Chapter Ten

The King of the Mainland

A king's problems begin where a pauper's dreams end

Vasilias

Bliss (Sky Chamber) EarthYear 1978

Vasilias put a comforting hand on her great-granddaughter's shoulders. Cylia had been one of his best Scions. She ruled the Mainland for two decades without a hiccup, but she had a big weakness. Even if she sensed the slightest danger to her children her brain stopped working and her heart took over.

"A Malak always keeps her promise," He said in a firm tone.

Tears were rolling down Cylia's cheeks. Her heavy sobs were making it difficult for her to speak. "But why my daughter? She did whatever was asked of her on Earth. She took tough decisions, many people even loathed her for that. Now, she has to go back. Why?"

"Elizabeth was the last of our Scions to ascend. She knows the current situation on Earth. Besides that, people say that she was the strongest leader after the Five Pieteous, maybe even better than some of them. She is best suited for this task."

"My Lord, this is not even our war. Soulments are attacking humans. Let them defend themselves."

"Earth is merely a stepping stone. Bliss is their main target. Cylia, we took a sacred vow that if Bliss is ever under a threat, we and our progenies will sacrifice everything to guard it. Generations after generations of our family have ruled the two worlds because of this vow. It is time to come good on our word."

"You are the Lord of Bliss, the World of Miracles. You can surely do something."

"I am doing what needs to be done and nothing can be done from here. I am not going to make the same mistake as the former Pieteous. Someone has to go to Earth to perform those miracles. Elizabeth is not alone, she is one of the Five."

"My Lord, humans have advanced so much during this millennium. It is completely different from the era you fought these demons. They have weapons, machines, and much more. There is no need to send someone down there. There is no need to kill."

"Machines are no match for magic. Humans will need a miracle to stand any chance to win this war, and your daughter will be that miracle."

***

Mysha

Earth (The Mainland) EarthYear 1997

Mysha was fidgeting with a lock of her hair while staring at the old clock that must have been hanging in this cottage since the beginning of time. Olivia settled beside Mysha on the couch. "My girl, your slate has been wiped clean, but souls store memories. There must be something buried here or there. You need to bring it to the fore. Just concentrate."

Mysha, how can you be so dumb? How can you not remember your days as a queen?

Mystic, How am I supposed to remember what happened during my last birth?

Mysha, if I would have been a queen I would have remembered that for my next seventy incarnations. Now you are a Queen Mother. How does it feel?

Yeah Mystic, I am so looking forward to a man of my father's age calling me his mother.

Oh Mysha, it will be a moment to remember.

Mystic, shut up and let me remember something very specific. Something that the King of the Mainland could relate to.

"For God's sake, why do I need to torture myself with this? Don't tell me Mister I-am-the-Mightiest-Marid-of-Inferna can't arrange a meeting with a simple human king. You can bring him here on his knees if you want to." Mysha tried to incite Harbux's ego. Generally, that always did the trick.

But this time it backfired because Mysha's grandma appeared in the room and pulled Mysha's cheeks. "My little cupcake, your granny knows what you are trying to do there. My sugar candy is always looking for a fight, but let your granny remind you that your son has the largest Army of Unseens on Earth at his disposal. The last thing we want is losing hundreds of friendly Souls in a battle between two mighty Armies of Unseens."

"Well, Mister I-am-the-most-annoying-Imp-of-Inferna can surely find a way to sneak in."

"From Marid to imp, in a second?" Mysha's angry Granny gave way to Professor Matthews, who was ready with a boring lecture on why Alexander's palace was out of reach. "My dear students, that palace is Soul Proof. A multi-level iron-walled security system ensures that there are no Soul intrusions. And wherever he goes his security cover is mainly focused on keeping the otherworld beings away. So the backbenchers of this class should put aside these suicidal ideas and focus on remembering something to reel him in."

"Demon's Curse! Harbux cut the crap and listen to my idea," Ryan cut short Professor Matthews's monotonous rumbling. He handed Mysha a tab and asked her to scroll through some pictures. "Although the Pietious family affairs are kept under wraps, after spending days on the darker side of the internet, I was able to unearth some childhood pictures of King Alexander with his mother Queen Elizabeth. Maybe looking at these photos will trigger some memories. All we need is any single thing to click."

Ow Mysha! Apart from being so cute, so caring, and so adorable, he has some brains as well.

Mystic, usually Max would have done all the research.

Mysha, don't you see the love in his eyes?

Mystic, if I keep seeing love wherever you do, half the boys of London will end up in my bed.

Mysha, that was gross. Even by my standards.

Mystic, you are corrupting my mind. Go away! I need to concentrate for Max's sake.

"Ryan, do you mind if I borrow the tab for the night? I just want to have a closer look at these pics?"

Brendon sprung from his chair and tried to snatch the tab away from Mysha's hand. "Sweetie, that's my tab n ya know what..."

Mysha recoiled and dropped the tab on the couch. "Yuck, I wouldn't have touched the tab if I knew it belonged to Mister My-tab-just-like-my-mind-is-a-Junkyard-of-Unmentionables. I can't risk burning my eyes looking into your prized collection of clips where jerks like you are doing unspeakable things."

"Zounds! That's a basic human need."

"How is looking at that stuff a basic human need? That is kind of standard excuse for all lecherous perverts."

"Sweetie, ya've gotta do it as well. Unless ya don't wanna reproduce."

"Don't worry about my offspring but believe me this world will be a much better place if you don't reproduce."

Ryan chuckled. "Mysha, give me a minute. I will transfer the folder to your phone."

"Thanks, Ryan," Mysha said giving a peck on Ryan's cheek. "You are a darling,"

Brendon looked skywards. "Jeez! N it's time for the baby giant to turn into a giant turnip."

***

Mysha lay down on her bed and started looking at those pictures. A young woman, holding a toddler in her arms, was standing on a balcony of Windsor Castle.

Is that really me? She looks so graceful, charming, and beautiful. Flowing golden hair, dimpled cheeks, and those twinkling green eyes.

Mysha kept scrolling through the pictures. The woman holding her kid's hand and helping him walk around the gardens. Mother and son sitting on a beach gazing at the stars. Duo standing on a hilltop in their skiing gear. Ryan had done an excellent job of collecting around a hundred such memorable pics.

Mysha closed her eyes. Come on Mysha. Unlock your brain.

She kept trying until she dozed off.

***

Brendon was doing some push-ups when Mysha barged into the living room.

Ryan was tucking into his fifth omelet but there was a frown on his face. "Inferna's wrath! Mysha, I think Brendon's butler made much better omelets than your cook. Your guy barely puts any cheese in them."

"Well, next time you bring your own cook," Mysha hissed and turned to Brendon. "I know how to get an audience with the king. But I will need your help."

"Sweetie, anythin' for ya. Tomorrow I can face those fearsome English bowlers without any helmets or pads if ya want."

"Mister I-can-get-my-bones-broken-for-you, tell me how you getting your head knocked off by Jimmy Anderson going to help our cause? Did you get hit by a bouncer when you were a kid or were you born an idiot? All I need you is to pass a message to Alexander."

"Jeez, didn't ya listen to Harbux yesterday? How the hell I'm supposed to reach the king?"

"For God's sake, don't you guys read the news? I guess I have to do all the heavy lifting till Max gets well."

She turned on the television and switched to a news channel where one of the headlines read: King Alexander will attend the first England-Australia match at Lords.

***

The stadium was jam-packed. Although Australia had demolished England in the away series, fans expected their team to do better in home conditions and front of a boisterous crowd. The King's presence had further lifted the atmosphere.

Once the national anthems were done, as per tradition, the King went on the field to meet the players of both teams. Brendon had met many prominent leaders before but never attempted the kind of stunt he was told to do today. He held his breath. He was having second thoughts about this stupid idea but knew that this was their only window of opportunity.

Alexander shook hands with players one by one. Being the star batter of his team, Brendon was standing next to his captain. The moment Alexander reached him he blurted, "Remember son, when gloom descends, pray to the shiny star of Bliss and the angel of light will come to your help."

King Alexander paused for a second, then shook Brendon's hand, and calmly moved on to the next player in line.

***

"Strewth, I've never been more embarrassed in my entire life. Not even when I tried to kiss my history teacher n she spanked the love outta me in front of the whole school," Brendon said frantically pacing around the room.

"You were kind of a pervert right from the beginning?"

"Jeez, don't divert from the topic. Ya've made me a laughin' stock in front of my team. Everyone thinks I've gone nuts. Even the assistant physio Stacey was givin' me weird looks."

"Well, now I understand why you are so worked up. You lost an in-house girlfriend."

"Ryan Mate, do ya see the audacity? First, she makes me appear like a dumbhead in front of the whole world n now she's got the guts to further needle me."

The door of the cottage was pushed open and ten men dressed in black suits barged into the room. Their commander looked at Brendon. "Mr. Brendon Larson, King Alexander wants to see you."

Mysha gave a triumphant smile. "See, I told you."

Brendon furrowed his brows. "Mate, don't ya know somethin' about knockin' before enterin'."

"No. I am more into knocking down the doors," The commander replied, scanning the whole cottage. "You were supposed to be lodged in a secret secured location. I see no security here."

"Ya won't exactly see my security."

"Okay, I guess you have the protection that can't be seen."

"Ya can say so. Anyways, r we goin' to the palace?"

The commander nodded.

"Mates, come on, let's go."

"Only you. No one else."

"Then go n tell your king I'm not goin' anywhere without 'em."

The commander grinned. "You know my men can pick you up and dump you in the trunk of my car."

"Bugger, I doubt ya'll try somethin' like that. After that attack on my life by an English fan I've become a bloody celebrity. The last thing ya king wants is me tellin' the press how the royal guards kidnapped me."

The commander paused for a moment. "Okay, you can bring them with you."

Buckingham Palace was the epitome of extravagance however its entry was a painful process. Metallic fences, iron doors, and multiple checkpoints, where everyone was frisked with metal detectors. Harbux was right, this palace was Soulment proof.

Once they had passed through the numerous security checks, they were greeted by a huge lawn built around a large sparkling pond, filled with lush green grass, thousands of flowering plants, and perfectly manicured gardens. The palace itself was a magnificent piece of architecture. The building with a beautiful white façade with some intricate designs housed hundreds of rooms, halls, and theatres, and had a floor area of over eight hundred thousand square feet.

Brendon Mysha and Ryan were made to wait for a few minutes before being ushered into a large office at the back of the palace. King Alexander was seated behind a magnificently carved wooden desk and he didn't waste any time exchanging pleasantries. "So Mister Brendon the Brilliant, I am a busy man. What you said intrigued me and I can spare just about a minute for you to tell me where did you hear that?"

Mysha stepped forward. "I told him that."

"Who are you?"

"Mysha Solomon."

"So my lady, you answer the question."

"I didn't hear that, I said that on the night I saved you from the demon that tried to drown you during our vacation at Balmoral. That vicious demon almost got me. You were trembling when you asked me in your sweet baby voice who will come to your rescue if something happened to me. I pointed to the star and said...

"Remember son, when gloom descends, pray to the shiny star of Bliss and the angel of light will come to your help. I still look at that star when I am tense. Father took a picture of Mom and me gazing at the stars that night. That was her favorite pic," Alexander said snapping his fingers in small quick bursts.

"Well, you still haven't stopped that nervous snapping of fingers. I used to threaten you that I will stick your fingers with glue if you didn't stop snapping."

"Some habits just refuse to go away."

"But that is our family's trigger for using our powers."

"I changed it to a tap on my wrist."

Alexander tapped his left wrist with two fingers and a smoky figure appeared near his chair. "Yes, master."

"Will you tell someone to bring in some refreshments?"

"Okay, master." The Soulment disappeared.

"Are you still afraid of water?"

Alexander nodded.

"Can you sleep alone or not? You used to sleep in my room till you were eight, listening to the song, the Angels of Bliss."

"Yes, I remember. I only started sleeping in my room once Charles agreed to share the room with me. That demon incident left an everlasting scar on me."

"Jeez, Ya Highness, we saw that scar while enterin' the palace. That demon royally screwed ya brain. Ya over-the-top security proves that."

Alexander flashed his big eyes at Brendon.

"Crikey, those eyes. Mysha, he's defo ya son."

"I didn't have big eyes when I was Elizabeth."

Alexander stood up from behind his desk and came near Mysha. He looked at her like a nonbeliever who just got a glimpse of Supremes. "You know this is awkward."

Mysha, I still can't believe he is your son.

Me too Mystic, but thankfully this meeting is going better than we had anticipated.

Yes Mysha, I thought he will straight away throw you out of the palace.

Mystic always imagines the worst.

No Mysha, that was my best-case scenario. The worst was he tying you to one of the cannons and blowing you up.

As always, Mystic, the eternal pessimist.

"For God's sake, don't get me started on the weirdness. Imagine an eighteen-year-old girl, who doesn't even have a boyfriend, finding out that she actually is the mother of a fifty-year-old, who also happens to be the King of the Mainland."

Brendon's ears were always on the lookout for such statements. "Strewth, ya mean to say Max isn't ya boyfriend? I've still got a chance?"

"Can Mister-all-I-can-think-about-is-crap keep his mouth shut?" Mysha snapped.

Alexander closed his eyes for a moment. "Everything you told me was very private but this is still hard to believe."

"I understand that, Alex. No normal person would believe this but you kind of know we are not normal people." Almost instinctively, out of a long-forgotten habit, Mysha raised her hand and ruffled Alexander's hair. A current flowed through their bodies that lifted a veil of doubts and gave total clarity. An instant connection formed between the mother and her son. It took both of them a moment of uneasy silence to process all of this.

Alexander picked up the phone on his desk. "Please cancel all my appointments for the next few days." He then patiently listened to what the person on the other end had to say, interspersed by periodic yes and nos. "Then tell that American Joker that I am the King of the Mainland and I do as I wish." He slammed the phone after that sudden outburst. He then turned to Mysha and smiled, as if nothing had happened a moment ago. "You don't want me to address you as mother, right?"

"That would be the height of absurdity. Please call me Mysha."

***

Mysha spent the next few days with her newfound son's family. His grandson George, whom she vaguely remembered as an extremely naughty kid, had become a father. Mysha enjoyed every moment of her stay in the palace, especially the time spent playing with Harry, her great-grandson. Hundreds of memories of her previous life in the palace and of the challenges she had faced as the Queen of the Mainland came rushing back.

Alexander had introduced Mysha to his family as the daughter of an old friend. Ryan and Brendon regularly visited the palace during her stay to have private meetings with Alexander.

"I heard Jimmy got you again," Alexander asked Brendon.

"For a duck. He ruined my average. Ya're sure there's no supernatural angle behind his swingin' deliveries?"

"We don't use superpowers in sports, like some other immoral people. Jimmy Anderson is the Supremes' blessing to English cricket."

"He's more like an unbreakable curse."

"Well, Mister I-think-all-skilled-sportsmen-are-cheaters-like-me can we stick to the topic? Harry will be up from his nap anytime and we won't be able to discuss our things if he wants to play with me again."

Alexander put down his glass of juice and tucked back into his succulent wagyu steak."The Pente Potens is the last recourse. That confirms my suspicion that these are desperate times. There have been numerous demon attacks on me. Plus these demons are not our only problems."

"What's the other problem, Ya Highness?"

"The humans themselves. They are treading down the path of destruction. The Houses of Almighty are empty and demonic cults are popping up everywhere. People don't fear the Pieteous anymore."

"Aren't Pieteous kind of supposed to be respected, not feared?" Mysha asked the bitter question.

"Fear commands respect and makes people fall in line. While people hope to ascend to Bliss, the fear of relegation to Inferna keeps them honest. This whole symphony is balanced on hope and fear and the Scions of Pieteous are the Protectors of this system. However, some misguided people want to break this harmony."

Ryan was busy with the most flavorful lamb chops he had ever had in his life. He was sure that the palace chefs used some magic and powers of the unseens to cook such mouth-watering meals. It was hard to concentrate together on delicious food and an interesting discussion, but Ryan was trying his best to strike a balance between them. "Holy Angels, why would someone want to mess up a perfectly good system?" Ryan asked while taking a sumptuous bite from another chop.

"They want us to scrap relegation. Everyone must ascend, irrespective of their records. Many others have deep sympathies for Soulments. They say that no Soulment should be bound in vows of duty. They should be immediately allowed to ascend from Inferna without any restrictions."

"But why can't we kind of let the Soulments free?" Mysha asked.

"Because we need them. Do you know how this Symphony of Souls works?"

"For God's sake, you don't want me to recite the Holy Journey to Eternal Bliss We all remember it by heart. I don't know which idiot made it mandatory for children in kindergarten. Those poor kids have no idea about what they are reciting."

"Dear mother, it was you who made this prayer mandatory in the schools," Alexander said with a quiet smile.

"Jeez, that's an old problem. Even in ya last birth ya did things that made no sense."

Alexander had a hearty chuckle."Many people said that about many of her decisions, but she always had her reasons. The technical boom changed people's mindsets. Paranormal activities were explained through scientific theories. People started forgetting the real purpose of our existence, the true journey of Souls to the extent that they began doubting the very existence of Bliss and Inferna. That is when she decided that this process should be etched in the minds of kids."

"Ya Highness! We don't say any prayers in Straya n I'm no good at religious philosophies, so tell me what parts do Soulments play in this whole saga?"

"Soulments are formed when a person is killed and the splintered part of his soul goes to Inferna. Inferna is a mysterious place, the land of magic. The Soulments that go there acquire paranormal powers. The longer they endure that hell, the more powerful they become. The Supremes observed this phenomenon and decided to put these fractured but powerful souls to some good use."

"What use?"

"The Pieteous needed support to maintain the order in this world. So the Supremes developed a system where only those Soulments who took the Holy Vow in Inferna by wearing the Chains of Oath could rise to the Earth. Here they worked under the Pieteous and once they completed their time serving mankind, they could ascend to Bliss and get united with their remaining soul."

While all others had moved on to desserts, Ryan was still creating room for some more meat in his stomach. "Good Heavens! Powerful beings serving the not-so-powerful ones, that is a hard balance to maintain. What kind of work the Soulments do for you Scions?"

"The most powerful ones are assigned the most important tasks like protecting the Valley of Reckoning, looking after the process of Ascension and Relegation, and guarding the Scions. Soulments, from their realm, can also keep a close watch on people, record their crimes and felonies, update their ledgers, and report any misdeeds. Some others are tasked with preventing mishaps and accidents because untimely death screw up the Journey of Souls. In short, they have to do whatever their Scion masters ask them to do."

"Like serving you refreshments and doing your laundry?" Ryan said pointing to the smoky figure hovering beside their table. "Holy Angels, do you force them to clean your toilets as well?"

"Strewth Ya Highness, that's clear exploitation," Brendon stepped in before Ryan could say something more offensive. "They didn't turn into soulments coz of any crime of 'eir own, so why'd they serve as slaves to get reunited with 'eir souls."

"One gets what he deserves, that is the essence of our belief. Anyone who gets killed has something to do with his past. Sometimes it may not be too evident but there is always a link. You reap what you sow. No one goes to Inferna without any sin and this servitude is his repentance. One has to become pure before he ascends to the hereafter."

Ryan put down his knife and fork. Even the most delicious food in the world couldn't stop him from outrightly rejecting this absurd notion. "Inferna's wrath! You don't really believe in this theory. Do you? You know how rubbish this sounds."

"Son, this is not theory, this is what we call fate or destiny. Maybe in some other galaxy on some other planet, there may be some other systems for sinners but here, Inferna is the prison or the correction home where people repent."

"And what should a soul repent for if it doesn't even know its crime?"

"Sometimes innocents get punished, no system is foolproof. Anyways, this Symphony of Souls was designed by nature, by the Supremes, and we can't change that. Nature could have simply let the deceased ascend to Bliss but it made them take two rebirths one on Earth and the other on Inferna. There has to be some logic behind it."

"Good Heavens! This Symphony seems to have put logic on the stove and burnt it to ashes." It was rare for Ryan to join a debate, but here he looked unstoppable. "Your Highness, Pieteous Scions can hide behind this atrocious Symphony for Soulments' plight but what reasons can they give for the pathetic condition of the humans they are supposed to look after."

"What do you mean?" Alexander tried not to sound offended.

"I spent my childhood across the Small Sea. There were regular protests, even small revolts, against the Pieteous Scions."

"Yes, media have corrupted many minds. Some people think the Scions have misused their powers to gain riches."

Ryan cleared his throat. "Bless the Souls, I can't blame them after seeing the extravagance here. Your Highness, let me tell you my story. I was the fourth, and unplanned, child in a low-income family. My parents turned fifty when I was four and had to leap. My elder siblings refused to take me in, they had their financial issues and I was dropped off at a children's shelter. We were some fifty unwanted kids there. The leftovers from today's feast here could have fed that shelter home for a month."

"Wealth and poverty are realities of this whole universe. Symphony has nothing to do with it."

"Holy crap! What good is your Symphony if it can't solve the real problems of this world?" Ryan shouted. Everyone at the table held their breath. Maybe Ryan had forgotten that he was talking to the King of the Mainland.

Ryan was unflustered by everyone's shocked expressions. "Brendon, you have issues with my omelets. When I was a kid my mom made omelets every single day because eggs were the best that my parents could afford. Good Heavens, that is the only taste I remember from my mom's cooking. When I moved to the shelter, there was a breakfast shack near our front gate. The guy there made great omelets, its smell made me stand in front of his shack for hours but he would throw the leftovers to cats rather than feed them to a hungry kid."

Brendon got up from his chair and engulfed Ryan in a bear hug. "Mate, I neva knew there's a story behind the omelets."

Ryan freed himself from his friend's grasp and continued his story. "Then one day, when I had newly discovered my powers, I countered the guy and asked him to give me an omelet. He insulted me, called me a beggar and I lost my head. His stove blew up and his shack caught fire. I lost hold of the blaze. It consumed the shack and reached our shelter home before I got my senses back and somehow conjured rain to douse the flames. The impoverished boy didn't have enough disposable flesh on his body to control that fire and rain. Doctors had given up on me but somehow I survived. I spent a year in the hospital. Your Highness, an innocent kid killed a man for an omelet, that is what poverty and hunger do."

Alexander was very different from what people thought of him. He was far more gentle and caring than his public image. "Ryan, I may never be able to relate to poverty but I can ensure you that this luxury doesn't guarantee happiness. It is easy for people to point their fingers but this extravagance is necessary to establish our authority. Would people respect their leaders if they don't feel intimidated by them? Would you follow my orders if I would be living in a small house in your neighborhood?"

"Jeez, I'm gonna agree that the rulers should look a class above others but don't ya think some of yous have taken it a little too far."

"Yes, but maybe it is the need of the hour. I wouldn't have survived numerous demon attacks if I would have been walking amongst the people. These so-called lavish arrangements saved me. Son, my family and I live inside this magnificent palace, but don't you realize that this palace is our golden cage? I sometimes envy my assistant who goes out for dinner wherever he likes, travels on vacations every year, and roams the world as he wishes. In this world, everyone has his problems."

"Holy Angels! A king's problems begin where a pauper's dreams end."

Mysha, from random theories to philosophical debate, this meeting is going everywhere except its destination.

But Mystic, we at least got to know Ryan's past story.

Mysha, after the Reckoning, you will have all the time in the world to hear all the sad stories you want. For now, get this train back on track.

Okay Mystic, I am on it.

"For God's sake, we are not here to discuss the flaws of our system. Ryan, demons taking over the Earth is not going to eradicate poverty or hunger, they are only going to make things worse. We can iron out our creases later, but for now, can we talk about how to stop demons from tearing the very fabric of our worlds."

Ryan had many things to say but Alexander was done with this topic. "The powers of Pente Potens are our best bet, but you need to complete the Five first. Find your missing partner as soon as possible."

"Before that, we've gotta revive the one who's injured. Max's condition's gettin' worse."

"There is a ship for India in a couple of days. I have already arranged for you guys to be on it. You will visit India as the special envoys of the King of the Mainland."

"Well, how far will we be able to go?"

"Only till Mumbai."

"Can't you request them to let us go inside? Kind of a request from a king to a king."

"Our relations are mainly based on need. They give us iron and oil, they have large reserves of that, and in return, we provide them with certain things they can't get without our help. Whatever happens, no one ever goes beyond the port of Mumbai."

"Can't Mister I-am-the Lord-of-half-the-Earth somehow pass a message, the kind I passed to you through Brendon? I am sure they will be more accommodating if they know about our special abilities."

"If they even get a hint of your powers they will not let anyone disembark the ship. Our trade contract mentions that anyone with any connection to the Pieteous families or anyone with any type of paranormal abilities or any unregistered Soulment is prohibited from entering India. My advice is don't use any powers there. If you get caught I won't be able to help."

"Strewth, then why r we even goin' there? I'm in no mood for an unnecessary adventure."

"Mother, I can get you to as far as Mumbai and then you have to chart your course. And to be honest, I agree with Brendon. I think this exercise is futile. We don't even know if the Sunbornes still have those powers. Even if they have, I seriously doubt they will help."

Mysha, do you still want to go?

Mystic, I can't see Max suffering like this.

Mysha, people tend to go mad in love. Use your brain, not your silly heart. And Max is not even your official boyfriend. You have Brendon and Ryan waiting in line.

Mystic, shut up.

"Alex, I will take the chance. For Max, I will attempt the impossible."