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The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 4



When Aj woke up the next morning, he was surprised to see just him, the guys and Marsa at Breakfast. They were told that Evia and Nalia were in a meeting with Cornel Bussa over the state of Kalica and Rayne had decided to eat breakfast in her room.



“Is she ok?” Brian asked.



“Yes, she is in mourning, we must respect her privacy.” Marsa said with a nod.



“So what happens now?” Kevin asked as he sat back in his chair.



“We begin to prepare for War.” Marsa said with a heavy sigh. “I will be traveling to Tokia, and will be going over a plan with King Rossi.”



“Can we trust him?” Howie asked.



“Yes, Dwarves maybe mischief and like the Ale, but they are not dishonest people.” Marsa said and the guys looked at him. “I’m afraid that’s a human quality.”



“Hardly a quality.” Kevin said looking down to his plate.



“Would you Nickolas, like to join me?” Marsa asked as Nick looked up, spoon in his mouth.



“Timmph..” He cupped his hand to his mouth as Kevin rolled his eyes. When he swallowed he started again. “To Tokia?” he asked.



“Yes.” Marsa nodded. Aj watched as Nick looked around the room at the guys and at him.

“Sure.” Nick said with a shrug.



“Good, I’ll let Avit know to prepare more room on the ship; will you be joining us as well?” Marsa asked looking around.



“Where is Tokia?” Howie asked.



“It is the northern land of Pixcadia.” Marsa said.



“North?” Nick asked as his eyebrows frowned a little. “Is there snow?”



“Yes, and large, tall mountains that cut through the sky.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“So it’s cold?” Nick said as Marsa looked back at him.



“Yes, but do not worry. You will be well clothed.” Marsa replied. Aj smiled lightly to himself as Nick huffed looking back down at his plate.



“Spoiled Floridians can’t take a little cold.” Brian scoffed at Nick. Nick shot a dirty look back to Brian, but Brian just laughed at him.



“Just tell Avit if any of you choose to go with us, he will make the proper preparations.” Marsa said as he sat back in his chair.



Everyone had just finished eating and the servants had come into the room to clear the dishes. The doors to the hallway opened up and Aj looked up. He saw Avit come in and he didn’t like the look on his face.



“What is it Avit?” Marsa asked and as Aj looked at the King he saw the worry on his face. Avit looked at the people sitting at the table and then leaned down to Marsa’s ear. Aj watched as Marsa’s General whispered something in his ear. The old Elvaan’s face fell as Avit pulled away.



“I see, I will be there in a moment.” Marsa said sadly.



“What’s going on?” Aj asked as he looked to Marsa. The Elvaan King took a deep breath and then exhaled.



“I sent a search team out, in case Johon had decided to leave King Adop behind, before docking in Sera.” Marsa said as he stood up. “And it appears he has done so.” Aj looked down quickly, his thoughts going to Rayne.



“Alexander, you should come, it is custom for you to be there.” Marsa said as he walked over to the door.



“It is?” All the guys said at the same time.



“Here, in Pixcadia he is Prince Alexander, and everything that applies to the title of Prince of Winnol. It is a sign of respect.” He said with a light bow.



“Oh.” Kevin said nodding.



Aj stood up and looked around. This was defiantly weird, his first thing he had to do as a Prince. He could feel the guys staring at him, and as he heard a couple of snickers, one he knew was Nick, he slowly reached his hand behind him, flipped up his middle finger and flipped them off quickly. The eruption of laughter made Marsa spin around and Aj jumped a little. He was glad to see Marsa brushed it off as nothing more than laughter from a conversation.



They walked out into the hallway and towards the large lobby. This time however they did not go up the stairs, or down any hallways, Marsa turned to the doors to the city. Aj was a little confused but followed; he watched the giant doors swing open. They walked out into the city and down the stone covered roads.



“So.” Aj said as he looked up at Marsa. He was pretty tall, taller than Nick and Kevin. “Is there anything I need to do, or shouldn’t.”



“You will not need to say anything.” Marsa said and Aj relaxed a little. The two walked in silence a little bit, then as they approached a building near the back of the city, away from most things living.



“Alexander.” Marsa said turning to him. Aj looked up, waiting for him to talk. “Never mind, it is not of importance.” Marsa said with a light shrug, and Aj just kind of shrugged it off.



The guards at the door saluted and bowed to Marsa and Aj. They then opened the doors and Aj followed Marsa into the building made of thick branches, and the building was cold, and it made him feel weird.



“You might feel something in here; there are magical barriers to protect the dead.” Marsa said as he turned to him. “You’re a mage so you can pick up on the magic.”



“Oh.” Aj said now wondering if that’s what he felt. Marsa lightly smiled at him and then continued down the hall.



“Shall I stay outside sir?” Avit asked and it made Aj jump, he had almost forgotten Avit was behind them.



“Yes Avit, that is fine.” Marsa said with a nod, he then looked down at Aj. “Come.” He said lightly as he placed his hand on his shoulder. A guard opened the door and the two walked into the room. Aj looked around the room; branches everywhere even on the ceiling, only a few leaves poked through. He looked down at the stone table where Adop laid; he frowned when he saw Rayne kneeling beside it, holding her Fathers hand.



“Princess Rayne?” Marsa said as Aj heard the door close behind them. She looked up, her eyes soaked with tears, her face fallen and sad.



“Yes Marsa?” She asked standing up.



“It is not our custom, but under the circumstances, I do not think Pixca will mind if you were to bury your Father here, I can prepare a place for him.” Marsa said and Aj wondered what he meant.



“Thank you Marsa, that is very kind of you.” Rayne said with a light nod. “If he could not be returned home, I know he would want to be here.”



“You both will be able to return home one day.” Marsa said to her as he took a step forward.



“Yes, I hope so.” Rayne said and he noticed the tone in her voice, almost doubtful. The door opened and all three of them looked to see who it was.



“What is it Avit?” Marsa asked when he saw his General there.



“Soula’s First Command has return with his report.” Avit said as he stood straight and tall.



“Oh.” Marsa said as he turned to Rayne and Aj. “Excuse me one moment, will you?”



“Of course.” Rayne said with a nod. “I should return to the castle.” Aj turned to follow Marsa out of the room when he felt a hand on his arm and he looked back to Rayne.



“I wanted to apologize for last night.” Rayne said with a light frown.



“It’s ok, you were up set because, because of everything that had happened so.” Aj said his voice going quiet as he quickly glanced at her Father.



“Marsa told me you will be staying, to help.” She said as she started to head out of the room.



“Yeah, I mean if we can help then we should.” Aj said as he followed.



“And the others were ok with this?” she asked.



“Well Nick agreed to it too, right away, and Brian did too which was really shocking.” He said as he nodded a little. “Everyone else came around.”



“Princess Rayne.” Marsa said as he approached the two. “My scouts still say there is no sign of Guardian Rem, I do not feel safe with you traveling alone.” Marsa said with concern. “Would you allow General Avit as an aid?”



“Thank you Marsa that is most kind and under the circumstances, I think it would be wise.” She said with a light smile. Marsa smiled back with a nod in agreement.



“Shall I escort you back to the Castle?” Avit asked her.



“Yes please.” Rayne replied.



Aj smiled and lightly waved as she waved goodbye to him and Marsa. He turned and looked at Marsa who was talking to a guard. A funny feeling came over him and he felt like someone was watching him. He looked over his shoulder on his left and saw a tall Elvaan woman standing by a small building. Aj began walking over to the woman, not sure why but that feeling he got the other day was coming back. Looking back he quickly peeked to see if Marsa was still talking, and he was. So Aj turned back to the woman but she was gone.



He walked over to the small building where she was standing and headed around the side. He saw a large iron gate that was opened and he wondered if that’s where she went. Aj followed the small grass covered path that lead into a patch of trees. When he came out the other end he saw a field of baby blue flowers scattered across the ground. Rows of marble stone tablets streamed across the field. He walked up to the larger stone at the top of the rows. He knelt down and read the name.



“Tas Breezewalker Queen of Winnol; your people, your friends, your family, your country mourns your loss everyday.” Aj spoke as he read.



“You must be Alexander.” A voice said from behind him and he spun around.



“Huh?” Aj said a little stunned.



“You are Alexander are you not?” she asked.



“Uh. Oh yeah that’s me.” Aj said. It was weird, when they called him Alexander it was a name he was use to, but when they said it here, it had a different meaning.



“You do not sound sure.” The woman said.



“Oh no I am Alexander, just..” Aj stopped hoping she would drop it.



“Just what?” She asked. He looked at her. She had long dark brown hair, her eyes looked very familiar.



“Well, it’s just that they sent me away, and now they bring me back, expecting me to believe I am who they say I am.” Aj said as the flood gates began to open. “Show me I am who they say I am, give me some proof.”



“Would you stay?” The woman asked, and Aj looked at her wondering where that came from.



“My friends and I already said we would.” Aj said to her. “After that we go home.”



“But what if this is your home?” She asked. Aj went to answer her but he stopped. He had never really thought about that before, even when he was yelling at Kevin. What if he was, what if he was from here.



“Wouldn’t I know if I was from here?” Aj asked her.



“You do not feel it?” The Elvaan woman asked. “Something you see, something you hear, anything that gives you a feeling that you belong?” Aj started to think, remembering how he felt when he was at the table having breakfast the morning Rayne left with her Father. How he felt after she had yelled at him, how he felt listening to everyone bicker.



“Alexander?” he heard Marsa say and he looked up. The woman was gone, and Marsa was standing at the pathway opening. “Is everything alright?”



“ah..” Aj said looking around, wondering where the woman had gone too. “Yeah, just looking around. What is this place?”



“It is our Mourning Grounds.” Marsa said as he walked up to Aj.



“Oh.” Aj said as he looked back at the stone. “So this is..”



“My Tas.” Marsa said with a light smile. “And this is Nati and this is Dyn.” Marsa said as he light touched the stones beside the bigger stone.



“How long ago was it?” Aj asked.



“About a year ago.” Marsa said as they turned and headed towards the city again.



“I’m sorry.” Aj said quietly.



“Not as sorry as I am, she would have loved to have seen you again.” Marsa said and then he quickly looked down to Aj. “I’m sorry; I know how uncomfortable that makes you.”



“I just wish I knew if I really was, I mean I know you, and everyone here says it, but I just can’t picture it.” Aj said as he walked through the thicket of trees. “Why me, why Nick, why did the guys come, it’s just all really confusing.”



“I do not know why it was you, or Nickolas, for the same reason if you were to ask that question on earth. Do your friends know why they were born to the parents they have?” Marsa asked.



“No.” Aj said as he thought. “Yeah, I see your point.” He said with a light sigh.



“As too why your friends came, that I do not know either, we tried to find the answer, we were just as shocked as you were.” Marsa said remembering. “Maybe it was to help the two of you adjust, only Pixca knows the truth.” Aj knew what that meant, probably the same as if someone would say only ‘god knows why’ back home.



The two walked silently through the town, following the same path they took on the way to see Rayne’s Father. People would stop what they were doing and bow, at first Aj thought they were bowing to Marsa but he soon realized they were bowing to him too.



“May I ask you something?” Marsa said as they approached the castle doors.



“Sure.” Aj said with a light shrug.



“Why did you go with Soula to try and save Princess Rayne?” Marsa asked. Aj slowed his walking and then stopped.



“I got this feeling.” Aj said as Marsa turned to him.



“A feeling?” Marsa asked a little intrigued.



“Yeah, like something was telling me to go, really telling me to go.” Aj said remembering how strong it was.



“Is this the only time you have felt this way?” Marsa asked.



“No.” Aj said quietly. “Later that night, after I talked to Rayne about why she left, something she said set it off again.”



“So that’s why you said what you said to your friend.” Marsa said.



“Yeah.” Aj said as he took a deep breath. “Do you think I’m feeling this way because I’m suppose too?” Aj asked.



“What do you mean?” Marsa asked.



“Well, if I am this Alexander, maybe I was suppose to go help Rayne, since she is a Guardian, and maybe I’m suppose to help with this war.” Aj said as Marsa raised an eyebrow. “It’s just.” Aj said with a deep exhale.



“Yes?” Marsa said waiting for him to continue.



“What if I end up liking it here?” Aj said. “It’s already different than Earth; the people are cool, despite being threaten with a war. What if by the time the war is over, I want to stay.” Aj said. “You think Kevin was mad when we came.” He said raising his eyebrows. He saw Marsa smile and it made him smile and laugh a little.



“It seems you have many around you that care about you, I am thankful for that.” Marsa said with a light bow.



“Yeah, me too.” Aj said as he looked away a little, hoping Marsa didn’t ask why.



“Hey there you are!” Nick shouted as he walked out from the doors. “Man these things are huge, what do the kids do at Halloween?” Nick asked as he walked up to Marsa.



“Halloween?” Marsa asked confused.



“What did you want?” Aj asked with a light laugh.



“Nalia and I are going for some target practice.” Nick said as he shot his hand out playfully. “Wanted to know if you felt up to it?”



“Where are the guys?” Aj asked.



“Sleeping.” Nick said a little relieved. “Let’s go have some fun.” Just then the laughter of girls made Aj’s gaze go to the doors and he saw Nalia and Rayne come out. Glad to see her smiling and laughing again.



“Ah, I see you found him.” Nalia said as the two girls approached them. “King Marsa.” Nalia said with a bow and he returned it.



“So.” Nick said turning to Aj. “You coming?”



“Um.” Aj said looking to Marsa.



“Please, go, I need to speak with Avit anyways.” The Elvaan said as he lightly bowed and walked away.



“So when will we get to learn the other spells?” Nick asked as the four walked down the streets of Winnol. Nalia and Rayne were in the front, Aj and Nick behind them. Like before Aj noticed people would stop and bow to them, he also noticed people whispered more seeing all four of them together.



“That is up to your teacher.” Nalia said as she quickly looked back.



“I just want to summon an Orc.” Nick said as his eyes got big.



“An Orc?” Aj said a little confused. “Like Orc, grrrr Orc?” he said as he put up his hands and made a face



“I dunno, I just read a list of spells a Warlock has, and I read Summon Goblin and Summon Orc.” His voice filled with excitement. “Let’s see Kevin ride my ass when he’s got an Orc ridding his.” Nick laughed. Aj shook his head with a chuckle as the four of them turned into the Magic Fields.



They walked out onto the field and Nick headed towards the targets. Aj looked around; he noticed the sky had become darker than it was earlier. The field was wide open; the only thing blocking them from the forest around them was the stone wall along the back of the field.



“What is that?” Nick shouted and Aj looked over to him quickly. He then followed Nick’s gaze and saw the wolf that had cornered him in the hallway the night they first got here.



“That was the wolf I was telling you about, it’s Rayne’s.” Aj said as he looked at her. She knelt down at the wolf as it came closer to her, and even though he knew it was a spell, he was still surprised to see it walk up to her, and let her pet it.



“That’s cool.” Nick said with a nod. “Does it have a name?” Nick asked as Rayne and Nalia walked over.



“Paq.” Rayne said.



“Well I’m going to go target practice.” Nick said as he started to walk away.



“Me too.” Nalia said as she pulled out a large sword from the Sword stack. Aj raised his eyebrow in curiosity.



“What talent is she?” Aj asked Rayne as he watched Nalia walk over towards Nick.



“Warrior.” Rayne replied. “Warriors are masters of battle and weapons.” Rayne explained.



“Do they use magic?” Aj asked.



“Sort of.” Rayne said as she looked at him. “They use energies like you do, but they apply them to their allies, to help them in battle. She can make you strong, or more accurate, or quicker.”



“Cool.” Aj said with a nod. “So are you going to practice?” Aj asked.



“Not today, pretty tired already.” Rayne said as she looked down to Paq. “I am sure Nalia wanted me to come to keep my mind off Father.”



“Not working?” Aj asked.



“No.” Rayne replied. He walked, along side of her as she looked up and a smile came across her face. “Looks like your friend found something else to do.” Aj looked over to where Rayne was looking and saw Nick staring at Nalia as she swung the sword around, effortlessly like a baton. She would bring the sword across her and spin, sending it piercing into a stack of hay, as she pulled out she would spin around again, bringing the sword around and down onto the stack of hay.



“Looks like it.” Aj said with a light laugh, shaking his head.



“I never did get a chance to thank you.” Rayne said after a moment of silence.



“Thank me?” Aj said confused. Rayne nodded.



“For yesterday, coming with the Riders.” Rayne told him. “I know I said last night you did not care, but I hope you understand.”



“I already told you its ok, you were upset, I get that way too.” Aj said and she smiled lightly.



“Hey!” Nick shouted and they both looked at him. “Are you two going to stand there and chit chat, or are you going to blow stuff up?”



“Ugh Carter.” Aj sighed as he rolled his eyes a little. He looked over when he heard Rayne laughing, and he started laughing too.



“Princess Rayne!” Someone from behind them shouted and everyone stopped and looked.



“Yes Harls?” Rayne said as she saw Marsa’s second in command run up too her.



“King Marsa wishes to see you, all of you.” He said looking to Aj and the others. “Right away.”



“Alright.” Rayne said with a nod. Aj watched Rayne dismiss Paq and the wolf took off running into the woods as Nalia and Nick came up to them. When they were all together they followed Harls to the castle and straight to Marsa’s meeting room.



“Hey man.” Kevin nodded when Aj walked in.



“What is it Marsa?” Nalia asked as they walked up to him.



“There is trouble on the island.” Marsa said as he turned to look at him. “My scouts have reported seeing Johon’s men there with Guardian Rem.”



“Are they holding him captive?” Rayne asked.



“No.” Marsa said as he looked at her, his face showing no emotion.



“I see.” Rayne said as she looked away.



“I am sending men out there, early reports say..” Marsa was interrupted.



“I am going.” Rayne said quickly.



“What?!” Everyone in the room said shocked as they looked at her.



“I want answers and Rem can give them too me.” Rayne said looking at Marsa.



“And you will get those answers, when my men bring him back.” Marsa told her.



“I need to make sure he comes back.” Rayne said and Aj heard her voice shake a little.



“I understand Princess Rayne, I want him to pay for his treachery as well, but I can not put you in that kind of danger.”



“Danger, I am a Guardian.” Rayne said angerly. “If we’re such great fighters, why is everyone trying to protect us?” Aj looked at her, and then at Marsa.



“I’ll go with her.” Aj spoke up.



“What?” Rayne said looking at him.



“Yeah..” Kevin said as he slowly sat up. “What?” he said staring at Aj.



“Dude.” Aj said looking at him. He then looked back to Marsa. “I’ll go with her, two of us should be able to handle it.”



“Try Three.” Nalia said



“Four.” Nick said raising his hand as he stood up from his chair.



“What’s going on?” Howie asked looking around, then over to Brian.



“No clue.” Brian said shaking his head as he looked over to Howie.



“So the four of you are just going to run after this Rem guy, and do what?” Kevin asked.



“Kick his ass?” Nick asked.



“Works for me.” Aj nodded.



“I think I’ve heard that in a movie somewhere.” Nick said looking to Aj.



“You know I think you’re right.” Aj said thinking.



“Hey, Abbott and Costello!” Kevin shouted and both guys stopped talking and looked at him. “Do you hear yourselves?” Aj looked at Kevin confused. “You’re talking about going off and fighting, you two should stay here and let Marsa handle this.”



“And what did I tell you yesterday?” Aj said staring at Kevin. “We’re going home after we help with this, all of this, and Rem knows something.” Aj watched as Kevin shook his head and sat down with a sigh.



“Doesn’t mean you can get yourselves killed before then.” He said quickly.



“I assure you they will not be killed.” Rayne replied.



“Really.” Kevin said looking at her. “You’re that good are you?”



“Do not speak to her like that.” Nalia said angerly.



Everyone began shouting and bickering around Aj and his head was pounding harder with every word. He was confused on a lot of things right now, and all this fighting wasn’t helping. Sighing he looked around and saw everyone still yelling at each other. With a light growl to himself he turned around and headed to the doors. Opening them he walked out of the room and around the staircase. He decided to go for a walk around the Castle, clear his head, get his thoughts straight. Heading down the hallway, he passed the door to the dinning room and continued down the hall. As his thoughts raced around his mind, who was he? Was he supposed to be here? He stopped and looked up. Every thought in his mind fled, every worry gone as he stared at the picture in front of him.



A woman sat on a green velvet throne, her hair a dark brown, braided at the back and fell down her shoulder, two ringlets’ fell at the side of her face. Her eyes, he had seen those eyes before, he had seen her before, at the graveyard. He replayed the conversation he had with her. The questions she asked, the tone in her voice.



“Alexander?” a voice said from behind him and he turned around too see Marsa, Rayne, Nalia, Nick, and the guys all looking at him.



“Everything ok man?” Kevin asked walking up to him.



“Uh, yeah.” Aj said looking from the group back to the picture. “Who is this?” Aj asked Marsa.



“That is Queen Tas.” Marsa said with a nod. Aj knew it, he just needed Marsa to say it. So this woman that he had saw at the Mourning Ground, the woman that talked to him, he was maybe, possibly his mom.



“Are you ok dude?” Nick asked as he stood beside Aj. Aj just nodded as he looked at the picture.



“Yeah, I’m fine.” Aj said turning away.



“We’re going for a ride on the Gryphon’s did you want to come?” Kevin asked.



“You’re going on a Gryphon?” Aj asked Brian.



“Ppfft, heck no.” Brian said with a scoff. “I’m just going to watch.”



“Naw, I think I’m just going to head to my room till lunch.” Aj said as he started to walk pass the guys.



“Are you sure you’re ok?” Howie asked as Aj walked passed him.



“I’m fine.” Aj said to them, but didn’t look at them as he gave them a slight wave.



Aj could tell they were staring at him as he made his way down the hall but that wasn’t important right now. He was still trying to figure out if he was seeing things, or did he really see this Queen Tas, this woman who’s suppose to be his mother.



“Just wish I knew who I am” Aj said to himself as he started to walk up the stairs.



“You’re a man that’s about to die.” Said a voice from the top of the stairs and Aj quickly looked up. He saw someone standing on the top of the stairs, a long black and silver robe hung around the person that stood in front of him. Aj couldn’t see the person’s face, a hood covered it, shadowed the face so he couldn’t see.



“How did you get in here, who are you?” Aj asked as he watched the robed person in front of him bring up their arm. Aj’s eyes went a little wide and he started backing down the stairs. They brought their arm up and his eyes got wider when he saw their fingers begin to glow with a spell.



“Alex!” Someone shouted from behind him and as he saw the glow of a fire spell coming at him, he felt something grab him and pulled him down to the grown. He let out a moan as he hit the ground hard.



“Stop him!” He heard Marsa shout as he tried to pick himself up off the floor.



“Aj?” Kevin said as Aj looked up at him. “You ok?”



“Ranye?” Nalia said as she ran beside Aj, and he quickly looked beside him and saw Rayne lying on the ground.



“Is she ok?” Aj asked shocked it was her that pulled him down.



“Marsa we need a Priest.” Nalia said as she looked up. Aj looked down at Rayne; her dress was scorched by the flame spell.



“Can I help?” Brian asked as he knelt down.



“Just heal her.” Nalia said. Brian nodded and placed his hands over her. He did what the Priest had shown him, concentrate on the place around you, and concentrate on her. A minute later, as everyone watched intently Rayne began to move.



“Let’s get her to her bed chambers.” Marsa said as two servants came over and picked Rayne up.



Aj was still a little stunned as he stood up with the help of Kevin. He looked back up the stairs but the Mage was gone. He looked around the room seeing everyone there, now guards and spell casters ran around them.



“We have no sign of the Mage sir.” A guard said to Marsa.



“I do not care if we search this place all night, find this mage, or make sure he is truly gone.” Marsa said to his soldiers. They saluted him and then took off up the stairs, scattering as they began to look.



“Who was that?” Aj asked Marsa as they both watched Nalia and the servants take Rayne up to her room.



“I am not sure, but I have no doubt that Johon is responsible.” Marsa said with a sigh.



“How did they get into the castle?” Nick asked as the rest of the guys gathered around Aj, Nick and Marsa.



“There are mages that are powerful enough to teleport.” Marsa explained. “They are far and few between.”



“So I guess Gryphon riding is out.” Kevin said with a sigh.



“Yes, I am afraid it is until we make sure the skies are safe.” Marsa said with a nod and Aj noticed Kevin frown a little.



“Well what did you want to do now?” Nick asked looking at his band mates.



“Why not go to the Tree Falls.” Marsa said to them.



“The what?” Howie asked



“The Tree Falls, it is where we go swimming.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“Sounds great but I left my swim trunks on the bus.” Kevin said sarcastically.



“Dude, like they wouldn’t have that stuff here.” Nick said rolling his eyes.



“Yeah Kevin, geez.” Brian said rolling his eyes too.



“You two shut it.” Kevin said as Nick and Brian began to giggle. “Are you coming?” Aj looked up when no one answered and he saw everyone staring at him.



“Naw, think I’m still going to go to my room.” Aj said as he shook his head lightly. “I’ll see you guys at lunch.”



“Ok man.” Aj heard Kevin say as he began to climb the stairs again. This place was defiantly starting to get to him. He fought so hard back on Earth to find out who he was, and now he was being told he was someone else.



“Alexander?” He heard a voice say.



“What?” he snapped as he turned around. He saw Nalia standing in the doorway. She had a look of shock on her face. “I’m, I’m sorry, just been a long day already, and it’s not even noon yet.” Nalia lightly smiled, and Aj started feeling bad. “What did you need?”



“Rayne would like to speak with you.” Nalia said



“Oh, she’s awake?” Aj asked a little surprised. “Is she ok?” he asked as Nalia nodded.



“Yes, she’s fine.” Nalia said with a light smile. Aj smiled back as he walked into the room. He looked around and saw the room was much like his. Even the fire place was there. His eyes scanned over the window and to the bed, he saw Rayne laying under the covers, as a couple of maids tended to her. When she looked over his eyes caught hers and he froze.



“Are you alright?” She asked.



“Thanks to you.” Aj said as he walked over to her bedside.



“Where is everyone else?” Rayne asked as she looked around the room.



“They went swimming.” Aj said with a shrug.



“At the Tree Falls?” Nalia asked. Aj looked at her and nodded. “Aw.” She frowned.



“Go.” Rayne said a light laugh.



“Are you sure, I do not want you to be alone.” Nalia said.



“If I need anything I can ask Marsa.” Rayne lightly smiled.



“Then I will see you at lunch.” Nalia said quickly as she headed to the door.



“I take it these Tree Falls as something special.” Aj said with a laugh.



“Have you not seen them?” Rayne asked.



“Nope.” Aj said shaking his head. “I”ve been in the castle, or out in the city. Haven’t seen any falls.”



“Open my window.” Rayne said with a nod. Aj looked at her confused for a moment but got up and walked over to the window. He lifted the latch and pushed on the doors, as the windows opened the rushing sound of water broke through his ears. He looked out and saw a giant water fall, falling from the tree branches about fifty yards away.



“Whoa.” Aj said as he followed the water down to the large pond below. The sound of laughter made him look to his right and he saw the guys walking out of a door. He smiled when he saw them all wearing green shorts.



“Oh man check that out!” He heard Nick shout. He looked to where Nick was pointing and saw ropes hanging from the tree branches.



“There’s more than one!” he heard Brian shout and looked down to see Kevin and Nick fighting with each other to get to the ropes.



“How come you did not go?” Rayne asked and Aj looked back at her still standing at the window.



“Didn’t really feel like it.” Aj said with a light shrug. “I was on my way to my room when Nalia stopped me.” He said as he turned from the window and sat down again.



“You’re still not happy about being here.” Rayne said and Aj looked up at her.



“It’s not that I don’t like this place, it is pretty cool and all, but, it’s just kind of hard to explain.” Aj said as he looked down at his nails. He noticed he had picked off all his nail polish, and that meant there was only one thing left to do.



“You know it is not proper for a Prince to bite his nails.” Rayne said and Aj looked at her, and then looked at his hand.



“Habit.” He said with a light shrug. “I don’t like it when things are up in the air, like I don’t know what’s going on.” Aj said as he started talking. “Not getting into a very long story but it took me a long time to find out who I was, and now I’m being told I’m not that person.”



“Well your still Alexander, just you do not look Elvaan that is all.” Rayne said as he looked at her. “You think they changed who you are on the inside?”



“Well, maybe, I mean, I don’t know.” Aj said a little confused.



“You can not change how someone is on the inside.” Rayne said to him. “You can try, and maybe it will work for a while, but it will not last. Not like changing yourself physically does.” Rayne spoke. “How do you know, when you had to find out who you were, it was you finding Alexander.”



“But what about my mom, how she raised me, doesn’t that count for something, she’s real to me, she might have been made up but she’s still real to me.”



“And I am sure you are to her as well. She remembers everything and she always will.” Marsa said and both Aj and Rayne jumped at his voice. “I am sorry this has caused you so much confusion Alexander.”



“No, it’s alright, I mean it’s not really your fault, it’s just.” Aj took a deep breath. “It’s been a long day, I didn’t sleep much, haven’t really slept at all since I’ve been here and now I’m seeing things because of it.”



“Seeing things?” Marsa asked. Aj looked up to Marsa and then to Rayne, they were both looking at him intently.



“Like I said haven’t slept much.” Aj said looking down at his robe.



“Who are you seeing?” Marsa asked.



“Huh?” Aj looked up a little shocked he said who, like Marsa knew he was seeing a person.



“In Pixcadia, sometimes we can see the ones we lost, when we are lost.” Marsa said. “If you know the person you are seeing, then maybe it can help you find your way.” Aj looked at Marsa not sure what to say. He didn’t want to tell him, if it wasn’t her he was seeing. He didn’t want to upset him.



“I’m not sure, I don’t know anyone here.” Aj said hoping Marsa would let it go at that.



“Yes, I suppose you are right.” Marsa said as he stood up.



“I will tell Avit to prepare for tonight, Princess Rayne after this morning I strongly suggest that you.” Marsa was interrupted.



“I am still going.” Rayne said sternly. Aj could tell Marsa wanted to say something but he stopped himself.



“As you wish.” Marsa said with a light bow. “I will inform Avit.” Aj watched as the Elvaan man left the room and he looked to Rayne.



“Well.” Aj said standing up. “I should go too let you get some rest, if you’re going tonight.” He said as he started to walk pass the bed.



“Wait.” Rayne said and he stopped and looked at her. Slowly she got up out of the bed, her blue bed robe wrapped around her, her long curly hair tied up. She walked over to a dresser and opened a drawer. Aj waited and watched as she searched for something. A moment later she closed the drawer and walked over to him.



“What’s this?” Aj asked as Rayne handed him a book.



“It was my Mothers.” Rayne told him. “It is the Book of the Magi, the book of Mages, tells you everything you need to know about the talent, spells, lore, it might help.”



“I can’t take this it’s your mom’s.” Aj said as he tried to hand the book back.



“I’ve read it many times, and I am a Druid, she would want someone to have it that could learn from it.” Rayne said her voice quiet.



“Cool.” Aj said with a light smile. “Thanks.” Rayne lightly smiled as she walked back over to her bed. “I’ll see you later at lunch.” He said as he gave a light wave, she nodded and lightly waved back. Aj tucked the book in his hand and headed out of the room. Turning right he headed towards his room. Opening the door he walked in and over to the couch by his desk. He sat down and opened the book. Flipping through the pages Aj skimmed over the words.



“Chapter One: The Elements.” Aj read to himself. “All elements have an opposite. Ice is weak to fire, fire is weak to water, water is weak to lightening, lightening is weak to earth, and earth is weak to wind.” He read. “Remember this when fighting a Mage or an opponent, sometimes the caster has a preference.”



Page by page Aj began to read about the Mage Talent. How it is said to have started, how it can end if one Mage is not careful. He read about the spells he could learn, teleporting, trap spells, which can sit and wait, then when your enemy steps on them, the spell is released and freezes or sets them on fire. He read about the Ancient Magic, old Magic used long ago, but not now, no Mage has been strong enough to cast these spells. Something in the book really interested him though, the lore of the Elemental. The book said that there was a Mage so powerful that he called upon the element of Water and turned it into a fighting beast, with arms, eyes, and a mouth.



“Haha Nick, let’s see your Orc beat that.” Aj laughed to himself as he turned the page. He stopped when he saw the heading of the next Chapter. “Chapter Three: The Guardian Mage.”



“It is with great honor that one of the Guardians of Pixcadia will always be a Mage.” Aj read the first line. “Druid, Warrior and Warlock are the other talents. They are the strongest talents and they are the basic talents. Mages represent the energies that are around us, Druids represent the Nature that is around us, Warlock’s represent the Dark that is around us, and Warrior’s represent the Strength that is around us.” Aj took a deep breath it was a lot to take in but oddly enough he was following it fine. He realized as he finished the chapter that this book wasn’t going to tell him more about the Guardians’.



There was a knock at his door and he looked up from the book. Setting it down on the table in front of him as he stood up, Aj walked over to the door and opened it. He was a little surprised to see a maid standing on the other side.



“I am to call you to lunch sir.” The small Elvaan lady said with a bow.



“Oh, ok thanks.” Aj said shocked the time had passed so fast while he was reading. He closed the door behind him and followed the servant down the hall.



“Aj!” Someone shouted from behind him and he turned around, knowing the voice belonged to Nick. “Dude you gotta come with us next time those falls are so sweet, and you can go behind them.” He said with a wiggle of his eyebrows,



“Nice.” Aj said with a laugh. “Where are the others?”



“They’re coming.” Nick said looking behind him, still not seeing Kevin, Brian, or Howie. “So are you feeling better?” Nick asked.



“I dunno.” Aj shrugged. “Aren’t you freaked out just a little?”



“What about the whole Guardian thing?” Nick asked.



“Yeah, all of it, this place, that, them telling us we’re not who we are.” Aj said.



“They never said we aren’t who we are, they just said we were born here, and then put on Earth for protection.” Nick said with a shrug.



“And that doesn’t bother you?” Aj asked.



“Nope.” Nick said shaking his head. “I’m actually a little glad, I mean, look at my parents. That’s not who I am.” Nick said as Aj listened. “And now, you’re not your dad either.” Aj watched as Nick headed down the stairs, his words playing over in his head.



“Man I’m so hungry.” Kevin said as the sound of his friend walking down the hall broke him from his thoughts. “Hey man, doing better now?” Kevin asked as he put his hand on Aj’s shoulder. Aj looked at the stairs, where Nick was, and then back to Kevin.



“Yeah.” He said with a nod. “I am.” Kevin smiled as the two, along with Brian and Howie headed down to the dinning room for lunch.



Even though he told Kevin he was doing better, he sat pretty quiet through out lunch. His mind a race with Nick’s words, Marsa’s words, Rayne’s words. Even the lady that he thinks is Tsa, even her words ran through his head. He hated being this confused, he hated not being able to think clear and the only time that was, was whenever he needed to help Rayne. When he thought about that, slowly, things started slipping into place. Finally he took a step back at let the “what if” happened. What if he was born here, what if his mom will be ok because this is how it was suppose to be, what if he was this Guardian, what if this is where he was from, and that’s why he didn’t feel like he belonged back on Earth.