by Zac Atie
“Is he alright Voltrin?” The woman asked. Looks like this was Voltrin’s realm.
“He’s fine.” Voltrin said. “Go on ahead, and find our kids, will you?”
“Alright, if you say so.” Aril said, laughing. Then she turned and ran off into the woods.
“I suppose that’s the woman you married back when you were alive?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Yes, that’s her...” Voltrin said. “I, her, and my children run through the woods nearly every day, hunting for our own food, like the predators we are. I wouldn’t have thought a species would get so advanced like us... It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”
“Does it?” Zaxxarius asked. “I mean, the dragons did make you so you would become technologically advanced, so you could spread the religion to the other races.”
“I never liked the Crusade.” Voltrin said. “Sure, it’s a religion that’s true, but still. It’s something that Is rather twisted, invading the lives of others who are following another religion. ”
“Those religions might not always be so peaceful.” Zaxxarius said. “I was never very religious myself back when I never knew about Cazria.”
“Perhaps.” Voltrin said. “Sometimes I envy animals. Their lives are so simple. Survive, and eat. I’ve envied them ever since I visited the children of Blight after my Coronation.”
“The children of Blight?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Yes. The children of Blight.” Voltrin said. “Ultimali’s surviving apprentices. They’re strong, not the strongest, but strong nonetheless, and they’re all wise. Ultimali was still alive back at that time... But still, his apprentices were young and blunt. Ultimali held his tongue on many subjects, almost like he could foresee something back happening with the information he was giving. Learning from them is sort of a tradition among Overlords these days. I'm sure they’ll arrange a meeting and pack you off to them after this, if we approve of you.”
“Two out of Five have so far.” Zaxxarius said. “Your vote would help substantially.”
“I'm rather surprised you got that fool Duty to listen to you.” Voltrin said. “Nonetheless, I’m sure listening to the children of Blight will inspire you, or change you in some way.”
“I have a question.” Zaxxarius asked. “I know how you died... Grandfather. But I just wanted to know why exactly you shipped the Magi off back to Earth.”
“Grandfather, hmm?” Voltrin asked. “I’ve done things that I’m not proud of, in my life. Starting the War, being too lenient with criminals in violent situations, bringing the magi into the war, and out of it... Yes, there’s things I’ve done that are not very nice... But all the same, sending the Magi back was necessary. Keeping them in this world with that portal open would have been a colossal mistake.”
“Why?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Because of what Luca told me.” Voltrin said. “About Earth. Luca was one of the two humans that I let stay on Cazria. After the war was over, I visited Sipirian again, to find that Ultimali had taken Luca as an apprentice. Then Luca told me... that earth was not made by the Dragons. That he returned from Earth with evidence that it was one of the rare natural worlds in the universe.”
“What’s so wrong with that?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Plenty.” Voltrin said. “It’s information that you’ll no doubt find on your journey, from where it looks that you’re headed... I packed them off to their world, for two reasons. To seal the portal, and so that they could protect their world if the worst comes to pass. What would you have done?” Zaxxarius thought about it. “If you can’t tell me your reason for closing the portal, then how can I judge?” He said.
“But, in my opinion, what you did was wrong. Using the Magi as mere homunculi for your war is one thing, but throwing them away is another.”
“It was necessary.” Voltrin said. “Using the Magi as a shield of meat in the war was something I had to do, otherwise I’d have lost.”
“You shouldn’t have started it in the first place.” Zaxxarius said. “It was all over a woman.”
“No, it wasn’t.” Voltrin said. “I was trying to break the superiority complex of the Cazrians.”
“All the same, there must have been another way. Shedding blood for such a thing...” Zaxxarius said.
“Was necessary. I had to be a ruler with an iron fist to make changes. That’s what leaders are for, whether the populace likes it or not.” Voltrin said, becoming frustrated.
“That means any who could become Overlord would be able to just do whatever he wants!” Zaxxarius hissed. “How could you give people that power.”
“That’s the reason this exists!” Voltrin boomed. “That is the reason we are talking right now! You need to understand! To achieve your ultimate goals, you have to fight! You have to do whatever it takes to reach it, even starting wars! You saw them, didn’t you? Happy populace, living among one another! I won! I made that possible with the war!” Zaxxarius gritted his teeth. He disagreed with his reasoning. Starting a war to achieve your goals was just too much. Zaxxarius didn’t see his actions as justifiable. There had to be another way to have achieved the goals... but Voltrin did make it happen. He achieved the reduced discrimination... for all but the Domini. Zaxxarius thought on Abaddon’s words again. ‘Do not act. Be yourself.’ Zaxxarius sighed, and met Voltrin’s gaze. “Sorry.” He said. “I do not agree. You should have taken a different path.”
“I suppose I shouldn’t have looked to a child for such an answer.” Voltrin said, getting to his feet.
“Where are you going?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Back to the hunt.” Voltrin said.
“What about my Coronation?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Disappointment is a common thing among leaders.” Voltrin said. “Get used to it.”
“Wait!” Zaxxarius said, getting to his feet, but it was too late. The world around him began to shimmer, and twist. He felt himself being pulled from the world. He grinded his teeth in frustration.
He fell into another world, though this one was quiet, unlike the woods, the fiery tornado, or the odd tea party. This one was quiet, and different. He thought about Voltrin as he fell. He waved him away, like you would to a Jehovah's witness. How was Zaxxarius supposed to answer his question? What he did WAS wrong... Perhaps the Coronation is more of a popularity contest than it was a test of worth. Or, perhaps he really did give a wrong answer. Perhaps he should have based what he said off of the knowledge he knew at the time... and the answer would be that he didn’t know, since Voltrin’s reasoning behind it was odd. Zaxxarius fell into a small room. It looked like a bedroom, with odd, comforting wallpaper. No windows, no doors. He looked around, bemused by the room, and then he stood up, looking at the bed. A lump was in the bed, which indicated that someone was lying underneath it. Was he sleeping, or was this a perverted fantasy he had just fallen into. He remembered what Vander said to him when Abaddon told Zaxxarius that Sancterus had never told him what the memories were like. ‘You can ask him when you’re in there, though, you’ll probably speak to him second-to-last. You speak to the Overlords in order of their power.’ Did Zaxxarius just stumble into his father’s sick fantasy. “Shut up, Vander.” He hissed to himself.
“Mmm, wha..?” A voice asked, pulling the sheets down and looking at Zaxxarius with groggy eyes. “Who’re... you?” The man said. He had blonde hair, same length as Zaxxarius’. Did blonde hair run in the family? Zaxxarius was blonde also. “You’re... Oh, you’re not one of my summons.” The man said.
“Who’re you?” Zaxxarius asks.
“How rude.” The man said. “Shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?”
“You already know my name, don’t you?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Oh... Forgive me, I’ve just woken up.” He said, sitting up. He was wearing really odd, childish pyjamas. It was a little disturbing. “Erm, why are you sleeping?” Zaxxarius asked. The man rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and the tiredness that befell him disappeared. “Sorry, kid. I like to simula
te sleeping. Sleeping was the only time when I could escape the responsibility that I had taken on when I became Overlord of Metholi.” He said.
“You’re... my dad?” Zaxxarius asked. The man roared laughing.
“Hahaha!” He laughed. “Oh, no. No, not me. Trust me, I put on a better display than this for Duty and Xita, although Duty turned out horribly, im sure he’s having a great time right now.”
“Duty and Xita...” Zaxxarius thought. “So... You’re Xelphan?”
“Yep, surprised?” Xelphan chuckled.
“Well, you aren’t exactly what I expected...” Zaxxarius said.
“I never am.” Xelphan said. “Voltrin and Sancterus came through and said the same thing. They thought I was a proud warrior of great renown, and that I was likely simulating my own, fair, battlefield with the odds against me. That women thought I was handsome, and dreamt about me. Oh, the fools. Why would I dedicate my life, AND afterlife to war?”
“I suppose that’s fair...” Zaxxarius said.
“I’ve simulated sleeping. It’s fun, it’s a great feeling sleeping when you’re ever so tired, just slumbering away. You don’t even know you’re alive for the most part... I do hope that’s what It’s like for the dead. Not that I don’t have company, at times.” Xelphan laughed. “Not that they would be, if the Domini got hold of them.”
“The Domini...” Zaxxarius said. “What happened with them?”
“What do you mean?” Xelphan asked.
“You opened the portal to them, even though it was against the Dragon’s wishes, didn’t you?” Zaxxarius asked. “Yes.” Xelphan said. “I did. I didn’t think it was fair that the Domini was to be left out. The Dragons said that they were dangerous, and they’d soon destroy themselves, but if they would soon destroy themselves, then they’d be weak in manpower, right?”
“I suppose, though I’m not sure if that’s what the Dragon was saying...” Zaxxarius said.
“Maybe not, but all the same. They were weak.” Xelphan said. “If they decided to attack and destroy us, we’d kill them in no time. Therefore, we tried to help them.”
“What about Ultimali?” Zaxxarius asked. “I saw in Duty’s vision that he admitted to killing you.”
“That boy.” Xelphan said. “Letting all his personal problems loose. I was so foolish to think that a child like him would have had no problems dealing with pressure... Xita wasn’t bothered, she was too dumb to be bothered, not that being dumb is a bad thing... but still, yes, he did kill me.”
“Why?” Zaxxarius asked.
“Ultimali is not your concern right now, honestly.” Xelphan said. “Ultimali Is dead. Long dead.”
“Does that mean that he had no part in my future? Even so, I'm still curious.” Zaxxarius said.
“Ah, the young ones always are. Especially the girls. Ya’ll can’t keep your noses out of other people’s business and relationships.” Xelphan said. “But, I wouldn’t say he has no part in your future. Not at all. There are things that he’s... left behind that involves everyone, but just you.”
“His apprentices?” Zaxxarius asked.
“I sort of meant Dhym.” Xelphan said. “Sure, it wasn’t intentional, but it’s still his fault. A screwdriver through the brain would have solved that problem.”
“I...I see.” Zaxxarius said.
“Sorry.” Xelphan said. “Ultimali is just something I don’t want to discuss... As for my vote, I don’t care if you thought that what I did with the Domini was good or not. I say no to everyone in the Elric family but my own children. Your father is next. He’ll judge you. As for me... I wanna go back to sleep.” The world began to blur again. “Just so you know, I thought what you did was right.” Zaxxarius said. “And I liked what you said to Duty. About everyone deserving a chance. It was nice to meet you.” He said, as he faded. It may have been his imagination, but he could have sworn he heard Xelphan say a “Thanks.” as he left. Zaxxarius would never know.
Zaxxarius fell into the last Aura, the final aura. As he fell, he thought about Xelphan, and what he had said. He had passed up the chance of guaranteeing Zaxxarius the title of Overlord, and decided he’d leave it to Zaxxarius’ father to do so. What puzzled Zaxxarius is why Sancterus was last. Surely he wasn’t a better swordsman than Xelphan was. Perhaps Zaxxarius had missed something about Sancterus is Abaddon’s stories, or perhaps Abaddon did. Zaxxarius fell into the Aura. A familiar sound came to him. He crashed into the land below, like he had done in all the other Auras before him. He stood up, and looked around. He was on a cliff. There was more land inland, but he felt as if the land inland was only there for space, because that was not where Sancterus was. Zaxxarius looked, as Sancterus sat on the cliff edge, looking out at the familiar crashing waves. Sancterus had a red coat on, and his Arcana was stuck into the ground next to him, a necklace hanging from the hilt. “I’ve been looking forward to this moment.” Sancterus said.
“I never figured this moment would actually come.” Zaxxarius said.
“You had thought I had abandoned you.” Sancterus said. “In some sense... I did... But it was necessary.”
“I know.” Zaxxarius said. “Abaddon told me about what you had done...”
“Come. Sit on the precipice with me.” Sancterus said, pointing at the space next to him. Sancterus’ voice was calm, and mellow, but it had a hint of sorrow in it. Zaxxarius did as he asked, and sat on the precipice next to his father, legs dangling off the edge. “Did the woman Abaddon left you with treat you well?” Sancterus asked. They both knew the answer, but Sancterus asked anyway.
“Yes...” Zaxxarius said. “She didn’t deserve to die like that.”
“Even though I can’t feel what you felt at the time, I certainly see that you were distraught by what you discovered. I'm glad the woman who cared for you treated you well enough that you would feel such a way... some mothers are not so loveable. Her lectures seemed well enough.” Sancterus said.
“Yeah...” Zaxxarius said, awkwardly. He didn’t know how to really speak to his father. Should he be formal, since he’s a Overlord? Or, should he be informal, because he is indeed his father. “Your mother would be proud of how strong you’ve grown... and you have even more growing to do.” Sancterus said.
“The other Overlords said I’d be facing a lot in the future.” Zaxxarius said. “How do they know that?”
“From what you’ve said, they all assume you’re someone who is not likely to turn his back on issues that concern him.” Sancterus said. “That’s an admirable quality to have.”
“Were you like that?” Zaxxarius asked. Sancterus paused.
“Somewhat.” Sancterus said. “In the end, I was... Though, I feel it was too late.”
“I feel as if you’re not talking about sacrificing yourself.” Zaxxarius said.
“No.” Sancterus said. “There’s more to it. There’s the Equilibrium.”
“I forgot about them.” Zaxxarius asked. “Who are they?”
“They’re a small group, but they have a collection of strong, gifted people at their side. They fight for... Well, I suppose you can call it life. But in the end, when their vision is succeeded, everyone will be equal.” Sancterus said.
“They sound like they’re a group of admirable people... so why are they working with the Godslayer’s Legion and Sanctum?” Zaxxarius asked.
“They’re not.” Sancterus said. “They’re controlling them. They will achieve their goal no matter what... and their goal included the destruction of earth.”
“Why?” Zaxxarius asked.
“To tell you the truth... I don’t know.” Sancterus said. “I don’t know what the underlying reason behind it all is. I... suppose it’s power.”
“Power...” Zaxxarius pondered.
“I must tell you something.” Sancterus said. “It’s about your mother and the legion.”
“What is it?” Zaxxarius asked.
“The truth is, we were ambushed in a city called Cienka. I was lured there, and when I
got there, I found your mother had been lured to the same place. We were beset by Domini, from all sides. I cut down the majority of them, but Draynar decided he would attack Katrina. He succeeded... and she died.”
“I know...” Zaxxarius said. “Draynar betrayed you.”
“The Equilibrium got to him. I don’t know what they promised him, but whatever they are planning, it was enough to make Draynar drop the values I had taught him. But there’s more.” Sancterus said. “You must think on what I’m about to tell you.”
“Go on.” Zaxxarius said.
“There’s a reason why Sanctum and the Legion could not use the portal in Voltrin’s vault. It’s because it’s watched constantly... But they’re still on Earth, aren’t they? That’s because there’s another.” Sancterus said. “I told Abaddon that, but he said only an Overlord could open such a portal. And Portals are easily noticeable on this end, you can detect practically everyone.” Zaxxarius said.
“Well...” Sancterus began. “That’s true. Only there is something in Cazria blocking the Vision of it. Something with an Aura of it’s own, something powerful. Do you know what it is?” Zaxxarius thought about it. He wouldn’t ask if he didn’t know. “The Sandstorm?” Zaxxarius asked. “You mean..?”
“Yes.” Sancterus said. “The Portal is in Blight’s Claim.”
“but... Who?” Zaxxarius asked. “Ultimali?”
“Ultimali was not an Overlord.” Sancterus said. “He was just hardworking Cazrian who achieved everything he had by his own skill. The truth is. Dhym had use for me. In exchange for Katrina and your life, I was to open a new portal, for Dhym.”
“And you believed him?” Zaxxarius hissed, angrily.
“Dhym was not a being to lie. He did not believe in it. His life is already complicated beyond measure.” Sancterus said. “Dhym wants nothing but the goal in front of him. He has no time for malice on the small level of murder at his stage. If he was evil, he would have killed Abaddon, and you’d have never left Blight’s Claim.”