Guardians of the Power

By:
Adam Estep

2000 & 2001

Chapter 1
Mask of Light

As the two police lifted their phaser pistols and yelling, Freeze in the cool, crisp night air, Adam had to laugh aloud.

In this weather you dont have to say that. Adam said to them warped unreal voice that covered his own real voice. The men stood there on the cold, marble-slate roof of the Museum of Millenniums and turned to star at each other. Yet Adam answer the question they were trying to ask themselves. Arent you two coming to get lil old me. in the same deep, crackling voice as before. The men jerked, as if they had slammed into a cold, hard brick wall, and began to run toward the young, tall figure of Adam.

Adam twisted; his cloak swirled around his thin body like a winter breeze. He ran to the edge, looked down, and waved slowly to the two-prosuing men. Then jumped.

It was a tall building. Last time Adam had checked, it was 78 stories high. While he was zooming down to his seemingly-soon death he said, Freeze, over a hundred years and still the same phrase. Then Adam lifted his cloak in to the wind and the cloak took the shape that looked like two black, bat-like wings, and saved Adam within stories from the bottom. He landed on a balcony of an old apartment building, swirled his cloak around his tall, slim body, and touched the window. Great, He whispered in his real voice, Its 2099 and still this place hasnt got a security system. As he pressed angst the door in it opening with a squeak. The room was abandoned; with only a small twin sized bed mattress, a refrigerator with some still good crackers, and an unopened bottle of water.

It reminded him of his small apartment he lived in when he was a child of four. Him and his brother Aaron lived with their mother. Him and his brother (Aaron), they were twins, not identical, by the contrary; their looks were almost opposite. Adam was a pitch off of being solid white all over; sandy white hair; skin paler than the moon; tall; and slim. The only color he had on him was his bright, sapphire blue eyes. Aaron, on the other hand, was dark skinned; shinny, jet-black hair, and bright, dark-green eyes. But the only thing they, physically had in common was on their hands. A marking of and eye was on Aarons right hand and Adams left hand.

The two had been orphans sense their father was killed in The War of 2088, and their mother left them one night, telling them she was going to get bread at the store, she never came back. They were five that the time.

Later they were taken to an orphanage were his brother was adopted no later than a month, were as Adam wasnt adopted, but forced to live with people like the mayor on Helpless Children Week. He was made to clean the house because the mayor needed the servants to take a day or three off. Soon he ran away from the orphanage when he was six. He has never seen his brother in nine years.

There were times when he tried to look for him but no one cared to help a small, homeless boy. So he became a thief, and began to create special talents and at the age of ten, began to perform supernatural talent, like the cloak wings, and disappearing into the shadows of a wall.

Adam had had a tiring night; he had stolen three Old Wale Rubes, and one British Diamond (They werent worth much, not since scientist discovered how to make them). And as Adam lay upon the old mattress of the bed, he drifted off the sleep, with the streetlight blinking red, on and off, on and off, with the strangely clear image of his brothers face, years ago.



Adam awoke with the sense that some one was in the room. Two growing, gold colored eyes were starring at him from the other side of the room. The eyes seemed to glow with their own mysteries, gloomy gold light. Who are you? Adam yelled at the eyes. They flicked and suddenly the old room filled with a bright spectrum of rainbow colored light, so bright that Adam could not see anything but the two tawny-gold eyes. Wind from the darkness, come to my need! Adam shouted, the wearer of the eyes was slammed against the wall and the light dulled to candlelight.

The light seemed, by surprise, to come from a smooth jewel on the forehead of the unexpected visitor. The Person of the eyes, and the stone jewel, was silver color in skin, like the color of newly polished jewelry or silverware. His hair was the shade of pure gold, as like his eyes.

He starred at Adam with a somewhat, wild grin. Then he helped himself on his feet, put out his hand in greeting, and said in a quiet yet solemn and heavily British voice, Hello, you must be Adam. My name is Bran, Bran Quicksilver, Bran is welsh for Raven of course, How do you do? Then as this Bran, closed his shinning gold eyes, the silver color skin faded into slightly tanned flesh. But the hair and eyes stayed the same color of polished gold.

How do you know my name, and how can you change like that. And what was that bright light? Adam asked.

Easy questions, you and I are both the same, we are Guardians of the Swords of Power. Changing my silver color is a type of camouflage for me, have you ever heard of a silver guy just walking around outside? That bright light was a special skill of mine, the Mask of Light. And to addition to the question of how I now you, easy, there are three of us, Guardian of Night, Guardian of Morning, and a Guardian of Day. Yet I still dont know who is which. You are Albino

Hay, watch who youre talking about.

Sorry, but I mean you must be the Guardian of Day, being of the color white in all.

You did say three of us right? Adam said puzzled, look for a third party in the room, but the was only him and the weird boy at the time.

Yes, I did. Your brother, I cant find him anywhere, by myself that is. But you, you both are of the same blood. You can find him by your powers. Bran babbled on.

What do you mean, I have no powers. I have weird treats and cons, and this scar of some sort. Adam said, then he raised his left arm to show his marked hand but found that his long, thin hand to glow. Right in the center circle of the eye, a bright blue light was gently glowing, and was growing brighter; the closer Adam put his hand to Bran. Bran raised his right hand gently to show Adam that his hand was also glimmering, but with a pale, golden light.
How do I find him, my brother?

Easily, raise your hand to the air and say, Find my blood, find my brother; Show me Lord, how to find each other!

Thats it, you mean like pray?

Yes, sort of, God is the one who has blessed you to have these powers. He is

I dont believe in God. Adam said suddenly.

What?

You heard me, why would he make me this way, why could he not make someone else this way. Why did he let my father die? Why did he make my mother leave my brother and me in the first place? Why? Why? Why? Yelled Adam as he fell down to the floor crying. Mad, angered by this conversation. Mad at himself for what he had just said, angry at the world, as he tried to find the answer to these questions, the light on his hand began the change color from bright blue to dark black and red.

NO, get up, get up. You must fight this urge of hate, and anger. You must love the Lord or the Shadows will come for you.

Do what, what Shadows? Asked Adam puzzled with tears in his sapphire blue eyes.

The Shadows, whispered Bran. They are the darkness, one of us three will have to go and take the Sword of the Shadows back from them, to restore the place of power.

What, Okay, I am sorry, Lord please forgive me. Adam said as he wiped his now reddish, watery eyes. The light on his hand began to turn bright blue again.
Good, thats better. Now then, let us find your brother, Aaron. You do remember how to do it?
Yes said Adam, Find my blood; Find my Brother; Help us Lord to find each Other! Adam chanted his voice echoing. The light on his hand began to glow a bright green. A jet of the green light shot like a shooting star out of his long, slender hand and out the window.

Now we wait. Said Bran calmly.

Wait, Then how are we to find him. Adam shouted. Then there were footsteps from the hallway outside the abandon apartment.

Shh, here in the corner, lift up your cloak, hide us. Whispered Bran, rushing them down into the far corner of the room. Just then the door burst open to a very grumpy looking old man. He starred at the room like a wild, furious beast.

He yelled down the hall saying, There notin in here, wha was makin all dat racket.

Who cares, come back ta bed, George. Said a kind,
elderly voice from down to hall.

Is ll as soon as Is check out da room. His eyes glared corner at the far corner of the room. He walked over to it, then turned his back to them and looked around again.

Does he not see us? Adam whispered.

Who said dat? Jumped the wild eyed man, his eyes moving across the room like wildfire, then he ran to the door, and before he left he said, Fine den, yous can have dis room. Then door slammed be hide him.

What was his problem, he acted like he never saw us. Jumped Adam excited.

He didnt. Bran said calmly, The cloak, you can use the cloak as your so called camouflage, a cloak of darkness to help guide you from danger.

Like the mist upon the dew cover meadow. Said Adam, in a foggy voice.

Your a poet, good, we need one. The Elders of the Old love poetry.

What elders? Adam asked.

That is right, you havent been told of any of you quest. Long ago...

This sounds like a Fairy Tale already.

Oh, do shut up. Anyway, there are three Angels that Guard the Swords of Power. One is the Angel of Darkness.

You mean the devil, dont you?

NO! He is and phantom of the Darkness, he will do what ever he can to temped the Guardian, that is to face him, to work for evil. He can also recreate your greatest fear, a fear that you cannot withstand. But withstand him and his illusion, and the reward will be great.

There is another Angel, the Phoenix; She is a sight beyond sight. She is the angel of the stars; she has seen the first and the last birth of stars, for God has told her to. She is the sightseer of the heavens. And she can see your soul easily.

What about the third?

I do not know. No one has ever seen It. Said Bran, cerise about the specter himself. I do know one thing, there are clues to finding them. One is a Sea of Tears that Grow from the Mountain of Smoking Mirrors, the other is, Upon the Mountain of Gold and Glitter shall find the Forest of Burning Fire. The last says, Though the power of Truth and Love, Shall Find the silver sword of above.

And that means what to us? Or do you not know either?

No, I do not know of the clues, but I do know of their importance. They are the only way to find the Swords. We must have Aaron here, though, to find them. But right now think, where are these places, what sounds most like them. A sea of tears. sounds like a place of great rain, at a lake.

No, not quite, but I cant put my finger on It. said Adam with a weird sensation of where to go.

Well, you might have something, yet we must take in mind that you are searching for your brother at the moment. We can think better after you sleep, yes, we should sleep, think in the morning. Good Night. Bran said yawning, and laid himself across the floor. As Bran drifted to sleep, Adam still had the feeling that they were going in the wrong direction with these three clues. Then he raped the cloak around him and drifted to sleep himself.

Chapter 2:
Aaron

Adam woke suddenly, with a feeling of great importance to go to the next city. The urge was so great that he forgot about Bran and stepped right on his chest.

AAAAWWWWWOOOOOO, that hurt, watch where you step. Im here too. Yelled Bran, trying to catch his breath.

Oh. Im sorry Bran, but I cant fight this feeling of leaving to go to Triton City, the next city, over there, cant you see it? Adam said pointing through the glass door to the balcony. A huge city, it looked exactly like the city that they were in now, Neptune. If we are the same, than why cant you feel this weird jerking feeling?

No, but it might be that Aaron is over there, do you not think so? Bran asked, finally with the air back in his now-sore chest. But I have a question, I know I am not of around here so, how do we get over there. Its got to be more than 50 some miles.

Man, where have you been the past 13 years, we have Jets.

Pardon me but what are those?

Jet-fuel-powered Engine Trains, all we have to do is catch one.

But what about money?

And I thought I didnt know anything. Adam commented, now laughing. Bran didnt get it.


As they left the building, secretly so that the landlord wouldnt see them, they walked down the street and talked about the three clues, and tried to break the riddles of each. Soon they where at a huge, brown building. Come, were almost there. said Adam, and they walked on. Inside, there was great noise, and work. There was also a long, metallic, snake-like train. Come, well miss it, hurry. yelled Adam in a rush.

Are you two going to Triton or Missionburg? a rough voiced, bearded man said in front of the train.

Triton please. answered Adam.

Do you have your Card? the man asked.

Yes. replied Adam, handing him a train card.

Both of you? the man asked, with a weird look on his face.

Yes, John, both of us. said Adam, cracking a smile.

Very, well. said the man, Hurry, its leaving, any minute. And Adam and Bran hoped on the train. All Aboard! yelled the large bearded man.

Thanks John! yelled Adam out the window, he leaned over to Bran and whispered, If ever in trouble of a ride, go to John. Now sat back, when this train reaches 250 miles an hour, youll feel it.

How long will it take to get there? asked Bran.

Between 15-20 minutes. explained Adam, grinning as the train began to go faster and faster. They could see the buildings blur into trees, the cars blur into hills. The feeling of urgency to get to Triton City was getting much stronger. The feeling was like a huge hook was piercing his chest and was pulling at him with all its might. Just at that moment the trees blurred back into building, high into the now blue sky. Were here. said Adam, now choking with the emotion that had woke him earlier that morning.

Now where do we go? asked Bran, with a look of great excitement on his face.

I dont know, said Adam, the urge was know a throbbing pain.

Is it now a feeling of hurt? Then close your eyes and sense the direction of were to go. Bran was now standing quiet tall in the sunlight; Adam had put on a pair of sunglasses because the bright light hurt his eyes. He then close his sapphire eyes and listened, the now pulsating pain began to fade into nothing. Now, in the great darkness of his mind, pictures began to reappear of both Aaron and Adam together, but in the middle of these images was a glowing light in the corner of his mind. It seemed to pointing towards his left.

We go over there. Adam yelled and began to run. They stopped at an old-fashioned hotdog stand, floating above the sidewalk. For some reason, I want to get a Hot Dog. You want one? Theyre good!

I guess, I have never tasted of old fashioned American food in a long while. said Bran now hungry for the hot, taste meal he was about to eat.

As Adam was about to pay for the meal, a hand came in front of his face and said, Ill pay for it, friend. Adam was breathless, for the hand that was no more then six inches in front of him, had the symbol of the eye on the top part of the hand. Adam grabbed the hand in one quick snatch, like the viper to a mouse. Awe, that hurt, what do you think youre doing? Then the stranger and Adam were throne down to the ground in mind piercing pain. It was like their minds were merging, their thought were shared, and their memories replayed to each other. Adam seen the world he always wanted and the stranger seen the hell of Adams life. Finally the hands were broke apart by Bran; his golden eyes were wide as golf balls.

Wha-what happened, who are you? asked the stranger.

Aaron? asked Adam puzzled, startled, and surprised all at the same time.

Ye-yes, how did you know my name?

I... I... Im your brother, Adam. Dont you remember me?

Aaron felt like a dagger had just tore a wound across has chest and stabbed has heart. It had been years since he had even seen or spoken about his brother much less talk too him. Tears began to form at his eyes and drop slowly down the brown creases of his face. Who gives you the right to talk about my brother? Aaron choked out with such force and anger that it put Adam back on the ground.

WHAT, I mean Im Adam. Adam said in a calm yet fearing way, for he thought that Aaron would not remember him. Then he gently put out his arm to show his hand, the eye now a beautiful, bright blue. Aaron changed the look on his face and shock filled his body. He began to shake as he looked at his own hand, for it too was shinning a glimmering green light. He then looked back at Adam, and he said, Adam, oh it has been so long. Where in this world have you been? They helped themselves to their feet, studied each other, and embraced each other in a way that is only give to long lost siblings. I have traveled the country in search for you. When I didnt find you, I thought you had either lift the country or had...

No, I didnt die, but I have also been in search for you, my whole life. What city, in this great country, have you been? asked Adam.

I have lived in Washington state until my parents told me that a was adopted, and that I had a brother. I told them that I remembered my brother and asked why didnt they adopt both of us? They said that when they had adopted me they thought that they couldnt work and take care of two children at the same time, much less twins. Then, after a year with me they felt that they were keeping a family apart, so, then, they decided to get you. But when they got there, you had left. So they decided to keep it quite from me.

I decided to find you, and left home. I am still with my parents; they send me money to live on. Now we can go home, together.

"I wish I could," said Adam, and the mood began to change as he explained about the swords and the three of them.


Chapter 3:
The Island of Mystery


I know of a place that fits the description of almost all those clues, said Aaron excitedly. The three had found an abandoned ally to talk in privacy. It is an island off the coast of Virginia with a blanket of fog and mist all around it. It has just been discovered just a few weeks ago. So far it has no name, but the people call it the island of Mystery because it actually floats around the ocean, and they dont know how it does it. That is why no one has ever found it before, no one could see it. Do you know how to get there? asked Aaron looking at both Bran and Adam.

No, I dont, said Adam.

Well, I do. It is called a gateway. There is another plane of space beyond the plane of earth. It is called the Astroplane. A fairly few persons can go in it with there minds, but one in a million can enter it body and mind. And there are three of them in these room.

Who, I dont see anybody. said Aaron looking around the room, grinning in a joking manner.

And here I thought you was my brother.

Oh do shut up, we have got to go get the swords NOW, before the island moves again, or tourist decide it is a great land mark to travel on.

Oh no, they cant, there are four mountains on the island, and one is an active volcano. The government is afraid that it might blow. It is a huge island though, said Aaron, still grinning in happiness.

Then here, you two have not been told much about your powers, have you? asked Bran, calmly.

Yes, we just didnt want to let on. the two started to laugh again.

Oh come on, you were not startys earlier. Now LISTEN. shouted Bran, raising both hands into the air and the two boys were thrown against the wall in a brief strike, but there was no pain in the act, just an abrasive action. Now just listen and stand still. Okay, now watch me and you will see how to fully focus your powers. Bran rose both hands, first and middle fingers pointing to the eye symbol on his head. The Eye began to glow the brightest of golds. Powers of the Eye, come forth! he command, and a huge, brightly colored jewel with the symbol of the eye around it, came into view. Soon after that the invisible restraints faded and dropped Adam and Aaron on the hard, cold concrete ground. Now it is your turn, it is remarkable.

Aaron went first, lifted his right hand baring the Eye, and focused his entire mind on his hand, but nothing happened.

Try harder, we know you can do It. whispered both Adam and Bran together. So Aaron tried even hard, with his entire mind. Then the eye on his hand began to glow brighter and brighter. The brightest green, like of the great dragons of the old times, then the shinning light ended its beauty and a jewel of bright, rainbow swirls of color.

Adam turned and looked at his hand, he could now understand why he could do such perfect, unbelievable stuns. It was real power. He rose his hand into the sky and spoke in such a soft, calm voice unlike a boy of 15, but of a person of ancient times. And the jewel was born unto his flesh, the most remarkable, dark colors of a time long ago.

It is time, let us go though time and space to lead us to victory in another place. chanted Bran, eyes closed. Soon the Aaron and Adam wished they did the same, for when he was chanting the world around them faded into a dimension of imines power, and incredible colors, that no living person had ever seen in a glimpse of a lifetime. Everything began to go faster and faster, the spinning sensation was beginning to feel evil. It is the Shadows, they know we are coming, brace yourselves. Then a sharp pain rammed strait though to their souls. And when they tried to scream, everything just went black.

* * *

When they woke from their living nightmare, they were on the soft, bleached sand of the beach, and then Aaron turned and said, If we do that again, Ill kill you Bran.

That is the least of our problems, said Adam, now suddenly still in ah, wonder covered his pale face. Aaron turned at this statement to see what it was, and the expression shadowed over his face as well.

Ahh, so, we now see the beauty of the island. They were looking at the entire island, four enormous mountains (three were about a two hundred and fifty feet elevated in the air and the center one was about three hundred fifty feet high, a volcano heed behind the center mountain, the largest of the four. Another dark mountain was under a thick blanket of black smoke, ash, and burning embers from the volcano. The last mountain was solid silver and gold, as if it was just polished, right down to the last crevices.

Well, where to? asked Aaron. Where do we go? No more than a second did a sudden wind show up and began to wipe and their clothes and faces. The wind was forcing them apart but Aaron grabbed Brans silver cloak and was swept to the right of the island closest to the burning bases of the volcano. Adam was lost from sight though the think smoke to the left.

* * *

Adam landed at the base of a most beautiful sight. A huge forest of weeping willow trees and ivy vines, like an ocean of them all growing out of the rocky surface. The rock themselves were like glass casting reflections everywhere. A sea of tears from the mirror. said Adam, calmly, and he began to walk up the mountain. The willows waved their large branches like arms in a joyful greeting, like one may do to a long lost friend now found. As he walked and climbed up this strange yet wonderful place, the leaves began to swirl around him. Adam felt as if in perfect harmony. Soon, Adam reached a bizarre looking door, This is unusual for the middle of a mountain, but he went in to check it out. When he went in there was something that made Adam wish he didnt go in. In the air about thirty feet from the base of the mountain, an immense castle, about a hundred feet tall, and it seemed as if the mountain had an opening at the very top. The castle just then touched the ground, the castle had... landed. Below his feet were several flights of stairs, Adam turned to see the door fade away. He began to walk down the stone steps, faster and faster he began to go until he was running down them. Finally he lifted his cloak and shaped them into wings and flow down to the base of the mountain.

Adam was face to face with an enormous door, but he did not knock; yet the door still opened. What Adam saw, over throw all his senses...

* * *


Bran and Aaron were halfway up the mountain when fire began to rise and explode though the mountain surface. Bright yellow lava and burning embers also creeping slowly towards them. Both items were scaring their skin and burning their clothes but nothing could stop them from their part of the quest. There was always a path for them to follow.
A jet of scorching flames blasted right in front of them. Aaron was tired of the flames hurting them, he raised his arm in one movement and gave an ultimate shout, Flames, be with us not against us, help us. The flames burn hotter and higher, from red to blue and white. The fire now a wonderful cool tunnel, twisting with such beauty and grace, it was helping them with their part of the quest. The heat died, and the fire grew. The fire was now protecting them, leading them to where they need to go. Soon they were at the top of the great inferno cone. At the center of the pit, was a small peak, like a small mountain in the middle of a larger mountain, or the peak had fallen in. The tunnel of fire lead them across the burning pit. But black fire started the blast at them. It almost hit Aaron; it was good that they had reached the small piece of land soon.

When they got there, there was a tapered, crystal pole. The light it put off was blinding, but it didnt hurt Aarons eyes for some reason. Then there was a rumbling, and moaning under the melted rock lava. A massive bird of fire and radiant light came precipitately out of the liquid flames. It was about ten feet tall, burning amber eyes, and a scream that could pierce even the hardest of hearts. It screamed and screeched to the top of its lungs, waving its wing to bring up the fires, and embers to scorn the faces and burn their clothes. But after all the power the colossal bird though at them, Aaron did not back down to it. On the other hand, Bran was on his knees in seconds, bowing to protect himself from the bright blue flames. Aaron came to a shock; he knew exactly what guardian he was. And he had a great idea, rose his hand toward Bran, and said, He is under my protection, the flames shall not touch, or hurt him in anyway, for the Guardian of Morning and Stars commands it in Gods name. The fire began to spin around Bran, but not touch him; And Aaron began to run, toward the enormous bird. And then...

* * *

A beast about seven feet tall was standing in front of Adam. The beast looked like a huge, solid black robed figure, with no sign of life, except that it moved. Greetings Old One, said the huge, robed figure. I am the great and powerful Onyx, Master of the Shadows and Phantom King. I grant you, Guardian of Night, safe passage though my castle. The Black figure said, in a dark, dull voice that made the darkness swirl.

Wha-what, I am the Shadow Guardian, but the Shadows, that Ive heard, are evil. Is it true?

Oh, of course not. We were at a time, but there is a time in every force must be evil, just to see how the Good really looks. So, will you join us great master of the Shadows. Come see these magnificent castle. As they walked though the enormous structure, Adam kept feeling as if he was... at home. They kept walking; Adam marveled at the architecture, it was so supreme. In the center of the dome ceiling, there was a bright clear crystal. It was the only light in the whole castle. The crystal was so long that it was less than eight feet off the ground, and went all the way out of the top of the dome. Now, if you want to really join the shadows you must become one of us. So come to us. The shadows welcome you, come. Onyx said, and the shadows swirl like an endless vortex. The power coming from Onyx was so immense that his robe-ends darted around the room, and wiping both of them into the endless abyss of darkness.

* * *

Aaron found himself in a new place, no sense of urgency, no feeling of danger, no worry. It was a world of light and mist. Welcome, friend of the flames, how may I help thee? I am the Phoenix, the Arch Angel of the Fire. A woman said, now appearing out of the swirling mist. She was clothed in the light, and the fire, with wings that could blot out the sun.

I have come for the Sword of Morning, Please may I have the item of power? said Aaron, sounding much older than 15.

I have promised the sword to one and only one. The Old One that can tame the flames of deist, have the courage to face his fears, and save a friend in need. You have done all of that. Now you must take what is rightfully yours. A sword appeared out of the churning mist. Brighter than any light ever seen, like the light came striate from heaven. It had a handle of pure gold, and at the base of the handle was a bright clear crystal with the Eye and a cross in the middle.

Aaron was so close to the sword and when he touched in the Phoenix grabbed him. Aarons arm felt as if on fire. Now, to accept the power of the Phoenix. She said calmly. Aaron was blinded form both the fire, light, and the pain.

* * *

When Bran woke, he saw a circle of clear rock; yet, all around him there was cool, dried lava. The volcano had become dormant in less then an hour. Bran didnt know how long he had been out, but when he looked around, Aaron was on the ground, also out. But Aaron was much different, he now wore solid white robes, and a cloak; a golden headband with the eye and the cross in the center. And out of the white robes were dark Raven-like wings. And a glove on his right hand, also with the symbol, but where the eyes cross was, there was his rainbow jewel. In his gloved right hand was the Sword of Morning, golden handle and all. Aaron, now awake and on his feet said, in a voice unnatural but his, Come, we must find Adam. Aaron opened his dark, raven-like wings, His than surrounded Bran in a bubble of cool fire. With that, they began to fly off into dark mist of the unknown mountain.

As they entered the black bank of clouds, both started to notice the surface of the mountain, it was covered in a solid forest of weeping willow trees. Adam always loved Ivy and willows, they were his favorite. said Aaron. Well, well start searching on the ground, he may have passed out, like you did, said Bran.


Chapter 4:
The Shadow of Evil

As Bran and Aaron walked upon the ground of the mysterious, black mountain. Soon they reached the top of the beautiful yet bewildered mountain, they saw a huge crater-hole. Inside the mountain, they saw a gigantic castle dank and dark with a protruding crystal out of the smooth dome. Lifting his wings, Aaron took Bran by the hands and dropped off the edge, they drifted down the crater and right in front of the enormous door. Bran put his hand to knock but before he came within an inch to the dark brown, mold door, it opened. Come, I welcome you, guardian, and your friend. I see you have reached the stars, have you not? said a deep, dark, husky voice from beyond the endless void of the unseen room. Suddenly, very dim light filled the room, and a black robed figure came into sight. His shape was like a man but his voice was not. I bid you welcome to the castle of the Shadows, for I am Onyx keeper of the Sword of Night, and Phantom King of the shadows. What may I do for the guardians of power?

We ask for information. Have you seen our partner in our quest? asked Aaron, firm faced.

If he did, I would not be here to be talking to you. Why?

He was to come for the sword that you hold in your position.

Well, if I may see him, I will give it to him.

One more thing, Aaron said grabbing his sword and pointing it to the specter, Tell the truth, now, where is my brother? The sword began to shin bright white light.

Onyx was yelling, the light seemed to be hurting him, Shadow of the Winds take these intruders away, yelled the specter, and out of the darkest corners, another dark figure came out of the shadows.

My king calls, and I will obey. It lifted its arms, translucent through and through. Wind came and whipped at their clothes and swept them out of the castle. Only problem was that the castle was now in the air, high above the whole island. Aaron opened his wings, grabbed Bran and flew down to the surface of the island.

What do we do next? asked Bran. Aaron was so puzzled; he didnt know where his brother was. Dont worry, they cannot hurt the innocent. We should go ahead and finish our part of the journey. Then we can save Adam.

Ok, if you think so. said Aaron, touching the top of his headband. Then all of his white robes disappeared and his headband disappeared. All that was left was his golden glove and the sword.

* * *

Climbing up the silver mountain was hard than thought, the ground was like slippery ice and you could not get a good grip on anything. No matter how hard you tried, the mountain did not want to be climbed. The weather didnt help either, after about thirty minutes, it began to rain and the water made the climbing even worse. It is hopeless, we cannot do it, Bran spoke over the howling breeze.

I know a way, Phoenix, Come Forth! Aaron yelled over the burst of wind. Then the gold and red headband reappeared upon his head, and the white robes engulfed his body. Then he called to the wind saying, Winds, lift us on high. The wind began to change, you could sense it. Aaron opened his massive wings, grabbed Bran, and began to rise towards the top. At the top, there was a sort of small building, Greek like in shape. Bran was the one to walk in; he felt it in his bones. When he walked through the door and inside, there was a great-mirrored room, only the floor was black. All of a sudden, the door slammed tightly shut, and a light appeared in the center of the room.

I have come for the Sword of Day. Bran spoke to the light.

What? The Sword of light has been taken, 15 years ago to be exact, to the guardian of Day.

That cannot be, I am the guardian of Day.

You already have it. Search your soul, find the sword, it has been your sense your birth. Bran closed his eyes and began to think, think...

Bran awoke seemingly in another time; watch a newborn child being held by his mother. Then a man walked into the room saying that he was in horrible danger, and he rose both his hands, holding a little ball of light in one, and a swords handle in the other. Whispering unheard words under his breath, the light in one of his hands began to glow to blinding proportions. The man then pressed the sword handle on the baby, and then the room went pitch black. When the light returned into the room, both the man and the sword was gone, but the little ball of light was still on the child, then it was gone.

The room when pinch black again and Bran was back it the mirrored room again. Did you see the truth? asked the light.

Yes, I did. How do I get it back, though? asked Bran.

Look in your hand, said the voice of the light. Bran rose his hand to see the whole sword in it. It was light as a feather, or lighter, it was of pure pearl and silver, with a clear round crystal at the base with the eye symbol in it and a blade of the purest of white light. As he walked to the door the voice of the light spoke saying, Beware of the Shadows, only three can turn the world back towards good. Only Three. and it disappeared. Bran then opened the door of the old Greek-like building, and when he walked out into the light, robes of silver and gold appeared, a headband of gold appeared with the symbol of the eye and the cross in the eye. Bran now had a pair of wings, dove like in appearance, each feather seemed to be covered in a silver gloss. Brans hand was also covered by a gold and silver, almost exactly like Aarons.
Lets FLY! yelled Bran pointing to the middle mountain, tallest of the three. Both of them opened their wings and jetted off into the sunset, they did not realize what time it was, it had been a long day.

The mountain was much more larger than it looked. For when they had reached the top, the sun had set on the ocean horizon. On the top, there were three statues of angels, made of crystal and glass, and it might not have looked like they were a day old, but they felt like they were ancient. On each forehead of each statue was the symbol of the eye, and around their necks were crests of gold, each baring a shape. One was of the shape of the sun, (). One was of the shape of the setting or rising sun, (), and the last was shaped like the moon, (). One for each, Day, Morning, and Night. said Aaron. Each statue also had its hands put in a fist and pointing outward as if holding something, and in the fist was a hole like for a, for a... a sword. Bran took out his sword and slid it in the hands of the Day statue, and the statue moved, it opened its eyes, and began to talk.

I am the angel of Day, I am here for two reasons, one is to hold the Sword of Day in position for the full moon of the New Year. I am also here to give information on the other items of power.

There are five items types; first, being the three swords. Second, Being the gauntlets (The golden gloves that you are wearing), they can produce any weapons from pure energy, and you can control your weapon of choice with your mind; Three, being the four eyes of Mother Nature; fourth, being the crystal of the castle of shadows. And last, being the Hour Glass holding the Sands of Time, also known as the Time Glass.

Where can we find the Time Glass? asked Bran.

Where are the Eyes of Nature at? asked Aaron.

The Time Glass is also in the hands of the Phantom King as is the Sword of Night. The eyes are at the four-corners of the earth. Impossible to find...
except to the Guardians of the Power., said the Angel of Morning just as Aaron placed his sword into its hands.

Then how can we get the four Eyes of Nature? asked Bran. Where are the four corners?

Corners of the Earth, North, South, East, and West. Hope to them all, and may the Guardians do their best, said both statues in rhyme, continuing. Four Eyes of Nature, an Hour Glass of Time. Items of Power, serve in Rhyme. Then the statues returned to their original position, then frost again to solid stone.

Now what do we do? asked Aaron.

Well, first we need our swords back, said Bran as he grasped the handle of his sword, and Aaron did the same. When the swords were in their hands the blades of light retracted into the handles each, then the handles attached to each boys golden glove. Swords in hand they began to discuses the matter of how to get the Eyes of Nature. Bran would go North and West and Aaron would go East and South.

The two of them then laid down and fell asleep discussing what and how they were going to down to get the Crystal Eyes.


Chapter 5:
Search for Sight

At dawn, they both awoke and decided that it was the best time to split up and search for the Eyes of Nature.

* * *

Aaron was fling over the Atlantic Ocean thinking aloud, How am I suppose to find the Eyes of Nature. Just then a glowing green light and a low humming sound came from the sword. The lit blade reappeared bright and more erect, then the light of the blade went dark blue, and flames engulfed the blade. Bright yellow, the flames were, surrounding the blade, swirling around and around. Below him, the water began to churn and whirl. The ocean moaned as if in terrible pain, and a dark, evil storm was brewing, dark black and ruthless.

Suddenly the ocean gave way to a huge whirlpool, releasing the evil it had kept trapped for centuries. And with the evil force of it all, the Castle of the Shadows also came out of the pit of winding water. The sword began the glow with an even bright flame, and sharks began to shoot out the swords tip like fire-works. The force of this immensely evil was so overpowering that Aaron lost control of flight and fell towards the pit of emptiness, and like in the pit, everything went dark.

* * *

Bran was already in Greenland and was looking around for any type of life. The cold was so unbearable overthrowing that Bran could not fly anymore, and he said under his breath, I would give my left arm for a fire. Then a sound came from behind him, Bran hurried to hide his wings but before he could hide them under his silver cloak. An old Station wagon came up right beside of him and the window came down rather slowly. A man put his head out of the opening.

Needa lift? The man asked in a rough yet kind voice.

Ye-ye-yes-s p-p-please. Bran stuttered.

Welcomeon, getn. A poor thing like you shount be out here. The man said. The name is Isaac.

Ni-Nice to me-meet you. Bran stuttered again and collapsed in the back seat of the car.

* * *

Aaron awoke in a very dark room. Nice to see that you are awake again. We were getting worried, said a nasty, evil voice from the far corner of the room, It was the Phantom King, Onyx. How far are you in your quest, hum. Farther than some that Ive seen try before. In fact, some are in here as well. Look beside you. And Aaron turned to his right and seen, with what little light there was, a skeleton of a human with cobwebs spiders, and decades of dust all over. And Aaron being very afraid of spiders jumped up and ran to the other corner. Oh, Im so sorry, I didnt know that you were afraid of spiders, and so is you brother, is he not?

Yes, Yes he is, terrified of them. stuttered Aaron again.

Oh, I am so sorry to hear that, if I would have know sooner or wouldnt have done it.

Done what? Asked Aaron, without stuttering now. Then Onyx rose his left hand, and in the Darkness of his long, black robe, images began to form. It was Adam, trapped in an enormous web, and above him was a gigantic arachnid, at least 20 feet long. Adam had screamed but no sound came from the image. Then, by the eight-legged beast, the image was blocked.

Onyx lowered the long-robed arm, went to the blackest corner of the enclosed room, and disappeared though the shadows of the room, leaving Aaron balled up in the dark corner, in tears for his brother.

* * *

Bran was sitting in front of a rather large fire when Isaac walked into the room with a chipped bowl filled with hot tomato stew and handed it to Bran. How do you feel now? asked Isaac.

I fill much better than what I was before you helped me. I owe you a lot of thanks.

Dont worry bout it. You just minded me of me son, said Isaac, now looking at the floor. He was bout your age when he went out ta play. Poor thing got trapped in the ice, never had a chance.

I-Im sorry, I did not know.

Like I say, dont worry bout it. I hate ta ask, but why were you out at this hour in this harsh a ice storm? asked Isaac with a puzzled look on his face.

Well, no, you would not believe me.

Yes I will, try me.

OK, well, am a guardian. Guardian of Day to be exact.

Well, I dont if to believe you or not. Said Isaac even more puzzled than ever.

Bran stood to his feet and extended his glossy, sliver wings, they shinned in the fires glow. And thats not all of it, but I cannot show you at this moment because I am too weak. Then Bran collapsed in his chair again. Right now I am supposed to be on the search for the Northern Eye, Aaron probable already has the Eastern Eye.

Did you say Eye. Isaac said as he jumped out of his chair instantly.

Yes, I did, why do you ask?

In the mornn Ill show you. said Isaac, Good Night.

* * *

At the break of dawn, the two were out and trailing the small dunes of snow in the old Station wagon. Then the vehicle came to a complete stop. Bran stepped out of the Station wagon, into the snow and marveled at what he saw. It was the Eye of Earth. It was about 1 foot long and half a foot round, made of clear crystal, and in the middle was a round ball, like an iris of an eye, and it was colored dark-green. Bran reached his hand out and grasped the Eye. As soon as he touched it, he felt stronger and healthier. You could sense that the object was made by Gods hand. The Eye glowed with the same Green as the Center.

Thank you so much Isaac for helping me. I owe you so much, said Bran with a smile from ear to ear. Then, all of a sudden, the sky went dark. Storm clouds, lightening, and thunder all emerge from the snow covered horizon. The clouds whirled like the whirl of a hurricane, and the Castle of the Shadows came from the black pit in the sky. Oh no, the Phantom King is here, you must run.

Oh, I dont think so, said a different voice from Isaac. Lightening streaked across the sky and where there was Isaac, now was Onyx, long black robe and all. I hope you liked my disguise, Ive used it for centuries. And the Station wagon, oh that was an illusion. Onyx rose his arms and the darkness got darker, so dark that Bran could not see. When light finally showed, there wasnt abundant. The room was dim and dull, almost no light, the room had no door, but Onyx was still right in front of him. Now why dont you give me that Eye, that I so graciously helped you get. Then Bran had a burst of courage and tried to punch the Phantom King, right in the face and chest. It was futile, his punches went right though him. They dont call me the Phantom King for nothing, you know. Then Bran had an idea, he held the Northern Eye in his hand, the light got brighter and brighter. Onyx howled with pain, the green light was bright and illuminating. Bran could see Aaron in the corner, round up in a little ball. I seemed that Onyx was trapped in the room; there were no shadows, no darkness, and no black hole to escape from the light that was piercing his body.

Bran ran to the corner where Aaron was and lifted him on his shoulder. Then Bran rose his right hand and thought of a bladed disk. Bran looked in his hand and the disk, he throw it and the wall, and with his mind, curved the disk to carve a hole to the outside. When the hole was carved, Bran shaped the disk into a large hammer and flung the huge slab of rock wall finding that the wall did not led to the outside. The wall lead to a dark room, and Onyx practically flew out the new doorway to get out of the blinding light. Bran carefully carried Aaron out of the imprisoned room, and some how, found the huge door and left the dark castle behind them in the stormy clouds.

* * *

When Aaron awoke, he suddenly realized that he wasnt in the castle anymore. For that reason he felt both joyful and miserable. Im glad to see that you are awake now. Aaron heard Bran say from behind him. Aaron turned quickly and began to weep. Why do you cry? We just escaped the Onyxs claw once more. said Bran, looking very puzzled.

Adam, I thought you said the shadows could not hurt him. Onyx should me exactly what he did with him.

The shadows cant hurt anyone, but the can encourage people to hurt other people. They cant encourage beasts to do their dirty work either. Dont worry about Adam, what Onyx showed you was an illusion, he did it to me as well, dont worry...

* * *

When Bran woke up, Aaron was already gone. He left a note stating:


Ive gone to look for the Eastern and Southern Eyes,

I hope we can get the Eyes before the New Years Eve.

You do remember what day it is, December 27.
I hope that we can find Adam before New Years

as well.

Aaron.


Bran folded the piece of paper, and placed in his pocket. Extended his wings and began to fly westward.

* * *

Aaron was now back where he last ended. The whirling pit of water and darkness was no longer there, but the feeling was. Then the glowing, and the humming of the sword began again. Aaron extended the sword but this time the sword was not surrounded in flames. Aaron pointed the sword down towards the aquatic surface. Another whirlpool began, and the fear in Aaron soul began to rise again. But this time the whirlpool was not dark and black, but white and full of light. Something glittered at the surface of the water. Aaron flew down to the surface to realize that the glittering object was the Eye of Water. Aaron was so joyful that he didnt notice something behind him.

The suddenly Aaron was flung into the water. Aaron looked up to see that a huge shadow-like person was above him. Master Onyx said to do away with you, and I obey. The creature pushed Aaron low under the waters surface, and Aaron felt the salty fluid flowing into his lungs. The water was so cold and murky. Aaron felt his strength leaving his body. Then when, on his last few heart beat, and the evil creatures terrible cackle, Aaron laid his hand on the Eastern Eye of Water.

Then, all of a sudden Aaron was wide wake, all his strength had returned, and he could breathe. Aaron grabbed the hand of the dark brute and pressed the Eye into its chest. The creature screamed with torture, trying to get away. Light began to beam out of the shadow beast. Like dried, cracked plaster, the black darkness of a shadow creature began to fall in to the salt water. When the last crumb fell, a different creature was left. A man, or the soul of a man, turned and looked at Aaron with such gratitude, and said, Thank you for freeing my agonized soul for the grasp of the shadows. Then the spirit faded.

* * *

Bran was now in New Zeeland, Australia Yesterday I was freezing, Today I melting. It was like being on the volcano, on the island. As Bran was walking a shadowy figure, dressed in a gray robe and cape with grayish patches, passed him, and the sword began to hum and glow. Bran followed the figure into an alley. When the two were away from everybody in the marketplace, the figure said in a small yet spine tingling voice, I know what you are looking for.

Is that right? Bran said.

Yesss, The Eye of the West, the Eye of Fire. Said the figures raspy voice. Yesss, I know where it isss.

Where, you shadow. Bran yelled as he brought out his sword, and held it an inch from his face.
What, I am sssorry sssir. The figure was terrified. But the thing that caught Brans attention was that the sword covers itself with flames and sparks fly from the top of it is near any shadow being, to protect itself. But it wasnt.

I am sorry, I thought you were something else. Please tell me where the Eye is.

It isss all right, I will help you. There is a mountain no more than ten miles from here. There is a cave on this side of it, at the bottom, follow the stream from there, and you will find it in there.

Thank you for your help. Please forgive me for my ignorance. Bran said sincerely sorry.

* * *

Aaron was just sitting foot on the Antarctic ice, he slipped first thing. Oh why cant the Southern Eye be in South America or somewhere other than here. Shot, its too cold to do anything. But Aaron would not give up, he was only a few miles away from the south pole, so he walk on, through knee deep snow banks and ponds of frozen ice. Then the sword began to glow and hum again, but in a different color and tone. It glowed in a bright blue and white, and the pulsing tone was so soft that it sounded as if it and the wind were singing. Aaron just about fell in a trance to both the light and the song of the sword. But before Aaron drifted into a dream, the sword flew off Aarons gauntlet, extended the blade, and plunged itself into the soft, white snow. The light got brighter, and the humming got louder. Aaron became overcome with the commotion of the sword, and he fell to the ground, closing his eyes and covering his ears. Then it all stopped.

Aaron looked up to find that the sword had both stopped humming, and glowing. But there was something else over the sword; it was the Eye of the Wind. Aaron picked himself up, and took the Southern Eye of Wind, and placed it in the pocket with the Eastern Eye of Water. Ill take them off your hands guardian. Said a voice of darkness and evil, rough and wicked. Aaron turned in a split second to find the Castle of Shadow in the air and Onyx right in front of him. Onyx offered his hand to take the two Eyes from Aaron, but before either of them grabbed the Eyes, the crystal stone jetted out of the pocket and into the air. They began to glow their color bright and burning. Onyx screamed with the light, the powers of the Stones were so powerful, like the light of God himself. Onyx swapped his arms around and faded into the flying snow. After Onyxs escape from the light, the crystal stone Eyes dropped to the frozen ground. The first thought that entered Aarons head was to get to the Floating Island. Aaron stretched his wings and flew away.

* * *

Bran entered the Cave at the bottom of the mountain, and the flowing stream like the dark figure man had said. Bran walked slowly, scanning the area to make sure there was no evil in the cave. By the contrary, there was the feeling of peace. But the cave was hot and steamy, like it was in a volcano. Then Bran saw a light, glimmering at the end of the cave. It shined a bright red, like a ruby. When Bran reached to touch it, red and blue flame burst from all around it. The fire seemed to be both of incinerating heat, and frigid cold. I have never heard of cold fire before, said Bran trying to get through the flames.

Yes, it is very had to get through, said and voice, from the edge of the room. The dark figured man came out of the darkness, Bran extended the sword again but still no sparks at the top and no flames either. No, I am not of the Shadows, nor am I of the swords. I am here to tell you how to reach the Eye. Put your hand where the flames come together, the purplish stripe. Bran placed his hand, in the strip of purple flames. There was a warm sensation, but it was neither burning nor freezing. Bran twisted his hand around the warm, crystal eye, and pulled it out of its past resting-place. It seemed to want to leave the cave as much as Bran did, but when Bran turned around to thank the dark man in the cave, he wasnt there. Yet his voice echoed in the cave, You can do anything as long as you use your mind, the shadows will never touch you. And then as if in a flash of swirling color, Bran was on the Floating Island.


Chapter 6:
The Final Battle

As Aaron arrived at the Floating Island, the sun was sitting and he seen Bran climbing the Center Mountain. He swooped down, grabbed Bran under the shoulders, and took both of them up to the top. Aaron noticed that Brans mirrored face was serious, and stern. Aaron turned to see Onyx right in front of the three statues. Oh how nice to see you both again, and so soon too. You do notice that on your quest, time was faster, its New Years Eve. You have only a few hours to complete the journey, all three of you that is, and I dont see poor, old Adam anywhere. Poor things, you all are, Poor Things. Onyx lifted his long, black robed left arm and a Sword appeared, it was like its holder, black and silver (more silver than black), and the bladed light was also dark. Both Aaron and Bran both did the same, both had stern, firm faces, ready for anything.

Onyx made the first move, he rose his other hand and dark spears shot out of the shadows, and jetted at Bran and Aaron. Yet Bran and Aaron blocked every one of them. The Swords were spinning and striking, and action was intense. Onyx then leaped away from the fight, and rose his right hand again, and an hourglass appeared, he unscrewed the led of the top, took a pinch of sand, and disappeared. Then both of them were punched and thrown to different sides. Bran was the first to be attacked; you could see the indentions of the invisible, fling fists in Brans flesh. Bran seemed to be held up by this force. Then Bran dropped to the ground, almost lifeless, and unmoving. Yet Aaron was the first to attack now, and he knew Onyx was invisible.

Aaron had a plan, Fire of the mountain, water form the sky, come forth to help me fly. The sky began to rain and flames began to burn from the ground. From both of these came steam and fog, then the form of Onyx was seen and he didnt know it. He ran towards Aaron in such a blinding and unseen speed that made even to fog swirl with fury. Aaron dodged him the first time, but on the second time, Aaron took his sword and took Onyx out, punching and kicking him.

This is for my brother, and my friend, and for my world. as Aaron had one of the Eyes in his hands whacked Onyx in the face and it throw him several yards away. But Aaron never let Onyx to far away from him.

Yet, before Aaron could finish, the Eyes of Nature began to glow and move. They all were in the air, glowing and spinning in a circle. Onyx began to cry-out in pain; the Light was burning him you could see the dark, dull smoke coming form his robes. Then people began to appear in the lights of the Eyes, nine to be exact. A beautiful, women with black hair took a few step out of the bright, spinning circle, she wore a yellow cloak and a beret with her name, Hope she had her eyes closed. Then a blonde woman of the same characteristics but with a light blue cloak and the named of Faith on her beret, she had a twinkle in her eyes. Then Destiny, she was brunette and had really dark skin and purple cloak, then Charity, and she was a red head and was laughing up a storm in an orange cloak. And last of the women was Time, she had white skin and rainbow colored hair and cloak, all five looked almost the same with diamond berets and all. Then four men stepped out of the twisting, swirling, bright light with golden headbands with the names, Courage, Strength, Happiness, and Knowledge. Courage had black hair, brown eyes, a green cloak, and stern face. Strength had brown hair, green eyes, a brown cloak, and was very muscular. Then Knowledge, he was the dark figured man in the cave. And then Happiness had blonde hair, blue eyes, a dark blue cloak, and a smile on his face. Then they all said together in unison, We are the nine spirits that God first put in humans, we are the emotions that one feels. We are the nine Angels that roam the earth freely, and that the darkness tries to control. And we are here to make sure that we are only controlled by the heavens and not by the hells and darkness that plagues the earth. King Onyx, Phantom King to the Shadows, We had had enough of your hurting of the innocents. God calls you out of his servant, come forth out of the guardian. Then the Sky went darker, the Eyes of Nature hovered around the now standing Onyx, then began to spin again. Brighter their light became Onyx screamed with both torture and sorrow. Even Aaron and Bran helped in this action, extending their sword; Bran even released his Mask of Light. The Sword of Night fell to the ground, then the black robes fell into a pile, Onyxs true form appeared, a dark shadowy creature with no definite shape or configuration, hovered in the ring of the spinning light.

You have lost, I have already merged with him, as long as there is light there will always be darkness. The shadow of Onyx said, and then as he began to fade he screamed an inhuman and unearthly scream; the Phantom King was no more, he had been sent to the hell he deserved. Aaron looked down at the ruble of black, dust covered robes, and then the robes began to move and moan. Bran bent down to pick it up, under it was an unconscious Adam in silver and black robes, with a silver headband with the Symbol of the Eye and Cross on it, and a silver and black gauntlet with the Eye and the jewel on his left hand.
He-he used me, he took my body. I-I-Im sorry for what h-he di-did. A-a-am I to-too late to help on the quest. Adam stuttered, still trembling.
Aaron was right beside of Adam, and Bran was on the other-side. Both Adam and Aaron were crying. I thought I was a goner.

So did I, Onyx showed me awell never-mind the best thing is that you are back.
I hate to ruin you fun, but we only have one and a half minutes before the New Year. Bran said.
But where is the sword, Onyx dropped it over there somewhere. I cant find it. Adam said as he jumped to his feet, pacing back and forth trying to find the sword. It was now half a minute till New Years, and still no sword. Finally, Bran found it on the edge of the cliff, but it was New Year day. The full moon was already out of alignment.

They all three sat down next to one of the statues; they were upset that they had all finished their quest to lose in the end. Why do you give up so easily? It was the nine spirits; they were still there. Knowledge took one step forward and said, Is it wise to run a race and stop when you are no more than a meter from the finish line?
He stepped back and Faith, Charity, and Hope stepped forward and said, The world has had so much Faith in you, and you have given to much hope in this to quit now.
Then as Faith and Hope stepped back Strength and Courage stepped forward, You have used all your Strength in this quest, and your courage has been astounding.

Then stepped forward Happiness, You have put to much joy in this quest, please dont stop now.

Then Destiny stepped forth, It is your destiny to win.
Then last, Time walked to the Hourglass on the ground picked it up, and handed it to Bran. If you havent noticed yet, you are suppose to use the Sands of Time in this glass to go back into time and finish what youve started, Duh.

Whats got her? Aaron asked Bran.

Shes Time she changes along with everyone else. Then Bran unscrewed the cap of the glass, took a handful of sand and threw it around and above the three of them and said, Sands of Time, Listen to my Plea. Send us back in Time, Aaron, Adam, and me.

Then the world seemed fog over and time seemed to rewind. When the fog faded they had gone back in time about six minutes, which left them about two minutes to finish the quest. The Eyes of Nature started to spin in a big circle several feet above the three statues. In the middle of the three Statues of the Angels, was the Enormous Crystal from the Castle of Shadows, it was about fifty feet in the air. The swords went in place and the gauntlets were pointed to each of the statues.

Then the moon was in perfect alignment with the other items of power. The gauntlets glowed and colored beams of light came from the jewels of each, and to the Crystal. Then Beams of light came from the swords, to the Crystal. Then last the eyes beamed light at the Crystal. Then a huge solid beam of light came straight out of the crystal and shot to the Moon.

Suddenly, a thick blanket of fog and mist covered the whole Earth. When the fog had once again faded away, the swords were now in the ground, they had finished their quest.

But before anyone else could say another word, dark clouds began to cover the Earth, and an evil, but joyful laugh was heard in all direction. Then four men dressed in black came riding out of the clouds on horses. Then Aaron drew their attention to the moon, it was blood-shade red. They had brought around the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse