14 Chapter eleven: Restoring the balance

The sun shinning brightly in the sky, Brooklynn is getting ready for school like any typical day. It was a little hard for her to get sleep last night, which in turn is having her fall a little behind this morning. As of today it will be her first mission and she wonders what the ruins will be like. A sudden knock on the door causes Brooklynn to groan, pausing in doing her hair. "Sonny, I'll be out in a minute!"

"Not quite. I wanted to speak with you for a moment."

"Huh, that sounds like-!" Dropping the brush and breaking her neck to open the door. Standing on the other side is none other than the prince himself. "Josef!"

"Good morning to you too."

"I wasn't expecting-I mean what are you doing here?"

"Sorry I came by unannounced. I'm glad to see you're alright. You know I actually stopped by last night, but you didn't answer. I would've thought since you and Sonny went off ahead you would had beat us back here. I didn't want to intrude in your room but I was starting to feel something may have happened. Another monster attacked not long after you left."

"Oh..." That's right. The three of them had to be caught in the fray yesterday. The battle took a while to finish up so they must have got here before them. Her scrambled mind tries to think up an excuse quickly. Knowing the longer she stays silent the more suspicious that'll make him. "I was just sleeping is all! I was really tired last night so I didn't get much done before I was out. Sorry, I must've didn't hear your knocking." Failing to stop the nervous laughter that follows after. Josef is silent for moment then returning a small smile.

"That's alright. I won't keep you there is just something I wanted to ask yesterday, but didn't get the chance. Do you want to accompany me to the ball tomorrow?"

Just when she was pondering how to ask him, Josef came straight to her room to do so. Trying to hide her excitement she answers without a second thought. "Yes! I mean it sounds like fun."

"Good. It starts at eight so I'll be here to pick you up a quater till tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll be ready."

"That's all I wanted to ask. I'll see you in class, Hira." With that he swiftly makes his way down the hall, and her heart melts at the thought of going on a date with him tomorrow night. She eagerly finishes to get ready with a bounce in her step for school.

...

Second hour near its end the students are left with a little time to chat until the bell rings. Brooklynn turns around to talk to Raylen as Sonny doodles in his notebook. "Guess who scored a date to the ball this morning? I did! And none other than with the prince himself."

"Wait, Josef really asked you?"

"Yes! It's finally happening! We actually have a date."

"I see. He is required to attend the dance already as student council president."

"He's the head of student council?"

"Yup, was apart of it last year too. Though he's never asked a girl to an event like this before. Maybe Josef really does like you. Are you going to the dance, Sonny?" Raylen asks the ginger, who's gaze is still pinned to his artwork.

"Yeah, I figured I shouldn't miss out on all the fun." Brooklynn frowns slightly being reminded he'll be there to spy. She understands it's only for her own protection, but no incidents have happened here since the first day. Even at the hall she doesn't feel such an event will occur. "Looks like we'll all be there," Sonny adds, dropping his pencil and Brooklynn raises an eyebrow.

"All? But Raylen isn't going, are you?"

"Actually...Kite asked me just after we left the palor yesterday, and I agreed to go with him."

"Really?" Brooklynn noticed them talking quite a bit yesterday, so she figured they had to be more than simple acquaintances. Still she definitely wasn't expecting this news. "You're going on a date too then. I didn't know you and Kite were so close."

The smaller girl averting her eyes, cheeks turning a bright red color. "No, I mean we knew each other since we started going here last year."

For Sonny to had known already she's assuming Kite must've told him, but Raylen didn't say a word about this to her. "I can't believe you were going to keep this a secret from me! And after I've been keeping you all up to date about Josef too!"

"A little too up to date."

"What's that suppose to mean?" But before she can interrogate her anymore the bell rings. Insisting they'll talk more about this later as Raylen heads out first. Collecting books the two make their way towards third hour class. She glances at Sonny who has been rather quiet all day today. It's not like him one bit and is making her a little worried. "Hey, um, are you feeling alright? You seem kinda out of it today."

"Huh, I'm fine...Look I know this is a weird time to say this, but I think you should be cautious of Josef."

Sonny's remark causes her walking to come to a complete hault. "Why? What are you talking about? Don't tell me you think he's with them. Josef would never be!"

"No, it's not that. I'm just warning you not to fall too hard for this guy. He comes off the type of person who puts up a front, and likes to toy with girls hearts. This could be just one big fluke for him you know." His words now contradict how he was acting last night. Where is this coming from all of a sudden?

"He isn't like that. You're the one who said nobody would know how he feels but Josef himself. Are you trying to talk me out of going now?"

"All I'm saying is to be careful around him. I know you really like and want to trust him, but...I just don't wanna see you get hurt." Looking in his eyes it doesn't feel like he's trying to give her a hard time. Rather actually speaking this out of concern. Brooklynn's chest tightening at the slight attitude she just gave.

"Thanks for worrying. I'll keep that in mind," she mutters, speeding off ahead towards the classroom.

...

School continues on as usual and when it's finally over the detectives arrive later that evening. Only this time they won't be headed to the agency for practice but going on their first mission. "Hey, um, there is still some things I need to ask you about," Brooklynn states to Sonny as they buckle up.

"I know, there're many things I need to tell you. First off there are eight ruins surrounding the capital, ten including the main ruins of light and darkness. One of them has the Erebus chest hidden deep inside. It got the name from the dark deity who's magic was sealed in there. The chest is between six of them, since two Ryder and I had checked already. If we do find it you have the power of light to destroy it. Also there will be monsters roaming around in the ruins. That's why we had to train you properly first. Not the mention the organization will be coming after you more now."

"About the organization, how many members are there anyway? And how did Duran get ahold of this power in the first place?"

"I'll begin with answering the second question. You know that the ruins have been around since medieval times. In books it's written about how the ruins of light and darkness keep perfect harmony in this world that's not to be disturbed."

"Yeah, I remember learning about that in school. Of course, that one time centuries ago the scale was thrown off balance when someone went inside the dark ruin." All of this is pretty straightforward to her. The light deity Aine helped seal off the magic that was released. Afterward the other ruins were protected by barriers, with the two main ruins put under guard.

"Yeah, the fight between them lasted some time. Unfortunately the person Erebus was using as a vessel died, but everything was brought back to normal. We have no idea what ruin the chest she used for this task is sealed inside."

"It makes sense why the location of it was never recorded. After going through all that trouble no one would want an incident like that to happen again. And yet Duran somehow found a way to start a second battle. What purpose did he have for going in there to begin with? He had to be trespassing."

Sonny releases a small sigh gaze staring off out the window. "He was an archaeologist who always wanted to show off what big discoveries he could make. It's a lot of amazing things he's managed to accomplish over the years. Climbing the highest mountains, finding rare treasure, or facing deadly wild animals. He was one of the famous adventurers there has ever been." Pulling out his phone and after fiddling a minute shows her a picture. Brooklynn eyes bucking as realization clicks in on just how popular this man is.

"I recognize him now! It was kinda hard to tell on the news, given him possessed by dark magic and all. That old guy is who Erebus is controlling?"

"Yes, Duran was very close to retirement and wanted to accomplish one last big discovery. Something everyone would remember him by, so he set his eyes on the dark ruins. Hoping to investigate its secrets and live to tell the tale. He was joined on this insane task along with his partner, Gores."

"Wow, so the two of them knew each other before all of this..."

"After they somehow found a way sneaking in past security, Erebus's voice is said to have lead Duran to him. The two was able to get past the dark deity's trail of cutting down the several monsters inside. In the end rather than receiving countless gold they instead welcomed a curse. Tricking the man into setting him free and once done took over his body. Just another repeat from the incident back then. His mistake didn't just cost him either, but all who were nearby and feeble minded enough for him to control. Those are the people who make up the FDO."

Quietly listening to Sonny's explanation she somewhat sympathizes for Duran and the others. It was his own foolish wishes that brought him this fate, but what does this mean for him when everything is over? "This isn't really Duran causing all of this havoc but Erebus?"

"Yes, his body has basically become an empty vessel now. Even the others sanity seems to be depleting ever since they were infected..." Sonny mumbles, hands bawling up tightly. He's probably thinking of his own friend Cheryl who resulted dead because of all this. She tries to change the topic from the whole Erebus talk, and learn more about Aine instead.

"So, um, Amethyst was the first to gain the light magic, right?"

"Oh yeah, the SP was charged in finding someone capable of completing the light ruins. There was a series of puzzles and questions people had to go through to succeed. For a while it was no luck until a certain young woman named Amethyst requested she would give it a shot. Claimed she heard a gentle female's voice leading her to there. Sure enough she was able to solve the puzzles and answer all the questions correctly. The detectives believe maybe the light deity was calling out to her."

"I see, similar to Duran but she isn't here now because she died during training. The power transferred over to Ryder next?" Double checking she's following properly and Sonny nods.

"Yes, after she's released the light deity seems able to hop from another person a total of three times. Working a bit different from Erebus's power...You already know Ryder lost his life in the second ruin we investigated. After him that power went unto you. The SP knew because both your names was written inside the ruins of light. Again like the deity was guiding us somehow," he further explains, and she wonders why the deity chose her. She's just a normal teenage girl from a small town. There has to be people more capable for this task. Thinking on that one last question comes to mind.

"Um, what did you say would happen exactly if I was to fail my misson?"

"Well if you were to die, though I hate even imagining such an outcome, Aine would be driven back to her  chambers. She'll have to rest a long period of time to regain strength before anyone could ever complete her trail again. However if Duran gets his hands on that chest then Erebus's lost magic will return to him. With the light deity out of the way he create his own living nightmare. Blocking out the sunlight forever and having monsters roam all over the world."

"Forever is a long time..." It almost sounding like some gruesome fairytale. Naturally the balance scale would be tipped to where only neverending chaos would thrive. The thought alone sends a chill down her spine. Now even more pressure on herself than before. Seeming to sense her worry Sonny gives her a small smile.

"Don't go into panic mode now. You definitely won't fail your mission, and you're not carrying this alone." His words slowly causing a grin to form on her own lips.

"Yeah, you're right. Oh, if Duran can't get to the ruins anyway, why are we going through all of this trouble? Is it because of the destruction he's causing?"

"That's part of the reason. There's still a lot about the ruins shrouded in mystery. The history books only inform us on so much. We have no idea how long the spell will last, or if Duran can simply attack it enough to destroy her barriers." Ron letting himself into the conversation.

"Plus according to Amethyst this is what the light deity wanted. For whatever reason she told us her job is to purify that chest. We didn't get enough out of her to know more surrounding details. Seems Aine can't really communicate with you or Ryder like she could with the first Felixa." Now that Jerry mentions it the only time Aine spoke with her is when awakening to the light magic yesterday. Never once has anything happen before then.

"If the light deity believes this is the correct path we have no choice but to follow it. Besides we can't leave the FDO doing as they please." Ron making another turn as the vehicle drives further out of town. 

"That does makes sense. Sonny, you said you got your powers from Aine too?"

"Yeah...in situation similar to the Fel's. I was close by around the time Amethyst completed the trail, and was granted powers as well. Though I don't posses the light I'm to be a guardian for the Felixa. Doing whatever I can in assisting you on your mission."

"Even if you can be bothersome at times you're still a good partner. I have more confidence starting my mission with you by my side." She speaks genuinely not wanting to build his ego up too much. But Sonny has saved her countless times since she first got here. With everything at stake she'd be a nervous wreck going through this solo.

The ginger has fallen quiet wearing an unreadable expression on his face. A possible flicker of saddest behind his ocean eyes? "...I'm shocked to receive such praise from you. It's true though, you'd be hopeless without me."

"Hey, I never said that! You did get us into a car accident not long after I came here."

"Your stubbornness would've ended you in a second if I wasn't around to protect you," Sonny retaliates, and the two start going back and forth as usual. Needing to remind herself to never again compliment her guardian.

"Fine, I asked you a lot of questions so why don't you ask me something," Brooklynn suggests, trying to steer from the small argument.

"Ask you what?"

"Anything at all. Something special you wanna know and I'll answer just this once."

"Oh, that's what you mean. No need, I already know everything there is to from your files," He replies casually, gaze returning to the window. It takes a moment to process what he said before letting out a screech.

"F-Files?! What files is he talking about, Jerry?!" The detective surprised to be suddenly dragged into the conversation. Clearing his throat he sits up straight in his seat.

"Well, uh, you know typical standard information the government always has on it's citizens resigning there."

"It was more than just basic information. I know all your little secrets too. Like your grades back in elementary school, your deepest fears, plus dorky quirks you try to hide." Listing each off on his fingers and Brooklynn's face turns red.

"Sonny, quit lying! It's no way any of that stuff was in there." He's probably just trying to get another reaction out of her for amusement. Well it won't work this time around.

"Sonny, leave her be. Brooklynn, he's simply teasing you," Ron replies flatly, vision not leaving the road.

"I knew it. Man, you're so immature. You have a lot of growing to do before reaching my level," She says with a sigh. Crossing her arms as Sonny makes a face.

"The last person I wanna here that from, and you're a year above me too. Yet your mental age is definitely much lower than your actual one."

"You're so full of it! I'm only this way because I'm stuck around you!"

"Clear proof right there." Him stifling back a laugh and she just walked into another trap. Annoyed as she is Sonny is laughing now. Something about him felt off earlier but that no longer seems to be the case.

"Anyway, you're all caught up to speed, right?" he asks after his laughter subsides.

"Yeah, pretty much. I wonder what the first ruin will look like. I've only seen pictures in the textbooks."

"Well wonder no more because we're here!" Jerry announces, as Ron pulls the car to a park. Civilization is completely cut off at this point though they're still inside Chadlen's borders.

They all exit the vehicle and she is left in awe at the rusty ruin standing before them. "So this is it. I can't see much from out here though..."

Sonny walks up to the entrance and pounds his fist against the opening, only for this action to be reflected back. "This is the invisible barrier that Aine set into place, but you have the power to remove it. All you have to do is change into your Duclea form and say 'barrier release."

"Right. I'll take care of it."

The boy taking a few steps back as she clears her mind. This will be the first transformation of her own doing. Light shinning around her the school uniform vanishes being replaced with the same gorgeous dress. Strechting a hand out towards the door she says the magic words. "Barrier release!"

A sound of shattering glass fills their ears and the air feels much lighter than before. Sonny tries reaching for the door a second time, and this attempt he's able to open it. "Alright, looks like it worked."

"It all feels more real when I actually change. It's going to take some time getting use to this form." Turning back so she won't drain herself like Sonny warned about. Jerry fetches their weapons from the limo's trunk.

"Unfortunately this is as far as we can help you. Our simple guns alone wouldn't make much impact against those monsters. And definitely won't stand a change against members of the FDO. That's why Sonny is here to protect you. Make sure you both be careful in there now. We're not trying to have another kid lose their life on this mission," Ron lectures sternly, and they both give a firm nod of confirmation.

After handing them their weapons the teens slowly approach the now opened entrance way. No need for masks since they're not excatly going to be in public's eye.

"We'll be waiting outside the whole time just in case something happens. Good luck in there!" Jerry calls out.

"You ready?" Sonny asks, glancing over at her with a smirk, and she takes a deep breath to calm any remaining nerves.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"Let's go." Him taking lead as Brooklynn follows after into the darkness.