20 Chapter seventeen: Light can't shine without darkness

Brooklynn slowly lifts up her head glancing at the alarm clock for the billionth time. It's a quater till eight and it's time for her to start getting ready for school. Time passed by so slow and almost certain she didn't get any rest over the night. It doesn't even look like morning with dark rain clouds filling the skies. "I couldn't sleep at all last night. Sonny, why?"

The burnette rolls out of bed pulling out her uniform to change clothes. Luckily she isn't so sore as the pain could be worse. Their bodies seem to be able to take much more than normal people can withstand. She does have a deity dwelling inside of her after all.

Usually by now the ginger would've been hounding outside her door. Rushing the girl to hurry up but this morning it's nothing but silence. Fully getting dressed she grabs her messenger bag. When opening the door a canvas falls over of a familiar setting. "Huh? This is my picture. Sonny still drew it for me..."

Shooting a glance at the room next to her and hesitates for just a second to knock on his door. Remembering his cold gaze sends a chill down her spine, and forces her to continue past it down the hallway. On the otherside stands Sonny still in his pajamas with his back against the door. When hearing her footsteps leave he sighs flopping back down on his bed.

...

The time the first period bell rings Sonny is nowhere to be seen. This proof alone he isn't coming today, though she has no idea what to have done if he really did show up.

Second hour rolls around and her focus is completely nonexistent. Wondering was there a purpose for herself going since she can't seem to concentrate on her studies. On the other hand if she had stayed behind at the dorms would've stressed her out even more. At least this kinda works as a distraction.

Raylen arriving now greets her as she takes a seat. Glancing at the empty seat next to her in surprise. "Hey, Hira. Where is Sonny?"

"How should I know?"

"Oh, well it's just he is usually always with you."

"I...I don't know."

"Morning girls." Josef walks up with his signature glowing smile per usual. The two of them haven't had much chance to speak since the dance. But too much is weighing on her mind today to feel awkward about it. He also looks over at the desk beside her with a raised eyebrow. "Sonny is absent today?"

"Yeah."

"That's odd. Until now he's had perfect attendance so far this year." Her hands ball tightly flashbacks of yesterday resurfacing once more. She doesn't want to think anymore about him right now. The blonde eyes narrow at the burnette and then he simply shrugs. "All well. I'm sure he'll be here tomorrow. I hope you two have a good day."

The prince going towards his desk and a boy and girl talk exitedly in front of them. "I'm telling you, I'm going to be the one to discover the Felixa's true idenity!"

"Rumors have it she goes here. How cool is that!" The girl squeals and her face falls.

"Seems like the Felixa is going to be the talk of the school for a while," Raylen voices, as class starts up.

Brooklynn can hardly complete the assignments, and struggles to keep her mind from wandering. Just as the period is ending Josef walks up to her desk. "I want you to help me a little today when school ends. Come to the student council room right after eight period."

It's not so much a question than a statement taking his leave ahead of her. She has no idea what this is about, but it's better than going back to the dorms to mope. Grabbing her books to head for her third hour class.

When school is over she runs into Kite in the hall, and he glady escorts her to the student council club room. He asks about Sonny but she dismisses the topic quickly, thanking him before heading inside. Closing the door behind her, Brooklynn takes a look around. The room resembles more an office with several books lined up and a large table placed in the middle. Only one out of the many empty chairs is filled and papers scattered all over. Josef glances back at her who's feet haven't moved an inch. "There you are. Come have a seat."

"A-Alright." Not sure where to sit he pulls the seat to the left of him out, and she awkwardly sits down next to him.

"Order these pages together and stable them for me. They're already numbered at the bottom."

"Okay..." She starts picking up pages as he does the same, and for a while they work in utter silence. Stealing a glance every so often but she can't tell what he's thinking. As the papers come down to just a few she has to speak up. "Um, Josef. Is this all you wanted me for?"

He just finishes another packet and sets it on top of the high stack. "You seemed troubled in class today. I could tell you weren't your usual self, and Sonny didn't come in either. I believe he has something to do with it."

So he's already caught on to this much.

"Usually he follows you around everyday like a guard dog. Even though peaceful with him not here for once it's also the reason for your damper mood. Did the two of you get into a fight or something?"

"Why...would you assume that?"

"You didn't start acting different until this morning, so my guess is the fight took place sometime yesterday after school, correct?"

It's crazy how perspective he is and contemplates should she tell him the truth. Doesn't have to reveal she's the Felixa or anything just vaguely say what's wrong.

It would be nice to talk to someone about this. And I don't think he'd believe me if I try and lie anyway.

"You're absolutly right. We did get into a fight last night."

"Hmf, it must've been something for Sonny to skip out on school like this. So, care to share what happened?"

"It's just...I found out a secret Sonny was keeping from me and...now I'm not sure if I can trust him anymore."

"A secret, huh. Who would've thought someone like him was harboring secrets. I guess him and I may not be so different after all. I won't ask what this secret is but I highly doubt he did it to upset you. You two seem to be close and he should have common sense not to do anything to jeopardize that. I hate admit it but I don't think he's a bad person at heart. That being said I don't believe he'd do something to hurt you deliberately. If anything he probably kept it a secret because he thought this was the best for you, some way or another. Did he explain to you the reason for it?"

"No, I didn't give him the chance. I guess I'm afraid to know the truth..."

"I see, but without truth you can't move foward. He needs to be honest and you have to be willing to hear him out. Both of you just avoiding each other solves nothing. Only then can you decide for yourself is he worthy again of your trust or not."

Everything he's saying makes perfect sense to her. No matter how scared she must face him head on. Continue running away like she did last night and the situation will never change. "That's so true. Thank you, Josef. I know what I need to do now."

Brooklynn hands him her last packet and helps put them away properly. Before she can dash out the door he catches her arm bringing the girl in close. "Josef..."

"Don't think that was the only reason I had you come here," he says, having her lent against the table. Her face turns red with how close the blonde is standing. "I've been pretty busy with council duties, and it seems you've had your own stuff to deal with lately. However don't think I've forgotten about our little date."

"Date?" Thinking back to the dance they were talking something about a future date.

That's right. We agreed to go see a horror flick together sometime.

"So you remember now. We should set a time when we're both free. I'd love to see what scared Hira is like."

"I wouldn't get my hopes up for a good reaction. I said I watch horror stuff all the time."

"True. Then prehaps you'll be looking foward to the kiss afterwards instead, right? You were so expectant during the dance." Blushing harder as a teasing smile spreads across his face.

"N-No I'm not! I haven't thought twice about that stupid kiss!"

"That's an awfully strong denial. You aren't a good liar, Hira. You're always so up front with how you feel but...that's one of the things I admire about you." The last part doesn't have it's usual cocky tone, but comes off more genuine. She can hardly breathe normally as the two stare in each others eyes, until the door suddenly swings wide open. Both of their heads jolt to the interruption to spot a boy staring at them with a suprised look on his face. Josef creates distant between them and Brooklynn quickly stands up straight.

"Um president, I was just seeing if you needed any help with the papers. That was an awful lot to take care of by yourself. Uh, if I'm interrupting something..."

"No, it's nothing like that. Thanks for the offer but I'm alright. Hira was kind enough to give me a hand today. I'll make sure to repay the favor."

"That isn't necessary because you already have. I should be going now. I'll see you tomorrow."

...

(Sonny POV)

By now school has ended as Sonny paces back and forth through his room currently on the phone with Ron. "Has Brooklynn spoke to you yet?"

"No, I'm trying to give her some space."

"I understand, but you know we need to find the chest as soon as possible. Duran is still causing mishap and she can't go alone. It's far too dangerous."

"I know that."

"All well, it's best you try and rest up a bit given yesterday's harsh battle.

I'll check in again tomorrow."

With that the call ends and he sighs tossing it down on the bed. They do need to talk this evening, but he isn't even sure if she's made it back yet. Picking up the picture on the nightstand of him and his family. "Dad must really be disappointed in me. If only I told her the truth from the start..."

Yet again regretting his earlier judgement a sudden knock at the door snaps him out of thought. The girl standing on the other side is the very face he's been wanting to see all day. "Brooke!"

(Brooklynn POV)

"Hey...can I come in?" Sonny lets her inside his room, and she takes a seat on the bed with sitting down next to her. It's quiet between them for a moment, and Sonny is the first to speak.

"Brooke, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied to you. I promise to tell you everything."

"Why didn't you just tell me before? That you were a Fel."

"I figured you wouldn't trust me, but I guess you do even less now."

Many questions run inside her mind as she tries to sort through and decide which one to ask first. "How long have you had this power? Wasn't it before we even met?"

"Yes, for a few months now. When Duran managed to slay the monsters that stood in his way, and reached the end of the dark ruins. I know I said orginally that the dark magic came to all those near and feeble minded. Though the truth is...the power was given to Duran's entire bloodline."

"What? But that means..."

"That's right. Every Fel is member of my family. Duran's curse has been put through my family generations, affecting both his children and grandchildren. I have this power because Duran is my grandfather."

"You-you're related to Duran!" She knows he can't be lying now but it's still so hard to believe. This relevation creating a full new branch of questions.

"He has an ex-wife but she moved away a long time ago, and wasn't affected by this spell. For the rest of the family tree they had four children who also have kids of their own. The oldest is his first son Andrew and he is Cheryl's father. I knew her because she was my older cousin. We use to play together often when we were younger."

"So that's why..." She assumed they were close but never would've guessed they were family.

She wasn't just some childhood friend but they were related. No wonder it hurt him so bad when she died...

"Gores is second in line after him. He was really close with Duran and use to help his dad during travels all the time. Andrew believes he might've had a part in encouraging him to explore those ruins."

Back then Sonny only said Gores was Duran's close partner. Now seeing how complicated it would've been to explain that he is really his son. Listening quietly as the boy continues on.

"He has two children also apart of the FDO. A fifteen year old son named Akira and a eleven year old daughter named Isabelle. His last son and third child was my father Trevor. He tried to stop Duran sometime after what happened...and lost his life because of it."

"I'm sorry to hear that..."

Walking over to his dresser he shows her a picture. It's the same one she noticed the night sleeping here a while back. The family of four look so happy obviously taken during easier times.

"There's my father Trevor and my mother Luna. She died from illness back when we were still young. My little brother can hardly recall any memories of her now. That's him in the corner there. His name is Finely and he's three years younger than me.

This taken such a long ago at a simple family outing. Though I can still picture it as if happened just yesterday."

Hearing the nostalgia in his tone he sets the frame back down. Retaking his seat next to her on the bed. "Anyway, Duran's last child was his only daughter Primrose, who doesn't have any children. All of them Fels and have the power of darkness."

"I can't believe you're all related..."

"We didn't have direct contact with that entity like Duran did, so the magic isn't messing with our sanity like him..." Sonny sounds different somehow as if he's trying to convince himself of something. However the girl's mind is so wrapped up she fails to notice.

"Is that why Cheryl called you a traitor back then?" Brooklynn still remembers her saying this, even though she tried to forget. Forever thinking what she meant by those words. The ginger appears troubled as if he's contemplating rather to tell her or not. To fully reestablish their trust there can't be anymore secrets between them. "Sonny, please."

"Ron and Jerry will be furious I'm telling you all of this...I use to work with the FDO and the death of Amethyst wasn't because of natural causes during her training period. It was because of us. We killed her." Keeping his gaze down as if he's too ashamed to look at her. Brooklynn's own eyes widen and her face goes pale, struggling to get out the words caught in her throat.

"Your family you mean?" she practically whispers, and Sonny nods grimacing at the thought.

"Yes, almost every last one of us contributed the very same night she completed the trial. But her death was so instant Duran didn't have time to cast the spell and destroy the light totally. That's why the power left her and went on to Ryder."

A slight hint of fear runs down her spine. Sonny the boy that has been protecting her all this time a murder. Brooklynn is scared on what type of answer she'll receive, but too far deep to back out now.

"W-Why? Why did you do? Did you really want to help Duran with his plans?" Brooklynn hoarsly voices, forcing his ocean eyes to meet her own.

"No, it was nothing like that! Orginally before knowing the SP plans we assumed Amethyst would just attack us directly. Thinking she'd use that forbidden spell on Duran to end him, and still kill the rest of us infected off. So instead of waiting around we all acted first before she even began her mission. Though when finding out their true target afterwards still didn't change our situation...You realize when casting the forbidden spell on that chest it will kill Erebus, and this curse will be lifted, right?"

"Yes..."

"Well it's not the only thing that'll happen. Gores told us by doing so everyone in our family will die...including myself." The moment this leaves his mouth, Brooklynn jumps on her feet.

"What are you talking about?! That can't possibly be true!" The girl's previous fear now replaced with a new one as anxiety sends her heart racing. She always felt based on the old magic battle centuries ago that Duran might die. He's the beholder of the curse and the one Erebus is using as a vessel. Brooklynn was prepared for that but she didn't expect for him to drop this bombshell on her.

Despite it all Sonny sits calmly with a bitter smile plastered on his face.

"When you destroy the magic anyone involved in the curse will lose their lives. Just like what was recorded in the books of the past. That means all my family line from my father's side will die. That's the real reason why Cheryl attacked you. She was only trying to save herself."

"I refuse to believe that!" Regardless of whatever tantrum she throwing knows he would never fib about this. Cheryl specifically said how she hesitated, and vaguely spoke on Sonny not caring for his life. When suggesting to push their outing until after the mission was complete, he was totally against that idea. Sonny's put himself at risk for her time and time again. Like his own self meant absolutely nothing to him.

"There has to be another way!" she pleads, but he simply shakes his head.

"This is the only way."

"B-But how could you help me knowing when this is all over you will die?"

"I was with them at first but after witnessing the kind of destruction Duran was doing, and aware it'll only be worse when he gains his full power...My dad didn't agree with this either. That's why he rebelled after what happened to the first Felixa, and lost his life trying to stop him. Nor does my uncle Andrew or Finley."

Stop. I don't wanna hear anymore...

"Ever since Duran realized the Felixa would be going after the Erebus chest made it his goal to reclaim the dark power. I just cannot stand by and let the world be swallowed by chaos because of him. So...I'm willing to sacrifice my life to end it all."

"Well I'm not! I can't do this and you, your brother, and everyone else in your family will die! Cheryl is already dead and-"

Cutting Brooklynn off the ginger grasp her by the shoulders. A mixute of several different emotions behind his blue eyes. "You have to, Brooklynn! You're the only one who can! You are the last Felixa there'll ever be. Once he reclaims that power he'll be ready to dispose of you. Casting this forbidden spell that'll kill the light deity dwelling inside you, as well as yourself. If only you were to die then Aine will go back to her chambers like I mentioned before. The balance scale would just be tipped, but some blessings can still come to Nebula. Though Duran doing it like this the scale won't just be tipped but broken forever. The whole world is depending on you!"

"But..." Her vision gets blurry dropping her head in defeat. What more can she possibly say? The chest has to be dealt with, and Sonny has already accepted his fate.

Still it just isn't fair.

The boy sighs softly gazing at the setting sun from his window. "I volunteered to be a guardian shortly after my dad died to atone for what I've done. The agents were weary of me at first, but saw I had no intentions on harming anyone else. Ryder was told I was a Fel right after they brought him in. We were friends sure but he also seemed cautious around me. When going on are second mission we came across a difficult monster...So troublesome that him just transforming wasn't enough. Like with you I put in a situation where I was forced to use my dark powers. After he saw me Ryder completely freaked out. When he was thrown off guard that monster killed him with one good strike..."

"That's why you were afraid to tell me..." Naturally anybody would feel that way after such an incident. Sonny was only trying to help and unfortunately another person died.

"Really that's my fault too. If I had sur been a little stronger I could've avoided-"

"No, it wasn't your fault. That was an unfortunate mistake. You tried to protect him." Now Brooklynn cutting him off. She can't bare to see her partner holding in anymore guilt. He has to stop being so hard on himself.

Sonny offering a weak smile as he sets his hands on her shoulders.

"You have no reason to worry. I'll always be here by your side. You can trust me again, right?"

"Yeah, no matter what." The aching feeling in heart still won't settle. Their is just one thing he has to promise her for them to move foward. Holding up her right hand and extending the pinky finger. The ginger titls his head a bit confused by her action.

"What's this about?"

"A promise. If the chest isn't in the next ruin or the one after that. Whatever little time remaining I want us to have fun together. To make tons of memories that I can look back on when your gone. Promise me this and I'll complete my mission." Trying to stop her voice from cracking but failing miserably. This has to be much harder on him than it is for her. Sonny is speechless for a moment before returning a gentle smile.

"Brooklynn...I can agree to those terms," he answers, the pair fingers locking and do a small shack.

Even if I can't change his fate I want to keep making Sonny smile this way much as I can while he's still here.

A/N The many secrets have be revealed. How much of these shocked you? Really hope you all enjoyed the chapter and I'll update soon^^