The Guardian Crusade

                              Volume I

                                                            Chapter 20

Aj, Nick, Nalia and the guys sat in Aj’s meeting room waiting for Avit to arrive.  Aj had sent word that they needed to see him as soon as they landed.  Everyone but Aj was busy talking and chatting on what could have written on the statue.

“Do you think it could be the tale?” Nalia asked.

“Maybe” Nick said with a shrug.  “Would that be a pisser, right there all this time?” Nick said looking at Aj. He wasn’t looking at him, he was reading a thin book.  “Dude?” Nick said trying to get his attention.  A moment later Aj looked up.

“Huh?” He said when he saw everyone staring at him.

“What are you reading?” Brian asked as he began to walk over.

“Nothing, just Marsa’s journal, just seeing if there was anything I missed.” Aj said as he tucked the book away.  Just then the door opened and everyone looked in hopes it was Avit and it was.  He walked over to Aj and put down the piece of paper. 

“What does it say?” Aj asked him.

“Evil has come, Evil has found the lady he wanted, the lady is bound.  Her Guards they hunted and fought but death was all they caught.  The Lady is trapped stuck in a cage, waiting for the return of her Druid, Lock, Warrior and Mage.”

“Well that’s us.” Nick said with a nod.

“Who’s the lady?” Aj asked.

“Is this the tale?” Nalia asked.

“Sounds like one.” Nick said with a smirk.

“But it tells us what to do.” Aj said a little confused.  “Ignis changed it.”

“Doesn’t tell you who the lady is though” Kevin commented.

“So in the original the Lady’s name was in it.” Nalia said thinking.  “And he just took it out.”

“And then he messed with your heads so you’d forget.” Brian commented

“Wait a minute.” Kevin said holding up his arm as he sat against the back of the couch, one hand grasping the wooden peak of the sofa.  Everyone looked at him as he looked focused on a thought.

“Oh big man’s light bulb went on.” Nick said smiling at Nalia like it was a good thing.  Kevin didn’t move his head but shot Nick a look with his eyes.  Nick just rolled his eyes and looked away.  Aj couldn’t help but giggle as Kevin sat up straighter.

“Did Marsa say he was told about Aj in a dream?” He asked.

“Yes, all the parents were.” Avit said with a nod.

“What if the dream was part of the trick too?” Kevin asked.  “How did they know what to do before Ignis mess with everything?”

“Is that what he changed do you think?” Aj asked him.

“Maybe, maybe what he found was the letter telling the people when to know a Guardian arrived, what to do, but he changed that to separate you from each other.”

“So this one tells you guys what to do after you become Guardians?” Howie said catching on.

“That’s why only you three could see it.” Kevin said.

“But who’s the Lady?” Nick asked.

“Rayne?” Nalia asked.

“No.” Aj said shaking his head.  “It says the lady is waiting for all four of us.”

“Oh mystery lady you got somethin’ I like…” Brian stopped singing when he saw everyone’s blank stare. 

Aj was the first to start laughing and then Kevin followed.  With Kevin laughing it gave Nick the ok to laugh too.  Nalia and Avit stood there in confusion and Howie just rolled his eyes.

“Bad joke dude.” Howie sighed.

“Oh shut up that was funny.” Brian laughed.

“Alright guys get serious.” Kevin said trying to calm down as Nalia and Avit just shrugged at each other.

“So we go to Ignis then.” Aj said with a little nod.

“Like he’s going to tell us.” Nick said rolling his eyes a little.

“Then we’ll beat it out of Ignis.” Aj said in the same tone as before.  Nick laughed as he shook his head, even Nalia cracked a smile.

“Then shall we get ready?” Nalia said looking around.

“I will go get the men.” Avit said as he headed towards the door.

“I need more arrows.” Howie said as he followed Avit to the door.  “I will never get use to saying that.” He snipped as he went out the door.

“So this is it.” Kevin said as him and Aj walked down the hall with the others.

“Yup.” Aj said with a nod.

“So after this we’ll deal with Rayne and get her out?” Kevin asked.

“No” Aj said shaking his head.  Kevin looked at him confused. “After this you guys go home and then I’ll deal with Rayne.”

“Really?” Kevin asked a little unsure.

“I can handle it, it’s really Elvaan business you know politics.” Aj said looking at him. 

“Yeah.” Kevin said with a nod.

“I know how bad you three wanna get home, so why put it off.”  Aj said.  “I’ll make sure I say goodbye to Rayne for you.”

“Thanks man.” Kevin said with a light smile.

“So where are we meeting Avit?” Nick asked before he went into his room.

“Globe room to Sarila, we’ll enter Hevi from there.” Aj told him.  Nick nodded and then walked in closing the door behind him, even though Howie was waiting to get in.

“Ass” Howie said as he grabbed for the door, when it opened Aj could hear Nick laughing inside.

“I really hope for the people of Tokia that Rossi lives a very long life.” Kevin said with a sigh to Aj.  Aj cracked up laughing at the burn he had just heard. 

“You know you’re going to miss him.” Aj said with a smile.

“Yeah.” Kevin laughed.  “Every time I sit on a fucking nail.”

Aj laughed again as he watched Kevin walk away towards their room.  He watched as he opened the door and heard Nick and Howie yelling at each other.  The door shut and the hall almost went silent.  Shaking his head he made his way over to his door.

“Would you two shut up already?” He heard Kevin yell although somewhat muffled through the door and walls.  He sighed at the thought of them leaving as he closed his door.  The thought of not seeing them again well it sucked and it will suck a lot more when they are actually gone but they would be ok.  They will have lives and move on, and for the first time, he knew, so would he.

Rayne sat against the head of the bed.  Her room was in spell lock, which meant no spells could be cast within the room.  She found that out awhile ago when she tried to send a hawk over to the Gryphon towers when she saw a pack of people take off.  She was to far away to see them clearly but there were six.  She wondered if it was them and why if it was, they were heading in the direction of Darlawind.  Her door opened and she looked from her window to it.  She quickly looked back when she saw Elder Rexil walk in.

“Old hag.” She thought to herself.

“Rayne?” A familiar voice said. Quickly Rayne looked back and saw her Mother standing beside Rexil.

“Mom.” Rayne said relieved to see a familiar face.

“You have a half hour.” Rexil said and she walked out of the room.

“What are you doing here?” Rayne asked as Halian walked over and sat down.

“I came to see you; you were out for a very long time.” Halian said.  “Alex is very worried about you but they won’t let him see you.”

“Is he ok?” Rayne asked.  “Is Nick ok?”

“Yes, yes Nick is fine.” Halian said with a smile. “I assure you Nalia is taking very good care of him.”

“Mother” Rayne said a little shocked.

“Oh Rayne” Halian said rolling her eyes as they both lightly laughed.

“What about Alex?” Rayne asked.

“Like I said he is very worried about you, you should have heard him yelling at Elder Rexil.” Halian whispered.

“He yelled at her?” Rayne asked.

“If not screamed” Halian said with a nod.  “But you know her.” She sighed.  “Right now he wants to deal with Ignis, he’s trying to end it now, and deal with this when it’s over.”

“Well my trial starts soon.” Rayne said.  “How does he plan that?”

“I am not sure but him and the others went to Darlawind and..” she was interrupted.

“That was them.” Rayne said with a light smile.

“Pardon?” Halian asked confused.

“Nothing, keep going.” Rayne said taking her Mother’s hand.

“Well they found something, I am not sure what it is they found but as soon as they got back they had a short meeting and then went to Sarila.”  Halian told her.

“Why there?” Rayne asked.

“They were taking the globe to Hevi and going straight for Ignis.”  Halian said.  Rayne frowned and looked away.  She should be there with them, fighting beside them.  Instead she was stuck in the room by these jealous Druids. 

“This is not fare, I should be there, it is my duty, and if Marsa was alive I would be.” She said sadly.  It hurt her to say it but it was true, she knew they wouldn’t give Alex the time of day because to them he was still human.

“I know dear and Alex knows that too but he also knows you wouldn’t want him wasting time trying to get you out when they are obviously close to finishing Ignis.”  Halian said to her.

“I know.” Rayne said with a sigh.  “Does he know what will happen if I am found guilty.”

“I do not believe so, I do not think Rexil has told him and I have not.” Halian said.

“It is better he does not.”

“They can not take a Guardians Talents away; you were given them by Pixca, you are not just any Druid.” Halian said angrily.  “I hope Alex gets here in time and puts a stop to this.”

“Me too Mother.” Rayne said as they hugged but she knew there was nothing he could do.

“So who said there wouldn’t be that many?” Nick shouted as he sent out a Shadow spell.

“Avit, blame Avit.” Aj shouted jokingly as a Frost Blast blew out from under him and it trapped every army guard around him.  Blocks of ice trapped their feet and made them easy picking for any melee.  “Where’s the room to Tokia?” Aj asked quickly.

“This way!” Bussa shouted.  It had been a while since Aj had fought along side the Cornel of Kalica.  He insisted on coming with Nalia, and Aj didn’t really argue because it was extra knowledge on the Palace.

Everyone fought their way down the hall, Ignis’s guards coming out of rooms, stairwells, and hidden passages.  Aj conjured another Frost Blast spell and Kevin and Nalia came through cutting down all the trapped guards.

“In here.” Bussa said a little breathless.  The group quickly made their way into the room and jammed the door shut.  Nalia quickly walked over to the globe and turned it on.  The globe smoked and a glow started beaming from it.  Soon the room was lit up in a bright green colour.

“Step back and give them room” Nalia said stepping down from the pedestal as the guards on the outside pounded on the doors.  The waited for a moment and soon the room was filling with smoke and guards.

“Aye we be here.” Rossi said with a smile.  There was another pound on the door and it made Rossi laugh.  “Come on lads we got some party crashers.” Rossi shouted.  The group that had just crossed over unjammed the door and ran out into the hallway.  Ignis’s guards taken back by the mini melee attack stumbled to defend themselves.

“Here come some more.” Kevin said as more smoke filled the room.

“We need to get to Ignis.” Aj said looking around.  “Did anyone see him?”

“No” Nalia said shaking her head.

“Should we split up?” Nick asked.

“Might be best.” Bussa told them.

“Aye, ye be lookin for Ignis?” Rossi said as he stepped through the door.

“Yes” Nick said looking at him

“He be right there.” Rossi said as he pointed down the hall.  Everyone took off out of the room as another load of dwarfs come over.

Aj ran out into the hall, he saw Elvaans fighting along side Dwarfs, the hall littered with men fighting and men lying on the ground.  Aj looked through them and saw Ignis standing by the staircase. 

“Is he a ghost?” Bussa asked as he looked at the man’s transparent figure.

“How do we kill a ghost?” Brian asked.

Aj didn’t wait for an answer he didn’t have one, and he didn’t have time to think of one.  He started rushing through the people fighting, much to the protest of everyone behind him.  When he knew he had a clear shot he sent out at Ice Bolt right at Ignis.  Ignis stumbled forward a little a spun around.

“Mage” He said with a smile pleased to see Aj.

“Where is she?” Aj asked and Ignis looked at him puzzled. 

“Who?” Ignis asked.  “Did you loose your Druid?” Ignis said looking behind him and only seeing Nick and Nalia standing with the others.

“No, you know who I’m talking about.” Aj said bluffing.  “Where is she?”  The look on Ignis’s face confirmed to Aj to keep pushing it.  Just hopefully he didn’t ask for a name.

“How did you..” Ignis said puzzled.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Aj said with a smile. 

“You kill me and you will never find her.” Ignis snapped.

“Like you’d tell us if we kept you alive, and you being dead has so many perks.” Nick said as he walked up beside Aj.

“Dwarf.” Ignis said with a sarcastic nod.

“I say we end this now.” Nalia said as she joined Aj and Nick holding her swords at her side.

“Kill me I will be back.” Ignis said holding out his arms.

“But we remember now and we will make sure the others will as well.” Nalia said to him.

“No we end this cycle now.” Aj said as he took a step forwards.  “We will kill you, we will find her and we will stop this once and for all, you will not come back.”

“You will never find Pixca.” Ignis hissed, and Nalia couldn’t help but gasp.  Ignis saw the looks on their faces and he realized he had been tricked.  Aj went to speak but the sound of a sword running through armor and someone stepping out beside him stopped him.  It was Nalia and she pulled her sword out as Ignis stumbled back.  He grabbed one of his guards and the man screamed as Ignis sucked the life from him, like he had done to Nalia.

“You will need more than a sword Warrior, didn’t you learn the last time.” He said with a small laugh.

Nick shot out a Shadow Bolt as Aj sent out his Ice Bolt, they both slammed into Ignis and he fell back but quickly got up.  His arm flung out and a Fire Bolt came flying at the three and the dove out of the way just as it struck a bunch of Ignis’s guards, Elvaans, and Dwarves fighting.  Aj quickly looked around too make sure Nick and Nalia were ok.  With a nod from each of them, he got to his feet and saw Ignis running down the hall.

“Stay here and help fight!” He shouted back to Kevin and his friends.

“You three be careful!” Brian shouted to them.

“Let’s go.” Aj said to Nick and Nalia and then started running.  He dodged around everyone and he didn’t pay attention to who was winning the fight in the hall.  Aj turned the corner with Nick and Nalia not to far behind and saw Ignis running down the hall, the window at the end of the hall caught Aj’s eye and he quickly conjured a Tohil spell outside the Palace and it blew the window out sending Ignis crashing to the floor. 

With a Warrior’s yell Nalia took off running down the hall at a cheetahs speed as she charged in and attacked Ignis as he got up.  Aj was amazed to see Ignis blocking her swings with his arms.  He grabbed her by her leather chest piece and sent her back into the wall.

“Nali!” Nick shouted as he stepped forward.  Nick sent out another Shadow bolt but Ignis blocked it and returned it with a Shadow Bolt of his own.  Nick jumped back against the wall just in time.  Aj heard another yell and looked back at Ignis too see Nalia had recovered and was back to attacking the ghostly figure again.  Quickly Aj shot out a Fire Bolt and then a Frost Bolt. Ignis fell forward past Nalia.

“Look out!” Aj shouted to Nalia as Ignis reached for her but she was already on it, and kicked his face and he rolled back against the wall.  She raised her sword over her head, and he raised his hand but a shadow bolt smothered him and he flinched, not being able to get his spell off as Nalia’s sword ran through him.  He screamed in pain as Nalia quickly backed away, making sure he didn’t touch her.  Aj sent another Ice Bolt at him and when the spell hit him everyone was sent to the floor by a bright red light.  The screaming was ear piercing and Aj tried to cover his ears, waiting for them to pop from the high pitch.

The Palace began to shake around them, as thunder was heard from above them. Then just as fast as everything had appeared it was gone.  Aj slowly lifted his head and looked around, he saw Nick and he looked to his left and saw Nalia, they both appeared to be ok.

“Alex dude you ok?” Nick asked as Aj stood himself up.

“Yeah, ears are ringing though.” He said as he stuck a finger in his left ear and shook it.  “What the hell was that?” He asked.

“I think.” Nalia said as Aj looked at her.  “It was Ignis dying.” Aj looked from her to where Ignis was and there was nothing but a pile of dust.

“It’s over?” Nick said looking at Aj.

“It is over.” Nalia said with a smile.

“For now.” Aj said and they looked at him.  “There’s still Pixca.”

“I can not believe he has trapped her.” Nalia said in awe.

“Makes sense on why she just didn’t show up and fix everything.” Nick said as Aj began walking down the hall.  “Where you going dude?”

“Find Avit.” Aj said as he continued down the hall.

Aj turned the corner and stopped dead when he saw all the people standing around.  Many of Ingis’s men were on the ground holding their heads, many of them looked drunk and disoriented but Aj knew they weren’t.

“What’s going on?” Aj asked pointing to the guard.

“I do not know, they just stopped fighting, many of them falling to the ground blacking out.” Avit said as he walked up to him.  “Where is Ignis?”

“Dead.” Aj said too him.

“Praise Pixca!” Avit said with a cheer.  “It is over Ignis is dead!” He shouted as he turned to face everyone in the hall.  Many of the men and woman were stunned but then began to cheer.

“You guys did it?” Kevin said a little shocked.

“I’m insulted by your lack of confidence.” Aj said sarcastically.

“Where is he?” Avit asked.

“A pile of dust around the corner.” Aj said pointing down the hall.  Avit nodded and headed in that direction.

“So now what?” Howie asked as Nick and Nalia walked up.

“Now.” Aj said as he looked at his friends.  “You guys can go home.”

“Home?” Brian said as a smile cracked across his face.  “Like Home, home.”

“As in Earth, yes.” Aj said with a nod.

Aj sat at his desk going over the reports Avit had given him about what had happen at the Palace.  The people had not been told yet what had happened, they need to make sure Hevi and the land of Kalica had been fully taken back first.  He was passing time until the guys had everything together to go home.  They had been back for about a half hour, and going over these reports and thinking about the guys leaving was all he could do to keep his mind off of Rayne.  Her trial would be starting any minute now but he had to wait for the guys to leave before he could go.  When his door opened he looked up and saw Avit walking into the room, he was holding a bag in his hand.

“Here are the things you wanted Sir?” Avit said with a nod.  “Sorry it took longer than expected.”

“That’s ok.” Aj said as he took the bag from Avit.

“Are they ingredients you need to send your friends home?” Avit asked.

“Naw, that’s a simple spell, kind of like a wind spell really.” Aj said looking at the bag.  “This is for something else.” Aj said as he stood up.  “Do you know if my friends are ready?” He asked.

“Most of them appeared to be out in the hallway upstairs as I made my way here.” Avit said.

“Ok.” Aj said with a nod as he stood up.  “I need you to go to the Druid House now, let Rayne know I will be there soon, if you can.” Aj said to him.

“Of Course Sir.” Avit said.  “Please tell your friends they have my most gracious thanks and they will be Knights always here in Winnol.”

“I will Avit thank you.” Aj said with a light smile.  Avit smiled back and then left the room.  Aj closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  This was it, they were going home and it would be just him and Nick.  He felt the tears come to his eyes and he pushed them back.  He put the bag in his desk and then headed to the door.  He left the room and walked out from behind the stairs.  His friends were coming down as he walked out into the front hall.

“There he is.” Kevin said pointing to Aj.

“You guys ready?” He asked as he looked up at them.

‘Yep” Brian said with a nod.

“Are you sure you won’t stay we got lots of room.” Nick said as he stood on the steps, leaning against the railing.

“Are you sure you guys won’t come back with us?” Howie asked.

“Yeah really guys, you did it, you beat Ignis..” Brian said looking at them.

“Nope.” Nick said shaking his head.  “I like it here dude.”

“It’s not the Best Western.” Brian mumbled.

“Let’s not start.” Kevin said as he ran his hand through his hair. 

“Besides if I go, who’s going to send you home?” Aj asked as Brian tried to answer but couldn’t.

“So do we need to go somewhere?” Howie asked.

“Open area.” Aj said with a shrug.  “Tree falls will be good enough.”

Aj watched as his friends headed towards the hallway that lead to the Pool of water with the tall water fall inside the Castle.  He followed behind them as they walked down the hall.  When Nalia opened the door he heard the crashing sound of the falls and it got louder as he walked out to the large grass area.

“So do we need to do anything?” Brian asked looking at Aj.

“Just stay together.” Aj said with a shrug.

“So, this is it.” Kevin said looking at Nick and Aj.

“Been fun guys.” Nick said with a nod.

“Who would have thought we’d end it like this.” Howie said with a laugh and a smile.

“Keep an eye on Ma for me?” Aj asked as he hugged Kevin.

“I will man.” Kevin said as he choked back some tears. “And don’t worry about Rayne; you’ll get her out of it.” He said as he wiped his eyes.  Aj lightly smiled at him and Kevin turned to Nick.

“You’re a big pain in my ass.” Kevin said looking at him.

“You’re gonna miss me the most.” Nick said with a smile.  Kevin laughed as he pulled Nick into a hug.

“Man, who am I going to go shopping with now?” Aj asked as he looked at Howie.  Howie smiled as the two hugged.  “I’m really gonna miss you D.”

“Me too Alex.” Howie said as they pulled away.  “Just be happy.”

“I will.” Aj said as he patted Howie on the side of the arm.

“Prick” Aj said looking at Brian.

“Prick” Brian said back to him. 

“Take care of that beautiful wife and kid of yours.” Aj said as the two hugged.

“You know it.” Brian said as he wiped a tear away.

“Don’t go starting wars with him either.” Aj heard Howie say to Nick.  “Make sure they don’t go starting any wars.” Howie said as he looked to Nalia.

“I will.” Nalia said with a light smile and laugh.  “Thank you all for everything you have done, you will not be forgotten here.”

“Statue would be cool.” Kevin said as he raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t think they have enough marble to chisel out the eyebrows.” Nick said sarcastically.

“Just stay out of trouble.” Brian said as he looked at Nick.

“Always.” Nick said smiling.  The two hugged and for a moment remembered back to when it was just Frick and Frack, but things had changed, they had changed.

“Alright.” Aj said as he lightly clapped his hands together.  “Stand together and hope I don’t drop you in the middle of the freeway.” He said as he held his hands out.

“What!?” Howie, Kevin and Brian said quickly.

“Just kidding” Aj said as he started laughing.

“Nice one.” Nick said as he laughed as the others moaned and bitched at Aj’s joke.

“Ok seriously now, you guys ready?” Aj asked.  The three nodded and Aj took a deep breath and relaxed.  He closed his eyes and felt a gentle breeze blow pass him, he heard a crackling sound and a whoosh soon followed, he felt the serge of energy go through him and then silence around him.  When he opened his eyes again they were gone.  Both him and Nick stood there for a minute and took it in.  He looked beside him and saw Nick hugging Nalia and he found himself missing Rayne.  He let the two have their moment as he looked back to the spot where his friends stood.

“Well dude.” He heard Nick say after a moment and he looked over at him.  He was standing there with his arm around Nalia.  “Time to go get Rayne.” He said with a nod to the door.

“I’ll meet you guys there; I need to get something first.” Aj said as he took a deep breath and motioned for them to go.