The Founding Artifact

The crystal around Leo's neck pulsed with light in time with the pulsing of the glove. The world around Xizreth seemed to slow to almost a stop. The light emanating from both the crystal and the glove grew brighter with each pulse.

"What is happening?" Xizreth mumbled to himself in awe.

As if in response a powerful consciousness brushed his mind.

"You have been chosen, possessor of the Founding Artifact. Go forth with me as your weapon.."

The voice faded and thundered roared in his ears. The world around him had briefly faded to black before returning to normal. Xizreth looked at Felice and Leo, who were staring at him in alarm.

"Are you okay boy?" asked Leo, his voice concerned but hard.

"What...what do you mean?" Xizreth asked, his heart pounding and breath ragged.

"Xizreth," Felice butted in. "You were fine one moment and the next your were struggling to breath and pouring sweat."

"Did you see something boy? That glove, did it show or tell you something?" Leo prodded him. "I know quite a bit about the Twilight Artifacts, and you are in possession of the most powerful of them. The Founding Artifact. You do realize what this means don't you?"

"It means....they are still out there...The Twilight Artifacts can still be found!" Felice said, eyes lighting up at the thought.

Xizreth closed his eyes and looked down, fingers laced.

"No, Felice. It means I'm a target..." Xizreth wasn't happy. Sure he wanted to collect the Artifacts, but this happened too quickly for his taste. It changed everything he had planned in an instant.

"Perhaps..." Leo said. "We could work something out?"

"What did you have in mind?" Xizreth looked deep in Leo's eyes, searching for a motive.

"I protect you from the shadows, and make sure no I'll will befall you within the academy walls...and you...do some favors for me from time to time," Leo said with an evil smirk.

Felice didn't know what to think. She had never seen her father act this way with a complete stranger. He didn't work "deals" with people. If he wanted something, he would take it. She had to make sure that no harm befell Xizreth.

Xizreth cocked an eyebrow at Leo.

"Do you find me to be a stupid man Leo Samandriel? Do I look like I can't hold my own? I have no qualms with the Angelborn, but if you expect me to be your lackey and personal assassin, I will make an exception for you. I do not need your protection. I can manage on my own."

Leo glared at him. This Xizreth Digas does not know power. For this insolence I will have to punishment, or risk losing face. This wasn't the way it was supposed to happen, he thought to himself.

Leo tribal markings flew bright, the blue light appearing as flames dancing over his body. His eyes became like the stars, pupils vanishing from existence. Large, blue, eagle like wings of energy burst from his back. He was truly a sight to behold in all of his glory.

Xizreth, himself, was in awe of what he was witnessing. The true power of the Angelborn. It was terrifying and inspiring, and if he could attack he would. He just couldn't get his body to respond to his thoughts. Was his body...scared?

"Trust in me..." the thought echoed in his mind.

It had all happened in an instant.

Leo stood and reached for Xizreth's neck. The faint sound of Felice's screams pierced the air. His finger closed around his throat. The students and professors ran into the hallway yelling for him to stop.

Xizreth felt his hand move at a speed he thought unimaginable, and felt his grip tighten around the crystal at Leo's neck.

"The absorption has begun..." the voice whispered in his mind.

"The absorption?" questioned Xizreth mentally.

"Upgrade complete.."

The voice faded from his mind and the world around him became stable.

Leo was laying on the ground looking at Xizreth in terror. He had never before witnessed such incredible speed and strength. And to top that off, he had gotten his power core taken. Those weren't easy to come by and that one was rare in quality. This boy will pay, he thought to himself irritably.

"Let's go Felice, we do not to be in the presence of his kind..." Leo stated boldly as he stood up, brushing himself off.

"I'm sorry father, but I cannot comply with your decision," Felice said, looking intently at Leo.

"I have decided to remain here at the Academy of Tomorrow with Xizreth Digas."

Leo's face deepened in color, turning crimson with rage. He turned around the forced his way through the crowd. Never had he suffered such humiliation, and never again would he. Xizreth Digas would pay for this.