SEVEN YEARS LATER

Location: Virginia, USA

The child giggled as she ran out into the morning sun with her small hands outstretched. The morning grass unfurling it's green leaves, absorbing the morning sunlight before hiding beneath the ground when the sun came at it's strongest.

"Mama, mama!" the golden haired child said to a heavily pregnant violet eyed woman who stood at the doorway of their cube like home.

Grey huffed as she clutched her stomach, making her way towards the golden haired girl, "I'm coming darling, just don't run so fast."

"Oh mama don't push yourself!" the small girl said, her amber eyes lighting up with concern, "It's not good for the baby. I'll slow down." Her loose shirt billowing behind her as she ran back to Grey. Grey had to admit, never in her life did she realize that she had a maternal bone in her body. Yet, she felt that the girl was a part of her, her daughter from another another family yet hers none the less.

She smiled at the girl, passing her fingers through the silky tresses, "It's alright Aura, I can still walk with you."

"But mama! You have a baby inside you! And he must be really heavy," she said excitedly, ready for her brother or sister to pop out.

"She's right you know," a deep voice murmured behind her, a series if warm kisses placed on her neck, sending warmth up her pale face before stopping at the edge of the metal plate that was attached to her skull. Two strong arms coiling protectively around her and the life that grew inside her.

"I know but I'm still in good shape, must I remind you what I used to do?" Grey said turning to face a set of chocolate brown eyes.

Jace grinned mischievously, "Why I can't seem to remember!"

Grey huffed, playfully pushing her husband away, "Then you shall never know."

Jace pouted, "Wife, you shouldn't be so abusive with me."

A tiny giggle was heard beside them, her blonde hair glowing, "Mama! Don't be mean to papa!"

"See even our little girl thinks so as well," Jace said, picking up the small child into his arms with little effort, "Isn't that right Aura?"

"Aye papa!" the blonde girl said, her cheeks red with merriment.

"Alright," Grey sighed, slipping past her husband and her daughter, "Lets go back inside before the sun burns our skins."

They both nodded, following her back inside just before the grass disappeared beneath the ground as if it never existed.

"I was wondering where you three had gone to," Core said from his rocking chair, reading the news from a glowing transparent screen. A grey beard took up most of his face, green orbs shining with warm light, contrasting his intimidating form.

"Grandpa!" Aura said, climbing into his lap.

"Hello my dear granddaughter," he murmured, kissing the golden locks.

"Will you take me to the tunnels today?" she mumbled shyly.

"And why do you want to do that?"

Aura leaned in to whisper into her grandfather's ear, "I want to buy my little brother a gift."

Core grinned, looking at the couple, "Is it alright for me to take little Aura to the tunnels today?"

Jace and Grey looked at one another, a small agreement passing between them.

"Just as long she comes back before dinner," Grey sternly said, knowing how much fun Core liked to have with Aura.

The girl squealed in delight, hugging her grandfather, "Come on Grandpa Core! We must not loose time!"

The elderly but fit man chuckled and guided her to a door in their basement. He pressed a series of buttons, once confirmed, the door opened to an underground tunnel, lights illuminating the stone walls. They walked hand in hand through the tunnel until they came to a glass capsule with a velvet cushioned bench.

"Come on Aura, make sure to buckle your self in. Don't want you flying out of your seat!" Cora laughed, buckling himself in, Aura mimicking his actions.

"Granpa? What do you think I should buy for my little brother?" her soft voice said through the silence.

He had settled himself into the bench, the smooth ride taking them to the center of the earth.

"I don't know little Aura, many things can be given to a boy. A weapon, a toy for babes or perhaps a safety blanket."

The small girl stayed quiet pondering on what to give her small sibling. However when she looked up, a soft gasp passing through her lips. Core grinned, it was Aura's first time going through the tunnels. An underground city had been constructed by the few humans who stayed on the dying world, architecture clinging from the top of the city to the bottom. Underground waterfalls provided sustenance for the small city, fluorescent lights chasing away the dark.

"It's so beautiful grandfather," the awed child said, pressing her nose against the glass. The people looked so small from their position but continued to grow as they neared the city. Humans from all shapes, sizes and colors chatted amongst themselves buying food, clothes and objects from other vendors.

Emerging from their small pod, Aura jumped excitedly from one foot to another, "Come on Grandpa Core!" she spoke taking his large hand into hers, pulling them into the depths of the crowd.

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The Loküvma shifted restlessly beneath the Queen's gaze. The Queen was a frightening creature with a pair of six purple eyes, black skin glistening with slime, while her razor sharp teeth flashed beneath the cruel light.

Has the heir been found? she hissed in her own tongue to her subjects. For years they have searched for the heir that the king had bore seven years before.

A subject approached her, his set of four eyes glittering, I'm sorry your Majesty. Her presence continues to elude us... he hissed.

A roar was heard through the dark lair, the lamps casting an eerie light by the phosphorus. The Queen's subjects cringed under the anger of their queen, backing away from her large form.

It is imperative that she is found! Leave no stone unturned in each world! the hiss rang out.

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Beads of sweat rolled down the ten year old boy's forehead. His small body protested against the the bruises across his ribs and upper arms.

"That's incorrect!" his sword's master said when the boy applied a technique that one of his friends had previously shown him.

"But Ruka taught me that," the young crown prince of the Xandalia Empire said, his blonde hair sticking to his forehead, a fake sword resting at his side.

"If you plan on mastering a lightsaber, not only will you sever your opponents head but yours as well!" the elderly man said sternly, his bushy white eyebrows furrowed, "You must unlearn what you have learned."

The small boy flashed a small smile, "Yes Master Yoda."

"Good, now lets work on starting that technique I spoke to you about last week."

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I know! I had to name someone Yoda after my most favorite and influential character from Star Wars. Master Yoda is dedicated to him ^.^ a few quotes will be snuck here and there so watch out!