Chapter Five – Hearts Ablaze, Souls Afire

Alices car pulled up next to a road on the street which all had began , the street were She met Hollie and Em , from the drivers side, Alice stepped out of the vehicle closing the door, the door shut was so loud , you could tell Alice was not on a right mood.

- Jeez, It’s your car you know? – Xelo stepped out from already opened door , slowly swinging the door.

He decided to walk towards Alice , but then realization hit him , he turned around knocking his fist sideways on the back window .

- Wake up sleeping beauty. – He was looking through the glass , archil sat there , arms crossed, his head tilted backwards, even though no sound came from the car , you could tell he was snoring fairly loud.

The knocking woke him up , he stuttered , and shook his head for a moment, then looked around in confusion , until he realized where he was, Xelo opened the door for Archil.

- How kind of you – Archil answered in sleepy , dry voice

- I’m known for such… - He answered in sarcasm , Archil slowly slid through the door.

- How lovely, you made friends – Alice looked at Archil. – No rush at all - She continued to be sarcastic.

- Ugh, Come on , we were in the road for five hours, sorry that I was in need for bit rest.

Xelos face changed and he turned around towards archil.

- By the way, don’t ever do that , hypnos spell or something or …

- Careful . – Archil gave Xelo a warm smile and rested his arm on his shoulder.

Alice rolled her eyes, she was disappointed by childlike behavior of the two.

- We must continue to look.

- Slow down mad hatter. – Archil looked at alice now . – You do realise the whole point of having five years is that we have time?

- I do understand that , but sooner we get there , sooner we will be able to come up with a plan. – Alice answered

- wait wait, What? - Xelo raised his finger - You do not have a plan?

- I do have one, To gather all 8 of blackrose. – Alice answered in confidence

- But no plan on how to stop reptilians.

- Besides you, jade , hollie and Em , I do not know other people , nor have I met them …

Archil interrupted with a fake caugh , to get Alices attention.

- And Archil ofcourse – Alice tried to fix it, but by Archils face , you could tell he was still feeling disrespected.

“Tic, Toc, Tic, Toc” the voices in the wind surrounded three of them , they started turning around in

confusion , trying to figure out where the voice came from. All three of them started facing towards the place where they thought the shop would be. “Tic, Toc, Tic, Toc” The sound came from behind them, they instantly turned around , to find the empty streets of New York .

- What the hell is going on … - Alice asked with a shaky voice.

- Stand close by - Archil warned them , in his voice , you could spot a glimpse of fear.

- Archil? – Alice asked in more nervous manner – I can tell , you’re holding back some words…

- Trust me , If I knew I’d tell you what exactly this is – Archil turned around in fear, looking behind Alice and Xelo – It’s a working of an enchanter , but I can’t fully tell what spell this is.

- This Spell my deary , is a spell I learnt in cells in Russia . – Said the voice in heavy british accent , A hand started to materialize behind Archil , grabbing his shoulder.

Archil held his breath , and slowly released it with fear, cold stream of sweat running down from his face, he couldn’t help but stand there , in terror , shaking and trembling.

- Aren’t you supposed to be The guide? – The accent was changing from british to Slavic.- I feel your fear , Your pain – The arm started to extend, Long red nailes pushed its way down in archils Shoulders, then released it , and from behind the figure of archil, a woman walked out

- Have we met yet? – Darina looked at three of them in confusion.

Archil froze in fear , Alice tried to take a step but concrete wrapped on her leg

- Ap, Ap , Ap – Darina continued to move towards Alice – Behave young girl.

- W… What do you want. – Alice answered in fear.

- First , I Want to know, how you two know me – She turned around towards archil , laying her hands on her waist , only turning around from the waist up towards Alice- I don’t know you, but I can see , in your eyes, You two have. – she stopped for a second – Fear?! – She laughed.

- Fires of south I call on thee – Archil started to chant.

- Nts’ – Darina swung her fingers , and archils mouth shut close.- Didn’t Mama , teach you , it’s rude to interrupt your elders – She smiled slowly walked towards archil patting his cheeks. – But ofcourse, you know me, I’m in your nightmares – Darina mockingly said in child voice.

“Let them go!” Darina heared the voice coming from behind

- Poor boy! – She answered , turned around to face xelo , but she froze on spot instead.- Kak… - She asked.

- How what… How am I Alive? – Jade walked past Alice and Xelo, Stopping infront of them , looking back at both – Well, Hello?! – He smiled and then looked back at Darina.

-What are you doing here, Traitor.

- Traitor? I saved you! – Jade answered in disbelief. -The nerve on this one.

- Saved me? You abandoned me.

- By not giving you the only curse that I have?

- That’s not yours to decide Warlock.

- And how did that work for you .

- Has its ups and downs?! – she answered , you could tell there was a slight discomfort in her voice.

- That’s what I’ve thought. – Jade took a step forward.

- A! – she pointed her nails and rested it infront of Archils heart, Jade stopped.

- You don’t need to do this Darina.

- Because of you , My brother is locked up somewhere. I’ll Do anything , and I mean anything to get him back – Her eyes exalted

- Because of me? Have you got no shame witch? I gave you shelter! It’s not my fault you ran in search of power.

- You know damn sure , why I wanted all that.

- Don’t blame it on me .

- You know what screw this. – Darina got angry, she lowered her arm and pierced Archils Lung , Archil collapsed on his knees, Darina looked at him – This time Stay dead.

Alices eyes Widened, She realized why archil was so afraid of her in the first place.

With him collapsed on his knees “She got to me again” He whispered and dropped

- Now , as for you – Darina faced Jade – I have a game to offer.

- Not interested – Jade answered in hatered.

- You get to save one, Kill one – Darina Smiled

- over my dead body – Jades voice got more confident.

- That works too – Darina answered playfully

The skies turned deep red, lighting materializing around them , striking the spots around them.

- When did you master… - Jade took a step backwards.

- You know, I went back to Russia – She looked up – To kill my Father – She started walking sideways – The Tsar, whatsoever, didn’t like my power there, and threw me in witches cell.

- We really aren’t on a mood of Storytime you know? – Xelo interrupted.

- Boje moi – She said – Where’s your manners Demon kid, Aunt Darina is sharing her experience with you – Her ice cold Glare was fixated on xelo.

Xelo turned his eyes toward Alice , both of them frightened, and scared for their life.

- So, where was I , Ah yes, the cell , There was this girl … Yulia, Tsars Old Priestess, Who could wield the dimensions – Darina looked down at her finger nails , Noticing archils blood – Nts’ – she said – Anyways, Yulia was a very good girl you see – She looked at jade- She taught me the art of dimensions… I mean yes, I had to kill her in the end but, Praise her soul , she was a very good girl.

Then she stopped, Looked at Xelo , tilted her head

- As for you Naughty Demon… - Darina looked at Xelo , Jade turned his head towards Xelo aswell, As soon as Darina noticed it , She screamed throwing beam of purple plasma at him.

- That’s Enough – Jade spoke in Double voice

Jades clothes started to tear apart, his body exposed, Sanskrit letters started appearing around his heart, the hole to his heart opened , exposing a red crystal , letters from his eyes extended down through his chin towards the sides of neck. He lifted his two fingers up, stopping the plasma in mid air.

- What is this – Darina froze

- This is where you stop - Jade looked back at Xelo, He was breathing heavy , out of fear and happiness both.- You shall not harm anyone from this day on. Jade appeared infront of Darina in a split second.

- Go on, Kill me … Again – Darina answered with mock in her voice.

- And what is there to stop me , from killing the murderer.

- You are no saint Jordan… - Darinas voice was filled with Hatered.

Jade pulled his hands up , moving it towards Darinas head.

She was scared for her life , Sighing and breathing in fear, her eyes widened

- No, no – She was shaking her head , but the tears in her eyes and the ball of emotion in her throat , didn’t let her speak loud , her voice was drowning in fear.

Jade touched Darinas face , with thumb wiping her tear.

- Poor girl, Just as I found you, you’re still the same, Nobody to love you, nobody who’s there for you… I only wanted to save you… Took you in as my child…

Darinas face showed a Guilt for a moment

- Now look at what you’ve become, Loveless, heartless marionette

Darinas Eyes widened up , but not with fear this time, instead with anger.

- Velox Lanuae – She Said out loud Phasing out of Jades hand disappearing in thin air

The sky was slowly losing its red color.

- Quick, help me get him somewhere safe – Jade rushed to Archil – The dimension spell will wear off soon , if civilians see him , we’ll get Unwanted attention – Jade picked him up , Alice unlocked car

remotely and pointed at jade to take archil towards the car , while he was holding archil’s Dying body in hand he looked back at Xelo , Saw him still frozen , But now smiling .

- What’s his deal – Jade whispered to Alice

- He’s obsessed with history , And he knows you’re Hephaestion – Alice Answered quickly , opening the backseat door, Jade’s face changed in disappointed.

- well, Atleast that’s something – He whispered to himself , Alice heared it and raised her eyebrows.- Aren’t you coming? – Jade shouted at Xelo – Spell has nearly worn off

Xelo shook his head, coming back from his thoughts, he started running towards car.

- Y … Yes sir.

- sir? – Jade was insulted. – Ugh, Anyways, I’ll sit with Him , what was his name?- he looked at alice , alice replied with “Archil” – Yeah , I’ll sit with him , trying to mend the wound, As it seems his lung’s punctured , but there’s no sign of blood leak surprisingly , we must get him to the hideout.

- You mean the Egypt one?

Jade shrunk his eyes, looking at alice

- How do you… - He asked slowly

- There’s a lot that we have to tell you but , just give me the directions.

- Use Google maps… - Xelo interfered.

- Yeah , what a great idea, Lets use a GPS , to get to Egypt.

- Wait… What? – Xelo got confused.

- Just buckle up already… - Alice started the engine.

****

In a dark room , A small round table stood , only single beam of light , shining down on the inner lines of the table, room was void with darkness.

- So she has failed me again – Morgaus was speaking with lea.

- Y…your Dark majesty , The guest arrives soon , Would you like me to get anything for you.

- Dark Majesty? What’s This? You’re trying to flatter me girl? – Morgaus, bursted in laughter , then stopped immediately , Leaning towards her on table. – Be glad The crows not a vampire , Nor bloodhound, or we’d be having you as a feast.

- I … I apologise your majesty. I shall not do such a thing anymore – She bowed her head , leaving the room.

As soon as she left, the light coming in from the door casted a shadow, a figure of female , with feathers on the shoulders of the dress , leather gloves coming down from her elbow , she elegantly entered the room , sitting in front of Morgaus.

- So we meet again. – Morgaus answered with Confidence. – I so desperately wanted…

- Silence – She interfeared , her face was cowered with the mask that also had feathers on.- Know you no shame? – She asked – The poor girl you just humiliated.

- Are you talking about that maid? Crow , she’s just a maid, And im her king, I treat her as I seem fit. – Morgauses sounded worried.

- Your evil, I approve of that , But , I wont have you mistreating my kind.

- Your kind? – Morgaus Raised his voice.

- Watch your tone, or I’ll have your head severed and brought to me on a silver plate.- crow straightened her posture.

- I … I apologise, it’s just a misunderstanding… - Morgaus answered.

- And what of the witch… - Crow asked.

- I sent one of my minions after her, She must be bringing her back in soon.

- A minion… - Crows voice went deeper.

- Y… yes, but she’s not mistreated if you’re reffering to that – Morgaus answered sarcastically.

- I’m impressed Morgaus – Crow leaned back – You’re so confident that you send a Minion for your main objective, and you justify it by treating your minion royally.

- What should’ve I done - Morgaus got confused.

Crow leaned forward

- And what’s your High priestess doing meanwhile - Place where Eyes were cut out on her mask started glowing red.

A loud noice came from the corner of the room .

- Show yourself- Morgaus stood up , Crow opened her palm developing a red shining light ontop of her palm .

Red light shined through darkness, revealing Darina standing in terror in the corner.

- What’s The meaning of this – Morgaus shouted , Then looked back at crow- Or shall I sweet talk her through this too.

- Mock me again, and I’ll make sure , only thing sweet in your life will be a memory! – Crow stood up – You know what I meant with mistreat , and stop acting like a manchild. – Then she looked back at Darina. – Enchantress, Explain yourself.

Darina slowly collapsed on the wall , grabbing her face , scratching it with her long nails

- J… Jade … Jade was there – She mumbled, with tears rushing down her eyes.

- For all that’s Unholy! – Morgaus walked towards Darina – You Failed your quest, because of an Old crush?

- N… No…

- Maybe , you were right Crow, Maybe I should’ve sent Svetlana for this.- He turned around, started to walk towards crow.

Darina leaped from the ground , grabbing the feet of Morgaus , sliding alongst his steps

- No your majesty , I beg you , I beg you , let me fix this. Let me prove myself to you.

- You’ve proven enough – Morgaus swung his feet front to get Darina off

- Fail Me again and there will be consequences – Crow said looking back and forth to Darina and Morgaus , then she tilted her head , turned around quickly and disappeared in the light coming from the entrance.

- What have you done… - Morgaus turned around – You Fool! – He shouted.

- No – Darina only could say this , pressing her forehead to the ground , bursting in loud cries.

- Pick yourself up , you old hag, and get out of my sight .

- No , please – Darina repeatedly said

- And as for you crow – Morgaus looked at the door – I hope soon enough , I’ll feast on your filthy roasted flesh…

****

Jade was sitting in front of the bar in his hideout , Ice in his whiskey has nearly melted halfway , he looked at the liquid, swirling it around in the glass.

- How’s Archil – Xelo sat down next to him.

- He’ll be good in no time, I stiched him up and gave him some healing potion from Babylon, He’ll be good as new in no time.

- Exes… Am I right? – Xelo reached into the counter to grab a glass.

- How old are you - Jade stopped Xelo by grabbing his forearm.

- I’m 18 , But… I’m a demon so that drinking rule doesn’t apply to me – Xelo looked at him , slowly removing his forearm and reaching out for a drink.- How about you?

- Hpf – Jade almost choked on the whiskey , putting the glass down , he started coughing. – You ‘ really wanna know?.

- I mean , I asked the question didn’t I ?

- I’m 2,378 Years old… - Jade Smiled.

- How did you survive this long.

- It’s not my survival skills , I can tell you that- Jade drank the whole cup.

- Then what did you do?

- I did nothing actually.

- 24 centuries , and you barely look 20 … - Xelo looked forward – Can you tell me how it happened?

- I’ve not shared this information with anyone, What makes you think , I’d open my heart up to a Teenage Demon.

- Jesus, you don’t have to be a Dirk about it.

- You know that means dagger right?

- I’m a historian… - Xelo chugged his whiskey , put he cup down loudly and got up – Sorry for trying.

Jade looked at him , He knew he had interest in history and he felt bad that he turned him away.

- alrigh Sit down - Jade gave in, Xelos eyes light up in excitement, rushing back to the chair. – At some point I will still have to tell whole blackrose , so why not start with you… You’ll help me with the questions… Right? – Jade poured himself another round , Xelo answered “Ofcourse” , Jade pointed bottle at him , raising his eybrows , He nodded, Jade filled Xelos cup.

- Well , Me and Alexander were born same year, born to a guardsman of Alexanders father, I too was growing up with emperor to be. We were inseparable from childhood, at thirteen , Alexanders father assigned Aristotle to raise his child, Aristotle took me in too , raising both of us as his own . – Jade raised the cup – He was a great man. He looked back at Xelo – Alexander ascended to the throne when he was 20 , and So was I … His father Phillip , Had two bestfriends , my father and Pausanias, Pausanias had murdered Phillip , and well was punished greatly for that, but empty throne needed A king, So great Macedonian took his fathers place. From there on , I was his right hand, I was 21 when I first went to India, with small army, to spread the Empires power – Jade looked down – There … we had no choice to rage a war… But Indians were not an easy target you see, they killed my two hundred men in just half an hour. A Witch from their village, had the biggest role in slaughter of my army, she was in my sight, I stretched my bow , aiming at her , as I released the arrow , a kid covered her, A daughter of the witch , collapsing on her knees , I had killed an innocent teenager… Realising what I had done , I did too dropped to my knees, looking at the mother, from whom , I’ve taken everything. Awaiting death.

She came to me , With slow steps , her eyes Furious in sadness and despair ,she put her hand on my chest whispering “त्वं, मृत्युयोग्यः नासि , तदर्थं , त्वं तस्य िुखं कदासि न अनुभसिष्यसि, असितु , त्वं दुःखेन िृसर्थि ं चरिष्यसि, अहं त्वां शाियासम”

Xelo moved his head back

- She said what?

- It’s Sanskrit it means “ You’re no worthy of death , For that, you shall never experience its happiness, Instead you shall walk the earth in your sorrow, I curse you”

- Just like Curse of Kain

- I’d say worse, atleast he didn’t get red glowing stone in his chest, with all letters forming around. - But it also gave you the power.

- No the power , Comes from the girl that I murdered.

- Excuse me? – Xelo got confused.

- As it seems, When she cursed me, she did a binding spell , to Bind the spirit of her daughter to me , so it would forever haunt me. And at first she did, But We’ve made our peace. Of course my immortal form increases my power itself , but that all also comes from centuries of research and practice.

- Oh, that’s why you look that young – Xelo made the sense of it.

- Yeah. – Jade answered sadly.

- What about Alexander.

- Well , when I went back , I couldn’t tell him I suddenly had become immortal and haunted for that matter, so I just told him that there were rumors of a witch who had such powers, Alexander was deeply in love with Macedonian empire, and he’d do anything in his power to keep it that way, so he became obsessed with attaining such power to keep the empire standing for long.

- That’s why he began invasions?

- At first , he was sending delegacies , to map out the places, as tourists. Meantime he was fighting battles against Persia, He always stood victorious , that also played a sacral role, his confidence, he ordered to go to india, and we raged a war , in which , for the first time , Great Macedonian came close to defeat, it ended in 325 , no sides were victorious , Alexander needed a greater plan , so he decided to Strategically come up with it, he travelled back to Babylon , but I stayed in india, Searching for the witch. Ofcourse , I’ve spent Most of the free time I had , besides the battles, researching the magic, so I’ve grown stronger, I was 31 by then, ten years have passed, I stayed in search of the witch who had cursed me , for jaya . Her daughter was tormenting me. Through the search , I stumbled upon the hut, Jaya imeddiately grabbed my shoulder, I knew it was hers. – Jade took a deep breath – Going in , I saw two men , With their daggers pointed at her , Speaking Sanskrit , Through jaya I understood , they were occusing her of worshipping the evil spirits. Frozen in terror , I knew not what to do , I took my blade out of the Sheath and slayed both men. At first the woman was happy, but then she recognized me , she looked down, thinking I was there to kill her, I went down on my knee , lifting her face , through jaya we spoke, “ you saved me” She said “but why”, “I took your life away ten years ago …” I answered in shame “This was the least I could do “ I faced her , She could see Jayas spirit behind me, she raised her hands looking at her , Spirit of Jaya rushed and hugged her for the last time “Thank you” She said as the tears of sorrow and pain rolled down on her cheek , she looked down “I can’t reverse the spell” She said, in shame and guilt only thing I could answer

with was “It’s alright, I deserve this” She looked up at Jaya telling her to Look over me , back then I had not thought of this as a curse, but a blessing… a year has passed since I stayed here, Alexander already held funeral for me ,Announcing me dead. But I traveled back , In June 323 I was already back in Babylon , Where I Knew he’d be , in his palace, Disguised I Went into his room, only to find him fallen sick. I was there with him , for the last month we didn’t know he had… I couldn’t help but blame myself, for searching for my own good, while I basically sacrificed my best friend to die.

- Look, It wasn’t your fault , you were haunted.

- And yet, I’m Alive and he’s dead – Jade looked at Xelo – After he died, the empire slowly began to fall , I couldn’t take the throne … so I betrayed him second time, I ran , Instead of staying and keeping the Empire standing, Continuing his legacy… I ran Back to india, To mother of Jaya … She had taught me a lot about the magic, and taught me how to use the curse, that I had realized, was the worst of them all.

- Like you’re immortal immortal?

- Ever since, I’ve lived in battles , trying to find a worthy opponent who’d end it. In her death, Jayas mother revelaed to me , that to lift the curse, the stone in my chest, should be pressured with an enough energy. I’ve fought battles, with no armor, being cut and pierced thousand times… and yet , 24 centuries passed, and I still haven’t found my match.

Alice walked past them

- Damn… That’s Deep… - she grabbed a glass , archil slowly walked into the room aswell.

- How long have you been listening? – Jade asked.

- From the very beginning? – Archil spoke with pain in his voice.

- Why didn’t you join us from start then.

- Didn’t want to disturb your… - Alice swirled the drink and took a sip – Moment- She whispered.

- There was no moment – Xelo shrug his shoulders.

- yeah he’s just interested in history – Jades voice lowered , and he chugged another glass of whiskey.

- Well , Me and archil were thinking. And since we’re four now… And we have 7 people to find, why don’t we split up in squads, and find them , it’d speed up the process. – Alice was being inspiring.

- Yeah, You and Xelo go together. And me and Alice will go together…

- Quit it guys – Jade felt embarrassed, and he could see Xelo getting uncomfortable.

- It’s only fair? – Archil suggested – I’m an experienced witch, Alice is not, You’re an Experienced Warlock, And xelo’s a unexperienced demon – Archil smiled in mischief – And also , I’m sure Xelo would rather be around with historical artifact – Jade looked back in anger – Rather then a guy who hypnosed him last time they went together – Archil Laughed.

- Fine! – Jade answered.

****

- Well Well, Another day , Another success… - Reader still sat in his bed. – I’d say a Piercing Triumph… - he laughed.

-I say, Why don’t we celebrate, but sadly all I’ve got is my meds and water – He made a sad face.

- Tell me - he still was looking at the wall , that he was so obsessed with - how come , they overcome every obstacle… unless…... Oh but… where’s my mind, didn’t she end the world before? That counts as a failure right? You know … Worlds unfair… Every creator has their favorites, and here I am , Locked up in some loony bin , With witches as my nurses… That’s no fun? Well perhaps I can let you see into the future and tell you, I’ll be released from here – He laughed – But only to fail… Just you see… -

He stood up , and started dancing in circles

– What a cliché – he said in singing voice

– as if… as if… as if someone is behind all that , predictable … story … A god? A maker? Is this a prophecy ? – He asked , then turned around to face the wall again.

- No it can’t be… It mustn’t be… I say it’s a fantasy , Or as Mister Lovecraft suggested in his Cthulhu mythos, A dream of a Blind , Idiot God! – He tilted his head- But you be the judge – he continued to speak to the wall. – After all we’re both… - His head was flooded by the words – I must not… I must not – He fell to the ground – I must not break it- He said , crawling back to his bed , laying down and closing his eyes