Dawn to Dusk

The sun was covered by the hanging clouds. The air was cool and Spring was upon them. David packed what little he had. Mary made a bunch of food for the four of them. Ash hugged her tightly and so did Phoenix. David and Hazel thanked her greatly.

"Come home safely." Mary said

"We will return, I promise." Phoenix said

"Don't worry Mom, we will be fine." Ash said

Phoenix walked outside and put their belongings into the carriage. It was early morning. They got into the carriage. David sat next to Phoenix in the front. Ash and Hazel sat in the back with the luggage.

"Why is the army going through the street?" David asked

"I don't know. We should hurry." Phoenix said

"How long will this take again?" David asked

"With little stops, around a week I think." Phoenix said

"Let's get there as soon as we can." David said

"Agreed." Phoenix said, "Oh and by the way, Jack and I weren't on good terms. And he also thinks I'm dead, killed by his hand."

"What?!?" David shouted in surprise.

"I'll tell you the tale." Phoenix said

Once they were ready, Phoenix hit the horses and the carriage was off. The clouds were thick and the air was cool. There was a dirt and gravel road that led all the way down to the Kingdom of Dusk. David and Phoenix switched every few hours. Every other day David and Phoenix switched with Ash and Hazel.

A week later, they made it to the Kingdom of Dusk. Phoenix drove the wagon through the city gate and over to a hotel near the palace. They got off and unloaded their luggage. Phoenix got two rooms for them. Phoenix and Ash were in one. David and Hazel were in the other. The sun was setting as they settled in. David, Ash, and Hazel explored the city at night. They wandered around and stumble into a bar named 'The Sunset Tavern'. There was a small band playing and many people drinking the night away. They found an empty table and sat down. A man walked up to them. He had long jet black hair and a full beard. He had a sword on his back and another around his waist.

"Excuse me?" the man said

"Yes?" David replied

"You there, you look like someone I used to know. What is your name?" he said

"Ash Flame, son of Phoenix Flame." Ash said

"He's alive... impossible. I saw his dead body. Shard's sword was lodged in his chest. I had to leave his body behind to escape the scavengers." he said

"Who are you?"" Ash asked

"Tell you father this: 'The world is changing, old friend. The Gods are real. Darkness will soon rise and swallow Light.'". The man said, before leaving

"That was strange." Hazel said

"Yeah." Ash agreed

After he left, David led his friends outside. Next to the tavern was the inner wall of the kingdom. Since the expansion started more walls have been built. Further down the road, there was a small fountain spewing water. They stood in front of it and listened to the water. The wind was cool and the moon was full. After some time, they returned to the hotel and found Phoenix fast asleep.

David woke up alone. His eyes opened slowly. He stretched out his arms and looked over to the bed Hazel was sleeping on. The bed was empty and the sky was blood red. He got up and walked over to the window. Outside was a lush forest. There was an abandoned village. He opened the window and heard screaming. He rushed down stairs and ran into the forest. He came upon a cabin near the village in the woods. David slowly walked closer. As he got closer, he heard whispers. Many voices were speaking at once. One voice stood out to him.

"Welcome back, David." a woman said

"Hello again. Are you going to take my sight away?" David asked, turning to face her.

"No, not this time." she said

"Where am I?" David asked

"My home... our home." she said

"The man you spoke about, who was he?" David asked

"His story is not a happy one, but a truly tragic one." she said

Her voice faded and so did she. David woke up in his bed and saw Hazel sleeping in the other one. He got up and washed his face. He looked out the window and saw the beautiful moon. He went back to sleep and did not dream again that night.

They were awoken by Phoenix knocking on their door. They quickly got out of bed and got ready. David changed clothes in the room, while Hazel went into the bathroom. Once they were ready they met Phoenix and Ash downstairs. Breakfast was served and David kept quiet about his dream.

"So, Dad, we met someone last night. He told me to tell you this: 'The world is changing, old friend. The Gods are real. Darkness will soon rise and swallow Light.'" Ash said

"Holy Invictus. He is alive." Phoenix said

"Who?" Ash asked

"Carson. My old friend. I thought they were all killed by scavengers." Phoenix said

"Scavengers?" Ash asked

"In the Dunes. That is where the portal is." Phoenix said

"Why were you there?" Hazel asked

"Selfish and stupid reasons." Phoenix answered

"What is the plan for getting King Jack on our side?" David asked

"Yeah, he might not even go with us." Hazel said

"True, he may decline. He has General Jerry Malikai to run the kingdom while he is gone." Phoenix said

"Didn't he fight in the Great War?" Hazel asked

"Yes, he led a portion of an army that flanked Lavernius and won the war." Phoenix said

"That is amazing." Hazel said

"My plan is very simple. Jack will join us because he knows how dangerous Lavernius truly is. I will propose that Jerry can run the kingdom until he returns." Phoenix said

"Be honest. What are our chances of coming back?" David asked

"Low." Phoenix said

Hazel looked down at the table. Ash looked off to the side.

"I'm prepared to sacrifice my life, I have lost everything because of Lavernius." David said

"Good. I am too. Ash and Hazel, think this over and make your decision by the time we reach the portal." Phoenix said

"Sure." they responded

"Did Carson say anything else to you?" Phoenix asked

"No." Ash said

"We need to get moving." Phoenix said

Phoenix led them out of the inn and towards the palace. The street was completely full of people as they walked through. Phoenix had his hand on the pommel of his sword. The palace was not a far walk from the inn that Phoenix chose. Guards stood on every corner. Phoenix led them into the throne room.

"I wish to speak with King Jack. It is an urgent matter.." Phoenix said

"Lucky for you, he is not busy, "The guard said, " I will go get him."

"Thank you." Phoenix said

The knight left the room and the other stayed. A few minutes later King Jack Shard entered the room and made eye contact with Phoenix. He stood still and looked at the kids with him. Jack reached for his sword and the guards unsheathed theirs.

"How? Why?" Jack asked

"I can explain." Phoenix said