Who Lies Beyond Larendale

By McKinley Ballinger

"Who Lies Beyond Larendale" is the nail-biting, second edition to "The Adventures of Yami" series. In the aftermath of incomprehensible annihilation, vivid details of what happened in the Village of Villar are revealed. The weight of the world falls heavy on Yami's shoulders, and an incredible foe lies just beyond the Capital of Larendale! Jam-packed with action and suspense, this young-adult series is a must read for those interested in fantasy and adventure. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat with the turn of every page.

Finding himself inside the Villarian Dimension, Yami must decide whether or not to trust the looming wolf attached to him. A vast power is there for the taking, but can it be controlled? Should it be? From the mauling of Juna to the self-sacrifice at Fort Canter, these conflicting emotions are what Yami must face and overcome. No problem can be solved by running away, and Yami intends to face his inner turmoil head-on.

Protecting the ones that you care about most is etched into the very fibers of Yami's being, but sometimes that isn't enough. What lengths will one go to in order to save their friends? This question in combination with the brutal reality of how the world works lingers throughout the pages of this tale. Yet, when one finds themselves locked up in a cage and starved in a strange new world a million miles across the Ocean, they need only wait for a young Villarian to cross their path.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667848150

Book preview

Prologue: Alistar

Village of Villar, 1511

The sun had set; the last of its scattered rays faded behind the towering evergreen trees. Endemic to the farthest reaches east of Darnhall, these massive trees shaded one from the brightest of rays, but brought utter darkness once night arrived. Yet, within the shadowed forest, the torch lit Village of Villar was alive. It was Resurrection Day, and the week-long festival was set to begin the moment Taurus and Yami returned from their challenge: killing a Forest Crawler.

In the circular arena in which the non-Guardian children performed their challenges earlier that day, three Performer classifications were dressed in all black. To their right was the exit to the forest; to their left was the exit to the Village. Surrounding them were wooden stands filled with Villarians waiting eagerly for the performance to start. Torches were crackling around the dirt field and lining the top of the stands illuminating the crowd, but even with the fires burning, the performers in the middle of the field were just black figures in the dark of night. Then it began: three sparks flickered, and their faces were illuminated as the torches in hand were engulfed with flames like magic. 

Dressed in his white cloak, Alistar stood at the bottom of the stands beside a lit torch. Below his short brown hair was a strong square jaw and a stern look as if he had a million thoughts running through his mind at once. He watched as the performers danced with the fire. The woman in the middle juggled two short torches while the two men beside her had long staffs lit on both sides.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Deep drums beat low in the background as the fire danced. The woman tossed her flaming torches into the air. Spinning their staffs and making a fiery circle, the men threw theirs over the woman’s head as she ducked. Flaming wheels seemingly collided, and the crowd was awed as they passed over the crouched woman. She caught her falling torches behind her back and flipped them over her head back into her hands.

In the darkness it looked like the flames had a mind of their own; they moved elegantly across the field from one performer to the next. The danger of airborne flames sent a feeling of tension, but also amazement, through the crowd as the men spun the staffs around their necks, down their arms, and across the field to the woman in the middle.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

The drums continued to beat. As Alistar watched, Juna walked over to join him. She had most of her light blonde hair pulled up in a bun atop of her head while a few wavy strands hung down the sides of her face. Dressed in tight white pants, she had a matching white wrap around her chest that showed off her flat stomach.   

If you think any harder, your head is going to pop, she said softly in a tone that would make anyone feel at ease. Yami is going to be fine.

I know, Alistar replied with the same stern look. He has worked so hard. I just … I would hate to see him fail.

He hasn’t failed any of the tests we’ve given him so far, Juna noted.

The Crawlers are different, Alistar replied before crossing his thick arms under his robes. They are unpredictable. They have gotten the better of ‘Guardians to be’ before. 

That is true, Juna said before looking back to the performers spinning and throwing their flames in the night air. "It’s also true that he has a werewolf attached to him. No Crawler I know of can beat a Familiar."

"How many Familiars do you know of that act of their own volition? Alistar asked rhetorically with a hint of anger seeping through. I don’t trust it. I haven’t for a while, and the fact that Yami has been talking to it without telling me worries me even more."

He’s a boy. What do you expect, for him to come to you with every little detail of his life? Juna asked with a chuckle. I know you’re still new to the parenting thing, but is spying on your kid’s private conversations really the best idea?

I wasn’t spying! Alistar said sharply.

Before he could say anything else, Juna put her finger up. Shh, Shh, she shushed him. I think they are coming up on the finale, she said before pointing to the shadowy figure of the woman in the middle.

Her arms stretched straight out and her torches followed, flinging toward the men beside her.

Ahh!

The crowd roared! Wild torches slung across the field fast, and as the men were about to be hit, they spun their staffs from overhead; in one motion they caught the women’s torches with theirs and catapulted them into the air.

Ohh!

The fire spun above them for a moment, and the crowd roared before the fire fell back down. The men spun their staffs and hit the two balls of fire back to the woman like they were playing a game of catch. Spinning on one leg, she caught both torches and was moving so fast it looked like the fire was engulfing her. With wide stances, the men spun their double sided flaming staffs in front of them, to their sides, and above their hands. The woman picked up speed, and the tornado of fire around her grew as the beating of the deep drums picked up. 

THUMP! THUMP!

THUMP! THUMP!

THUMP! THUMP!

It picked up faster and faster as the men’s flaming circles started to creep up on the women’s spinning flames. They got closer and closer, and the drumming got so loud Alistar could feel the pounding in his chest.

THUMP! THUMP!

THUMP! THUMP!

THUMP!

The drumming abruptly stopped. The woman threw her torches up as the men spewed a liquid between their lips. It ignited their staffs, and the flames roared as two pillars of fire erupted from their mouths like dragons.

Boom!

The massive flames collided with the torches above and exploded. Raining down red, orange and yellow sparks, it was as if fireworks were just set off. The crowd’s cheering was at its peak; a thunderous applause shook the ground. Alistar slowly uncrossed his arms and clapped, but his mind was still on his son. The pillars died out before black and gray smoke slowly lifted into the star filled sky.

When Juna’s laughing slowed, and her clapping stopped, she said, They always put on a good show. Sometimes I wish I was classified as a Performer.

Trust me, you were classified correctly, Alistar replied through a soft smile.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Juna asked with a playful laugh. I can sing and dance!

If that’s the case, why haven’t any of us seen-

Alistar’s body jerked forward, but he caught his balance and spun around before falling. A drunken man was standing there only as tall as his chest. He had dark hair, his eyes were squinted, and his cheeks were bright red.

Hye, I’m shory pal. What- the man slurred gleefully but stopped as he slowly looked back and forth from Juna up to Alistar.

His squinted eyes widened almost as if running into two Guardians had sobered him up. He stood up as straight and still as he could but still swayed back and forth. He ran his hands down his face and then bowed his head.

Please forgive me! he asked frantically. I got carried away in the fun, but there is no excuse! I am so sorry! If there is anything I can do to-

There is no need for that, Alistar said as he reached his hand out from his white cloak and placed it on the man’s shoulder. It is a festival after all, and it wouldn’t be a very fun one without a couple of bumps and scratches.

Thank you so much, Mister Guardian, the dark haired man said as he stumbled forward a step with another bow of his head. Thank you, Ma’am, he said to Juna with a third bow of his head before rejoining the crowd of people leaving the arena.

What do you say we go get a drink? Juna asked Alistar who was now looking past the Performers, above the evergreens, and out at the night sky. I could use one, and I know for a fact you could too.

What is that? Alistar asked as he looked closer at a reddish orange dot in the sky. The performance is over, right?

What are you talking about? Juna asked before looking above the pointed trees. A star?

It’s moving, Alistar replied in a tone of lingering suspicion. 

The light grew larger as they watched. Alistar could now make it out. It wasn’t a star; it was fire.

BOOM!

A booming crack rained down as the fire entered the atmosphere. It was so loud it brought the people around Alistar and Juna to their knees. Alistar groaned as he covered his ears but kept his head up and watched. It was a massive flaming rock, and it looked like it was coming right at them. The villagers started to panic as they looked to the sky.

Is it going to hit us?

It can’t! It’s Resurrection Day!

We have to get inside!

Some of the villagers ran while some stood still as others dropped to the ground. The rock grew larger as it tore through the night sky, leaving a roar of flames and a pillar of pitch black smoke behind it.

Alistar, what the hell is that? Juna asked as the roaring sound started to grow. What are we supposed to do?

A meteor, Alistar replied as the air around him started to warm. If it hits us, there is nothing we can do.

Feeling a throbbing pressure in his ears, Alistar looked over to Juna who was covering her ears; she spoke and nothing came out but the overwhelming roar of the rock.

It’s huge, Alistar thought with a feeling of insignificance at the sheer size of it.

The ground, the air, and even Alistar’s clothes started to heat up. Sweat droplets formed across his brow, the pressure growing in his head disrupted his thoughts, and the mountain sized rock flew directly overhead. The ground quaked; the wooden stands creaked and groaned as children cried, but not a single person would have heard. After it passed, Alistar’s Familiar, Griff, spoke urgently.

The wind- It’s fire! Get to cover! Get to cover!

Alistar’s eyes widened in realization of what would come next. He quickly threw his hood up, turned his back and tackled Juna to the ground, shielding her from the heat. A gust of blistering hot air rushed by, leaving nothing but misery in its wake. Alistar watched as a shirtless man fell to his knees in agony. His back instantly turned bright red then black, yellow and blistered in the middle. He couldn’t hear the villagers’ screams for help, only the roaring of the meteor and the rush of the searing wind.

A moment after Alistar took Juna to the ground, the flaming meteor crashed into the earth. The sound of it landing came first as a thundering boom, and then the ground quaked hard beneath them as if an unknown being just took the world in both hands and shook. When air around them began to cool off, he slowly got off of Juna, stood to his feet and helped her up.

Are you alright? he asked as he inspected her exposed arms and stomach. You aren’t burned, are you?

I am fine … I think, Juna replied hesitantly. That meteor, it landed so close. I thought they were supposed to stay in the sky and just fly by.

That’s what the Knowledge Keepers have said about them, Alistar replied as he looked around. The shirtless man with the blistering back was dead. A boy was crying with a bright red face as a mother with seared arms tried to console him. Gather as many Doctor classifications as you can to help the wounded, he instructed Juna. After that, we are going to the meteor.

Part I: The Villarian Dimension

Chapter 1

Inye Beach, 1514

Standing on the beach behind Cylas’ mansion, Yami’s sleeveless black shirt and wavy black hair were gently blowing in a wind he couldn’t feel on his skin. The sound of the ocean was gone. Actually, all sound was gone. He felt as though if he were to speak the noise would shatter the world surrounding him.

This place is … off, Yami thought as he looked down at his hands to make sure they were still there.

They were.

On the ground next to him was his own body: lifeless with glowing red eyes, hair fallen back out of his face where it rested against the white sand, and baggy black pants laid loosely on his legs. Staring at Yami’s motionless body, Olivia and Cylas’ faces were filled with worry as there was no way of telling if he was okay or not.

Strands of Olivia’s short blue hair were in her face; a few splatters of blood from Yami’s previous encounter with the Queeble Fish stained her usually white dress. Pulling the spaghetti strap that slipped down back over her shoulder and wiping the tears from her blue eyes, she seemed to relax if only a little. Behind her was Cylas. Even though he was standing tall, and even though he was the one who prevented Olivia from interfering, worry and dread filled his gold colored eyes. Coming off the Ocean and pushing open the white jacket which hung past his golden pants, the breeze revealed the long red scar across his cut body.

Everything around Yami was tinted purple, and in front of him was a black wolf: his Familiar, Fenrir. Slightly hunched over and standing on two legs, his lanky arms hung low, his eyes were glowing blue, and his fur moved like smoke around him. It wasn’t cold, but Yami could see the wolf’s breath coming from his snout.

They can’t see us, Fenrir said as Cylas let go of Olivia, who had tried to help Yami before he passed out. They can’t hear us either. All they see is your body lying on the beach.

The wolf’s snout didn’t move, but Yami could hear his voice like he was talking in his head. The voice was still dark and deep, but it wasn’t abrupt or sharp like before; Fenrir could speak with ease. Yami looked to his friends, and then down to his body where his eyes met his own. The color of blood in their glowing red made him feel uneasy.

We are in the Villarian Dimension, aren’t we? he asked before turning back to Fenrir.

The wolf nodded when he looked up at him. Even hunched over, he stood much taller than Yami.

That is what the Guardians before you have named it, yes, he replied.

Yami was standing cautiously. Nothing about the situation he found himself in was calming his nerves. He took a breath and spoke.

I’m not going to lie; it feels weird talking to you like this.

As Fenrir responded, his glowing blue eyes never blinked. I understand. I never thought my first Attachment would have gone the way it has. I think about our friend Taurus every day. I will never forgive myself for the part I played in his death.

Yami’s eyes widened when he heard Taurus’ name. Our friend?! he exclaimed. How can you even say that? You barely knew him! He definitely didn’t know you! … Not the way I did.

I was with you the entire time, even if I wasn’t talking, Fenrir retorted. Your experiences were my experiences, and I loved him just as much as you. Do you think I wanted to hurt that boy? I wanted to save him. I would have faced a thousand of those spiders to save him.

You didn’t save him! You killed him! How could you do that? How could you hurt someone you say you loved? I hated you for that. I hated you for so long, Yami replied as he turned his head away. 

I know, Fenrir sighed. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but for the Pact to be made you have to accept the past for what it is. You cannot change it, no matter how powerful you become.

Yami looked back up at Fenrir. Seeing the wolf’s face brought up unwanted memories. He remembered Taurus’ death, but he also remembered all the times Fenrir was there for him.

Dammit, Fenrir, he thought as the contrasting emotions clashed within him. That is easier said than done. Fenrir nodded, but he didn’t respond. "And if I didn’t have people out there counting on me, I would refuse this Pact and let you disappear like Fremont’s Familiar, Yami added. Fenrir nodded again. You took out the spiders like it was nothing; you had complete control. How did you mess up so badly?" Yami asked.

The whiskers on Fenrir’s snout twitched and then tightened before he answered, When the Pact hasn’t been made, the connection between a Familiar and his Attachment isn’t consistent; it’s interrupted constantly. The Familiar is forced to make the connection all over again.

What does this have to do with you being out of control? Yami asked quickly. The abrupt sentences make sense, but you body checked Taurus into that tree. He hit it so hard his neck snapped! Yami yelled as his fists tightened and his heart started to beat faster

It doesn’t just affect my ability to talk, Yami, Fenrir replied. Without the connection, when I was summoned it was hard for me to stay in your dimension; everything was hazy. That was expected though. What wasn’t expected was how intense the haziness was at the same time. I was so out of control and it took me a while to figure out why. Your emotions were the only thing keeping me summoned, but they were also what was driving my senses through the roof. All I could see was your anger and fear. I wanted to save him. I tried so hard … I tried too hard.

Yami’s face was red, and he wanted to hit Fenrir in the snout so badly he could barely stand it. He’s wrong! That’s not right! he thought as his fists tightened.

It was the same when you summoned me as a child to protect your family, Fenrir added. But there was more; I felt it. You wanted those men to pay for what they had done. And those little shits that picked on you day in and day out … I wanted to rip their throats out.

This isn’t my fault! Yami yelled as he shot into the air and slammed his fist into the wolf’s chest.

Nothing happened. No sound was made. Fenrir didn’t flinch. Yami didn’t even feel his fist hit Fenrir. He hit him again and again as hard as he could but still nothing.

It can’t be my fault! Yami yelled as he dropped to his knees in front of Fenrir.

You cannot hurt me here, Yami. Although I wish you could, Fenrir replied.

Yami didn’t respond; he slammed his fist against the sand, but it didn’t budge. No mark was left. Not a grain was out of place.

This place sucks! he yelled as he hit the sand again, feeling no satisfaction or relief.

His frustration only grew as he realized he couldn’t punch his way out.

Yami, I-

I know! Yami yelled. You are right! Is that what you want from me? I wanted the men that killed my parents to die. I was tired of being pushed around by all the kids in school, and I hated the Crawlers for trying to hurt my first real friend!

Fenrir placed his fur covered hand on Yami’s shoulder, and his claws rested on Yami’s upper back.

I’m not putting the blame on you, he replied. I felt all of those emotions just like you did, but I acted on them. I don’t want anything from you; that’s not what the Attachment is. All I want is to protect you. I knew from the second you were born that you were going to be my first and my last.

Yami’s heavy breathing slowed. His body relaxed as if every word he just spoke and every word he just heard was a weight lifted off his shoulders. Looking up at Fenrir, neither of them spoke for a moment.

…

I guess some things never change, Yami replied, referring to Fenrir’s ominous statement. Am I really your first Guardian?

I have been alive a very long time, but I have never felt the attraction as my brothers and sisters have, Fenrir answered. Not until 1497. A young boy was born into a Darnhall family. My entire body, soul, and heart was pulled to that two story stone house at the bottom of the upper class hill. That is where I saw you for the first time. There was a golden glow around your tiny body, and I knew I had to protect you.

Even so, I can’t forgive you, Yami said as he slowly stood to his feet. I don’t know if I ever will, but I can move on. For myself, my friends, and the countless others that need our help … So, where do we go from here?

That is a start, Fenrir replied. Now we make the Pact. A promise to one another. It’s not just words, you have to mean it for it to work.

Yami nodded and asked, What do I say? Or mean?

I will go first; follow my lead. The words do not matter as much as their intent. As long as you accept me as your Familiar, it will work, he replied.

Fenrir’s glowing blue eyes closed for the first time, and he began to speak in a serious tone.

I, Fenrir, the first creation of Villar-

Yami’s eyes widened. Villar’s first? He can’t be serious, he thought as Fenrir continued.

-Keenly request you to be my Attachment. I swear to protect you, guide you and serve you with every fiber of my being, more if need be until my dying breath. Your pain will be my pain, and your victory will be my victory. The goals you strive for will be the goals I strive for, and I will lay my body on the line to see them achieved. In the name of Villar, I swear it. 

Yami was frozen and not sure what to say.

Has Villar been real this whole time? And his first Familiar chose me? Dammit, stop staring like an idiot and say something, he thought before speaking hesitantly at first.

"I, Yami, … first adopted son of Alistar swear to use your ability to protect this world from the darkness that aims to destroy it. With the power I wield, I will save as many lives as I can and if need be, sacrifice my own to secure that of another. I accept the past for what it is. I accept you, Fenrir, as my Familiar. In Villar’s name, I swear it."

Yami felt another weight lift off his shoulders, but at the same time remembered the road ahead.

We still have a long way to go, he thought as the purple tint around him began to fade.

Listen to me, Yami. The Demons you have battled are ruthless. They hate humans and will kill every last one if we don’t stop them. You are going to be sent back now. Remember, if you need me, I will be there, Fenrir said with a bowed head.

Whoa! Yami yelled when his body was jerked quickly by a force he was unable to control.

His heart started beating fast, and his eyes closed as he was slammed into the ground. His vision went black; he felt like his body was being pulled through the earth, and the pressure around him grew tighter as he fell. Trying and failing to look around, he couldn’t move his head.

What the hell is this, Fenrir?! he thought in a frightened tone as the rock crashed, cracked and crushed around him.

In the blink of an eye the pressure released, and his vision returned. It was a star filled night sky. Whilst was calming at first, when he turned around he realized he was free falling; the beach was coming quick.

This isn’t any better! he yelled as he flailed in the air.   

Cold wind rushed against his face; he could feel it again. Falling, his entire body was weightless, and if he wasn’t going to splatter at the end he might have enjoyed it. Out of the corner of his eye a dark figure flew by: large wings, a slender body, and a long spiked tail.

Is that-

Boom!

Turning his head to look closer, he slammed into his own body.

Nikko! he yelled as he sat straight up on the beach.

His hair was in his face and he was breathing heavily. His hand was on his chest, and his heart was beating faster than ever.

Yami! You’re back! Olivia yelled as she tackled him back into the sand with a hug.

Did he yell, Nikko? Cylas asked before looking up at the night sky.

I’m back, Yami groaned after Olivia hit him like a brick wall. "You weren’t really that worried about me were you?"

Olivia let go and pushed up off the sand. Still straddling Yami’s waist, she punched him in the chest.

Of course I was! she replied. If your creepy red eyes weren’t open I would have sworn you were dead!

Hey, you just healed me! I don’t need any more injuries, Yami said jokingly as the two of them stood up and brushed the sand off of themselves. It couldn’t have been her. I just imagined it, he thought as he looked up to the sky, and then back at Cylas to answer his previous question. I thought I saw Nikko when I was coming back, but it was nothing.

Cylas checked the sky one more time and scratched his head before replying, Okay … Well, don’t leave us in suspense. How did it go?

Olivia wrapped her arm around Yami’s and said, I don’t even have to ask, I know he did it.

Yami let out a chuckle and replied, I’m glad one of us was confident. I wasn’t sure for a second there.

What was it like? Olivia asked excitedly. Do you feel any different?

That place was strange, and the exit was a little dramatic. I don’t plan on going back any time soon … We made the Pact, but I don’t think I feel any different, Yami replied as he looked down at his hands. I’m just glad to be out of there, he thought.

His senses were back to normal. The sand was moving under his feet. He could hear the ocean again. He could feel the cool night air on his skin and Olivia’s arm around his. Everything that was off before felt right again.

Cylas walked over with a smile, hung his arm over Yami’s shoulders, and spoke mischievously. Good! Then there is only one thing left to do tonight.

Sleep? Yami asked hopefully.

Cylas let out a laugh before the three of them started to walk back to the mansion. Wrong. We are going to drink! he replied excitedly as he started jogging up the marble steps. Hamilton, we are going to need some mugs and ale pronto! he exclaimed.

Isn’t your sleeping spell going to kick in soon? Olivia asked.

Ehh, I can push it off for a couple hours! Cylas replied as he waved his arm for them to follow. 

Yami chuckled as he started to follow the Mage up the steps, but Olivia stopped and looked up at him.

So … Are you really okay? she asked.

I am more than okay, he reassured her. You don’t have to worry. 

Olivia nodded, and a grin followed as she replied, Good, but you know worrying about you is what I do best.

I know, Yami replied with a wink. Let’s get in there before Cylas starts getting lonely.

Chapter 2

Cylas’ Mansion, Inye, 1514

The floor beneath Yami’s boots turned from dark wood to white marble as they entered the main room. Against the far wall was a marble fireplace with three cut logs of wood stacked inside. In front of the fireplace was a square conversation pit sunken into the marble floor. Each side was covered in black cushions, and in the very middle was a circular table.

Jumping into the pit, Cylas sat down and flicked a small flame from his finger. It shot across the room and ignited the logs inside the fireplace. The smell of burning wood, and the sound of the crackling fire filled the room.

Cylas, this room is awesome! Yami replied as he looked around. "That is a little creepy though," he said when he noticed a large painting of Cylas hanging on the wall to the left.

In the painting Cylas was floating above a field of tobacco leaves; a glowing light surrounded him. Wearing the same unbuttoned white jacket and gold pants, hundreds of Inye citizens’ hands were reaching up to him.

Yeah … One of the painters drew that after they built this house, Cylas replied as he rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed smile. I want to take it down, but I also don’t want to make Hurlario feel bad. It’s grown on me a little though. I think he captured my good side, he said as his embarrassed smile turned to his normal smirk.

The painting is great, but I think the painter might have a thing for you. You are not nearly this muscular, Yami said sarcastically.

Olivia leaned in closer to the painting and said, And your scar isn’t this big. Hold on, he painted a bulge in your-

Okay that’s enough analyzing, Cylas interrupted quickly. How about the two of you stop messing with me. Come sit down, he said as he motioned his hand to the sunken pit.

Hamilton walked in as Yami and Olivia were stepping down into the pit. Wearing a black suit, his gray hair was combed back and a thick mustache rested heavily on his lip. With one hand behind his back and a tray with mugs in the other, he spoke in a deep yet elegant tone.

Three ale’s as requested, Master Cylas.

Thank you, Hamilton. There is one more thing I need you to do, Cylas replied.

Anything, Sir, he replied promptly. 

Contact the bank in Brut, and arrange for one hundred pounds of gold and one hundred pounds of silver to be sent to The Thirsty Traveler. More specifically the tavern’s owner, Lutwick.

Hamilton nodded, bowed his head, and spoke as he presented the tray of mugs for the three of them. That will be arranged. 

Thank you, Sir, Olivia said as she took her mug.

Thanks, Hamilton, Yami said as he leaned over and took a mug.

I will be back soon with more ale. If you need anything before that, please let me know, Hamilton said before he turned to leave.

Cylas took a couple gulps from his mug and said, Okay I need to know. What happened while you were sleeping? Or knocked out, uh, frozen was more like it.

I have been wondering the same thing, Olivia added.

Well, after all the pain, I woke up in the Villarian Dimension, Yami replied. Everything was a weird purple color, and I don’t want to talk about the way it felt. It looked the same as our world, but it wasn’t. I could see the two of you … and my own body on the ground.

So you were creeping on us! Cylas interrupted. Real nice, Yami.

Rolling her eyes, Olivia said, Ignore him. Please go on.

Yami took a drink before continuing. Fenrir was there, but he was different; he could actually talk to me with more than a sentence or two. He also mentioned the Demons. Unfortunately, he didn’t say much about them other than the obvious: they hate us.

Us? Olivia asked before raising her voice. What did we do?!

Not the three of us. Us as in humans. He said if we don’t stop them they will kill every last one of us, Yami replied.

Well shit, Cylas said with a groan as he sat back on the couch and rested an arm on the ledge. Did he say how to stop them?

You have to kill them, but the only way to truly stop them is to kill their King. Fenrir replied as if he was in the room, but only Yami could hear him.

Their King? Yami asked in response to Fenrir’s remark. Like from the story. What was his name again?

Are you talking to us? Cylas asked with a tone of confusion before taking a drink from his mug. 

His name was Sorath. What does he have to do with it? Olivia asked as if she knew exactly what Yami was talking about. 

It’s Fenrir. He said to stop them for good we have to kill their King, Yami replied. 

Cylas sat up again on the edge of the couch and said, I thought the story said Sorath got banished or something. Is he back? Or what? Is Fenrir talking to you right now?

It would be a lot easier if we could talk to him too, Olivia noted. Can you bring him out?

Yes! Cylas exclaimed excitedly, throwing his mug out. Let’s do that! I’m ready to see the wolf for the first time.

You two won’t be able to hear him, even when he is summoned. When he speaks it just goes directly to my mind; his mouth doesn’t even move, Yami replied.

Cylas finished off his mug and said, I don’t care. Bring him out! Then we can see who we are talking to.

Yami looked over at Olivia. She smiled that contagious smile and followed with a nod that got Yami to groan resistantly.

Alright, fine, he replied.

Taking a deep breath in, his eyes quickly filled with red and at the same time, Fenrir materialized out of the Villarian Dimension. He appeared in the pit across from Cylas sitting just like a person would, although the scene looked anything but normal. He was hunched over, his arms hung down to the floor, and he was so big he made the seat look like a child’s toy. Olivia wrapped her arm under and around Yami’s arm nervously as a huge smile grew on Cylas’ face.

You are huge! Cylas told Fenrir before turning to Yami. He is nothing like what I pictured. He is almost more human than wolf. I mean look at him! He is literally sitting in the pit with us.

Cylas don’t be rude, Olivia said sternly before she turned to Fenrir. He gets overly excited. I’m glad you are officially part of the team! she said in a happy voice.

Fenrir nodded his massive wolf head.

What can you tell us about Sorath? Yami asked. Before Fenrir answered, he looked to Olivia and Cylas and said, I will translate.

Fenrir’s mouth didn’t move, but as he spoke the whiskers on his snout flickered up and down. Yami repeated every word he said.

The story that you all read at Fort Canter is true. A very short version, but true. Sorath created his Demons just like Villar created me. When we realized that neither side was going to win the battle, Villar sacrificed his and all his creations’ place on earth. By doing this he sealed Sorath and his army deep underground, never to return. At the same time he left a piece of his being inside a human. This created a back door, in a sense, for us to return to this plane. That human became the first Guardian.

What Fenrir said made something Alistar had said to Yami as a kid click in his head.

Villar gave us his eyes, he thought before Fenrir continued.

Since his Demons are here, it can only mean the seal has been broken. What I don’t know is why you have only come across two. The Demon King had hundreds of them in his control. They would be scorching the earth without mercy, not hiding in secret, plotting, and stealing bodies, he said with a snarl.

When Yami finished translating, the mood in the room had changed. Everyone was on edge and tense. Olivia was holding onto Yami’s arm tighter and nobody responded for a moment.

Cylas broke the silence. From what I heard, you killed the first Demon that was in Juna. Can’t you just do it again but to Sorath this time? he asked Fenrir.

The Demon in her was relatively weak. If we would have been facing Sorath or one of his generals, the fight would have ended much differently. The fact that they aren’t in their true forms gives us an advantage because they won’t be nearly as strong.

Yami translated.

True forms? Cylas asked as every answer Fenrir gave led to another question. Why are they possessing people if they have their own bodies? 

I don’t know, Fenrir replied.

He doesn’t know, Yami translated. Then he turned to Fenrir and asked, What happens when they decide to fight in their true forms?

If that happens, I don’t believe the four of us could stop them, Fenrir replied bluntly.

Yami’s eyes widened as he leaned back and ran his hands through his hair. Cylas and Olivia were waiting for him to speak, but he didn’t.

After a moment Cylas asked impatiently, Well? What did he say?

It’s okay, Yami. You can tell us, Olivia added.

Fenrir doesn’t think we can win if they are in their true forms, he replied hesitantly. "The bad news just keeps