Neither of my parents were helpful in the state they were in. And it’s not like I could just ask either of them about the book anyhow. But I knew it was in the realm, but wasn’t now. It was in the non-magical world, and I knew just who had taken it.
“Now I just need to find it,” I said, staring at the couch in the living room I shared with my parents. If I knew my parents well enough, I knew it would be my father. He was always hungry for knowledge. He would obviously benefit from reading a book specifically about our part of the legend. A few pages in an ancient book wouldn’t tell him what he needed to know.
I needed to find it. I was the restorer, but I didn’t really know how to restore the realm. I couldn’t just dive into or if get myself killed.
“Maybe you could ask Dad?” Ethan suggested.
Ethan was my big-little brother, as we always joked. He was adopted into our family when I was young, but he was a year older than me. He was a born spellcaster who didn’t know his way around magic at all, and even as small children, I taught him what I knew.
I turned to face him and crossed my arms with a smile. “Dad is literally brainwashed in darkness, and you think he’s going to give me directions to a book?”
He shrugged, biting into an apple. “Worth a shot, right?”
I shook my head, turning around again. “Nah.”
Ethan scowled and stepped in front of me. “I’m not a dumbass, Kyler. I know it probably won’t work. But isn’t it worth trying?”
I sighed. “I don’t want to go there.”
“I’ll go with you,” he said. “Come on.”
Reluctantly, I agreed. We headed into the realm and immediately found Dad outside. He looked exasperated.
I felt my heart speed up. Sure, he was my father, but we were on two different sides of the magical playing field now. Light vs dark. And I had heard stories about his darkness before. I had no idea how he would react.
“Dad?” I asked quietly.
He didn’t say anything. Didn’t even move. He just…stared. like his eyes were glued to something.
I followed his gaze. The realm had a spacey sky, always filled with stars. He was fixated on one of them.
I decided to try again. “Marco.”
This snapped him out of it, and he turned around.
I shrugged with a playful smile. “You didn’t respond to ‘Dad’.” My smile faded when I saw his eyes. He had dark circles around them, and it was like a shadow had come across his face. He looked sickly.
“Are you alright?” I stepped closer.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. “No.”
To my surprise, I saw a tear fall. “What’s going on?”
He shook his head again. “What do you need, Kyler?”
“For starters, I need to know what’s wrong with my father.” I crossed my arms.
He sighed. “I’m not going to burden you.” He glared at me. “What else do you need?”
“Dad, please.”
His glare intensified as I stepped closer. “Kyler.”
I nodded. “Right.” I decided not to push the issue. “There’s a book about this legend. I need to find it, and I know you were the last one to have it.”
His eyes widened, but he quickly hid it. “You know that book is in the basement, here.”
“No, that’s the book of legends. I need the book about this particular legend.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he lied, turning around again.
Ethan sighed loudly. “Yes you do. You can’t hide from us!”
I turned to look at him. “Ethan!” I whispered, frustrated. “What are you doing?”
He marched up to our father and turned him around by grabbing his shoulder. “Where is it?”
He turned around again, giving us both a pleading stare. “Boys, please. Go home. You cannot see what’s in that book. Gave me nightmares.” He rubbed his eyes. “Nightmares I’m still having, despite not even having the book anymore.”
Ethan hugged him. “Why didn’t you-“
“Because we are on two different sides, Ethan,” he sighed. “We don’t exactly call to chat about our day and current happenings.” His eyes tightened shut. “Like…normal families.”
Something wasn’t right here. Dad wasn’t acting like this evil ruler he was meant to be. He was trying to, but his flow of emotions seemed to be getting in the way. It seemed forced.
The only things that weren’t forced were his tears.
“Let me ask you something,” I said quietly, stepping closer to him. “What side are you on?”
This seemed to anger him. “You already know! It’s not yours. Stop trying. My place is here, with my ideals and rules very clear and explicit.” He clenched his fists. “Now, if that’s all, I have work to do.”
As he started back toward the building, I tried to grab him, but he shrugged me off.
“Dad!” I called, starting to follow. Ethan stopped me.
“Don’t. Something tells me that pressing will make the situation worse.”
I nodded. “Right. Let’s get out of here.”
Once back at the house, I sat down and sighed. “Something isn’t right here.”
Ethan paced behind me. “What do you mean?”
“Dad’s behavior.” I said quietly. I cleared my throat and spoke louder. “I’ve heard stories about how vile he used to be and the lengths he would go in order to obtain more, stronger power. He craved it. He needed it. He only got angry when he didn’t get his way.” I shook my head, placing it in my hands and gazing at the floor. “This attitude is forced. And he got incredibly defensive when I challenged his motives. As if he’s aware he’s on the wrong side, but refuses to admit it.”
Ethan stopped. “You don’t think he’s evil?”
I shrugged. “I can’t be sure, but something was definitely off.”
We were silent for awhile before I finally stood up.
“Well, this book isn’t going to find itself.”
We continued looking well into the night hours, checking even the strangest of places. Our old toy boxes, the fireplace, under the lid of the piano, under the beds and couches. In the bathroom by the pool amongst the towels.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
“Come on!” I growled, standing by the door. “It’s a fucking book, Dad! Why is it so important that you hide it?”
Ethan laughed and mocked him. “You’ll understand when you’re older, boys.” He moved his hand to simulate a mouth, crossing his eyes and talking in a low, silly voice.
I laughed with him. “That’s pretty spot on.”
Ethan grinned. “He can be such a pain.”
I pulled out my phone, checking social media out of boredom. “Yeah, that’s the understatement of the century.”
“Ordering pizza?” He asked. But it didn’t register in my brain that he had said something. A smile formed on my lips as I checked my messages.
“Hey, Kyler.”
No matter how many times Melody said hi, every little ding made my heart flutter. She and I had been classmates and regularly met after school to study together. Much like my parents’ love story, the same was happening between Melody and I. The more time I spent with her, the more I fell for her. But, I was sure she didn’t return those feelings.
“Dude, I see that smile,” Ethan grinned. “Who is she?”
“Melody,” I said quietly, responding to her message.
“Hey you.”
“Ooooh, you two would be cute together!” He smiled happily.
I shrugged. “She doesn’t feel the same.”
I guess he was at a loss for words, because he changed the subject. “I’ll order us some pizza.”
And with that, he left the room.
“Are you busy?” She asked.
“Nah, just at home, bored. About to have some pizza lol.”
“Sounds yummy! Want company? I need to talk to you anyway.”
My heart stopped. She needed to talk to me? About what? “Sure.” I so badly wanted to say ‘I’d love your company,’ but I refrained.
“Be over in ten.”
I smiled. I was head over heels for her, and even if she didn’t return the feelings, it was still very nice to spend time with her.
When I heard the knock on the door, I sprinted to it, opening it with a big smile.
She hugged me. “Kyler. It’s good to see you.”
I closed my eyes, taking in the moment. “It’s great to see you too, Melody.”
We pulled away, and she gazed at me. “Where’s your brother?”
“He went off to order the pizza, then went to his room. Well, our room, I guess. I’ve just been sleeping in my parents’ bed, since they are-” I stopped myself. “Uh, yeah.”
She glanced around. “Can we talk in private? Just in case he comes back out?”
I nodded and took her hand. “Sure.”
I led her to my temporary room, a cozy, dimly lit space with a fireplace and a beautiful view of the city. I gazed out, nervous. My heart pounded rapidly. I didn’t know what to expect.
“Sit with me?” She asked, sitting on the bed.
I turned around, sitting beside her.
She heaved a deep sigh, looking at the floor. “I had a whole speech prepared…” she looked up at me, her eyes meeting mine. “But I think no words are needed.”
She moved closer, caressing my cheek and pulling me into a kiss. I was shocked. Flabbergasted. What was happening? It has to have been a dream. There was no way the most beautiful girl in the universe had her lips on mine right now.
She placed her hand on my chest, breaking the kiss. Gazing at me, she smiled. “I feel like a weight has been lifted. And, your heart feels like it’s going to pop out at any moment.”
I nodded, laughing softly. “It uh, feels like it might too.”
She giggled. “I’m sorry if that was too forward. But I think it goes without saying that I like you.”
I stroked her hair, then down her cheek. “I can’t believe this is happening, Em. I’ve held back my feelings for you for a long time now.” I leaned in and kissed her again, the world around us just disappearing. It was everything I could have wished for.
“Want to make it official?” She joked. Or maybe she wasn’t joking.
I grinned and tilted my head. “We can make it official if you let me take you on a date.”
She blushed. “That sounds nice. The romance fest is in town this weekend. Want to go?”
“Shhh,” I put my finger to her lips. “I’m supposed to ask you.” I cleared my throat dramatically and held out my hand. “Em, would you like to join me at the romance festival this weekend?”
She giggled again, pouncing on me and pushing me down on the bed. “It’s a date.”
I laughed as she kissed me again. And we didn’t break it, getting lost in each other again.
After awhile, I broke it. “Damn, girl. Breathe.”
She laughed and got off of me. “I promise, I’m not usually like this. I’m just excited!”
I smiled. “Me too.” I rested my head on her shoulder. “Let’s go get some pizza.”
It was so surreal, sitting in the living room, chatting and laughing while having my arm around the girl of my dreams, as we all enjoyed the night together. As it approached midnight, Melody stood up.
“I should get home.”
I nodded and took her hands. “Thanks for coming.”
“I had a great time,” she smiled. “Thank you for letting me come over.”
I stepped closer. “Meet you at the fest on Friday night?”
She nodded with a shy smile. “Yes.”
I pulled her into a kiss. “I look forward to it.”
She blushed. “Me too.”
As she left, Ethan stepped behind me, arms crossed with a grin.
“Well look at you there, lover boy.”
I laughed. “I can’t believe it.” I turned to face him. “I’m not one to care about having someone. If I do or don’t, awesome. But I’ve liked her since the day I met her. I never thought today would come. Ever.” I flopped down on the couch. “How could I have not known she felt the same way?”
“Some people are really good at hiding it.” Ethan said. “To be fair, you both were.”
I smiled happily. “I’m glad she decided not to hide it anymore.”
Ethan laughed. “Look at you, all in love and stuff.”
I playfully glared at him. “Hush.”
He laughed some more. “Well, I’ll put away the pizza. Going to bed to surf dating sites to find myself that special someone.”
I grinned. “Not really.”
“No,” he agreed. “Not really.”
“Tag along with us to the fest,” I suggested. “Maybe you’ll find someone?”
He smiled. “I won’t get my hopes up, but sure. Thanks.”
As I retreated to the bedroom that night, I was in a euphoric trance. I couldn’t believe what had happened that night, and I was so incredibly happy.
I laid down and was reminded of the book. I sighed. Leave it to my brain to rain on my parade.
But it dawned on me. I had been thinking like the person my father had become. Maybe I had to think like the person he used to be. Every villain has their secrets, and they find creative ways to hide them. Safes hidden in a wall panel or behind a painting. Lock boxes disguised as books. I recalled a joke my father one made to my mother. I didn’t remember the context, but I remembered his words.
“Maybe I should have hidden it better,” he laughed.
My mother grinned. “Yeah, seriously. From what Simeon told me, you guys did a lousy job.”
He shrugged. “I felt I had superior intelligence. No one would come snooping around my chambers.”
She giggled. “You were very wrong.”
“Maybe I should have hidden it in the box spring,” I exhoed my father’s witty reply. I jumped up and lifted the mattress to reveal a hole in the fabric of the box spring. Reaching in, I found exactly what I was looking for. The book. “The Legend of the Destroyer”.
I smiled widely. “Tonight just keeps getting better!”
Those feelings were quickly snuffed out when I found out why my father wanted no one else to read this book.
I read it aloud. “Someone must die to save the realm, and they must never be revived.” I felt like my heart had stopped. I frantically skimmed the pages to find out who it would be. Me? Either of my parents? Ethan? Morgyn? No.
The book gave little insight into the mystery person. No mention of a title or anything. We had no idea.
I tossed the hook to the corner of the bed. “What the fuck am I supposed to do now?” I growled. I flopped onto my back and stared at the ceiling. “Hey!” I shouted. “Whatever mystical God, spirit, fairy thing decided that my dumb ass needed to be the restorer, give me some insight! How am I supposed to save anything knowing I’m going to essentially kill someone?”
Of course, there was no answer. Why would there be? I hadn’t been guided thus far. Nothing was about to start now.
I sighed and closed my eyes. “Dad didn’t want to hide the book so I couldn’t do my job. He was protecting us from seeing the outcome.”
So he still had a heart after all.
I must have fallen asleep, because I woke up to sunlight reflecting off of a nearby building into my eyes. I sat up and stretched, getting up to grab some leftover pizza for breakfast.
As I stepped out, Ethan watched me. “Jeez, you look like crap.”
I glared at him. “Good morning to you too.”
“What’s wrong?”
I sighed. “I found the book. I know why Dad was hiding it.” I turned toward him. “Someone is going to die and absolutely cannot be revived.”
His eyes widened. “Oh my god.”
I nodded, sucking my teeth. “Yup. So now, I know I need to save the realm, but I know someone will die. It makes me not want to do this at all.”
He thought for a moment. “I hate to say it, but isn’t the sacrifice of one person potentially necessary and acceptable in order to save a realm so many people enjoy?”
I looked away. “Loss of life in any sense isn’t acceptable. I’m not a killer.”
“Who said you’d kill them?” He shrugged, taking a bite of his pizza. “I mean, literally anything can happen.”
“I’d be responsible,” I said, sitting down across from him. “And the thought of that makes me sick.”
He smiled warmly. “Then think about it from multiple angles, and don’t stress. Think about your girl. She always makes you smile.”
The mere mention of her made me smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”
He got up and put his plate in the sink, then turned around, leaning against the counter. “I know you two will be all over each other at the festival.”
I blushed. The thought of us being that intimate gave me butterflies. “Yeah,” I agreed quietly.
And sure enough, he wasn’t wrong. Before I knew it, we were walking around the fest, waiting for Melody. Well, I was waiting for her. Ethan was on the prowl for love. He was rather desperate, wasn’t he?
Someone grabbed my shoulders and hugged me from behind, jumping up and almost knocking me down.
“You made it!” Melody squealed.
I turned around and hugged her with a smile. “You thought I wouldn’t?”
She playfully trailed her fingertips across my shirt. “I mean, I know you’re really busy these days.”
I leaned in. “I’ll always have time for you.”
She giggled as I kissed her. “You’re adorable, Kyler Lew.”
I grinned, putting my arm around her. “Oh yeah? Tell me all about just how adorable I am, Melody Ross.”
She playfully slapped my chest, and we laughed again.
Ethan crossed his arms. “Jesus, you guys are sickeningly sweet.”
I smirked. “You’re here looking for a date. When you find one, you’ll see how it is.”
“Let’s get some tea.” Melody suggested, pointing to the fountain.
“Lead the way.”
We grabbed some tea and chatted before Ethan started to slip away from where we stood. I watched him as he made his way closer to the cherry trees. I realized he was headed for a couple former classmates and went back to chatting with Melody.
“So, got any plans after the fest?”
She shrugged. “Go home, binge movies or something.”
I smiled, wrapping my arms around her from behind. “I have popcorn, and a tv.”
“Is this your way of asking me to spend the night with you?” She poked my nose.
“No!” I laughed. “Just come and enjoy a movie. I’m not a perv, jeez!”
She laughed too. “Well, I guess I’ll consider it.” She turned and pecked my lips. “For you.”
I blushed a little and took another sip of my tea.
After a little while longer, and plenty of flirting and teasing, we decided to find Ethan and head out. To my surprise, I found him slow dancing with a man. He was one of his former classmates. They looked so happy, and I couldn’t help but smile. I decided not to disturb them. Melody and I headed to the train station, and I texted Ethan to let him know where we were. I was happy for him. He deserved love and happiness too.
I unlocked the apartment door and stepped aside.
“Ladies first.”
Melody walked in and smiled, grabbing my jacket as I walked in. She pulled me closer to her and kissed me fiercely.
I went along with it, laughing softly. She was being quite frisky. I wasn’t used to it.
“Maybe we could make other plans tonight,” she whispered.
I felt butterflies in my stomach. But not the good, in love kind. “W-what do you mean?”
She started walking away to my room. I followed her. As I sat against the headboard of the bed, she crawled slowly across it, toward me.
“Em, what are you doing?”
“Maybe it was the tea or just the atmosphere, but I kind of want a little more tonight.” She approached me, straddling me as she kissed me again.
The idea of it was exciting, but terrifying. Had she done this before? I hadn’t, and I was going to make a fool out of myself!
‘Relax, Kyler,’ I told myself. And I tried to push the feelings aside.
It worked for a few moments. I laid her on her back as we kissed, over and over again, slowly slipping my hand under her shirt and just letting my instincts guide me. As I stroked her skin, she moaned softly and pulled me closer. Clearly, I was doing something right.
I moved to her neck, my hand resting on her chest, my fingertips slowly exploring her.
However, those instincts and desires were squashed quickly.
I sat back. “Em, I can’t do this.”
She sat up. “Are you okay?”
I fixed her shirt. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just not ready to take our relationship to that level yet.” I blushed. “And, I may have some insecurities, because I’ve never done this.”
She smiled, caressing my cheek. “Neither have I, Kyler. But I want my first to be you.”
I smiled happily. She did? Really? “And I want my first to be you too. Just, maybe not right now.”
She nodded. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
I kissed her forehead, pulling her onto my lap. “You didn’t, Em.”
She cuddled close, closing her eyes. “Can we still watch that movie?”
I laughed. “Of course.”
We cuddled closer and put a movie on after making some popcorn. After awhile, we got under the blankets, and I felt my eyes getting heavier. Finally, I fell asleep, with Melody in my arms.
I awoke in the middle of the night and saw her sleeping peacefully, facing away from me. I turned on the dim light behind the bed, reaching into the nightstand drawer and pulling out the book of the legend. Sighing, I read through the table of contents.
“Defeat,” I said aloud, quietly. I flopped to the chapter and began reading.
“The restorer makes the choice on when to act. It could be a difficult choice, since so many they care about are involved. But it must be done. Restoration won’t come easy. The king may be a bit hesitant to fight, as he has a soft spot for his child(ren). The queen will fight until she just can’t anymore. Due to her power, this won’t be an easy feat. The destroyer prince will fight alongside her, strengthening their bond, but is far less powerful and may retire early.
One must die to save the realm. This will be one of the parties with higher status, but it’s unclear who. However, a revival spell must never be used. Lie them down. Let them rest in peace, no matter how hard this may be. If revived, the realm will be at risk once again. What is known, however, is that this party will most likely be on the side of darkness. The restorer and any other party on their side will most likely not be at risk.
The battle will last only a couple of days. The darkness will fight to exhaustion, and therefore can be taken down quickly. In the final moments, a choice must be made. Who will die, and who will live. Regardless of the relationship, the most powerful party should be the one who will become deceased. The restorer must make this decision quickly, but carefully. Emotions don’t matter here. Only what’s best for the realm matters.”
I sighed, closing the book. “Jeez, this puts a lot on my shoulders.” I put the book back in the nightstand. As reluctant as I was, now was the time to form a plan.
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