WoLaD: Birth of Hope Ch.13

"Wars of Light and Darkness"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl

Prelude: "Birth of Hope"

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Chapter 13: "What Must be Forsaken"

   The time that Kalak pleaded for Starwin and Twinkle to allow Arandor to spend with his newborn son stretched into the course of three months worth of sunrises and sunsets.  He mentioned Arandor would be safe for at least a year or so, and so he and the Elderstars were more than willing to grant him this time, time spent with his son that might be all he was fortunate enough to receive.

   The young Sutei-Midoka brought such happiness to the village, more than Kashoku could bring on his own, or even with Mitsukai, save through their son alone.  The infant prince spent almost every moment of his life with his loving parents looking after him, but also had friends in other children growing up in the village, especially Galaden's son, the one Kashoku had saved from death, little Ordiloku, who wasn't much older than Sutei-Midoka.

   Going by the first half of his name, Sutei was a near perfect mirror-image of his father.  Where Kashoku had a gold stripe on his head, Sutei had feathery, wispy bangs.  Instead of his father's amber eyes, as Kashoku had hoped, little Sutei possessed and retained his mother's ocean blue eyes.  For the most part, however, Sutei was a young version of his father, and both Kashoku and Mitsukai could not have been prouder.

   Starwin and Twinkle would look on from afar, hiding along the forest's edge, keeping Kashoku and Shadow in their sights as they went about their lives each day.  Shadow was nothing less than the proud uncle, more than happy to look after his beloved nephew when Kashoku and Mitsukai needed a break or simply a moment to be alone together.  Loving Arandor as his brother in love, little Sutei was now his nephew for the same reason.

   As Shadow would play with Sutei, feed him, or even rock him to sleep when it was time for a nap, he couldn't help but continually return his thoughts to the birthmark on little Sutei's right arm at the shoulder.   Convinced it was more than just a simple mark, Shadow wanted to ask Kalak about it.  Somehow, he knew that mark had something to do with the change in Kashoku; the loss of his Pure Light, and this nagging idea of Arandor becoming mortal would not give Shadow a moment of true peace.

   Not even the gift of life and new hope could erase the scars of the past completely.

   There was only one thing that could save Arandor now, and after three months of watching over him, feeling joy for his blessings and happiness, Starwin and Twinkle felt they could not afford waiting any longer.

   One night, just after midnight, Kashoku roused from his sleep, awakened by the soft cries of little Sutei, who lay between his father and mother as he slept.  Fearing Mitsukai would awaken, Kashoku got up as quickly as his tired body would allow, gently scooping up Sutei and his blanket in his arms, before dashing outside as fast as he could.

   The village was silent; all of the night watchers were deep in the woods.  Everyone else, including Shadow, slept soundly in their beds.  Kashoku could rock Sutei out here in the warm air to try and calm him down, before going back inside and back to sleep.

   Kashoku walked around in circles, gently cradling Sutei in his arms, speaking in a hushed voice, trying to soothe him.  "It is alright my son, do not weep.  I am here for you," he whispered.  He spoke on instinct and memory; in the far corners of his mind, Kashoku could remember sweet whispers from Kalak's mouth entering his tiny ears.

   "Rest Arandor, my precious son and gift of Light.  I will always protect you."

   He closed his eyes.  Tears formed in them, gathering up behind the lids.

   "Father…," Kashoku murmured.

   For the first time in awhile, the pain Kashoku felt in his heart from being separated from his father stung hard, and he wondered if anything could ever hope to heal it.

   He opened his eyes, looking down to find Sutei had calmed down and drifted back to sleep.  Kashoku smiled.  The joy he felt as a father, and the love he shared with Mitsukai was perhaps the only thing that could comfort him in his misery.

   "Oh Sutei…I only wish you could somehow meet your grandfather, for he is great and wonderful.  As much as I loved Lamanos, Father is much greater than any mortal could ever hope to be.  You are descended from a deity, and for that, you should be proud.  I know he is proud of you; I only hope he is proud of me still.  I am ashamed for leaving him behind," Kashoku whispered softly to both his slumbering son and himself.

   As he turned to re-enter his home and go back to bed, Kashoku paused.  He felt a familiar presence, one he had not felt in what seemed like an era gone by.

   "What is this?" he whispered softly to himself, frozen where he stood.

   His eyes were drawn to the line of trees that stood close to his home, skirting along the side of the cliffs behind it.  Soft sparkles of light were barely visible over the leaves of the bushes, but were unmistakably there.  Before he could address them, the sources of the sparkles gradually rose into the air so he could see them.

   It was little Starwin and Twinkle, the two Elderstars above all that Kalak held the dearest, and the ones who had watched over him and Shadow as they grew up.

   Seeing them was enough to cause his body to go numb.

   "Starwin…Twinkle," he murmured as he struggled to speak.

   He could see they were smiling, albeit their curled lips were laced with a bittersweet appearance.  As they floated up to him, they too felt numb with happiness.

   "Hello there, Arandor," Twinkle said shyly, her cheeks blushing pink as she spoke.

   "Of course Kalak is still proud of you Arandor," Starwin added, "His love for you and Shadow is eternal…as well as for little Sutei."

   Kashoku struggled to breathe.  Glancing down at his son, he answered, "So Father does know about Sutei.  As much as I love my family here, I do miss what I have left behind.  I feel terrible.  Father must miss me something awful."

   Twinkle sat down on Kashoku's shoulder as she answered, "He does miss you.  He misses Shadow as well."

   Starwin continued to hover before them.  His smile faltered a bit as he added, "If you miss him Arandor, then why don't you go and see him?"

   Kashoku glanced between the two Elderstars, then between his son and his home where he knew Mitsukai was sleeping.  "I don't know," he answered slowly, "How can I leave Mitsukai and Sutei behind?"

   "It'll only be for a short time," Starwin insisted, "Besides, Kalak just wants to talk to you.  Can't you at least make time for your Father?"

   Twinkle patted Kashoku's shoulder as she comforted him.  "There's no need to worry Arandor.  We all know you miss him, so take some time and go to see him.  You'll be back before you know it.  Shadow can come along too."

   Kashoku sighed as he shook his head.  He wasn't sure of what to do.  It broke his heart to think of leaving his infant son, wife, and village for any amount of time, but, he did miss Kalak, very terribly, and realized the only way he would feel better and be any good to himself and everyone, would be to go and visit him.

   "I suppose…I should go," Kashoku whispered, gently rocking his son.

   Little Sutei yawned, sensing the movement, before curling in towards his father's chest.  Kashoku smiled, though his heart felt like it couldn't take the separation.  Still, he looked up to Starwin and Twinkle and replied, "I will go with you to see Father.  I-I cannot stay gone for long, but I want to see him.  I've missed him…very much."

   Starwin and Twinkle glanced at each other, smiling happily.  They didn't even need to summon Kalak to speak to Arandor in order to convince him to come with them.  "That's wonderful Arandor!  I'm sure Master Kalak will be happy to see you again!" Starwin cried happily.

   "Shh," Twinkle cautioned Starwin, before looking to Kashoku as she resumed floating in the air.  She smiled and whispered, "There's no need to rush off Arandor.  Tell Shadow what's going on, and then explain everything to your wife and village.  We can leave tomorrow night and be gone only a few days.  It won't be long."

   Kashoku's smile strengthened.  That sounded alright to him.

   "Okay," he answered.  He paused for a moment, trying to think of what to do.  "I will tell Shadow what's going on, then tell Mitsukai we are simply going on a short journey.  We'll meet you here tomorrow," he added, speaking slowly.

   With a nod, Twinkle replied, "That sounds perfect.  Now, you take your son and yourself inside and go back to sleep.  We'll be waiting here for you tomorrow."

   Yawning, Kashoku nodded as he answered, "Sounds good to me."  He turned to go back inside his home, but paused long enough to say, "I'm glad to see you both.  As much as I love my life here, I have missed my home, especially Father, and all of you."

   "Goodnight Arandor," Twinkle murmured, smiling warmly.

   Once Kashoku had disappeared into the dwelling, Starwin shook his head and said, "You shouldn't have lied to him Twinkle.  Kalak said it could take a long time to fully restore Arandor's immortality.  Even then…he'll never be the Pure Light again."

   Twinkle lowered her eyes, sighing as she whimpered softly.  "I can't tell him that Starwin," she cried, "To me, he's still that baby boy with Light in his eyes.  I can't tell him that…he may have to leave that little boy of his behind, for a very long time.  I can't.  Besides, if we do tell him, he may resist coming."

   Starwin sighed, his starlight shimmering as low as Twinkle's was as they hung in the air.  "We'd better go back into hiding before we're spotted," he whispered softly.  He and Twinkle slowly retreated to the safety of their bush, their hearts weary; their grief for Arandor's suffering was great.

   As they got comfortable, resting on the branches within the bush, Starwin sighed once more.  "Forgive us Arandor.  We only want to save your life.  Don't think we're trying to make you unhappy.  We're hurting just as badly as you are," he whispered softly.

   The next morning, Kashoku took the first free moment he had to talk to Shadow about the night before.  Shadow, his unfriendly encounter with Starwin still a fresh memory, was actually happy to hear of Kashoku's plans.  Unable to relax, still fearing for the welfare of his friend, Shadow was elated that he would get the chance to share his fears with Kalak.  Yet as that day wore on, Shadow realized that perhaps the Guardian of Light was already fully aware of the problem, and hopefully the solution, and prayed that that was the reason they were being summoned home.

   Still, just as it was for the Elderstars, Shadow's heart grieved what this would mean for his brother in love.  All of the happiness that was his wife, son, and new life, might have to be left behind.

   Kashoku went around telling everyone of this new journey he would have to take.  He explained that he and Shadow wanted to check up on some of the friends they had made in other races, getting them prepared to meet the echidnas of Kashoku's tribe.  This excited everyone, all of them ready and eager to see more of this beautiful world that their leaders had described to them.

   Explaining it to Mitsukai was the hardest thing.  He told her he didn't want to leave her and their son, even if it was only for a few days, but that it was important for him to continuing building on the future for his tribe, as well as his family.  Mitsukai understood it all, and wished him well, telling him only to have a safe journey, and to return to her only when the time was right.

   He promised to do just that, only he made sure she knew he'd get back to her sooner rather than later.

   All the while Starwin and Twinkle watched this with heavy hearts.  Twinkle got to the point where she could no longer watch, weeping terribly when she thought of Arandor's suffering.  He was so happy, and here they were about to ruin it all, all so they could save his life.

   And so the deception continued, killing everyone on some level, whether they knew it or not.

   By the next night, Kashoku and Shadow were ready to leave.  They told only Mitsukai that they were leaving that night, rather than the next morning, as they wanted to avoid a long and drawn out goodbye.

   Shadow stood waiting near the edge of the village, watching as Kashoku said goodbye to Mitsukai and Sutei.

   "You be good for your mother my son, and I'll be back before you know it," Kashoku said as he rocked Sutei in his arms.

   Little Sutei giggled and cooed in response.  Though he was only three months old, he was learning very quickly, and tried his best to emulate his father's voice to offer a reply.

   Kashoku smiled.  The warmth in his heart overflowed whenever he was with his son.  It was killing him simply to leave him for a few days.  He bent his head and kissed Sutei on the top of his, before looking up to Mitsukai.  Sighing he said, "I really wish I could bring you with me, but it's not practical.  You…stay safe and keep busy while I'm gone.  I'll return to you as soon as I can."

   He handed little Sutei to her.  The baby still continued to reach for his father, not understanding what was happening.  Mitsukai rocked him gently to try and calm him down.  She smiled at Kashoku and said, "Don't you worry about a thing.  What you're doing is important.  Father would be proud of you."  She stepped closer to him, and kissed him.  Pulling back she giggled softly and whispered, "I love you forever Kashoku.  Your son loves you too, and we both know how much you care for us.  You keep safe, and return home to us as soon as you can."

   "Of course I love Sutei, and forever I love you Mitsukai," Kashoku replied softly, trying to smile.  He turned to leave, but looked back to her once more, kissing her on the cheek.  As he pulled back, he added, "I will come back soon; I promise, I won't be gone for long."

   He left after this, going to join Shadow before they disappeared into the forest.  Sutei whimpered softly once Kashoku was out of sight, but Mitsukai simply smiled, bringing him close so she could kiss him gently.  "Do not worry little one," she murmured as she rocked him, "Your father loves you dearly.  He'll be back soon, I promise, and so does he."

   Once Shadow and Kashoku were well into the forest, they were met by Starwin and Twinkle, who were waiting for them.  Twinkle had recovered from her open grieving, and put a smile on her face, happy to see both boys again.

   Shadow, who was still hurt by his last encounter with Starwin, did his best to hide his own troubles when they greeted each other.  "Starwin, Twinkle, it's so wonderful to see you both again," Shadow said.

   Starwin also remembered his mistakes from that encounter, and did his best to hide his shame as he approached Shadow.  "We're happy to see you too Shadow, you especially.  It's been so long," he answered, trying to hide the troubling memories.

   "Yes…it has been, very long," Shadow spoke slowly, catching on to the idea.

   "Can we get reacquainted later everyone?  I am eager to see Father again," Kashoku said.

   Everyone looked to him, sensing the eagerness in Kashoku's voice.  Shadow shook his head, laughing softly.  "Of course we can go Arandor, just as soon as these two open the portal that is," he explained, looking to the Elderstars.

   "Heh, that's right," Starwin replied, his starlight burning pink just as his cheeks blushed red in embarrassment.

   Twinkle giggled as she patted him on the shoulder.  "Alright then Starwin, let's open the way home!" she cried.

   With a nod, Starwin recovered, and together he and Twinkle used their powers to open a temporary portal back to Radiant Castle, just as they had done so long ago when they first came to bring the boys home.  The anticipation of seeing Kalak again was enough to relax Kashoku, though it did little to comfort Shadow, who could only focus on what exactly this trip would mean for them all.

   In an instant, they were home again.  It was enough to bring Kashoku, and even Shadow, into a state of awe.  They felt paralyzed by the warmth and memories of happy times in the place of their childhood.  As much as they loved the world below, to be back home was a thing of beauty for them.  Pure elation consumed them.

   "Oh Shadow," Kashoku murmured, "I had forgotten just how beautiful our home is.  The stars, how I have missed them.  It is good to be home."

   Shadow nodded slowly, "I know what you mean Arandor.  I feel the same."

   Starwin smiled, he was happy with how things were going.  Twinkle felt her heart skip a beat, fearing what was to come.

   Before either of the Elderstars could speak, two Goldenstars came flying at them.  It was little Taura and Starla, both of whom had done a lot of growing in the past year that Kashoku and Shadow had been gone.

   They flew straight for Shadow, missing Kashoku as they were looking for Arandor and didn't see him.  Hugging Shadow tightly, both girls cried to him.  "Oh Shadow!  I'm so happy to see you again!" Starla cried.

   "Me too!" Taura added.

   Shadow's smile was wide and warm, for he too was excited to see old friends.  Patting their backs gently, he laughed and replied, "I am happy to see you too, both of you."

   They looked up at him, excited to see him but confused when they did not see Arandor.

   "Where's Arandor?" Taura asked, looking around.

    Kashoku laughed, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes.  Walking up to Shadow, he said, "You silly girls, I'm right here!  Remember?  I learned how to change form!"

   Taura and Starla looked at him.  Little Starla, who was the one closest to Arandor, looked into his amber eyes.  Though they did not have the glow she remembered, she immediately knew it was him.  Rising up, she flew into Kashoku's chest, hugging him as tightly as her tiny arms could.  "Oh Arandor, silly me indeed!  I am so happy to see you!" she cried.

   The reunion was heartwarming, but it was far from over.

   Once Starla and Taura rose back into the air, Kashoku laughed softly and said, "It's wonderful to be home, and to see everyone, but now, I'd like to see Father."

   The little Goldenstars glanced at their elders, fully aware of what was going on, and somehow sensing that Arandor was the only one not aware of it.  Looking back to Kashoku and Shadow, Starla smiled and said, "Of course!  Come on, let's get back to the castle!"

   The group made their way to the large castle beyond them, the four star spirits flying alongside the two boys as they walked.  Arandor indeed was the only one who didn't see what was unfolding around him, but none, not even Shadow, were willing to tell him what they knew, warning him of it.

   This was a job for Kalak, one he had no choice in bearing responsibility for.

   Back inside the castle, Kashoku and Shadow looked like they were walking through a dream.  They looked around, happy to be back in a place full of fond memories for them.  It was so wonderful being home; they forgot any sorrow they felt at leaving the echidnas, if only for awhile.

   Kashoku looked like he was slowly healing, simply from being back in his old environment.  When the doors leading into Kalak's private chambers came into view, his breath was stolen away.

   "I can't believe I'm about to see Father again," he whispered, "I am so happy."

   Shadow glanced at him, trying to smile.

   Twinkle sighed as softly as she could, feeling the grief return.

   Starwin closed his eyes, praying to the Light itself that all would be well.

   Once they arrived at the doors, Twinkle looked to Starla and Taura and said, "Run along.  Arandor and Shadow should have some time alone with Master Kalak."

   Starla and Taura glanced at each other.  They nodded, but before leaving they hugged Shadow and Arandor once more, on their shoulders, before flying off after saying farewell.  Starwin and Twinkle looked to each other, before grabbing the handles of the two doors before them.  "We'll see you both later alright?" Starwin said.

   Shadow nodded.  "Yes," he answered, "See you later."

   The Elderstars glanced at each other once more, praying with all their might that everything would be well.

   They pulled open the doors, clearing the way for Shadow and Kashoku to enter.  Kashoku wasted no time darting into the room, looking around frantically for Kalak, only pausing when he spotted his father standing by the window, looking out at the castle grounds and the stars above, while he waited for Arandor and Shadow to return to him.

   Kashoku felt numb.  In that moment he suddenly realized how terribly he missed his father.

   Kalak sensed his presence and turned around to face him, in just enough time for Shadow to enter the room, the doors closing behind him.

   "Father…," Kashoku whispered, struggling to find his voice.

   Shadow walked up to stand beside Kashoku, bowing his head, unable to speak.

   Only Kalak and Shadow knew what had to happen.  Neither wanted to face it.

   Still, the love only a father can extend to his son erupted in Kalak's heart.  Although he stood in the form of an echidna, Kalak could see the soul of his son standing before him.  He saw past the shell, and saw that same little boy he had raised, his knees shaking and his breath coming short, gazing at him with those amber eyes.

   Kalak smiled.  His love for Arandor allowed him to bypass his fears for the moment.  He rushed forward as quickly as he could, pulling Kashoku into his arms and holding him tightly as he embraced him.  Shadow stood and watched this; the tender scene quelled his worry briefly.  Perhaps it wouldn't go as badly as they thought it would.

   "Arandor," Kalak whispered, "I have missed you so much, and yet I am so proud of you.  All you have done is simply amazing.  Truly you are my precious son.  I am overjoyed to have you home again."

   Kashoku still felt he couldn't speak.  He slowly returned the hug, not from apprehension, but from this paralyzed sensation his shock sent through his body.  Somehow, this felt right, like he was a missing puzzle piece finally slipping back into the picture that he belonged in.

   "Father…," he murmured at last.  It was all he could manage.  He felt a tear trickle down his cheek.

   Kalak felt the tear soak into the fur on his shoulder, where Kashoku rested his head.  It strangled the Guardian of Light's heart.

   He looked to Shadow, and opening his arm to Shadow, he slowly drew the Dark Elemental into this shared embrace.  "Do not be a stranger Shadow, my son.  I have missed you too, very much, and am proud of all you have done as well," Kalak said to Shadow.

   "And I have missed you, and home, very much, Father," Shadow answered as he returned the hug, "There is much work to be done still, but, I am glad I have pleased you."

   Another smile.  "Of course you have pleased me Shadow," Kalak answered, "Both of you have.  Sure, Arandor has made longer strides, but all you have done is just as important."

   Kashoku pulled back, looking up at Kalak, his eyes glinting as tears glassed over them.  "You…you know of my son then?" Kashoku asked, his voice soft as it was starved for breath and strength.

   Everyone pulled back from the embrace, though they still huddled together.  Both Shadow and Kashoku gazed at Kalak, waiting for his reply.  Kalak's eyes now looked glassed over.  Shaking his head, he closed his eyes, causing the tears in them to soak through the lids, coating the fur beneath them.  As he opened his eyes, he smiled and said, "You did not know it, but I've watched you this entire time.  My gaze is far reaching; you were never not being watched over.  If something had happened to you, I would have sent more than just Starwin and Twinkle to come and rescue you my sons."

   Shadow felt his jaw drop slightly, though he wasn't sure why.  Kashoku continued to gaze at his father, ignorant of the tears constantly spilling over his eyes and down his face.  "You saw Sutei-Midoka…you saw him being born?" Kashoku asked, speaking slowly.

   "I…saw everything," Kalak answered, looking to his son.  The father and son gazed at each other in this way for a brief moment.  Shadow burned the image into his mind, never wanting to forget it, and it was something he would remember for the rest of his days.

   Finally, Kalak broke the frozen image, and shook his head.  He put his hand on the back of Kashoku's head, cradling it against his shoulder as he replied, "I am proud of all you have done, Arandor.  You are my son, I am always proud of you.  My only worry, was when you fell ill."

   Both Kashoku and Shadow looked to Kalak.  His gaze appeared lost, even as he looked to Kashoku.  Shadow held his breath.  He knew the time had come for the problem to be addressed.

   "Yes…it was a horrible time for me, Father," Kashoku answered slowly, "I felt better, but somehow I can't help but think something is still wrong."

   Before Kalak could continue, Shadow lowered his eyes and said, "I'm sorry for doubting you Father.  I did not want to believe what Starwin told me, for I did not want to spoil Arandor's happiness."

   Kashoku looked to Shadow, his head tilted in confusion.  "What are you talking about Shadow?" he asked.

   "I'm sorry Arandor," Shadow murmured, unable to look at him.  "I already told you about what Starwin said about all of this.  We settled the matter, but I realized something was still wrong.  I-I didn't want to do anything about my fears, and now I feel I've waited far too long."

   Kalak pulled Shadow to him, hugging him again.  "You acted out of love for your brother.  Do not despair," Kalak answered.

   "But…maybe this could have been stopped if I had listened to my suspicions," Shadow protested, unable to look at Kalak.

   "Fate would have taken its course," Kalak insisted.

   "Will somebody please tell me what's going on?!" Kashoku cried out suddenly, jumping to his feet.

   Both Shadow and Kalak looked to Kashoku as he stood before them.  The confusion was clearly cut on his face, even as the tears from the happy reunion still fell.  Shadow lowered his eyes again.   "Please Father, don't make me explain it," he whispered.

   Kalak shook his head sadly, looking between his two sons.  He bent his head and gently kissed Shadow on the top of his own.  As he pulled back he whispered in reply, "It was never meant to be your responsibility my son.  It is mine."

   Standing up, Kalak looked to Kashoku and said, "Shadow was confronted by Starwin before you got married, Arandor.  I was trying to bring you back to me so I could caution you about what this would mean for you.  I had no intention of trying to ruin anything, but I do not blame Shadow for being untrusting, for Starwin did handle the situation rather poorly.  What happened, is on the night of your marriage, the moment you consummated it, the seed of Pure Light left you, and you became the Light Elemental.  When you two talked about this, I believe you understood that to be the truth, but you were okay with that fate.  It is not a tragedy.  You can live perfectly alright as the Light Elemental, but indeed, Shadow had a deeper fear that he tried time and time again to overlook for your sake, but now none of us can any longer."

   Kashoku was stunned.  He shook his head in disbelief, unable to break his gaze, locked on his father.

   "When you created the Master gems and their server gems, you became so violently sick because your power could not be immediately regenerated," Kalak continued, slowly approaching his son.  "Elementals can regenerate this power, but not at the rate you were consuming it.  When you ran away and ended up in Valordian Forest, Starwin and Twinkle found you, and healed you with their power; only their power or mine could have caused you to recover so quickly.  However, we understood it was not a temporary fix, because…you had not been treated in the same way Shadow was when he underwent the process."

   By now, Kalak was standing toe to toe with Kashoku.  The echidna king continued to shake his head, finally forcing himself to stare at the ground.  His breathing was heavy.  He felt numb even as stinging pain rocked his body.  He couldn't believe what he was hearing.  He knew he had probably become the Light Elemental when Shadow talked to him about what Starwin had told him.  However, he believed that he had endured the worst of it, only for Kalak to tell him this was not the case.

   When Kalak didn't speak, Kashoku finally forced himself to look up to him.  He glanced at Shadow for a moment, before looking back to Kalak, and in the most defeated voice, he asked, "What is it Father?  What is wrong?"

   The Guardian of Light closed his eyes.  Shadow looked away, trying to hide his tears.  Kalak exhaled a deep breath, and at last he whispered, "When Shadow was becoming the Dark Elemental, his immortality almost left him.  A strenuous effort on my behalf saved his immortality over the course of many days.  I-I could have done the same with you had you come to me shortly after your marriage.  I wanted you to come back once it happened simply so I could save your immortality, but because Shadow was untrusting and wanted to protect you, and because Starwin angered him, this did not happen.  Now, it is slipping away from you very quickly."

   "I…am so sorry…Arandor…," Shadow whimpered, unable to look up.

   Kashoku looked to his friend, his legs shaking.  He gasped when he felt Kalak place one of his hands on Kashoku's shoulders, causing him to look up to his father.  Kalak's eyes were as sad as they could be; shaking his head, he whispered, "I can save your immortality Arandor, but…it will take much longer than the course of several days.  Even when I stabilize it, you will have to be monitored for a very long time, and that kind of healing I can only provide you here.  It would mean…having to leave everything else behind, including your family."

   A sick gasp escaped Kashoku.  He fell to his knees, holding a fist to his chest.  Shaking his head, he was silent for a moment.  Everything he had heard, he couldn't believe.  Everyone had prayed with all they had that he would take it well.  Sadly, it was a choice Kashoku wasn't ready to make.

   Jumping to his feet, he glared at Kalak, something inside of him causing anger to run rampant through his body.  "You expect me to abandon my son?  You expect me to abandon Mitsukai?  What about the village?  I can't just leave them!"

   Kalak expected this reaction.  He tried to approach Kashoku as he said, "It won't be forever.   Several months, maybe a year.  I can send Shadow back to look after them until you can return.  You'd be back before you knew it, and you wouldn't have to worry about becoming weak again.  You'll be better for all of them, and yourself."

   "No!" Kashoku cried, jumping away from Kalak.

   Shadow rose to his feet, running to Kashoku.  "Please Arandor, I don't want you to die," he cried.

   "And you!  You'd conspire with Father to keep me here!" Kashoku shouted, glaring at Shadow.

   "Don't treat your brother that way!" Kalak commanded, "It was I who brought you here.  Look at Shadow!  He is falling apart over your fate."

   "Liar!" Kashoku shouted, glaring at Kalak again.

   Shadow fell to his knees and palms.  As his tears fell to the floor he whimpered, "You promised me Arandor…"

   Both Kashoku and Kalak looked to him.  "You promised me you wouldn't die.  You promised me you'd never leave me.  Please…I love you Arandor.  Do not leave me.  I cannot live without you."  As Shadow spoke, his breath was heavy.  He gasped between the words, and as he finished speaking he began to choke violently on his tears and short breath.

   "Shadow!" Kashoku cried; his heart wouldn't allow him to be angry at his brother.  Running to Shadow's side, he took him in his arms and cradled him, calming him down so he could breathe easier.  "It's okay Shadow.  I love you too, and I'll never leave you," he whispered.  As Shadow opened his eyes, he saw Kashoku turn to glare at his father again.  "Unless you can save me without keeping me from my wife and son…you can just forget it," Kashoku muttered.

   "Arandor!!" Kalak cried, "You must understand!"

   "No!" Kashoku cried again.  He helped Shadow to his feet and said, "I blame you for all of this Father!  For all of your power, you cannot tell me there is not an easier way!  You are simply trying to keep me from my family!  You were trying to trick us this entire time!"

   "Arandor…no," Shadow murmured.

   Looking to Shadow, Kashoku said, "No Shadow!  Father is wrong!  He is trying to deceive you!  Father is the most powerful being of all, and I refuse to believe he cannot save my immortality any faster than he saved yours!  We're going home!"

   Kalak's eyes flashed.  "Arandor if you leave things will only get worse!  You'll continue to become mortal until you can no longer be saved!  What will you do then?"

   Kashoku turned to leave, hanging his head.  Looking back to Kalak, he sneered and said, "You'll save me Father.  I know how powerful you are.  You may be a Guardian of Light, but you cannot lie to the Light itself.  I may not be Pure Light anymore, but I am no fool.  I will not leave my son.  If I become mortal, then so be it."

   "Arandor…," Shadow whimpered.

   Looking to Shadow, Kashoku shook his head and said, "If you really love me Shadow, you'll let me make the choice that I must.  You can come with me, or stay here.  Your choice."  He faced Kalak once more and said, "I've gotten all I needed out of this.  I'm going home.  …Goodbye."

   Kashoku took off running for the Star Sanctuary in order to get home.  Shadow hung his head, continuing to weep.  Kalak walked up to him, hugging him tightly.

   "Go with him Shadow," Kalak whispered, "Up until the last moment, Arandor can be saved.  It'll simply take longer and longer the more we put it off.  With patience, we can bring him home again and save him.  You must look after him.  That mark on Sutei's shoulder is a sign that the Light is already trying to replace him."

   "What do you mean?" Shadow asked, looking up as he sniffed away his tears.

   "Within Sutei lies all of Arandor's powers, everything he is, save the Light he lost, unable to pass it on to his son," Kalak explained, "It will remain in Sutei's bloodline, and someday when it is put back with the Pure Light, Arandor's powers can be reborn, and Mukot will have a bane in that existence.  However, the only way this Light can be passed is if Arandor consents to me healing him, so he can become the Light Elemental purely and truly, with all of his immortality and powers returned to him.  Then, he can pass the Light on to another child, and we'll have another chance to win this war."

   Shadow looked away.  "So, Arandor can be saved?"

   Kalak sighed and said, "Yes.  Up until the very moment that he becomes mortal, he can be saved, so you must stay with him until we can convince him to make that choice.  I knew it would be impossible to persuade him to give up his life down there for even the shortest time.  He must eventually choose what must be forsaken.  The lives of those he loves down there, or his own life, and the fate of the free world that rests upon him."

   With a heavy sigh, Shadow's tears finally dissipated.  Summoning his strength back to him, he looked to Kalak and said, "I will look after him Father.  I promise."

   As Shadow left, Kalak called to him, "He has only a few years left Shadow.  When he embraced me, I passed more of my power to him, so he has some time left.  Help him to forget the trauma this has caused his heart, but help him realize that he cannot be selfish. If he lets himself become mortal, it will be the descendents of his son, and the entire world that pay the price.  We must take our time with him Shadow, and show him we love him, but eventually he must choose has to be forsaken."

   "Yes…," Shadow whispered.  He paused, then said, "I love you Father, and I know he does too.  He promised me he wouldn't die, and I intend to hold him to that promise…I know you do too."

   Shadow left after this, running after Kashoku, hoping to catch up to him before he returned to the village.  Kalak hung his head, turning to go sit down in his throne.  He closed his eyes as he sat down, holding his head in his hand.

   "I love you Arandor.  I know you don't want this to happen.  Eventually, you're going to have to choose the path you want to take.  If you choose to save yourself, you will have the chance to continue living the way you desire; if you choose to try and deny your fate, you won't be able to live at all.  Please, my precious son, don't be the one to take your own life.  Please…listen to me, and remember that we all love you," Kalak prayed.

   These words rang in Kashoku's ears.  He was sitting in the Emerald Hills, broken down and weeping, unsure of what to do.

   "I can't…I can't do this anymore," he whimpered.  "I don't want to choose; I don't want to give up anything.  Please…"

   "Leave me alone."