Destiny of Light

Kreig held her close, not wanting that moment to ever end

Jargos kept eating, trying to think of what to do next

"The only thing I can possibly think of is to send one of us out to find the source of the Shadows, but that's just suicide." Layla started pacing.

"Kreig could do it, but he would need more time to rest"

"Are you sure it'd be such a good idea? Even with Luna as a chance to stop any possession they'd have over him, it's still a huge risk we'd be running."

"Agreed, but I believe he has even more hidden power, and he could be our only chance at finding the person, or thing, or whatever is responsible for all of this. We obviously wouldn't force him, but it would be our best bet"

"Perhaps. If we're going to do this, we need to make sure Luna stays protected. Not from Kreig, but from whatever Shadows may try to come after her because of Kreig."

Jargos nodded and he cleared his plate and helped himself to seconds



Kreig felt complete peace, something he had never before felt. There had always been a storm inside him, but now there was a tranquil feeling

Layla reopened the book and started reading back through it. "Anyone who tries to take this book most likely won't be able to read it. But, with the proper spell, the person can translate it. I'm protective over where it goes because it's a weapon in the wrong hands. There's all sorts of spells and chants in here that we can use."

"Agreed" Jargos said

After thinking, Layla said "If Kreig does agree to going out with the Shadows, we need to consider something. One, if we can keep Luna safe, two, if Luna can bring him to his senses, and three, if she can, then can we face what's on the other side of the Shadows? Are we prepared for what we might or might not come?"

"I know we can" Jargos stood up "We've never let anything overcome us before. We didn't let Ramona rule, we didn't let Balthozar rule, we won't let this rule. We four are the best chance of survival this world has, and we cannot, and will not give up. So long as I draw breath, I shall fight to defend the world, it's people, and most of all you. We are the few who have transcended the boundaries that others made for us. We are the few who never back down. We are the few who give it our all, no matter what. We are strong, and no shadows will stop us from making this world safe once more"

Layla smiled. "You're still as mentally and physically strong as I remember you were." She went to sit beside him. "And, by the way, thank you for everything you did for me. For saving my life and restoring my vision."

Jargos sat down next to her and hugged her

"You saved me first"

"I wish things would've been different all those years ago. Maybe I could've stayed in touch with you somehow." She put her hand over his. "I missed you before and after Airen was gone, but I couldn't tell him that. Being by his side was wonderful. He was the love of my life at that time and became my whole world, but it didn't substitute for my longing to be back with you."

"I would have hurt you back then. I don't know how I managed not to hurt you the day we first met. I needed to gain control, something I have now, but it's too late. I've made you wait so long, I don't even deserve your friendship . . . Let alone anything else"

"You can't say that. Even if you had not left, I would've had to leave for Nicca. I was under a magical handicap and I couldn't prevent it. If you had been with me when I was traveling, you probably would've fallen ill like I did. I'm sure that somewhere out in this world there is a reason why we were forced apart." Layla nudged up against Jargos. "But we can't change what happened. We can only walk to our future."

"Then we'll face it together" He held her close

Layla realized how close her face was to Jargos'. "Because you live and breathe, I can get through my day and still see the future. I can still pick my head up at the end of the day and say I had a good day. You were there even when Airen wasn't. I know that life put us where we are for a reason."

For the first time since he could remember, Jargos was blushing

"You give me a reason to be strong, a reason to fight, a reason to care"

Layla started blushing at sight of Jargos' face turning slightly pink. "You give me a reason to believe, to persevere, and to live on. I was always living in fear that I wouldn't be here when you returned. But, even when I thought it was over, you were the reason I chose the path I took."

"Laylaina" He spoke softly

"Jargos," she replied in almost a whisper. She was positive by now that the pink on her face was almost a red color on her skin.

Jargos risked hurting her in some way, or worse, their friendship, as placed his lips gently on hers

Layla could feel a sensation that practically left her speechless. She hadn't felt the way she did in such a long time. She didn't pull back, but she knew she'd be almost unable to. Layla couldn't even remember the last time she had felt this way.

Jargos didn't move, he just let that moment in time become everything. Nothing could compare to the way her felt in that moment. It was validation for all his suffering, his century of solitude, everything. After a moment or two, he pushed his lips against hers with more pressure, but extremely cautious not to hurt her