Xenthor stood on the beach, staring up at the cloud of darkness beginning to cover the entire sky. Renasia was kneeling on the ground next to Drenzil’s body as she too was staring as if mesmerized by the shadow being cast across the land.

“Renasia, we must go. I fear Lanchor is behind this.” Xenthor said softly.

“We can’t just leave Drenzil’s body here. He deserves the memorial of a true guardian.” Renasia sobbed.

“I know, but it’s going to have to wait.”

“No Xenthor, you go. I’m staying here with Drenzil.” She snapped back.

“Fine, then. You take Drenzil back to the castle but send Gelmin and Genema right away. I may need their help.” Xenthor replied.

Renasia and Xenthor then picked up Drenzil and put him in the boat.

“I’ll tell the others they’re needed as soon as I reach the castle.” Renasia said.

Without a word Xenthor pushed the boat into the water sending Renasia on her way to their home island. Xenthor then ran along the beach to investigate what was going on. After running along the shore line for sometime he came across a much bigger boat than his and Drenzil’s. As he got closer he was able to identify it as Lanchor’s boat. He could tell by paintings on the side of it. Paintings he had helped Lanchor with in their younger days.

Xenthor couldn’t help but think of the old council once again. He went back to the days where he and Lanchor were not yet members, back when they were boys and didn’t have a care in the world. For just a moment Xenthor thought of the day he and his people were gifted with the orbs. A simple day that began what is known as the war against darkness. Xenthor then shook his head, snapping himself out of the past yet again.

Xenthor began looking around the boat until he noticed a large mound next to the vessel. Xenthor immediately knew what this was. It was just the right size and shape. He knew that this mound was someone’s grave. Xenthor fell down to his knees and began digging as fast as he could.

“Hold it, right there!” A voice yelled from behind him.

“Who is this?” Xenthor asked.

“Turn around slowly, Xenthor. It’s me, Xandin. I’ll save you time and just tell you that, that is Xenchir’s grave. He had a run in with your pal Drenzil. Right before Lanchor killed him.”

Xenthor was now kneeling towards Xandin, who had a sword pointed down at his forehead.

“What are you doing here, Xandin? You’re a guardian. You’re not supposed to unleash threats to our world. ” Xenthor spoke softly.

“I don’t have a choice, okay? It’s not personal Xenthor, I’m just looking out for myself. Wait, how do you know about the plan?” Xandin asked.

“I know because Lanchor and I were there when the dark orb was locked away. I had hidden the map of the cave long ago but I see that he’s managed to navigate his way through. That’s the only reason I sent Drenzil to this particular island to dispose of the orbs of time. Only Drenzil and I are capable of dropping that wall of pure energy and he was going to throw them into the chamber along with the other forbidden orb.” Xenthor explained.

“Tell me, Xenthor. What is this forbidden orb? Lanchor has told me next to nothing.”

Xandin asked.

“Based on the darkness that just consumed the sky, I’d say you’ll find out for yourself pretty soon. That is, unless you let me stop him.”

“I can’t, Xenthor. Lanchor will kill us both.”

“Trust me if we don’t stop him this entire world could be destroyed.” Xenthor pleaded.

“How can you so sure? Lanchor said he’s trying to help. He says the council has become corrupt and he would restore order and peace.”

“Xandin, we have not had a war since before your time. How is the council corrupt and how is there not peace?”

“I don’t know, Lanchor just said so much and I guess I just went along with it. Forgive me, Xenthor.”

“Xandin, you are young. You still have much to learn before you become a true guardian. You must listen to me. If we do not stop Lanchor soon this whole world will face an even bigger problem. The power inside that orb is not meant to be used. It’s too powerful.”

“Xenthor, I will help you anyway I can. Lanchor had corrupted my mind but you’ve brought me back. I’ll lead you to him.” said Xandin.

Xenthor got up from the ground and they both began towards the mountain where the darkness seemed to be collecting the most.

“Xenthor, take this.” said Xandin as he handed him a sword.

“I suppose I’ll need that.” replied Xenthor.

“Help me!” screamed a familiar voice from up ahead.

Xenthor and Xandin instantly began running towards the scream. As they came closer they could see Vexaus.

“Vexaus!” yelled Xandin.

“He’s out of control! It’s too much for him. He can’t handle it.” She began crying.

“Xandin, get her away from all of this.” Xenthor ordered.

“Come on Vexaus. We have to hurry. I’ll take you back to the castle.”.

Xandin and Vexaus then ran off towards Lanchor’s boat.

“Arrrrrgh!” Lanchor cried as he ran into sight and attacked Xenthor with his sword.

Xenthor immediately reacted and counter attacked as he jumped out of the way.

“You will not win, no matter how many times you try.” Xenthor cried.

Lanchor stopped a moment and just stared into Xenthor’s eyes.

“Xenthor, this is the ultimate power. Unlike last time, it’s in the right hands.” snarled Lanchor. He glowed with darkness and his eyes were dark orange.

“Lanchor, you know as well as I do what is contained in that orb you’re holding.”

“Xenthor, unlike you I’m not afraid to use this power. This council is not like the old days. You are corrupt and therefore I must put you to and end and bring back the true order of the council.” growled Lanchor.

“Do you even realize that we have not had a reason for the council since the last time this power was used? This is part of why the war started anyway. I don’t even understand where you’re going with all of this” replied Xenthor.

“It doesn’t matter. You’ll be with your friend Drenzil soon enough and none of this will have anything to do with you. I mean, you can only come back once, isn’t that what you told me when you returned?”

“Let’s begin, you’re starting to upset Me.” said Xenthor.

“Fine by me.” Lanchor replied as he ran at him and swung his sword. Xenthor parried Lanchor’s attack and took a swing of his own. Lanchor jumped back and then stuck his hand out toward Xenthor. A dark cloud began to grow around Xenthor. Xenthor began to cough and choke as he jumped out of the cloud.

“That won’t work on me, Lanchor.”

“How about this one?” Lanchor yelled as he held his hand out once again but instead of a cloud a dark rope appeared and wrapped itself around Xenthor. Xenthor began to yell in agony as darkness began surging throughout his entire body.

“That’s a new one Xenthor. I figured out how to do that by myself.” Lanchor said with a chuckle.

After a few moments of struggling, Xenthor managed to get his left arm out of the dark rope. He grabbed his sword with all his strength and hurled it toward Lanchor’s right hand, the one holding the dark rope. The sword sliced Lanchor’s hand off with great ease, releasing Xenthor free from the rope.

“My hand!” cried Lanchor while Xenthor grabbed him and threw him to the ground.

“Lanchor, you have lost.” said Xenthor as Lanchor slowly began returning to his original appearance.

“I hate you, Xenthor. You’ve always been the stronger of the two of us. I just thought if I took the council into my own hands I could be the powerful one for once. All of this was just so I could defeat you. I guess the only option now is to take my chances. Xenthor, you lose.” Lanchor replied as he began laughing hysterically. Lanchor then smashed the orb of darkness on a nearby rock.

“Lanchor, no!” yelled Xenthor.

All of the darkness in the sky began collecting where the remains of the orb lay. The darkness then began forming a black cloud near the ground until finally the darkness formed a being. There beside Lanchor stood a man who appeared to be Lanchor, but had orange eyes and longer hair. He had the characteristics of Lanchor when he had been using the orb of darkness. The new Lanchor stood there for a moment.

“Lanchor, you were foolish to release me like that.” said the new and darker Lanchor.

“You were my final resort, Darkness.” replied the real Lanchor.

“Ah yes, I almost forgot. That was what everyone called me back then. I guess my name is Darkness. Oh, and don’t think I don’t recognize you, Xenthor.” said Darkness.

“Forgive my silence, Darkness. Thought I’d let you two talk.” Xenthor answered.

“Don’t be so kind, Xenthor. After all…” Darkness held out his hand towards Lanchor. A dark cloud instantly formed around him. Lanchor immediately began choking and coughing until his eyes grew dark and finally his body went limp. “I’m not a very nice person.” As soon as Lanchor had died Darkness immediately changed to the darker form of Xenthor.

“Well, Darkness. I see you can still only take the shape of the living.” Xenthor said.

“Think about it, I can only become someone’s other side if they have two sides. The dead bodies tend not to have sides at all, you know?” Darkness answered.

“Yes Darkness, I remember.” Xenthor spoke as he glared.