Will

I hated leaving Aria behind when she was in this state. I couldn't even begin to imagine the pain she was going through. My heart had broken when the spell had finally been lifted from me and I realized Jonathan had killed my best friend, but Aria's very soul had been connected to Caspian. She was being torn apart by this, I could tell. 

"You okay?" Christian questioned as we made our way down the street, the cool morning air brushing past our faces.

It was strange being back in Hollowdale again. Aria had teleported us back early this morning, as soon as everyone had gotten up. Everything was the same as it always had been. Things rarely changed in Hollowdale. It was strange to think that the small town had chugged on, the same as always while my entire life was turned upside down and the world around it prepared for war. Aria had had the good sense to cloak us before sending us, figuring it wouldn't do anyone any good to see two dead men walking down the city streets. Especially in a town as superstitious as this one. It was difficult being here. Everything reminded me of what once was. Some places, like the park where my family used to picnic, reminded me of my parents. Other places, like the high school as we passed it, reminded me of Aria and Caspian and our dark past. The fact that Caspian wasn't with us anymore.

"I have to be. We have a mission to complete," I replied.

Christian nodded, letting out a sigh. 

"We have to go to Victor's house first. He'll be able to give us the information we need to get in contact with the Council. Plus he'll easily be able to see past the perception cloak we have on us. Some of the newbies may not have those skills yet."

"Victor was your second in command on the Council, right?"

"Yeah, he was. He's a good man. More level-headed than I ever was."

"Well, that's not saying much..." I joked.

"Watch it, kid," Christian replied, though he was unable to hide his smile. 

"I can't wait to go back to being able to visit Hollowdale just for a friendly visit and not because the world is ending or some dark force is rising. After this is all over things will go back to normal. Be better even. We'll have the Creator back."

"I don't plan on coming back after this is over," Christian replied, turning onto a side street.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"All I want is to finally be with my family. I figure if we make it through this war, the least the Creator could do is let me ascend to the plain they're in. Eternal bliss with my wife and baby girl. That's what I want."

I nodded, smiling slightly. "You've definitely earned it."

"I hope so. I sure made a lot of mistakes in my life."

"Who doesn't?"

Christian chuckled. "You got me there. Also, this is it."

He nodded up at an old, red brick home. It was rather unassuming from the outside. I clapped my hands together, letting out a sigh. 

"Alright, then. Let's do this. One army, coming up."