punishment for your taboo.” They said softly. “Please tell me about the man with the scars. You committed the taboo on his behalf am I correct. If this is truly the case, I wish you to explain yourself. I’m here to oversee the people I govern and have always chosen to be merciful as your ruler. I can read your heart young fledgling. You cannot hide anything from my all-seeing eyes. You’ve chosen to risk everything for him. I already know the reasons, but I wish to hear them come from your lips.” Grian turned his head away. “I don’t know why I did it, I just didn’t want to see him suffering like that.” The Elder sighed. “You continue to try and keep your heart closed; you are allowed to speak freely before me Prophet Keeper. I will not judge you for your feelings.” Grian tightened his hand into a fist. He wasn’t going to win in this tug of war regarding his feelings towards Scar of all people. He was a kind and gentle soul, while he was full of rage and hostility. He hated humans and yet now he second guessed himself when he was interacting with Scar. “I- I guess… UGH! Why am I stuck in a repetitive loop with myself. I can’t bring myself to say the thoughts out loud. I don’t want to seem weak before you nor with myself. I’m angry that I went there and when I saw Scar- I just- I couldn’t,” He sighed burying his face in his hands. “It’s not like I like him, and it’s not that I want him dead either, and every time I think about having to kill him I see his stupid warm smile in my mind and I just can’t bare the thought of taking his life with my hands, and don’t even get me started on my human name he gave me. Grian, it’s going to sound absolutely mental when I tell you this because I never had that name let alone heard it before then but I had this delusion that I used to once go by that name which is physically imposable because I’ve never been human before in my whole twenty plus years I’ve lived in this palace of obsidian. Not only that but Scar is well versed in understanding what Watchers are without understanding our race by name. I broke taboo because I couldn’t live with myself if Scar died before he even had an opportunity to die on his terms, or mine. I did it because I- I wanted to be his friend. It sounds like such a childish request and yet, I don’t know what I’d do if he became lost to me. I want to have a purpose to take his life. If that means I must fight on his terms, then I might just grin and bare it. Scar was going to die if I didn’t interfere with the balances of their world. I knew what I was doing when I made that decision, and I won’t take back what I did! I want Scar to live to see this war through. I won’t except it any other way.” Grian said. It felt so alien to him to have finally say everything that was sitting on his chest for so long, but he also felt overwhelming relief finally settle upon him. “I’m happy you were finally allowed to speak your true feelings; you’ve been suffering for some time with those feelings.” The Elder said sharing a small smile with him. “I don’t understand where these feelings are sprouting from though. Watchers are celestial beings, created for the sole purpose of balancing worlds, we are beings with pure souls. Untainted by the curse realms lies and deceit. So why do I share such intense emotions when I am next to Scar of all people? My head just seems to get placed into an ominous fog. It’s unsettling if I’m entirely honest. The name, thing has stuck with me for the last eight hours, or at least I think it’s been eight hours. I don’t understand why I can’t get that name out of my head. It just feels so natural to me and can’t understand why. It’s a human name; I’ve never been human.” Grain pondered aloud. “Because you once went by that name.” The Elder chuckled softly. He froze. He turned his head to face them. “What do you mean? You’re telling me that that is my name, that it’s not just my imagination? B-But how could that be possible? That would mean I was human once; I’ve never gone by that name here. Watchers aren’t human, I was born a Watcher, surely, you’re mistaken.” Grian said in utter disbelief. He watched the elder shake their head. “I do not lie my child; it is true that you were once a human like the man with the scars. He is your soul bound. In every world he is destined to meet with you.” Grian stood up from his chair and slammed his hands down hard on the obsidian table. “Me a human like him? As well as soul bound to him, in every world. You’re telling me that there is more then one Scar and more then one me? How could that even be possible!? Souls can’t be duplicated or resurrected. If a Watcher used their powers to do such a thing they are killed instantly, no questions no opportunities to repent. It’s outlawed for a reason! I couldn’t have been human, I have no recollection or memory of such, not to mention humans don’t have a connection with the ancient dragon! I’d clearly remember if I had been!”

“You wouldn’t have memories of such, because you died by a knight’s hand. There was, an accident. You were never meant to die that day.” The Elder told him. He pulled back his feathered ears his eyes laid upon the Elder without permission, he did not care, his body shook with anger, how was any of this possible? How could he not remember anything like this, and if the Elder knew the truth why they chose now to tell him this kind of information. “An accident?! Watchers don’t make accidents. They kill those who shed blood. I was marked why?! Don’t keep this from me. Don’t call it an accident! What did I do to be marked and then why did my soul reincarnate! Human souls reset back to the beginning it’s not possible to change species. A human is human, and a Watcher is a celestial being. They are not the same!” Grian snapped his eyes blazed with incredible fury. The Elder did not react to his outburst, they simply folded their hands over each other their eyes still holding a caring nature to them, they stayed unfazed. “You were a young researcher at the time, you had settled on a large jet of rocks that laid bare to floating islands. Fascinated by its mystery you chose to research the land and its anomalies. Your research led you to find a small crack in a large spanning cavern beneath the stone structure where you had decided to live. Intrigued by advanced readings of energy that surged through this crack in the wall you created a machine to help you research your findings. While conducting experiments on the crack the stone cracked further and the energy within surged through the cavern cracking the stone entirely giving way to a span of purple swirling energy. Little did you realize in that moment that energy you were researching was a part of the gate. A Knight arrived in that moment and slit your throat without a second thought before returning to the gate and returning here. As you laid bleeding out two of your closest friends arrived to find you, they tried everything they could to stop the bleeding, the man with the scars held you the whole time and did not leave your side. You said your last goodbye to both. Due to your proximity for the duration of time during your research it is my observation that deemed that your human DNA mixed with that of a Watchers. This has always been my theory of your incarnation as a Watcher.” The Elder answered. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing come from the Elder, the highest authority in the kingdom. He was once human, a researcher. He had found the gate in the human world. He’d been killed for not even committing a crime. “Did you kill the knight that acted out of turn?” Grian asked his bangs covering his eyes, his fists tight enough to draw purple blood from his palms. “I did, to this day I am unsure why they did what they did.” The Elder told him. So, the coward never even told the Elder why they’d done it. His death was a knight’s choice to murder an innocent. “Why tell me this now? How do you know I won’t betray you and the others?” Grian questioned. “For the exact reasons why, I know you won’t do so.” The Elder respond. Grian was extremely angry, he was so angry that he wanted to kill something. It was just him and the Elder, there were no knights on the other side of that door to the throne room. He could kill the Elder here and now if he chose too. By the time the knights arrived the Elder would be dead of he himself would be. He raised his hand and punched the table his hand cracked with a sickening noise. He didn’t care, he hit the table again. The Elder grabbed his fractured hand into their own. His eyes fell upon their calm and collected void within, he felt the rage and hatred begin to leave his body as he stared deeply into their eyes. “S-Stop…please, don’t… don’t do that. I’m angry, I hate, you, I hate- humans, I hate everything about this, don’t take that from me, I want to feel that. I deserve to feel that. I deserve to suffer in those feeling on my own.” Tears fell from his eyes as he looked on. The Elder held his body close to theirs. Their embrace was light but firm in the same instance. Their embrace was warm and comforting. His body shook in the Elders arms. He couldn’t stop the tears running down his face. How could all this have happened to him? He was once human; he once walked the cursed realms lands. He couldn’t remember any of it. The very weapon he carried took those memories from him. To be told that your death was meaningless, much like how Scar was marked to incite The Red Winter’s beginning. He was overwhelmed in grief and sorrow. This was too much for him to bare on his own. “Scar mentioned a rift.” Grian said quietly through his sobs. “He mentioned that he and the others in my world fell through one to this world. Is it possible like my world that a gate opened and tore a hole in a reality that is separate from their true homes.” The Elder ran their hand through his golden-brown hair. “It is entirely possible.”

“What do I do then? What will happen to them if I kill them in that reality? Will they return home to their respective worlds and begin again, would they begin again in the rifted reality, or would their souls be left to wonder aimlessly with no world to return too?” His mind was foggy, he felt tired, and his eyes grew heavier by the minute. The Elder’s embrace was unbelievably calming any negative feelings he once had left his body entirely. “It’s too early for me to know that information. I’m unfortunately not well versed in the Gate’s history of existence, so I cannot say for certain.” Grian yawned but tried to stay awake. He looked at the Elder one last time. “Can you promise me something?” He asked. The Elder softly smiled. “What is it my, child?” Grian looked on with groggy eyes. “No more secrets. If I’m going to serve as your Prophet Keeper, I want you to hide nothing from me, if you promise that much to me, I’ll forgive you.” They ran their hand over his cheek. “I promise.” They told him. Grian’s eyes drifted closed and his wings covered his eyes once more.

Grian’s eyes softly opened. His cheeks felt wet. He sat up in his bed and touched his cheeks. Tears still falling from his eyes. He quickly wiped them away with the heel of his palms. He looked at Scar who still slept peacefully. He now knew that Scar was bound to him. It could explain why he knew so much about Watchers, the question was had he met the Grian from his world before falling into this one? It’d have to be a question he asked Scar at some point, but he’d have to figure out a way to ask the question without sounding crazy. He got out of bed and walked downstairs and took the opportunity to open the front door quietly. He flew up to the roof of the sandcastle. The sun’s raise was just beginning to raise from the skyline, the moon dipping away to make room for daybreak. He sat down on the roof facing towards the east to watch the sun rise. His mind still racing from his meeting with the Elder. To know he was human once, it was anything but relaxing to know that he was once imperfect. Despite having not deserved to die he still felt as if he was at fault for his death. How foolish could he have possibly been to be investigating the gate? The gate was a celestial body, or at least the texts described it as much. Perhaps that was why as a child he found it’s study so fascinating. He’d always found it to be the most unique part of the kingdom. He sighed heavily as the sun peaked out from behind the horizon line. He’d always had this unidealistic view of humans because he hadn’t understood their greed and corruption. He though that all humans deserved to die. That thought now made his skin crawl. Could the Watcher who chose to murder him in cold blood that day thought the same as he did now? Did he only exist to breed that same kind of hatred? No, he didn’t surely. Yet the voice in his head pinged the continued lie he told himself. He hated humans. But did he though? Or was Scar the only exception and if so, was it only because his soul was bound to be with Scar regardless of any world were their souls existed. It made him wonder what happened to the Scar in his universe. ‘Was he okay?’ He shook his head. It didn’t matter now, it wasn’t like he could go back to that world one day to see Scar, he didn’t even know how old he’d been when he died. There wasn’t even the guarantee that Scar and his other friend whoever they were, were alive still, 20 years had passed since then. The suns raise begun hitting his legs and the base of his feathers now. Its embrace was warm. This was where he found the peace in his mind, being kissed by the sun’s embrace. There was no feeling quite like it. He looked down at his right hand that he’d punched the table with back in his realm. It wasn’t broken here. He leaned back and let his mind clear itself. The sun’s raise working its way up his torso and finally hitting his face. He stood up once satisfied with the sun’s embrace. He jumped down and glided to the ground, he entered the front door and set to work to cook the best meal Scar would ever have.

Grian washed his hands when he got back inside and pulled out a cutting board and took a fresh salmon off the ice and placed it on the cutting board. He picked up an iron knife and set to work carefully cutting the scales off the salmon and prepping it to be a fillet. He looked through Scar’s barrels around the kitchen and found a few herbs that he could use for seasoning the fish. He washed his knife and the herbs thoroughly. He then chopped up some parsley and rosemary to give the fish some flavor. Once satisfied he took a cast iron pan from the barrel and placed it on the furnace. He took the flint and steel and struck it once for the coals to light to heat the furnace to cook Scar’s breakfast. Fish was usually a dinner item, but he knew that Scar needed real food, not scraps just trying to get by. He put some butter with a small number of garlic that Scar had. Once the pan was hot enough Grian placed the fish onto the stove. It sizzled softly in the pan. He let it cook evenly before flipping it with a wooden flipper. The fish cooked on the other side. “What on Earth is that delicious smell?” Came as tired voice behind him. He looked over his shoulder and saw Scar groggily walking down his stairs. “I’m making you breakfast. That’s what smells so good.” Scar walked to stand next to Grian. He continued to wipe the sleep from his eyes. “Wait,” Scar’s eyes settled on the fillet in the pan. “WHERE DID YOU FIND SALMON!? There’s been no fish, no cattle, no sheep, no chicken anywhere, not only that but crops are producing little to no food! I’ve looked all over for anything to eat! Yet you found fish overnight! How?” Scar asked shaking Grian. “I uh, got lucky.” Grian fibbed. Scar looked at him. Yeah, figured he wasn’t just going to accept that answer. “Listen, I did what was necessary for you to survive. I can’t openly disclose the information too you, not that I don’t want to be honest but because I want to ensure that location is not interfered with. I promise that you’ll have your fill of food. Okay.” Grian said as he took the pan off the furnace and served the fish on the wooden plate he’d washed the night before. He motioned for Scar to take a seat in his oak chair at the table. Scar sat and Grian placed the fish in front of him and he gave Scar a fork and knife. He then took his own seat at the table. Scar looked on at the fish with his eyes like saucers. There was something so flattering by the way he looked at the food he was given. “This is really all for me?” Scar asked looking back at Grian. He couldn’t hide his smile that crossed his lips. “Yes, Scar it’s all for you, and there’s always going to be more for you if you get hungry. I’ll make you as much food as you want if you’ll let me.” Scar put his hands together. “Thank you, Earth, for providing me this meal!” He said before he begun eating Grian’s meal. He moaned with a satisfied look on his face. “It’s so good!” He said taking another bite one after the other. “Does it taste like your mother’s when she made it?” Grian couldn’t help but ask the question and eagerly awaited Scar’s reply. “Not quite the same but very close. There’s one ingredient that is missing, but it isn’t found in this world.” Scar answered. “It’s a bit of lemon juice. Lemons unfortunately can’t grow here. But back home they do! There’s a lot of sunflowers too! It’s almost always sunny where I’m from, you’d really like it. Now that I think of it.” He put down his utensils for a moment at went to a barrel and grabbed a book and quill. “I had a dream last night about home, I wanted to show you something.” He opened the book to a free page and drew a picture on the page. Grian looked on with a puzzled expression. Scar turned the book to face Grian. “Do you recognize this symbol?” Scar asked. Grian’s eyes widened when he saw the symbol Scar had drawn. “You, said you saw this in your dream?” Grian said slowly. Scar nodded his head. “It’s edged into a rock formation back home. That’s where the stories of ancient angelic beings would bring balance to the world comes from. It’s why my people find balance in the Erath rather than like it is here. I’ve always found that mountain interesting since I’ve been a small child. I never understood its insignia, but I remember hearing a voice anytime I went near it. It’d say my name and tell me what to do. I never really understood it always but that day I fell from the cliff; the voice told me to go to that cave and that I would find something that’d I’d lost. I never knew what it meant particularly I still don’t fully grasp and understand why it’d say I’d find something that I’d lost. Anyway, you recognize it?”

Grian looked at the insignia. “Well, that’s because it’s our, insignia. My people’s mark. From my understanding of our history my people inhabited your world before humans walked your planet. Our deity would provide us with advanced knowledge and resources. It was when the deity reached their end that their final order to us was to enter the Gate. A celestial body, it’s the gateway to our kingdom. I read that before my people crossed through the Gate, they destroyed all signs of our existence. So, I found it rather frightening yesterday when we met that you knew so much about me. I now understand why. You mentioned a voice spoke with you when you were close to the insignia?” Scar returned his question with a nod as he continued eating his breakfast. This was confusing information. “It’s a golem, the rock you were conversing with. Its name was “Secret Keeper” it has an amethyst infused heart. It was created by the researchers. They were tasked with researching your world. Advancing our understanding and scope of control over elements and forms. I’m surprised that it was never destroyed and that it still is functioning after all that time. The Secret Keeper as far as I’m aware spoke in my native tongue. Not English.” Had it really been able to adapt on its own? Scar swallowed his food. “It’s a Golam that your people made? How fascinating, but if it only spoke in your language how could I understand it?” Grian looked on carefully. “I’m going to test that theory now. I’ll ask you a question in my native tongue and I want you to respond in English.” Grian said. “Okay go for it.” Scar said listening. “What is your name?” Grian asked in his language. “Scar. You just asked me in English.” Grian shook his head. “No Scar that wasn’t English. How I’m speaking to you now is English. Let me phrase something that you wouldn’t understand the context of and see if you can figure out the translation. Pass me the quill.” Grian said. Scar passed Grian the quill and Grian went to work writing his phrase in their writing. “What does that say, Scar?” Grian asked passing Scar the book. Scar studied the writing. “It describes a weapon, Fanius? I believe your referring to the sword on your waist?” Grian sat back in his chair and grinned. Scar could understand their language like it was nothing. “Do all the people in your realm understand our texts or is it just you?” Scar shrugged. “Just those who were “gifted” to be gifted you would bare scars or abnormalities like mine at birth. So, the Elder often shared the story when we settled in our homeland around the Secret Keeper. The land was plentiful with resources. Though, to my knowledge I’m the only one to have heard the golems voice.” Scar explained. “That’s incredible. Human’s learning our language I mean. You’re incredible.” Grian said beathing out a sigh. Scar grinned back at him. “I didn’t know that it was a whole other language. It’s just always sounded normal to me in both speech and written, which is strange because I found that language easier to understand then English.” Grian tilted his head. “See, English in my case was easier to understand then my language. Though know that I’m really thinking this through my head it all makes so much more sense now.” Scar raised his eyebrow in intrigue. “Oh, am I hearing new lore from you? Tell me about it I want to know!”

“Of course you’d want to know, Scar! Your brain can’t handle secrets. This one is, complicated. It’s, something I personally just found out about myself and to be completely honest am not ready or comfortable sharing it. I’ll make you a promise, I’ll tell you when I’m ready to face the truth head on, I’m still processing the news myself. I hope you can understand.” Grian said turning his head way from Scar. “I understand. If you’re not comfortable sharing it right now I can accept that. I’m not going to push you like I did yesterday. I’m going to respect that boundary. Scar’s honour.” He replied. Grian turned his head back to Scar. ‘What a relief,’ Grian thought. “I appreciate that Scar. On another topic, I was curious. Did you happen to have a spare pair of clothes that I could change into instead of my robes? I know I’m asking a lot of you considering you have so little to begin with. If you don’t I understand.” Scar finished his fish and put down his fork and knife and leaned back. “I have spare clothes. So, it’s no issue, Though, they may not fit as well as your current clothes considering I’m taller than you and had a lot more muscle in the past. I can hem them to better fit you, the outfit I’m thinking about would look great on you. If you wanted to get changed upstairs, I can join you in a few minutes once I’ve washed up.” Scar said. “Sure, that sounds doable. Where can I find the spare clothes?” Grian asked getting up from his chair. “They’re in the oak wooden chest under the right window on your side of the bedroom.” Scar said as he too stood up from his own chair and picking up his dishes to wash them. Grian left up the stairs to the room. He crossed the floor and approached the chest, he opened it. Inside was a Red knitted sweater and a pair of grey khakis. He took them out of the chest. He laid them out on his bed. “Scar, would you mind if I cut the back of this sweater so I can fit my wings?” Grian called down to Scar below. “Sure, I haven’t worn that outfit in a while, I tend to like my chest exposed as of recently anyhow.” Scar answered back. Grian reached for the scissors on the table nearby. He cut a square on the back of the sweater. He removed his shirt of his robe, and pulled the sweater over his head, it was wide enough for his head, but he struggled fitting it over his wings. It took a few seconds to MacGyver it over them. He sighed once it was sitting loosely on his torso. He shifted his wings. They moved well in this new shirt. He then changed into his new pants. They were long at his feet and lose at his waist. He had to hold the pants around his waist. “You okay if I enter?” Scar asked. “Yeah, you’re fine.” Grian answered. Scar walked up the stairs and smiled when he saw Grian. “As I thought those look perfect on you, but like I also thought they are way too big on you.” Scar walked over to the same table he’d grabbed the scissors from and picked up a small leather bag. He walked over and got to work on taking in the new clothes. Grian stood patiently while Scar worked on the new outfit. After about thirty minutes. “There, done. Do they feel better?” Scar asked Grian. “Much.” He replied. “There’s a mirror if you’d like to see yourself.” Scar said walking across the room and stood by the glass mirror. ‘This would be the first time and opportunity to see my reflection for the first time. With no one to scold me for doing so. I already broke taboo, surely, I can push my luck here.’ He slowly crept across the room. He stood before the mirror. “Scar, before I uncover my eyes, I do just have to make it clear that this is the first time I’ll see what I look like outside of what my aura allows me to see. I look fine right?”

“Getting stage fright at a time like this? Yes, Grian you look fine. This’ll be an amazing opportunity for yourself. So, take this as slow or as fast as you feel comfortable with. I’m excited to see your reaction all the same.” Scar said from beside him. Grian pulled back his feathered ears. He had his eyes close. He looked down at the floor and slowly opened his eyes. He slowly raised his head, and his eyes met with the bottom of the mirror. He saw his black boots, as he slowly lifted his head more, he saw the grey khakis, they were shaped to his body perfectly. He could see his hands in the mirror, his skin like the Elders was a blackish purple with purple veins glowing just beneath his skin. His eyes then met his waist, the red of the sweater now coming into his view. He then worked his way up his torso. He could know see his large black, purple wings in the mirror, they were exquisite their arching shape outlined his body perfectly. He then got to his neck, there was a faded mark across his throat. He’d never seen that mark in person before, it never showed when he used his aura, perhaps that was due to it having been a wound as a human. He got to his chin. There was no going back now he had to see the rest of this trial through. He forced his eyes to see his face. He found himself stunned into silence. He had golden brown short-medium hair, his winged ears were the same color as his wings and they to have a well shaped arch that shaped his face well. He had pale white skin and the biggest take away were his eyes, radiant amethyst eyes with black slit pupils. Scar smiled next to him. “I told you, that you looked great!” Grian stepped closer to the mirror taking in his whole appearance. “I-I look, like me.” Grian said without realizing what he’d said. Scar looked on with confusion. “This is what I would always wear, before.” Grian gripped his head and stumbled backwards. “Grian!” Scar grabbed him before his head hit the floor. Grian’s body shook his breaths quaked. “Grian?” Scar asked with alarm. “Are you alright? What were you saying just then. What was that just now?” Grian covered his eyes with his ears. “I-I don’t, I don’t know.”
‘I remember, I always looked like this, I remember this outfit. These are my clothes. I always wore outfits like these. The only difference about me is my wings and eye color. I always had red, yellow and blue wings and I always had black eyes. Why did I just remember that by looking at myself? I shouldn’t be able to remember my human life, the Fang killed me. It erases memories. But could it be possible due to my soul reincarnating in this form that my memories are sealed away instead of completely lost to time.’

“Grian?” Scar asked again. Grian jumped. “Huh?” Scar wore a look of concern. “S-Sorry Scar. I just, I surprised myself is all. I wasn’t expecting to be that psyched out by my own appearance. Sorry for scaring you.” Grian said. He wasn’t lying but he also wasn’t sharing the whole truth either. Scar’s look of concern didn’t fade. “That wasn’t just being psyched out. You flinched in pain when you spoke.” Grian frowned. “I spoke?” Scar looked dumfounded now. “You don’t remember saying “I look like me, and this is what I would always wear before.” And then you flinched back from the mirror and is why you’re on the floor in my arms.” Grian looked around. Scar wasn’t wrong he was on the floor and in his arms but didn’t know how he’d fully gotten here. “I said that. I can’t even recall. I said those words out loud?” Scar nodded. Grian sighed. “It’s nothing important Scar. I don’t know why I said it.” Grian said getting to his feet. “You don’t have to tell me the specifics. If I had to take a wild guess, you’re familiar with this outfit. I’m not really surprised. I can’t come to explain it, but I just could see you wearing this and knew it was you. I don’t have an explanation or clinical understanding of any of it. If I had to guess you and I just shared in the same thought of that, but neither of us can explain why that outfit just feels natural to you instead of the robes you were wearing. This just feels more like you, and I understand you find this term insulting because you reacted angerly when I said it yesterday, but you look human, despite being an angel.” Scar said as he stood. Grian looked down. Scar went to head back downstairs. Grian caught him by his wrist. Scar looked back at him. “Watcher.” Grian said quietly. “Huh?” Scar looked puzzled. “Not an angel. I’m a Watcher.” Grian’s head buzzed wildly. Why is he reveling his identity! “A Watcher? That’s what you are? I’ve never heard of that name before.” Scar said turning to face Grian head on now. “You said yesterday that you wouldn’t even tell me what you really were, why are you telling me now?” Grian took a breath before reveling his eyes to Scar. “I don’t know why. I don’t understand any of this. I can’t explain everything I feel. You’re not like anyone else. You’re special to me. Not in like a relationship kind of way but as, my soulmate in a way. You remind me of someone I lost a long time ago. I don’t remember them, but being with you, fills that void in some way. I want to trust you. I want you to trust me. I don’t want to hide myself from you.” He touched Scar’s check. “I am feeling emotions I’ve never experienced and struggling to understand them. A Watcher feels no emotions. I am a Watcher and yet I feel and have these human emotions. I can’t begin to understand everything now, but if you’re willing. I hope you can still depend on me despite my imperfections.” Scar wrapped his arms around Grian’s body. “Your imperfections are what makes you, you. I wouldn’t have you any other way, Grian. I won’t tell anyone the truth. In conversation I’ll still call you an angel, it’s not true but if it means protecting you than I would lay down my life just like you’re willing to do for me.” Grian reached his arms up and returned Scar’s embrace. It felt so familiar. Tears dripped down his face. Scar felt his tears on his bare skin. “I trust you Grian, I know you’ll see this war to it’s end.” He used his thumbs to wipe away Grian’s tears. Grian smiled as he brought his sweater up to dry his eyes. “I’m sorry for breaking down like that. It won’t happen again.” He spoke. “You don’t always have to be strong in front of me Grian, I’m thankful for both sides of you. You trust me enough to be vulnerable in front of me. I apricate that.” Scar said returning the biggest smile Grian had seen. His purple eyes lit up and for the first time Scar saw Grain’s face light up with the cutest guanine smile. “That look. I won’t forget that smile. I hope to see you give me that same look after we win this war.” Scar said. Grian nodded. “Deal.” He covered his eyes once more and the pair went downstairs.

“We should get to work getting the Sandlands ready for an assault. If we can do that, I’ll feel much more comfortable.” Grian told Scar as they returned to the kitchen. “So, Grian, what’s your wiliness to work with Redstone and TNT?” Scar questioned. “What are those things? I’ve never heard of them before.” Grian said. Scar had another big smile cross his face. “Ingredients to make an elaborate bomb.” Grian looked on. “A bomb? Is it easy for a Watcher like me to pick up?” Scar shrugged. “If your people could make a golem from just using the elements and resources on Earth it should realistically be no different.” He went to a barrel and pulled out a light bulb, red dust, and a stick with white cloth on it. “Here I’ll demonstrate using this light. The bulb is made from glass and glow stone dust. He put the light down on the table, shook the red dust inside the small glass vile on the table that touched the bulb’s core. He then poured a small amount of red dust into the cloth. “Okay Grian, light the cloth on fire.” Scar said holding the stick in his hand. “Like lighting a torch?” Grian pondered looking at Scar. He grinned. Grian took the flit and steel and struck them once and the torch glue red. Scar lowered the torch to the red dust on the table. The dust lit and then the bulb on the table glue a bright yellow color. “No way that worked! I’ve never seen-” He trailed off holding his head again.
He stood in a cave with a large machine with a mustache. He held a piece of paper in his hand. He placed it into the chest and pressed a button. The machine sprang to life. It blinked and the mustache wiggled, and a piece of paper came out of the slot. He took it. “Where have you gone Grian, I miss you and Mumbo. Why did you both leave me?”

“Before. Grumbot.” Grian finished. “Grian?” Scar asked. “Yes, I’ve worked with Redstone Scar. Sorry for just zoning out randomly.” Grian apologized. “What’s Grumbot?” Scar asked. “He’s an advanced AI that I used to work alongside. It’s built with a lot of these materials. If I built him before, I should have no issue rigging the Redstone with the TNT.” Grian said his focus now back on the chain reaction in front of him. “You just said you weren’t familiar though, now you’re saying you’ve used it and made an Ai, just like the Secret Keeper?” Grian shook his head. “No not exactly like the Secret Keeper, that is an all-organic being, Grumbot, is not made using Watcher incentives or properties. He’s technological. Something Watchers don’t understand. Something I shouldn’t understand.” Grian muttered quietly. “So, you’re saying Grumbot is made with human understanding. So, is there a connection between you and human understanding then? Surely that’d make sense. You’ve watched humans for some time right, you could pick this kind of information up from observing and built it at home.” Scar said as he pulled the touch away from the red powder. “That’s not it Scar, I never built it when while I’ve been- I built it in a world I can’t recall. It’s a part of a memory I can barely remember I just know I built it at one point in my life.” Grian frowned. He wasn’t ready to open up about being human once, he was already walking a fine wire speaking to Scar about Grumbot as it was. Scar looked at Grian and realized he was starting to get uncomfortable talking about the subject. “If you’re not ready to talk about it, if it relates to what happened upstairs, then I won’t press any further. If you have the knowledge about it and are confident enough then here’s my suggestion. We set up a creeper farm, that’ll supply us with gunpowder, and I’ve managed to keep a steady stream of sugarcane to make paper, and we live in a desert so there’s no shortage of sand. We have everything we need to arm traps. There’s also the opportunity to use lava, if we make wooden signs and rest sand on top if the sand gets stepped on we can press a button triggering pistons to drop the sand out from under them, they’ll fall through into lava. The only risk with that one is that is if they have a fire resistance potion. It’ll slow down the effects of the burns they’ll receive.” Scar explained. Giran tipped his head. “Wait, you have potions that lessen the effects of your world’s lava? Would we have access to the ingredients to brew them, like the healing potions from yesterday?” Scar frowned. “Sadly no, the King has those resources strictly under his authority. So, attempting to get in without his notice would be an extremely high-risk operation, even just trying to get the required ingredients for healing potions is rather tedious with limited resources.” He exclaimed. Grian leaned back his head resting softly on the edge of the oak chair. “I see, that’s rather unfortunate. I get that resources are extremely scarce but it’s ridiculous that humans can’t just get along with on another. Was it so difficult for you all to share the lands fairly?” Grian groaned aloud. Scar shrugged and took his seat. “I know, it’s not really that difficult. My people have done it the whole time. Any food I did have- they came and took it by force. Pizza is likely the only animal left alive, so when Martyn showed up yesterday and I heard Pizza I thought the worst. Thankfully he’s alright, but I wonder for how long? The Red Army is looking for my head. I have a target painted on my back, yet I feel at easy with you being with me. There’s one other thing you should know. Scott’s not the only power holder. Like Scott many likely have hybrid abilities related to their race. Ren for example is a shapeshifter, specifically a brown wolf, he also has an unbelievable amount of authority surrounding his aura, I have a working theory, I believe it stems from the crimson red crystals that line his crown. I’ve always got a slight headache when nearby him. Considering your aura in my mind, I would say I’d have an affinity to his authority. Perhaps it stems from having been protected by the Secret Keeper back home, like Scott, who also has a high affinity likely because of his Star Shards.” Scar explained. “Power wielders huh? It’s strange, I’ve always thought that humans didn’t have powers like Watchers, though perhaps humans have adapted from where they had begun. But then- ‘I think about myself’ humans have had invitation for over ten thousand years. Despite my people having been the first beings who walked your world. Here’s the dangerous fact about this world. It’s not part of a true world; it’s a reality striped away from any true timeline.” Grian said in thought. “You’re telling me that we’re in an entirely separate world? Then you’re saying that those of us here in this world got ripped out of our home realms?” Scar asked placing his hands on the oak table leaning over it. “Yes, that’s exactly right. I understand that it may be hard for you to recall that day you fell in the cave, but do you recall anything concrete? I’m going to stick my neck out here and hope that I don’t sound particularly absurd but, can you recall sounds of wisps of energy surging, an unusual cracking sound, or a purple unnatural glow when you entered the cave or when you fell? Did the Secret Keeper say something to you before you fell unconscious? I’m asking you because I’m trying to make a connection to what I believe caused the fissure to open.” Grain calmly explained crossing his hands over one another on the table. Scar straightened his posture and placed his hand on his chin and one under his elbow. He considered the question carefully, his eyebrows twitching as he tried forcing himself to recall the day, he’d shown up in this world four years ago. “Well, it’s hard to say for certain. The cave in question was unnatural looking the Secret Keeper guided me to that cave, as soon as I got to it’s mouth the voice of the Secret Keeper begun to break up and fade. The last thing I heard its voice say to me was I’d find something I’d lost. I entered the cave, and it went deep into the Earth, Like the gods above stuck the Erath in anger and left a blackened stain in it’s wake. I was far into its cavern, and I remember looking over the edge and seeing something purple, but didn’t have enough time to fully comprehend my surroundings before the rocks cracked underneath me and blacking out. You believe the events are connected in some way?” Scar answered. ‘So, it’s the same then, the High Elder told me about my research, that I found unnatural floating islands within a spanning rock formation, with a deep cavern where I found the gate. This sounds like my case, Scar fell through the gate, they all could have, it could explain their altered memories. The gate is a celestial body, in my own case it altered my DNA, enough to alter my resurrection as a Watcher rather than returning as a human. There’s also the matter of the Secret Keeper. It was a creature the Watcher’s built as a form of messaging and tracking, its other purpose was to become a divine weapon when exposed to blood. Why did it have an attachment to Scar of all people? You’d fine something you lost. What could it have meant by that? I have a feeling that it was leading him to me, but I have no choice but to ask him the question.’

“Scar, why did you name me Grian? Why did you see me wearing this outfit? Do I perhaps remind you of someone you once knew?” It was an odd question for him to have asked, it made his skin crawl with discomfort. He had to know the answer. “I don’t exactly know why entirely.” He placed his hand over his mouth. “It felt right. It felt familiar. It’s going to sound so stupid when I say it. It’s like I’d seen you before. Yet we had never met. I knew no one by that name back home, and I was the only one to have ever worn those clothes. I showed up here wearing them, but I haven’t worn them for over three years. I had prayed to the angels like we had from home, I now know them as Watchers thanks to you. Then when I had saw you fall from the sky with your black, purple wings I couldn’t believe my prayers had been answered. When my eyes fell upon you yesterday in that clearing. I was overwhelmed with such intense emotions I couldn’t begin to describe. But in that moment, for that split second, I suddenly understood what I’d been told by the Secret Keeper that day. I felt like I found something that I’d lost. It seems like you also feel the same way. I remind you of someone you lost a long time ago. It’s such an odd scenario we’ve found ourselves in.” Scar said sitting back into his chair. Grian nodded slowly. “I see, so it was just an impulse you had, you’ve never had a connection with someone that looks like me or has had my name in the past. Yet I appear like you’ve known me for years. It’s kind of wild and comedic if thought about aloud. But frankly, it’s comforting in some twisted way. I didn’t mention it a loud yesterday, but Grian is my real name, or at least I went by it at one point or another, but I hadn’t heard my name for a long time. So, the fact you knew it was, both comforting and a tad unsettling. I had forgotten about it until as of yesterday, I’ve gone by Prophet Keeper for the last four years. When Watcher’s are born, we don’t have a role and therefore no name. On our eighteenth birthday we are assigned a role and are bestowed our names. In my case my name and role are rare. The last Prophet Keeper joined the great deity a year ago after Ten-thousand years of serving the High Elder. This is my first mission and my entry into the full role as Prophet Keeper, though I’ve already disobeyed so many of our rules and customs. But I just feel too comfortable around you I suppose.” Grian said looking at Scar. “Watchers are called by their titles or roles in the hierarchy. Wait you said you didn’t have a name yesterday? Why didn’t you tell me your name was Prophet Keeper. Also, you couldn’t remember your real name before yesterday so how could I have guessed it correctly?” Scar’s head hurt and spun wildly with conflict, how was any of this possible? This was way too much information to take in at once. His face was bright red. Grian’s feathered ear wings twitched, and he couldn’t help but laugh at Scar. “I’m sorry Scar I understand that all this sounds just so obnoxiously crazy. It’s a lot of information to digest in such a short amount of time. We should probably get to work on getting the ingredients together to get ready for the war. I’d also like to see if the Crastle Alliance and Joel would be willing to join our cause as well, like Jimmy and Scar had yesterday.” Scar was embarrassed at first but smiled back at Grian. “Sounds good, lets get to work!”
The pair stood up from the oak table and set to work outside.

Chapter Text

Grian heaved a sigh before wiping sweat off his brow. He didn’t expect how hard it was to collect sand and set traps. Scar had set up a rather haphazard creeper farm as he called it. It was at least providing them the gunpowder that they required. Despite the lands resources being scarce the land’s aggressive mobs as Scar had explained didn’t lack. He had made the mistake of looking at an Enderman as Scar called it. It had teleported in front of him and tried to pull his wings off in anger. Scar had placed water at his feet, and it withdrew promptly. So, they were easily deterred by water. But what really surprised him was Scar put a boat at its feet, and it couldn’t escape the boat despite its anger at him. This world was truly peculiar. It wasn’t anything like his home. The inhabitants here where well versed with its scared land. He walked over to what Scar had told him was a crafting table, he placed some sand, paper and gunpowder onto it, when combined on the table it would morph into sticks of TNT. It was very unnatural to him to see it in front of his eyes but after putting the last three and a half hours into the work the process had become second nature to him. His feathered ear twitched when he felt someone get close.

“Grian, I’m back.” Scar said as he came into view. Grian waved. “How’d it go, collecting herbs and mining I mean?” Scar crossed the stone bridge over the lava, he walked towards Grain. “Scar wait! Don’t come any closer, you’re going to set a bomb off. I’ll come to you.” Scar stopped in his tracks, Grian glided over to him and landed next to him. “Thanks for telling me, I wouldn’t have even known, it just looks like normal desert. How’d you arm them?” He asked Grain. “I’ve placed observers, with a trip timer. If that fails to work, I’ll arm a master switch, if they even so much as come within three hundred meters into the desert they’ll get blasted. I may understand Redstone though; I’m not quite used to using it for this purpose.” He admitted. “I’d have never guessed that. You asked how it went, I’d say it went relatively alright. I found a few herbs, and I was able to find Gold, Iron and more Redstone dust, but I didn’t find many Diamonds for armour and weapons, I doubt that we’d last long, I viewed Dogworts from a safe distance and they are stacked to the teeth in enchanted diamond armour. So, if I had to guess they may or may not be getting last minute preparations done to come here.” Scar said in defeat. Grain patted him on the shoulder. “Do you have enough for armour for just yourself?” Scar nodded. “Then that’s enough.” He told him. “But you could get hurt! What happens if your aura isn’t enough to protect you? What then?” Scar asked with worry in his tone. Grian frowned. “Then I don’t know, that’s for future Grian to deal with I suppose.” Scar took his wrist. “That not funny Grian, this is serious! I’m serious!” He said putting his face inches from Grian’s face. “I’ll figure it out Scar, if needed I’ll wear Iron armour. I’m more concerned with your safety them my own, despite everything may body can still heal on its own without the use of healing potions from your world. The only real concern anyhow is your worlds lava. Providing I don’t stay on the ground that won’t be an issue. Your worlds weapons can’t cut me!” He pulled his wrist out of Scar’s hand. He took the iron sword from Scar’s side he’d made earlier at Grian’s request. He brought its blade to his wrist and pulled it across his skin, it didn’t cut. “See, I’m fine. Like I said it’ll be future Grian’s problem. My aura is fine, the only reason it was affected yesterday was due to Scott’s Star Shards. They caused my aura to have some sort of disruption, and he took my Fang off my hip, if it is on me or nearby me my aura will have a constant stream of energy, and I can feed off it to survive and heal me. I’ll be fine, Scar.” Grian told him, he forced a smile. Scar looked less then thrilled by his display. “I’ll repeat myself one last time Grian because you’re not listening! Your too confident in your powers, you were yesterday too! Look what happened, someone had a higher affinity then your aura, it couldn’t protect you from getting hurt! What happens if Ren has an ability like Scott’s! I told you this morning that when I’m nearby him I get a migraine from just standing next too him! He likely has an affinity like Scott’s if he get’s close enough it could drop your aura! Then what, if you can’t protect yourself how do you expect to protect me! This is why I’m telling you to take your safety seriously! You’re a Watcher, act like a gosh dang soldier! You swore you’d protect me! I want you to live up to that expectation and not get killed by thinking you’re invincible because your aura surrounds you! Never trust any power you have; it could be used against you at any moment!” Scar snapped angerly. His red eyes blazing with anger. Grian stepped back his hands clenched into fists. His fanged teeth gritted together. He wanted to strike Scar for speaking so far out of turn. His feathers were brisling. This had been the first time he’d seen Scar be angered, so much so that he looked nothing like the man he’d come to know. He was entirely different. His pointed ears we’re pinned back as well rather then pointed up. His aura surrounding him was, purple. “Nothing to say huh? Not as confident are you! Good take this as a learning experience! I had to learn that lesson just as harshly. I was too friendly when I got here and got taken advantage of by the others, my powers aren’t like the others, they never have been, unlike everyone else my special abilities, my hybrid features, they’re passive. I can’t protect myself; I can’t do what you do! I can’t fight! I’ve never learnt or cared to learn, as a half elf, my race is passive! My only ability I have is the understanding of your people’s language, that’s my gift, that’s all I have show for my strengths. Despite having muscles that could have proved differently. I don’t even have that going for me now. I’ve been left to die Grian, that’s how you found me!” Scar turned his back to Grian and headed for the stairs of the castle. Leaving Grian alone out in the sand. He didn’t fight back, why didn’t he yell at him? Why did he let him speak that way in his presence? He was a Watcher, he was all powerful, and yet, he couldn’t because Scar, was right about everything. He only spoke the truth, despite doing so in an unexpected fashion, Scar wasn’t talking like himself there, but he could understand why. Scar knew from experience. He wasn’t a fighter like him, he didn’t have cool powers like him or Scott. He had pointed ears, red eyes and pale scared skin. There wasn’t much about him that screamed that he was a warrior of the gods. His fists relaxed and his feathers settled themselves. He looked to the top of the mountain. Scar stroked Pizza’s neck as he ate what Scar could provide him. He saw an overwhelming hurt expression written all over Scar’s face. “Scar.” He breathed. “I’m sorry, your right, I am such a fool. I’m so wrapped up in my own beliefs that I failed to understand things from your point of view. I’ll take my safety seriously.” He frowned. He’d have to apologize to Scar later, rather than just apologize to himself. Scar needed an opportunity to cool off, and frankly he himself still felt the sting of fury behind his eyes. They’d not accomplish anything if they fought amongst themselves. He’d have to find some way to make it up to Scar, he looked out into the forest. He smiled. “I know the perfect thing!”

Grain walked across the bridge and towards Scott and Jimmy’s place, he remembered clearly a patch of flowers that were growing wild, he’d pick just a few and bring them back as his apology to Scar. Scar loved the earth; he had also mentioned wild sunflowers from home. He groaned because he didn’t even know what they looked like. Flowers were flowers, if he happened to pick sunflowers by chance then he would be satisfied. He didn’t have to rack his brain over something so trivial like flowers, surely the effort and thought he was putting into this excursion would be enough to make amends. He arrived at the flowers after a few minutes of walking. He didn’t have a satchel like Scar’s which was mildly annoying, but he had to take the loss at face value. He had to remind himself he wasn’t meant to win every battle, though it did cause him to feel his eyebrow and eye twitch. Yes, that thought would be a hard one to break clearly if he was this upset by his own thoughts. He knelt and begun to pick a few different flowers, he knew nothing about any of them, did he have flowers in his world? Did he used to know them by sight and name? If he did those memories were lost to him now. He couldn’t help but frown. Why did he wish he had those memories, it’d only burden him surely. “I haven’t been human for twenty two years. That life isn’t mine. It was his. I have no right to remember a life of another man who I can’t remember. That me isn’t the me I am now. I’m happy with my life now! I’m happy to be me! So why do I long to remember who I used to be?! I hate having a humanity! I’m a cruel and unfeeling being! We are the reason that humanity doesn’t crumble. I know I’ve always been different but to have the imperfections of human emotions! I’m imperfect! Me?! I’m broken and can’t ever be fixed! And I’m talking to myself like an idiot. Get a grip! Scar said he likes your imperfections though. Well, I don’t like them, I’m supposed to be this imagine of perfection and if I’m not- what am I?” He was voicing his thoughts a loud in the process of picking the flowers.

“I didn’t expect you to be the flower picking type.” Came a familiar voice. Grian looked up in surprise. Jimmy sat in the oak tree above him. “Jimmy? H-how long have you been there? H-how much of that d-did you hear?” Grain asked in embarrassment. “Enough to know you’re not as bloodthirsty as we thought you to be, it’s refreshing to know that you have some form of conscious. Though your way of showing it is quite the oddity. Before you get mad, I won’t share your outer monologue with Scott, or that I saw you at all. I saw you and decided to just watch what you’d do honestly. You and I are similar because we’re both part avion. We’re the only two with wings. I thought I’d just see what happened. I also wanted to ask about this.” He said finishing by pointing to his purple eye. “What about it?” Grain asked continuing to pick flowers. “It feels kind of odd, I haven’t run into any issues today I’ve stayed out of trouble, and I haven’t got hurt. In fact, a skeleton shot me, and it didn’t hurt me? How is any of that possible?” Jimmy asked as he jumped down from the tree, his smaller wings just helping to slow his fall. Grian stood up with the bouquet of flowers in his hands. “Well, if the deal is in place and not served, you’re protected by me. Think of it like a protective barrier. I just simply took your canary curse and put it to sleep temporarily. My power can protect you, but it does carry a degree of risk. I can’t be certain how long your curse can be left overwritten. It’s a curse you’ve had since you were born from the observations I had of it. You do realize the curse is inscribed in your soul? How is that even possible if you’re willing to share I’m quite curious.” Jimmy couldn’t help but shrug. “I wouldn’t know, I was alone since I was a young kid and if I did have a family while I was a baby I don’t have any recollection of them. The last memory I have before showing up here was these strange ruins with cryptic purple inscriptions. Couldn’t understand it’s gibberish. I remember a purple glow under my feet before I fell. Showed up here somehow. Can’t remember much before that fall to be entirely honest with you. I don’t even know why I’m telling you that story to be entirely honest.”
“I see, so it’s a cycle.” Grain said a loud. “What’s a cycle?” Jimmy asked in confusion. “The way everyone seems to have been impacted and arrived here. I can’t get into the exact specifics. I’m beginning to piece together a pattern of events. It seems that at the moment of falling, the person in question finds an abnormality, accompanied by a purple glow and cracking of the earth below them. Has Scott perhaps told you his story like you’ve just shared your own?” Grian questioned. Jimmy’s golden feathered ears drooped. “No, he hasn’t, Scott is, a very reserved person. The fact that he even trusts me is beyond wild to me. It’s nothing personal that he has against someone, I assume it just were he’s from. Despite Scott’s nature he does tend to talk to himself on occasion. I’ve overheard him a few times talk about a palace in the stars. Aside from that he doesn’t share much else. So, I couldn’t be sure. You said in your monologue you were human once, like the rest of us, the question I have is have you always been a hybrid before you became an angel?” Grain’s body shuttered when he heard Jimmy mention his human past. So, he really had heard everything. “Um, about that-” Jimmy looked at him with a hard stare. “Don’t try and back out of it, I see that look on your face of being uncomfortable. I get it, it’s not something you want to discuss, and I assume I’m one of the last people you want to talk to about all of that. I just want to know that one detail. I won’t ask any follow up questions, promise.” Grian shifted before sighing. “Yes, I’ve always had wings, the difference between us is I could always fly. Yours are unusually small which I can’t explain. I couldn’t tell you what avian species I was though as I have no memory of it.”

Jimmy went to touch Grian’s wing, and he pulled it away glaring. “Give me a chance here, Grian, I just want a better look at your feathers. If I can see them, I could probably answer that question for you.” Jimmy exclaimed. Grian still holding the bouquet of flowers hesitated, sighed and lifted his wing for Jimmy to examine. Why was he letting Jimmy do this, it was so stupid. As if he was genuinely that curious. But that was just it, he was curious. He felt Jimmy’s hands touching his feathers. The sensation felt so odd to him. “Well, if I had to guess, judging by the structure, and length of your feathers I’m going to guess a red parrot. Before your wings turned this color, where they red, yellow and blue? That is if you can recall those memories.” Jimmy asked. “They were, so I used to be a red parrot then. How interesting. You got all that from just looking at my feathers?” Grian asked as he brought his wing close to him. “Yeah, though it’s odd, red parrot avions are rather rare. If memory serves me correctly, they’re associated with adventure. Red parrots often find close attachments with their partner as well. So, Scar must be special to you if you’ve created a bond with him.” Jimmy went on to tell him. “Special, huh?” He let out an irritated laugh. “If it is I clearly don’t deserve it. I’m not that person anymore. I haven’t been for a while. I’m not human! I’m an angel that is meant to bring order back to your world, you’re all to blame for its state! Like I could get close to a human, go on adventures and enjoy a carefree life. What a ridiculous sentiment.” He turned his back on Jimmy. “You can keep believing that, keep telling yourself that rhetoric, but the question will be, will you realize your wrong. Will it be too late to go back when you finally accept that truth? I envy you Grian. I hope you can make up with Scar. I’m sure he’ll like the flowers.” Jimmy said. Grain stopped at the edge of the tree line. “Don’t, don’t envy me, don’t support me.” He turned his head and reveled his eyes a small smile crept across his lips. “After all, I’m your real enemy. You shouldn’t let your guard down around me. If you do, you’ll be the first to die.” Jimmy could see the hurt behind his eyes. He really did want to understand them. But he wasn’t like them at all he was an angel sent here to bring order back to their world. Jimmy frowned as he watched Grian walk into the dense oak forest with his flowers.

Grain walked through the oak forest his mind still thinking about his conversation with Jimmy. “Why am I finding myself in these conversations. It’d be much easier if the High Elder never told me the truth, what was their intentions behind it anyway? What does my human origins have to do with my mission? I was a human hybrid, with red parrot genetics huh? How does those genetics get coded over with the Gate’s energy. To round things out I have a connection with the great deity dragon. Humans don’t have that connection, what could make me an acceptation to that rule? Geez, it’s making my head spin trying to solve a question I can’t hope of answering.” He approached the stone bridge that crossed the spanning lava. He walked across it and up the path to the door. He flew to the doorstep. He stood outside the door Pizza lifting his head to see Grian before laying it down again. Grian took in a breath before opening the door and walking inside. Scar wasn’t in the kitchen. “Scar?” He questioned. “Grian?” Scar came down the stairs and stopped on the steps. “What’s this?” He asked in surprise. “I brought you these, as an apology, for earlier. I’m truly sorry for how I acted, Scar. I was being stupid. You’re completely right about me; I am too confident in my abilities. I wasn’t thinking about a worse case scenario and wasn’t thinking about how you’d feel if I got hurt. I’ll wear armour, I’ll take smarter precautions, to make sure I’m safe, you have my word.” Grian said. Scar approached him and took the flowers from him. He smelled them. “They’re beautiful Grian, thank you, you didn’t have to do this, and you didn’t have to apologize, but it’s a very nice gesture. I was mad sure, but I was confident the only way for you to have the point get across was to get mad at you. It felt weird. I didn’t really feel like myself when I did it. I had this weird haze in my head. It was strange. Let me put these in a vase, with water.” Scar said as he walked pass Grain and took a glass vase out of a barrel and filled it with water and placed all the flowers except one into the vase. He turned around and approached Grian again, he placed a red flower into his hair behind his winged ear. He reached up and touched its soft petals. “That really compliments your features.” Scar said with a warm smile. “What flower is it?” Grian asked Scar. “It’s a Red Poppy; its other name is an Anemone coronaria. They’re a wildflower. You also brought me, Giant Alliums or allium giganteum. Oxeye daisies or Leucanthemum vulgare. Yellow Tulips or Tulipa sylvestris and Corneflower or Centaurea cyanus. All these are great flowers. Thank you for bringing them, they’re making the kitchen livelier.” Scar replied with a warm smile. “I understood the basic names but couldn’t understand the other names you called them?” Grian said looking at the flowers in the vase. “It’s not surprising. It’s their Latin name, or biological names rather than their common names. The only reason I’m so familiar is due too growing up learning about the Erath.” Scar answered. “I see, that’s very interesting, it’s unfortunate I didn’t pick any sunflowers. I wasn’t even sure what they looked like.” Grian said frowning. “I could draw one if you’d like me too, and if you like I could tell you a little bit about them.” Grain smiled. “Sure, if you wouldn’t be too much trouble.” Scar walked over to the table and Grain joined him. The book and quill were still on the table from earlier in the day. They both sat down, and Scar opened the book and begun to sketch the drawing. Grain leaned over the table watching Scar’s steady hands draw. After about three minutes of waiting and watching Scar turned the drawing around to show Grian. “Wow. They’re tall! Their inner core is extremely textured as well.” Grain said holding the drawing up studying its intricacies. “That’s because the texture you’re speaking of are from its seeds. The seeds are edible as well, for both people and animals. They have long yellow petals and a brown core where their seeds are stored. Their height is commonplace. Sunflowers grow in full sunlight, and their stocks can be extremely thick. I feel Sunflowers would represent you well. Their faces will turn towards the sun. You said that the Sun is what best represents your core beliefs. The scientific name for Sunflowers is Helianthus annuus.” Scar said describing the plant in question. “I defiantly didn’t see anything like that while I was picking flowers for you.” Grain said frowning. “They sound pretty. I’d love to see the fields of them that you said you have back in your world.” Scar sighed and nodded his head. “I too wish you could see them. Aside from that all these other flowers all have their own unique stories and meanings. I want to thank you again for thinking about bringing them back to me.”

The sound of a war horn broke their conversation instantly. “SCAR, COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEAD! THIS IS THE ORDER OF YOUR KING!” Shouted a commanding voice. “Grain, they’re here.” Scar said worriedly. “Let them come I’m itching for a fight.” Grain said a dark smile coming to his lips. Scar forced iron armour into his arms. “Put this on, it’s not much but it’s at least going to protect you.” Scar said as he grabbed his own diamond armour. Grain didn’t hesitate and slipped into the armour Scar had provided him with. “Scar, I’d prefer if you could take the rear guard. If I can draw their attention and keep them occupied you can get somewhere safe, and if needed does your world possess long range weapons and if so, are you well versed in using it?” Grain asked as he got to the front door. “We have bows and crossbows; I am familiar with using a bow. I have enough arrows to cover myself in a fight, but I am still limited due to the lack of feathers available. So, I can’t cover a fight for particularly long.” Scar said as he grabbed his bow out of a nearby chest. He attached a quiver of arrows to his left hip while his iron sword sat on his right hip. Grain drew his Fang from his hip. “That’s fine, I prefer you not get involve in this fight, before we exit take as much food as you can store in your satchel. If I fail to protect this place you can at least support yourself until I can get back to you.” Grain told Scar.

“SCAR THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING, COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEAD AND SUMMIT TO YOUR KING!” Came the voice again. “IF YOU DON’T PIZZA WILL BE THE FIRST TO DIE, AND HIS BLOOD WILL BE ON YOUR HANDS!” This time the voice was familiar, Martyn’s voice. Scar stuffed the fish into his satchel. “Are you sure about this Grian? You’re sure you want to fight for me?! I’m nothing special; I’m a weakling?” Scar asked Grian holding his hand. Grian had a smile on his lips, and he reveled his eyes. They were full of determination and commitment. “I’m sure I’ve bet on the right team. You are special Scar, especially to me. Now go out the back, I’ll draw their attention. Don’t stop running from here until you’re far away from here. I will find you. I promise.” Grian told him. Scar nodded. “When you step out use your wing to cut Pizza Free, he’ll come to me. I’ll take him and go.” Grian returned his nod with one of his own. Scar and Grian’s hands separated, and the pair went their separate ways. Grian opened the door abruptly and cut Pizza’s lead to free him. Grian exchanged a glance with the llama and he raced to where he needed to get to. Grian’s feet flew across the sand and took to the sky. The sun just setting into the western sky. He flew in the dusk sky and observed the group of men on the edge of the Sandlands. He recognized Ren and Martyn instantly. The pair where next two one another trying to locate Scar. Good they hadn’t seen him let Pizza go to Scar. This worked to his advantage. He observed the group. They were fully geared up and their armour had a radiant pinkish purple glow to it. So, this was enchanted armour and weaponry. This was the first he’d been allowed to view it. It looked troublesome. No matter, he could see the men beginning to enter the Sandlands. The men were fanned out, they were none the wiser about the TNT planted just beneath the surface of the sand. He watched from above. One of the men crossed the sand. The trap triggered; a loud explosion cut through the dusk’s silence.

“Skizz!” Cried Ren as he tried to go to his hurt comrade. Martyn held Ren back. “Don’t my liege, there could be more bombs planted. Allow me to go in your stead, you’re far too important.” Ren tried to protest but Martyn gave him a look that silenced him. “Be careful, Hand, you King can’t risk losing you either.” He gave a brief nod of understanding; he made a beeline for the injured Sizz. He got to his side, Skizz had a large wound to his waist. He held his side groaning his breaths laboring. “Slow you’re breathing Skizz, you’ll bleed out faster if you keep that up. Drink this.” Martyn brought a glass bottle to Skizz’s lips. He swallowed the drink. He let out a pain filled shriek as the wound slowly started to close itself as his skin started to regenerate its cells rapidly. “How the heck did Scar arm a trap like this? Especially in such a short amount of time? You were here yesterday and everything seemed fine! So, what changed!” Skizz asked through pain filled grunts. “I-I don’t know, everything about yesterday’s trip was already fuzzy, that Zombie’s sword really impacted me for some reason, I thought everything was normal. So why isn’t it so. Somethings not right. Scar isn’t an organized fighter. A trap like this is well beyond Scar’s capabilities.” Muttered Martyn as he tried desperately to recall his visit to the Sandlands yesterday.

“ENEMY SPOTTED!” Shouted Etho as his red eye stared down a target in the sky above. “I’ve never seen anything like it before!” He aimed his bow and shot his arrow. The arrow was coated in flame as it soared through the dusk sky. Etho watched as the creature raised its hand and the arrow stopped in it’s tracks before the creature and fell to the sand below. The group of men couldn’t believe what they’d witnessed. What was it, and how could it do that.
Grain watched as the human with grey ears, hair and mask shot an arrow at him. So, this human could see him clearly. He bore a single red eye. If he had to guess the eye would allow him to target an enemy and have his weapon fly true to its target. He frowned. Well, that would be an inconvenience. The arrow was coated in orange flames. He raised his hand. The arrow stopped short of him. It fell from the sky to the sand below. These humans would have to do a lot more then shoot their measly arrows at him. He lowered his hand, his black, purple wings now blended into the night sky. It was also annoying that they came with healing potions. So even near lethal wounds could be healed with time with one. Skizz as he had heard them call him had, had his vital organs affected by the explosion. If he had to have guessed he had lost about 1,500ml of blood, which would have started to cause serious side effects to his bodies collapse. “Tsk” he scoffed gritting his teeth. Now how did he want to kill them? Would he let them continue to advance? Did he want to break up their assault separating them? Did he want to assault them head on? All these thoughts raced through his mind. Decisions, decisions. His smile grew wider. Ren was their king, eliminate him first would have their faction fall into turmoil that would be a fantastic plan.
He leaned back closing his wings, gravity began to pull his body towards the sands below, he twisted his body out of the dive and forced his wings to propel himself forward at great speeds. He drew his Fang and flew straight for Ren who was in the center of the group of them. The men had little time to prepare for his strike he was moving so fast. Ren pulled his shield up in time to block the strike, but it did cut deep into the shield. “SO, YOU’RE THE RED KING, HUH!? WHAT’S THAT LOOK? YOU MAY THINK YOUR GLASSES CAN HIDE YOUR LOOK OF FEAR?! YOU REAK OF FEAR AND BLOOD! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I’VE BEEN LUSTING FOR YOUR LIFE TO BE RIPPED FROM THIS WORLD, YOU’VE POSIONED THIS LAND AND THUS YOUR END SHALL BEING ABOUT IT’S REBIRTH!” Grian purred sinisterly into Ren’s left ear. He withdrew his sword and jumped back into the sky out of reach of the range of Ren’s men. Another arrow flew towards Grain’s head. It stopped short again before falling limp. “You’re going to have to try harder boy, you’re not going to hit me from that range either.” Grain said turning his head towards Etho.

“Are you alright my liege? Did it hit you?” Martyn asked joining his king’s side. “No thankfully my shield stopped the blow, but barely. I don’t think it can take another. I know I’m asking a lot of you, but this creature is quite strong, I’m confident in my power, but I need him to stay close enough to me for my ability to try and effect it, after all it looks like it has a human body. Can I ask that you use it?” Ren asked Martyn. “You’re asking me to use my powers? I’ve told you I’ve never liked that part of me!” Martyn said. Grian flew in towards Ren for another strike this time it would strike him for sure! Ren looked to Martyn. He heaved a sigh, and a pair of gills emerged on his neck and fins behind his ears. He began to sing a gentle melody. The men in the party begun to sway with the melody.

Grian shook his head, what was this song, it sounded familiar to him where had he heard this song before? His body grew heavy. “Focus you idiot, this is like what happened yesterday with Scott, so Martyn is a power holder? Fins and a voice that sounds like it’s a song of angels. Those are clear signs of a Sirin’s call! I’m getting pulled into it, if I can’t shut out the voice I’ll get put into a fantasy. Break the connection! Break the connection! But how?”

He felt his body hit the sand his mind left spinning trying to find a despite way to cut the song out of his head. He saw Ren come close to him, his head started to hurt, a lot. He knelt pulling Grian’s limp body close to his. “What was it you were so confident in saying again? What’s that look? Fear is written all over your lips, I can smell it on you too. Maybe you should have looked out for yourself, I’m going to kill Scar, and then I’ll see to it that you’re also delt with, have a nice sleep, your life will be a lot different tomorrow.” Ren said a smile crossing his lips. Grian snarled his eyes could barely stay open, as long as he had provided Scar enough time to get away, he’d find a way back to him, he’d figure this out, he was a Watcher, he’d be fine. His eyes closed and his mind went blank.

Ren let go of Grian’s body. “Bigb you keep an eye on the creature, everyone else watch your step and move in on the sandcastle. Find Scar, and do whatever it takes, if we have to kill him here, we’ll just used that thing that attacked us in his place! I want Scar’s head mounted on a spear! Nobody disrespects Dogworts!” Ren laughed as he walked away from Grian’s limp body. Then men begun their advance into the Sandlands.

Scar gripped Pizza’s wool tightly and the llama raced away from the Sandlands. He turned his head to look back. He felt a rock in his stomach. He had a bad feeling that Grian was in danger, but he knew if he went back there Grian would chew him out for trying to help. He had to believe in his best friend and Watcher protecter. “Please oh great Earth, please watch over Grian, please let him be okay, let him get away, let him find me.” Scar prayed hoping that this rock in his stomach was wrong and that he was okay.

Grian shifted, stirring from unconsciousness. He sat up and gripped his head in his hand. He was extremely groggy, and his head still had a dull ach especially behind his eyes. He took in his surroundings he was in a cell that was dimly lit. “Nice job, you got yourself captured by the enemy.” He stood up and approached the iron door. He reached up to grab the door to see it’s durability and a sharp electric shock coursed through his body when he touched it. “AGH!” He snarled at the door. He heard footsteps, and the twist of the doorknob opening. He turned his body fulling to look at Ren and Martyn entering the area. “You’re awake I see, excellent. I have questions for you, I’m sure you’ll be more then willing to answer them for us.” Ren said as he grabbed a stool and sat down on it in front of Grian’s cell. Grain snorted and turned his back on Ren and sat down crossing his legs. “Yeah right, like I’ll tell you anything. You can’t make me talk to you.” He felt his head hurt more then before. “What’s your name?” Ren asked. “Grian.”
‘Woah, woah, woah, why did I answer that?’

“What are you Grian?” Ren asked next. “I’m a W-” He shook his head wildly and bit his tongue hard. He could taste iron in his mouth. Blood. “Well, that’s very telling. You’re willing to bite off your own tongue before answering that question. What you are must be important then. Tell me what you are. I’m not asking you I’m giving you an order to tell me.” Pain filled his head; he gripped his head tightly. “I’m a W-”

“I’m not telling you I don’t care if my head explodes the only one who will know what I am is Scar! No one else.” He thought.

Ren exchanged a look with Martyn. “How peculiar. Even when receiving an order he can resist Bloodlust’s effects. With regards to that question.” He turned back to Grian. “Grian, turn your body to face me.” Grian complied turning to face Ren. Ren removed his black glasses. His eyes were pure white. He’d never seen a human with eyes like his. “Grian, do you know where Scar is?” He asked. “No. I don’t.” Grian told Ren. “Where is he Grian? Don’t lie to me.” Ren snapped back. “If you couldn’t find him, how should I know of his whereabouts! I don’t even know who he is!” Grian snapped back. “You’re lying to me again. TELL ME WHERE HE IS!” An even harsher pain overwhelmed his senses. He pounced to the gate its shock shooting through his body. “AHAHAHA, I TOLD YOU I’M NOT ANSWERING, YOUR LUCKY YOUR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS GATE! I WANT TO RIP YOU APART, WHAT EVEN IS THIS ABILITY? IT’S LIKE MY HEAD IS BEING RIPPED APART FROM THE INSIDE?” Ren looked on at Grian with an unamused look. “Are you finished, or do you want to try and threaten me more? Your part human part Avian, I was under that understanding at first but know I’m sure you’re more then that. You have a high affinity as well. It seems to have restored itself in the time we started this conversation. Dispte Bloodlust’s affection of your mind you seem to have enough ability to have some defense of it. No matter, I was prepared for that. After all Scar is another who is unaffected by my abilities. That’s why I’ve been working on a new way of making my power more dominant in others who can resist it. You’ll make the ideal test subject.” Ren got up from his seat and walked over to a panel. He placed his hand on a it. Suddenly Grian felt a sharp prick into his neck. He clawed at the collar around his throat. “What was that?”

“What are you. Grian?” Ren asked again calmly. “I’m a Watcher.” He covered his mouth. “Why’d I say that, why couldn’t I stop myself!?” he asked himself.

“A Watcher? I haven’t heard of that species myself. Martyn, have you?” Ren asked turning to look at Martyn. “No, my liege I haven’t.” Ren turned his attention back onto Grian with a smile across his face. “And what would be your purpose be? Seeing as we haven’t met before.”

“My mission is to bring this world back into balance.” Grian answered again. “What’s going on why am I answering his questions so willingly! What did they give me? Am I under some sort of mind control? That’d be crazy? Mind control wasn’t something Ren had the ability to do. Right? I don’t feel any different then before though. In fact, I feel like myself. I feel like I have control of my body, my mind and my mouth so why am I just answering him?” he asked himself.

“This isn’t funny, what’d you do to me? I feel like myself, and I don’t want to answer your questions so why am I answering them and unable to stop myself!” Grian hissed. Ren wore a smug smile. “So that was an overwhelming success it would seem.” Martyn smiled and nodded with his own smug look. “It seems so my King.” Grian snorted and bared his fangs. “Answer the question! What did you do!”

“You felt a prick on your neck, correct?” Ren asked him. “I did, what of it?” Grian answered him. “The prick gave a small injection of my blood. The working theory between the Hand and I was that my authority is coded by the blood crystals in my crown. Where I’m from my pack obeyed any order, I gave simply because of the blood that ran through my veins as an alpha. The blood crystals effectiveness run off blood contracts. Demi-humans like me are affected with different degrees or levels of affinity. You’re an angelic demi-human. You have a high level of affinity as a Watcher, but you’re still a demi-human weather you want to believe it or not. I doubt if you were a pure blood this trick would work, though personally I wouldn’t be able to confirm this theory or not. This is very fortunate for us. It means that I could use you in battle if required. Does this answer your questions, Grian?” Ren said as he explained the situation Grian had found himself in. “So, you forced a contract then by injecting blood into my body. I’m surprised that I hadn’t seen this prior nor in a vision. It’s rather alarming. Your power is more troubling then previously thought.” Grian said bringing his hands to rest on his chin in thought. “Where is Scar, Grian?” Ren asked him. “He escaped from the Sandlands when you attacked it. Without being outside this cell due to the berries in place I unfortunately couldn’t tell you where he would be. Though even if I could, I’d sooner end my own life then tell you where he’d be though, and you think I’m joking about it but I’m dead serious. I made a promise that I intended to keep. Besides, I doubt the effectiveness of this pact will last long.” Grian said as he sat down in his cell. He had to get this collar off him, its operation was not something he was familiar with, nor did he know the extent of what side effects would come with the injection of Ren’s blood into his Watcher’s body. It could cause no effect to something serious. It was too early to say for certain. He felt fine but how much of that was just a bluff. “I was rather hopeful in your tracking abilities. Shame the berries are preventing it from activating. Though you can continue to tell yourself that you’d gatekeep Scar’s whereabouts but in the end, you’d still tell me no matter how much you’d try to resist.” Ren exclaimed tipping his head continuing to share a smug smile with Martyn. “You’re smiling now but once I get this collar off, we’ll see how giddy you feel. It’s cute how you think you own my soul with such a gross trick.” Grian huffed in annoyance. “Again, you can hold your own reservations, but seeing as you’re the first one to have this method tried on, you’re right, it may not last long. It could last ten minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour. We can’t be sure. For now, I have the answers I needed most, we’ll be back in an hour to see how you’re fairing. You may want to rest during that time, its your choice honestly.” Ren said as he motioned to Martyn to follow him out of the room. Ren opened the door, and the pair left the room leaving Grian all alone in the cell.

Grian sat in his cell for five minutes to ensure the pair were long gone before he begun to try and fettle with the mechanical collar around his neck. How could he have let himself get caught and get into this mess. Scar told him not to get cocky and he did exactly that, get cocky. “You’re too confident in your powers. Never trust any power you have; it could be used against you at any moment!” Grian frowned as he continued trying to get the collar off. Scar would be extremely angry with him. How could he have predicted a Siran would be present? Not to mention how the Hand could hide his gills and fins. He looked like a human. He could have never guessed he could do that. The collar wouldn’t loosen, nor could he unlock it. He brought both hands up and gripped the collar as tightly as he could muster. It creaked under the pressure of his grip. The collar cracked and he ripped it off his neck. Good he couldn’t be given any more doses of blood, that was one issue solved for, the next was the current running through the iron bars. He walked over to the smooth stone wall. He ran his hand over it. Looking for a weak point in the wall. He found one halfway down the wall close to the floor. He knelt and put his feathered ear against the wall, he could hear sounds of aggressive mobs beneath the floor, which suggested that this cell was built on a cave system. He sat up and grinned, this time he wouldn’t require Scar’s assistance. He placed his hand back on the weak point of the wall. He closed his eyes and summoned his aura to his palm. The stone broke quietly and the cell opened to a cave just as he had predicted. He looked to the wall outside the cave, his Fang came to him, and he placed it back on his hip. He took a breath before jumping down into the cave and traversing it to a mouth of a cave not far from Dogworts. He turned back to look at the cobble, and wooden fortress. He smirked. “I told you; you couldn’t own my soul.” He walked further into the oak forest to hide himself. Once he was far enough away, he looked to the sky. He pulled back his winged ears and exposed his purple eyes. He could sense Scar’s familiar aura; however, it seemed rather weak. He covered his eyes once more and headed for where Scar was.

“Scar?! Scar where are you? Say something.”

Scar’s eyes squeezed shut before slowly opening. His side hurt. He looked down and saw he was sitting in a pool of blood. “Right, I fell down this ravine. I lost a lot of blood; I should be dead. I cut open my pelvis.” He looked up towards the light above him. He was about halfway down the face of the ravine. “Grian, I’m sorry. I don’t know if I’m going to be okay.” he thought.

“Scar?! Scar where are you? Say something.”

“Grian? Grian! is that you?” Scar asked weakly. He frowned. “He probably can’t hear me.” Scar thought. He saw a familiar face look over the edge of the ravine. “SCAR! What in the name of the Great Deity!” He dived down and landed next to him. He saw Grian’s hands trembling as he franticly examined the wound Scar had. “You’ve lost so much blood! With a wound like this any normal human would be dead!” He turned his head to look Scar in his eyes he saw Grian freeze. “What is it? What’s that look?” He asked weakly. “There, no way.” Grian said in a low voice. “What’s wrong?” Scar asked. Grian brought his hand up to touch his face. Scar coughed but chuckled uneasily. “Grian, you’re scaring me.” He spoke. “Scar, do you, feel any sort of strange energy right now?” Grian asked. He was perplexed by his friend’s odd question. “Not particularly no. I just know my side hurts and that you and I most likely shouldn’t be talking to each other right now.” Grian touched his face again. “Then how is any of this possible? You shouldn’t-”

“Grian, for the love of Mother Earth tell me what’s going on, please, I’m dead serious you’re freaking me out.” Scar said. “Your eyes, their like mine, although your aura is in a weakened state your wound is healed. This is only something Watcher’s could do. Your body is using my ability to heal.” Grian told him. “That’s not possible, I’m not a Watcher nor have that ability so how?” he asked Grian. “That’s just it! It doesn’t make sense. Unless it’s because of my link too you.” Grian looked deep in thought now. “What link?” He asked. “What do you know that I don’t?” Grian begun muttering to himself and ignored the question he asked. “GRIAN!” he looked up. “Huh?” he breathed a sigh. “What link?” he asked again. Grian rubbed his neck. “We’re soul bound together. So, this may be my bond with you giving you a Watcher’s powers. Or maybe because of your ties to the Secret Keeper and as you had explained your scars give you the ability to read and write our language that maybe you have a deeper link then other half elves. I can’t be one hundred precent sure.” He tried to sit up but winced holding his pelvis. “What do you mean by soul bound Grian?” He asked trying to get more details. “That you and I are linked to one another in a way. We’re meant to be together no matter where we are. Maybe it also means my powers can course through your body as well. I don’t know I’ve never seen this happen before!”

“How long have you known that information Grian?” He asked. “Providing only one night passed one day. Though this is a new development.” Grian admitted gesturing to him. He breathed a small sigh. “I don’t feel different though. If I was using your powers like you say, shouldn’t I feel, actually I don’t even know what you’d feel Grian, I could be experiencing it and not even realize.”

“Are you comfortable if I tried something?” Grian asked him. He raised his brow. “Try what exactly?” Grian leaned down to put his head next to Scar’s ear. “Do you trust me?” He looked at him. “I do.” Grian sat up placed his hand on his chest and reveled his eyes to him. He felt a strange feeling looking at Grian’s eyes. He felt the pain in his side fade away and felt his body tingle. He felt his head tingle. He felt, different and yet not at the same time. “This is a real weird feeling. I don’t know what you’re doing, but I feel good.” Grian’s lips formed a small smile he covered his eyes and lifted his hand off his chest. The tingling went away when he stopped. He sat up without pain. He touched his side the wound wasn’t there not even a scar had remained. He couldn’t stop himself from chuckling to himself. “What was that?” Grian sat back and looked at his hand. “That was aura, what you just experienced was what I experience. I can share my aura with you.” Grian couldn’t keep himself from laughing to himself just like he had a moment ago. “So that’s what it feels like to be a Watcher, I wish I could feel like that all the time. I wouldn’t be weak if I always felt like that.” He exclaimed with a soft sigh. That power was incredible. It felt warm, it felt calming and yet jarring all at the same time. “Your eyes are back to normal now by the way.” Grian said after a moment to break him out of thought. “Well, that’s depressing. I wanted to keep expressing that ability.” He said with a long sigh. “I bet, but I don’t want you to-” he paused. “End up like me.” He finished. “End up like you?” Grian sighed before looking back at him. “I wasn’t always a Watcher, Scar. I was human once.”

“WHAT!?” Scar’s face dropped with disbelief. There was no going back now.

Chapter Text

Grain raised his hands as Scar got into his face. “What do you mean you were human!” Scar asked inches from his nose. “It’s complicated. I don’t remember my old life outside what I was told and two other memories. Now if you want to know back up and give me some space, you’re way too close.” Grian told him. He leaned back and sat with his legs crossed ready to listen. Grian breathed a sigh. “I was born human, what I know is that I was a young researcher at the time, I lived in a world that was plentiful with magnificent buildings and technology. I discovered oddities about its lands. I built my home in a large spanning rock formation that laid bare to floating islands. Below this mountain was a large cavern, within that cavern I discovered high readings of abnormal energy, fascinated by the way it changed the matter around it I set up a lab to research the energy coming from the crack in the stone. I built Grumbot to help me understand the energy. My two friends lived close to me, I can’t remember one of their names, but the one I can remember was my worlds Scar. He would often wear this costume and shoot a bow with the best precision yelling “Hot Guy!” he was too good at hitting his target. One day while I was taking readings in the cavern, the crack completely ripped open creating a large rift in the lab. A knight came through the rift, they approached me and slit my throat open with their Fang. They left me to die and never said a word to me. My world’s Scar, and my other friend whom I can’t remember his name found me. They tried to heal my wound but, a wound from a Fang of Atonement can’t be healed when it’s fatal. I died in my Scar’s arms. I was a red parrot demi human before becoming a Watcher, my wings used to be red, yellow and blue. My eyes, used to be black. I never used to keep my eyes covered either. What I’m wearing now, these are my clothes I’d always wear. All that change due to my proximity to the energy, it mutated my genetics. Rather then being reborn as a human I reincarnated as a Watcher. The rift that opened was the gate that connects the Cursed Realm with the Celestial Plane, the kingdom of Watchers. That’s all I can remember. When a human is killed by a Fang it takes their memories. I shouldn’t remember any of it. The High Elder was the one to tell me about my past, pieces have filled in slowly. That’s why I’m different then other Watchers, I bare human emotions, emotions Watcher’s don’t bare.” Grian recounted. Scar sat quietly looking on at him. “Scar?” Grian asked. “You have questions, don’t you?”

“Well, of course I have questions. You must understand, this is a lot to taken in. You were human, you were like me, you knew me! You and I were friends! You, died because of a Watcher’s actions.” He brought his hand up over his mouth, tears threatening to fall from their corners. “You died in my arms. Your memories were stolen from you! You used to live in our world! Your human life, your friends, your memories, that Watcher took that all away! You’re one of them now! With a mission to do the same to all of us!” Scar gripped Grian’s arms. “Aren’t you angry!? Aren’t you devastated that you aren’t human anymore? Aren’t you sad that you can’t remember your friends and life? You don’t have to continue your mission, you could just, stay here, help win the war, help bring balance without killing everyone. You and I can stay together, you can make new memories with me. I think that sounds pretty good.” Tears now fell endlessly down Scar’s face. Grian lowered his head and turned away from Scar. “I can’t, Scar. This is the one thing I can’t do to help you. I can’t abandon my mission.” He said coldly. “But your life!”

“MY HUMAN LIFE DOESN’T MATTER, SCAR! MY HUMAN EMOTIONS DON’T MATTER, SCAR! I’M NOT THAT MAN ANYMORE! I HAVEN’T BEEN FOR TWENTY-TWO YEARS!” Grian snapped turning back to face Scar. “IT DOES MATTER! DON’T LIE TO ME! I CAN HEAR THE PAIN IN YOUR VOICE!” Scar snapped back. Grian gripped his red sweater in his hand. “Even if I long to remember my past life, those memories don’t belong to me. I don’t even understand why the High Elder told me that! It has to matter for this mission, but I can’t understand how it will be important!” Grian muttered in a low voice. “I can help you through this, we can try and get your memories back. No one is forcing you to do something you don’t want to do. This is your choice. I promised to help you no matter what would happen to me, I knew I’d die and be reborn. I just, didn’t fully grasp what that would look like. I now know what will happen. I’m not going to back out of our agreement. But I want you to make your own choices. Not the choices of a race of holy beings that made you one of them. You’re not cruel and uncaring! You may have a body of a Watcher, but you have a human heart! Listen to that rather than the conditioning they put you through.” Scar told him as he let him go.
Grian kept his head lowered. He was cursing himself for telling Scar the truth. How could he comprehend what had happened. Of course, he’d view it with human emotions and human intent. How could he see things from a view he had no understanding of. He was not a Watcher; he didn’t have the understanding or lessons he’d been taught since he was a young fledgling. “Scar, Watcher’s were created as ideal beings by the great deity Dragon that once protected the Cursed Realm. Watchers helped this land prosper, there has always been orders and sacred vows among Watcher’s that we cannot break, given by the High Elder. I’ve already broken three of those rules the first was to ensure you had food. I knew the risk, and the High Elder forgave me for breaking it. Second Watcher’s are not meant to see themselves. We’re not allowed to uncover our eyes for our own safety. I did so! Third I didn’t kill you when we met! I was supposed to kill you! I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Watchers are never meant to interact with humans! Yet here I am interacting with humans. Having feelings of adoration. For you. I’ve already failed my mission Scar, you don’t think if I had a choice I wouldn’t choose to be with my best friend. I may have been human once, but my soul is bound to being a Watcher. I must do this. That is what is bound to my soul. It’s no different then your soul being bound by the Erath. I’m truly, sorry Scar.” Scar’s lips turned into a frown.

Pain shot through Grian’s body. “AGH!” He gripped his head, his body felt like it was being lit on fire. “Grian! What’s happening? What’s wrong?” Scar asked reaching out for him. Grian felt his eyes squeeze shut, his head hurt. “AHHH!” He started coughing and his stomach churned angerly. He fell and laid on his side. His body twitching with each burst of pain. He felt bile come up and he coughed out the bile. So, this was the side effects of Ren’s blood. “Grian!” He could hear the fear and concern from the tone in Scar’s voice. He felt Scar’s hand come to a rest on his arm. Another shot of pain tore itself through his body. He brought his knees up into his chest. His wings curling around his throbbing body. “I’m sorry.” He muttered through the pain filled cries. “Sorry for what? What’s happing I’ve never seen you like this!” Scar told him in concern. “I was stupid, its my own fault. Now I must deal with the side effects of my mistake!” He said back. “Is this because of you sharing your aura with me earlier?” Scar asked. He shook his head. “No, I got captured during the siege on the Sandlands. This is the Red Kings doing. AHH! If I’d had realized I was wearing that collar around my neck this wouldn’t be happing right now.” His head throbbed just as much as his body; his neck burned where the injection sight had been. He reached his hand up to clutch his neck. “What do you mean you got captured!” Scar shouted at him. “Never mind that now, tell me what happened, what was the collar? What do you mean side effects. What are these red veins that are coming from your neck?” He couldn’t help coughing before throwing up again. This was such a miserable experience. “I got an injection of Ren’s blood. It's probably been an hour since I got the injection, so this is unfortunately the side effects of his blood being mixed with my own. My body is clearly unimpressed.”

“You’re telling me that the collar injected you with Ren’s blood? What happened after that?” Scar asked him, he sounded like he didn’t really want to hear the answer to the question. “He forced me to be in a blood pact without me accepting any conditions. He knows about what I am and my mission. I couldn’t stop myself from answering his questions.” Another sharp pain tore through his body, “AHH augh!” His body really was not taking the side effects well, he was just hoping they’d wear off soon. The pain was suffocating, and debilitating. His aura struggled to try and keep up with his failing metabolism. The blood has clearly done severe damage to his body. He felt Scar pull him close to his body. His body trembled in Scar’s embrace. He slowly reached up to touch the back of Scar head. “I’m tired.” He breathed into Scar’s chest. His hand slowly fell limp and his body went still. “Grian?” Scar asked he didn’t respond. “Grian!”

“Prophet Keeper. Can you hear me?” Grian shifted. He looked up and saw the worried look on the Elder’s face. “High- UGH!” his body throbbed. “Stop moving so much, you do this every time you come for treatment, you stupid fool.” Came a very familiar voice. “Is that you Alica?” Grian asked. “I told you to stop calling me that! Now hold still!” The voice said. “I’ll try but this time, it’s not my fault, I’m not trying to move on purpose. I’m just in that much pain.” He muttered as he used his spare arm to hold down the arm that the alchemist was trying to get and line into. They were successful and he started to feel ever so slightly better. They breathed a sigh. “What did you get into this time, you’ve caused the Elder great distress. Your physical body may not be getting the treatment, but your soul is. You look awful.” The alchemist told him. He stared up at the ceiling of the medical ward, this ceiling was all too familiar and the Watcher next to him also was all too familiar. “I was a fool and got cocky. You know, like I always do. Any time I’m in this bed it’s for that very reason. I hate being the only Watcher in the whole kingdom to have to end up in this ward so many times!” He turned his head to the Elder. “Do they know? About what you told me?” He asked. The Elder nodded. “Yes, they do.” He looked back to the alchemist next to his bed. “It’s because I was human once, so my body isn’t like other Watchers. It’s annoying. Even with my aura I could still get hurt in different ways.” He said as he brought his arm up to rest on his head. “I’m all too aware, Prophet Keeper. We’ve spent the last twenty-two years trying to understand you, and how all this happened. You’re just that unique. Watcher’s have the most advanced knowledge in the universe and yet you are something inconceivable.” They told him. “What medicine are you giving me this time?” Grian asked. “I’m giving you a few things, ashida for the pain, nishi for the tremors, and a bag of your blood, from previous visits. My prediction is you be well enough by sun bare. You’ll live. I urge you to take this as an opportunity to rest, you foolish fletching.” They huffed standing up and walking to the purple satin curtain. “High Elder, will you be joining me or would you like to sit with him a tad longer?” The High elder lifted their hand. “I will leave in a bit. I wish to speak with him on an urgent matter.” The alchemist nodded their head and left the two alone. “Let me guess, I continue to cause unnecessary actions in my mission.” He said turning to the Elder. “You have certainly taken a very precarious route, compared to your predecessor. However, the Great Deity came to me in a dream. They have told me that your path was not meant to walk the path of our people. The Great Deity said they have big plans for you and have guided me in reflection to allow you to walk this path you’ve chosen. I know not of its outcome, and I know not of what choices you will make. I’ve been told I only must observe. I am the universe itself after all. I have watched this world since it’s inception. I have watched my own kind sway between purity and darkness, I have watched the humans of the cursed realm welcome rebirth and guidance, to war and bloodshed. I know not of the emotions that are felt nor the actions anyone will take. I’m but an observer with no due course. I can only guide what is meant to be guided. You do not have a set course to follow like other Watchers. You lay bare to a human heart, with a Watchers soul. Your life is torn between two worlds. The blood you were injected with caused your human body to react while your watcher’s soul did anything it could to try and repel it. In the end your body is still mostly human. You will need to take greater care. Which is why I have brought a gift from the Great Deity for you.” The Elder placed a necklace around his neck, on the necklace was an amethyst pendent. “What’s this for?” He couldn’t help asking holding it up to see it. “This will help to better regulate your aura. It will help prevent this from happening again. Although we cannot change your human origins this will elevate your Watcher abilities. This pendent will protect you moving forward.” The Elder told him. They stood up and walked to the curtain. “I will allow you to rest now Prophet Keeper. When you wake up, you’ll be back in the Cursed Realm, with the man with the scars.”

“Grian. I want you to call me by my real name when we’re alone. If it’s not too much to ask.” He asked them. He saw them smile. “If that is what you wish, then I shall grant your request. Please rest well, Grian.” He watched the elder leave and listened to the sound of their footsteps fade into silence. He looked to the pole with the bags on them and lifted his hand where a small needle was in one of the glowing purple veins in his hand with a small tube that was feeding the medication into his hand and thus into his body. He slowly let his hand come to a rest at his side. “So, the Great Deity has big plans for me huh? I must wonder if they know why this happened to me, why I became a Watcher. They are our creator after all. Watchers were made by them in their image. I have so many questions to ask them. Someone like me couldn’t possibly understand the bond required to have them speak through a soul link, not that its possible for average Watchers anyways.” He frowned, his head resting softly against the pillow below him. He rolled over onto his side. He started coughing again as pain shot through his body. He stayed still trying to let the episode pass. He breathed a sigh once it had. He needed to rest yet his mind raced with so many questions and thoughts. He wanted to get answers, he wanted to understand why the Elder told him about being human. That question alone boggled his mind. They wouldn’t have told him for no reason surely. It’d be out of character of the Elder. They did everything with graceful intent. So why?! He gripped his head. Why? He was so frustrated by the whys and hows. He could have asked them before they left. But the Elder most likely wouldn’t answer him anyway, they’d tell him that this was just something he alone would have to discover. “I don’t want to figure this out on my own! I just want the answer. I’m desperate for the answer. I lost my humanity to this form. At what cost! The Elder said they didn’t know why the knight killed me that day. It wasn’t a mistake that I got marked. It couldn’t have been. I’m aware of Watcher’s who’ve forsaken the code we’ve upheld since our creation. But that was before our kind found solemn here in this kingdom. Since then, Watcher’s have always been true to our duties.” He heaved a sigh once more. This farce was getting him nowhere, and what’s more was only continuing to frustrate him further. He brought his hands up and hit his cheeks trying to attempt to refocus himself. He brought his hands in front of his face laying still on the bed. He looked on at the iv in his hand. Alica had said that he'd feel better by sun bare. In watchers speak that meant that he would feel better by their morning. Which would be evening in the Cursed Realm. It was afternoon when he had got back to Scar. If it hadn't been for his bond with Scar, he'd be dead right now, and his soul would take a long time to reshape itself and be given a new form. There was no guarantee he'd be the same person either. Dealing with souls was not an easy task. Soul Keepers manage souls that meet their end organically. While most other Watchers of different ranks oversee worlds that have a higher risk of bloodshed. Scar's soul should have been in their care rather then his. Despite that thought in his mind he still found comfort in knowing he could spend time with Scar even if that had to come to an end when the war was won. He frowned. "I really don’t want to take his life, I haven’t since we've met. I tried to tell myself that its not true, but I can’t fool myself. He looks exactly like my Scar from home. Even if the memories are hazy, he’s still there." Another long sigh. Humanity was such a pain. Why’d it choose now of all times to come out. Had it been because he went through the gate? Again, yet another question that had no answer too it. Pain tore through his neck where the blood had been injected. “AHH!” He gripped his neck. So, the blood wasn’t going to be treated without a fight. Fantastic, just his luck. “Bloodlust.” He breathed. That’s what the Red King called his affliction onto others. He could see why it’d be called that. The crystals in his crown were forged with blood poured into the crystals. A ritual was likely used to grant the affinity he was bestowed with. He’d mentioned his pack. If memory served correctly Scar mentioned he could become a brown wolf. He spoke about demi-humans like he was increasingly familiar with the race. After all, he himself was one of them, just as he was once one before becoming a Watcher. He felt a light buzz in his head. The nashi finally was working. The tremors had stopped so he wasn’t thrashing as much but as a side effect it tended to cause drowsiness. He was beginning to feel sleep trying to overtake him. He tried to keep himself awake but his efforts weren’t working he found himself drifting off into a peaceful sleep.

Grian stirred into consciousness. He felt a light weight wrapped around his waist and felt the rising and falling of breaths on his back and neck. Scar was sleeping next too him. Well, this was an awkward thing to come back too. Though if he was dream walking there was a chance his physical body was breathing abnormally then if he were present. Scar probably panicked and stayed with him and ended up falling asleep next to him. Scar wouldn’t have done this otherwise right? “There I go off into my head again.” Grian lifted his hand and rested it on Scar’s. He felt Scar stir. “Humph?”

“Good evening, Scar, sorry for waking you.” Grain said softly. “Grian?” He felt Scar squish his ribs in a big hug. “Ow, ow, Scar can’t breathe.” He loosened his grip. “Oops, sorry. You scared me half to death! You almost fully stopped breathing! You took one breath every three minutes!” The pair both sat up now. “Yeah, sorry about that. My soul dream walked. I had to receive treatment for the blood injection. It was pretty serious. His blood was attacking my cells. The only reason it had any effect was because I was human once. Despite the reincarnation my body remained human I guess.” Scar placed his hand on Grian’s shoulder. “I’m just glad to see you’re fine now. Your physical body was experiencing tremors, thrashing about frantically. You seemed to settle after about an hour after you passed out. So how does dream walking as you called it work? Not to mention that necklace is new. You didn’t have it before, what’s that about also?” Scar asked in interest. “Can’t even get my necklace passed you. You’re seriously too observant.” Grian said chuckling softly. “Dream walking to be honest could be considered our version of human’s sleepwalking, difference is it’s just our souls. Dream Walking usually only occurs when Watcher’s are present in the Cursed Realm. Though some still can experience it when home in the Celestial Plane, however it’s much rarer. For example, The High Elder can dream walk across multiple planes, including the Cursed Realm and the Celestial Plane, they also have a soul link. It’s like our souls being bound together; they can receive a connection to the Great Deity. That’s where this necklace has come from. The High Elder received this gift from them, before bestowing it to me. They both believe that this amethyst can boost my aura to be where it would be if I was born a normal Watcher. In theory, this should prevent Ren from gaining control over me again. It should also prevent other afflictions from other power holders. It’s just a shame I can’t test the theory.” Grian exclaimed to Scar. “We could try. You could place your aura on me like earlier and we could see the difference in fluctuation, right?” Scar proposed. “We could sure but I’m not going to. I’m worried about that situation earlier anyway. I lost my humanity by being next to the gate. My human body absorbed Watcher genetics. My soul is bound to yours. Yes, it was useful because it sealed your wound that likely would have killed you, but it also meant your body experienced a change in genetics even if temporary. I don’t want what happened to me to happen to you. I would rather only have that link occur if you’re gravely injured or in extreme danger.” Grian told him. “I’ll be fine, I don’t feel any different.” Scar said to try to persuade Grian’s decision. “I said no Scar, that’s the last we’ll discuss it. Why do you want to do it so badly anyway?” Grian said crossing his arms. Scar looked away in what seemed like embarrassment. “Well, um…when we shared that link, it um…it felt good. I felt like I had the ability to fight, that it felt almost natural in some way. To be entirely honest I was disappointed when you broke the link off.” Scar admitted. Grian breathed an irritated sigh. “That’s why I’m worried Scar. Your scars you have already gave you an elevated connection to my people. Including a connection with the Secret Keeper. They weren’t programed to interact with humans. This was done with the understanding if one wasn’t destroyed that it would go dormant. Yours didn’t it bounded itself to you. That tells me that even before we met your genetics had Watcher properties to them. That’s why the connection worked so well. Your human, you should stay that way. You yourself just told me that I should divert from my beliefs because I was human once. What would you do if it happened to you, Scar? Diverting from our morals, our constructs. It could spell your death. Watchers haven’t broken rules for a long time, and those who do are terminated. They don’t reincarnate. If a Watcher is killed by a Fang of Atonement, they die they don’t come back. Does that sound like a fair trade for freedom too you?” Grain explained hoping Scar could understand the seriousness that they had found themselves in. Scar didn’t meet his face. His brown medium length hair covered his red eyes. It prevented him from being able to see Scar’s expression. He reached out his hand to reach for his face. He hesitated for a moment before placing his hand on Scar’s cheek and gently guided it so he could see Scar’s face. He looked disheartened by the conversation. His eyes held distraught behind them but there was an extent of understanding behind them as well. Scar brought his own hand up to touch Grian’s. “I just wish I had abilities like yours. You’re powerful, your confident, your beautiful, I can’t even compare to you. I want to feel like you, I want to be you. I don’t care about the risks behind it, and yet I can understand why it’s not right for me. It’s frustrating, I’m just a weakling. I know you don’t care about that, but I do. I want to be useful to you, I want to be useful to your mission. Even if it meant I lose my humanity in the process. I’d be okay with that.” Scar said with a sad expression on his face. “I’m know that silly. I know you feel that way. If that wasn’t the case, I’d be more open about letting it happen. I like you for you. I like you because of your humanity. Because of your ration. I couldn’t imagine you without those parts. You don’t have to be strong to fight. You just need a level of understanding the battlefield. Your knowledge you’ve provided me thus far has really helped me with my mission. You know about the people you’ve lived with for the past four years. So don’t say that your weak because you’re not. I promise you that.” Grian said with a warm smile on his lips. Scar tried to force a smile, he appreciated Grian’s words, but the feeling of helplessness was clawing itself though his chest. He was nothing without Grian’s aura. Grian had seen the look and sighed. “Fine.” He muttered. “What?” Scar asked in confusion. “I will share a very small piece. If you can regulate it properly, and balance it, with the exception and understanding of how aura works we can discuss sharing small amounts for short periods of time. If you feel different at any time or I feel it’s changing your body in any way, I’ll remove my aura immediately. Are we clear? I really don’t feel comfortable doing this. I’m worried about the risk, but a voice in my head is telling me to trust you, so I will.” Grian told Scar. Scar’s eyes immediately glistened with excitement. “Seriously! We’re going to do this?! I’m going to be able to experience the link again!” Scar looked extremely happy now. “Before I do this, I need you to promise me that you’ll tell me if you feel different or if you start experiencing pain or feelings of abnormalities, you’ll tell me so I can remove my aura.” Grain told him taking Scar’s hands into his own. “I promise to tell you if I don’t feel like myself, or if I start feeling pain or abnormalities. You have my word.” Scar said his eyes looking directly at Grian’s face.

“Okay.” He placed his right hand on Scar’s bare chest. He reveled his eyes to Scar. Grian’s hand glue purple. Scar’s red eyes turned purple. Grian lowered his hand. Scar looked over his body. “How do you feel, Scar?” Grian asked him. “I feel good. I feel relaxed and not experiencing anything out of the ordinary.” Scar said with a smile. He felt good right now. Even with this being less then what Grian had shared with him earlier in the day. What made this feeling so intoxicating? Was it because he wasn’t a power holder? Or was it for another reason. He couldn’t be sure. “Right, let’s take this as an opportunity for training then.” Grian said getting to his feet. Scar looked up at Grian. “Training?” He asked. Grian nodded. “If you’re going to be sharing a soul link with me, the only real way of understanding aura is understanding how the feeling of it works within your body. I found this difficult when I reincarnated. We’ll see if you’re the same or different. Now then I want you to stand across from me.” Grian said standing a fair distance away from him. Scar pushed to his feet, before walking to stand opposite of Grian. “Good, I want you to close your eyes.” Grian told him. “Okay, but I don’t see how this will help me.” Scar said as he let his eyes settle closed. “Tell me what you see.” Grian asked him. “It’s just black. I can’t see because my eyes are closed.” Scar muttered raising a brow. “You’re letting your human side have the control, settle your mind, feel the energy flowing through your body take control. Now tell me what you see.” Grian instructed further. Scar took a small breath in before breathing out. Let the energy take control. Feel the energy. Slowly purple outlines of the area began to take shape. “What the? This is so bizarre. I can see shapes, and outlines of the cliff face, and your outline as well as feel mobs below us.” Scar said keeping his eyes closed. “Can you see distinguishing features?” Grain pondered. “No.” Scar answered. “Try bending down to touch the stone beneath you. I’m curious if your bound with the Earth will elevate your sight.” Grian the told him. Scar knelt and placed his palm on the stone. Suddenly the once purple outline became a clear image as if his eyes had been open this whole time. “I can see you clearly, I can see the skeletons beneath us clearly. This is so crazy. It’s like I’m looking at the world with my eyes open but their closed. So, this is what you see all the time?” Scar asked in amazement. “Yes, though our eyes are open behind our wings covering them. Due to you having no wings to cover you eyes we had to substitute. Incredible isn’t it. That’s only a small part of what aura can do.” Grian said with a smile on his face. Scar stood up. The clear imagine stayed with him as he stood. “It’s still clear. I think I’ve got the basic understanding of balancing your aura with what works for me.”

Grian nodded. “That’s good, remember that feeling. Never trust your eyes, your senses will guide you to insure you’re fully covered. You should be able to see the world in a full 360-degree angle. Meaning,” He paused, and his body disappeared. “Wha!” Scar looked around in a panic. How’d he do that?! He couldn’t see or feel Grian’s aura outside of what was inside his body at this moment. The sound of a flap of wings caught his attention. He brought up his arms to block the incoming hit. Grian reappeared as he struck close to his head. He was smirking. “Good, now adapt faster!” His body disappeared again. Scar looked around again. “I must calm down; I just barely blocked his strike because I wasn’t staying focused or calm. Feel the energy around you, predict his movements. Don’t trust your sight, rely on all your senses. Focus. You can get the hang of this.” Scar settled himself. His left ear twitched. He blocked Grian’s strike, this time more gracefully. Again, he disappeared. Again, Scar focused. He grinned when he could see Grian perfectly now despite his psychical body not being present. He brought his leg up and kicked Grian on his side. He blocked it at the last second, but it was his first time striking Grian instead of just blocking him. “You’re picking this up quickly, I’m rather impressed. How do you feel now? Still feeling normal?” Grian asked Scar. “I’m still feeling fine. How’d you disappear like that? Can you teleport or is it you masking your aura and therefore it hides you with it?” Scar asked tipping his head. “I’ll let you think about it for a moment or two.” Grian said placing his hands on his hips. “I’m leaning towards it being your aura masking itself. That just feels right too me. It makes the most sense. Would I be correct?” Scar explained looking back at Grian. “Correct again. You’ve got a strong understanding of Watchers. It’s almost like you’d been one once and reincarnated as a human, born into the same faction who lived like us for years. It’s awfully strange when I say it out loud.” Grian answered. “Maybe I was? Maybe we switched roles at one point or another. I don’t share any memories of it, just as you don’t share many memories of living in the cursed realm. Who could say honestly?” Scar said giving a small shrug. “Now that’s a rather disturbing thought.” Grian shook his head. “Now then we’ll practice with your sword next.”
Scar looked down at his iron sword and unclipped his sword from the sheath. He took it into his hand. He felt a rush of energy surge into his hand and into his sword. It began to change shape and color. Grian watched on in surprise. The purple glow died down and he now held a purple, black sword with purple flames depicting the words “Devine Erath” inscribed on the blade of the sword. Scar looked at the sword completely dumbfounded by what had just occurred. “Uh, what just, happened?” Grian slowly approached and looked at the sword Scar was holding. “This is, a Fang of Atonement. There’s no way.” Scar could see panic in Grian’s eyes. “Okay calm down Grian there’s no need to panic there’s a reasonable explanation to this is there not?” Scar said holding out his hands. “CALM DOWN?! CALM DOWN! SCAR, YOU’RE HOLDING A WATCHER’S WEAPON! THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE. HUMANS CAN’T WIELD FANGS! Do you feel different?” He clearly was panicking but he’d accepted that this was just something Grian would do. “I have a slight headache but other then that I still feel human if that’s what you’re asking me.” Grian came over and placed his hand on his chest and felt the power slowly fade away. All he could see was black. He squeezed his eyes before slowly opening them. He looked at Grian’s eyes. They were shaking his lips quivering. “What? What’s that look for?”

“I’m sorry, this is all my fault I knew I shouldn’t have-” He started. “Grian, relax I’m fine.” Scar said with a soft smile. “But your body!” Grian said abruptly. Scar looked at his body, he’d gotten his muscle tones back, his scars had a soft purple hue to them as well. Okay, maybe he wasn’t as fine as he thought originally. “I don’t feel different, Grian. Perhaps this is for the best, maybe the aura helped my body we don’t know.” He wanted to think about this from a positive perspective, but he could see Grian’s mind doomscrolling the endless possibilities about how he’d made him a Watcher. Scar gripped Grian’s shoulders. “Relax! Stop trying to catastrophize this I’m not a Watcher! You’re filling your head with nonsensical things!” Scar told him. “B-But you have a Fang.” His voice shook and cracked. “Grian, focus!” Scar said shaking him. “What? What do you want from me!” He asked looking at him with his full attention now. “For you to relax and think about this from a rational perspective. You’re spiraling down rabbit holes and hitting dead ends. It’s seriously an unhealthy habit you have.” Grian’s eyes kept their focus on him. “Can you really blame me?” He asked. “I don’t, no.” Scar answered letting his shoulders go. Grian turned to look at the Fang that laid next to Scar. “Watcher’s own a fang from the Great Deity. Each fang is made for each Watcher, no other watcher owns the same sword. This would mean our theory would be correct. It would mean you were a Watcher once. But that’d be crazy. The Elder would know the truth. I could ask them.” Grian expressed. “It’s better for me not to know, Grian. I don’t have those memories for a reason.” He felt a shock of pain and he gripped his head.

Scar opened his eyes and found himself pinned back against a wall. He turned to look up at his attacker. Their wings were black and deep crimson. His body throbbed his breaths ragged. He was losing blood and losing consciousness. “Please, stop! You don’t have to do this!” He cried out. The attacker lunged and plunged their Fang through his stomach.

“AGH!” Scar screamed as he shot upright clutching his stomach. He looked around wildly anticipating the attacker to be there, he touched his body looking for the wounds, they were just his scars. Each scar represented each open wound he’d received from that mystery attacker. “A memory? But why now?” he lifted his hand and looked at it. Was Grian right, had he really been a Watcher before being human? Who attacked him that day, and why? Grian said that Watcher’s don’t just deviate from their path. What if he had? But Grian also just told him that if a Watcher was killed by a Fang, that they’d not reincarnate. So, if that was true, why did he come back, and as a human no less. “Fantastic, now both of us are dealing with the same question just seeking different answers. I think I know how I can get my situation answered, and it wouldn’t be by the Elder. I’ll seek my answers from the one being who I’ve shared everything with.” He stood up and walked out onto the cliff face. He noticed Grian was sitting by a small campfire cooking some fish that he’d taken with him before he’d left the Sandlands. He saw Grian’s ear twitch. “You’re awake, I’m glad. You really had me worried.” He said turning his head to look at Scar. His eyes were covered by his wings. “Cooking a late dinner I see.” Scar said as he sat down next to Grian. “You’re hungry, aren’t you?” He asked. Scar nodded. “I am.” He watched Grian take the fish off the flame. He handed it to him. “Thank you, Earth, for this meal.” He said putting his hands together before taking the fish from Grian. He began eating the fish slowly. “What happened after you fell unconscious?” Grian asked. Scar coughed on the fish. “Let a man eat his fill before asking something that personal, why don’t you.” Scar said as he caught his breath. “If you must know, I think I regained a memory, though I’m not sure of its real origins. Grian, do you know of any Watcher’s who bare black and crimson wings?” Grian wore a look of surprise. The look caught Scar off guard. “We’ll I personally don’t. But I’ve heard of Watcher’s wings turning crimson when they disobey their orders, especially if they’re divine orders. The darker crimson their once purple feathers the larger the order they disobeyed. Realistically this was more common back before Watcher’s called the Celestial Plane home. Why do you ask?” Grian questioned. “Because the Watcher that killed me bore dark crimson wings.” Scar answered him. There was a long cold foreboding silence between them. “I want to build a Secret Keeper.” Scar said breaking the silence. “HUH?” Grian’s wings stretched out in shock. “You heard me.” Scar told him. “Firstly why? Secondly, it requires a ritual. Thirdly it requires an amethyst core. How did you expect to achieve that, and for what purpose? Secret Keepers are messengers.” Grian explained. “I have a feeling that my Secret Keeper has those answers. That’s why I want to summon it here.” Scar exclaimed. “Answers? Are you trying to tell me that, if you had been a Watcher you’d have been alive during that period?” Grian asked him with hesitation. “It’s just a rough theory. Like I said, I don’t have memories of such a time, just having been killed. The real question is if I was a Watcher at the time, they killed me with a Fang, Grian.” Scar said looking right at Grian. “WHA?! Then this- you and I.” He could figuratively see smoke pouring out his winged ears and mouth. Grian’s expression rightly so, showed profound confusion. “That’s it I’m done!” He said laying on his side. “The lines of what I’ve come to know vs reality are way more complicated. Great Deity give me the strength. Why have you given me such a complicated world to deal with. Is this some cruel joke.” He started sulking again. Scar rubbed his back as he continued to eat the fish Grian had given him. “So, I’ll create an amethyst, and then you’ll help me with the ritual, right?” Grian’s head popped up tears still dripping down his cheeks. He looked over his shoulder. “What do you mean create. How do you know you can do that?” Scar looked back at him confused. “What you mean?”

“Did you even remember what you just said?” Grian asked. “Yeah, I said I’d create one.” Grian sat up straight once more brought his hands together and sighed. “And I asked you how you know if you can do that, Scar.” He could hear the patience leaving Grian’s tone. “You did it to make fish for me didn’t you?” Grian raised his finger. “I did but when did you figure that out?” Scar rubbed the back of his neck. “Only just recently. You’d mentioned that you broke a rule to ensure I had food, you messed with the world which you’re not supposed to do right?” Grian brought his hand up and placed it on his cheek. “Right, and I got into trouble for doing it, the elder let it go, so I assume they’d spoken with the Great Deity at the time. It’s their final decision to say if I should have been marked as a traitor. It’s the only reason my feathers are still purple. Because I’m human they said I have a different path to walk compared to other Watchers. So, what, you’re going to try and use aura without having any, and if you’re asking me to give you some of mine to do it, the answer is no.” Scar lifted his free hand and swallowed another mouthful of his fish. “I’m going to make an attempt to see if I still have the ability, I’d say it’s a slim chance it’ll work but if your aura allowed me to gain back the unweakened abilities, it could work in my favor.” Grian gave him another confused expression. “Go on?” Scar finished the last of his fish and laid the stick on the stone cliff. He placed his hand on the stone cliff face, and let his eyes settle closed. He could feel Grian’s attention on him. “Settle your mind, focus on what you want to create.”
Grian watched Scar’s scars began to glow like earlier. Scar winced in pain. “Scar, stop!” Grian snapped. Scar didn’t listen to him. The stone below Scar’s hand begun to glow purple, and the once stone cliff face under his palm turned into an amethyst crystal. Scar’s scars returned to their reddish-pink hue, and he fell forward. Grian caught him and his head laid against his chest. “Scar?” Grian asked with worry in his tone. “I have a splitting headache.” Scar said in a rather joking fashion. Grian gave Scar a swift flick of his fingers to Scar’s forehead. “What’d you think would happen? That was stupid but you knew that didn’t you?” Grian hissed. Scar pulled his head away from Grian’s chest, he rubbed his forehead which had a red mark from Grian’s hit. “It worked didn’t it. He looked at the crystal in his hand. He turned his attention back to Grian. “So, ready to do the ritual?” Grian looked at the crystal in Scar’s hand. “You really want to do this?” He breathed. “I do.” Scar answered back. “This won’t be a simple summoning, we’re summoning your Secret Keeper after all, since you have a connection with the golem it means it’ll require you to be a part of the ritual. I really don’t want you too be but I don’t get much say in it.” Grian brought his finger up and used his fangs to bite it, drawing purple blood. He got to work drawing the ritual circle. Scar watched on with what Grian was doing, he understood the ritual, which was oddly surprising, though if he had been alive as a Watcher back during that time this was something he’d have understood. Grian leaned back and allowed his finger to finally seal the wound. “Right, your turn, Scar. Place the crystal in the center of the circle. Then it requires three drops of your blood onto the crystal. Then we can summon it.” Grian instructed. Scar nodded and placed the amethyst in the circle. He then followed the same action Grian had done. He bit his finger and held it over the crystal. Three drops of blood hit its purple surface. Scar held pressure on the cut and waited for the blood to clot. “Once I start the incantation, I won’t be able to stop. I’ll ask once more, you’re sure this is what you want.” Grian asked Scar once more. “I’m sure.” Scar answered.

Grian nodded, turned to face the circle, he placed one hand on the ritual and his other on Scar’s shoulder. “I ask the brilliant spirit of Earth, divine spirit of Air, tranquil spirit of Water, and sacred spirit of Fire, to join thy force and head the call from the highest authority, bring forth life so that it can service thy call.” Scar felt a harsh pain in his body as his scars began to glow again. He wanted to cry out in pain but kept quiet. “Bring forth life, return to me, Secret Keeper!” The amethyst took on a golem shape, specifically a baby golem. Its face bore the Watcher’s crest. The baby golem looked between the two men in the ravine. It walked over to Scar who was leaning on Grian’s body, he was extremely tired after all that. “You’re older than I remember you, Scar.” The golem spoke in Watcher’s native speak. “We haven’t seen each other, in four years.” Scar managed to get out, through a quiet tone. “You look rather exhausted, what has happened in my absence. Who might you be?” The golem took notice and looked to Grian now. “I’m Grian, I summoned you here.” The golem pounded for a moment. “How peculiar, you share similar genetics as Scar. You are not watcher nor human.” Grian leaned down to the Golem’s level. “So, Scar, was a Watcher then?” The golem shook its head. “Not exactly no. Like you he share’s a hybrid body. He was not a full-blooded Watcher nor is he a pure blooded human. You both are a rare beings that shouldn’t exist, simply put.” It explained. "How do you know that your programed to only relay messages between Watchers." Grian could help but ask. "So, you're familiar with my predecessors. I was constructed with different parameters then other Secret Keepers. I was created for the purpose to stockpile advanced knowledge of secret experiments of the higher up within the Elder’s personal circle. Scar was one of those members at the time."

Grian looked back at Scar who'd fallen asleep by now. “Of course, only you would fall asleep at a time like this, you were the one wanting to get answers.” He went to shake Scar awake, but the golem placed its hand on his knee. “Let him rest. He’s overextended his soul while forcing his aura to be used. He shouldn’t be doing that in his current state.” The golem went on to say. “It’s not just him that’s done this; you as well have pushed your own aura to it's limits. You must also feel just as exhausted as Scar.” It said looking up at Grian. “In honest I’ve never participated in a summoning ritual before, so this was a first. You’re right though, between the blood injection, sharing my aura with Scar twice, and now this it’s a struggle to keep my eyes open. I’m worried about an enemy attack. We’re in the Cursed Realm after all, and the enemies here are power holders. We both can’t sleep at the same time. I can force myself to stay awake.” Grian said. The golem shook its head. “I shall keep watch on your behalf. You both deserve the rest, if your aura depletes it will not bode well for you, as you are aware of its conaquncies. I shall wake you both if an enemy draws near. For I have been called by you both, thus I shall guard you both until instructed otherwise.” Grian softly smiled. “If you could do so that’ll help us both.” He laid Scar down before getting up, and then lifting Scar into his arms, he was much heavier now with his muscle tons having returned. Scar let out a small grunt as he shifted in Grian’s arms. He walked over to the fire pit again and laid Scar nearby it so he could keep warm. It was usually cool tonight. The golem took up a space nearby the two of them. Grian laid down not far from Scar. He stretched out his wing and softly laid it over Scar’s body as if it was a blanket. His eyes slowly drifted shut. The sound of the crackling fire lulling him into sleep.

Chapter Text

Grian stirred and sat up and yawned as he stretched his arms and wings. The golem took notice and stood up. “Good morning, Grian, you look like you slept well.” Grian nodded. “I did, it’s the first time I haven’t dream walked since arriving here, so I feel much more well rested.” Grian said looking at the golem. “Humph? Who are you talking to, Grian?” Scar asked as he sat up and yawned. He winced and gripped his head. “Note to self, don’t just sit up that fast. I’m still feeling dizzy and nauseous from last night, not to mention my limbs feel heavy.” Scar complained. “You only have yourself to blame for that!” The golem braided him in a harsh tone. Scar turned his gaze downward. “Wait, no way, you’re here! You’re way smaller than I remember though.” Scar said poking the golem with his pointer figure. The golem batted his finger away. “Honestly you haven’t changed one bit, still as unobservant as ever I see.” It crossed its arms. Scar frowned and raised his eyebrow. “And you’re just as bossy. You always get like that when I make a mistake.” The golem turned its head and huffed. Grian just watched the pair bicker. “You have an extraordinary amount of sentience, for a golem.” Grian interjected between the pair. The golem puffed out its chest. “Of course I do, I’m programmed to adapt. Thus, I’ve adapted to meet the needs of my creator.” It looked back at Scar. “Wait, I did that?” He looked on in confusion. “Why else do you think I spoke to you and no other.” Scar shrugged. The golem shook its head.

“Scar, the Secret Keeper told me you and I are actually more similar than we thought.” Grain told Scar. “How do you mean?” Scar asked tilting his head. “It explained that we’re both not fully Watcher’s but not fully human either.” Grian recounted the conversation between himself and the golem to update Scar on the developments. “How does that work exactly? You can’t just be in between, right? It must be one or the other. Then again, your body retained mostly human components, correct?” Scar begun saying out loud. Grian nodded. “Precisely. That’s what I was under the observation of. My body is a mix of both, it’s mainly Watcher then human at this point, aside from the retention of human emotions, and my aura having the tendency to weaken at unreasonable times. Though I was born human.” Grian explained. The Golem raised a finger. “Intriguing, you say that in your case you changed species.” The golem approached Grian. “Give me your palm, I shall analyze your DNA further then just my original assessment.” Grian exchanged a hesitant look with Scar. He just smiled. He was loving this, and it did not sit well with him. He held out his palm to the Secret Keeper. The golem’s purple crest glue purple and he felt a strange energy surround his palm. “My, my, you’re DNA is quite fascinating I must say. It’s true you were a pure blood human at one point in your lifetime, however there was a small amount of Watcher genetics upon being born into this world. Though those genetics should have remained dormient and should not have affected you in any way. Your genetics mutated when in contact with the Gate then. Very intriguing! The scar on your throat is by a Fang, yes? Even more intriguing! A near full reincarnation. Quite a feat! So, the experiment was a success then! You are a nearly perfect representation! Remarkable! Truly remarkable!” The golem seemed extremely pleased with the observation it’d gotten from Grian. “What the heck does that mean? What experiment! What am I!” He needed to know, and this Secret Keeper knew the answer he craved. “Unfortunately, this is information strictly for high ranked officials I’m afraid.” The golem answered. “Prophet Keeper!” Grian snarled. “Pardon?” The golem seemed perplexed by the change in his tone. “My role! Prophet Keeper!” Grain repeated. “Oh, deary me, I do deeply apologize for my arrogance. Forgive me, for I did not realize your rank.” The Golem bowed to Grian. “Tell me what experiment, was a success.” He ordered. The golem went to answer. “Wait.” Scar said speaking up. The golem stopped itself. So, Scar’s authority out ranked his so it would seem. “Grian, think about what you’re asking. What will you do with the answer?” Scar said narrowing his eyes at him. “I’ll know the truth; I’ll finally have an answer Scar! I can finally stop the why’s and how’s. I might even understand why being this way is important to my mission!” Grian answered clenching his red sweater in his hand. “And if it doesn’t? What happens then? What happens if the truth is too painful to hear?! Would you abandon your mission, would you turn rouge!? Is the truth worth it if you lose your sense of self in the process? That doesn’t sound like the Grian I’ve come to know!” Scar snapped back. “Scar, I’m going to ask you nicely. LET. IT. SPEAK.”

Scar frowned. “Fine, if you lose your mind I’ll kick your butt. I’m not letting this be the end of you, do you understand me!” Grian scoffed. “Whatever.” Scar looked to the golem. “Log: 1510 Experiment G-07 is displaying positive signs of adaption to the blood transfusion. Human vitals have retained states of heart rate 90 bpm, blood pressure 120/ 80 mm Hg oxygen levels 100%. I believe that it will be possible for select humans to bare dormant Watcher genetics. Out of all experiments G-07 is the only specimen provided by the Great Dragon to bare avion genetic structures. After careful review and follow up examination, they will be allowed to walk the world with higher understanding then other human species that will soon populate the Cursed Relem. End Log 1510.” The golem played the recording. The voice…belonged to the man sitting across from him. Scar looked on at Grian, his eyes were hidden by his winged ears. He couldn’t tell how Grian was feeling. He was deathly still and calm. This wasn’t going to turn out well. Why was it his voice on the recording? Grian was an experiment? He’d never met him before; he had no memories of any of this.

“Why was it your voice, Scar.” Pure venom left Grian’s tone. To be entirely honest it didn’t even sound like Grian anymore. This was what he was worried about. “Grian, I don’t know what any of that was about. I swear too you.” Scar said. Grain stood. Scar quickly realized the aura around Grian now, he was about to kill him! Grian pounced at top speed and threw Scar into the wall of the ravine. “AGH!” Scar yelped as his back struck the wall. Grian gripped his throat his talons cutting into his skin. Scar clawed at his arm. “Grian, please…stop!” He tried everything he could to have Grian release his grip around his throat. “You, caused this!” Grian snarled pulling his wings away from his eyes. His eyes were completely purple, there was no humanity in those eyes. Just the eyes of a soulless killer. “I can’t remember…anything about that! You must believe me!” Scar coughed out. Grian’s grip only tightened. The corners of Scar’s vison begun to go black. Grian was going to kill him, and he didn’t have the strength to stop him. He tried kicking Grian’s ribs, but he didn’t even so much as flinch. ‘I’m going to die. He’s not listening. Is he even himself at this moment. His aura doesn’t suggest so.’ Scar thought. “Scar!” The golem rushed to help him. “G-Grian. P-please. L-let me…. g-go.” He was losing oxygen and quickly. He didn’t let go. “I said, LET ME GO!” His scars turned purple, and so did his eyes. An intense burst of energy split the two of them. Grain’s body hit the ground before rolling to a halt. Scar’s body slid down the wall. His breaths were ragged, and he was falling in and out of consciousness. The golem got to his side. “Your wounds!” The golem alarmed. Scar removed his hand from his throat. His hand covered in blood. “This- is an order. Stop, Grian. But don’t kill him.” Scar said touching the golem with his blood before his hand dropped to the stone beneath him falling unconscious. With the blood given the golem changed its shape, it grew larger in size and took on a warrior’s shape. It took Scar’s Fang from his hip and turned to face Grian who pushed to his feet with his own Fang drawn. “Get out of my way!” His voice was toxic. “You’ve let your instincts take over your mind and body, this is truly a sad display.” The golem began. “You’re making a grave error. I shall not let you bring harm to my creator any further. To attack him is to attack me, and I shall not relent. If you come at the.” Grian charged the Golem his eyes settling on Scar’s unconscious still body. The golem kicked out it’s leg and struck Grian’s ribs. Grian let out a short gasp before coughing. He’d lost the air in his lungs. This was enough of an opportunity for the golem to force Grian’s body into the stone beath them. He struggled under the weight of the golem. It kept him pinned. “You have two choices, Grian. Come back to your senses naturally or I will be forced to cut you with Scar’s fang. You will lose memories, and the wound will be extremely painful for some time, and it will also not heal well. Pick your choice!” The golem threatened. Grian snarled and continued to thrash his body beneath the golems weight. “I’LL KILL HIM!” The golem shook its head. He’d made his decision. His mind was too far gone under the control of his Watcher’s instincts. There was no humanity at the forefront of his mind, it was just bloodlust and craving to take a life. The golem took Grian’s arm out from under its weight. Grain clawed the ground still struggling to break free. The golem pulled up Grian’s sweater sleeve. It then brought Scar’s Fang to his skin. It cut Grain’s wrist. “AH!” Grian’s body begun to stop thrashing under the golem’s weight. His eyes shook, Grian shook his head but eventually lost consciousness like Scar had. The golem removed itself off Grian’s body. Purple blood pooled below the small cut from the Fang. This was an unfortunate circumstance; it’d had hoped that Grian would have retained his composure after hearing the log however even it had been taken off guard by the full possession of Watcher instincts that had taken hold over his mind and body. Even its creator had been caught off guard as well, so it seemed. Another shake of its head. Scar had produced a shockwave of his aura in an already fragile state, His body underwent testing just as Grian’s had. Transfusing human blood into his once Watcher’s body. However, from it’s time analyzing Scar’s DNA when he was reincarnated. He retained very little Watcher genetics then what he had before his death. The difference is he knew that it would happen and had made the appropriate measures to ensure that if his experiment was successful, he’d reincarnate within the world that he’d come to know, which was why it had never cessed functions, at Scar’s order. The golem’s body begun to change shape once more returning to its once small size. It laid Scar’s Fang next to him. It then sat and watched over Scar.
Some time later Scar groaned and tried to sit up but didn’t have the strength to do so. “What, happened?” Scar asked a loud. “You received quiet the injury.” The golem responded to Scar’s question. He brought his hand up to his neck. He traced his fingers over the deep new scars on his throat. ‘That’s right, Grian had lost control. He attacked me.’ He looked at his hand which was covered in what was now a reddish-purple blood. He let his hand fall to his side. Scar turned his head to look at the Golem. “Is Grian, okay?” He asked. “He will be fine; however, he left me with no other choice but to use your Fang to cut him.” The golem replied. “WHAT?!” He winced. “His wound won’t heal properly, and that would mean you took those memories from him!” Scar said frowning. He looked over at Grian who’s chest was rising and falling calmly. He could see the small cut on his wrist. It had partially healed itself though it still had a small trickling of blood dripping from parts that still were exposed. He redirected his gaze back to the golem who waited patiently. “The log, it was my voice. I did this too him, and don’t remember any of it.” He said softly. “It’s not surprising.” The golem bluntly stated. “You yourself were prepared for this to occur.” Scar looked on with confusion. “Huh? Me, I was prepared? I knew this was going to happen. How!?” The golem sitting next to Scar nodded. “You where one of the top Researcher at the time. You stored logs for me to give you if you recalled your memories or if an emergency requested you to recover your memories.” Scar sat up. Doing so made his stomach churn. He couldn’t hold down his vomit. “Ugh.” He groaned. “I’ve got to stop doing that. Aura and human bodies clearly don’t mix.” He looked to the golem again. “Play my logs. Please.” The golem begun to play his log. “Research log 16: I believe my personal tests have taken well. My own transfusion of human blood seems to be mixing well. My aura remains unchanged, though I have noticed spotty weakness on limited occasions. G-07 also seems to react when I’m nearby them. Their blood type matched my own, so I’ve been sharing genetics between the two of us. Subject seems to also understand our language. They have tried to speak although they are still not fully completed. I’ve also noticed some bodily changes as well. My skin has begun to gain small patches of pale skin like G-07. End of log 16. Log 32: I have made a grave error; my research has been jeopardized. G-07 was almost complete. Destroyers have raided the lab! I opened a gate and sent G-07 through it. I prey they will be alright! No one not even the Elder knows of my research spanning outside of G-07! Secret Keeper my final order to you is to keep the logs I’ve given you! Share them too only me unless I give you an order to share! Ugh! Their coming! I will meet you again in my next life! I’m sure that the share of genetics will advert my end! When I reincarnate continue to log my progress! End of log 32.” Scar sat with the logs buzzing through his mind. So that’s why Grian and him shared a soul link, it was because they shared genetics with one another. The Elder was none the wiser to his trials on himself. Do they remember him? That was a hard question to answer. Destroyers. He remembered them now more clearly. They were the ones who disobeyed the laws. They came after Grian and him, but what was the purpose of them doing so? Was it because the order had been given that the Watcher’s must go through the Gate? He shook his head. “A Destroyer attacked me and killed me. How long did it take to reincarnate?” Scar asked as his follow up question. “Approximately twenty-five earth years. Ten thousand Watcher years.” The golem answered. Ten thousand Watcher years. He looked up at the blue sky above his head. That was a long time to have been gone, but it made some form of sense. He had never completed the experiment. For a Watcher to become human and a human to become a Watcher. “You look relieved it would seem.” The golem prompted. “We’ll it wasn’t a full success, but it did work. He’s not fully Watcher, and I’m not fully human. Still though, why was he sent here, specifically. Why did the Elder tell him about having been human. That question has yet to be answered.” Scar said turning to gaze at Grian once more.

He saw Grian stir. He lifted his right arm and slowly opened his eyes. “I lost control I guess.” He said frowning. “Yeah, you did.” Scar said slowly pushing to his feet. His body felt heavy. He really needed to stop trying to produce his aura he once had, it was having adverse side effects. He crossed the stone cliff to sit down next to Grian who laid his arm over his eyes. He looked still slightly out of it but looked frustrated with himself. “I can’t remember our conversation. The last thing I can recall is your warning to me, about the truth behind all this. I remember the Secret keeper mentioning an experiment too me, but even those memories are hazy. I’m so stupid. How could I let myself lose control like that?! This cut’s from a Fang. It’s extremely painful.” He let out a long sigh. “What could have possibly set me off?” Scar placed his hand on Grian’s right forearm. “Let me have a look.” Grian gave Scar his arm. Scar looked at the small cut on his wrist. “The good news is it’s not deep.” He reached for his satchel and took out a small piece of fabric. He wrapped his wrist carefully. Grian’s eyes watched him do this. “If it helps, the reason we share a soul link was because you and I both share similar blood. The experiment in question was to test the extent of if humans could inevitably survive with dormant Watcher genetics, while the other was to see if my body could develop human genetics. The research never was completed.” Scar told Grian. “Wait, so we met before then? But neither one of us could remember? The Secret Keeper told me I was born with the genetics. If we share blood, that will mean you and me. I lost control, because of that. I really am a fool.” He groaned placing his left hand over his face. “Well in your defence, I don’t think it helped any that the way it was communicated wasn’t the best. I also believe you where already angry and hostile before you received the information which also didn’t help either.” Scar told him. “Don’t defend my behavior. I let my feelings siphon off my intense emotions.” Grian said turning to look Scar in the eyes now. “Your body looks like your genetics may have mutated a tad more when you lost control. Your skin has a little more of a purple hue in your cheek bones. You also have a few spare feathers as well.” Scar pointed out. “No! You’re joking right. He brought up his hands to touch his face. Scar was right there was a small number of little feathers along his cheeks. “UGH!” He closed his eyes and begun sulking again. “I didn’t think it could progress!” he whimpered. “I think its due to your new necklace.” Scar said pointing at the amethyst pendent around his neck. “You mentioned it elevates your aura like if you where a true Watcher, correct?” Grian nodded. “Right.” The golem walked over to look at the necklace around Grian’s neck. “I can confirm this theory. Data collected indicated high elevations of aura, mixed with intense emotions.” The golem replied. “So, it’s also a bad thing. Fantastic I have the worst luck I swear! At this point I’d be in a league with Jimmy, and that’s being generous.” He grumbled. Both Grian’s winged ears and Scar’s pointed ears twitched. Grian quickly brought his winged ears over his eyes and got to his feet, Scar also pushed to his feet both held their hands over their Fangs. Scar motioned for the golem to hide.

“Who’s down here?” came a voice from the top of the cliff. It wasn’t one of the Red Army’s voices, nor did it belong to Scott or Jimmy. A person leaned over the cliff and spotted the two. “Well, I’ll be damned! Scar? What are you doing down there?” The mysterious person asked. Grian looked on with confusion. They looked odd. They looked human but their skin was green and was being held together with stitches. What really set them apart from their look was their bright loud long orange hair. They jumped down and placed water under them to break their fall. They stood on the opposite side of the ravine then they were on. Scar relaxed before softly smiling with a small wave. “Well hello there Cleo, you startled me.” Scar said in greeting. They looked pasted Scar to look at Grian. “Who’s your friend?” Cleo asked. “This is Grian.” Scar answered them. Grian’s hand still hovered over his Fang. He’d had too many encounters now that gave him a bad taste in his mouth. “Not friendly, is he?” Cleo asked placing their hands on their hips. “Ugh, not exactly. He’s more uhm, protective of me. He’s not a bad person by no means, just…scary guard dog privileges.” Scar said with a shrug. Now he was perplexed. “Smooth, pretty boy. You can’t lie worth beans.” Grian said with a short giggle. “I don’t see you making short conversation.” Scar looking back at him his face was bright red with embarrassment. Grian looked on with a devious smile. Scar cut his eyes at Grian. “Well, you both seem comfortable with one another, I haven’t seen you around before Grian, pleasure to meet you, welcome to what will be inevitably a warzone. Say Scar, you look like you’ve found your fill of food. You don’t look like you did a month ago. So, where are you hiding it from the rest of us who are starving to death?” Cleo prompted. “Oh um this isn’t from eating. It’s from uh-” He looked to Grian for help. “It’s actually been my doing.” Grian said finishing Scar’s sentence. “Your doing? How’s that?” They looked amused now. “I’m a power holder. My connection with Scar has helped him recover. However, I will not discuss this further. I do however wish to discuss a possible alliance between the Sandlands and the Crastle Alliance. If you’d be willing to negotiate that is.” Grian said relaxing and stepping in front of Scar now. “You’re asking for us to join Scar in this war? How caught up are you with regards to his crimes against the crown?” Cleo asked with their attention turning back on Scar. “I’m aware that he burned a Dogworts flag in defence, and I know that the Red King calls for his head on a pike. Simply put I care not for those things. What I care about is the real crimes that have been committed. That being the blood the Red Army has spilled. My end goal in this war is to reset the balance of this world.” Grian explained. “So, you wish to bring about the end of this world then?” Cleo said with a grin turning their attention back onto Grian. “I didn’t say that specifically.” Grian attempted to say. “As the celestial embodiment of Pluto, you cannot hide your intentions from me. I am aware of what shall begin and what shall end. You yourself are a celestial being, so is Scar. I also am aware of the power in which you can command. It would seem your wound has reopened; it drips purple blood.” Cleo raised their head. “You’re the representation of the Sun, however, your celestial bounds keep you from your freedom, while Scar represents the Erath. He is free to roam the land he found comfort in. If you truly seek my/our assistance you must provide us with something meaningful. I felt the world change two nights ago. I must prod you for the information you hold, you weren’t telling me the whole truth, Grian. It’s not just your power that has helped Scar recover, you have provided him food, yes? I merely ask that you provide your resistance with adequate rations. Ren is the only person who has food to provide to his men, while the rest of us live off scraps. If you can offer this, the Crastle Alliance shall pledge its allegiance in service of your cause. I trust this is a doable obligation. I shall also provide your wrist to be fully sealed with my strings of life as my first proof of allegiance as well. In turn, this shall be your decision to make.” Cleo said in confidence. Grian exchanged a look back at Scar. He nodded. Grian turned his attention back to Cleo. "All you require from me is food. Is that truly all you want to put your lives on the line for us? If you truly are aware of my being here surely you or your comrades would have protest to what will be done once the war is won." Grian prompted. His wrist was beginning to hurt and blood continued to hit the stone. "Not to mention this wound can't be healed. Its going to continue to reopen."

Cleo gave him a simple smile. "You intend to kill us all, yes I'm aware. My comrades would put up quite the ruckus if they would find out. I however have accepted my existence will begin anew. For I like you am an immortal being. Despite what will inevitably come I unlike the others will be unaffected by your celestial weapons. Simply put, I will possess and retain my memories of this world and its people. I have lived many lives and many centuries within the cursed realm I believe your people call it. I can still die by your blade however."

"I see, you’re quite the unique character, in regards to all the humans I've met thus far. Much how Scar changed my mind about what I thought about humans. I can provide food for you and your Alliance. I hope fish will suffice, to satisfy your hunger. That is all I can provide." Grian said to Cleo. They nodded with a now satisfied look on their face. "That will be sufficient for us. I shall also provide this communication to Joel as well. I'm sure he will be more then willing to accept the same proposal. Do you have any other allies?" Grian nodded. "We already have a pact with the Hobbits." Cleo gave another nod. "Then I shall also summon Jimmy and Scott as well. We shall meet at the Crastle at sundown, where we can discuss strategies for destroying Dogworts. Would that be enough time for you to prepare, Grian?" They asked. Grian turned to look to the sky. It was still early afternoon currently. "Yes, I believe that's sufficient time for us." Yet another nod from Cleo. "Fantastic.” They said clapping their hands together. “Then shall we shake on it to make it official." Grian opened his wings and flew across the ravine and landed before them. He held out his right hand, blood still dripped from the open wound. Cleo took his hand. He watched his hand and wrist glow a blue-grey color and a sigil appeared on his upper forearm that was a reddish-brown color with one symbol in the shape of a sun and the other side the shape of Pluto. "How did you? You placed a sigil on me!" Grian looked back at them. They wore a smile. "Consider this as not a bad thing. I simply placed one for your safety. I fear that it may be required in the near future. I know not why. Now there's the matter of your wound." They untied the small fabric that was now soaked in purple blood. They turned his wrist over to observe it. They then reached into their pocket and pulled out a small needle. They reached up and plucked one of their bright orange hairs and threaded the hair through the needle. The once orange hair turned into thin silver thread like the stitches that held their own skin together. "It will hurt when I insert the needle into your skin, once it is in however you shouldn’t feel any further pain." They told him. They inserted the needle into his skin. He couldn’t help himself from flitching and gritting his fangs together. The pain subsided as quickly as they’d told him. He watched on as Cleo threaded then needle through his skin the wound being stitched shut. They tied the last stitch. The thread of their hair was the perfect size. They removed the needle from his skin. He brought it up to his face and observed the now sealed wound. “This shouldn’t be possible. A cut from a Fang of Atonement is absolute. What you’ve just done has never been possible until now. Does your Strings of Life as you referred to them have unique properties to them? Are they celestial?” Grian asked. “They do, yes and yes, they are celestial. My Strings of life are my soul, body and mind after all. They are what gives me life. I have taken a part of my soul and woven it into the thread that binds the wound. It will not reopen. Even when I lose my life in this fight it will be bound to you. I hope that this offering will be sufficient to prove my loyalty to your cause.” Cleo answered his question. “This more then tells me that. I truly owe you, Cleo. Please do not hesitate to ask anything else of me, this is a debt that must be paid.” Grian said taking their hands into his own. They looked surprised, before closing their eyes with a smile. “Ha-ha, well that’s apricated Grian. I’m honoured truly. Scar was right, you’re not a bad person. You care about his well being and safety. Don’t lose sight of that part of yourself in this fight.” They told him. “Now then I shall make haste to gather the others.” They took their hands from Grian and turned to climb out of the cave. “Please, allow me to assist you.” Grian said placing his hand on their shoulder. They turned to look back at him. “You’re offering to fly me to the surface, are you?” Grian gave them a nod. “Alright, I shall take your offer.” Cleo told him. “May I?” Grian asked looking for their consent to pick them up. “You may.” Cleo answered him. Giran picked them up and stretched his wings wide. He took to the sky flying higher and higher out of the ravine they’d been in. It took only seconds for Grian to reach the top of the ravine. He landed softly on the grass and let Cleo down gently. “Well, I do apricate the faster way to the surface. I will see you both soon. I have every reason to think that we will be successful.” Grian softly smiled. “I can’t help but to agree. We shall meet with everyone soon. I’ll bring you all food as requested.” He spoke. Cleo turned and waved as they disappeared into the cover of the trees. He watched them go.

He turned and walked back to the edge of the cliff; he saw Scar sitting by the campfire with the Secret Keeper who’d come out from hiding. He glided down onto the cliff face in the ravine. “What a truly remarkable being, they were. The data I was able to collect from observation will truly be notable!” The Golem finished saying to Scar as he landed back on the plateau. “Well, that went surprisingly well, compared to our deal with Scott and Jimmy, they even stitched my wound shut. I would have never guessed someone had the ability to seal holy wounds. However here we stand having witnessed just that.” Grian said as he walked over and sat down next to Scar. The Golem hurried over to Grian. He laughed before smiling. “You’re truly that eager to look over my wound, are you? You could at least show some sort of restraint.” He held out his right arm and turned it to have his wound face towards the golem. His hand glue purple like it had when the golem had examined him the last time. It brought its small hand up and touched the silver stitches in his wrist. “Do you feel any residual pain from your wound?” The golem asked looking back up at Grian. “Surprisingly no. In fact, if I hadn’t seen the wound myself beforehand, I’d say I wouldn’t have even known I’d been cut by a sword, let alone a Fang.” Grian said. “Fascinating. The threads are infused with holy energy. This is powers even Watcher’s can’t command. Yet they can wield such impressive abilities. I dare say they could command the souls of others in their care. That could very well be the part of the sigil on your forearm.” The golem said as they traveled to his side to investigate the sigil.

“Mumm.” Scar shook his head and placed his hand on his head. “Are you feeling okay, Scar?” Grian asked looking over at Scar. “I’d be feeling better if my body wasn’t feeling so useless. I’m guessing its due to the overuse of my aura when I don’t really possess one anymore. So, I just feel an intense pain, and heaviness. Not to mention the nausea. I only have myself to blame in this case though. I didn’t feel sick while Cleo was here though. But now that they’re gone it’s rearing its ugly face again it would seem.” Scar grumbled out. “That’d be due to their own abilities.” The golem said still looking at the sigil on Grian’s forearm. “I figured, still though, it’s really annoying to feel so bad.” Scar said. “Secret Keeper, do you mind if I try something?” Grian asked turning his attention to the golem. “No, I don’t mind, I just finished collecting my data anyways.” Grian turned to face Scar. “I want to see if its just the fact your body is imbalanced or not. If it is it should be an easy fix.” Grian said as he placed his hand on Scar’s chest. “Wait, you’re going to start a link? What happens if it causes an issue?” Scar asked placing his own hand on Grian’s. “It’s not. I’m confident in that. The symptoms your explaining to me are symptoms of aura depletion. Your body is trying to create something it can’t remember, and when it does it’s being forced to overwrite itself. You’re basically killing your body every time you use your depleted aura. I’m sure if I start a link, you’ll feel a whole lot better.” Grian explained with a small smile. Scar sighed. “Okay.” Grian uncovered his eyes and Scar’s red eyes turned purple. His scars began to also glow purple. His body begun to relax and the feelings he once had began to slowly subside. So Grian was right. His body was basically killing itself because of the lack of aura within it. “Tell me, how do you feel now, Scar?” Grian asked. “Like I’m not about to throw up every five seconds. In all seriousness I feel way better. My body is feeling better regulated.” Scar said breathing a sigh of relief. The warmth of Grian’s aura felt calming. “Right then, Scar if you think you feel well enough can you create another amethyst crystal for me?” Grian asked. Scar blinked his purple eyes full of confusion by the instruction Grian had given him. “For what purpose, if you don’t mind me prying?” Grain’s cheeks went red as a poppy. “Ugh, umm, well its so I can place a small amount of aura into the crystal. It’ll regulate your aura with mine more regularly. You’d still have to watch how often you use any of the abilities that come with aura, but at least you shouldn’t feel sick anymore.” Scar gave him a devious smile. “Your face is as red as mine was, so you’re just as embarrassed.” Grian flicked his forehead. “Ow, admit it, you like being teased. You wouldn’t be wearing that smile otherwise.”

“What smile?” Grain said trying to frown but his lips wouldn’t listen to him. He sighed. “Fine, I’ll admit, your small inconsistent jabs at me are, amusing. But it’s only because I have a soft spot for you. Now will you make the crystal or not?” Scar laughed before nodding. "Sure, why not anything for you, birdie." He said poking Grian’s nose. He saw Grian face turn an even deeper shade of red. He attempted to try to hide his face with his wing. Yup that was the reaction he'd hoped for. He placed his hand on the stone, and it glue purple and the stone beneath his palm transformed into an amethyst. He lifted the crystal to eye level. "One amethyst crystal." Grian pulled his wing away from hiding his face. His cheeks were still red, but they'd died down a fair bit from before. "Do you have any string with you?" Grian asked. "I think so." He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small amount of string. "Okay, now tie the string around the crystal, you look like you have enough to make a pendent of your own." Grian said to him. Scar struggled for a moment or two to tie the amethyst on the string all the while Grian was laughing at him. They both had to admit to themselves that the bond that was between the two of them in such a short amount of time was such a rare and incredible sight. It was hard to believe that Grian’s whole mission involved him having to kill the inhabitants of the Cursed Relam. Scar finished tying the crystal and put it over his head and around his neck, so it laid on his chest. "Okay, its on and ready to go." Scar said. "Okay, I'm going to break the link for just a moment, do you think you have enough of my aura to regulate both your aura and mine?" Grian asked. Scar gave him a nod. "Yeah, this should be enough." Grian removed his hand from Scar’s chest. Scar felt the link partially end. With his understanding of aura, he continued to regulate the aura throughout his body. Grian touched the pendent and it began to glow. A small flame lit inside the crystal. Grian brought his winged ears back over his eyes. Scar’s eyes returned to their red color and his scars returned to their reddish-pink color. “So, how is it now.” Grian asked sitting back from Scar. He lifted the crystal in his hand. “I feel a lot better, so this small flame inside is a small fragment of your aura then in a psychical shape I’d assume then?” Scar said as he watched the flame sway inside the amethyst. “That’d be correct. Like I said, please only use it for regulating the energy through your body, if needed I can share more but for now this is enough to keep the depletion effects at bay for the time being. If we’re lucky your aura may recover in time with mine being present. Though, with you becoming human that’s hard to say if it’ll return without sharing a soul link.” Grian said getting to his feet. He held out his hand to Scar, who took his hand and helped him up. Scar grabbed his bag, and his armour. He’d taken it off before he’d passed out when he fell. He looked up, a fall from that height was not survivable. Pizza had stopped and had thrown him off his back. “Hey, Grian, did you see Pizza at all?” Scar asked still looking to the sky above them. Grian whirled around to face Scar, he’d forgotten that he’d left with pizza that night. “No, I didn’t see him. We’ll search for him when we get out of this ravine.” Grian said. The golem approached Scar’s leg. He felt a light tug on his pants. Scar looked down and saw the Golem. Scar bent down and picked the golem up. “What would be best for you, being carried in my satchel, or on my shoulder?” Scar asked bringing the golem to his eye level. “Depends on the method of travel. If Grian is carrying us by air, I would prefer to travel by satchel if we are traveling on foot I’d prefer to ride on your shoulder.” The golem answered truthfully. Scar turned to look at Grian now. “What do you feel like doing. I know you would prefer to travel by air.” Scar asked him. “Well, I’ll carry you to the top of the ravine, to start, then we’ll look for Pizza for a little bit, I hope we can find him. You have a point that we’re safer to be left unseen. I’m unfortunately not very hard to miss, seeing that I’m the only person here who is capable of flight. Providing we find Pizza we’ll walk back to the Sandlands, you can scavenge any remaining things that they might not have taken, while I go and collect the food. That’s providing that the Red Armies not sniffing around it.” Grian exclaimed crossing the stone now to stand by the edge of the wall of the ravine. “So, satchel it shall be.” Scar said looking back at the golem. “If you feel like you wish to come out feel free to climb up my shoulder. While we travel.” He lowered his hand to his satchel and the golem crawled into the bag. “Ready to finally get out of here Scar?” Grian asked Scar. “Plenty ready, if I had wings, I’d stretch them and go.” Scar said walking over to join Grian.

Grian scooped up Scar into his arms. He opened his large black-purple wings at took to the sky. They reached the top in a matter of seconds. He let Scar down, onto the grass. Scar turned and let himself fall backwards. His body being embraced by the soft grass beneath him. “Finally, the smell of fresh Earth! The feeling of grass against my skin. Nothing possibly feels better then that!” Scar said breathing a long-awaited sigh of relief. Grian couldn’t keep himself from giggling. “What’s the laugh for?” Scar asked raising a brow. “Nothing, just seeing you happy makes me happy. I suppose I’ve grown accustomed to the human feelings at this point. I feel like you’re the only thing that’s keeping the monster in me at bay. I don’t remember losing control exactly, I can only remember darkness and that it was cold. I don’t ever want to feel that way again. So, if I do ever fall into its depths again, I want to feel all these feeling and want to embrace them while I am still given the chance.” Grian said with a soft smile. Scar gave him a big warm smile, as he still lay in the long grass. “I’m happy to hear you like those feelings, when we first met you were extremely reserved and isolated. I’m happy to know that you found comfort with me, and so quickly I might add. We come from two very different worlds, and yet we have a level of understanding no other person could understand, and that’s special to me.” He sat up and pushed to his feet. The pair set off looking for Pizza.

“We’ve been looking for him for the last hour Scar and haven’t found him. Did you want to call it quits? If I had to guess, we’ve almost walked back to the Sandlands at this point with no such luck.” Grian said as he held a low hanging branch away from himself to let Scar walk passed. Scar wore a frown and had been distressed for the last fifteen minutes of searching. “I really didn’t want to give up hope, Grian. But it seems that’ll have no other choice.” The golem was sitting on Scar’s shoulder. “I’ve detected no signs of life other then the three of us.” The golem answered. “Thanks, captain obvious.” Grian growled. “It’s not it’s fault Grian, it's been programed that way.” Scar said looking over his right shoulder at Grian. “Yeah, yeah, I’m aware. I understand it’s different then other Secret Keepers of the past. Doesn’t mean it has to be so blatantly cold in that moment.” Grian said shrugging next to Scar. “He does have a point.” Scar said looking back at the golem on his shoulder. “Your complaint has been noted, processed and otherwise will be kept in mind, I will do my best to improve this flaw in the future.” The golem said nodding its head. “Yeah, and I doubt it’ll change anything but hey.” Scar shrugged. He found himself wincing. “Not good.” He said holding his head. Grian place his hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong? Do you feel something?” He asked Scar. “I have a migraine, which suggests Ren is nearby us. Secret Keeper can you enhance scanning parameters to 130 miles? Please also display coordinates and mapping data.” Scar said as he took the golem into his hands. “Life detected. Preparing access to enviermental data. Initializing. Data collection complete.” It’s purple crest casted out a fully rendered map of the landscape around them, including showing their location and the location of Ren and most likely Martyn who were just along the edge of the oak wood forest. There was not very much distance between the pair and them. “They are way too close to us for my liking, Scar. They’re probably still trying to hunt you! We need to hide you, and quickly I might add!” Grian said in a serious tone. “I get that part. But it’s just Ren and Martyn we could-” Scar begun but Grian covered his mouth with his hand. “Nope, we’re not going to attack them head on. Need I remind you Martyn’s a siren! I got knocked unconscious and it ended with me being taken prisoner. They’re not going to fool around with either one of us if we fight them head on without assistance. I apricate the thought though.” Grian said as he uncovered Scar’s mouth. “If we can’t take them head on, what do you suppose we do, need I also remind you, Ren’s a wolf! Even if we were to hide, he’d find us. Both our options suck.”
A howl broke up their conversation. They barely had enough time to react. A large brown wolf pinned Scar below it’s monstrous body. “Kneel!” Came a command. Grian fell to his knees covering his ears. He looked on in horror to see Scar unable to move below the wolf’s weight. Martyn’s body blocked his view and held his sword to his throat. “I must say I wasn’t expecting it to be this easy, Hand.” The wolf said licking its lips. “Agreed, and to think we could kill two birds with one stone.” Martyn purred baring his fangs. Grian stared at him with a hateful expression on his lips. Scar struggled under the wolf’s weight. “I am not dying by your hand! Not today, not ever! Release me!” Scar snarled. The wolf let out a cackle. “You think of me as a fool, Scar? You brought this war on not I. You could have joined us, Scar. You would have been freed from this world’s restraints. You could have chosen life over death. No, you chose to burn my flag before me eyes. You chose to fight a war you knew you’d not win! Ain’t no one foolish enough to join you, they’ll watch you lose your head for your crimes!” Ren said lowering his head to Scar’s ear. Scar turned his head. There was a rock not far from him. He grabbed it and squeezed his hand tight. Blood started to drip down his hand. “What’s this pitiful attempt.” Ren snorted into Scar’s face. Scar smiled up at Ren. He brought his hand up to the stone golem “Head my order! Protect your Creator!” The golem grew and gripped the wolf by its tail. Ren let out a loud yelp as he was thrown with immense force into a tree. “What they hell is that thing!” Martyn said looking at the golem warrior. The golem gripped Martyn by his throat. Grian felt the command over his body loosen. He got to his feet and got to Scar’s side. “Are you alright? Not hurt, are you?” He asked in concern. Scar shook his head. “No, I’m fine.” Scar told him. Scar’s eyes were glowing purple which mean he was using aura. “Scar, you should stop using aura.” Grian warned. “I’m only using a very limited amount of aura. Just enough to give a boost to it.” Scar said his eyes falling onto the golem. “Let me go!” Martyn demanded. “I do not obey orders from humans.” The golem said in Watcher’s speech. It tightened its grip. “Take this.” Scar said in the same language. A diamond sword appeared in the golem’s procession. Ren pushed his sore body up and saw Martyn struggling in the grasp of the golem. “HAND!” The wolf cried out. He raced across the forest floor, his paws thundering as they impacted the ground. He bared his teeth and jumped to grab the golems arm to free Martyn. The golem threw Martyn into Ren’s pouncing body. Ren forced his body to change from wolf to human. The sound of cracking bones as he did so sent chills through both Scar and Grian’s bodies. Ren grabbed Martyn’s body as he coughed. Ren helped him stand. “Now I’m mad.” Martyn hissed as he rubbed his throat. Ren drew his sword. “Ignore the golem, target Scar, he is the one giving it orders somehow.” Martyn’s eyes glue blue and his gills begun to also glow. He begun to sing a soft melody. Grain gripped Scar’s hand and Scar felt Grian place an immense amount of aura over his body, more then he had any other time previously. The song wasn’t affecting them. He was essentially cancelling out the song with his aura, but how? Martyn must have noticed because he stopped singing and his blue eyes stopped glowing. “Now how have you done this then? Why isn’t it effective now?”

Grain exchanged a look with Scar. Scar nodded. Grain opened his wings and flew towards Martyn. He pinned him to the ground. Martyn struggled under his grip. Grain revealed his eyes. Martyn’s eyes turned purple, just like they had when he had come after Scar the first time. Grian bent down and spoke in his ear. “I order you to attack Ren, do not stop no matter what order he gives you. Not that’ll matter my control will outrank his. It will last for ten minutes. Do not let him follow us! Do you understand the instructions I’ve given you?” Martyn nodded. “I understand.” He said in a soft voice. Grian took flight off him and rejoined Scar. “Secret Keeper, join me, we’re leaving!” Scar ordered the golem in their language.
“Hand, let’s go!” Ren ordered. Martyn walked in front of Ren. “Hand?” Ren noticed his eyes were purple. “Hand answer me, what’s going on!” Martyn raised his red winter axe. He brought it down at his chest. He barely had the chance to dodge his attack.

Grian grabbed Scar and the golem and took to the sky in haste. He looked over his shoulder as his wings flapped every so often as they glided through the sky. Grian let out a sigh. “That was way too close. We both would be dead right now.” Scar looked at Grian. He looked very out of it. “You don’t look well.” Scar pointed out. “I can still hear the Hands commands in my head. It not very desirable if I’m being honest. I have control but even still my body is itching to obey the command. I’m defiantly thankful for the pendent. I was able to elevate both of our auras to cancel out the second command. Even if barely.” Scar looked back at the scene below them. They crossed into the Sandlands. He frowned when he saw the blown-up remnants of his once livable home. “It’s gone, everything I knew. Gosh dang it. Those guys are going to pay for that!” Scar growled in a venomous tone. It took Grian by surprise. Yet he could understand his anger. His life was inside that sandcastle. All his herbs and kitchen supplies. His bed. All that was gone now. Even his robes wouldn’t have survived the blown up remains of the once proud standing castle that once reached up into the heavens. Then there was the matter of Pizza. They couldn’t find him no matter where they looked. Which meant most likely the Llama met his end. That meant Scar was completely alone and isolated. Yet they’d single-handily convinced the other inhabitants of this broken world to fight along side them. Scar laid his head against Grian’s shoulder. “I missed this feeling.” He said softly. “The feeling of the wind in your face and against your skin?” Grian prompted. “Yes, that. It’s not to say I hate walking and being connected to the Erath. I love those things. But I remember a small fragment of time of flying through the skies. Though it’s just the feelings that I can recall.” He let out a small sigh. “It’s hard to believe even now that I was once a Watcher. It doesn’t even feel real to me. But the proof is undeniable.” Grian nodded.
The rest of the trip was silent. Grian looked down and saw Scar had dozed off in his arms. While they flew. He grew closer and could see the lake he’d summoned the fish in. He glided down to a clearing not far from the lakes edge. His feet met the grass. He walked over to a nearby tree. He went to put Scar down who groaned in protest. "You can sleep on the grass; I'm not a pillow." Grian said to Scar who had woken up. "But your shoulder is so comfortable." Scar muttered in complaint. "I know, but for your sake I can't take you with me any further to the lake with the fish. I shouldn’t be longer then twenty minutes. Then we'll fly to the Crastle. You can sleep on my shoulder then if you're still tired." Grian said sitting Scar down on the grass. "Fine... I'll sleep here then." Scar sighed as he laid back in the grass. "Secret Keeper, are you able to watch over him while I'm away?" Grian asked the golem who'd just crawled out of Scar's bag. The golem nodded its head. “Yes, I can do that. If I detect and changes in the environment, I shall communicate it to you so you can return.” Grian nodded before turning to head in the direction of the lake. “I’ll see you both in twenty minutes.” He said as he held up his hand before walking into the densely grown forest.

Scar watched him go and sighed. He was alone again. The cool feeling of grass against his skin was comforting. His body still felt heavily depleted and exhausted. He thought he’d had enough sleep from falling unconscious all those times before but apparently not. Even with the pendent on with Grian’s soul providing him aura it hadn’t eliminated his tiredness. “Your vitals are showing an imbalance.” The golem said sitting by his head. “I figured. I’m so exhausted, even with the aura Grian’s provided me.” Scar said quietly. “Your body has experienced immense strain. Your body experienced a fatal wound, yes?” The golem prodded. Scar nodded. “You experienced your first soul connection with Grian fairly quickly after receiving the injury?” Scar shrugged this time. “I honestly can’t recall, much after I fell from the top of that ravine. I just know I was in a lot of pain and losing blood quickly before passing out.” Scar admitted to the golem. “So, you cannot recall the first Soul link connection between yourself and Grian?” Scar nodded. “I see very intriguing. Yet the soul link for you is natural?” It asked tipping its small head. “Yeah, when Grian shares it with me it’s comforting and calming. I feel perfectly normal, no real difference in terms of feelings in my body. Just a flow of energy. Though using that energy is what is causing the issue at hand so it would seem.” Scar said turning his head to look at the golem. The golem nodded. “I will let you sleep then; I shall run a full diagnostic test while you rest. Hopefully something will jump out at me that may be explainable in your logs you left with me.” Scar smiled. “Good, I’m going to go to sleep then.” Scar said as he rolled onto his side and closed his eyes. It didn’t take him long to fall into a deep sleep.

Grian walked out into the clearing of the lake. Fish swam just below the surface of the clear blue water. He drew his sword and got to work on making a new fish basket, this time with straps to put over his wings and arms so he could carry the fish and Scar. This took him about five minutes. Once the basket was complete, he looked it over. He nodded with satisfaction. He picked up the basket and flew over the surface of the water catching Cod and salmon. When the basket was full of fish he flew back and landed on the grassy shoreline. He put the basket on his back easily slipping it over his arms and wings. He walked back into the forest heading for Scar.

He got to the edge of the treeline where he’d left Scar. When his eyes settled on him, he was laying on his side curled up sleeping soundly on the grass. He quietly approached Scar. The golem’s head popped up and waved to Grian who was returning too them. Grian gently placed down the basket of fish. He sat down not far from Scar. He had a small bit of hair resting on his cheek. His breaths were even and peacefully. He looked just so perfect in that moment. He’d remember this peaceful moment for him. It was a shame he’d have to wake him from such a restful sleep, but they had an obligation to meet. He reached out to touch his cheek. He really wanted to let him sleep, his body had been through so much. He didn’t blame him for being this tired. His body had basically transformed in less then twenty-four hours. It could use aura again after spending who knows how long without it. He remembered what it was like when he had reincarnated. The tiredness, the nausea, the headaches, the dizziness. He didn’t know the first thing about regulating his aura back then. He’d been so ill back in those days. It took months of special training and classes to learn how to regulate his aura. So, he knew how Scar was feeling at this moment. He poked Scar’s cheek. “Time to wake up my scared Sleeping Beauty.” He said jokingly. Scar’s eyes drifted open and he sat up. A piece of grass stuck to his left cheek. He yawned and wiped his eyes of sleep. “When’d you get back?” He asked in a tired fog. “Also, I loved that joke. Best thing I’ve woken up too since we’ve met. Other then the food, nothing can top the food.” Grian reached out and took the piece of grass off Scar’s face. “Two minutes ago, you were sleeping so peacefully I was really contemplating waking you up. If we didn’t have obligations, I would have just left you to sleep. You can still sleep if your tired while we fly to the Crastle.” Grian smiled. “I’ll take you up on that offer.” He said in response. The golem crawled back into Scar’s bag; Scar then got to his feet. Grian picked up the basket of fish and put it on his back. “You’re going to carry both the fish and me?” Scar asked. Grian confirmed with a nod. “Won’t it be uncomfortable for you to fly with the basket on your back.”

“Not really, it doesn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable, on my back. My wings still have plenty of room to move.” Grian said as he outstretched his wings. “If you say your fine, then who am I to worry about it further.” Scar said with an accepting tone. Grian scooped Scar up off his feet. Scar yelped as he hadn’t expected it. It caused both to laugh together. Grian pushed off the ground and they took to the sky. “Where am I heading, Scar?” Scar pointed his finger towards the Sandlands. “Back towards home, and the Hobbit Hole. Then turn southwest. You’re looking for a cobblestone castle.” Scar told him. “Sounds good. Thanks.” Grian said as he followed Scar’s instructions. Scar laid his head into Grian’s shoulder and fell back to sleep after just a few minutes of flying.

The sun was just beginning to set into the western sky. The dusk colors began to cast themselves over the world below. Grian’s body was being hit by the dying raise. This concluded day three of his mission. He hadn’t killed a single person yet. If another Watcher had been watching over him, he’d had been put to death by now. His actions were completely nonsensical. He’d formed a tight relationship with Scar. Something Watchers never did. They were above humans in all walks of life. But Scar wasn’t a normal human. He’d once been a Watcher; they had used the two of them to transfer genetics. He’d been a human when he received Scar’s genetics. He had to wonder if his purpose really was, to find Scar. In his mind that idea was clear. Did he really have to kill Scar when Doomsday would come to its end? Every time the thought came to his mind it made his stomach churn. He didn’t want to lose Scar. His warm smile was something he’d grown extremely accustomed to seeing. It made him feel happiness. Something he’d long forgotten the feeling of over the past twenty-two years of his life. Scar made him feel like himself, not the soulless monster he thought he was meant to be. He looked up to the stars that started to show themselves within the dying light in the sky. He had to ponder what the High Elder and Great Deity thought about his choices. Was he making the right ones, had he not? Had he become too human in this mission? If he had, he didn’t want to go back to being the person he was before he’d met Scar. In fact, if he could he’d never go back to the Celestial Plane. He was beginning to become quite fond of the Cursed Relem, despite having had a particular hatred of it. If it meant he could live with Scar he wouldn’t even question it. He’d even give up his immortal body if it meant he could stay with him now and always. He closed his eyes and shook his head side to side. There he went thinking blasphemous thoughts again. ‘I can’t do that! I can’t dismiss my mission. I will be killed. Another Watcher would take my place. They’d kill Scar in front of me and force me to watch before taking my life.’ He told himself.
He noticed a large cobblestone castle come into view. He landed at its front wooden door. He used his wing to knock on the door. Cleo answered it and looked the pair up and down. “We’ll I see you’ve got your hands full.” Cleo said in a hushed tone as to not wake Scar. “Do you have somewhere I can leave him to sleep? His body is worn out from the last twenty-four hours.” Grian asked looking down at the half elf-half watcher he called a best friend. “There’re spare guest rooms upstairs and down the end of the hall. You two are the last room on the right. You can get him into a more comfortable bed. When you finish, I’ll start cooking the fish you brought. You’re the first to arrive. My group is out doing a patrol of the area. We’re trying to insure Dogworts doesn’t catch wind of all the heads of each alliance meeting together for a war council.” Cleo explained. “If you’d like, it’d be my pleasure to assist you in the kitchen. I’m a pretty good cook, despite how I may look.” Grian said. “I’d be more then happy to share a kitchen with you, Grian. I’ll let you go and will get the kitchen prepped for your return.” Cleo said waving him off and heading to their kitchen. He walked up the spiral staircase up to the second floor of the castle. He walked to the end of the hallway and opened the last door on the right of that hallway. Two beds with purple and white sheets were waiting for them. He crossed the floor towards the bed on the left side of the room, the room itself was illuminated by a small oil lantern. Something he’d not seen since coming to this world. It must be something Cleo understood from another life before this one. He used his wing to cradle Scar’s body as he pulled the sheets down before laying Scar onto the bed. He didn’t stir this time. He curled up into the bed quickly. Grian took his satchel off and placed it on the floor next to the table with the lamp on it. The golem crawled out. Grian lifted it and placed it next to Scar’s pillow. He pulled the covers over Scar’s body. Grian turned the oil lamp down, so it wasn’t as bright. He turned and walked back to the door. He looked over his shoulder one last time, the only other light that was illuminated was the golems crest and the pendent around Scar’s neck. He opened the door and softly closed it behind him and headed to help cook the fish on his back with Cleo.

Chapter Text

“Humph?” Martyn groaned before sitting up hold his throbbing head. “Martyn.” He heard Ren’s voice next to him. He turned his head slowly and saw a concerned look on Ren’s face. “You look alarmed my liege, has something occurred?” He asked with confusion in his tone. “You can’t remember, our encounter with Scar and Grian?” Ren asked him slowly. Martyn still held his head turning away. “I remember most of it. It stops when Grian pinned me to the ground. The only thing I can recall is a purple haze across my eyes.” Martyn exclaimed to Ren. “So, you can’t remember attacking me then.” Ren asked. Martyn swung his head to look at Ren now with a look of disbelief. “I attacked you! I would never! You’re my king, my friend. I can’t recall any of that, just the purple haze.” Ren nodded solemnly. “What was concerning was you couldn’t hear my voice, nor did my pact with you mitigate whatever he did too you. He reveled his eyes too you as well. You say just after that the purple haze took over. This could prove troublesome for us. Like Bloodlust’s effects he could possess the ability to manipulate a target, through eye contact.” Ren said bringing his hand up to rest it on his chin. “My liege, two days ago. When I came back from Scar’s, with that large chest wound.” Martyn stated. “You told me a zombie had done it. I of course didn’t fully believe it, and even more so because even with a healing position the wound was troublesome to heal. It didn’t line up with your story.” Ren said recounting to Martyn what he’d told him. “What if when I went Grian had been there? If that’s to be true then he also possesses a weapon that is dangerous, not just that but I thought that I’d seen him before, but I thought that I was going insane. When I was under the effects of the poison I can recall seeing him before.” Martyn then clarified to Ren. “He said during the test we conducted that he was a Watcher. Neither one of us has heard that name before, with the addition of the wound you say you may have received from him, his fighting style, and the purple haze in which you’ve described it is enough evidence to call him a high-risk enemy.” Ren said with a sigh. “Not to mention he and Scar were unaffected by my song. They didn’t fall unconscious. So, there’s also that risk. Grian and Scar are clearly in a pact of their own. But why would someone like Grian who is all powerful side with, Scar of all people? He’s powerless.” Martyn added. Ren could only shrug. “Hard to say really.” He stood up from the chair sitting next to Martyn’s bed. “We should provide a briefing with the rest of the Red Army. As for what will need to be done for both, they’ll require a double dose of my blood, that should get them under control enough to kill them both. Grian is especially a danger but with Scar now able to control that creature that attacked us we can’t take any further risks with Scar.” Ren said heading to the door of Martyn’s room. Martyn turned his body to the side and got out of bed. He pulled on his black combat boots and laced them up. He grabbed his red coat off the hook by his bed and threw it on. He joined Ren. “I’ll call the other’s we’ll meet at the alter.” He said as he stood next to Ren. “Thank you, Hand. I’ll be waiting for you.” The pair left Martyn’s room and separated to do their respective tasks.

Grian and Cleo where sharing stories with one another as they prepped for dinner for the major alliances that were finally going to meet toghter. Grian had found that speaking to Cleo felt familiar to speaking to Scar. They were extremely friendly towards him and had many stories to share about the many worlds they’d visited during their lifetime. “I have a very odd question to ask you, Cleo. You don’t have to answer it, and it’s something I’ve only shared with Scar, but I’m willing to trust you with this information. You’ve seen so many realities within your travels. You seem familiar with the concept of traveling them. Have you been to a world where you could recall odd occurrences? Within a world filled with brilliant architecture and technology. Specifically, a world where a white and blue pavilion was built into a large span of jutting rocks, and a large cavern beneath those rocks?” Grian asked. Cleo looked up from cutting the scales off another fish. “That’s an oddly specific question, especially coming from you. I have seen this world in which you’ve described. Why do you ask?”
Grian stopped his own cutting, putting down his knife. “I ask because I hopped you could, maybe…” He shook his head. ‘You shouldn’t be trying to remember your past life.’ He sighed before continuing. “I’m from that world. I hopped you’d have met me before in that world. Before I became who stands before you today. I was a red parrot demi-human.” He told them. They looked surprised by the revel. “That’s a rather large secret to have reveled to me. I apricate the level of trust you have for me. It also paints to me a clearer picture of who you are. Yes, I have met you in that world. You were a researcher. You showed up in that world abruptly. That worlds Scar found you in that very cavern and you had quite a few injuries at the time. You had been unconscious for some time before you woke up. I recall when you awoke you understood very little English at the time. Scar and Mumbo both worked hard with you to understand the language. You learned very quickly which surprised the two of them. Your building knowledge also was shocking too the two of them. You had learned about the entity and the cavern where you’d been found and set to work beginning to understand the energy from that cave. I also recall the day you’d been killed. No one understood how it was possible. Nor did anyone understand why your wound wouldn’t heal. I alone understood that the wound was holy when the people of that world held a funeral for you. You where a very friendly, and kind person, who often would go looking for trouble. Especially if it meant you could play pranks on your friends. You were also extremely loyal to Scar and Mumbo as well. If anything happened to either one of them, you were the first one to recommend fighting back. If that helps answer your question. Seeing as the Fang that cut you that day took those memories from you.” Cleo answered. There was a long silence between the two of them. “Wow.” Grian said after the pause. “Thank you, for sharing that with me. It’s a blessing for me. I’ve been wracking my brain over and over trying to seek an answer that I couldn’t get. I really appreciate that, genuinely. I guess when I think about it, I’m not entirely different from when I was human.” He thought aloud. Cleo chuckled softly. “You’re very different, Grian. Yet you’re also not wrong. You’re the old you when you feel comfortable with people you find you trust, those you don’t you maintain a very different personality. Scott told me about your deal with him. It seems you gave him quite the scare. He was extremely concerned about your abilities and appearance. You are a celestial being and all. If it helps, Scott is also a celestial being. His race is a Starborne. Their a race of demi-humans linked by the stars. Starborne’s are a race that has been upbrought to be controlling and reserved. They are well versed in fighting other celestial beings. It seems you were able to cut the chains that bound you. Something you shouldn’t have been able to do.” They gave him a grin. “So how did you possibly break out of celestial chains perchance?” Grian went back to his task of cutting and shrugged. “It’s hard for me to explain the exact science behind my abilities. I underwent many tests and experiments in the Celestial Plane, which is home for me. The difference between my powers and the powers of my fellow classmates at the time couldn’t be any more different. To be frank with you, most of my kind’s abilities, don’t work on me, nor to binding seals. My body can reject them, which is why I was so surprised that you were capable to place a sigil on me. Realistically it shouldn’t have been possible. So, despite the chains being inscribed with celestial scripts they have no real binding effects on me. The real issue that I had with Scott was the star crystals, and the effects they can manipulate. They’re like Martyn’s siren’s call. I’m just relieved Jimmy took the deal on Scott’s behalf. I doubt he would have taken my deal. He’s way to smart to be that dumb. He knew it meant death, and he and I both agreed neither one of us wanted one another on this chess board of this war.” Grian said as he finished his cutting. Cleo had also finished their cutting, and the pair got to work on cooking the fish on the top of the furnace.

While they were cooking Grian’s feathered ears twitched. “Someone’s here.” Grian said as he continued to cook. Their presence wasn’t dangerous. They heard the door open. “Cleo, we’re back.” Came a man’s voice. “I’m in the kitchen, guys.” Cleo called back. A group of three men walked into the kitchen. “Woah, who’s he?” Asked one of the men, he had pointed ears, his hair was a living flame, and so was his tail. “This is Grian, Scar’s partner in crime in this war. Grian, I’d like you to meet our local hot head Tango, who is a Tiefling. Our gentle dwarf, Impulse. And Bdubs, my right hand, and master builder, and only pure human on our team, but don’t let that fool you. He could knock you out in one punch. These are the dorks that I take care of. Be nice too our guest, you three. If you’re friendly with him, he’s nice. If you start pissing him off, you’ll be a target, got that you three.” Cleo said to the group that’d just met Grian. The group nodded in understanding. Tango was the first to offer his hand to Grian. Grian took his hand. “Nice to meet you Grian. I’m hoping that you can help us with our rabid dog problem if you know what I mean.” Grian could help but breath out a small snicker. “Well, I will certainly try. I’ve already had the displeasure of meeting him twice. For a rabid dog as you called him, he’s not lost his mind in that sense. I will disclose more prompt details about the Red King when we sit down for dinner and the meeting. I’m hoping that the alliance amongst the factions, will be helpful due to a share of information between its members.” Grian told the three as he shook the other’s hands as well. Cleo stepped aside from watching his food and let him refocus his mind on cooking. “If the three of you want too there’s still some time before dinner is ready. If it’s possible, can I ask you three to prepare the meeting room downstairs and set the table for dinner?” Cleo asked them not taking their eyes off the fish they’d been cooking. “Yeah, sure thing Cleo.” Impulse was the first to say. “I’ll get the utensils.” Bdubs said running over to the barrel they were in. Tango went over to another barrel and took out plates for everyone. Impulse grabbed a few condiments and the three headed downstairs into the basement of the castle.

Not long after another knock on the door, and before anyone could answer. The door burst open. “Hi Cleo!” Yelled Jimmy’s voice. “You can’t just barge in Jimmy.” Scott groaned in complaint. Grian and Cleo were just finishing dinner preparations. Scott and Jimmy entered the kitchen. “Oh, Grian’s already here.” Jimmy said as he entered the room first. His left eye was still glowing purple. ‘Well, that’s a good sign.’ Grian thought. “Hi Jimmy, I hope you’ve been well. Hello Scott.” Grian greeted the pair. Scott gave Grian a hard stare. “We may be allies but I’m keeping my eye on you, all night. If you so much as breath wrong, I’ll know.” He said lifting his hand, a star shard appearing and leaving his palm to float above Grian’s head. Grian went to protest Scott, but Cleo got into his face first. “Remove that shard right this instant! There is a rule in this home about no use of powers! Especially on others! You can do that at the Hobbit Hole but not here in my home! Are we clear Scott!” Scott stared them hard in their eyes. “And if I don’t remove it?” He was really testing their patience. They grinned now. “I don’t think you want to find out what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a mother’s rage.” They gripped the back of his blue shirt and lifted him off the ground with one arm. “Scott, please listen to Cleo. I understand you and Grian don’t get along, but please try to not want to kill him.” Jimmy said. Grian sighed. “Cleo, wait.” Grian said raising his hand. Cleo turned their head to look at him. “Scott, I will compromise with you. I’ll bare the shard during the meeting, under the condition that Cleo sets boundaries for you to follow. If they are acceptable, I will comply with any conditions that must be met. However, the only boundary that I must make known is I will not answer any questions regarding my race, or powers. Unless I feel comfortable to share such information. Is that an acceptable condition Cleo?” Cleo looked at Grian with a hard look on their face. “Are you sure this is what you want? You don’t have to deal with him. Like I said he needs to comply with my rules.” Grian looked too Scott now. “I’d apricate that compromise. I’d much rather keep you in my sights.” Scott turned to Cleo who was still holding him off the ground. “I’ll respect any boundaries that are set by you Cleo, but I refuse to remove that star shard, for my safety and everyone else’s.”

Cleo released a heavy sigh. “You’re lucky, Scott. The fact that he’s accepting this proposal on your behalf is not something you shouldn’t take for granted. He’s showing you respect, something you should show him in return.” Cleo set Scott down who readjusted his collar. “The following boundaries will be set. Use of powers to harm another person is strictly forbidden within these walls. There will be no means of intimidation, or scare tactics used during the meeting. There is no room for fist fighting either. Respecting Grian’s wishes you may not ask him about his race or abilities unless he is willing to disclose this information. Your crystal may only be used for observation and info gathering. This is the only data I will grant you to collect from this meeting. If you chose to you may withdraw the crystal at any time, if withdrawn it may not be moved to another alliance member, nor can it be returned to Grian’s possession. Do you understand the boundaries that I’ve provided you, Scott?” Cleo asked him. “Fine, I can accept those terms.” Scott replied. “I will also accept these terms.” Grian said to Cleo. “Alright then. Scott, Jimmy please head downstairs to the meeting room.” Cleo said raising their hand to show them the way. Jimmy grabbed Scott’s hand an dragged him away. Scott keeping his attention on Grian until his head disappeared down the stairs.

Grian brought his hand up too his face. His wing ears flicked with irritation. “I really don’t like him. We’re literally like two bombs just itching to be set alight. I at least have the decency to be mindful. He really doesn’t like celestial beings, but aren’t you a celestial yourself, Cleo? Why isn’t he just as reactive with you?” He couldn’t help but ask them that question. “That’s a very important question. I suppose its due to my celestial energy. I’m not surrounded by mine. To everyone else I appear as just a mere undead zombie reanimated with a soul. Scott is none the wiser to my rank as a celestial, I will ask that you keep that information between yourself and Scar.” Cleo answered looking towards where the Hobbits had just disappeared.

One last knock on the door of the castle and the door opening and closing. A man entered the kitchen. He was tall, had auburn brown hair, with a green streak in his bangs. He had small green antennas sticking out of his hair. "Good evening, Cleo. You must be Grian I presume. I'm Joel. Pleasure to meet you. I see food behind you, and I can't possibly thank you enough for somehow bringing us this much food. I am looking forward to discussing this alliance." Joel said shaking Grian’s hand. "I look forward to getting the opportunity to know you, Joel." Grian said with a small smile. Joel headed for the meeting room downstairs. "Why is everyone else so kind here?" Grian asked in a confused tone. "I know that this is not what I've seen in the viewing pool. Its never wrong about souls. I’m here to kill them. Yet they want to be friends with me. So why? Are they so different then when I was-” Cleo placed their hand on his shoulder. “Humans are imperfect creatures, Grian. They bare complex emotions that your people have never understood. Your god chose to keep your people away from humans. I know not why they chose this option. One could suppose that your powers in the wrong hands could plunge the Cursed Realm into chaos. Your people have always viewed humans as objects that must be destroyed when, they fail to function as intended. You thought no different, then despite having been human once.” He looked at them and frowned. “When you put our ideology in that sense it makes my skin crawl, but your right. I hate the fact that I even used to think about it that way, and a part of me still does. I must complete my mission. This is why our kind follows such strict rules. I’ve thrown the whole rule book out of the window. I disobeyed so many laws, and for what perpous. I did it for him. I did it because ever since I met Scar, I couldn’t imagine life without him. I still, can’t understand why I am so drawn to him alone. I understand the soul link, but…there’s got to be more then that. There’s a degree of adoration I have for him but can’t understand why it’s there or why it’s swept me off my feet sort of speak. I just. Don’t understand it all, I haven’t felt human emotions for twenty-two years of my life, since reincarnating as the celestial being that I’ve become.” His head lowered. "I sadly can't answer those questions for you, Grian. They are for you alone to solve. I may have a mother’s wisdom, but I sadly can't speak for what your heart has been set on." Cleo walked over to the food. "I assume you like to let Scar sleep, rather than wake him for the meeting." Cleo asked him. Grian hesitated to answer Cleo's question. "He really needs the sleep in all honesty. I'll fill him in after the meeting. If that's cool with you." He finally answered. Cleo nodded their head. "I have no complaints about it. He looked out of it when you got here. I can only imagine the things that have happened to you both since you arrived here. Who knows even if any of us will be able to rest. With that decision made shall we join the others?" Cleo said lifting their plater of meals. Grain nodded. He took one plate off his plater for Scar to eat after the war meeting. He then picked his up and followed Cleo down the stairs.

The two arrived at the bottom of the stairs. It opened into a large carved stone brick room. In its center was a large cobblestone table draped in a teal and maroon tablecloth. Every member had a chair to sit at. With two chairs to head both ends of the table. Cleo was the first to hand out their meals. Cleo served Impulse, Tango, Bdubs, and themselves. While Grian served Joel, Jimmy and Scott their meals. Grain sat at the head of the right-hand side of the table while Cleo sat at the head of the left side. "Where's Scar?" Joel asked looking to Cleo for an answer. "He will unfortunately not be joining us for this meeting. When Grian and Scar arrived here, Scar was feeling unwell. Grian wanted to insure he had enough time to rest before this war will start." Cleo answered truthfully. Grian caught Scott’s glare. 'He's so irritating that its childish. Is his mind really that made up that I should be killed. I mean I get it, he probably already has guessed I'm the villain of this story. Even still, everyone else has at least had the decency to address me with a degree of respect.' He rolled his eyes in response to Scott’s look. "Alrighty let's get this alliance meeting underway. Please feel free to eat your meal as discussions proceed underway." Cleo said clapping their hands together to draw attention to themselves.

“First things first. As we are all aware, we’re entering what inevitably be the end game of this world. The victor will be whoever is strong enough to withstand the war that we’ll be facing. Many of us are power holders. Many of us are aware of the abilities everyone has, this isn’t the case for Grian, so for those who just met Grian today, if you are comfortable sharing information about your abilities this will better allow him and I to work towards a plan to place everyone with a partner or against a member of the red army. Some of us have supportive abilities while others are defensive or offensive abilities. If that is all you wish to say that is within your rights.” Cleo stated as they looked to the others in the room. The inhabitants of the room exchanged glances. Clearly nobody wanted to go first. Grian took in a breath. 'Guess they want to know who their working with before they answer that question.' Grian stood up. The group watched on in intrigue. "I suppose I'll officially introduce myself to the group. My name is Grian, I am a celestial being that has come to your world to restore the order and balance to it. This is to be achieved by any means necessary. Although I'm allied with Scar, I hold no true morals or binds to your world. I can and will act independently of this alliance. My goals can only be achieved if this group can provide us with support. I have been in the Red Kings keep and have witnessed firsthand his ability. His power and was the first to be put under his control by a forced blood pact. I understand that my aura, my appearance, my morals do not align with those who sit before me in this room. I am asking you all to fight in a senseless war. But if you're willing, I promise you I will cut down the Red King and his allies. So, I ask you sincerely for your support in this war." Grian pulled his winged ears back away from his eyes to reveal them to the whole of the room before bowing to the room.

Joel was the first to speak up in the room. "So, you really are one of them, are you. I had a suspicion when I saw you upstairs. Well, I'm not going to complain. If we've been marked, then that's on all of us not you. If it prolongs my death even by a small margin, I'd rather prove to you I'm worth something then just being another lamb for the slaughter." Scott immediately turned to look Joel in his eyes. "YOU KNOW WHAT HE IS!?" Joel looked at Scott with a confused look on his face. "Aye? You're kidding me right, you of all people are a celestial yourself. His black and purple wings are a dead giveaway. He's a Watcher Scott." Joel answered Scott. Grian’s blood ran cold. Joel knew what he was by name?! Scott turned around to look at Grian. "He's too human to be one! Not to mention he broke out of celestial bindings. A Watcher couldn’t break those chains!"

"Enough! Now you've both crossed a line!" Cleo snapped slamming their hands down against the cobblestone table. The groups attention fell back on Cleo. "I apologize for not stepping in sooner, Grian." They said looking to him. "It’s not your fault; I'm just surprised that Joel knows what I am. How is that exactly?" Grian asked Joel. Who simply leaned onto his fist which laid on his cheek. "My knowledge of races is quite vast. As soon as I sensed your aura with my antennas, I knew without a doubt that you are a race that simply put shouldn’t exist in our world. But you're not a full Watcher either. If you where you wouldn't have nearly this much humanity. In short, I represent Mercury, my abilities allow me to collect information from people who I have touched. I could sense your strength so I insured to collect as much information I could. It seems Scott also sensed this power from you which is most likely why he placed a star crystal over your body." Joel exclaimed in greater detail. "You got that much information from doing such a small and unnoticeable interaction like shaking my hand. I'll be the first to say that's rather alarming." Grian said looking down at his hand. How had he not noticed that? Was he distracted by his emerald eyes?

"Seeing the cats out of the bag and looks like the rest of the room looks a lot more comfortable, you all should tell him your abilities. It won't change our fates, but it will allow your soul to reincarnate with dignity." Joel said looking to the rest of the room.

Tango was the next to raise his hand. "I can control fire. I can use it both offensively and defensively." He turned his body and held up his hand and a small flame left the touch on the wall. It came to his palm. The flame danced gracefully. He changed its shape to become a canary. His eyes landing on Jimmy. There was a look of passion in his eyes, unfortunately for him Jimmy hadn't seen the look Tango was giving him. Instead, he was more mesmerized by the canary flying about in the flames Tango was controlling. "I can also change the temperature of my flames. This includes making them warm and not burn my allies." He turned to look at Cleo now. "Do I have your permission to demonstrate that ability to Grian?" Cleo looked to Grian. "Do you wish to see the ability, Grian?" Grian nodded. "Yes, if you could demonstrate the ability for me, it'll give me a better idea on your degree of manipulation."
Tango manipulated the flame from his palm to float in front of Grian. He lifted his hand and placed it into the flame. It was warm to the touch but not hot. The flame itself was comforting. He grinned. This was a unique ability. "I'd like to try something if you don't mind." Grian said the fire still flickering over his hand. Tango tilled his head. "Try what exactly? You can’t manipulate my fire, can you?" Grian focused his aura on his hand while the flames still danced around his hand. The once orange flames turned purple. So, it could work. Holy fire was rare to create. Something only the vassals of the Great Deity could create and summon. He had never had the ability to do it on his own, as he couldn't command the flames, yet he understood the talent and skills behind it. "Woah, what did you do? The flow of energy im getting off those flames now is wildly different!" Tango asked looking on in curiosity. Joel, Scott and Cleo looked on, before exchanging looks. They realized the ability. It was strange to see holy fire; it was extremely rare but also extremely dangerous.

Grian removed his hand from the flame, and it turned back to its orange color. Tango brought the flame away from Grian, so it floated back over his palm. He closed his palm, and the flame extinguished. "Your power is extremely useful Tango. You can provide us with the ability to trap our enemies behind a wall of flames. What's more I can infuse those flames." Grian said with a simple smile looking at Tango.

"Grian, I would advise you differently in regard to that decision. Yes, Tango could control the small, condensed flame he provided to you, however on a grander scale I fear he would lose control of his flames should you infuse them." Cleo warned him.

"I'm going to have to agree with Cleo. Those flames if not under advanced control of a vassal could turn lethal, including turning on their caster. You’re not a vassal either so you shouldn't be even able to manipulate those flames like you did." Joel also said cautioning him.

"You two are being way too soft on him! Your decision was extremely reckless! Tango could have gotten seriously hurt! What would have happened if those flames went out of control?! Nobody here is a vassal! Those flames belong to God themselves! Tango is a moral! You risked his life and the lives of everyone else in this room you absolute moron!" Scott snapped glaring at him before turning to Cleo. "He just broke your boundaries you set Cleo, aren't you going to take action against him! Because if you won't I absolutely will!"

"Was what he did really so serious?" Jimmy asked looking at the group that spoke up. "From where I was sitting all he just turned the fire a different color. What's all this talk about being a vassal, and that the flame could have killed us. What makes those purple flames God like? Not all of us understand what Watcher's are. Please can somebody catch the rest us slower individuals up?"

"He created holy fire. Flames said to have once been wielded by God. That God chose select beings to be vassals. They were granted divine control over living flame. That flame burns as their core. It’s also a flame said to have once scorched the moral plane to be black as night. If anything encountered these sacred flames they'd turn to ash. Not even Watcher’s skin could be without damage. Yet he could place his hand into them and not burn." Scott said eyeing Grian. "The flame was simply warm. Tango's degree of control over even holy flame was quite unique. The temperature did not change."

"Scott, please sit down." Cleo said raising their hand. Scott looked at them, his face wild with distaste. "No, absolutely not, don't defend him!"

"Who said I'm defending him? I'm simply telling you to relax." Cleo said with a relaxed tone. He looked back to Grian who looked perfectly relaxed. He snapped his fingers and the shard above Grian’s head activated. Skreeeeeeech!!! Grian winced holding his hands over his ears. "SCOTT!" He snarled glaring at him baring his fangs. Cleo sighed. 'Starborne’s, how I hate dealing with them.' They turned to Impulse. "Do you mind, bringing the room back in order?" Impulse nodded and pushed up out of his seat. He walked over to Scott. He put his hand on Scott’s lower back. Grian watched as his eyes glazed over. The shard above his head ceased its function he peaked his head over the table. Scott sat back down in his chair. Impulse removed his hand from Scott’s back. His eyes returned to normal. He looked confused for a moment before looking back at Impulse. "What was that!" He growled. "Scott settle. I realize your people have a very short fuse, and I understand that your people are worshiped as gods, but you are not in your kingdom you’re in the mortal plane. Your anger is not something you should let get the better of you. I realize Watcher’s out ranked your people, but he is still capable of making mistakes. No different from you or I." They turned to Grian. "You used your powers after agreeing not to, there is a consequence for breaking the boundaries I set for you Grian. Are you prepared to face it." His head lowered. "I understand." Cleo raised their hand. Grian felt a sharp burning sensation on his right forearm. It was coming from Cleo's sigil. It hurt a lot. The world around him went black. He could no longer see. He drew back his winged ears. His eyes could see normally without them covered. His body felt weak. "My aura is, gone. For my own well-being I can't have it depleted for a long period of time. It'll make me extremely sick. How long will your bind last?" He asked looking at the sigil on his arm.

"For the duration of the rest of the meeting. However, if you begin to feel sick, I will restore it. I don't want you to feel unwell like Scar is." Cleo answered truthfully. He sighed before nodding. "The punishment has to fit the crime I suppose." He leaned back into his chair.

"If it wasn’t clear before my abilities let me manipulate emotions of the people I interact with. Though its not perfected like other people here. Mine depends on the level of connection with them, and if I can regulate my own emotions. It’s more of a passive ability then anything. My real abilities are weapon building, and armor smiting." Impulse explained as he sat back down in his chair. "Weapons smith huh. Do you happen to have enough materials for arming the alliance?" Grian questioned. Impulse grinned. "Do I have materials he asks. You bet I do." Grian nodded. "Then that'll provide everyone with protection." He then turned to Bdubs. "Cleo mentioned you're not a power holder like the rest of us."
He shook his head. "Nope just human. No powers no special abilities except having outstanding building understanding. Texturing, color mapping, you name it I know it. I'm not much of a fighter but I can throw a hard punch. Other then that I don't believe I'll be much assistance." Bdubs explained to Grian.

Jimmy raised his hand. "Mine isn't going to be much more helpful either. Even though I've got your seal in my eye, which has massively helped me out don't get me wrong. We just don't know how long that could last for. My ability is a curse rather than anything useful."

Grian looked over the group in the room. 'So, we have, Scott, Joel, Cleo, and Scar and I as celestial level power holders. Impulse being our defense. And Tango as both offense and defense. Cleo could provide healing to the team. Scott is also able to provide spying, defense, and offense with his star shards. Scar and I both have aura, and I can retrain Scar to use his aura offensively and defensively. He's already got a strong understanding already as his body is silently recalling the feeling. Joel can adapt quickly in any environment and has a strong idea of intelligence. That just left Bdubs and Jimmy.' He nodded to himself. "Two questions one for both of you." He said looking between Bdubs and Jimmy. "First question will for Bdubs, your knowledge for architecture, if you were to look at a building could you find flaws in its building or recognize escape routes or traps?" Grian asked him. Bdubs nodded. "I could theoretically. Though a detailed observation, or blueprints would work better for something of that degree." Grian grinned. "I can work with that." He then turned to Jimmy. "Jimmy your canary curse. Have you found that it only effects just you or can it have effects on people who are around you?" Jimmy couldn't help but shrug. "Normally just me. I've never really seen or attempted to see if it could affect people nearby me. I've been with Scott nothing has ever happened to him. So, I think it just effects me." Grian nodded. “Alright, that’s sufficient information.”

He then looked back to the rest of the group. “Now that the introductions are taken care of there’s the matter of the red army. Like I said in my introduction I was captured by the Red Army for a short period of time, Ren’s power is called “Bloodlust” it effects the thought processes of those nearby him. For those with a higher affinity the effect can were off in a very small amount of time or not at all, like in Scar’s case. It causes a migraine for people who have the affinity. To counteract someone who wields an affinity Ren had created a redstone collar with a needle in it. The collar in question is full of Ren’s blood. Once injected even those with an affinity will obey any order due to him forcing a blood pact with his target. I was the first person to have this tested on. Unfortunately, it was successful. I obeyed his orders. So, we must be extremely observant of this in this fight. For me the blood pact was active for one hour. Despite having the effect on my body, I still was able to think for myself independently. I am unsure if this is because of my race or not.” Grian explained to the group. The group exchanged worried glances and muttered to each other under their breaths.

“So, it was successful.” Scott said folding his hands over each other as he looked to Grian. “I’d heard that Ren was running trials to manipulate stronger targets. I can’t speak to the extent of the testing as the location was outside the view of my star shards. However, I’m aware that Martyn was assisting him with the project. Can you be any more specific about what you yourself experienced? Where their side effects during or after the pact ended?”

“I’ll come right out and say it, Ren and Martyn both know what I am. It was the first question Ren asked me when he forced the pact over me. As for the feelings and experience. I didn’t feel any different. No migraine, no discomfort. Free to think for myself. Feeling like I had the freedom to make my own decisions. Ren would simply ask a question and like in any normal conversation I’d reply to his question immediately with an answer. I couldn’t keep anything from him. Had it not been for the cell being encapsulated by protective seals I would have told Ren were Scar had been, and most likely had ordered me to bring him to Dogworts, or worse kill him. I wouldn’t have been able to fight the order either. As for the side effects coming off the blood pact. It just about killed me. I had to return home for treatment. You can expect severe tremors, vomiting, burning pain from the injection site. For me if I was fully Watcher as Joel pointed out it shouldn’t have affected me, due to that not being the case my body basically was at war with itself. That’s why I’m saying something. There’s also the fact that Martyn’s a siren. He can hide his powers.” Grian informed Scott answering his question.

“A rather deadly combo.” Cleo began. “So that is why he smelled like the sea often. But if he is a siren, how can he breathe so well on land? He’d struggle to breath air with gills. He can hide them then, that’s not normal, it would mean like you he’s not a full breed siren.” Joel muttered to himself deep in thought. His antennas curled and flexed as he thought. Grian nodded. "That's what I came to the conclusion off. But even with his gills exposed he can breathe fine. I must wonder if it has too do with Ren’s pact with Martyn. Unless he processes amphibian’s traits where he can breathe both. But siren’s have always been aquatic from legends I've heard of them."

"That’s true, but Martyn possesses a human body. So that would mean genetically somewhere in his family line there is a human and siren’s child." Scott spoke up.
Impulse, Tango, Bdubs and Jimmy all looked between each other while eating their food trying to follow the leaders of each alliance faction theorizing and speaking about strategy. They were astounded by the level of understanding everyone had.

"You guys seem to be way more informed than the rest of us. It’s like you've lived it or something." Jimmy said looking down the table first in the direction of Joel and Cleo before turning his head to look at Scott and Grian. Grian softly chuckled. "I suppose we all sound so bizarre when reading through the lines a bit too far into depth. It’s a reasonable reaction." Jimmy nodded returning his answer with a small smile. "I'm not criticizing you all at all. It’s been an informative meeting thus far. It’s just been too fast for my liking. I'm sure Scott will simplify things for me."

Meanwhile upstairs

The Secret Keeper sat next to Scar's face. It was keeping an eye on Scar’s condition. His vitals were fine but every so often his aura would spike. It took notice of his pendent starting to glow brighter. Scar began to groan. His scars began to glow indicating another spike in his aura. This was the tenth spike since arriving here. Only this time the spike was dangerously high. His body began to shake violently. "Scar, wake up!" The golem abruptly said as it shook his head. Scar didn’t wake up or respond. Scar begun to claw at the sheets below him. His body felt uncomfortable. He wanted to open his eyes, but his mind wanted to keep them shut. He wanted to speak but couldn't muster any words, part of him feared it wouldn't be his voice leaving his mouth.

"Scar! You must wake up now!" The Secret Keeper demanded, this time it begun shaking him harder. Again, he didn't respond. His aura spike was only growing more powerful. "This is not good." The golem said. "Grian! I need you! Scar’s in trouble."

Back downstairs in the meeting

"Grian! I need you! Scar’s in trouble." Grian's body froze as he heard the voice of the Secret Keeper in his head. He stood up abruptly. "Please excuse me for a moment, I'm needed upstairs!" He turned quickly and headed for their bedroom before anyone could ask a question. Something was wrong with Scar! He raced up the two sets of stairs and down the hallway. He threw open the door. Scar’s scars were glowing purple, and he looked to be in distress. "Scar!" He got to his side in an instant. "His aura is overtaking his body. If I had to guess he can't regulate the amount on his own, and he's not responding too me!" Grian shook Scar. "Scar, it's Grian. Please open your eyes."

'Grian’s here?' Scar tried opening his eyes again but like before they refused to listen, he tried to call out to him, but his mouth didn't move. 'Why isn’t my body listening to me? Why is it so painful?'

Scar’s body begun to thrash in Grian’s hands. He placed his hand on his chest trying to balance his aura. Nothing happened. "Right! I don’t have any aura right now! It’s been sealed off! This is bad!" Grian said holding Scar in his arms. Small black and crimson feathers started to appear on Scar’s cheeks. Grian’s eyes widened in horror. He grabbed Scar’s amethyst pendent and took it off his neck. His scars begun to return to their reddish-pink color. He breathed a small sigh of relief. Scar squeezed his eyes before slowly opening them. As his eyes opened, he turned to look at Grian. His eyes retained their amethyst color, rather than returning to their red color. "Finally, I can see you." He said softly. "My body feels different, then before." Grian ran his hand along his cheek. Scar flinched at the strange sensation he got from Grian making the action. He brought his hand up and felt the soft feeling of the feathers lining his cheeks. "Feathers?" He breathed. Grian nodded. Scar forced himself to sit up. "What's the likelihood they can be removed?" He asked. "I'm not sure. I can try to pluck them off, but there's a strong chance they're going to grow back." Grian said sitting next to him. "This is not a good sign." Scar said bringing his hand to his head. Grian turned to the golem. "How long was that happening before you called me?" The golem answered. "Since we arrived and you left Scar experienced nine other spikes of aura growth, with the one just now being the most serious."

Grian looked down at the pendent in his hand. "I'm sure I only placed a small portion of my aura in the crystal." He muttered. "You did. The spikes steamed from Scar’s own aura." The golem explained in detail. He looked back at Scar. Black and crimson feathers. The color of a traitor, a destroyer. A Watcher that had fallen from the divine grace of the Great Deity. What could he have done to become one? What crime did he commit against the Elder and the Great Deity? "Hey Scar, the color of your feathers...they're black and crimson. Which means you were marked a traitor among Watchers. So, what did you do, exactly?" Grian asked prying for an answer. Scar froze. "Uhh-"

'I can't answer him with the truth, but I also can't lie to him either. What the heck am I supposed to say?' Grian watched his eyes carefully. They told him that whatever it was Scar was afraid to tell him the truth. He desperately wanted to know but understood that he also should respect Scar’s privacy just as he respected his. "Its okay if you're not ready to answer that question just yet. You didn't pry about me being human, I shouldn't pry about you having been a Watcher. If you ever feel comfortable to share the reason with me, I'll sit and listen." Grian said placing his hand on Scar’s shoulder. Scar breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for understanding. I appreciate that. Now can you try and get rid of the feathers, they're rather itchy." Scar said scratching his cheeks where the feathers had grown out of his skin. "Well, if we're going to do this right lay down on your pillow again. I'll go and heat some water on the furnace, then lay a warm compress over your face. That should help with the removal. I've seen other Watchers older than me do this especially if their feathers get too long. They always grow back but it takes some time. Though like I said in your case it’s hard to say if they'll grow back or not. As for your pendent we'll leave it off for a bit and see how you fair. I'll be back in a few minutes with the hot water." Grian said as he got up and walked too the door. Scar nodded before laying back down on the bed.

Grian walked back down the hallway before descending the stairs. Cleo waited for him in the kitchen who had started to clean the dishes from dinner. "How'd the meeting wrap up without me?" He asked coming into the kitchen. "It went well. Everyone has a better grasp on the war at hand. As promised, I'll release the bind on your aura." They lifted their hand, and the sigil activated. He felt the flow of his aura return. He brought his winged ears back to cover his eyes. "Thank you. I feel a lot better now." He grabbed an iron pot off the wall. He walked over to the cauldron with water and used the wooden ladle to pour water into the pot before placing it on the furnace before striking the flint and steel to light the burner. Cleo tipped their head. "What's the water for? Is Scar, okay?" Grian shook his head left to right. "Unfortunately, no. His body is beginning to recall his celestial powers. So, he has grown a few stray feathers along his cheeks like mine. He wants them removed, so I'm heating the water to help soften his skin and feathers, so they won't be as painful to remove." Grian answered as he leaned against the granite counter.

Cleo looked shocked by the admission Grian had given them. "That's a pretty big deal, I assume you're feeling quite stressed out by the whole ordeal." Grian frowned. "That obvious, am I?"

"Yes, but you mustn't take all that weight onto your shoulders alone. Your eyes before told me you are blaming yourself for Scar’s condition. Realistically he was a Watcher in his past life, correct? Just as you were human once. I may not understand the logistics of the both of you, but what I can tell you, its quite possible Scar was always destined to regain his celestial abilities. It’s hard to say, but it is a possibility is it not?" Cleo told him as they washed another plate to put into the drying rack. Grian looked up to the ceiling. They had a point. Scar had always had a connection stronger than other half elves from his homeland. Due to his connection to having been a Watcher once. They shared genetics with one another which was an experiment that the Watcher’s had been conducting. If they really shared them, he had to wonder, why he wasn’t part avion rather then being a half elf. That was something he couldn't understand. Perhaps it was due to the environment. Then again, he was killed by a Fang, who could really say if a Watcher could retain their physical shape, or if their soul would change like a moral soul. He shook his head. Watchers when their soul met their end naturally, they’d return to the Great Deity. Those Watchers would be reborn again through the Stone of Beginnings. The next generation of Watchers. Those who committed treason that were killed by a Fang would be lost to time.

He noticed the water was boiling steadily. He took the pot off the burner and blew out the flame. He placed the pot on the granite counter. He grabbed a wooden bowl out of the barrel above his head. He then poured the water into the bowl. He placed the pot down before grabbing a small white wool towel from a separate barrel. He picked up the bowl and headed back upstairs to Scar. "Please keep what I said in mind, Grian. What is happening to Scar isn't your fault." Cleo said looking to the stairs. Grian nodded softly before climbing the stairs.
He knocked on the door before entering, as he didn't want to cause Scar stress by just walking in. "Who is it?" Replied Scar’s voice but rather than English it was spoken in Watcher’s speech. "It’s me Scar." Grian answered back in the same language. "Come in." Scar answered. Grian opened the door. Scar was hiding under his covers. Grian walked across the floor and sat the bowl of water on the nightstand next to his bed. "Its okay Scar, I'm alone you can come out from hiding now." Scar slowly lowered his sheets away from his face. Several more feathers had grown since he last saw Scar. His cheeks had two lines of black and crimson feathers. "The look you have makes me think it’s worse than I think it is." Scar said looking at Grian. "Please, just, get rid of them. No one should know about me. It'll make our situation worse." Grian frowned. "I'll try my best, Scar. I'm going to be honest with you when I say this, and I'm not trying to be the bad guy here. The likely hood of stopping this, to stop the fact your body is changing against your will. Its most likely impossible. Your aura is returning, and your human body can't withstand the effects. So, your Watcher genetics have basically been put into overdrive since you almost died. The link doesn't help." Scar leaned back and covered his face with his hands. "Grian, the feeling is painful, it’s nothing like when I've felt your aura cast over me, that is peaceful, this is agony! Why is it so different?!" Grian sat on the edge of Scar’s bed and dipped the wool towel into the boiled water. He let it soak for a few minutes before pulling it out of the water and rung out any excess water. "That's the difference between having a well-regulated aura versus one that’s not. Your body's long forgotten what your aura felt like. It’s by no fault of your own. When I became a Watcher, I suffered the same thing. I was always sick because I didn't know the first thing about regulating or controlling the flow of energy. The Elder instructed a small group of their personal circle to help me. It took me months to finally get the hang of it. Unfortunately for you and me we don't have months that I can help you regulate your auras return. We may only have days. That means that once I finish removing the feathers from your cheeks, we'll have to start real training." Grian said.

Scar removed his hands from his face. Grian gently laid the wool towel over his face and let it sit for about five minutes. Grian removed the towel from Scar’s face. He took the first feather in his hand and pulled it off. Scar flinched. "Agh!" He held his cheek. "Was it really still that painful?" Grian asked looking down at Scar. "It wasn't awful if that's what your asking, but it still hurt." Scar answered rubbing his cheek. "Well, I hate to say but we've got about twenty-nine more to go." Grian said plucking another off his cheek. Another flinch. "Is there any other way you can remove them more gently?" Grian revealed his eyes to Scar. "Not if you want them to grow back faster. I have to pull them from the root." Scar sighed. "Guess I really don’t have a choice then."

Grian continued to pluck the feathers off Scar’s cheeks, stopping every few minutes to re-apply heat to Scar’s face. The whole process took him about twenty minutes because Scar continually kept complaining. Grian lowered his hand. "There that was the last one. Your feather free, at least for now." Scar sat up and touched his cheeks. They felt normal, to be honest that was the only part of himself that felt normal. His body still hurt. Grian stood up and stretched. "Alright Scar. Time to train. The only way you're going to feel better is if you work on balancing your aura." Scar turned and placed his legs on the edge of the bed. "Where are we going to train? In the room? Somewhere else? I'm just, not sure if its alright for me to be seen is all. What happens if I start growing feathers again? Or worse my wings?" He said in a worried tone. His amethyst eyes shook at the thought of transforming. Grian couldn’t blame him. The alliance would start asking questions. Worse still, if Scott caught wind of Scar's sudden awaking of Watcher genetics, he'd be the first one to come after them. Scott already didn't like him. He didn't need Scott’s hatred of his kind being projected upon Scar who didn't ask for any of this to come about. "We can train wherever is most comfortable for you, Scar. Though this room is rather small for us to do combat training. I believe there's a training hall in the castle, we could ask Cleo if we can brow it for a few hours this morning. Seeing that its most likely one or two in the morning." Grian offered. "Wait, did I miss the meeting then?" Scar asked in confusion. "I let you sleep. I can run through the specifics of it later." He held out his hand to Scar. "Are you coming?" Scar took his hand, and the pair left the room. Cleo was just climbing the stairs to go to their room to rest. The pair met at the steps. "Hi Scar." Cleo said as they stepped to the side to let the pair passed. "Are you cool if we use the training hall?" Grian asked. "Of course, it's down the next flight of stairs and down the adjacent hallway of the meeting room from earlier. Don't go crazy with your powers guys." Cleo said. "We'll be careful." Grian answered leading Scar downstairs.
The pair arrived at the bottom of the stairs and walked into the hallway with the training room. It was a large cobblestone room with wooden floors. A weapons rack lined the room, with shields on another wall. "Right then, are you ready to remember what your body used to know?" Grian asked turning to face Scar placing his hands on his hips. Scar looked at him with an uneasy look on his face. "I'll try." He spoke.

"So, you remember what we did in the ravine right? I want you to do that again. Focus on balancing your aura first. Once you've got the hang of balancing your original aura rather than mine, we'll move onto next steps." Grian exclaimed. Scar slowly let his eyes close before taking a breath in and out. 'Feel your aura flow through my body. Mine is extremely different than Grian’s aura.' He felt his aura beginning to overtake his body. He gripped his head. Pain filled his body. 'It hurts! I'm afraid! I don’t want to lose myself to my powers!'
"Scar!" He heard Grian’s voice call out to him. 'It hurts!' Scar gritted his teeth. His head hurt his body hurt. This wasn’t anything like when he'd used Grian’s power. Why was his aura attacking him? He felt dizziness starting to take over. "Scar, open your eyes." He felt Grian bring him into his embrace. "I-I can't, it hurts." Scar whimpered.
'His aura isn't acting normally. It shouldn't be causing this kind of reaction! Something is wrong!' Grian thought as he felt Scar shaking in his arms. Scar began to growl and trash in Grian’s arms. His scars glowing bright purple. Grian caught sight of Scar’s eyes. They had turned fully purple, and the black and crimson feathers started to return growing on his cheeks. His nails grew and he sunk them into Grian’s arm. He bit his tongue to keep himself from flinching. He watched his hands to his elbows turn a purple black with purple glowing veins just beneath his skin. Scar removed his nails and started clawing at the front of his ears. Black and crimson feathers began to grow out from there as well. This was seriously not good. His body was basically becoming a Watcher in front of his eyes. He continued to struggle in Grian’s arms. He tightened his grip on Scar’s body. "I'm not letting you go, Scar! You'll have to kill me first."

Scar bared his fangs to Grian. 'What's happening to me, I can’t stop the pain, I'm cold, it's dark. I can't see or hear Grian’s voice anymore! Am I asleep? I can't get my bearings. Grian, please...help me. I'm scared.'

Large black and crimson wings grew out of Scar’s back. Grian gently brought Scar’s body to the ground before pinning his arms and legs with his body. This was bad. He hadn't seen something like this occur before. Even when he lost control his aura had only partially spiked nothing like this! 'What can I do? He’s not listening to me. His aura has completely overtaken his mind and body. Could I try to use mine to overpower his? Is his stronger than mine? What if I can use my eyes to try and take control of him? When I revealed my eyes unlawfully to the Elder their eyes alone calmed me down into a dossal state. Could I do that too? Or were their amethyst void eyes that shone like the night sky just a special case. What if by trying that I make things worse for Scar? What would happen if I opened our soul link? Could I lose control like him? Then theirs the matter of using my Fang, like when we were in the ravine. I don't want to have it come to that. Elder please if you're watching me, what should I do?!' He thought thinking desperately about what he should do to help Scar.
His winged ears twitched with a cold breeze that hovered over them. "Believe in the feelings you have for him. Trust in your bond and connect with his soul. You alone are the key." A voice whispered into his ear. Grian looked back expecting someone to be there, but the room was empty other then the two of them. 'I didn't recognize that voice just now. Who said that?' He looked back down at Scar who still thrashed in his grasp. 'Believe in the feelings I have for him? What does that mean? I still don't understand exactly what feelings I have for Scar. I understand the bonded part but how is my feelings the key to reaching his soul?' He tried to think about what the voice had meant. He felt his eyebrow twitch. 'I could open a link with Scar, but if I do that then I could get effected. I must put my trust into my feelings for him. What if they're not what I need to help save him. I don't want to have to hurt him, even with Cleo's Strings of life as our last resort.' He shook his head. He had to act now! He'd wasted too much time already. Grian pulled back his winged ears and looked at Scar's eyes. He forced his aura to his hands. Scar cried out in pain. Once he felt their auras link, he lowered his head to Scar’s forehead. He felt Scar try to pull his head away but couldn't. 'Please let this work.' He pleaded. 'Tell him how you really feel about him. Tell him all the things you love about him. Tell him the truth about what you believe in your heart.' He told himself.
"Scar, I don't know if this will reach you. But I'm hoping it will. I haven't been fully honest with you, about my feelings for you, I still don't fully grasp them either. Ever since I first met you, when I saw you...a human, who looked on at me with not an ounce of fear. A look of bewilderment and excitement. I foolishly was so ignorant and proud at the time. I truly thought I was all powerful and omnipotent. When I saw you smile for the first time, something deep inside me felt different. I felt my heart skip a beat. I in that moment felt so bubbly. I'd never felt a feeling like that before. I broke taboo and decided I'd get to know you instead of killing you. It’s foolish that I even thought of doing so. Yet, in my heart it felt like the right thing to do. I tried telling myself that I was only using you as my pawn to succeed in my mission but the more I told myself that I knew I was only lying to myself. Every time I think about my mission, my being here, you being marked for execution for crimes you never wanted to commit. Crimes that those Red Army fools decided was right. Every part of me wishes it wasn't so. The more I had the opportunity to know you, the more I felt my adoration for you grow. I want to be with you; I want to stay here if it meant I could stay by your side. I'd give up this life if it meant I could be with you now and always. I don't want to live in a world without you. I don't want to live in this world without you by my side. You're the first person to say that I'm normal for feeling like this, that it's okay for me to be weak, to be broken. I love you for your quirky personality, your silly jokes, your carefree nature. I love everything about you. So please, comeback to me, Scar. I don't want to lose you. Especially not like this." Grian said as tears dripped down his face onto Scar’s.

"Gri-an, why are you crying?" Grian pulled his head away from Scar’s. His eyes had returned to his regular amethyst irises and regular pupils. "SCAR! THANK THE GREAT DEITY YOUR ALRIGHT. DON'T YOU EVER SCARE MY LIKE THAT AGAIN! I FORBID IT." Grian snapped crying ever harder. Scar noticed Grian had him pinned down against the wooden floor. What happened that caused Grian to be this distressed. Now that he thought about everything the pain he once felt not long ago was absent. "Why are you on top of me? Not that it’s an issue just genuinely curious." Scar asked Grian. Grian's face turned red with embarrassment, and he quickly got off him and quickly rubbing his eyes with his red sweater. "W-what can you remember?" He asked. Scar sat up. He winced, his body felt strange. “I remember trying to focus my aura like you said. Like I’d done before. This time it didn’t feel right. It was painful. My body felt like it was burning up. I eventually lost my sight, my hearing, my awareness all I felt was that pain consuming every part of me. I was plunged into darkness, I was terrified. I couldn’t find you. I recall feeling something warm reach out to touch my chest. I then could hear you call out for me at last. I heard you say how you really feel about me. I reached out for that warmth and woke up to you crying.” Scar answered him. Grian looked on at the man before him. His body had become like his own. There was no hiding the truth from the rest of the alliance. “I’d like to try controlling my aura again, Grian. I can’t explain why, but I think this time I’ll have a better control of it.” Scar said. “Are you sure, that’s what you want?” Grian asked him. Scar nodded. Grian pushed to his feet and offered Scar his hand. “Just so we’re both on the same page,” Grian started. Scar reached out his hand to take Grian’s he saw his skin looked exactly like Grian’s. “Unfortunately, I don’t think we can hide you away from the others this time, welcome back, fellow Watcher.” Scar stood up and looked at himself. His body had transformed into his once Watcher appearance. His once black and purple wings were now black and crimson. “Sh-”

Chapter Text

Scar looked back at Grian with panic in his eyes. "Grian! When did this happen? How did this happen? Why did this happen?" Grian looked away before answering. "When your aura took over you, it forced your body to change. That darkness you were in. That's what I experienced when I lost control and my instincts took over. I also suppose the reason you’re feeling better regulated is because your body is back in its original form. Your aura is most likely a lot more potent than mine, anyway, having been a Watcher first before being human."

Scar shook his head before heaving a heavy sigh. "Scott’s going to literally kill us both. How are we even going to explain this. No one knows what you are, but we may have no choice but say something." Grian laughed nervously "Yeah, about that Scar. They all know that I'm a Watcher." Scar stared at him. "WHAT!" He placed his hand on his head. "I thought you wouldn't tell anyone that." This time it was Grian who sighed. "Joel's actually the one who outed me to the rest of the group." He exclaimed. "Joel? How?" Scar was very confused about the situation at hand. "He shook my hand when we met and between seeing my wings and the handshake it was enough evidence for him to confirm his theory about what I was. What will really cause a stir up will be you becoming a Watcher yourself. A Watcher cannot create another Watcher. fortunately, the only one in the whole alliance that knows about your abilities, and your past is Cleo. They told me that I shouldn't blame myself for this happening. It wouldn't have had I followed our rules. Instead, I formed a tight relationship with you. I doubt the others will fully understand what's transpired."

Scar placed his hands on his hips. "As much as I hate this for happing, I suppose I could blame that the experiment between our genetics was left uncompleted. So, I never became fully human, and you never fully became a Watcher. Though I hadn't thought about the implications it could cause being left uncompleted." Grian grabbed his hand. "What do you mean you didn't think about the implications. You were just as much a victim as I was, you were forced into this, weren't you?" Scar looked at him directly. "The reason my feathers are no longer purple Grian, is because I was self experimenting on myself with your genetics. Your blood and mine were an exact match despite you being human and me being a Watcher. I choose to eject myself with human blood. I wanted to see if it was just as possible to make myself human like making you a Watcher although that was never our intention. A Destroyer attacked the lab, and my goal was to save you, I couldn’t let you be killed that day! I sent you through the Gate. I was cornered and killed by that Destroyer and their Fang! My scars are directly linked to my injuries I received. The elder never knew I was self experimenting on myself. That's why I'm a traitor. I didn’t care about my position, my power, the purity. I cared about wanting to be imperfect like a human." Scar admitted.

There was a tense silence between the two of them. He felt Grian tighten his grip. "You stupid fool." He hissed. "What made you think that was a good idea? Why would you have forgone your life like that? Not to mention, you were a full Watcher. You shouldn’t have- you shouldn’t- tell me you didn't do it because of me! Tell me you didn't give up your body and powers for me!" Scar used his free hand to touch Grian's face. "I did, out of all the humans that we had in our care during that time period, you alone were worth my sacrifice." He said with a genuine smile on his face. "Watchers don't bare emotions though, I've been with them for twenty-two years, I haven’t seen any other Watchers bare emotions like I do. You shouldn't have been capable of feeling those feelings. So how?" He asked placing his hand on Scar’s now. "I suppose its because I found the Cursed Realm comforting. We'd been told that humans would live in the Cursed Realm and we'd be leaving it for what you now call the Celestial Plane. I didn’t want to leave this world behind for another. My sign is Earth. I bonded with this realm more then any other Watcher. Only the research team under the Elder’s orders was allowed to interact with humans that the Great Deity provided. It was a small clinical trial to see if Watcher’s genetics could present dormancy within a human’s body. The theory was that the genetics would never awaken. However, the patient would learn to adapt quickly and have greater advanced skills and understanding. That's all that was supposed to occur. Yet you stand before me a Watcher. I took an incredible gamble with my life by giving myself the ejections. There was no true grantee I'd have become human. What I do know is that it was working before I died."

Grian let go of his arm and backed away. Scar watched him cross the room to the weapons rack. He took two iron swords out of the rack and approached Scar again. He held out his arm to Scar offering him the extra iron sword. "What's this for?" He asked taking it from Grian’s grip. "For training, you said you wanted to keep going before we got that deep into the drama of all this insanity. I'll let you focus first. I strongly recommend using your winged ears now that you have them to cover your eyes. Now that you're a Watcher again you shouldn’t keep your eyes exposed for long periods of time. For your safety and others." Grian said as he stroked one of Scar’s new feathered ears. He shivered at the touch. "Yeah, no... that’s a very strange sensation I had from you touching my feathers just now. Not sure how to feel about it. It wasn't necessarily uncomfortable, but I wouldn't let someone else do that to me." Scar admitted. He relaxed his muscles and slowly brought his winged ears across his eyes. He could still see clearly as if his eyes weren't covered. "So, this is what you meant when I tried this the first time with my eyes closed. Thats still baffling to me." Grian smirked. "That's aura for you. Probably still a strange feeling to get used too. Now then we'll start slow and work our way up to using your aura while fighting, that would include masking, coating, and infusing. You said the only weapon you have proficiency with is a bow if I recall correctly." Scar returned his question with a nod. "Watchers have always wielded Fangs. So, your muscle memory hypothetically should pick things up quickly. We'll go at your pace. Please let me know if I'm moving too fast for you. I'll reduce my speed. Are you ready, Scar?"

Scar took up a ready stance and held the sword with both hands now. Grian readied himself and held his sword with his right hand. Grian lunged at Scar. Scar blocked the first strike, Grian stepped back before thrusting his body forward again. Again, Scar blocked his attack with ease. He repeated the attacks a few more times.

'Good he's blocking confidently. His expression is calm and collected. He's surprising me with his movements. He's reading the attacks as I make them.' Grian thought. "You’re doing well, now I want you to elevate your reading of attack patterns. Our enemies will most likely possess faster strikes. You must predict their movements before they even make them. Think of it like looking into a scrying mirror. You take what you've seen and react before they make the move you'll see."

Scar stilled himself. Grian went to move but Scar moved first he brought a strike down to strike him. Grian had to deflect the strike, but it was clumsy, so he was thrown unbalanced. Scar starched his wings and knocked him the rest of the way off his feet. Grian fell backwards onto his back. Scar held his sword to Grian's throat. Grian raised his hands. "You let me win, huh birdie?" Scar giggled with a grin on his lips. "Did I?" Grian grinned back. Grian kicked Scar in the knees, and he fell forward on top of Grian their faces nearly touching. "That wasn't fair."

The pair separated and both giggled. "I want to experience a faster paced fight. Like if I was to verse Ren or Martyn. They are ruthless fighters. Its all said and good that I can counter in a slow fight. But its that fast pace that'll be necessary to bring about our victory. After all, I swore to you I'd help you reach your goal by any means necessary." Scar said picking his sword up to look at it. "I get it. But you're still getting used to this, if I attack like them, I'm worried you won't be able to keep up with me." Grian told him. Scar nodded. "I know, I'm worried too, but we can't afford to take things extremely slow. We won't have time. I appreciate you letting me win there but you were holding back on me way too much." He stood and offered his hand to Grian who took it. "Okay, then. I'll fight at what would be that pace, if you can't keep up, I'll stop, and we can readjust. Did you want me to provide directions while we fight?" He asked now standing. "No, I want this to be a genuine challenge. I won't have you with me fighting Ren or Martyn. I have to solve this on my own." Scar answered. Grian nodded and took up his fighting stance. Scar took up his. "Come at me with the intention of killing me."

Grian charged at Scar with immense speed. Scar blocked his first strike. He grinned before disappearing. 'He's masking his presence. Relax focus.’ He couldn’t sense him at all, unlike before in the ravine when he could sense him. He felt something sharp pierce his shoulder. "Ah!" He looked back and saw Grian for a moment before he removed his sword and disappeared again. Yet again he couldn't track him. 'What am I doing wrong? I should be able to track Grian's movements.' Scar felt himself get cut again. Grian only appearing for a moment. He reappeared and slid to a halt away from Scar. "You're not reacting at all. What's wrong?" Scar looked between both wounds that begun to seal themselves on their own. "I'm not sure. I remember the steps to track you, but I'm trying that and can't be successful."

Grian pondered for a moment or two before pointing at his winged ears. "Are you using these or your regular ears?" Scar gave him a confused look. "I'm not sure. Does it really matter that much?" Grian nodded. "It does," he began. "Your new ears are a lot more sensitive; they work a whole lot better. Between changes in wind, pressure, vibration, noise level, they let you take in all those things and more. When we tried this the first time you only had your regular ears. If I had to come to a simple conclusion, you’re relying too much on your human senses. You're a Watcher again so you have to rely on that side of you from now on." Scar nodded. "Okay let's try this again, shall we?" Grian nodded.

He changed again at Scar and struck his sword. Scar blocked it without issue, good so the base line was still working. He masked his aura and disappeared.

Scar settled himself. He focused his attention on using the newly reacquired feathered ears. 'They should theoretically pick up even the smallest abnormality.' He felt a presence approaching him from the right. Scar turned and swung his sword at the air. It struck nothing. 'I felt his presence there! How did he?' His winged ear flickered and he barely had time to raise his sword to block himself from being stabbed in his back. Grian grinned darkly. "Martyn possesses sirens call, if you fail to realize your surroundings you may think you're striking the real enemy, but you're not! He'll strike you dead if he cuts you in the right spot. You may possess aura now and a Watchers abilities, but just like me, your body is still inevitably a humans. If you feel like you’re going to be struck force all your aura to the exact point that'll get the strike. That'll stop the blow. Your skin will be better off being protected."

Scar twirled his body and kicked Grian on his side. Grian’s body rolled before he forced himself out of the roll landing back on his feet. "That’s not good enough Scar; you have to move faster then that! You asked me to kill you remember! Our enemies won't give you time to breathe!" He told Scar sternly. Scar looked away gritting his teeth. Grian was right he wasn't acting fast enough! 'I haven't been a Watcher for an extremely long time. My body barely remembers its training. It’s like I'm starting over from scratch! I don’t have time for this! It’s not an excuse! How do I force the memories to come back! I was a researcher who directly was always in contact with the Elder! Part of their inner circle! So why am I fumbling so badly trying to keep up with him?' Scar crouched and charged at Grian. He focused his aura into his sword. He brought his sword down to strike Grian. Grian side stepped him before punching him in his stomach. Scar coughed violently collapsing to his knees. "That was desperation! You left yourself wide open!" Grian scolded him further. "You, really- huh...are ruthless." He breathed through his breaths. Grian walked in front of him and knelt in front of him. Using his hand, he tipped Scar’s chin up, so his face met his. Grian wore a clear frown across his lips. "I'm a Watcher, Scar. We are all ruthless. We kill humans! We keep this world from bloodshed by shedding blood before the world is stained. I could kill you in a single blow if I felt like it Scar. That’s not a joke. I'm still holding back; Scar I'm not even going all out!" He explained. "So, you really did let me win, before. You gave me confidence I shouldn’t have had." He said batting his hand away before pushing to his feet. "How do I get my memories back?" Grian's frown deepened. "If I knew do you think I'd not have got my memories back? When you die by a Fang you lose your memories. Your soul resets to the beginning. The likelihood of you remembering how to use your powers in battle like you once knew how to do is incredibly low. I was hoping the muscle memory was going to be present, but it doesn’t appear so." Grian said pushing back to his feet. "I'm still a weakling compared to you, even though I'm in possession of aura now." Scar frowned. "You grew up in a life with other half elves that were pacifists. Your people loved the Erath, which just so happens to be your celestial symbol. I don't expect you to be a ruthless killer like me. Even though in my lifetime I've never killed someone." Grian answered placing his hand on Scar’s shoulder. Scar snickered under his breath. "You’re not being very successful." Grian opened his wing and hit him with it. "Shut up, I'll get to it!" Grian grumbled.

"Scar, Grian!?"

Grian’s head turned to the doorway that led to the hallway. "Scar, hide! Now!" Grian quietly told him. Scar crossed the room quickly and dropped his body behind the shield rack.

Scott and Jimmy entered the room from the hallway. Grian stood in its center. "Where's Scar?" Scott asked raising a brow. "He's not here." Grian answered. "I heard him and you speaking just now. He didn't leave the room, which means he's hiding. He has no reason too, so come out Scar! If there's nothing to hide, then show yourself." Scott said looking around the room. "I told you he's not with me. Besides why are you up? Shouldn't you be asleep." Grian asked crossing his arms. "I asked him that when he woke me up, he said that if I wanted to sleep it'd be after training for an hour." Jimmy groggily explained after a big yawn.

Scott scanned the room. He knew Scar had to be here. Why was he hiding? Had something happened too him? What had Grian done to him!? He looked back to Grian who was relaxed and calm. He was a Watcher. A blessed holy being who once walked upon this world with God. A being once said to be covered in purple light. They were emotionless beings, who would see humans as no more then insignificant insects scuttering about on the mortal plane. His kind had seen Watchers descend upon them before. They were merciless killers. He was here to kill them, and Jimmy took a deal with Grian. He was different from other Watchers in that he hadn't killed anyone yet. He was also interacting with humans. Something Watchers never did. Grian had shown anger before, when he mentioned harming Scar, which indicated to him that Grian bared emotions. Perhaps there was a way to play this to his advantage. Scott smiled at him. "You wouldn't be tired at the moment, would you Grian?" Grian shook his head. "No, I'm not, why?" He tipped his head watching Scott carefully. "How would you feel if we dualled? Just you and I to start?" Scott asked him. Grian felt his body twitching.

'He's trying to draw my attention away from Scar or trying to force Scar out from hiding to try and protect me because of what happened during our first encounter. What should I do? If I decline, he'll know I'm deliberately hiding something, but if I accept Scar will try and separate us.' Grian stayed quiet. Scott grinned before circling him. "What's the matter, Grian? Surely you want the opportunity to fight me all out, it’s unlike you to not jump at the opportunity. You're hiding something then? You worried that Scar will try and stop us like before?" Grian drew his lips back with a snarl. 'Good! Get angry!' Scott thought. "I told you I have nothing to hide! You’re pushing your luck, Scott! I'd bite my tongue if I were you! It’s not wise to piss me off! I don’t have to fight you if I don’t want too." Grian snapped. "Sounds like you won't then." Scott immediately said stopping inches from his face. "Step back." Grian growled. "Make me bird brain." Scott retorted.

Grian kneed Scott in the stomach before kicking him on his side sending Scott flying into the wall with a sickening thud. Grian stood calmly in the center of the room. Jimmy ran over to Scott who was slow to get up. "What's the matter Starlight? Can't take a hard hit? Probably broke a few ribs." Grian smirked. Scott drew his sword and star shards appeared around him. He coughed up a bit of blood. "You call that a kick? You hit like a girl! You'll have to do a lot better then that!" Scott grinned in response. "That was still me not using my full strength. If I did you body would not be left." Grian told him. "I'm aware, but don’t care about losing an arm or a leg in this fight. Its not everyday a Starborne gets the opportunity to fight a Watcher, your human side makes you weak however."

Grian’s winged ears twitched and he snickered. "Human or not I don't change a dang thing. If you're so confident come at me!" Scott and Grian charged at one another crossing swords and trading blows for blows.

Scar could hear the two fighting. Every part of him wanted to break the two up before Scott got himself killed! They needed all hands-on deck in this war! If he showed himself though they'd be in serious trouble. So, what could he do!? He had all this power and couldn't risk getting involved! He could see the fight happening behind him with his aura. Scott was bleeding quite badly now, even after only three minutes of them trading blows. Grian was untouched. He could feel Grian’s amplified aura. It was flowing through his body faster than before. So, this was still him holding back. Grian must have already anticipated the severity of injuries Scott could have before he'd have to stop. This really wasn't good!

"Scott, stop! Please! You’re going to bleed out if you don't stop! You can’t win this fight! He's going to kill you!" Jimmy begged. Scott didn't respond his focus solely was on the target before him. "I urge you to listen to your ally Scott, if you take another blow to your head, you'll be knocked unconscious for sure." Grian warned Scott. He used his sleeve to wipe the blood off his face. He raised his hand to the star shard above his head. "Oh, hear me stars above, I shall grant you a celestial sacrifice, I offer thy blood in tribute. Come forth blade of The North Star!" The shard turned red, and a bright blue and red crystal sword appeared in his hand. He held it out to Grian.

'That’s a celestial level blade, like our Fangs. I do not want to get cut.' Grian thought. He held the iron sword ready to block the strike. Scott lunged at Grian.

"I TOLD YOU TO STOP!" Jimmy screamed holding out his hands his small wings wide open. His purple eye glue a bright blue and two feathers flew out of his wings and embedded themselves it both Grian and Scott’s necks. The pair both dropped to the wooden floor like rag dolls. "What the hell? I can't, move." Grian said. "I can't, move either. Jimmy what did you just do to us?" Scott asked. Jimmy looked taken aback by the display in front of him. "WHHHHHAAAATTT?! I DON’T EVEN BLOODY NOW!" He spoke.

Scott’s vision began to blur, a symptom no doubt of the blood loss and the adrenaline coursing through his veins depleting. He'd also just summoned his people’s celestial blade. That too had not helped his case. He began to cough up more blood. Jimmy was at his side instantly. "Scott!" He cried. Scott's eyes fluttered shut. "You may have won this time, but I wouldn't let you kill me the next time we fight." He coughed out before falling unconscious. "Scott!" Jimmy asked shaking him. "He's dead, you killed him."

"I didn't kill him; Jimmy he fell unconscious. He's still breathing." Grian breathed out calmly. He could hear the cracking of his breaths. "But I did brake quite a few of his ribs. I suggest taking him upstairs and put him to bed. He's a celestial being, so most likely his body can heal relatively quickly. The only way for that to happen is if you let him rest." Jimmy placed Scott's arm around his neck and shoulder and picked his limp body up. He begun to take him to the hallway. He stopped at the door, before looking back at Grian. "I now understand what you told me in the woods when we met. But my mind hasn't changed. I still envy you Grian." He told him before disappearing into the hallway. Grian heard their footsteps fade out into the distance. "You can come out now, Scar. It’s safe to do so."

Scar flew out from his hiding place and brought him into an embrace. Grian could barely feel him doing so. His body felt completely numb from his neck down. "I can't feel much of my body from my neck down. Do you mind removing whatever is in my neck?" Grian asked. Scar rested Grian’s body back on the ground and reached up to his neck. He gently pulled the feather out of Grian’s neck. He brought it over Grian’s head to have the opportunity to see the item that had been embedded. "A yellow feather? That dropped Scott and I the moment it struck our necks. What the heck did Jimmy do!?" Scar looked it over now. "It looked as if Jimmy controlled the feathers he shot." Grian looked up at him. "But Jimmy doesn't have abilities. He told me himself. How do you know he controlled the feathers?"

"Well, the most notable thing I saw was the eye you have your aura sealed in. Before the feathers left his wings that eye glue a bright blue. His feathers flew out of his wings and flew true into your necks. Judging the entry point it landed perfectly on a nerve in your neck that caused the paralysis. It was both super convenient that they landed where they did, but its also unlucky. Not that I was routing for you to kill him." Scar said running his hand through Grian’s hair. "So perhaps he can effect others with his curse, he just has no idea how to control it." He muttered to himself. Scar frowned before shrugging. "Hard to say for certain."

Grian attempted to sit up, but the attempt failed as he still had minimal feeling in his lower limbs and arms. Scar took notice and helped him to a sitting position and allowed Grian to rest his body on his own for support. He could see Grian’s eyes trying to flutter shut. "You look exhausted." Scar pointed out. "Tell me something I don't know. That feather really messed me up. He hit a major nerve. My body feels completely useless, it’s going to take a while for my nerves to start feeling sensation again. Which means I will not be able to get myself back upstairs to our guest room." Grian complained. "I can carry you if you want. Like you've been doing for me." Scar smiled. He didn't want to get carried. It was going to feel extremely awkward for him. But how else was he supposed to get back upstairs. His body was not obeying his orders.

Scar had taken notice of Grian’s lack of response. He chuckled before patting Grian’s back between his shoulder blades. "I get it, you don't want to be carried. I could place your arm around my shoulder, and I can help you upstairs that way if that'll make you feel more comfortable."

Grian let out a breath. "Its fine, Scar I'll let you carry me under the condition that we won't ever speak of the incident again." He was looking away from Scar, but he knew that he was embarrassed with his situation. It made sense. He was winning that fight and probably still would have stopped but Jimmy threw a curve ball at the pair out of basically nowhere. "Did you want another minute or two to sit or did you want to go upstairs to bed now?" Scar asked. "We can go now, that's fine." Grian told him. Scar nodded and leaned Grian back onto his back. He stood and scooped up Grian into his arms. Grian yelped as he was picked up because he hadn't been picked up before, nor had he been out of control of his own body or environment. Scar’s height was much taller than he was by about a foot. He wanted to reach out and grab Scar’s neck but couldn't. He felt like he was going to fall. He turned his head into Scar’s chest. "Are you really that nervous that I'm going to drop you?" Scar asked holding him tighter then before. "No, I'm just not used to-" he went to say something more, but he stopped himself short. "I get it. You don't have to elaborate on it further. I'll take you upstairs. I promise I won't drop you." Scar said as he begun walking towards the hallway to the stairs.

The pair where able to get to their room uninterrupted Scar used his wing to cradle Grian’s body as he used his free hand to open the door. He pushed it open and walked inside holding Grian again and used his wing to push the door closed. The Secret Keeper woke up from its dormancy and saw Scar. "SCAR! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" It gasped. Scar crossed the room and laid Grian down gently on his bed. He brought the covers over his body. "My aura surged out of control and forced the full transformation. Since turning my aura has been better regulated. Not that it'll make our situation any better." He said as he ran his hand through Grian’s hair once more, who had closed his eyes now.

Scar sat down on the edge of his bed and sighed. "Your feathers are like there's." The golem mentioned. Scar brought his wings in front of him. "I knowingly committed treason, you and I both knew this could happen too me. I'm just surprised that it didn't happen sooner. Why did it take reincarnating to mark me as a traitor? Surely the Great Dragon knew about what I was doing. They are all seeing and all knowing. Why did they let me do what I did? Why did they let me give myself Grian’s blood? That’s what doesn't make sense too me." Scar admitted still looking across at Grian who was resting peacefully. The golem gently touched Scar’s forearm. He looked down at the golem sitting next too him. "Despite the wing change and the scars, you now bare you don’t look any different then when you were a researcher.

Though your aura is, different though I'm struggling to discover why that has come to be." The golem explained. Scar scratched the golem under its chin. It cooed softly at the touch. "Don't stress yourself out, the answer will come with time, despite not having any. I'm sure we'll find a way to solve this mystery." Scar stretched as he yawned. He looked outside. The moon was already beginning to wayne in the sky. It would be morning soon, and with the morning light would come the stress of the backlash they'd receive when he would be seen. He crawled into bed. He was also hungry, but he decided he'd eat in the morning when the pair got up. He turned to look at Grian again. The golem curling up by Scar's head. He gave Grian a soft smile. "I love you too Grian, you were worth my sacrifice." He let his eyes flutter shut and not long after doing so he was fast asleep.

Earlier that evening during the same time as the alliance meeting

Martyn stood at the alter with Bigb, Skizz and Etho who sat a top of the cobblestone wall. They were just awaiting the king to join them.

Ren came up from the trading room, and ascended the stairs to the Blackstone alter. "Sorry to keep you gentlemen, I see I'm the tardy one amongst us." He said taking his place at the head of the alter.

Ren looked to each member of the alliance. "We've gathered to discuss the coming of the Red Winter. Our goal has not changed; Scar is still to be the catalyst of the beginning of this bloody war! However, it seems that our visitor is quite adapt at war strategy. Grian is a Watcher Demi-human cross. His powers suggest he's a celestial level being. While in our custody it was noted that the forced blood pact took rather well with his mind and body. However, he was able to escape custody. It is not known how he did so. It should be known he processes the ability to manipulate the mind of a target through eye contact. This control is stronger than the pact that’s been used to bring together this alliance. It also should be known that Grian’s sword can cause severe and nearly unhealable wounds. We suspect that Grian’s been here for some time. As you all remember when my hand returned to the kingdom, he had a large and deep chest wound that was hard to heal. It took multiple healing potions and stitches to close but even then, it wasn't a clean heal. It’s recommended to not engage him in close combat, and those that do should have abilities to immobilize their target, so that would be Skizz and the Hand's strong suit. There's also the matter of flight. Skizz, you once mentioned you process angelic wings?" Ren explained.

Skizz nodded his head. "Yes, I do. Though growing them is not only painful but they also take away a year of my life. They also don't last particularly long. I can only maintain them for about thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on the usage of them. If I'm going to provide aerial support thirty minutes is the max duration. If I'm doing both its going to be forty-five minutes. As for my petrification ability it may have some to no effect. If Grian really is a celestial being even if only partly, it may not actually petrify him." Skizz exclaimed too Ren.

Ren nodded before turning to Martyn. "You mentioned you process celestial blood too me when we made our pact. If you're comfortable to help with Skizz practicing with you to see the extent of his ability on celestial beings that would be greatly appreciated. Though I would respect your decision if you chose not too." Martyn respectfully bowed before his king. "Your wish is my command my liege. I have no hesitations to help out a fellow comrade."

Ren smiled back at Martyn before returning his bow with one of his own. He then turned his attention to Etho. "Have you had the opportunity to analyze the data you collected from our fight with Grian in the Sandlands?" Etho's right grey ear flickered. He turned his attention onto Ren’s. "Simply put, the data didn't overly revel much for me. The arrows that were stopped showed high levels of energy or force applied to their tips before falling dead out of the sky. Despite Crosshairs authority over an effected item his authority seems to easily counter its authority. As for the exact reading of his abilities those remained inconclusive. Crosshairs collection could not provide further details." Etho explained. "Well, that’s rather unfortunate to hear." Ren said his brown ears flatting with irritation.

"You mentioned Grian was a Watcher?" Bigb spoke up now. The attention of the red army now rested upon Bigb. "Do you know something about them?" Ren asked. Bigb shrugged rubbing his neck. "Well, nothing concrete that is. Just an old wise tail about beings who once walked our earth that are cloaked in divine grace by God. Aside from that I know nothing else. As you mentioned you believe he processes celestial abilities. His race could be the race mentioned in the old wise tail." He told the group.

This time it was Martyn who spoke up. "Well, it’s not much to go on but at least it’s something. I just wished we had asked him more in-depth questions. Though he did say his goal was to bring order back too our world. So, it's to be expected that to succeed in that sense it would be to eradicate us. Though his closeness to Scar has me extremely perplexed even now I've had time to think about things. Why would a Watcher if their job is to kill threats willing to place his own life on the line to protect him. There's something we're missing, information vital to understanding their pact. What did Scar possibly offer in exchange for a divine being’s protection? Scar is a passive half elf. He doesn't know the first thing about fighting in general let alone understand strategy fitting of the coming of the red winter! We know Grian can brainwash his targets through eye contact but when we fought the pair they were working in tandem with one another rather then based on orders. Then there’s the matter of Grian being able to block out my song somehow. I gave the command to fall unconscious, and he had grabbed Scar and didn't obey it. Scar also had some sort of rock like being that when offered blood it grew into a warrior. Both of those things are rather alarming."

"A rock like warrior?" Etho asked in surprise. Martyn nodded. "That sounds like a golem. But our golem’s here are either made of iron or snow, not rock. That's extremely odd. How did they do that? Was their anything more significant or remarkable about it?" Etho asked as he twirled a small iron knife in his hand. Ren nodded. "Yes actually. It bared an unnatural crest on its face that glue with purple energy. It also spoke in a language we couldn't understand. Though, didn't Scar speak the same language when he called it back to him?" Ren asked. "Unfortunately, I can't remember that, considering the significance of Grian’s brainwashing." Martyn responded. Ren nodded solemnly. "That's right, you didn't hear the order."

"So, what would be the level of risk Scar and Grian pose at present?" Bigb questioned. "High risk. Too be safe we've decided to give them double the does of my blood to insure they won't be able to fight back. Hopefully it'll be enough to allow us to kill the two without recourse." Ren spoke with certainty in his tone. "I wouldn't be so confident." Etho warned. "Depending on the circumstance, Grian may have already taken additional steps to prevent you from giving him the injection again. This is most likely a higher probability, due to his ability to creatively adapt." Ren’s tail swished before he sighed. "That's a very real possibility."

There was a long pause before Ren nodded. "Right then, the other factions have gone just as long as Scar has without a suitable source of food. At daybreak we'll visit each faction and offer them one final deal. Starting with Scott. They could either join the red army or join in Scar’s despite struggle for freedom. True freedom is in the thrill of the battlefield!" He drew his sword and held it high above his head the full moon illuminating his sword. "IN THE NAME OF THE RED WINTER!" Ren cried. Each member raised their own weapons. "IN THE NAME OF THE RED KING!" The men cried back.

The men disbanded heading for bed. Martyn headed for the door of the castle. Ren rested his hand on Martyn’s shoulder. "Aren’t you going to head to bed?" Martyn shook his head. "Not yet, going to take a swim to clear my mind for tomorrow." Ren lowered his hand. "I see, did you want the company tonight or is it a solo swim type of evening?" Martyn smiled softly before scratching under Ren’s chin. Ren’s tail wagged back and forth. "Thank you for the offer, I appreciate it, but I hate to say it's a solo swim tonight. Hopefully when we win this war you and I can finally find peace in this world." He took his hand away and Ren’s tail stopped wagging. "Alright, be safe, and I'll await your safe return."

Martyn waved to Ren before opening the door. He walked towards the lake not far from Dogworts. The walk didn't take long. He arrived at the edge of the lake. He stood by an oak tree and removed his black and red coat, then his top and pants. He reached up and untied the black ribbon around his head. He held it in his hand for a moment before letting it fall to the ground. He pulled off his boots and socks before crossing the grass to the lake. He knelt to look at his reflection in the water. He hated this side of himself, what he was about to become. Sirens were monsters, beings who used their voices to bring in humans to be killed to feed themselves. Despite that being predominantly the case, it wasn't so much that that upset him. It was his appearance he despised. Yet, when Ren saw his true form for the first time, he told him he was the most handsome man he'd ever seen. It had taken him off guard to be entirely honest. He'd never saw himself that way. He took in his last breath of fresh land air before allowing himself to fall forward. His body hit the water, and his body transformed. His body gained fins, gills and scales his legs becoming a tail. He swam with ease beneath the water.

The water felt good after having been on land for so long. The silence was comforting.

"We hunger for blood." Hissed a voice in his ear. He flinched and turned his body quickly having expected someone to be there. The water was empty. That voice was perfectly clear; it spoke in a language he didn't understand and yet he did at the same time. "Who's there! Show yourself!" Martyn demanded to the darkness casted in the lake. "You seek retribution." Hissed the voice again. Again, he whirled around with no one in sight. This had never happened to him before. "Allow us to show you." Hissed the voice again. Martyn winced gripping his head. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He opened them and there was the same purple haze across his eyes as when he had been controlled by Grian. However, this time he had control over his body. He felt different but couldn't explain in words what he was feeling. "Show me what? What is going on? Who are you!? Answer me!" He snapped angerly. "We are not any one thing. You've witnessed divine grace, divine judgment. We are those who crave the distraction of the morals where the divine dare to place their unjustified blame. We can grant you limitless power, we can grant you the knowledge you so desperately crave. We ask of only one small favor in return for the knowledge you seek." The voice now purred into his ear. "What do you want me to do?" He asked. "THE SUN, MUST FALL!" It sneered. He turned to the voice confused. "The Sun? I don't have the ability to manipulate the Sun. I can't-" he began. "We do not ask for the distraction of the Celestial body. We ask for the deity who is blessed by its power to fall."

Martyn begun to realize who the voice spoke of. "You’re asking for Grian to fall from grace then? Is that what you want?" The voice cackled in a sinister tone. "Yes, dear boy. We ask for the Sun to Fall. The Sun is already tethering the edges of his own accord. Push him over the edge, force the Sun to fall from holy light into our grasp! We shall insure he can bring no further harm to you. If you do this for us, we will give you everything you want and more. So, Celestial God of Mars, what do you say too our conditions?" The voice purred. "How do I know you’re not lying too me? How can I take your word as gospel?!" He asked considering the deal. "We do not lie, we cannot deceive thee, for you are intellect itself. We're offering you the meal of your life. We see what you wish to do and your commitment to saturating our desires. You alone have been chosen and selected to embody our grudge against the Sun." The voice told him. "Fine then, I'll take your deal!" Martyn answered. He felt pain burn in his right eye. He cried out gripping his face with his fins. He swam to the surface and grasped the corner of the embankment. He pushed himself out of the water and heaved out hard breaths. His body already transformed back to his human body. It was dry already. He turned to investigate his reflection in the lake. An unnatural purple crest had overtaken his pupil. He touched his face just below his eye. "This is the Watcher’s crest. I was speaking to them." He felt his lips draw back in a smirk. He pushed to his feet and got dressed. He picked up his ribbon. He brought it up to his head and tied it. "You're in for a rude awakening Grian, your last mistake was to align yourself with the enemy. Watchers were never meant to interact with humans. I'll make sure you get what's coming for you. Your soul will taste ever sweeter when we rip the thing you care about most from you! I promise you that." He laughed darkly before strolling back to Dogworts humming to himself.

Chapter Text

Grian’s eyes slowly opened. His body felt weak and heavy. He turned his head upwards slowly. The Elder sat upon their throne. Their council sat in their chairs next too them. So, he was dreamwalking again. The Elder wore an unpleasant expression. Armed knights had their Fangs at the ready. He was on trial. He swallowed hard. No good was going to come from this surely.

"Prophet Keeper," they said sternly. "Do you know why you've been summoned?" Grian leaned forward and laid his head against the Blackstone floor. "I'm aware, highest one." He answered. "The man with the scars is a Destroyer! You will provide the council with every known detail. The council will then bestow judgment over his crime and deem if you will be free to go without a knight to accompany you, or you will be removed from your mission entirely for your safety due to your rank." The Elder told him. Grian clenched his hands into fists. He took in a breath. "Respectfully, your grace I will plead guilty to his crimes." There was an out cry of shouts between the members on the council. The elder raised their hand. "You've committed no crime, Prophet Keeper. You will tell the council what you know that is a celestial order!" Grian gritted his fangs. He didn't want to tell them. He didn't want to obey their order. If he committed treason here and now, he'd be killed without mercy. "Please, don't make me do this!" He pleaded. "You dare defy an order!" Snapped their Chancellor.

"He is not our enemy! He is not like other Destroyers before him!" Grian snapped in response. "If that is true tell us what we wish to know! You're only making yourself and him more guilty!" Warned the Marshal.

He looked too the members of the council. His focus settling back on the Elder. 'Please forgive me Scar. I tried to get us out of this, but I can’t keep the truth from them.'

"Scar is a human. Or at least has been for twenty-two human years no different then I am. He wasn’t always human; he was a Watcher before reincarnating." Grian said.

"WHAT?" out cried the members of council. "That's not possible! Watchers cannot be human! We are divine beings! Untainted by the Cursed Realms poisoning!" Chancellor sneered. "What rank did he possess while having been a Watcher." The Elder questioned.

"Lead Researcher, under your divine direction, Highest one. He was assigned to the trial project that determined the extent on human nature and understanding before humans walked the Cursed Realm." Grian answered.

He saw the Elder flinch. He'd never seen them react like that. They looked distressed. This was the first time they showed their true face.

"What was his crime?" The Marshal asked. "He took my blood, my human blood and gave it too himself. He sacrificed everything, for me. I was one of the test subjects during the trial. But the Elder already knew that. Didn't you?" He asked looking at the Elder with intention. The council turned to look at the Elder now. They looked like they were struggling to keep face. This was the first time they had covered their eyes with their eared wings. "Highest one, is this true, he is one of the test subjects?" They questioned. "Yes, G-07 is the only human too bare avion genetic structures, and the only subject who was saved from the lab when the Destroyers attacked it. You say the man with the scars is the watcher whom I entrusted the research. That he self experimented with your blood." The Elder answered. The council turned to look back at Grian. "When he was revealed too you why haven’t you killed him, let alone why have you interacted with humans, that in itself is punishable by death!" The Chancellor hissed bearing their fangs. The elder held up their hand silencing the room. "The Great Dragon set him on that path, mind your tongue.” They bowed respectfully. "Forgive me, for speaking out of turn." The Elder nodded. "You are forgiven." The Elder replied.

"I've spent time with Scar! I swear on my life he is not like other Destroyers! He is kind and has always had my best interests in mind! So please! Allow him to live a little longer! I will kill him, but I need him for my plans to work. He has sworn his loyalty to me!" Grian pleaded. "Destroyers do not follow our moral code! He will betray you!" The Marshal snapped back.

"SILENCE!" The Elder’s voice boomed through the room. The room hushed into silence. "The court will now deliberate the evidence provided by the Prophet Keeper. Once the council has come to a clear consensus, we will reveal the verdict of next steps." The Elder raised their hand a purple glow surrounded it. Grian watched as his senses were removed temporarily. He could not see or hear the council's deliberation discussion.

'This isn't good. I'm curtain they'll send a knight to accompany me or take me off this case entirely. I've grown too close to humans! They most likely are questioning where my loyalty lies. Not only that but the Elder panicked when they found out that I knew the truth behind my transformation. Dang it, what am I supposed too do? I lose in either decision. The knight overseeing me will take control and kill the inhabitants of my world. If I'm removed, I'll never see Scar again! Great Deity, please...if you truly want me to walk the path you've laid out for me overrule their decision! I beg of you! I swore loyalty too you. I will not betray that! I'm not ready to lose Scar!'

His vision began to come back into focus. "The council has made its decision." The Elder told him. Grian looked on awaiting the verdict. "The council has bestowed the verdict of Guilty on the Lead Researcher by the name of Scar! Our Prophet Keeper is to be removed from his mission effective immediately for his safety and due to the Destroyer having manipulated him into believing he is not guilty of poisoning himself!" The Elder said delivering their judgment.

"NO!" Grian snapped standing up reaching for his fang. He felt weight push his body to the ground. Knights retained him. He struggled to get out of their grasp. "I refuse! I will not be replaced!" Grian snarled bearing his fangs. "I recommend you ask for forgiveness! You went for your Fang; you will be slaughtered for treason!" The Marshal snapped gliding down from their chair. They knelt in front of him. Grabbing his chin. "Or perhaps losing your eye will teach you some manners." They grinned. "DO IT THEN! I'M JUST AS MUCH AT FAULT FOR HIS CRIMES!" Grian growled. The Marshal drew a small Fang from their belt. They went to plunge it into Grian’s eye when purple flames engulfed Grian’s body. Watchers scrambled away their bodies barely able to escape the holy flame ignited. Grian looked on in surprise. The flames weren't hurting him. They were warm and calming.

The Marshal saw that they weren't harming him. "What is the meaning of this?!" They asked in anger.

The Elder stood up; the attention fell onto them. "Kneel in honor of the divine flame! For the Great Dragon has borne their fangs in divine judgment!" The Watcher’s in the room all knelt down before the flames surrounding Grian.

Grian felt a sense of calm wash over him. His mind felt hazy. The elder approached Grian, slowly. They knelt before him. They reached into the flame taking his hands. They nodded before standing to address the room. "The Great Dragon has granted him mercy! They have also overruled the council's deliberation and has granted him the right to return to his world without an escort."

They purple flames died away and the fog in Grian’s mind left him. He looked up to the world around him. There were looks of disgust but also shock. What had happened? The Elder turned to face Grian once more. "You are free to go, Prophet Keeper." They told him. He was taken aback by those words. "But I-" He attempted to say. They shook their head. "The Great Dragon bestowed you with forgiveness and has granted you permission to return to the Destroyer who bares the scars." Grian’s face turned up into a smile. "Really!?" They nodded. "I urge you to take caution moving forward. You are beginning to display treasonous ideology. I don't want to watch you fall from grace, your too important to me to lose. The Great Dragon has bailed you out this time, but they may not forgive you the next time you act out of turn."

"GRIAN! GRIAN WAKE UP!"

Grian screamed as he woke up shooting upright in his bed. He felt something pull him close. He felt the warmth of someone's body. "Scar! Don't scare me like that, I thought you were dying." He muttered into his friend’s chest. "You scared the crap out of me too! You were thrashing in your sleep but were dreamwalking. What happened?" Scar asked letting Grian go from the embrace. Grian flinched. "Ugh, about that..." He looked away from Scar. Scar frowned. "Tell me they didn't hurt you!" Grian shook his head. "They didn't hurt me. They ordered me to tell them who you were. I tried to keep it from them but was unable. They know your rank, and the crime you committed. They decided to remove me from my mission to protect me, and to not be manipulated by you. I almost drew my Fang to attack the council. The knights restrained me, and the Marshal almost stabbed out my eye. But the Great Deity stopped them and allowed me to return too you. But I was willing to go through a treasonous act if it meant getting back here." Grian admitted. Scar took Grian’s hands into his own. "Were you not the one to tell me you'd never betray your people? Don't make the same mistakes I did. Your life in the Celestial Plane is far greater then here in the Cursed Realm. Your life hasn't been here for a long time. Your place is in the sky, not on the earth below. You are the embodiment of the Sun after all. I don't want to place you in chains for that reason, you can't fall from grace. Especially not protecting me. I am an enemy in all sense of the word. I've been marked; there's no changing that." Scar told him. Grian lowered his head. "Can- can I be vulnerable with you for a moment." Scar nodded. "Of course you can."

Grian took in a breath, drew back his winged ears and looked directly at Scar. "I WANT TO STAY WITH YOU! I DON’T CARE ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES! I don’t want to kill you. My heart won't let me! You mean everything too me, Scar. I can't...I don't understand why, I've been conditioned by the elite of Watchers kind and yet I haven't served my true purpose. I hate that my mission is to end your lives. If I was still human, I could live with you now and always! We could be peaceful together! But...it can't happen. I wish I was a full Watcher, at least I wouldn't be suffering from this pain in my chest. There’re times I wish I was dead instead of being trapped in a hell that’s in-between both races. I can't do this Scar, I want to feel all these emotions, but I also wish I couldn't," he leaned forward into his chest. His hands tightly clutched. "I don't know what I am anymore. I'm not a Watcher and I'm not human. It's just an eternal hell I can't break out of, and it’s suffocating me." He said sobbing into Scar's chest now.

Scar wrapped his arms around Grian’s body. He stayed quiet and let Grian cry into his chest. He needed this, and he wasn't going to deny him of letting him get those feelings out. Grian’s greatest obstacle was himself. His mind comprehends his duties as a Watcher but his heart, it still held onto what remained of human attachment, compassion, thoughtfulness, care, and above all else love. It was hard to hear that he wished he was dead or wished that he couldn't feel. He couldn't imagine life without him, nor could he picture Grian as a soulless monster. He shone brighter then the true sun in the sky. He was his own sun, he brought light into his life when not a single other person cared to spend time with him, or who decided he was too much of an outcast to fit into the other factions. Yet, Grian came here ready to murder everyone of them. But allied himself with him. He didn't have to make that decision, but he did. He deserved to live his life without chains that held him down. Not only was he a slave to his own people, but he himself was no better. The light he held should not be kept away from the world.

Grian pulled away from his chest after a few minutes. He used the heel of his hands to wipe away the last of his tears. "Thank you." He muttered in a pathetic tone. Scar smiled softly. "Feeling better?" Grian returned Scar's smile with a small one of his own. "Yeah, I really needed too do that. Especially after that trial. I just can't keep lying too myself. I really don’t know what I'm going too do after we win the battle against Dogworts." He started giggling to himself. He gripped his head. "I sound like a psychopath. Ugh, my mind is really messed up." He regained his composure before asking, "Anyway, I suppose its time to eat, you didn't have supper last night. If you want, I can bring your food upstairs to prevent the others from seeing you like this, that's providing you haven’t changed your mind about the others seeing you." Grian asked.

Scar sighed before standing up from the edge of Grian’s bed, he turned to face him and placed his hands on his hips. "I thought about its last night, and in true Scar fashion will man up and go out there and take the braid of questions, square up with Scott if required, and hopefully get a few compliments." He said his lips turning up into his famous smile, the smile Grian had come too love. He brought his winged ears back across his eyes.

Grian pushed out of bed, turning his body and standing up. He stretched his body and wings. He joined Scar at the door of their room. "Please be careful Scar." The golem said still sitting on Scar’s bed. Scar turned his head and nodded to the golem. "I will, if something happens and I require your assistance I'll call for you." Scar then turned back to Grian and gave him a satisfied nod. Grian returned it and opened their door, and the pair headed for the kitchen downstairs. They could already hear the voices of the other alliance members.

They got down too the bottom of the stairs. Grian lifted his left wing to hide Scar's appearance. "You're positive this is what you want?" He asked in a hushed tone. "I'm sure." Grian walked into the kitchen. "Good morning Grian." Cleo started. "What's behind your wing?" Asked Tango. Impulse, Bdubs, and Joel all took their attention off their breakfast too look in his direction. 'Well, the good news, Jimmy and Scott aren't up yet, that works in our favor at least for now.' Grian thought to himself. "I want everyone to stay calm and keep an open mind." Grian told the group. He dropped his left-wing revealing Scar’s transformation.

"WHAT THE HECK!?" Bdubs shouted. Tango and impulse shared a look between each other at a loss for words. "Hold on," Joel said getting up from the table and crossing the room in quick succession. He grabbed Scar’s wrist and looked at his face, his eyes stayed hidden behind his black and crimson winged ears. "It really is you, you're really Scar, but how is this even possible, my power is never wrong. You were a half elf! Now you're both a half elf and Watcher," he turned to look at Grian. "Watchers can't create another Watcher. Watchers also don't possess the ability to repopulate their race, which is why they're considered sacred and holy beings. So, you better have an extremely detailed explanation of what the hell is happening here, Grian." He turned his head back onto Scar. "Not only that, but his wings aren't black and purple, which isn't normal for a Watcher."

"Joel give them some time to get something too eat, I'm sure they'll explain all of this." Cleo told Joel. He looked back at Cleo. He released a breath before turning to sit back into his seat. Scar took a seat at the small table in the kitchen. Grian walked over too the food that he and Cleo had made for dinner last night and took it off the ice and brought it over to the furnace to reheat the food for Scar. This only took a few minutes to do. He brought his plate over and served Scar his meal before sitting down himself. Cleo remained in the kitchen leaning on the counter.

"Did you want to explain this or should I?" Grian asked Scar. "I'll explain the situation, but please feel free to add anything I'm missing, or not explaining correctly." Scar answered. Grian nodded.

'No going back now. Speak your truth and don't waver. Own the crime you committed and own what you are!' Scar looked too the group whose attention was all on him. It was an odd feeling to have all eyes on him for once. "Let's get the big question out of the room first, shall we. Joel your knowledge about me wasn't wrong nor correct either. I am both species, Watcher and half elf." Scar told them. "Why didn't I sense it when we first met four years ago? You didn't display any signs of such. Your blood was that of a human! When I checked today it’s the blood of both, just like Grian’s is the same. Even Grian’s situation was baffling too me. Watchers are pure beings. They aren’t able too have mixed blood. At least from the knowledge I've come to understand." Joel said gesturing too Grian. "To be clear, when I was a full-blooded Watcher, I was tasked with overseeing a small trial experiment. That was to test the extent of Watchers blood effecting human understanding. Grian was part of that trial. The reason my feathers aren't purple like his is because I committed treason against the Elder and the Great Deity, or as most others refer to them as God. The darker the red on a Watchers feathers the more serious of the treason they committed." Scar answered Joel's question. "So, you have crimson feathers, so how serious was the treason you committed then?" Bdubs asked.

"Crimson is the most serious crime." Grian answered. "I took Grian’s human blood and gave it too myself. During the testing. My hope was that I wouldn't have to get separated from him. But that still ultimately happened. A Destroyer the name Watchers call those who've fallen from grace in my case I'm one of them now, killed me, due too the mix of blood normally Watchers when killed by a Fang, the swords Grian and I possess, die and are unable to reincarnate. Watchers can live for centuries or more, in Grian’s cases in Watchers terms is still a young fledgling. He still has a lot of things too educate himself in. It took time but I did reincarnate as a human, half elf. Though it is rather odd given that Grian’s always had avion genetics, but the forms that every being takes is a decision made by the great deity as this world was created by them." Scar admitted.

“So, you poisoned your own blood is what I’m hearing.” Joel said leaning back in his chair. Scar nodded. “Basically.” Tango rose his hand. “Do you have the same powers Grian does, as a Destroyer? Can you provide us with similar protection?” Scar rubbed the back of his head. “Well, we’re working towards that,” he chuckled nervously. “To be entirely honest, my body basically remembers very little about fighting with these abilities, and as a half elf that lived in large spanning sunflower fields, we never had a reason to learn to fight so fighting hasn’t been something I’ve really done.”

Joel leaned forward and hit his head on the table. “We get the best offensive opportunity with two “full blood” watchers on our side and only one of them is battle ready!” Impulse patted him on the shoulder. “Scar’s wits are what’s kept himself alive all this time. You remember when we first met him, he could rob you blind just with his words. He’s strategic even if it’s through off-putting means.” Impulse said. Cleo giggle caught the group’s attention. “I saw that and have always thought it was a charming quirk he’s had.” They said with a smile.

Grian watched Scar giggle and continue to share stories of the past. The group having already settled in with Scar’s transformation. He was glad that at least the humans in the room now were as accepting of Scar as they were when they met him. It gave him some confidence that he was still the Scar they all knew. His winged ear twitched. He raised his wing to block Scar from view. He looked too Grain out of instinct.

Jimmy yawned and walked into the room. His eyes full of sleep. “Good morning,” Jimmy yawned. “What are you hiding, Grian?” Grian looked back too the stairwell. “Where’s Scott?” Jimmy walked over too the sink and splashed his face with cold water to make himself more alert. “Still knocked out. He’s still pale as well, seems like his body is still trying to recover after your fight. I don’t know what’s going on with him, he’s been acting extremely irrational ever since you showed up. I just don’t understand why?” Jimmy said.

“You fought Scott?” Cleo snapped glaring at Grian. “Don’t snap at me, he’s the one who proposed the idea and instigated it, I simply finished it, I held back, not my fault he’s got a body that can snap like a twig.” Grian shrugged. Scar smacked him hard enough to make Grian flinch exposing Scar’s transformation too Jimmy.

“SCAR!!!!!???” Jimmy gasped choking on the water he was trying too drink. ‘Here we go.’ Grian thought groaning.

“Jimmy, please keep calm.” Scar said calmly. “Stay calm? You look just like Grian! So, Scott was right you were hiding Scar!” Jimmy said whipping his head to look directly at Grian. “If I hadn’t Scott wouldn’t have given either one of us an opportunity to explain ourselves! You said it yourself he’s been irrational since meeting me. I can only guess that Watchers and Starborne’s are sworn enemies. Though I unfortunately don’t bare any context of that war. Now are you going to listen or are you going to fight?” Grian asked his wings twitching with annoyance. “Fighting you would spell death for me! You were still holding back against Scott. Your first strike broke several of Scott’s ribs! I’m not walking into a death sentence, no sir.” Jimmy said leaning back against the counter. “So, explain this too me. Scar wasn’t a Watcher before hand when I had saw you a few days ago when you came to strike a deal with us. Cleo mentioned he wasn’t feeling well last night. So, that would mean that this happened last night. So, what kind of ritual could you have done to make him a Watcher, to prevent you having to kill him, like you will the rest of us?”

“It’s not a ritual, Jimmy. I am a Watcher or rather was one before reincarnating as a human. As for Grian, doing this to not have to kill me, unfortunately this isn’t a protection from the crimes committed. In fact, this only worsened my sentence. There’s also the fact I’m not guaranteed to have my soul reset like everyone else as my coming back as a human was just blind luck.” Scar explained. He put his hands together. “Thank you, Earth for proving me with this meal.” He then began eating his food that had already cooled down quite a bit.

“Worse crime?” Jimmy asked taken aback by Scar’s reply. “No guarantee you’ll come back. You’re not making any sense now.” Joel pinched the bridge of his nose his eyebrow twitching as he did so. “To summarize the whole of discussion, Scar is a Destroyer, a traitor among Watchers. He mixed his blood with Grian’s turning himself human and therefore sharing his blood with Grian turning him into a Watcher. Grian’s mission for being here hasn’t changed in any way. We’re all still marked for execution, while all of us will eventually reincarnate Scar’s soul may not be due to his crime of defiling his pure blood. It’s the highest form of treason Scar could have committed.” Joel explained.

Jimmy looked back at Scar. “Why would you do that, especially if you knew you’d be killed for committing it?” Scar turned his head downward and ate another bite of his meal. “So, I wouldn’t get separated from Grian.” He said after finishing his bite. “So, your both clearly obsessed with one another.” Jimmy said raising a brow. Scar choked on his food, his face turning bright red. Grian put his hands over his own red face.

Cleo giggled beside Jimmy. “He’s not wrong. You both are terrible at hiding your feelings for one another. You both were meant to be with one another, I’m sure that things will fall into place just give it some time.”

“You both must really like one another to have that degree of reaction.” Impulse teased. “Shut up, we’re just friends, that’s all.” Scar replied. “What about you? You haven’t stopped fidgeting since Jimmy and Cleo said something about it.” Bdubs said elbowing Grian’s side. “What S-Scar said, just really close friends.” He muttered. “Who here doesn’t believe these two? Raise your hands and say I.” Bdubs claimed to the room. Everyone in the room raised their hands and said I. “The I’s have it then.” Bdubs smiled. “You humans annoy me.” Grian said his mouth trying to not smile. Scar giggled and sighed. “Okay, if you guys keep that up, he’ll get really ticked off. Better stop there, he’s given you the warning now.”

The others laughed before going back to resuming their discussions from earlier. Scar continued to eat his meal. Grian watched the room. It felt odd being surrounded by humans. A form of lower humanity, mere insects that would commit heinous crimes, the very humanity that he was assigned to kill for destroying this once beautiful world. It was once full of rich resources. Now, it was nothing more then a husk of its humble beginnings. He leaned back in his chair. Having now met these people, having now spoken with them. They were nothing like he had once thought them too be. Most of them weren’t cruel and uncaring humans. Scott was the only one that took a harsher stance with him. It made reasonable sense when he really sat down and considered it. He felt his eyes drifting shut. pressure started to build behind them.

He found himself standing on a cliff face not far from Dogworts. Ren and Martyn stood outside the doors of their kingdom. Grian cut his gaze looking onwards. Skizz, Bigb and Etho joined the pair. "We're heading too Scott's first. Let's get going." Ren said turning his red cape whipping in the wind as he went.

His eyes flickered open and he found himself sitting back in the Kitchen of the Crastle with the others. "Guys, mind if I get your attention for a moment." He spoke. They quieted down and all attention fell on him. "We need too separate now. The Red Army is heading too the hobbit hole. It’s likely they intend to persuade the remaining factions to join them to take a stand against Scar and I. You may have agreed to assist Scar and I but know by doing so means you will become a target for the kingdom of Dogworts. If you feel your life is in danger do not fight back. If required take the deal they give you, but do not agree to a blood pact." Grian informed the group.

"How do you know that's what's happening?" Joel asked tipping his head. "My rank amongst my kind, Prophet Keeper. I had a vision that showed me what is to come to pass." Grian answered. "So, you're telling me that they're starting with Scott and I!" Jimmy said nervously. Grian nodded. "I have to go wake Scott up! If we're not home who knows what they'll do!" Jimmy said running out of the kitchen back too their guest room. Joel pushed his chair back and stretched. "Well, I want to thank you again for allowing us to visit and stay overnight, Cleo. You've been a wonderful host." He looked too Grain now. "I also want to thank you again for the food you brought us. I can only assume you yourself committed treason to provide it for us. I certainly won't forget that selfless act. I'll head back too my house and will await the call to war. My mind is set, fighting along side a Watcher would be a sight too see." Joel said smiling before waving. He walked to the door and left. Grian stood up. "We should go as well. If we don't it could spell disaster for you all as well. Thank you for providing us a place too sleep with a roof over our heads. We are looking forward to our partnership." Grian said approaching Cleo holding his hand out too them. They took his hand. "Like wise, I'm sure you'll grant us victory, even if we may not be here to witness it. You're our vengeance incarnate after all." Cleo said grinning. The two let their hands go to come to a rest. Grian turned to look back at Scar who had just finished his meal. "Scar, if you can go collect your things from our room we'll head out now." Scar nodded and went upstairs. It didn't take him long to return with his satchel hanging around his neck and chest. The pair went outside. Grian turned to face Scar. "Please tell me you at least remember how to use your wings." Scar rubbed his neck. "Too be entirely honest, not confidently. I remember the feeling of flying, and the fact I have muscles in my back too move my wings. Just not how I get off the ground part." Grian sighed. "Well, at least that's not as bad as the fighting side of things, I suppose. Right then. Stretch your wings as wide as you can and then flap them down as hard as you can, if it helps push yourself off the ground with your feet if necessary. Because our wings are a lot bigger, they don't need to flap very often, use the wind to glide. Got it?"

Scar looked back at his wings, something he hadn't had for a very long time. He turned back to Grian. "I think I understand. We'll see if I fall flat on my face." He stretched his wings wide. The feeling of his muscles in his back felt uncomfortable. Though his body had become human. He wasn’t meant to regrow his wings. He lowered his head. 'I can do this,' He thought. He flapped his wings and pushed off the ground. He felt his feet leave the Erath below him. 'I'm doing it! I'm flying on my own!' He thought relived. He continued to flap them until he was well in the air. He hovered in the sky waiting for Grian to join him. Grian watched Scar for a few minutes making sure he was comfortable using his wings. Nodded once satisfied that he wasn’t going to fall out of the sky and took flight to join his friend in the sky. He flew higher then Scar and soared above him smiling before flying off back towards the Sandlands. Scar flew after him joining his side just a little lower then Grian. "You do remember flying it seems." Grian told Scar. "I guess I had a great teacher." Scar giggled back. Grian giggled as well. "Sure, you say that now but when we get back to the Sandlands, it's immediately back to fight training! We'll also get any last-minute preparations done like making more TNT to be used in battle. Seeing that we can both fly now we have the upper hand with dropping TNT from above them. They'll have less opportunities to evade them." Scar nodded. "I suppose that could work, as for the training, I'm going to have my butt kicked twice in one day. I'm worried I won't get the hang of combat training in time for this war."

Back at the Crastle

Jimmy entered their room and ran over to Scott's Bed. His shirt still had remnants of blue blood staining it. He was still breathing shallow breaths. His face still pale. Jimmy stood over Scott and hesitated. Scott still looked in no condition to be moved right now, but they had little choice in the matter. He shook Scott. "Scott, please wake up, we have to leave; right now!" Scott winced at Jimmy's touch. His eyes flickered open. "Agh, Jimmy? What's going on? What happened?" Scott asked. His blue eyes looked hollow in a way. "You have to get up now! We must leave!" Jimmy repeated. Scott tried to sit up but screamed as he tried to do so. He clutched his chest. So, His ribs hadn't healed yet. It was an internal injury; however he was hopeful they weren't this bad. They were just that bad. "Well, this is not a good sign." He growled through clenched teeth. "You can't move, can you?" Jimmy said frowning. Scott turned his head too look at Jimmy again. "No, at least not on my own accord. What's happened, why do we have to leave?" Scott asked. "Ren and the rest of the Red Army are on their way to our home." Jimmy whimpered with a worried look in his aqua blue eyes. "WHAT!?" Scott shouted. He tried forcing his body up out of bed on his own and screamed again. His attempt at least allowed him to sit up now but coughed up blood because of forcing his body to move before it was ready too. "SCOTT!" Jimmy cried in panic. His hands shook as he struggled to find some way to help. Scott panted heavily struggling to even catch his breath. He turned to look at Jimmy. "I'm sorry to be a burden on you, but please help me to the door. We must get back before they arrive. I must hide you from them. I can't risk them harming you." Scott said as he forced his body to move again, releasing another pain filled scream. "Scott, you're in no condition to even be moving let alone fight off our enemies! Grian may have let you live but he's basically left you on the brink of death!" Jimmy said as Scott forced himself up and fell into his chest violently shaking from the pain surging through his body.

"You shouldn't be going anywhere with your body being this wounded!" Jimmy warned. "We don't have a choice," he coughed violently again gripping his chest. His vision swaying from the pain overwhelming his senses. "I was the idiot who thought I could win against a Watcher. I let myself be swayed my people's grudge against their race. I've survived their cleansing the last time because I was still young and inexperienced! I watched my people be slaughtered for their satisfaction! I truly thought that because Grian wasn't a full-blooded Watcher that I could kill him before he killed everyone else! I was a damn fool! He let me live; he probably doesn't even feel remorse for what he's done too me. I now must suffer the consequences of my actions. Even if it leads too me getting into a fight with our enemy."

Jimmy put Scott's arm around his shoulder and helped to support him. He slowly helped guide Scott to the door of their room. The pair headed to the main entrance. Scott winced with every step taken. Cleo had walked into the hallway confused by the sound coming from the stairwell. They were shocked to see the sickly state they saw Scott in. "SCOTT!" They said in a concerned manner. "Jimmy really wasn't kidding, you look like me!" Scott winced as he let out a scoff. "You may be a walking reanimated corpse, but you look way better then I feel." He coughed up more blue blood. "Besides, I did this too myself. I just wished my healing ability wasn't so slow. My superficial wounds have all healed but not my internal ones. So, imagine my surprise when I'm awoken to finding out that Ren and his cronies are going to our home and I'm in no shape to defend it." Scott wheezed trying to breathe while talking. Cleo frowned. "Why did you think taking on Grian was a smart idea? Especially knowing you couldn't win that fight?!"

"Because I'm stuck in the delusion I could due to him not being a true Watcher. Scar stopped him once and Jimmy stopped him the second time. I'd be dead twice over by now. He makes me so angry! Anyway, we need to get going. We don't know how long we have before they get to our place." Scott said through a shaken voice.

Jimmy opened the door and the two left the Crastle heading back to their home. Jimmy could feel Scott's body quacking next to him. He could hear Scott struggling for breath. He was in medical distress, and they didn't have any healing potions to help heal his body quicker. He felt Scott pull on his blue shirt. He stopped and sat Scott down who continued to cough up blood. "Going home isn't worth you killing yourself!" Jimmy told Scott who sat hunched over. "I'll be fine! It's just a few broken ribs. I'll figure things out. I just, need a minute." He growled. "We're stopping here, Scott. You can't make the rest of the journey, especially not on foot. My wings aren't big enough to fly either one of us back either. If we lose our items so, be it. I'm not letting you get hurt, besides going back won't change the reality that they'll try to use me as leverage against you! Scott, you're the rational one out of the two of us, even you should know going back is suicide! Especially because you are severely injured!" Jimmy huffed crossing his arms. "You don't think I know that! You don't think I know what they'll do! Jimmy, I must go back because they can't find the book I have on what I've seen with my ability! If they know about my power, they'll force me into a blood pact! They'll use me a tool for their war! I never asked for Scar to involve the rest of us! Now look at the mess we're in! A Watcher is involved! We're all dead already! He's dragging out the inevitable! A true Watcher would have not even had a second thought." Scott snapped turning to look at Jimmy, his star shards glowing red in anger. Jimmy kept a hard stare on Scott. "Let's them find the dang book! It's a book not your life!" He clutched his shirt in his fists. "Why am I having to be the one trying to protect you! Since Grian got here you haven't been yourself! You're starting to scare me."

Scott forced himself to his feet still clutching his chest. It hurt to breathe; it hurt to move! He had to put these feelings aside, he had to get back to their home, he had too. If they found that book everything, he'd worked for would turn to ash! Scott struggled passed Jimmy. Jimmy grabbed Scott's hand. He slapped his hand away. "YOU DON’T GET IT! JUST STOP, JIMMY! I HAVE TO DO THIS!" He turned and kept walking his vision swaying ready to fall unconscious. Jimmy gritted his teeth. "I SAID STOP!" His purple eyes glue blue and his yellow feathers flew and carried Scott into a tree trapping him from moving. Scott growled glaring at Jimmy. He walked across the grass looking at him. "You're not going. You're about to collapse already. Accept the book is gone, Scott." Jimmy snapped grabbing Scott's chin. His eyes swayed violently, they couldn't even stay focused on his own. Scott tried to pull his head away, but his body was tired. They had only made it a quarter of the way. 'I'm tired.' He thought. His vision flickered between the world and total darkness. The darkness felt inviting. Maybe he'd rest for five minutes and start back again. Yeah, that decision sounded better. His eyes closed and the pain didn't feel as harsh.

Martyn followed closely behind Ren, the others following behind him. "We're getting close, be prepared for anything. We don't want another situation like in the Sandlands." Ren said looking over his shoulder as they got to the cliff that separated them from the hobbit hole. Everyone nodded. They climbed the cliff before dropping into the bowl below. "JIMMY, SCOTT?! COME OUT, WE WANT TO TALK!" Ren laughed looking around the peaceful little area. "Seems no one is home?" Martyn said grinning. "Spread out, look for anything useful. Take anything of value, can't risk them having anything of use to fight us. Report any findings, and if you find them hiding, bring them too me!" Ren ordered. "Yes, my king!" The group replied. Martyn left the clearing heading into their home. He looked around, there was a kitchen, a dining table, and rooms in the back. He went into what he assumed was Jimmy's room. He searched through his chests but found nothing of value. He walked out and went into Scott's room. His room was quite spacious compared to Jimmy’s; it was also not as cluttered. He frowned when he too hadn't found anything of real value. He walked back out into the main room. "There's got to be something here." He said aloud. "We sense an abnormality, check the chimney." The voice purred in his ear. He walked across the floor to stand before the chimney. He held out his hand. He started touching objects on the mantal He touched a blue crystal on the mantal, and the stone wall opened to a hidden stairwell. "OH? What's this then?" Martyn said grinning. He walked down the stairs that opened into a cell. Silver chains laid in the middle of the room. He knelt and reached out to touch the chain. "DON’T TOUCH THEM!" Snapped the voice. He quickly pulled his hand away. "What? What's wrong with them?" Martyn asked. "They're celestial chains, if you touch them, they'll stop your power and harm us." The voice said. "Who made them?" Martyn asked. "We only know of one race who has celestial encryptions carved like this. Starbones's. We sense two beings bearing the rank of gods. The Starbone, the celestial God of the Stars, and the other, The Sun! He was here! There is no uncertain mistake! These chains where cut by blackened wings, the Sun can break free!? We know not how the Sun escaped restraints as these. Binds with these encryption, should have held and violently weakened his abilities. We know these texts well." The voice explained. "So, you're saying that he cannot be contained then?" Martyn asked still looking at the chains. "We do, though we are limited by our privilege to review the scene that played out here. You can assist us with this task." The voice purred. He lowered his head. "What would I have to do to grant you that knowledge?" Martyn asked slowly. "Do you see the purple blood stain on the stone?" The voice asked. Martyn nodded. "I do."

"Touch the blood, and submit your will to us, we shall grant you the ability to see what once was." The voice purred. "If I submit, you will give my body back, will you not?" Martyn asked hesitating of accepting the proposal of the voice. He was dealing with Watchers; he didn't know the true intentions of the Watcher he was speaking with. It made him extremely hesitant to accept their proposition. "We have told you before we do not lie, we are fighting for the same goals. We shall not bring harm too you; we swore this to you upon making our pact." The voice said. He felt his hand raise and cress his chin. Why did he just do that? He hadn't intended- he shook his head. He touched the blood. He let his eyes settle shut. "I submit to you, show me what I wish to see, show me the answer I crave." He felt an abnormal feeling wash over his mind and body.

He felt his eyes open. He stood next to a restrained Grian. He yelped and drew his Red Winter axe out of instinct. “What are you?” Asked a voice from behind him. Martyn turned his head to see Scott. “As if I’d tell you a thing! What did you do to me! What did you do with Scar! Answer me!” Grain snarled bearing his fangs. Martyn looked back to Grian. There were three-star shards floating over Grian's head. They glue a bright blue. “AHHH!” Grian screamed shaking his head. "What's this? He's being affected by Scott's star shards?" Martyn said touching his chin. “Answer the question, what are you, we both know you’re not human! What kind of monster are you?!” Scott spat this time it sounded harsher. “So, you really want to do this, you think this is a game, torture? You’re a poor filthy human scum; it’s going to take a lot more then that god awful sound to have me break. I’m not telling you anything about me.” Scott scoffed. “You seem concerned about Scar’s well being, perhaps you’d be more pervasive if I tortured Scar in your stead, you seemed rather attached to one another."

“TOUCH HIM AND I WILL END YOUR LIFE HERE AND NOW HUMAN! YOUR RESTRANTES WILL NOT HOLD BACK THE FURY THAT BURNS WITHIN MY SOUL!” Grain snapped as he broke a chain restraining him. Martyn flinched by the inhuman tone that left Grian’s mouth. One of the chains holding his left wing had completely snapped off his body. The star shards activated once more. “GAH!” Grian screamed again. "That’s so loud!” He snarled shaking his head. “If it’s working it means you’re not human. You have wings like him but yours are nothing like his, your body is also not fully human, you may have an appearance of one, but you have black, purple skin on your arms and legs, and your body seems to react to the shards in a way a mob here would. That sound you’re hearing in your skull is meant to control most mobs. Though, you seem to have some sort of seal that’s preventing me from being able to get the information that I am seeking, you’re not someone I want around honestly, I even tried to cut you to draw a blood sample, but your skin wouldn’t cut. So naturally you’re a threat to us all. So, I’ll ask one last time before I involve Scar into this matter. What are you?!” Scott growled narrowing his eyes. Martyn watched a sense of calm wash over Grian's expression. “I see, well Scott, you’ve defiantly made a very sour first impression. I’m going to request that you leave Scar out of you and I’s personal conversation. We both know Scar is not a warrior like you or me. I can smell the fear permeating off you from here. You were smart enough to take my eyes away from me. If you are so interested in what I am, come closer to me, I’ll tell you when I tear your heart out.” Grain said in a dark chilling voice as a sickening smile crossed his lips.

"Took away his eyes from him?" Martyn said tipping his head. What was different here then when he'd been in their custody? He walked around Grian’s chained body. One was the celestial chains, the watcher who spoke to him had mentioned that these would strip him of his powers, but there had to be more. Grian didn't seem like he was in a weakened state. What was the significance of his eyes? He looked too his hip where his weapon would be. "His sword is missing!" He closed his eyes. "Watchers possess an aura that covers their whole body internally and externally. The weapon Watchers carry is called Fangs. They regulate a Watchers aura when on Earth. So, Scott must have at least had some suspicion of Grian being a Watcher, however he isn't a full-blooded watcher, Scott may have been weary of labeling him as such." He muttered as he connected the dots from the answers the watcher he was in a pact with had given him.

Scott crossed the room and grabbed an iron rod that had been in a bucket of lava and shoved it into Grian’s shoulder. “AGH! What the hell?!” Grain screamed gritting his teeth. The sickening smell of burnt human flesh filled the room; it made Martyn's stomach churn. Scott pulled out the iron rod from Grian’s shoulder. “Looks like lava dipped iron rods seems to at least hurt you.” Scott said as he grabbed his chin. Grain smirked. “Scar told me you weren’t a fan of outsiders. I can see why. Do you do this with all your visitors? Or am I just special?"

This whole interaction thus far shared a telling story, Scott was a prime candidate who they needed to convert to their side, between his battle knowledge having already made him a candidate, he also possessed ample knowledge of the Watcher race, while also able to trap other celestial standing races. This would be useful, he was sure of it!

“You’re pretty peppy for someone who’s on the receiving end of all this, what is this like a normal thing for you?” Scott questioned. “Nope, but you’ve caught my attention in the worst possible sense. I came with noble and diplomatic relations on my mind for you and Jimmy, I’m fighting the war on Scar’s side. Scar told me you keep regular tabs on the Kingdom of Dogworts. I simply wanted to stop a war, but you’ve chosen a side I suppose.” Grain prompted. “A thing like you doesn’t have noble or diplomatic relations. Your Sword is not a regular weapon; its properties are holy.” Scott sneered in his face. Grian pulled back his fathered ears his eyes meeting Scott’s for the first time.

"STOP! WHAT DID HE MEAN WHEN SCAR HAD TOLD HIM YOU'VE BEEN KEEPING TABS ON US! HOW!" Martyn demanded reaching out to grab Scott. His body walked right through him. "What?" Martyn asked looking back at the pair. "Right, I'm viewing a past interaction. I cannot interfere with past events; my body was never there." He watched Grian’s Purple eyes look at his situation he was in. "So, you're forced to reveal your eyes when your sight is taken. We can work with that."

“So, you have purple eyes, that’s extremely unique for a mob, Enderman are the only mob who bare purple eyes like yours, however they do not bare the features you do. You’re part avian, like Jimmy, but you’re not a canary breed of avian. So, I’ll ask one last time, what are you?” Scott scowled. Grian kept silent.

“Scott!” Came a voice from atop the stairs. “Jimmy I’m in the middle of an interrogation, not now!” Scott snapped back. Jimmy got to the bottom of the stairs out of breath. “Scott, He’s an Angel.” He heaved. “A what?” Scott asked in an onset of confusion. “Scar, told me.” He answered. Scott turned to look back at Grian. “Is what he’s telling me true?”

“Look man, I didn’t tell Scar nothing either, he’s living a fantasy of his own, but sure let’s just say he’s right and move on with our lives.” Grain said with a shrug. “Are you satisfied with that answer?” Scott looked to the Star Shards above Grian’s head. They moved to meet Grian’s eye level. A bright light glared into his eyes. “AGH! OW! What the heck was that for?!” Grain hissed blinking his eyes several times. He stretched his wings and cut the seven remaining chains immobilizing him. Grian stood and stared down Scott and Jimmy, his demonic smile returning to his face. “Well, gentleman I’ll rate that integration as a one-star review, your time just ran out. I’m not going to so forgiving, especially towards you Scott, I’m not a huge fan of your games. Apologizes.” Grian said as he held out his hand. His Fang appearing in his hand.

The world around him faded and his eyes fluttered open finding the room empty all but for the chains. "Did you find the answers you sought for, God of Mars?" The voice asked. Martyn nodded. "You were right, the chains couldn't contain the Sun. He wasn’t weakened by them either, but he does possess weaknesses. First if he loses his Fang it takes away his aura, thus limiting his ability to see. Second, Scott's power can cause a debilitating sound that causes Grian distress. Lastly Scar is his greatest weakness. I firmly believe that whatever their deal was that they made Grian in service too him. Help me understand, you're a Watcher like he is? What could Scar have done to enslave a Watcher to fight for him. A ritual perhaps?" He questioned. "You speak of the man covered in scars?" The voice conferred. "Yes, him." Martyn confirmed. The voice was silent as they mulled the question over and over in their mind. "He is unknown too us. We require a link to provide the information you seek. Watchers do not have any loyalty to humans, just as I bare no loyalty to you other then our common gain." The voice told him. "Then tell me this, Grian sounds like he'd die to protect Scar. Is this why he's so close to falling from grace as you mentioned?" Martyn challenged. Martyn felt his head nod. He didn't- he really didn't like sharing his consciousness with a Watcher, it felt violating, but they hadn't used him to harm Ren, nor the others. "So, he's putting the needs of Scar above his mission. That's treason against your god. If that's truly the case, why haven’t they shot him down then?" Martyn asked raising a brow. "His rank, we presume." The voice told him.

"Grian is human, could it be possible...that he's fallen for Scar? Scar’s always had a way with words, ways of Pych manipulating the people he has nearby him. I've seen him manipulate people with ease. Perhaps he's done something of that sort too Grian. Making him believe that he cares about him, enough to cause Grian to hallucinate falsified feelings of adoration for him. Stockholm syndrome in a way, forcing him to be bound by a pact he never should have started?" Martyn muttered his hand resting on his chin as he voiced his thoughts allowed.

“We do believe this is a probable idea." The voice confirmed. He felt his ear twitch. "There is something else we can sense now." His arm raised to point at the wall to his left. Martyn grabbed his arm. "Stop using my body without my consent. That's the third time you've done so in the past ten minutes. I don't feel comfortable with you doing so. Not to mention you most likely aren't supposed to out me! I’ll be in serious trouble if someone found out I've committed a pact with an enemy like a Watcher! Even if what you're trying to do is have me fulfill your demands to have the Sun fall from grace. Are we clear?" Martyn snapped cutting his eyes. "We understand, though we do not intend to bring your harm." The voice cooed softly in his ear. It caused Martyn's hair to stand on end and shutter. He walked towards the wall that the Watcher had pointed too. He touched the wall. "There's nothing here, are you sure this is where you're really noticing the sensation from?" He asked. "We are sure. There is another hidden panel located nearby." The voice told him. He touched the wall more but shook his head. "It's not here, there's no switch to activate. You have to give me something else." Martyn said. He closed his eyes. "I'll let you have control for a few minutes, find what I seek." He spoke. He felt his mind get foggy and his eyes fluttered open. His vision had a purple haze over both eyes instead of just the one eye. He ran his hand along the wall and touched a stone that sounded hollow. He took his Red Winter axe and struck the wall, the stone broke away revealing a dark oak chest. His eyes settled shut before blinking them a few times the haze now back to coating the one eye. "We have found what you sought." The voice said.

Martyn reached in and opened the chest inside was a blue dyed leather book. He picked up the book and stood up. He opened the book. Inside was text written in the same lettering of the encryptions on the chains. His one eye couldn't read the texts but the other that held the Watcher sigil could. "This is Scott's Jornal." He flipped through the pages until he got to a page that made him freeze. The pages were filled with entries about Dogworts and the activities and private conversations held between its members. "I have to tell Ren! Scott's powers are a lot more important than we gave him credit for! He's been spying on us!" He closed the book, turned on his heels and headed for the stairs back to the main room. He stopped at the stairs. He looked back at the room behind him. "You hesitate?" The voice pondered. "For just a moment I suppose. We must act that Scott may be in an alliance with the Sun. What could occur if the God of the Stars and the God of the Sun were to align with one another?" Martyn asked. "The risk of Celestial God's allying with one another could spell disaster for worlds unknown. The fact that there are at least three known Celestial God's represented The Sun, The Stars, and you Mars. The battle to come will certainly be a bloody one. For their to be survival we shall do all we can until our craving has been satiated." The voice explained. Martyn sighed. "That figures. We'll win with Ren as our guide. I believe that to be the truth." He went up the stairs and walked to the door and opened it. "Ren, Martyn is finally back." Skizz said getting Ren's attention.

Ren looked too the doorway. "There you are, Hand. I was getting worried you'd found yourself in trouble and couldn't alert us, you'd been gone for so long." Martyn approached Ren and smiled. "I simply wanted to be through, and through I was. I come bearing quite the twist of events." Martyn said bowing to Ren. Ren noticed the blue book in his hand. "What's in the book?" Martyn raised and held up their book for the others too see. "It would seem we had a fly on the wall. Scott has been keeping tabs on the Kingdom. All of are movements, planning, secrets are all lined in these pages. What's more it would seem our uninvited bird of death has also been here with Scar. Scott may have agreed to join forces with the enemy. It also seems that Scott's familiar with binding skills against celestial level enemies. That along with his combat knowledge, and his ability to see and track the movements of enemies makes him a candidate for a forced blood pact, he can also use his star shards it seems to control and debilitate Grian."

"You got all that in twenty minutes of wondering around?" Etho asked raising a brow. "Your testimony is extremely detailed and specific, almost like you watched the scene play out before you?" Martyn just smiled. "I guess I'm just simply, an ideal right hand too my king. If I couldn't do so I'd not be at my kings’ side."

Skizz elbowed Etho in the side. He flinched. "Martyn has to be the only one of us who delivers results regardless of the situation, you do remember how Dogworts started out right? Renchanting and all. Martyn's just like Scar when it comes to getting people to buy into things. He's just got a way with words." Bigb nodded. "That's very true. Martyn's familiar with reading between the lines as well. It isn't a surprise he connected so many dots together. So, Ren, now that you have that information, what do you propose we do?"

Ren turned to address the group. "Well, it's quite clear that we're going to want Scott on our side. His abilities are just too much of a risk to have as an enemy. Scott's got minimal weaknesses. With that said we are aware of his ties to Jimmy." Bigb nodded. "That's true but there's the matter of Jimmy's curse to think about. He gets in trouble regularly, although his curse at this time hasn't involved another person and just himself, we can't be sure he hasn't learned to use this on others." He warned. "Bigb makes a valid point. We also don't know the full deal made between the hobbits and the Sandlands. It's possible that to gain some form of trust that a pact or ritual was made. With Grian being a Watcher and Scott being a Starborne we don't have any idea if opposites attracted or not. It could be Grian was smart enough to go over Scott's head and seal his pact with Jimmy! If that's happened the extent of Jimmy's curse being affected gets called into question. We have to approach this at all angles." Martyn said placing his hand on Ren's shoulder. "You're right," He nodded. "We should head to Joel's next; he was once going to be our ally so let's see if he's willing to join us this time around." The group bowed. "Yes, my King!"

Grain looked over his shoulder to look at Scar who seemed to have relaxed during their flight, his eyes fluttering closed before being opened again only to continue the cycle. "Really? You're falling asleep while flying?" Grian asked giggling. Scar was slow to realize he was being spoken too. "Well, we were up until an ungodly hour of the night. My bodies still not used to my aura be back. I still need food, and sleep, I'm not self sufficient like you are." Scar said yawning. Grian shook his head with a smile. "You can say that twice." The ruins of the Sandlands came into view and Grian dove down to land. Scar followed suit. Grian arched his wings to pull himself upright before landing on his feet. He looked back and saw Scar still barreling towards the ground. "Scar arch your wings you’re not descending you're in a death dive!" Grian shouted. Scar tried to do what he was told but he was falling way too fast and didn't have enough air left to correct his error. He braced himself for the inevitable impact. He felt something brace his fall. He opened his eyes and saw Grian had caught him and had shielded him from getting hurt. "You're not hurt, are you?" Grian asked unfurling his wings that had wrapped around the two of them. "I'm not thanks to you." Scar pushed himself to his feet, helping Grian up. Grian shook the sand out of his wings. "Ugh," he shivered. "Sand between feathers feels really uncomfortable. I don't not have the time or patience to preen my wings of the excess sand." He grumbled. "I can clean them after some training if you like. Considering we're both likely going to both need to wash up after we finish." Scar offered. Grian considered his offer. "You do realize that preening is a very sacred and intimate act, right? You do remember this fact?" Grian asked putting a strand of his hair behind his winged ear, all the while his face was beat red. "I know, if you rather do them on your own, I completely understand. Watchers typically do this on their own. I just thought maybe, we could do something like that. Make our bond that much closer?" Scar said rubbing his arm. "I'm sorry for bringing it up. It just kind of slipped off my tongue."

Grian looked at Scar intently. "Okay." He breathed. Scar looked back at him. "Really? You want to go ahead with it?" Grian nodded. "Only if I get to preen your wings afterwards." He said giving Scar a devious grin. Scar saw the smile Grian had made. "What's with that smile of yours? What are you plotting over there?" Scar asked raising a brow dancing around Grian. "You'll have to wait like a good boy and find out." Grian answered putting his arm around Scar's waist pulling him close. "You really have come out of your shell and finally really have become someone who is comfortable with me. I'm glad. You've come a long way since we met." Scar said resting his forehead on Grian’s. "Yeah, I suppose I have. I just wish our worlds weren't so far apart. If only things could work between the two of us and I wasn't bound by my servitude to my people. If I was still fully human, I wouldn't even consider the worst-case scenario. If I could I'd give up anything if it meant I wouldn't lose you."

The two both breathed a sigh before separating. "Okay, Scar. Let's do more training while we have the breathing time to do so. I'm determined to have you battle ready before dinner!" Grian said as he picked up two moderately damaged wooden swords that had survived the downfall of the Sandlands.

Joel sat on the edge of his bed; his eyes closed in concentration. He was going over the specifics of the alliance meeting. His antennas flexed. He slowly opened his eyes. So, they'd come. He stood up and headed down the stairs to the door. He turned the knob and opened the door. It took Ren by surprise who was about to knock. "Hello Joel, do you have a moment to chat with us?" He asked. Joel turned and lent against the open door. "I do, what brings out the Dogs of war this early in the morning perchance? Surely you have kingly duties to uphold. Surely us lesser folk haven't angered the king of our realm." Joel said giving a small bow to Ren. "We've come to extend my hand to you once more Joel. You're still welcome to join the Red Army. I know that food has been scarce. We have plenty at Dogworts. You could eat your fill if you wish." Ren offered extending his hand to Joel. "Food sounds fantastic and all, but to take your hand is to lose my freedom of individually. Why are you asking me again, out of curiosity? That is considering I do accept your deal. Surely, I haven't caused you and your men any ill will? Scar’s your only enemy I see? The look that you're wearing now tells me something else has occurred. What's transpired?" Joel questioned.

"It seems that Scar’s gained a powerful ally or rather allies." Ren said. Joel wore a shocked expression. "Who's stupid enough to ally with Scar of all people? They have a deaths sentence if they're challenging you, great king." Ren placed his hands on Joel's shoulder, he remained calm. He could sense the uncertainty coming from Ren, he was afraid. 'Well, you don't see that everyday.' He thought to himself. "It seems that a new entity has come to our world to kill us all. His name is Grian, and he's a Watcher." Ren said. "A, Watcher? What's a Watcher? I've never heard of an entity by that title or name. Have you had an interaction between yourselves and this Grian you speak of?" Joel asked in intrigue. "We have, he's a competent fighter, and could easily have killed me the first time he fought us. If it wasn't for my Hand, I would be dead right now." Ren replied. "My that sounds quite alarming! Well, I'm glad you're alright. I should keep my guard up to not have the displeasure of meeting him in combat. I don't really have any way of protecting myself, especially if he just about took you out!" Joel said with worry in his tone. "It's not just Grian it seems we have to worry about." Ren told him. "Who else has sided with Scar?!" He asked perplexed. Martyn answered. "Scott and Jimmy."

'How do they know about that?! Scott and Jimmy didn't say anything surely.' Joel shook his head. "That's a rather large disbelief. Scott's always had an understanding with Scar sure...but to join his ranks to fall the king?! Forgive me if I'm quite taken aback by your sediment. If you're willing, I would like to understand how you came to possess this information, after all, if you're still willing for me join your ranks, I could potentially be of use to your cause. I could align myself with you by swearing an allegiance to the red army, however when marked in a pact the assigned pact holder places a mark or symbol on the person. If I had one I couldn't infiltrate their allegiance under their noses. I could be an informant hiding in plane sight. My skills could prove useful, that is if you trust in me?" Joel explained his expression genuine with regards to the proposal he'd offered. "Give me your hand, Joel." Martyn said holding out his hand to Joel. Joel narrowed his eyes. Martyn couldn't force a pact, or at least he hadn't been capable of doing so before hand. This was an opportunity to read Martyn's thoughts, emotions and intentions. Joel took his hand. He felt a intense dark and murderous entity swelling around his entire body. He flinched away breathing hard. "What was that?!" Joel asked breathlessly. "You really thought you could fool us so easily?!" Martyn snapped grabbing him and slamming his body into the door. "Agh!"

"Martyn! Stop what are you doing?!" Ren demanded. "He's been lying this whole time; he's already in a pact with Scar and Grian! It also seems the Crastle Alliance is also involved. Did you fools really think you could pull one over on us?!" Martyn snarled bearing his fangs.

"What are you talking about?" Joel asked. How did he know that? How did touching him give away all their secrets! Martyn didn't possess that power, he was a siren, he hadn't even used his power to do that, even so he was proficient in lying. Martyn slammed him again. "Stop lying!"

"Martyn, how do you know that he's lying? He's been genuine this whole time." Ren said placing his hand on his shoulder. "He hasn't, he told me everything I needed to know. Including that he's a celestial as well." Martyn told Ren. "EH? I have never once said too you anything crazy like that! You're spitting out lies! You've gone bonkers, haven't you?" Joel said glaring at Martyn. "You may be able to lie to them now. If you really are so honest, how's about we test that theory, shall we?" Martyn reached into his satchel and drew out a needle filled with red liquid. "W-what's that?" He asked nervously. 'He's going to inject me with Ren's blood! If Grian couldn't even fight it I certainly won't have a chance! I'll spill everything! Dang it! This isn't good! I can't talk my way out of this, let alone fight them all at once!' He tried to claw at Martyn's hand gripping his shirt. If he moved his hand to his neck now they'd for sure know he knew about the trial! "What are you going to do to me?!" He begged. Martyn slipped the needle into his neck and pushed the plunger down injecting the blood into his body.

There was immediate pain from the injection site. Martyn let him go and he fell to his knees. His breaths shook as the site burned like fire that had engulfed his body. He gritted his teeth squeezing his eyes shut. The burning extended through his face, these were the same side effects Grian had spoke of after the injection had worn off, perhaps he didn't feel the pain originally because of his aura having been strong enough to deal with them, and when it couldn't anymore almost killed him. Would he die as well? It felt like it. He felt pressure behind his eyes and felt his body go limp. "Is what Martyn said true? Are you lying too us, Joel?" Ren asked. 'No, I haven't been.'

"Yes, I have been lying to you." Joel answered, unable to stop himself from saying it. "Excellent catch, Hand, if you hadn't been here, I would have allowed a spy into our ranks. Tell me about your alliance with the Sandlands, do not miss a single detail, the hobbits are involved and the Crastle alliance as well as you. Tell me what you know!" Ren ordered.

'I won't tell you anything, there's nothing to tell.'

"All the factions met last night to discuss the War you're willing to rage, you've deliberately stained our world, you're the reason Grian’s here! You forced them to sign in blood! That's why he's gunning for your heads! The alliance decided to take time to prepare for the war, we plan on seizing Dogworts when Grian gives us the signal to attack." Joel told the group. 'Damn, I can't shut up! I can't resist; I must obey.'

"Is that so, what's their strategy?" Ren prompted continuing to question him.

'Stop talking, stop asking me questions for goodness’ sake!'

"Scar will target Ren and Grian will target Martyn. All other members will engage with Bigb, Etho, and Skizz. Tango will use his manipulation over fire to block any means of escape from Dogworts." Joel told them. "Well, aren't you the wealth of information." Grinned Skizz. Joel wanted to glare at Skizz but his body refused to listen. This really was hell. You could think freely but your body and mouth wouldn't do what you wanted them to do. He wasn’t free, he was trapped like an insect in a cage. 'Let me out! I want to get away, but my body isn't listening to me! I'm exposing our entire plan! They'll be able to counter us now!'

"If you really are a celestial, how many others are of the same rank fighting on your side?" Ren asked. 'Don't answer it!'

"Grian, Scott, Scar, and I." Joel answered. "SCAR?!" The group looked between each other. "How is Scar of all people a Celestial?! He's a passive half elf demi human! He lacks any superhuman abilities!" Ren said outraged. "HOW IS HE A CELESTIAL? TELL ME!" Ren demanded.

'DON'T TELL THEM! DON'T TELL THEM! DON'T TELL THEM!' Joel shook his head violently desperately trying to keep that to himself. His head felt like it was going to split open! 'DON'T TELL THEM! DON'T TELL THEM! DON'T TELL THEM!' He squeezed his eyes shut. 'TELL THEM! TELL THEM! DON’T TELL THEM!' He forced his teeth down biting his tongue as hard as he possibly could. It hurt! He grinned his mouth dripping blood from his bitten tongue. "So, you we willing to destroy your own body to keep that from us." Ren snarled annoyed that he wouldn't gain the answer he wanted to hear. "You really believe nearly biting your own tongue off will keep us from the truth?" Martyn asked whispering into Joel's ear. He put his hands on the sides of Joel's head. He winced in pain when he felt the dark and murderous entity swim through his body again. He squirmed trying to pull away but couldn't. "Mmmmummm!"

"What?" Martyn said quietly. "Martyn?" Ren asked. "What's going on?" Martyn turned to look to Ren. "S-Scar's...a... Watcher...like Grian. That's what he was trying to keep from us."

Ren backed up a bit from Martyn. "T-that can't be possible, I'm sure he couldn't have been, he looked nothing like Grian! He doesn't have any traits he has either!"

"Could he have a similar case to mine?" Skizz questioned. Ren thought about it. Could he really retract his wings? That could make sense, but Scar hadn't worn shirts for some time, his skin was human, he didn't possess the blacked skin on his arms, nor was his veins in his arms purple. They were blue, like with normal humans. How was this all possible? Did Grian have the ability to force Scar to become a Watcher like him? Then there was the loudly outspoken question that kept being asked, what had Scar offered Grian for him to join him in this fight? "Martyn this new power of yours, can you see if he knows the truth behind Grian’s pact with Scar?" Martyn turned his attention back onto Joel. "Let's see."

Again, the entity swam around his body. Again, he wanted it to stop! He shook his head. What was this power? What was he doing to him? Nothing made sense. The entity withdrew again his body shook in Martyn's grasp. "He doesn't know their official pact. Just that Scar and Grian shared blood between them, which is what's caused them to be both human and Watcher and that Scar is a traitor among Watchers." Martyn confirmed. He lowered his hands, and Joel fell forward his eyes flickered in and out he felt his head rest on Martyn's shoulder. He was exhausted. "I will give you one final order, Joel." Ren said.

'Oh, for goodness’ sake, what else could you possibly want from me? Haven't I spilled enough secrets?!'

"I order you to live up to your proposal, you will be MY spy on the inside like you were willing to do to us. You will return to Dogworts regularly to receive additional doses of my blood to cause a forced pact. After all you are right if I branded you with my seal, you would be found out immediately. You will not speak of this meeting, nor will you recall your memories of this interaction. I command the blood within you to take control when the blood pact requires replacement." The blood burned his body from the inside. He wanted to scream but no sound left his mouth. Blood still dripping down from his mouth.

"Hand, please take him to his room for rest. He's our ally now after all." Ren said his lips sliding back into a grin. Martyn bowed his head. "As you wish, my liege." He placed Joel's arm over his shoulder. Joel winced as he did so. The pair walked up to Joel's room, and he laid Joel down in his bed. He turned back towards the stairs. "What, was that power of yours? It unnatural! What really are you?" Joel coughed. Martyn stopped at the stairs, before turning to look back at Martyn. He smiled darkly. "You're just tired and confused, nothing at all was abnormal about anything. As for what I am, well...I represent vengeance in human form. Sleep well, God of Mercury." He left the room leaving Joel to lay in his bed. He couldn't keep his eyes open; he was tired and felt ill. He was in real trouble. He was forced into a pact with Ren and was now under his forced control. His eyes closed and he fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Scar charged at Grian his sword ready to strike. Grian twirled and dodged his attack. Scar twisted to strike him again, but he knocked his sword away. Scar stumbled briefly. Grian then changed him while he was off balance striking him in the chest. "You're dead." He muttered to Scar who groaned in anger. "You make this look so unbelievably easy." He said taking Grian's hand standing up. "You're still too slow. You're not supposed to give me time to think and read your every move. That's the point in all this?" Grian told him. "I'm literally trying, I'm moving as fast as I can go but it's not good enough! I don't understand what I'm doing wrong." Scar grumbled. "Are you really only able to move that fast? I'm sure you could move as fast as me." Grian questioned. "I'm sure, every time I try and counter trying to move quickly there's a feeling of resistance." Scar explained. Grian had to tip his head. "Resistance? Could you elaborate on this further?"

"Well, I don't really know how to phrase it. Every time I go faster my body gets heavy and slows down my strike." Scar mentioned. "So, would you say it's like your body feels like it's being pulled down by Gravity perhaps?" Grian asked. Scar nodded quickly. "That's exactly right! It feels like that!" Grian brought his hand up and his fist hit it. "Right, that's the trick! I can't believe that something that logical slipped my mind! It makes perfect sense!" Grian smiled. Both Scar’s winged ears and eleven ears flicked in annoyance. "Make it make sense, Grian." Scar told him. "Okay, so your celestial symbol is Earth. You've always felt grounded to the Cursed Realm even as a Watcher. Your power thrives through the connection you have to the Earth. Therefore, your power works simultaneously with that connection. The Erath has gravity that keeps things on the ground essentially. Your body is affected in different ways by said Gravity. Think of it like a dial, you can manipulate the gravity surrounding your body, this could also extend outwards if you're using your connection to the Earth. Hypothetically if you dial down the amount of gravity you should in turn move faster." Grian exclaimed. Scar considered his words. It made reasonable sense. He was effectively restraining his ability unknowingly. A dial to be fluctuated. So, if Grian’s theory proved correctly, he could effectively make gravity so heavy it could be suffocating or make it light enough to float or move faster with his Watcher’s abilities. He nodded satisfied. "That sounds doable enough, just a matter of doing it for the first time." Scar explained.

"So how do I do it?" Scar asked Grian. "Excellent question...I have no idea." Grian said putting his hands on his hips. Scar hit his head with his palm. "Seriously?! You just sounded so professional and confident in this as if you literally knew how I could do this. What do you mean you don't know?" Scar said dumbfounded. "How do your powers work then if you are the sun?"

"Well to start the longer I'm breathed in sunlight the more strength I have, and the faster my regenerative abilities. Then there's the level of understanding of producing holy fire, although I can't wield it myself, I can manifest it through other means. If I don't use most of my powers during the day, my aura stores that light. Think about how a Redstone solar panel works. It collects sunlight during the day and activates the Redstone lamp at night. It's the exact same." Grian exclaimed. "So that's why you're so strong, it's not just your Watcher abilities. You also get extra power from the sun." Scar looked too the sky. If he had to guess it was about four in the afternoon from the placement of the sun. "So, are you capable of fluctuating your extra power, like you suggested to me?" Scar asked. "Yes, I can. I'm a visual type of person. I visualize how much energy I want to be exerted and then do so." Grian answered.

"So, you visualize the dial than? Is that correct?" Scar asked. Grain nodded. "It's not so much a dial for me. It's more of the feeling of the amount of energy I must use. Though, I suppose I've always had a degree of understanding of it since I was young. Perhaps you’d grasp the concept more through a display? Give me your hands." Grian said holding out his hands to Scar. Scar took them into his own. "You recall our conversation about regulating your aura, don't you?"

Scar nodded, his attention staying on Grain. "Do you trust me?" Grian asked. Scar nodded once more. "Then I'd like you to reveal your eyes to me, I will do the same." Grain told him. "Watchers aren't supposed to gaze upon one another you said, won't you get into trouble again?!" Scar asked frowning. "I don't care about getting in trouble for this; besides you and I are not full-blooded Watchers anyhow. So, it's not going to be world ending. Or at least I wouldn't think so." Grain told him. He smiled and breathed a sigh. "I'm ready when you are."

"Reveal them now." Grian said. The pair both pulled back their winged ears and their eyes met. Scar softly smiled. "Wow, seeing you with my eyes being so different is breath taking. You still look as beautiful as the day we met in the forest." Grian returned Scar's smile. "I have to admit, you're even more handsome as a Watcher, to be perfectly honest the crimson and black feathers suit you better then the purple would." They both giggled. When they regained their composure, they looked at one another again. Scar felt Grian start a soul link. He felt his body relax. His eyes tried to flutter shut. "Oops, sorry Scar. That's my fault. That was too much aura." Grian said. Scar was able to keep his eyes open now. "All good, your aura is always really comforting to me. I'm not surprised I couldn't keep my eyes open. I just wanted to embrace it more. It's more of a me thing then a you thing." Scar said softly.

"Right, are you ready to experience what it's like to fluctuate your powers?" Grian asked. "Ready." Scar nodded. He watched Grian close his eyes. He felt a surge of energy jut though his body. The energy was extremely powerful. So, this was the strength the sun possessed, this was still but a quarter of his powers still. "Do you ever experience too much power? Do you ever have to burn any excess off?" Scar questioned. "I can, though it's rare. Before I fully understood my ability I had some moments, fortunately my teachers were all high ranked officials so I could go all out with my abilities. Like I told you and Scott early this morning. If I went all out, you'd all be dead in milliseconds. I'm not lying when I said we aren't meant to interact with humans; we're supposed to kill them when blood is shed." Grian answered.

"I guess when I think back, we weren't always ruthless killers. There was just Watchers back then. No other race had been created." Scar closed his eyes. "Back then Watchers served as the keepers of the cursed realm. Learning about this world and all it's brilliant wonders. It wasn't until the Great Deity told the high elder that we were going to become a race that would over see the world they'd leave behind when they passed on from our world. That's when a Watcher took a stand before the two and called on others to destroy beings that would bear unpure blood, that's why the Destroyers came about, and I suppose it’s why Watchers are so deeply feared by others. They're godlike beings taken in physical form." He explained softly. "That's a significant return of memories, Scar." Grian said opening his eyes. "I suppose it is. I can't even explain how the memory returned. It just, did." He spoke shaking his head. Grain frowned. "You truly don't recall how you gained them back, they just...returned?" Scar opened his eyes and investigated Grian’s once more. "I wish I could give you an answer, Grain."

He released Scar's hands but didn't cover his eyes. He backed up. Scar looked on perplexed. "Your turn to try regulating the gravity surrounding you. Remember, your goal isn't to float but to release the weight slowing down your movements. You want to have the ability to counter an on coming attack! You may also be capable of effecting your attacker as well. So, let's see it!"

Scar looked at his hand. He knelt, placing his palm on the sand. 'He says it's easy as just focusing on visualization, but things for him seem to come easier for him, not to mention he is graceful in about all he does. Meanwhile I've always been on the short end of the straws of life. What am I being so glum about?! There's no way I'm about to sulk about my past life. I must focus on the present! Grian’s here now and I must prove my worth too him! I can succeed with this task; and when I do, I will be his shield and he, my sword. We will win this war. I feel it in the depths of my soul.' He closed his eyes and allowed himself to embrace the world around him and the earth beneath his palm. The sand was warm between his fingers. He needed to allow himself to plunge deeper into its embrace. "Please, Earth. Show me more, reach out your soul to me. I know you're hurting; I know your skin is tainted by blood. I wish to repair the damage done. I wish to hold those accountable for defiling your beauty. We have always been mutually contracted. You can share your tears with me; you can share your hatred with me. I am but your vessel who wishes to grant you freedom. So please hear my summons. I will do anything you ask of me." Scar said aloud.

The wind picked up and swelled around the two. The wind felt comforting for Scar. He felt a hand touch his cheek. A being took shape before him. They were adorned in vines and flowers; they had pointed ears like his and had blonde and auburn hair. They're eyes where two different colors, their right eye was a turquoise blue as if you were starring at the waters of the Caribbean. Their other eye was an emerald green as if you were starring into a spanning endless forest. He was in the presence of the embodiment of the earth; he knew this to be true. "I heard your voice, your kindness and compassion towards me is appreciated. I will grant you your wish. My power, my energy, my very being is yours. I trust you will restore the life and allow it to begin it anew. Thank you for your blessings, they do not go unnoticed." They spoke with a smile. They kissed his forehead before disappearing, Scar's eyes glue green for a moment before returning purple.

"Your eyes just now were green, what was that?" Grian asked. Scar stood and smiled. "I think I've got the hang of this, so let's see, shall we?" Grian crossed his arms. "You're not answering my question, Scar." His smile grew into a grin. "Do you trust me?" Grian's eye twitched before he let out a mix of both a laugh and a sigh. "Alright I'll bite. Let's see what you can do. I'll even let you have the first move. Come at me when you're ready."

Grian readied himself. He brought his winged ears back across his eyes. Scar also readied himself, he too pulling his winged ears back across his eyes.

He took a breath to relax his muscles. He was going to succeed in his goal to prove himself to Grian. He watched Grian’s body language carefully. He was relaxed and calculated. His task was to adapt his attacks faster then Grian could counter his barrage of attacks. He was hopeful Grian would have at least dropped his guard even if it was just a brief lapse. However, it didn't seem this would inevitably be the case. 'Guess I'm just going to have to just go for it.' He pushed himself forward, his speed like a strike of lightning, Grian blocked his strike, but he was close to striking him. Grian repositioned himself just as Scar struck him again. Scar's sword creaked against Grian's. "There you go, that's way better! You're still being too predictable still; you can do this! Change things up, feel your power and aura run through you! Don't think so hard, let go of your thoughts, you read like an open book!" Grian said bringing up his knee into Scar's stomach. He winced and stumbled away holding it heaving out hard breaths. 'Don't think? How does that make any sense? For a body to move it has subconscious thoughts that sends the instruction to they given limb. You can't just not think surely.' He thought in frustration. Grian charged at Scar his body disappearing. Scar focused his winged ear twitched, and he blocked Grian’s strike. He pushed himself away from Grian.

He was still at a disadvantage against Grian. It made him angry. 'Don't think,' He thought. 'To think is to act predictability. To think means death.' He took another moment to calm himself. He sensed Grian coming for an attack because he'd left an opening. He dropped his body low as Grian’s sword swung over his head. He kicked off the ground summersaulting back to his feet. 'Cloak your whole body in aura.' He focused all his energy on coating itself in aura.

Grian stood to look where he'd expected to see Scar but saw he wasn’t where he should have been. He scanned the area around him. Scar's presence had entirely disappeared. His winged ear twitched trying to pick up a sense or vibration but the stillness surrounding him was bone chilling. He started whipping his head and body around trying to locate Scar. 'What's going on!? Where did he go? He was just here. He's masked himself I get that much but I can’t sense him at all! That's not possible!'

He felt a heaviness overtake his body and he dropped to his knees unable to move his limbs. He felt pressure against his throat. Scar reappeared behind him. His wooden sword pressing against his throat. 'When the hell did, he get behind me!? Let alone this close!' Grian thought looking over his shoulder at Scar. "You're dead, I win!" Scar said with a wide grin. Scar removed his sword from Grian’s throat and offered him his hand. Grian took it standing up. He then pulled Scar into a headlock and ruffled up his hair aggressively. "You don't get to do that!" Grian teased. "Hey! Cut that out! You're going to ruin my hair." Scar laughed trying to push his head out of Grian’s grasp. He couldn't get out, but Grian did let him go after he was satisfied with getting back at him.

Scar reached up and started fixing his hair. "What's the point in fixing it seeing as you were the one who proposed we'd wash up after training?" Grian asked tipping his head. "Huh...yeah I suppose you have a point. I'll be right back, I'm going to see if my towels survived the explosion." Scar said climbing up the damaged stairs. Grian watched him stumble every few feet he climbed. He put his hands over his mouth. "YOU CAN FLY! USE YOUR WINGS!" Grian shouted. Scar turned back halfway up the stairs already. "I CAN'T LAND! OR HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?!" He shouted back. We'll he had him there. He needed to work on his landing. He watched Scar disappear into the damaged remains of the Sandlands castle. Grian walked over to sit on a sandstone ridge. He lowered his head as he waited.

'So, you're really doing this. You're about to let someone you've only known on a personal level for a few days preen your wings. Not to mention the fact that you're both going to bathe together.' His face went beet red. 'Be normal about this! He's never had a shirt on this whole time; that's just a Scar thing to do. I'm sure he's not thinking anything inappropriate so what am I worrying about either. He only wants to preen my wings to closen our bond with one another. Besides, it's not like- ugh...who am I trying to fool. Even our allies all saw through us. We both really like one another...but that would never work. A Watcher, in love with a human, who also just so happens to be a Destroyer! I really am a fool. These human feelings really will end up with me betraying my people, just as Scar did for me. Then there's the battle ahead. There's a chance Scar would get fatality hurt. I don't want to lose him. I can't lose him! If something happened, if he did get hurt...my powers could save him. Watchers are capable of limitless powers. If he wasn't harmed with a celestial grade weapon I could heal his wounds. But if I did so I'd surely be marked as a traitor.' He clenched his hands into fists, gritting his teeth.

He looked too the sky above. The sun was setting into the west. "Great Deity, I beg of you...tell me what I'm meant to do? Surely you know the path I'm meant to walk. Was he placed before me as a pawn to be used against me to harm me? Or is this your will, and if it is...why are you trying to make me choose between who I was and who I am now? Why did I keep my human emotions? Surely you knew that they'd make me weak before our cause of justice?" He spoke into the spanning sky.

He frowned. Of course, he wouldn't get a response even though he longed for one. What was he to do? What was right and what was wrong. He thought he knew, now he wasn't so sure. He wanted to desperately deny his adoration and love for Scar, but that was becoming more difficult to do the longer he spent time with Scar. It made sense why the rules were made. Why Watchers were never meant to interact with humans. They were flawed creatures. Though he was no different. He was led to believe the sacred texts and teachings of the Watchers who came before him. He leaned back, his wings spread out over the sand. He closed his eyes and allowed his aura to settle. He was flustered by his indecision; he longed to be with Scar and knowing he had to die only exasperated his desire to keep him from that fate.

His ear twitch when he heard footsteps from behind him. He opened his eyes and allowed his aura to expand. Scar approached with his satchel. "Any luck?" Grian questioned. "Well, I'll be brutally honest, most things are gone. But some things did survive. The towels being one of them. These also survived." He pulled out Grian’s black and purple robes. He handed them to him. "Wow, wasn't expecting that to happen." He said taking them into his hands. He sat up and ran his hand over the robs. He wondered if he should put them back on. He preferred what he wore now. This was him, not the robes. He looked too Scar. "What do you think, should I put my robes back on again?" Grian asked. Scar shrugged. "It's your choice really? You seem happier in your sweater then your robes. You also don't seem to have a hindrance in your fighting style in it either. If you're asking me for my opinion, I don't particularly have one. After all fashion isn't really my thing, if that's not clear with being shirtless all the time. You look hot in either if I'm honest." Scar replied. Grian took Scar’s hand and grinned. "Look who's trying to flirt." Scar brought Grian’s hand to his face. "Says the one who's been basically flirting with me since he showed up here." Grian raised his finger and opened his mouth to protest but closed it. "You make it hard not to." Grain grumbled under his breath. "What was that? I couldn't hear you." Scar asked his lips drawing back as he grinned. "Nothing...shut up. We're losing daylight. Take me where we need to go to get cleaned up." He growled trying to muffle the smile he was trying to make. Scar helped Grian up and lead him towards the hill.

Grian followed in silence Scar still holding his hand. The pair crossed over the hill, Grian noticed a small creek that became a slow-moving river. It didn't take long for the pair to arrive at its side. Scar laid down his satchel and towels on the grass that had grown between the sand. He walked over to a nearby tree that had grown out of the grass. He reached into a small hole in its bark. He pulled out a few glass bottles with what Grian assumed was soap. He walked back over and laid them down by the water's edge. "The one on the right is for your body the one on the left is for your hair." Scar said. "I haven't had wings for a long while, which would be better to clean feathers?"

"Whichever is lightweight, and lathers well. So probably the body wash." Grian confirmed. "Sounds good." Scar replied. He reached down to start unbuckling his belt around his waist. Grain turned around quickly. Scar took notice. "You're really that panicked about this?" Grian shifted. "You're really going to undress without any privacy?" He asked. "It's just my pants; I'm keeping my boxers on. Besides even after the sun sets, they'll dry quick in this heat. You can relax; you're reading way to far into this." Scar chuckled. He finished taking off his pants and boots and jumped into the river. Grian turned back around when he heard the splash. He saw Scar swimming in the center of the river; his hair was wet and sat completely flat with no puffiness. This was not what he expected, it made him laugh and hold his stomach. "What? What's got you laughing like that?" Scar asked. "Your hair! I wasn't expecting it to completely deflate and have like no puffiness too it." Grian answered trying to catch his breath from laughing so hard. "I bet yours will do the exact same thing!" Scar said grinning. "It won't I'm telling you now. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go over to the larger brush to get undressed to get washed up." He said waving heading to said brush.

He looked around to ensure there was no one else around and he couldn't see Scar which meant he couldn't see him undress. He took in a sharp breath in and slapped his face with his hands. 'Stop panicking! Like Scar said I'm reading way to far into this. We're just two friends who just so happen to need to get clean. Yes, he's going to preen my wings but I'm also doing his. Get a grip, man!' He shook his head before nodding. He reached down to his stomach and pulled his sweater up to take it off. Like when he put it on, he struggled to get his wings out of it. He grumbled curses under his breath out of annoyance. This wasn't an issue wearing his robs. They didn't have a back to them. They had just a small silk tie that fastened it around his waist. It took a few minutes to completely get it off. He stretched his wings to make sure they weren't tight. He then took off his grey khakis. He shook them both out thoroughly to get the sand out, before taking off hist boots. He then folded his clothes neatly and took another moment. 'I can do this I'll be fine.'

"Scar, can you turn around until I tell you to face me, also limiting your aura too." Grian told Scar. "Yeah, I can do that." He heard Scar reply. "I'm turned and have limited my aura." Grian edged his way out from behind the shrubbery. He saw Scar’s back. He walked out fully now and slipped into the water. He expected it to be freezing but the water was warmer than he anticipated. He slowly swam over to Scar. He touched the center of his back between his wings. "AH!" He shouted, he turned his body around to see Grian. "You startled me!" Grian couldn't help snickering. It took him a moment to compose himself. "Sorry, Scar. It was too much of a given opportunity. I had to do it. It was just very compulsive." Grian explained. "You know what, that's all the clarification I needed to be entirely honest. You being compulsive makes so much sense. I bet if you saw a button randomly placed, you'd just press it." Scar said raising a brow. "Yes, yes I would. I have been given so many looks for just pressing random things back home it's not even funny. It's a really random quirk I think transferred over when I reincarnated." Grian shrugged.

Scar shook his head and chuckled. He then grinned deviously. Grian felt his body grow heavy and his head plunged under the water by an unseeable force. He held his breath and felt the force let go. He swam back to the surface and gasped. "SCAR!" He snapped as he glared at him. "Gotcha!" He grinned. Grain tackled Scar throwing the two of them under the surface now. They tussled for a few moments before both returning to the surface breathing in air. "I told you that you were way to stressed out about all this." Scar said swimming back to the shoreline to get some shampoo for his hair. Grian swam with him. "You know what, I really was reading way to far into this for sure. Besides it's not like-" he trailed off as they got to the shoreline. Scar pushed himself up onto the grass and opened the glass bottle and poured a quarter sized amount of shampoo into his hand. Grian joined him and Scar put the same amount into his hand. The two ran their fingers through their hair lathering up the shampoo. After a few minutes of letting, it sit the pair slipped back into the water and plunged their heads under the water and rinsed their shampoo out of their hair. They came back to the surface and wiped their eyes before going back to the shoreline for the body wash. "What would be best, washing our bodies first or wings first?" Scar questioned. "Well in this perspective I suppose wings first, seeing it would be odd to do our bodies first and sit to do our wings." Grian replied. Scar nodded. "Seeing as you were hesitant in all this if it makes you more comfortable you can do my wings first."

Grian gave him a thankful look. Scar turned around and outstretched his black and crimson wings towards Grian. He picked up the other glass bottle and poured some body wash onto his hand. He scrubbed his hands together to get the soup foamy. "Okay, I'm going to start, as a reminder Watcher’s have sensitive wings which is why we usually preen them ourselves, and not with others. Do I have your permission to touch your wings." Grian asked him.

Scar looked over his shoulder and nodded smiling softly as he did so. "Of course." He turned to look back to the water and felt Grian’s fingers slip in between his feathers. It sent a shutter through his body. The sensation was similar from when Grian touched his feathered ears. He felt Grian’s fingers slowly massaging the soap through his feathers. The act was gentle and calming. As if he was paying direct attention for detail. He felt his muscles begin to relax. "Hey, Grian? Can I ask you something?" He calmly asked keeping his attention on the slow sway of the water before him. "Of course you can." Grian answered. "What was it you wanted to tell me before you cut yourself off? It was important, wasn't it?" He felt Grian’s hands shake a bit while combing through his wings. "It's really not that important. It's just impulsive thoughts swelling around in my head again." He mumbled. "I want you to tell me. I'm willing to listen, and we have plenty of time." He told Grian.

He heard Grian breath a long sigh. "I wanted to say it's not like we're in a relationship." Scar nodded. "You're not wrong in that statement." He felt Grian’s hands tremble more. "That's the point, Scar. I don't want to continue to tell myself that we're just friends, with the way we act around one another. I've been yearning for something much deeper. My thoughts have been consumed by you. You've opened my eyes to a different realm then the teachings I've once believed in. Watchers made humans out to be stains that make the world crimson. That they only wished to serge for their own gains and not even consider their consequences. But having been with you all this time. You don't fit into that sickening ideology. You're so incredibly different. Your kind and caring, and even sympathetic. You have the kindest smile in the whole world. I'm done trying to tell myself different. My deepest wish is to stay by your side forever. I'm going to come right out and say exactly what needs to be said, and I do not regret saying these three words. Scar, I love you. I want to be in a relationship with you." He proclaimed.

Scar frowned. So, he really had become his chains. Grian now wanted to abandon his mission to stay by his side. As much as it made his heart skip a beat and made him extremely happy inside, because he wanted to return his sediment, he wanted to say those words right back to him. He wished so desperately to open his mouth to respond. If he did, he'd fall from grace. He couldn't let him do that.

"Scar?" Grian asked.

"Grian, I can't. We, can't. I will not be the reason you fall." Scar sternly said. "I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE RULES SCAR! I can't keep ignoring these feelings for you! I know you feel the same so don't lie to me!" Grian snapped angerly slamming his fists against his back. He didn't so much as flinch. "Grian! Listen to what you're saying! If you do this, you're going to fall! I wish I could say it back, I long to say it back! You don't think it hurts me to hurt you like this!? You don't think my heart is shattering having to tell you no! I made my choice that day to give myself your blood blindly, I couldn't even explain why I did something so abundantly wrong. I did it for you and look at what's occurred. I'm marked to die Grian. You're my executioner! My angel of Death. You are the face of the crime I committed and the last I'll see before I leave this world forever! Do not make the same mistakes I did, Grian! You must abandon your desire; you can't live in that fantasy world. No matter how much we wish it could be different. You were my obstacle, and I failed. I'm now yours. I'm sorry Grian, I can't return your sediment as much a want to say I love you back. I will not let you die on that hill. I'm so sorry, Grian."

He felt Grian lean forward and place his head between his shoulder blades. "Scar," he muttered into his shoulders. "I get it. You're trying to protect me from them. Protect me from the cost of the very same crime. I don't blame you. I don't hate you for trying to protect me. It's a foolish hope. A childish wish. I can't deny my feelings. I can't even so much as push them away. I just keep winding up in the same cycle, repeatedly. You're human and Destroyer alike. But all I ask, even if we can't be together. I still would like a relationship with you. Even if it means I will kill you in the end. Could you humor me at least, just this once. I know it's an ignorant and selfish request. But I want to feel these real and raw emotions with you."

Scar sighed. "I'll agree to this under set conditions. You're not allowed to break them."

"What are they?" Grian questioned.

"One, you're not allowed to divert from your mission in the slightest. You were sent to kill us all you need to stick too that mission. Two, if I feel like you're starting to lose sight of yourself I'm allowed to break things off to ensure you don't get labeled a traitor. This means you cannot fight my decision once I make it. It is the boundary I'm setting for you. Three, no matter how much you're going to hurt after all this is over, I want you to live. I know it'll be hard, I know you'll be angry. You can't turn against them; it is a futile choice. Wherever my soul will go, I doubt you could join it. You need to live for the both of us. Those are the conditions I'm laying before you. If this is not feasible, then the answer will remain a no from me." Scar told him.

"You really are trying to cover all the bases huh?" Grian muttered. "I have to, I'm still thoroughly convinced you'll still find some form of loophole to get around the terms knowing you. If you fall Grian, it could bear serious consequences! It's not just because of your rank amongst the Watchers. You're the celestial embodiment of the Sun. The risk of losing your light could mean the light that illuminates our worlds will go out. You're to important to this world. Now do you agree to the terms I've given you?" Scar asked.

"Fine, I'll agree to your terms. I won't abandon my mission. I will accept you ending things if I get too invested in this, and I will do whatever I can to ensure I live for us both." Grian softly answered as he resumed preening Scar's wings. Scar could hear the hesitation in his voice in the last promise. It was a reasonable response; he'd already lost him twice. When the Destroyers came to destroy the experiment where he had to send him through the Gate into an unknown place somewhere in the future. Then he met himself in that alternative world, the world where he learnt and grew up. "I know you may not be capable of answering this, but...did you love your Scar? The one that you lost when you died by the Knight's hands?" He couldn't stop himself from saying the question aloud.

"I can't be sure, I want to believe I did. Yet those memories are lost to me. Cleo happened to walk that world while I was human. They said that you, Mumbo and I were extremely close. That when I came through the gate, you both found me in a cavern in the ground and brought me back to the town for medical care. They told me that I couldn't talk much or read well when I woke up. My Scar and Mumbo taught me how to talk and read, and that I picked up building quickly. I was in tune with abnormalities of different varying degrees. And built my home and lab where I was found. I studied the energy of the Gate despite not understanding what it was or what it would do to me. I built Grumbot to assist me with my understanding. Eventually like we've gone over the rocks cracked and the Gate was revealed and split open. That's when the Knight appeared in the Gate and killed me. Those are the only factual accounts I've been given. I have no recollection of any of it other then those stories." Grian answered. He could feel Grian’s frown.

"Sorry for asking, I know trying to answer those kinds of questions is difficult." Scar said. "Don't be, it's just a part of me. I'm focusing on my memories that I'm making with you now." Grian answered. "There all done." He said pulling his hands away. Scar looked back at Grian who softly smiled. "You can wash your body now. While you do that, I'll get my wings wet again, you weren't kidding when you said we'd dry off pretty quickly." Scar nodded. "See, even at this time of evening the heats all residual." Scar said turning around to grab the glass bottle and put the body wash on his hand. Grian pushed to his feet and turned his back to the water. He gave Scar a salute before jumping backwards into the water. Scar watched his body disappear under the water.

Scar begun to scrub his body. Grian popped back to the surface. And opened his wings wide to allow himself to float at the surface. "I'm surprised that the water is still warm as well." Grian said as he relaxed waiting to exchange places with Scar. "That's what's so intriguing about this river. I've always tried to follow the river upstream, but I can’t find the source. I get stopped every time I try." Scar explained. "Stopped?"

"Yeah, the river goes for about a mile up that way," he said pointing in the direction of upriver. "Every time I've gone too close, I've gotten sick. I can't explain why. It doesn't smell like any sort of toxic gas, or from a plant. I've never been able to explain it." Scar told Grian.

He leaned his head back. Scar watched him carefully. His expression was soft but concentrated. "Well, if my theory lines up, we both know this is an alternative reality removed from our own. Theoretically, there could be a boundary line that if you cross would kill your soul? This world is created by a rift torn from the Gate. Humans react differently when near the Gate if you can recall. In your case your memories of falling through it from your home realm to here were impacted. In Jimmy's case he stumbled upon strange ruins with cryptic purple inscriptions before a purple glow surrounded him before he fell, he too can't recall anything other then that last memory. No different then you."

Scar narrowed his eyes. "Woah, woah, woah! Run that by me one more time. When did you have that kind of conversation with Jim?" Grian leaned forward and looked back at Scar. "Um, a few days ago. After we fought. The day I brought the flowers back to apologize. When I was picking flowers, Jimmy had found me. He actually was the first one to accidentally find out I used to be human." He muttered rubbing his neck awkwardly. Scar couldn't keep his mouth from hanging open. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "And you kept this vital information to yourself? Why exactly?"

"Because it didn't need to come up in conversation until now." Grian answered. Scar shook his head.
He should have been used to this by now. Grian, loved him a lot, but he was still a really reserved person. He was also very cautious of what he said to him and others. There was no point at squawking about how much it annoyed him to just now be told this kind of information.

He finished scrubbing his body before jumping backwards into the water. Like before the water was warm. His head breached the surface and wiped his eyes. Grian had swam over to him.

"Just rinsing your wings won't get the soap fully out of your feathers. You'll have to run your fingers through them to comb out the remaining soap." Grian instructed. He brought his right wing forward and ran his fingers through it as the remaining soap washed away, before repeating the same action on the other wing.

Scar turned to begin heading back to the shoreline, Grian joining him. The pair climbed back onto the embankment. Scar sat down and waited for Grian to give him his wings.
Grian sat down with his back facing Scar. He held out his right wing to him. "I'm ready when you're ready." He told Scar. Scar put some soap onto his hands and lathered them up before tracing his fingers slowly through Grian’s feathers. Grian felt a shutter run through his body. He softly released a coo. "Oh?" Scar said with a grin in his tone. "You like that do you?"

Grian leaned back and looked up at his chin. "I do, actually. I like the feeling of your fingers combing through my wings."

"And you were nervous, it's not as bad as you thought it'd be?" Scar asked cracking a smug grin. Grian reached up and laid his hand on the side of Scar's jawline. "It wasn't, especially knowing it's with the man I've come to love so deeply." He lowered his hand and lent forward again to allow Scar to continue to preen his wings easier.

Grian’s body felt relaxed. He felt his eyes drift close. Grian wished he didn't have to lose this feeling of comfort and trust. He wanted to live in this world with Scar. They were meant for one another. Without the Sun the Earth would be a cold and barren nothingness. But the Sun burns brightly. Its heat burns too hot, and could scorch the Erath, which was a cruel and unjust fate. Just as Scar hoped he wouldn't be blinded solely by his infatuation with him. He had to walk a very fine line with this relationship in more ways then just following his mission. If the enemy caught wind of his affection with Scar, they'd use him against himself. He never asked for this fate, and yet here it was delt. The cards stacked against him. Scar's words echoed in his head. 'You must live for the both of us, no matter how hard it gets.' Of course, Scar would add a clause as such as that. Why was Scar so driven now that he followed the orders he was given? What really was the point of them? The Watchers all lied to him since he was reborn as a Watcher. He didn't want to watch any longer, he wanted his right to freedom, just as Scar freed himself from their clutches. Why did they get to dictate his life? They were orders, just words spoken into existence, but the weight in which those orders carried could suffocate oneself. If only he could meet the Great Deity.

He was willing to face the death penalty if it meant he could tell their god to their face that he wished to fall. But to fall meant to plunge their world into that lifeless existence. He was the Sun, the one who glowed the brightest within it amber glow. He'd always admired its brilliance yet...now it was an obstacle keeping Scar from being fully committed in their relationship. He could not fall. That was the burden placed upon himself for being the very thing that brought the Earth it's life. But Scar had a right to be wary, had the right to tell him he must be reserved. He refused to put out his light. But what he would never understand is that without him, his light would inevitably fizzle out. He knew this to be true. For his vision wouldn't be wrong.

"Grian?"

He slowly opened his eyes. "Yeah?"

"Did you fall asleep? Or just zoned completely out?" Scar questioned. He softly smiled. "Just lost myself in thought." He spoke. "Your wings are finished. So, if you want to finish washing the rest of your body we'll head back to at least try and rest up for tomorrow."

Grian nodded as he pushed to his feet and took the glass bottle into his hand and poured some body wash onto it. He washed his body as he watched Scar rinse his hands in the water before crossing the grass to pick up his towel to finish drying himself off.

Once Grian was satisfied with the thoroughness of his wash he hopped back into the water for the last time. His head popped back to the surface, and he combed his fingers through his wings. He then swam back to the shoreline where Scar met him and pulled him up onto the embankment and offered him his towel. "Thanks, Scar." Grian said thankfully taking the towel from him. He wrapped it around his body to dry himself off. He sat down on the grass and looked to Scar. "How are you feeling, Scar? I haven't asked in a while. Are you hungry?"

Scar shook his head. "I have to admit that since my bodies full transformation this morning I've felt a whole lot better. I'm not experiencing any discomfort, nor do I feel dizzy or ill. It's been nice. The power flowing through me right now is adequate and I've mastered at least at minimum regulating it throughout my body. I'm hoping I'll eventually be capable of coating myself in aura at the level you've mastered. As for if I'm hungry, not particularly. It's weird. I've only had breakfast today, so I should need supper and yet...I don't want to eat anything."

"It makes sense, you're a Watcher. Your aura can satiate your bodies needs, like water or food. The only time that's an exception is during the solstice of the moon festival. Where Watcher's celebrate the Great Deity's blessings for the year, and the only time the celestial bodies we all represent all align within the celestial plane. It's a huge banquet and the only time I've ever seen the Great Hall of history full of Watchers young and old sharing stories. It's also accompanied by the solstice tournament. A huge combat tournament to test the limits of the Watchers who compete. The winner of the tournament is granted a wish form the Elder." Grian said leaning back on his hands. "You've won it before, right?" Scar asked tiptoeing around Grian. He shook his head. "Nope. I've always been knocked out in the top ten. The highest I've ever placed was last year in fifth. I'd place higher if I wasn't given a handicap. Because of my celestial connection with the sun, I must wear a holy crystal much like the one I'm wearing around my neck currently. The one I'm wearing now is helping to better regulate my aura in relation to our enemy’s manipulation abilities. The one they give me during the tournament binds my intestine abilities, so I don't accidentally kill another Watcher."

"Well, that's depressing. Are you the only one who gets the handicap?" Scar asked as he sat down next to Grian now. "Yeah, I'm the only one. That's because the higher ups don't participate in the event, I'm the only one of the high-ranking officials to compete. Normally the winners tend to be Knights. Though it doesn't come as much of a surprise. They're brought up in combat. Every aspect of fighting is conditioned into them. Meanwhile as Prophet Keeper my role is conditioned to understand the history of our people while also conditioning my future sight. That's how I knew that the red army was coming for us. Though, I do have to admit it's not been as reliant since getting here. In fact, it was wrong about me using you to kill everyone. Or rather, isn't allowing me to fully see the future that lies before you and me. I'm merely seeing fragmented futures. So, I can't be sure if we really will win this war. Our enemy is more resilient than I'd given them credit for." Grian sighed shaking his head. "The viewing pool didn't give me a broader perspective or look into this world. Or perhaps I was just ignorant. I firmly believed that I was all powerful, and those very thoughts were enough to have me firmly believe I held a godly rank above humans. I really was a damn fool for being so infatuated with our kind’s ordeals." He turned to look at Scar now. "You've known me for the last few days, Scar. Do you think I'm still the monster I was when I arrived in the cursed realm?"

Scar gently caressed his cheek. "You're not, Grian. You never were a monster. Watchers have and never will be monsters to me. You were lost in the teachings you were taught. You had no memory of your human life and therefore didn't grasp the concept of what it meant to be anything but what you were taught. Watchers never lived amongst humans; the worlds were separated. I firmly believe the ideologies that they bare now, has been created over the centuries that humans have walked this very planet. Watchers don't feel, it's a part of them that doesn't have a connection to one another. They may get along but that's because they must. Look at the Destroyers who turned on their own because of flawed ideals. Watchers are just as capable of bearing flaws just as humans do. They just won't admit that aloud. You're perfectly imperfect, and for me...I love every part of you for being that way. I've told you before you don't have to be strong, I want you to be you, the angel I've fallen in love with." Grian pressed his cheek deeper against Scar's hand. "Thank you for being one of the only people to accept me, all of me."

"Of course." Scar said giving Grian his famous smile. The smile he loved. Grian stood up and looked back to Scar. "We should get dressed now, then we'll head back for the castle. I'm exhausted from the constant use of my aura while training you. It'll be better to sleep to recharge." He rubbed his neck. "That's providing I don't dreamwalk. I never get a decent sleep when I do. I also really don't want to deal with the council again. Especially now that we're in a relationship with one another. They've been watching me, so they probably already know." He turned his head to the sky. "You can be as angry as you want to be with my decisions, I love him, and I'll dictate my own path! If the Great Deity has put him in my path it's meant to be a choice for me. I must face my challenge they've given me. If it's wrong the Great Deity will see too it, I'm punished for the crimes I commit. You don't get to choose my fate for me!" Grian growled bearing his fangs.

Scar placed his hand on his shoulder. He looked back him. "Easy their Birdie, don't push your luck. You made me a promise to not start a war with them. Remember?" Grian scoffed. "I remember. I was simply setting a boundary is all."

The pair both got dressed separately and they headed back up the hill to the ruins of the Sandlands castle. They reached the top and walked inside it's ruins.

"Welcome back you two." The Golem said greeting the pair as they entered the ruins of the once pristine building. Scar waved and walked over to the golem and scratched under its chin. The golem's crest glue a bright purple. "What did you do while we were gone?" Grian asked. "Excellent question, Grian!" The golem blurted out placing its hands on its sides and puffed out its little chest. "Scar asked me to work on a few different things. The first was to analyze a damage assessment of the ruins of the castle. I concurred that the castle was damaged by explosive materials, however despite the severity of its damaged remains, it can be easily rebuilt as its main support structure didn't fail during the explosion here. I can easily recreate it with my abilities. Secondly, I was asked to review the risk assessment of the enemy. Given our limited time during our interaction between yourselves and the enemy I can only provide an incomplete data assessment of their abilities, and the hypothesis of our determined outcome based on the statistics of you both." The golem said.

Grian exchange a look with Scar. "What? You're the one who rather have the big picture while dealing with this war. I was trying to be as through as I possibly could be while not actually being through myself. That's what I developed the secret keeper for in the first place. Mine wasn't anything like the other secret keepers, this one could adapt and learn without orders to do so." Scar shrugged. "I'm thoroughly convinced you got harassed a lot in your Watcher's rank, huh?" Grian said placing his hands on his hips. Scar pinched his fingers together. "Just an Itty bit. Though if I had to compare, I'd say the secret keeper worked similar to your Grumbot." Scar replied. Grian nodded. "I'm sure that's correct. I vaguely recall prompting Grumbot with written commands as if they were code, and then Grumbot would give me an automated response in code back. In the secret keepers case, it's a real organic intelligent being. It's baffling to me that Watchers were capable to create such beings." Grian said as he found a damaged chest to sit down on. "Now then if you could provide your detailed analysis of the enemy at hand."

Scar leaned back against the broken counter to listen in. The golem nodded its head. Its crest begun to glow purple and a hologram appeared before the two.

"We'll start with the man with the blonde hair. He presents the highest threat level out of the two of them. His race is Siren, though I'm assuming this is already a well-known fact determined by Grian’s instincts to force his aura over you Scar to prevent him from controlling either one of you during the encounter. His abilities suggest he's well versed in not only psychological combat but also physical combat and manipulation strategies. His weapon that he carries is forged with blood infused into its blade, an ax of souls if you could presume. It carries a celestial grade rank, making the risk of fatal injuries high if in close quarters combat. It's best recommended to keep a fair distance from his weapon. I also picked up a synthesis pulse from the energy surrounding him, which means he's a celestial embodiment like you two, and Cleo whom I observed in the ravine."

"Tisk!" Grian hissed through clenched teeth. "That's really unfortunate for us. Do you know what celestial symbol he represents from the information you were able to collect? It would allow us to better establish his rank or power based on his connection to his reputation." The golem could only shake its head from right to left. "I deeply apologize, I'm incapable to say. I doubt that even provided I had the ability to analyze him further I could not determine the correct answer for you." The golem answered regretfully. "It's fine." Grian said holding up his hand.

"You mentioned the celestial pillars before when we were with Scott if I can recall correctly. What were they again?" Scar asked chiming in. Grian looked to Scar. "The sun, the stars, the moon, Mars, Pluto, the Earth, and Mercury." Grian answered. "Okay, and who do we know to be the representative Pillars?"

The corners of Grian’s mouth twitched into a smile. "I see what you're saying that's really clever Scar. I represent the Sun, Scott represents the Stars, we have no pillar right now for the Moon, no pillar for Mars, Cleo represents Pluto, you Scar represents the Earth and Joel represents Mercury. So that only leaves Martyn being the Moon or Mars." Grian answered.

"Do the ancient texts describe in any known details of the Pillars?" Grian placed his hand on his chin mulling the history of the Pillars through his mind to recall if any specific details stuck out to him. "Well, the texts spoke of the pillar of the Moon being surrounded by crystal snow white wolves, the leader of their pack bares a Cresent moon around its neck. The text also described the moon as a pillar who could feel and bare onto others their emotions. Some even went as far to express that the intensity of the emotions they embody was enough to drive the old pillar insane. As for the Pillar that represented Mars, they were said to be driven by the desire to take action and control everything in their path. That they were in tune with energy around them. Mars's pillar often was said to turn the tides of war. Which is why I believe Martyn is our embodiment of Mars. That leaves just the pillar of the Moon empty. Now, that could mean that considering I've spent little time around, Skizz, Bigb and Etho that they aren't supposed to fill that spot." Grian exclaimed.

"No, it's none of them either." Scar confirmed. "How can you be so sure?" Grian pondered. "Despite popular belief, those guys weren't always evil. Your description of the Moon doesn't fit any of them. If I had to guess the Moon was never brought to this world. I can't be sure of the reasons, but I'm fairly certain of this theory." Grian nodded his lips still displayed a puzzled expression.

"If we don't have the pillar of the Moon present then this isn't the fated meeting of this generations Pillars, the texts spoke of a crystal being left behind from the original Pillars, through the texts could not provide much more then that. Out of all of us, if I had to take a guess Cleo's the oldest celestial out of us, as they described living many lives. I guess you'd be the second going based on your past life rather then current. Joel probably would be next given his knowledge on Watchers and the others we've allied with, then Scott or Martyn most likely next. I don't know that much aside from what I've observed. Both are extremely impulsive when it comes to combat. They're not afraid to fight. Though Scott seems to react differently when he's with Jimmy. He's calmer more reserved; gentler even. We can't be sure the extent of the Moon's pillar and their understanding of their role. As for me it seems I'm the youngest in relation to lifetime anyway, but not knowledge wise. Martyn being a celestial will complicate things. Can you provide any additional details regarding what his celestial level powers could be?" Grian asked his attention falling back upon the golem.

"That's unfortunately again above my capabilities of processing. Or rather, he does well to minimize the radius of his effected zone. You were the only one close enough to him during the interaction, and I however was in Scar's satchel. So even if I cannot provide the answers which you seek." The golem answered regretfully. Grian groaned as he ran his fingers through his golden-brown hair. "Sorry, Grian." Scar said softly. He looked back at Scar. "This isn't your fault Scar, you shouldn't be apologizing. It just means I've got to be a lot more observant when I fight the Hand. I'm thankful it'll be me fighting Martyn then you fighting him. Especially because you're still learning how to control your powers." Grian said leaning back. "Can you provide us with any other information in regard to Martyn?" Scar asked turning his attention back to the secret keeper. The golem shook its head. "He's quite the wild card. I have a feeling he knows more then what he's letting on in the moment. However, I cannot provide evidence to my hypothesis."

Grian nodded. "I've got just as much suspicion as you do, it's odd that you brought it up actually. I can't place my finger on it but theirs something in my subconscious that's telling me I'm forgetting something important about him, or even that I knew him once. But then I must stop and remind myself that I never knew him. Yet I continue to get this feeling every time I get close to him, hard to say if he gets the same feeling around me?"

Scar pulled his winged ears back from his eyes. As he looked to Grian. "How long has those thoughts been happening, Grian?" Grian noticed his eyes were uncovered. "Since I first met him when he came with the declaration of war if you didn't surrender yourself to the red army. When I've used my eyes on him twice that feeling gets even more potent. If I could get him alone maybe I could put the thoughts to rest but it's too great of risk. We're not allies, nor do we see eye to eye. Yet I want to understand why I feel such an intense thought." He answered back. Scar crossed what was left of the room to stand next to Grian. "You shouldn't ignore the feeling you have, you are really in tune with these kinds of things and definitely know best."

"Apologies, if I may continue with my other risk assessment?" The golem softly interjected. The pairs attention fell back to the Golem. "Proceed." Scar nodded.

"The Red King, leader of the Red Army. Ren, rough age around 34-42 years old. Species, Shapeshifter wolf demi human. Power manipulation: blood arts control level: advanced understanding. Threat assessment: high. Combat skill: advanced understanding in both forms. Engagement head on is not recommended."

Scar looked too Grain, who's winged ear was twitching. If that was his reaction, most likely Grian was considering taking him off dealing with Ren as well. "I'll be fine, Grian you're letting your mind catastrophize things." Grian's head snapped to look at him. "Can you blame me, Scar? You're still getting the hang of your powers, you surprised me in our fight, that's all you did, you didn't kill me! There was no bloodlust behind your strike!" He watched Grian wince at the tone in which those words left his mouth. His shoulders dropped as he looked away. "That came out wrong...I didn't...I don't...I'm just afraid to lose you in this fight. That fear is paralyzing. If you're meant to really die, I'll be the one to decide when and how. They don't deserve the right to that. Those disgusting humans don't get to play the role of God. They are not gods, they're mortals. Their fragile! If I really wanted to, I don't even need this alliance. I'd fly into Dogworts and slaughter every one of them! It's so tempting." Grian pulled his fingers into clenched fists in his lap. His shoulders shook. He drew back his winged ears reveling his amethyst purple eyes and looked to Scar. "I'm angry, Scar angry that they'd hurt this world. It was so rich in resources, rich with food, bathed in the suns embrace...but it's suffering. You were suffering before I arrived. Because of what they did! What all of them did. What you strived not to do and was ignored." He reached for his cheek and gently caressed it. He knelt to meet Grian’s eye level. "None of that actually matters to you, does it? What's really bothering you is the destructive thoughts, the thought of the blood you want to spill. The thoughts that make you a Watcher and not human. I understand better then anyone about how those thoughts can be scary; I won't blame you if you needed to act upon those thoughts. You're trying to face this from a human perspective. You are still a Watcher first and foremost. They're the enemy. But I firmly believe you also want to see the good in them but you’re struggling to do so. That's okay. You don't have to jump to conclusions, nor do you have to act unpredictability." Scar said looking into Grian’s eyes. Grian lowered his gaze. "I want them dead; I want to keep you safe." Grian's eyes shook for a moment. He reached his hand up to clutch his head. Scar knew that look. He remembered that look. He was having a vision. So, this is how his eyes truly looked when they were open. "Grian?" Scar asked softly shaking him. "Huh?" Grian asked blinking his eyes in confusion. "What'd you, see?" Scar asked him. Grian hesitated his response. "Blood-soaked flowers. But not like the ones I brought too you. I think, they were the sunflowers you told me about. You told me they don't grow here?" Scar felt his body shutter, as if he'd been frozen in time. Blood-soaked sunflowers. What was the significance in that? What was important of that vision? Was it a warning? It had to be surely. But why did Grian see it? Sunflowers weren't a significant symbol to him, but they were to him. Was it a precursor to the coming war? He still had one other outfit that he had brought with him from his world. An outfit that mimicked the Robes Grian wore when he arrived. He swore he wouldn't put them on again, especially not knowing they were the clothes he had when he reincarnated as a human. The black and purple shawl that sat across his neckline bore sunflowers on it. His white shirt had always shaped his body well. His black pants and boots finishing the look. He could picture it clearly in his mind. Standing among the sunflower fields.

"Scar?"

He shook his head the thoughts falling away from his mind. His attention fell back on Grain who looked concerned. "Apologies, your vision had my mind wondering down a rabbit hole of thoughts." Scar muttered as he apologized. "Did it connect anything for you? A meaning perhaps?" Grian asked hopeful for an answer. He thought about the recalled memory. How did this vision connect with his world, why did that outfit come to mind after all these years here? All these years after abandoning it for the outfit Grian wore now in his place? Why was there blood? "I couldn't tell you. The only connection I have to sunflowers is back home. We were all peaceful beings. No blood was ever shed that was not given without blessings first. So, I can't tell you why you had the vision, nor can I be confident in its significance." Scar answered.

A wave of tiredness washed over him. He stumbled away bit and Grian caught him. "Scar!" He yelped. Scar struggled to keep his eyes open let alone focused. He yawned hard. "S-sorry Grian, I think my aura just hit it's max." Scar said groggily. "I'd say, you just scared the crap out of me, I thought you were dying, considering your aura just basically almost vanished all of a sudden!" He said sighing with relief. Grian place his arm around his neck and supported him with his other. "Come on secret keeper, we're going to head to sleep for the night, I'd like you to run a few more diagnostic tests on Scar overnight. I don't like the fact of what just happened. If it happens in the middle of a fight, he'll get injured or worse killed." Grian said guiding Scar to another part of the damaged remains of the Sandlands castle. "I can run tests while I reconstruct the castle, however the testing you're asking for will take some time to provide a concrete answer." The golem said walking behind them. "That's fine, I have no issues waiting for the results." Grian said as they arrived where Scar had found the withered remains of some blankets. Grian softly guided Scar’s exhausted body to the floor.

Scar watched him getting the blankets set up fazing in and out of conciseness. He was struggling to keep his head upright. Grain came back over and picked him up bridle style and carried him the short distance to lay him down on the makeshift bed. Scar groaned shaking his head. The nausea like before started to rear itself like before. "Ugh." Grian laid down next to him and draped his right wing over Scar's body as if it were a blanket. Scar weakly turned his head. "You don't deal with this issue, when can I resolve mine?" Scar weakly asked. "I'm sure it will correct itself in time. But I'll know more after the tests tonight, after all this'll be the first full day as a Watcher in a long time for you. Get some rest, you'll feel better in the morning." Grian spoke with a soft smile.

"Good night, Birdie, I love you." Scar said softly.

"Good night, my love." Grian said as he moved closer to Scar.

As Scar drifted off to sleep. This felt right. Being with him felt right. Felt normalized. To hear those words from Grian’s lips. That made life worth living. He brought his hands to his chest. His love, that meant everything to him. Nothing was about to ruin this for him. Or at least...that's what he thought....

Chapter Text

TW: Panic Attacks, Violent Actions, Dramatic Visualization of Gore, Mild body Horror, Blood, Derealization, Dissociating

Please head the warnings:

Enjoy:

Scar's eyes fluttered open he looked up at the blue sky, clouds softly passing by on the light breeze that swayed around him. He sat up and took in his surroundings. Yellow sunflowers filled the field he laid in. Was he home? But how? The last thing he recalled was Grian telling him goodnight. He looked behind him, no black and crimson wings, he touched his head, no winged ears. He then touched his ears, they were pointed. 'I'm not a Watcher? But that doesn't make any sense.' He looked at what he wore. He wore his original outfit that he once wore when he arrived in his world. 'Why am I wearing this? Why am I even here? I must be dreaming, right? I'll just pinch myself, and I'll wake up next to Grian.' He pinched himself hard. "Ow!" He hissed wincing. The world around him didn't disappear. He didn't wake up. He could feel his heart pounding against his chest. He couldn't wake up. He closed his eyes. "I'm asleep, I'm asleep. I know that's not wrong! I can't wake myself up, could I be... dreamwalking? I don't even know the first thing about it?! I know I couldn't wake Grian when he falls into them, meaning Grian can't get me out of this state! How do you wake up once you're in the dream?! Not necessarily a dream...Grian said that Watchers' souls leave their bodies when they dreamwalk. But he's always returned to the celestial plane, a realm I can't go to, so it brought me home? Why now? What am I missing here?" He growled, hitting his head with his fist.

A chilling feeling washed over him, and the once beautiful blue sky was plunged into crimson. His head turned to the sky, and his eyes shook as he saw the sun turning crimson, turning black. He slowly turned his head to face behind him. He stumbled backwards, recoiling from the horrific scene before him. Bodies of the people he'd come to know were scattered all over the once tranquil and peaceful field of sunflowers. Blood soaked the ground and was splattered over the flowers. The bodies around him were missing limbs, endured deep lacerations, and bones that had breached their skin. Scar felt warm liquid touch his hands. He had fallen into a pool of blood. He let out a terrified scream; he did his best to draw away when he realized the body that lay next to him. "GRIAN!" He cried as he hurried to his side. He shook him violently. "Grain, wake up! Please wake up!" Scar pleaded shaking his limp body vigorously. Grian was missing his right arm, and his stomach was split open. His intestines had fallen out of the wound. His wings had been ripped to shreds, and his left eye was cut out of its socket. Scar was horrified by the traumatic scene. He pulled away and vomited. His stomach churned violently the images of the violent display of corpses that surrounded him. His body shook, his heartbeat in his ears. His chest was so tight that it was suffocating him. This was horrific. What was this? What could have done this?! This wasn't death, Whatever or whoever did this was on a rampage to torture their victims. Each one had suffered before they died. His breath shook, and he struggled to breathe to gain back control of himself.

"Scar?" Came a familiar voice.

Scar turned to see Grian standing in the middle of the corpses. His purple and black feathers reflect the crimson light of the sun. He wore his robes rather than his red sweater. He didn't care he was here to help him. He didn't care how he just wanted to escape this hellish place! He shook as he stood. He crossed the blood-soaked field, his hands and clothes were soaked with crimson blood. "G-Grian, thank goodness you're here, I saw your dead body, I knew you couldn't be dead, you're here, I don't like this, I don't want to dreamwalk ever again! I would like to wake up now." Scar cried as he approached Grian tears falling endlessly down his red cheeks. He held out his arms to Scar, and he gave him a sweet smile. He took his hands, and he was pulled into Grian’s embrace. Unbeknownst to Scar, the Grian's smile turned demonic.

Scar winced as he felt a dark energy race through his body. He tried to pull away from Grian’s grasp. "What are you doing to me? You're not him! Who are...you?" Scar's vision clouded over, and the world went dark.

Grian shifted as he felt Scar shaking. He opened his eyes and lifted his wing slightly. Scar was thrashing in his sleep. He sat up now and tried to shake him awake. "Scar, wake up. You're having a nightmare." Scar didn't wake, and the thrashing was getting worse. Grian watched his chest carefully. He breathed every three minutes. He was dreamwalking. This wasn't good. "Scar! You must get up!" Grian shouted, trying to shake him harder. He gritted his fangs. What was he doing? Of course, that wouldn't work. His soul wasn't in his body. It was elsewhere. Black veins started to grow under Scar’s skin. His breath shook. Where had he seen this before? He remembered reading about it. Black veins when Watchers dreamwalked. "NO!" Grian shouted as the memory came to him. This was a Destroyer's work. They had pulled him into a dreamwalking state. They were trying to take control of him! This was only exasperated by him already being a Destroyer, but his aura was depleted as well, making him even more susceptible! He looked over Scar’s body, trying to find the reversed watcher's crest. He found it behind Scar’s left ear. He went to start the incantation to remove the mark when Scar sat up and tackled him, pinning him to the floor, his hands wrapped tightly around Grian’s throat.

Grian clawed at Scar’s hands, trying to forcibly remove them from his throat. Scar’s body was firmly pinning him. His strength wasn't the same as Scar's normal strength, meaning his body was fully overcome, if he didn't remove the mark and quickly there was a chance he couldn't wake Scar from their control. He struggled to breathe from the tightness of his grip. 'Slow your breathing, only breath when you have too, if I don’t, he will-' Grian winced as he felt a dark malicious energy enter into his body. He gritted his fangs. "You don't...have permission to enter, my body!" Grian snarled, clawing the ground. The amethyst pendent around his neck glowed a bright purple. Scar’s body recoiled, allowing Grian to breathe. The dark energy remained. His breaths shook his destructive thoughts swirled around his mind like wolves stocking their prey. He gripped his head. "Holy is the light, oh light exile the dark, free thy soul, thy body, thy mind from the dark of the fallen." Grian recited, holding his neck where Scar had grabbed him. His hand glue white and he felt the dark energy leave his body. He let his body relax. If he wasn't wearing the pendant, it could have been a lot worse, the destroyer in control of Scar’s body wasn't an amateur. They were one of the stronger ones. Meaning when they defected, they held a high ranked role, considering their strength and the level of manipulation understanding they may be a Soul keeper. Which meant that their level of control was catered to manipulation then physical combat. That meant he could effectively win this fight.

"Why would a Destroyer come here? Not to mention how you're strong enough to force your soul into his body! I'll give you one warning! LEAVE HIS BODY IMMEDIATELY OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS!" Grian challenged. Scar's face twisted up into a demonic grin, the look was unsettling, especially expressed on Scar’s face, it was sickening…unnatural. There was no kindness to his expression, just that of bloodlust. He didn't even look like that when he lost control over his aura before. This was not Scar, this was a monster using his lover as a skin suit.

"It's an honor to be in the presence at long last, God of the Sun, we've been watching you for a long time, we have wished to interact with you for some time, but have been unable to meet you in person, it seems that the Earth has provided us with an opportunity. It's a shame that you're not willing to become apart of us." said a demonic voice from Scar’s mouth. It sent chills through Grian’s entire body. "If you think I'll join the fallen you're sorely mistaken, I despise your kind!" Grian challenged. They chuckled before they disappeared. Grian listened for them to reappear. Like when Scar had coated his aura in their fight, he couldn't sense it at all. He tried to keep himself calm. 'So, it wasn't just that time, Scar’s able to completely mask entirely. Like his soul can completely vanish from existence. He was a lead researcher, but even so, he shouldn't possess an ability like that, even I can't accomplish that!'

"Hi Birdie." Purred Scar's voice in his ear as he felt Scar’s arms wrap around his chest. "You're safe with me, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm sorry, I'm okay now." The touch was gentle, calming. Grain wanted to believe it was him, that he was able to fight this off on his own. A part of him even thought that this was really him. "Scar, is it really you?" Grian asked his voice quivered as the question left his lips. "Of course it's me, I fought off the Destroyer, I'm me." Scar said as his hand slowly caressed up Grian’s chest to his cheek. "Then prove it, prove to me that you really are him!" Grian demanded. "When we meet in the forest, it was the first time you'd met a human, I had offended you by saying you were human, I apologized and asked you your name, you couldn't provide me one and so I called you Grian." Scar said softly.

Grian's eyes shook behind his winged ears. 'They have his memories as well...they know about us. They know I love him. They're using him to get to me! It's working. I really believe it's him. He sounds like himself, his touch feels familiar, even his presence now feels like his. I want to trust him, but they are not him! Make them think I'm dumb play along, I must remove the crest behind his ear!'

"Scar, thank goodness you're back to normal. I was worried you weren't going to be able to wake up." Grian sighed as he lent back into Scar's chest. "Did you really think I'd be that easy-to-get control of? You think so little of me." Scar teased as he looked down at Grian's face. He didn't have the black veins under his skin. Was he back to normal? Now he wasn't so sure. "How do you feel, Scar?" Grian asked. "Honestly, kind of confused. I didn't really like the whole feeling malicious thing. Ugh," he felt Scar's body shutter. "I'm happy to be back to myself."

'He's himself, he's not under their control anymore. He fought it on his own, what a relief.' Grian thought. He turned to face Scar who wore a soft smile, his expression was soft, back to its caring nature. He slowly put his arms around Scar’s neck; Scar wrapped his arms around Grian’s waist. He stood on his toes and leaned in towards Scar’s face. Scar following his action. Grain moved his hand to behind Scar’s left ear. "Holy is the light, oh light exile the dark, free thy soul, thy body, thy mind from the dark of the fallen." Grian recited. Scar screamed out in pain clawing at the decaying sigil. His fangs bearing a snarl. His body fell to his knees before falling forward, he laid still on the floor. Grain dropped to his knees next to him. "Please let that have worked, please let him wake up, tell me I wasn't too late." Grian cried as he held Scar’s limp body close to his chest.

Scar's body shifted, his eyes slowly falling open behind his black and crimson winged ears. His vision swaying, it settled on Grian. He screamed and pushed Grian away from himself. "STAY AWAY! DON'T COME NEAR ME! WHAT ARE YOU!?" Scar snapped as he curled up into a ball shaking violently. "Scar, it’s me. It's Grian." Grian answered attempting to reach out to touch him. Scar drew his Fang pointing it directly at Grian's chest. "Scar, please." Grian pleaded. "You're not Grian! You're trying to lie to me! I'm not falling for your games! I will kill you if you come any closer!" Scar growled his hand shook as he kept Grian at a distance. Grain sat back and raised his hands. "I can prove I'm the real Grian, and not the monster you saw in that world." Grian said. "How?" Scar challenged his voice shaking as he replied. "I'm going to pull down my sleeve, can I do that for you?" Grian softly asked looking for his approval. Scar slowly nodded. Grain slowly reached for his right arm and drew back his red sleeve, revealing the reddish-brown color sigil with one symbol in the shape of a sun and the other side the shape of Pluto. "Cleo placed this sigil on my forearm when we joined the alliance together. A sigil cannot be replicated and can only exist on the assigned pact holder. I'm me, Scar. You're awake, your safe now." Grian exclaimed.

Scar dropped his sword. His shoulders shook his lips quivering. Tears slipped down his cheeks behind his black and crimson winged ears. "Grian, you're you, your alive!" Scar said as he brought his shaking hands to cover his mouth. Grain hugged him gently and didn't let him go. "I never want to experience that hell again! All of you, everyone of the people here, you. The sunflowers, the blood, your bodies...they were all- you were- Grian if I dreamwalked why was the scene I saw so, incredibly horrific, why did I think that- that thing- I trusted it! And so quickly! I let that thing into me! I was swallowed by the darkness. I couldn't think, couldn't move, couldn't call for help. I was floating in nothingness. Numb dare I say so. I never want to feel that ever again!" Scar sobbed as Grian held his shaking body.

"I'm sorry for letting this happen to you, I should have taken more steps to avoid this, I thought that you couldn't dreamwalk as a result of having been human for so long. I see I was wrong to assume that. You're a Destroyer. You unfortunately are more susceptible to being manipulated then a Watcher who's not fallen. Your aura was also incredibly low, making it much easier to take control. I should have done more; this is all my fault." Grian sadly explained. There he went again, blaming himself for all of this. "Grian, it's not-" Scar was about to deny him about placing all the blame on himself. "Scar, this one is on me! I didn't protect you! They could have taken you from me! I put you in unnecessary danger! I'll take full responsibility of that!" Grian said pulling away to look him in the face. He then took his hands and wiped away Scar's tears. He reached into his pocket and took out Scar's amethyst pendent. "I should have put this back on before we went to sleep. Because it has a piece of my soul inside it, my light should prevent the darkness the Destroyers bare from latching to you." Grian said placing it over Scar's head and letting it gently rest against his neck. Scar touched the amethyst. It felt warm, felt like his powers were coursing though his body. At first when he wore the pendent it only regulated his aura that was coming back to him. Now it felt different, it felt like Grian’s light surrounded him. "Did you want to try and go back to sleep?" Grian asked him. Scar shook his head. "Not really, at least not yet anyway. Do you mind if you help me with my landing strategy?" Scar answered. Grian nodded. "Sure, nothing beats a midnight flying session." The pair got up and headed outside to the desert to work on Scar's flying practice.

Martyn tossed and turned in his bed.

His eyes slowly opened, and he found himself in the middle of the water standing on a small island. The waves slowly crashed against the rocks. The sky was lit up with stars. This world felt familiar to him. This was what he once called home. He approached the water and knelt to run his hand through it. As he touched it the water turned crimson. He recoiled away from it as blood dripped down his hand instead of water.

"Hand?"

Martyn turned and saw Ren's body littered in fatal wounds, his body was dripping large amounts of blood, his head was almost fully severed from his neck, his torso had a huge chunk blown into it, and he had multiple arrows sticking out of his skull. Martyn's eyes shook. "My, lord! My king, who's done this to you!" Martyn asked rushing to his aid. He gently guided Ren to the ground resting his kings head in his lap. "Our enemies." Ren wheezed. "I'll heal you, my lord. Please just hang on for a little longer!" Martyn pleaded. He begun singing softly, in an attempt to heal Ren's fatal wounds. Ren weakly touched his face.

"Don't, my faithful hand. Even you know your beautiful voice isn't enough to heal these wounds. This is my end, my fate. I want you to live, I want you to tell our story. I'm sure, we'll meet again in our next life, and I hope that you will be as happy to see me then as you are now. I love you very much Martyn, until we meet again." Ren's hand dropped away from Martyn's face. "N-no, my-my liege, y-you can't...you can't die yet! Not when we were so close! Your world wasn't complete yet! The world you promised me! I don't want to live in that world alone! Please Ren! Wake up!" Martyn cried shaking Ren's lifeless body.

Tears filled Martyn's aqua blue eyes. He held Ren close. Anger burned his skin like hot coals; his head turned to the sky. "BURN TO ASH! BURN YOUR DAMN SOULS TO ASHES WATCHER SCUM!" The cry of vengeance echoed throughout the world and the stone beneath him cracked. His eyes held fury unlike anything he had felt before. He hungered for Grian’s soul, to break it in half! To plunge him into despair just as he'd done to him. He laid Ren's body down gently, holding him now when this fury seared his skin, he feared he would burn away his Kings very body. He reached to close Ren's crystal white eyes. He slowly stood. His hands so tightly clutched that he drew blood from them. He felt a foreboding presence behind him. He turned to strike it. Grian grabbed his fist in his bare hand. He grinned. "Whoops, guess Scar succeed, isn't a shame you were too weak to save your beloved king?" Grian said taunting Martyn. "You don't get the right to mock me! You're the weak one! You signed away your life to a man with half a brain who preaches peace! Balance is only achieved when a battle is won! Your sense of justice has been flawed since you got here! YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO LIVE THAT DAY! YOU WERE MEANT TO DIE! BUT THAT DAMN FOOL LET YOU LIVE! WE LOST YOU! YOU LIVED AND WHEN WE FINALLY FOUND YOU AGAIN, WE KILLED YOU! YOU STILL LIVED! YOU BECAME WHAT WE DESPISE! YOU BECAME THIS! YOU WANT TO LOVE A FALLEN SO BADLY! YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE OF BETRAYING YOUR PEOPLE! JUST LIKE US! THEN LIVE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS! WE'LL BE SURE TO MAKE YOU FALL!" Martyn snarled as he grabbed Grian’s throat and slammed him into the stone. His body was embedded into it. Martyn looked to the amethyst around his next. "I see, this why I couldn't control you before," he smiled and ripped the pendant off his neck. He grinned darkly. "I'm done playing your silly games, God of the sun! I'm going to do this my way, it doesn't matter if you're part of the Sandlands, Dogworts, The Crastle or with Joel! No more niceties you vowed upon us a war WE'LL FINISH IT! FALL INTO THE PIT WITH US!" He watched Grian’s Purple wings turn crimson. He disappeared. Martyn looked around in bewilderment. Where did he go? The world around him became a black forest. The sky above him crimson. A raven circled above his head. He touched his head. What happened? What was those feelings? Why did he say those things? The raven soared into a tree and it became a being with long black hair, they wore a black and crimson dress, their wings were black and crimson. They had a similar appearance to Grian. "Who are you?" Martyn challenged.

The figure smiled darkly. "Welcome, God of Mars."

The voice matched the voice who spoke in his head. "You're the voice in my head." The being laughed lightly. "We are. Did you find our display, adequate?" Martyn cut his eyes at them. "You're the one who orchestrated my king’s death?!" He snarled his fury flaring up once more. "We did, yes."

He raced across the forest floor to strike the Watcher like figure who sat within the tree before him. Every time he got close it felt as if he was getting further away from them, but they never left their spot before him. "Why can't I?" He questioned. "We are the forest; we are everything and more. You're anger with us is misplaced, God of Mars. We have told you we are not your enemy. We've proven this in the knowledge we've granted you. We have gone through great lengths to bring you here. We now bare the answers you sought. You wished to understand the lengths in which the Sun would sacrifice for the Earth yes? Is this still an answer you wish to know?" They asked him. Martyn let his body relax although the fury still swelled through every inch of his very being, his very soul. "Yes, I want to know." Martyn confirmed.

The Watcher before him nodded. "The Sun was won over by the Earth's kind and caring nature. The Sun's pact with the Earth was a vow to keep him alive until Doomsday comes. The Sun is in love with the Erath; they're in a relationship so it would seem. The Sun bares a weakness; his human emotions seem to have blinded him from his mission. We are sure that you can provide us with a similar preference as you displayed in the display, we gave you. Be warned, the Sun bares amethyst pendent blessed in holy flame. If he bares it around his neck, he will be unable to be affected by mental manipulation. We require you to use your voice to put the Sun to sleep, we will handle the rest from there."

Martyn looked down his eyes swayed from left to right several times. Grian only agreed to a pact with Scar because he fell in love with him. Scar had Grian, a Watcher, the God of the Sun, wrapped around his finger because he fell in love with a human. "Watchers were never meant to interfere with humans, so why do you wish to interfere to help me, won't you get into trouble?"

The being jumped down from the tree they sat upon and crossed the blackened grass. They arrived before him. "We do not fear, the repercussions of our actions. We desire, greater heights then those who believe in a God who dictates a long-retired sense of life. Humans are forbidden creatures who were placed upon a world they should have never touched. You, however, aren't a mistake, you are our salvation! When you were made you were made broken." They touched his face. He winced as he felt pain surge through his cheek. He hesitated before touching it. His skin felt cracked open. "What did you just do to me?!" He demanded. The Watcher touched the ground, and a pool of water appeared below him. He knelt to look at his reflection. Purple cracks covered his cheek. His eyes shook as he ran his hand over every crack. "I-I don't understand." He said turning to look at the Watcher again. "You're not just a siren, God of Mars, you're a descendent of a long-forgotten race of beings. You're a listener. Listeners have always heard our voices, but none of them could do what you can. You are our salvation. You will put an end to the Sun." Martyn looked back to the pool of water. "I won't fail you, not like the others did. I will see to it that Grian falls." Martyn swore.

His eyes fluttered open, and he stared up to the wooden ceiling of his bedroom. He sat up and touched his cheek. It was smooth skin. He breathed out for the first time since he'd awoken. He turned to slide out of bed. He slipped on his boots and threw his red trench coat on over his arms. His mind stirred wildly with the dream he had. The information he received. He had a destination in mind. He stopped in front of a wooden door. He took a breath before knocking. He heard shifting before footsteps approaching the door. "Who's up at this hour?" The individual said yawning opening the door. "Sorry to wake you, my liege." Martyn apologized. Ren's crystal white eyes settled on Martyn. "Hand? What are you doing up at this early hour?" Ren asked in surprise. "Mind if I come in for a bit?" He asked. Ren stepped to the side and let Martyn in. He closed the door and walked to a nearby wall and picked up a flint and steel and struck it a few times to light a torch to illustrate the room. He laid it back on the table. Martyn sat down on the edge of Ren's bed. Ren joined him. "You look like you haven't slept? Is everything alright?" Ren asked as he sat down. Martyn shrugged. "I guess not." He wanted to tell him the truth, that he saw him die before his eyes. "I guess I'm just mauling about the different directions this war could go. We weren't anticipating Scar to gain powerful allies. We grossly underestimated his abilities. He's a Watcher like Grian. Are we truly sure, we could get the upper hand in this war? I have my doubts, and I'm concerned for your safety. We can't just ignore the present signs. Grian’s probably teaching Scar to fight in that new body of his. We can't trust that he won't be as deadly as Grian is." He said voicing his concerns.

Ren rested his hand on Martyn's shoulder. "You're not normally this shaken about anything, you're always the one who'd run into any battle. Why is this one different?" Martyn frowned. "I-I don't," he lowered his head and leaned forward and rested his head on his clenched hands. "It's Grian, that I can't get out of my head. Everything about him, everything his sense of justice stands for. His Watcher heritage. Everything in me is telling me he's a threat! And yet, he also is driving me to want to learn more, more about him, more about myself. His entire being is leading me to compulsively think about him. I must kill him; I want to see him fall! If Watchers really are Godlike beings, as what I learned from Joel during our encounter with him, then by the gods above, if I overcome him, I will really be a God of War."

"You're referring to your symbol again, are you?" Ren couldn't help to chuckle. Martyn joined his laugh and elbowed him in his ribs. "You always laugh whenever I mention it? I seriously don't get what's funny about it?" He said composing himself. "Because it makes you sound crazy, just as it sounded crazy when you said Joel knew that Grian's supposably the Sun, Scar the Earth, Scott the Stars and himself Mercury. It's hard for me to entirely understand." Ren answered. Martyn rolled his eyes before smirking. "Of course you wouldn't understand it, you don't bare a celestial embodiment. As a pillar I'll eventually play a bigger role within a larger part of our world, that would also include the other pillars, that includes Grian and Scar. Though unfortunately there's no real blueprint regarding the path we must obey. So, I suppose we could theoretically kill one another. Then there's the matter of how long it would take for a new pillar to be reborn again." He leaned back on his hands and turned his head to the ceiling. Ren let out a sigh before shrugging his shoulders. "That's way above my expertise I fear." His smile dropped and the atmosphere became serious again. "About your concerns, I too am troubled by the events that have come to light. Scott keeping tabs on us this whole time, Joel, and the Crastle alliance joining with those filthy desert hippies. All this, and Scar’s suddenly the top of the food chain, the leader of a resistance against us. He rubs me the wrong way, everything he represents, his challenge to stand against authority. If he was part of my pack, he would have had his throat ripped out!" Ren snapped biting his fangs together pulling his hand into a fist as if visualizing the action of ripping Scar apart. "You see Scar, the same way I see Grian, glad to know I'm not alone in the thought process. We'll win this war, Ren. I promise you that. I've got a pretty confident strategy on how to take Grian out of the fight early on." Martyn confirmed turning to face Ren now taking his hands into his own. Ren's eyebrow raised in intriguement. "Oh?" Ren leaned towards him. "What's your idea? Do share." Martyn smirked. "I won't go into the specifics but what if I told you; that by affecting Grian, that every other alliance member would fall to their knees?"

"You're pulling my leg; there's no way that'll happen." Ren said pulling away shaking his head. His brown ears folding down. "I'm serious, you think Sacr's got the capacity to felicitate or rally the troops, it's Grian they've bet on. Grian's the Sun, consider this why don't you? What does the Sun provide?" Martyn asked compelling his king to think about the plan more. "It provides life." He replied. "What would happen to the world if that light it provides...get snuffed out sort of speak?" Martyn said. Ren's ears shot straight up, and his tail wagged back and forth as his face lit up. "The life in this world would die!" He took Martyn's hands into his again. "You're saying if Grian where to be taken out of the picture, the others following him would lose their will to fight."

'Not exactly, like that, rather when Grian falls every other pillar would in some way be impacted.' Martyn thought. He went to tell him but winced gripping his eye that bore the Watcher crest. It burned. "Martyn!" Ren asked to bring him close. 'You mustn’t let your feelings for him cloud your judgment God of Mars. We demand you cease your interaction there.' Hissed the demonic voice in his ear. 'Why can't I tell him?' He growled. 'To tell him, is to lead to his death, we know this isn't something you wish to see, or are we mistaken?' They responded. He closed his other eye. 'It's not.' He answered. He opened his eyes his sigil releasing its grip on him. "Martyn, what was that? What just happened? Are you alright?" Ren asked placing his hand on Martyn's cheek. There was fear behind Ren's crystal white eyes, and his voice quaked as he spoke. Martyn slowly brought his hand to meet Ren's. He pressed his cheek into Ren's hand. "I'm okay, Ren. I just suddenly got a headache is all. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my leave and get a glass of water." Martyn said. Ren nodded. "Sure, that's fine." Martyn stood up from the edge of the bed and started making his way to the door. He felt his wrist get grabbed. He turned his head back. Ren's eyes settled on his aqua blue. "You'd tell me the truth if something was wrong, if you're in trouble I can help you, Martyn." Ren spoke seriously. Martyn didn't flinch. "Of course I would tell you, my gracious King. I no not who I could find more solace in then thee. I'm fine, Ren. My powers are just getting stronger, that's all. I'm just feeling a small effect from that. I'm going to be fine. I'm continuing to hone my skills as they develop. It's just a part of being the embodiment of Mars. I appreciate your concern for me. It's why I love being with you. You help to control the voices in my head." Martyn said truthfully. Ren let go of his wrist. "Good night, Hand." Martyn nodded softly smiling. "Good night, my King." Martyn turned the door handle and opened the door. His body crossed over the doors threshold and closed the door behind him. He released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding and slid down the door and brought his knees to his chest. His body shook. He just lied to his king. He would never ever lie to him. But he did. He couldn't tell him about his pact with the watcher who was helping him. Couldn't tell him that the voices weren't just his voice talking to him any longer. He buried his head into his curled-up legs. He could tell him anything about what he was meant to do. It scared him. He was going to act beyond his Kings orders. He had to listen to the voices, to disobey meant- he felt tears drip down his cheeks. He was crying. He was scared. He didn't like this. Why had he taken their deal? Why did he care so damn much about sending Grian to the pits of Hell? Every time he met him since he arrived here, deep in his mind there was this insatiable hatred for him and his kind. But why!? He knew nothing before making the pact with the watcher in the lake. Yet that hatred cycled long before then. 'I've met Grian before, somewhere but where? Why do I hate him so much?' He gripped his head. 'You've lived past lives, many of them. All of them ended the same way. The Watcher’s have always seen you as a threat. You have been exiled for as long as humans have walked the planet. You always hear us; you have always hated him! He was once your friend; however, he didn't go by the name he goes by now.' The voice whispered. He raised his head. 'My friend? Why would I be friends with him? Another name? I don't understand. Past lives? Humans die; they can't come back to life. Souls die. You're telling me...I've reincarnated hundreds if not thousands of times!?' He gasped. 'Does the name Xelqua sound familiar to you?' The voice purred.

Martyn found himself in a forest and he stood across from a young man with pointed ears like Scar’s, he wore a green tunic and wore white-tan pants. He wore brown shoes and had a green hat atop of his blonde-gold hair. Who was he?

"Who, are you?" Martyn asked in a single breath. The man's ears twitched. "Me?" The mysterious man answered pointing at himself. He then smiled wide. "My name's Xelqua, pleasure to meet you, and you are?" The man answered before asking Martyn for his name. "It's, Martyn. Nice to meet you." He answered. Xelqua approached him and took his hands. "Let's be good friends from here on out! I'll even give you this as a token of our friendship. He slipped something into Martyn's hands before drawing away. "Anyway, I'll see you around!" He said before running off into the forest leaving Martyn alone in the woods. Martyn slowly opened his hands, and his eyes settled on a Dimond pendent in the shape of a heart. His eyes shook for a moment before raising his head.

He sat looking towards the cobble walls expecting to see the forest. 'What- what just?' He was confused. 'This is a memory from long, long ago. The first trial in fact. The evolutionists. A world God created to trial human civilization. The highest one oversaw your world; this world predated the truth behind this world. You were merely a cog in the beginnings of what would be the grand scheme. Xelqua bared a level of higher understanding, he saw the extent of the creation of the world and took the understanding of the Watchers existence to heart. He idolized them, you however, understood their powers and rightfully feared it. You confronted Xelqua about the ideologies he was so fond of. You both fought one another. You believing that the Watchers were a threat and he believing that they were an omnipotent and nurturing race. He's the one responsible for the cracks in your cheek. The reason you became a listener. The reason you have a hatred for him. He hurt you and left to join them, left you all alone.' The voice echoed around him.

Martyn brought his hand to his head. This was crazy. It didn't sound...real even though the memory was fragmented and fuzzy. "Xelqua." He let his name roll of his tongue. It felt familiar, it made him angry. He pushed to his feet and walked down the hallway of the Dogworts castle. He got to the doors to the outside Plaza. He opened them and the cool night air brushed against his face. He walked to the outer walls and climbed the ladder to the top. He now stood looking out over the world.

'You seem troubled?' The voice asked. He could feel their presence next to him, his eyes drifted only slightly enough to confirm if they stood next to him. They did not. "Of course I'm troubled, how is it possible Grian’s really Xelqua? He doesn't look anything like him. He doesn't even act like him?" Martyn snarled cutting his gaze out to the forest.

'We don't know the exact specifics, however what we do know is that we once held his soul in our hands. The soul was unique it wasn't mortal, and it wasn't Watcher. The highest one took the soul away from us rather quickly then we had time to analyze it. We now know through the Earth that the soul inhabited by the Sun is Xelqua's soul having received further modifications from God.'

"So, he's more then just a Watcher even? Is that what you're trying to tell me?" Martyn said lowering his head. He felt his head nod. "Then what actually is he? If he's not human, and not entirely Watcher?"

'We wish we could give you the answer, however they Earth nor the Sun could provide us the answer. It seems that the highest one is keeping this information from him, he is suspicious of you but knows not why.' The voice replied.

Martyn raised his head again. "You said you were given the opportunity to gain the knowledge through Scar? Does that mean you know where they are?" He felt his head nod again. 'We do, why do you wish to find them?' The voice questioned. "Do you think we can get Grian alone, away from Scar?" He asked again. 'There's a degree of risk in doing so. If he was to use his abilities he would find our crest in your eye. We won't be able to protect you if he finds it.' The voice warned. Martyn brought his hand to his right eye. "You're willing to trust me?" Martyn asked. ‘We're willing to go to great lengths God of Mars. Do you have a plan?’ The voice asked carefully. "If Grian receives a hard enough hit to his head, how effective would his pendent be to mental manipulation?" His lips drew back into a wicked grin. 'You intend to forcibly place the Sun into an unconscious state to allow you to remove his pendent.'

"If I do that, are you able to force us both into the same place, similar to how you just showed me the damaged memory?" Martyn asked. 'Yes, however your soul is harder to do this with then his.' The voice explained. "It's because I'm human right? My soul can't dream like his, then if that's the only issue I'm willing to grant you control over my body if that'll make things easier for you. I want the opportunity to speak with him on my own terms."

His grin widened. 'We can arrange for that to happen, you wish to challenge him. He doesn't remember his time as Xelqua.'

"That's fine. We'll force the memory to return to him. You can help me with that?" Martyn asked the voice. "We can." This time the demonic voice left his mouth. He it made him flinch. His eyes shook. "Right...that's really scary. Please try and not make a habit of that. Your voice leaving my mouth is highly unsettling. Let's get going, shall we?"
'We shall.' The voice answered.

Martyn climbed down the ladder and opened the door of the main entrance. 'They've returned to the desert.' The voice instructed leading him towards Grian.
He walked towards the Sandlands castle. His mind played the memory repeatedly. His anger fueled his motivation. 'You're sure about this?' The voice asked again. "Don't tell me you're having second thoughts about this? You want the Sun to suffer just as much as I do? If I do this right, he'll be left with unanswered questions. You say the highest one took his soul? That's like the leader of your kind, right?" His head nodded. "Then he'll have to approach them and challenge them with questions. It'll be the first step towards him truly defecting from their grip. He's already made lengths like falling in love with Scar. If we kill Scar before him, he'll be heart broken and his mind will fracture further, it'll open him up fully to our control." Martyn smiled as he revealed his plan to the Watcher. 'We knew we could trust in you.' The voice purred bring his hand up to touch his chin.

It didn't take him long to arrive. He approached slowly. Ensuring to keep himself hidden.

Grain stood on the cliff of the sandstone with his attention directed on the sky. "Okay Scar, remember you have to arch your wings to slow down your decent! Don't just close them." Grian instructed.

He watched as Scar circled overhead. Scar had landed a few times now, none of them were at all graceful. He was still coming in way too quickly every single time. Scar turned his body to come to land next to Grian. He watched Scar slowly arch his wings to slow down his decent. He flapped them slowly as he grew closer to the ground and let his feet come to rest softly on the sand. Grain threw his arms around Scar’s body pulling him into a hug. "THERE YOU GO! YOU DID IT!" Grian shouted congratulating him. "I had a good teacher." Scar chuckled.

Martyn looked between the two Watchers. "Scar's got Black and Crimson wings like you, while Grian’s are purple. Why exactly is that? You mentioned Scar was Fallen. Does that mean you're Fallen as well?" Martyn asked. 'We prefer to not be referred to in that way. We chose to remain pure. It is those who bare those purple feathers that choose to love humans as equals but understand that justice must be upheld if blood is shed. Humans after all are all flawed.'

"I'm human firstly, yet you're dependent on me to intact your vengeance as your vessel, perhaps your ideals are skewed?" Martyn told them.

Grian’s winged ear twitched. He turned his head to look out into the oak forest surrounding the desert. "Grian? Is something the matter?" Scar asked. "I don't know. Scar go back inside; I'll be right back. I'll just do a quick check of the area. I'm sure I'm just on edge imagining things." Grian instructed. "Sure, just...be careful. If you need me, call out for me. I'll come." Scar answered. Grian nodded before opening his wings and flying down towards the forest below. Scar turned and went back inside the remains of the sandstone castle.
Martyn noticed Grian’s attention falling onto the forest. He started heading into its deepest part. This was going to work.

Grian landed and walked into the oakwood forest. It was dark and mobs walked around in the woods. Grain coated himself in a small amount of aura, preventing the mods from approaching him. He walked through the woods. What had caught his attention? He hadn't been sure. He scanned the trees to find the source of his unsettled feeling just moments ago. He found himself come to a clearing within the confines of the woods. He stood in its center. Something didn’t feel right to him, he felt unsafe here, but there was nothing around that should have been giving him those feelings. "I know you're out there! Show yourself, coward!" Grian mocked taunting the force he couldn't see.

He felt something heavy hit his head. "Agh!" He screamed he stumbled before collapsing to his side. Blood pooled from the gash in his skull. His vision flickered his eyes unable to steady themselves. He held his head the wound wasn't healing fast. Why? What had struck him so hard? A figure came into view, but his vision was poor now, he could barely visualize his attacker. "Who- are you?" His voice shook as he spoke. The lull of unconsciousness begun to take hold. His eyes fluttered shut.

Martyn stood over Grian's body as it laid unconscious at his feet. He looked at his hand. The crimson glow was beginning to die away. "I actually really liked that feeling of power you just provided me. What was that?" He asked his adrenaline flowing through his veins. 'That was our specialty, it's a gauntlet made from aura. It is just one of the many known weapons we as pure ones possess. He possesses a Fang of Atonement. A holy weapon made from God's fangs. We had to learn to adapt within our skills if we wished to fight against them.' The voice purred.

Martyn bent down and removed Grian’s pendent from around his neck. He laid it on the ground next to Grian’s unconscious body. He touched the ground. He sung a few harmonies before walking to stand next to Grian's our side. "I've made this area cut off from reality for us. It will last as long as an hour without an additional harmony being added, it's the best I can offer you. Is that enough time for you or would two hours be better for you?" Martyn asked the watcher. "The time you've provided is plenty." His voice answered. It made him shutter again. "Right, okay...I'm ready to give you complete control over my body, but you will return my consciousness when our meeting is over." Martyn said setting his boundaries with the voice. 'As you wish, God of Mars. Do sleep well.' The voice soothed drawing his hand over his cheek. He sat down before laying his head back over the ground. He closed his eyes. His body suddenly felt like it was on fire, his eyes flashed open the purple haze taking over both his eyes he coughed violently holding his throat. He thrashed for a few moments. He didn't like this feeling. 'Stop...please! Make it-' his vision went black, and his eyes settled shut.

Grian groaned as he sat up, he looked around. The sun was shining down from a bright blue sky. He shielded his eyes and flinched when he saw a green sleeve rather then the red, he'd come to know. He looked down at his clothes. He wore a green tunic with white-tan pants, brown shoes. He turned and saw his wings were missing and so was his head wings. He wore a green hat on his head. When he touched his ears, they were pointed like Scar’s was. "What? What's going on here? What happened to me?" Grian gasped his eyes full of confusion. He pushed to his feet his hands wrapped around his shoulders. His memory was hazy. What happened? How'd he get here?

"Hello." Came a chilling voice. Grain whipped around and stumbled back when his eyes met aqua blue.

"M-Martyn?! What are you doing here? Where is here!?" Grian challenged trying to get answers.

He grinned as he circled Grian. "You seem startled, out of your element? You look afraid. Weak!" Grian snarled cutting his gaze. "Answer my question! Where are we! Why do you look, different?"
"You tell me, Xelqua?" Martyn answered. Grian flinched. "W-what did you just call me?" Grian's mind raced quickly. That name was familiar to him too, just like Grian. But why? 'Xelqua? How does he know that name? Why do I know that name?' He asked himself.

"OH? That wasn't quite the reaction I was expecting. So, the soul can't forget it's humble beginnings? Can it, Xelqua?" Martyn said stopping before him. "What are you talking about?! Humble beginnings? What the hell do you know that I don't! Who is Xelqua!? My name is Grian!" He snarled.

Martyn couldn't contain his hysterical laughter. It made Grian’s skin crawl, it sounded inhuman. "You say you can't remember, but your soul remembers me. You get an unsettling feeling when you're around me, right?" Grian narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about that? The only one who knows about that is Scar."
Martyn closed the gap between them and forced Grian’s body into the ground. Grain gasped as the force of his strike left him breathless. "Come now, you're not making this fun, so let's make it fun, shall we? I'm sure it'll all come rushing back to you."

His hand glue crimson. Grain struggled in his grip. His head pounded. "What are you doing! Stop!"

The world around him changed and he found himself standing in a cave with an obsidian portal in the center of the room it glue purple. "The gate?" Grian said in disbelief. He turned and saw the Watcher’s crest etched in the cobble walls. He touched the crest, before resting his forehead on the crest. "I'll be free soon." The words left his mouth without a second thought.

"Xelqua! We must talk!" Snapped a voice from behind him. Grian turned to look back at Martyn. "What do you want, Martyn?" He asked facing him fully. "You're scaring us, you’re scaring me! You've been acting different for weeks! You've isolated yourself! What even is this place? That symbol... why is it here! Don't tell me you're still thinking about them!" Martyn demanded shaking his head. "You're still on about that!? You all still believe the Watcher’s are an evil race! Why can't you all just understand them like I do!? They are kind and nurturing beings. They want what's best for all of us! Why can't any of you see that!" He shouted clenching his fists. "Xelqua, you're blinded by your infatuation with them, they're lying to you! They're dangerous! They wouldn't hesitate to kill us if we act out of turn! All of us know that! So why can't you just wake up and see that! Please, Xelqua! There's still time! Abandon these feelings you have! We're friends, so please trust me." Martyn said as he approached Grian, he took his wrist. "They told me you'd never understand!" He snapped pulling his hand away. "They? Those things spoke to you?! When did that happen?" Martyn challenged. "They came to me, in a dream. They told me I was special. They offered to allow me to join them, Martyn. I'm going to become a Watcher." Grian answered.

Martyn's eyes shook with anger. "JOIN THEM! ARE YOU INSANE! DO YOU HEAR YOUSELF! THEY'RE KILLERS XELQUA! YOU'VE LOST YOUR SENSE OF SELF IN THIS! I WON'T LET YOU DO THIS TO YOURSELF!" Martyn snapped as he went to grab Grian again. "KNEEL!" Grian snapped, his eyes glue purple and Martyn's body dropped to his knees. "I've heard enough of your lies! You've got no idea what you're saying! You're troubled, you're confused. I can fix you, I can show you, you don't have to be afraid any longer, you'll all see! The power they wield, it's beautiful, they're radiant beings. You'll be the first one to see their true beauty." Grian's face grew a smile along his lips. He approached Martyn's knelt body. He tried to pull away. "XELQUA! PLEASE! Stop this!" He begged. Grian stood over Martyn. "You've only yourself to blame for this, they were willing to be kinder to you, they love all of you, but you, Martyn have proven to be problematic. That is why they hope this can change the way you see them moving forward." Grian said. He brought his hands to Martyn's cheeks. His hands glue purple as did his eyes. Martyn let out a pain filled scream. Purple veins started over taking his skin. His eyes filled with tears. The voices wouldn't stop, the orders to obey and to get in line wouldn't stop! Martyn drew a small knife from his belt and cut Grian's eye. He screamed pulling away growling. Martyn cried in pain as he held his right cheek he drew his hand away; purple blood dripped from the cracks in his skin. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!?" Martyn screamed as his body shook. Grian stood straight up the blood dripping down his face from his wound eye. "Now you've really done it!" Grian snapped. 'Leave him! He is lost to us, come home to me, my child.' Said a nurturing but parental voice. Calm washed over him, he began to walk towards the obsidian portal before him. He was so close now. He was finally going to feel true freedom. He climbed the obsidian stairs and stood looking down at the swirling purple flames. Once he passed through, he'd be free, he'd be with them the Watchers. "XELQUA! Don't!" Martyn cried as he tried to reach for him, but he fell forward letting those flames consume him.

Martyn's hand stopped glowing, and he pulled away from Grian’s body. His eyes looked up at the sky.

"Do you remember now? Do you remember the pain you caused me?!" Martyn asked as he touched his cheek the purple cracks appearing. "I-I don't...you're saying those were my memories?" Grian asked sitting up looking to Martyn. "They're our memories, Xelqua." Martyn confirmed. "I don't remember any of it; I have no memory of that life. How do you remember any of it?" Grian questioned his aqua blue eyes asked full of despair.

"My memories started coming back after you used your powers on me, it seems. I appreciate you doing that for me, after all its only fueling my motivation to watch you burn! After all, as a Watcher you were never meant to interfere, but you haven't obeyed the commands you've been given, have you?" Martyn said grinning circling him again. Grian drew his lips back in a snarl. "Don't act like you understand anything! For all I know the memories you just gave me are false memories! After all this is just a hallucination! Though I don't even know how you've brought me here!" He sneered. Martyn crossed the grass and threw a kick to his chest. Grian gasped as he flew back into a tree. The impact made his back let out a sickening snap. Grain fell to the ground. His body hurt! It hurt a lot! This wasn't a hallucination! He was Dreamwalking! "How, how are you Dreamwalking with me? How is it possible for you to force me here!" Grian whimpered as he tried to pick himself up from the grass. Martyn struck him again in the chest. Grian winced as he released a small cry from his mouth. It hurt! It hurt and the pain wasn't going away! Martyn grabbed the front of his tunic and forced his body against the tree he'd already struck. He weakly clawed at Martyn's arm. 'I have no control or dominion over this dreamwalk meaning he's forced me here. But how?!' Martyn wasn't a Watcher, at least not by his knowledge. His eyes settled on the purple cracks in his cheek. Had he really done this back then? "I'm sorry," he spoke softly. "I'm sorry for what I did. You were right. I should have believed you back then."
Martyn tipped his head. "So, you're finally ready to accept that Watchers are the monsters! That you're the monster in this tale! You purposely choose this fate! Now you're finding it not so easy," he closed the distance between their faces. "You still have humanity in you. So, you can't live up to your Watchers heritage. Live up to their cruel and merciless ways. It's such a shame, isn't. To have sacrificed your own soul to be granted power only to see it for what it truly was."

"You're right. It wasn't what I expected. You're right, I'm imperfect, a monster fueled by hate for humans! You act like I don't know what I am! Did you only bring me here to echo my self doubts? You want me to despair? Grow up Martyn! I'm not the person you remember! I'm Grian, I'm a Watcher! I'm here to kill you pathetic humans! I may bare humanity but that isn't enough to make me waver! Stop lying to yourself! Move on!" Grian grinned deviously his eyes turning purple. Martyn stuck him again. "Agh! Kill me then! But you won't! Will you, you're pathetic!" Grian spoke as he laughed darkly his purple eyes hadn't faded, there was bloodlust, and a hunger to kill behind his gaze, blood crimson blood mixed with purple dripped down his face. How he wished this was his domain and not Martyn's. He'd kill his soul here and now. "You disgust me." Martyn snorted. "OH, the feelings mutual, now put me down!"
Martyn smirked. "You still are cocky after all this?" Grian grinned through his pain. "I don't know, are you still pathetic?" He wasn’t going to keep quiet; he was going to roll over and expose his stomach to his enemy. The only human he chose to be vulnerable with would be Scar. And Scar alone. Martyn's hand glue crimson again. Grian’s head pounded as the distractive thoughts raced through his mind. Not just normal distractive thoughts, thoughts of every possible way to Kill Scar! He was helpless to get control over the violent cycle of thoughts. Martyn satisfied by his final act let Grian go. He fell to the ground. His breaths shook as he shook his head wildly in a helpless intent to disperse the thoughts racing through his mind. "NO! I-I won't! I won't kill him! You won't make me!" Grian snarled gripping his head. "Well, Xelqua, it's been fun...but I must be going now. Enjoy those violent thoughts. Oh, how I hope you even act on them even if for a fraction of a second. I'm sure you'd prove even to the man you swore loyalty to how much of a monster you really are." Martyn said walking back to the center of the clearing. "Oh, and by the way. Enjoy the rest of your sleep, you'll wake up not much longer after me." Martyn smiled back at Grian. "Don't you dare leave! We're not done!" Grian growled pushing to his feet rushing towards Martyn.

His body disappeared just as Grian reached him. He fell to his knees. His head spun, he struggled to breathe. He was going to regret this. "When I get my hands on you Martyn, I'll be the one to watch the light leave your eyes!" His body gave out and it fell to the ground.
Martyn's eyes flashed open, and he struggled to breathe. His breaths were shallow and fast. 'You must relax; slow you're breathing you're going to asphyxiate yourself.' The voice said. He felt a presence hold him close. His breaths started to slow down rather quickly once he felt the presence close to him. He huffed taking in air. "I almost just died." He breathed hard. 'Not quite, rather this is the cost of dreamwalking while not in a body that's comparable for doing such. We ensured you were well looked after. Did you achieve what you wished to do?’ The voice asked. He turned to look at Grian's body. His breaths were being taken every three minutes. His face was expressionless. He hesitated before moving the hair out of his face. "He's nothing like I remember. He wasn't ever hateful. I just don’t understand why he became so obsessed by your kind. He was human. Why did he want to be one of you so badly. Even now, he still believes he made the right choice. Though I know that he's angry. That he knows his decision has cost him his freedom. I'm sure he's spoken to Scar more about those kinds of feelings. He wouldn't dare be vulnerable with me. I'm his enemy, the enemy of Watchers." Martyn frowned.

'You are our salvation, don't lose sight of that. The Watcher’s will see their Sun fall.' The voice said as he felt there presence wrap around his body. Grian shifted slightly. He was waking up. He stood but staggered. He held his head. His body felt exhausted despite having slept the whole time. 'Dreamwalking is not actually sleep. It transports the soul in a dream like state. Your body has hit its max. Do you feel your have the strength to get you back to your quarters?' The voice asked carefully. He felt exhausted. "No... it’s hard to keep my eyes open actually." He muttered. He felt a soft energy flow through his body. The purple haze settled over his eyes. He felt a lot better. "We've taken partial control; you're still the main consciousness but our power will at least provide you the means to get back to your room for rest." The voice said leaving his mouth. "I appreciate your concern for me. You're different then the other Watchers. I'm determined not to disappoint you." He looked back one last time to Grian who was stirring. He frowned before running into the woods just as the barrier he forged began to dissipate.

Scar paced the sandstone floors. "That's it I'm going to go look for him!" Scar blurted out. "Scar, Grian told you to stay here!" The golem pleaded as it grabbed Scar’s pants. He looked back to the small golem. He sighed before he turned and knelt to the golem's level. "I know you're worried about me; you always have worried about me. I know I'm a klutz. But somethings not right. He's been gone for an hour. I'm sure he's fine, but I'm worried none the less. I promise I'll be safe, Secret Keeper." Scar said patting its head. "I should come with you, just in case!" It whimpered. "If you leave now the castle won't be completed. You're needed here. I'll be fine. I promise, I'll even come back with Grian in hand." Scar smiled. The golem's crest dimmed. "Okay, master." It grumbled. He stood up and walked out of the castle. He opened his wings and guided down into the oakwood forest. A skeleton shot its bow at his head. He felt the arrow coming and side stepped it. He drew his sword. He changed it. It shot a few more arrows at him he dodged everyone. He cut it down with ease. A zombie came from behind him again he gracefully cut it down. He went deeper into the woods. A spider jumped for him, and he cut it down as well. So, this is what it felt like to have aura, to be able to sense and react before your enemy attacks. This was an amazing feeling, a rush of dopamine in fact.

He could see a clearing just a head and he walked towards it. The closer he got the more he felt ill. The aura that hung in the air was making him feel sick. If he had to explain it, it smelt like Sulphur. It was vile, putrid scent. He felt bile come up his throat. He forced it back down. 'There'd be none of that right now.' He told himself. He got to the edge of the clearing. His eyes widened behind his black and crimson winged ears. Grian's body lay in the center of the clearing. A pool of purple blood lay under his head. "Grian!" Scar cried as he raced to his side. He dropped to his knees. His hands shook. The first thing he noticed was the absence of his pendent. He found it laying next to him. 'He wouldn't take this off; it's the only thing protecting him! Meaning whoever did this too him knew that it was protecting him.' Scar thought. He tried shaking Grian. The moment he made contact his body flung up and pushed him into the ground. His talons sunk into Scar's neck before pulling a part of his throat away. Scar couldn't scream, couldn't speak, he couldn't breathe. He touched Grian's face. His eyes shook. 'Please, Grian.' He begged. Grian’s grip tightened around his already ripped open throat. If he'd still been human, he'd be dead right now, and if he couldn't get him to stop quickly he'd rip his head right off his neck! He couldn't call out to him! How could he reach his beloved. He grabbed Grian’s sweater and pulled his face to his. Their lips met one another's. Scar felt Grian's grip around his neck soften. Grian’s lips were soft on his own. Despite the dire circumstances and not how he originally intended their first kiss to be, the feeling of him being this close felt right. Their lips drew apart. Grian groaned as he learnt back. He brought his hands to his lips. He tasted metal. His attention drew downwards. His attention settled on Scar’s near fatal wound on his neck. His hands shook as he reached out. "N-no...S-Scar I-" Scar watched helplessly as Grian’s breaths quickened his body shook violently. He was having a panic attack. He couldn't speak. He tried to touch Grian, but he pulled away. "Don't! I'll only hurt you! I told you! I'm a monster! I'm a killer!"

Scar struggled to shake his head. 'Don't say that! You're not a monster, Grian! This is a mistake, I'll be okay. This isn't your fault. I know you didn't mean to hurt me! Please come close. I'm cold.' He brought his hands up to his torn-out throat. His hands glue purple as he forced his aura into the wound. 'I don't have enough aura replenished to heal a wound of this severity. Grian please I need you to share a link with me.'

Scar coughed violently. Grian flinched. He saw the purple glow already stating to die away from Scar’s hands. He drew back his winged ears and ran his hands up Scar's cheeks and slipped them under his winged ears and pulled them gently away from Scar's eyes. He placed his forehead on Scar’s. He felt Grian's aura fill his body. The glow around Scar’s hands strengthened and the wound stated to heal faster. Grian gently laid his body on top of Scar's. He could still feel him shaking. Still could feel his panicked breaths. "Grian?" He asked his voice rasped. So, this was how it felt to have your vocal cords and half your windpipe torn out of your neck. It was painful, but he survived. He brought his arms around Grian’s body who laid on top of him. "Grian, I'm okay, it was a mistake." Scar softly said. "YOU WOULD BE DEAD! YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!" He snapped pulling him closer to him. "MARTYN! YOU ALMOST MADE ME KILL HIM!" He snarled as he felt tears hitting his face. "M-Martyn? You were attacked by Martyn?!"

Grian nodded. "I think he's the one who knocked me unconscious. But I can't be sure, it was a precise strike to my head. I knew someone was here but, couldn't see anyone let alone pinpoint their direction. I woke up in a different forest then this and it was daytime. I wore an entity different outfit then this, and it wasn't my robes either. It was a green tunic with white-tan pants, brown shoes. I had a green hat on, and the freaky thing was I had elven ears like yours. I had no wings!" Grian told Scar as he leaned back so he was sitting on his knees. Scar pulled himself to a sitting position wincing as he grabbed his throat. It still was sore, even though the worst of the wound was healed by their auras it was still healing physically. "That doesn't make any sense." Scar said scratching his head.

"I know! Then Martyn showed up in that world. He too looked different. He looked nothing like he does right now. In fact, we looked oddly similar in a lot of ways. Naturally I was confused how we were even interacting with one another. He some how forced me into a Dreamwalk with him." Grian elaborated.

Scar couldn't keep himself from blinking his eyes a few times. "He, forced you into a dreamwalk? That's not possible, he's human. Watchers are the only ones capable of such a feat. I'm not saying you're lying or anything of that sort," he coughed for a minute as his throat burned. He was talking way too much, but he had to push through this. "We're sure he's a siren, right? That he's not a Watcher like me?" Scar spoke completing his thought.

"I'm sure he isn't one. But I... used my powers before I understood how to properly control them. He attacked me and the link I'd created was disrupted before it was complete. I," he paused clenching his hands. "Broke him. He's got blood fractures. It's a condition that occurs when a link is broken. I doubt it's just the fractures I left on him physically. There's probably mental wounds as well." He said his lips turning to a frown.

"You never spoke of Martyn. Do you think it's from the world I sent you too?" Scar asked carefully. Grian shook his head. "No, what I look like now is how you remember me from your time with me. This was before even that, or at least I think it is. I- even went by a different name then."

"A name other then Grian? Or Prophet Keeper?" Scar answered perplexed. "Xelqua." He breathed. The name set shivers through Scar's whole body. The way he said it sounded as if it was a cursed name, and those who heard it would be sentenced to death for just speaking or hearing that name. Grian took notice of his reaction. "You shuttered when you heard it, is it familiar to you?"

"It's not, unfortunately. It sounds like a demonic name if I'll be brut. Not to say that's a reflection of who you were when you went by that name. So, there's a lot more to the story then either one of us was told. You were put into my care as a human soul who'd be given watchers blood to help provide you a higher level of understanding. When the Destroyers attacked the lab I sent you through the gate, not knowing inevitably you'd be forced to become a Watcher." Scar explained recounting the logs he'd heard from the secret keeper.

"Scar, I don't think I'm supposed to be like this. I fell through the gate. I chose this, I chose to be a Watcher. I chose this life because I believed I'd be free." Grian told him. "What do you mean you chose this? How? Your soul was human when it was given to me." Scar interjected. "I understand, I don't know what to tell you. They've been lying to me for years, Scar. I don't know what's the truth and what's lies. The only one that could give me the answers I seek is the Elder. They're the first Watcher, and the direct link to the Great Deity. Despite them not being in our world any longer. I doubt they'll be willing to be forthcoming with my questions. But I have to try." Grian said as he got to his feet. He stumbled slightly and held his head. "Easy does it, birdie. You said it yourself; it was a hard hit to your head. You're probably still going to have a migraine or vertigo as a result. Do you hear ringing at all?" Scar asked getting to his feet. "Ringing? Uh...no. My senses are pulsing, so they're having a hard time seeing things regularly. As for my winged ears they're twitching slightly, not enough to notice per say but I can feel them twitching." Grian answered. Scar reached up and gently rested his hand on his ear wings. They were shaking only slightly but it meant that like he thought, his aura wasn't flowing through his body as intended. "Do you think you'll be fine to fly back to the castle on your own?" Grian nodded slowly. "I can, but if you could take point, I'll follow your lead. Seeing as my Aura is all over the place."

"Of course, the good news is we're not far at all." Scar said as he stretched his wings. He pushed off the ground and took to the air. He looked behind him, Grian took to the sky along with him. He shook his head every so often as he flew behind him. What could Martyn possibly strike him with that could hurt a Watcher so seriously. It would have had to be a blunt weapon. The wound although not fatal had drawn enough blood to be serious. "Grian? Back in the clearing, there was an overwhelming sickening sense of aura I got as I approached the clearing before I found you. It smelt like Sulphur." Scar mentioned. Grian shook his head again and touched the place he'd been struck. "What did he even hit me with, and why's it got to hurt so much." He grumbled, having ignored his comment. "Grian!" Scar said in a serious tone. He was slow to look at him. "Huh?"

"Back in the clearing, there was an overwhelming sickening sense of aura I got as I approached the clearing before I found you. It smelt like Sulphur." Scar repeated. "You said you sensed aura?" Grian asked confused. Scar nodded. Grain glided closer to Scar. "That would only strengthen the idea that he's got some form of connection to Watcher's then."
"You mentioned you used your powers on him back when you were Xelqua? Do you know what your intentions were?" Scar questioned him. Grian shook his head again before answering Scar's question. "To get him in line. Martyn purposely was speaking ill of the Watchers. I got mad, I don't entirely know what possessed me to lead to it entirely. I just remembered this anger and wanting to prove to him that they were kind and nurturing. But in that moment, I was so incredibly angry and filled with rage. When he cut me, I remember wanting to kill him for it. Before I heard the Elder’s voice sooth me."

Scar looked at him. This was a lot of stress for him. To find out he lived two human lives. If it really was true that he went through the gate as a human, it would have had similar consequences as when he and the others fell through it to this world. But there had to be more too this then just that. He still retained a human soul when his body was given too him. If he was truly supposed to be a full-blooded Watcher and gave up his humanity then why was he too, lied to by the Elder? "Grian, you're going to attempt to Dreamwalk when we get back to the castle, aren’t you?" Scar spoke slowly. "I am. I must challenge the Elder. If I don't, I'm going to collectively lose my mind. They're probably not going to want to answer my questions probably, considering I’ve proven to them that knowing that information was dangerous. And I am considering falling...I doubt they'll be so forthcoming." Grian growled in annoyance. "Your love for me is what put you in that position firstly. Secondly remember our deal, you're not meant to start a war with them. So, promise me no matter how angry you get, please don't attack them. If the elder calls for their knights, you'll be killed. So, for the love of the Great Deity, don't do something stupid that'll get you killed." Scar warned.

He could sense Grian roll his eyes behind his winged ears. Scar touched the spot Grian been struck. He winced away. Grian growled his face making a sneer. "That hurt!"

"Good, stop thinking like you are! It's dangerous ideology!" Scar snapped. "Thinking what? How could you possibly know what I'm thinking about?" Grian said giving another hard shake of his head. "You're thinking about what you'll do if the Elder doesn't give you the answers you want. You're easy to trigger Grian, so it's very easy to understand what you're thinking. I believe you when you say that Watchers are kind and nurturing, or at least that to me feels right. I don't understand why you're so incredibly violent, I understand the conditioning you underwent, but it shouldn't be like this." Scar pointed out. "Do, you think I want to have these violent and disturbing thoughts? I'll be honest though; they've been worse since coming here. Maybe it's unresolved trauma from having my memories wiped." Grian replied.

The pair arrived back at the castle. Scar was the first to land on top of the sandstone ridge. Grian landed but fell forward Scar catching him. Grian’s winged ears now were shaking more violently, which meant his aura was not properly flowing through his body. "How bad's your vision now?" Scar asked holding him. "I can't see you anymore. If I do, You're just an occasional flash of light indicating your aura." Grian huffed as he held his head. Scar helped him inside.

"Scar, you're back!" The golem cheered as it came running to greet him and Grian as they returned. Scar guided Grian to their temporary sleeping arrangements. He guided Grian to the floor. He sat holding his head. "Thanks, Scar. I'm going to try to get answers, while also trying to sleep this off. I promise I'll do my best to keep to your terms, I just...don't fully know how I'll react once I'm there. Good night." Grian said as he laid his body back. "Good night, and I swear if you start a war, I'll be so unbelievably disappointed in you for not controlling that temper of yours." Scar said back.

Scar sat down on his blanket. The golem approached him. "The scar on your throat. It's fresh. What happened?" The golem whimpered. Scar brought his hand up to his throat covering the scar. "It's nothing, I'm fine, nothing happened." He said attempting to not stumbled over his words. "I don't believe you, tell me the truth, I know how you behave when you lie. I've been watching over you for many years now. What happened?" The golem challenged crossing its small arms. He didn't want to tell the golem the truth. He broke his gaze away from the golem. "I told you it's nothing. Now obey your master." Scar growled. "I will not." It retorted. It honestly made Scar flinch. It wasn't going to obey. But that's not how it was programed! He turned to look back at the golem. "You said what?"

"I said I will not obey your order. Tell me what happened!" The golem answered in a serious tone.

'What's going on here? It's got sentence, and can learn to adapt, but I made it. Why is it resistant to the command? Was it because Grian brought it to this world from my own? Its possible, or is it trying to turn on me all together? But that doesn't make sense.'

"I'll ask again, what happened." The golem challenged. "If I don't answer?" Scar growled. "Don't make me have to get the answers by force." The golem challenged again. "I won't."
The golem's crest glue brightly and it's light engulfed Scar.

Whispers started to swirl around in his head. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING! STOP!" He shouted holding his head. The whispers died away and Scar lifted his head. The room filled with an eerie silence. "He almost killed you, Scar." The golem whispered. "How did you- how'd you get that information! I never spoke a word to you!" Scar asked in disbelief. "You don't have to tell me anything, you programed me to override your orders if you were seriously harmed or injured, you just don't remember doing so." The golem explained. Scar frowned, of course he'd do that especially knowing how stubborn of a person he was. He released a heavy sigh. Well, the truth had come out there was no way to hide it now. "Yeah, he did almost kill me, had I still been human it would have absolutely killed me. I could barely breathe, couldn't talk. Despite the overwhelming feeling of pain that should have seen me full unconscious I was awake the whole time. All I could truly focus on was snapping him out of whatever he was experiencing in that moment. Grian doesn't want to kill me, I know that. I also know that I'm supposed to die." He paused taking in a fresh breath before resuming. "He helped me heal my wound, his wings didn't turn red, so he didn't break any rules in doing so. Which means that wasn't how I was meant to die. It was incredibly risky, and I understand that." He frowned his shoulders dropped. "I have a request, my friend...you have Grian’s information programed into you still, is this correct?"

"I do have his chart, why do you ask?" The golem asked with confusion at the sudden change in subject. "Grian mentioned something too me in the forest. He mentioned the name Xelqua. I don't recall seeing this name before in his file. Can you possibly see if there's any underlying information you could provide me?" Scar told the golem. It shied away from him at the mention of Grian’s former name. "Apologies, Scar. I'm unable to provide that information. It is under protective seals." The golem answered. "Break them!" Scar demanded coldly. So, the Elder was keeping things from the both of them, but why? What was so wrong with knowing the truth? Xelqua, G-07, Grian, Prophet Keeper, The Sun. These were the names he'd been given. What power did they all hold. He thirsted to know their secrets, anything that could help him bring some sort of sense to Grian’s mind.

"The files are restricted, Scar. I can't only provide the details of G-07 that were provided to you." The golem answered again. "You reacted to Xelqua's name. Meaning you know something about Grian going by that name once! I demand again, break the seals!" Scar snarled glaring hard at the small golem. "I am unable to disclose the information in his sealed file. This is the last we'll speak on the matter." The golem continued to say before crossing its arms. 'WHAT'S SO IMPORTANT THAT THEY WANT TO KEEP BEHIND LOCKED DOORS! WHO REALLY IS HE?' Scar questioned angerly. He growled before laying back, his back resting gently on the floor. Grain had already fallen back to sleep, but he hadn't started dreamwalking yet. Scar watched his chest rise and fall peacefully. His eyes grew heavy. He was exhausted, but he tried to keep them open. He didn't want to fall back to sleep for fear of seeing the violent display of corpses that surrounded him like in the dreamwalk. Sleep was overtaking him; he couldn't keep it at bay any longer. His eyes fluttered shut and peacefully fell into a dreamless sleep.