Ra emerged from the shadows, his pale features illumanted by the lights of the library room, his hazel eyes puffy and rimmed with red, almost as if the merman had been crying.

"Your Majesty," he whispered, giving a slight bow, his golden wrist cuffs glinting.

King Ri rubbed his eyes, "Ra," he murmured, reaching out like that of a tender lover, fingers gently touching Ra's cheek, the slender merman closing his eyes as he leaned into it.

Morgan's gaze slid over the adoring couple, brows furrowing in confusion, "I don't understand."

Ra slid his fingers through the king's as he spoke in a low tone, "The stone has a complicated history and it's origins remain a mystery, even for the hosts itself. To bear the gem is a curse. It holds the memories of every host from the past, their whispers never leaving their ears. It's what drove Rubyn's mother mad until the Amythyst offered her mercy and killed her."

Morgan frowned, "So your telling me that Rubyn's mother didn't die in cold blood but rather from mercy?"

The king nodded, "Yes. They were kind enough to even return the gem to me. They know how much and how vital it is to my kingdom. Especially since the gem is in constant need of a host. Ever since, I've tried to cease this war," the king sighed, "But with Rubyn..."

"With anger as strong as that it's impossible," Morgan murmured.

"Tis why I suggested the idea that Rubyn were to marry," Ra murmured, "Surely it could calm his wild heart, and if this maiden is what has captured the prince's heart then we must save her."

The king swallowed, "But that means..." He was silenced by Ra's finger pressing against the kings lips, "I've lived long enough and tis time we move forward in securing the future of our people. To cease this terrible war."

Ri pulled Ra into his arms, pressing his lips against his, "I will not stop you. But promise me you're doing this out of your own free will."

Ra gave his a sad smile, "I am."

Morgan suddenly understood Ra's decision. With the gem fused to Ra's body, they had become one and should it be removed, his essence would be one with the gem.

Ra glanced at the witch, "Take me to her."

****

"They have to have it," Rubyn muttered as he fled the palace, with peasant attire, using seweed to replace the royal gems he wore and tying his red hair back.

His fingers clenched the sword in his hand, the red gems digging into the palm of his hand.

"Mi laird?" Raine said, his reddish brown eyes watching him with caution, "What troubles ye?"

Rubyn's fingers gripped tightly, "I'm sure the Amythyst have the gem. The gem that could stop this war once and for all and have our old lands returned to us."

Raine's brows furrowed, his large brown eyes displaying uncertainty, "Do ye think thats the right thing? Would it not be best to wait for yer sire?"

Rubyn's lips set in a thin line, "Not when it's Scarlet's life on the balance." With that the prince urged forward, just crossing No Man's Land.

*****

Atlantis stoos by Scarlet's side, watching over the young maiden. Her lithe body was hidden beneath the silky sheets, still as death.

He couldn't figure out why he had been pulled here, from the confines of his guest room to the healing ward of the palace. Pain emanated from his chest, his hand pressing against the armor to hide the light that somehow had grown brighter and burned within him.

Not now, he thought, feeling the warmth spread over his pecks and down his abdomen, all of them hidden beneath the plate of armor. Atlantis cursed, turning towards the mirror, removing the armor.

At the center of his chest, something glowed, the red veins having spread over his torso, the designs swirling over his pecs, almost that of the ocean currents. He watched it spread to his neck, a single vein touching his hairline and where it did, the lock of red hair turned white, almost as if the life had been sucked out of the vibrant red.

*****
"It's here," Themis murmured, her red eyes closing and tilting her head as if she were listening to something.

Scarlet blinked, "The gem? Sangria?"

The goddess frowned, her brows furrowing, "No. This gem is not mine." Scarlet grew worried. What could it be? Even she could feel the immense power from her consciousness, the warmth that burned her chest.

"It's Vasillos," they both said, "The Lost Gem."

*****

Lilith let out a soft chuckle as she stared into the crystal ball that glowed within her chambers. But the relief that over took her sent her into hysterics.

Laughter bounced off the ruby walls, her magic releasing from within her as her nails curved into claws and her hair danced wildly around her head as snakes.

The sudden power surge she had felt had compelled her to use the crystal ball that detected it. Of all places to find the gem it had to be Atlantis! Now all she needed was to find the other half of the gem and use it upon herself to gain the power she had lost and the rest to be sent to Poseidon.

Her lips curled into a smirk as her taloned hamds curled around the blade.

"Soon," she murmured out loud, "Soon I'll have the power within my grasp and surely then the God of the Ocean would look upon me with favor."

A/N: Merry Christmas