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Tornado glared at the large doors as they came into view. He took a deep breath as he erased his emotions. There were so many questions running through his head, so many thoughts that wanted to break through the barrier he created. He shook them away. He couldn’t worry about them now; he had to focus on meeting the Dark Lord.

A figure stood from his position kneeling before the Dark Lord. Even from across the room Tornado recognized him instantly. Shame crept onto Rook’s face as he saw Tornado.

“Rook?” Tornado asked confused walking over to him. “Why are you here? Has something happened?”

“No, that’s not it.” Rook said looking away.

“Ah?” The Dark Lord looked curiously between the two from where he sat on his throne. “You two have met before?”

“Yes.” Rook answered. “Tornado lived at the southern palace not long ago.”

“Well done, we of the dark have to look out for each other.” He nodded as he answered as if to agree with himself.

“Rook, why are you here?” Tornado asked.

Rook searched for the words to answer only to find himself looking at the ground.

“Oh? You’re friend doesn’t know?” The Dark Lord questioned surprised.

“What don’t I know?” Tornado asked meeting Rook’s pleading eyes. He could feel the tension rising in the room.

“Let me first ask a question of you, Tornado.” The Lord interrupted. “I’m assuming you met many faeries during your time in Rook’s realm. Have you met a lot of different ethereal during the seven months you’ve lived here?”

“Yes, why?”

“You’ve seen many different creatures, wing types, wing colors.” He continued, “let’s begin with colors. Think of everyone you’ve met in your life, think really hard. How many had, say, black wings?”

Tornado thought over everyone he’d met over the past few weeks. Brown, grey, red, orange, they all had very normal earthy colors. He continued thinking back to his days at Avalon. Their wings were had a bit more variety but still no black. Then it hit him.

“I’ve only met two besides myself.”

“Yes, black wings are very rare.” He explained excitedly as he spread his black bat-like wings. “Those with the black wings are considered the most powerful when it comes to using the power of darkness. All three of us have different types of wings but we are still considered the most powerful, though of course I have the most experience. The black wings are hereditary for only one family in the Dark Realm, the line of the Dark Lord, and you two are my heirs.”

Tornado stared horrified at the Dark Lord.

“We’re . . . brothers?” Rook asked just as shocked.

“Half-brothers, technically.” The Dark Lord rationalized. “Isn’t this exciting, two friends turning out to be brothers? Who could’ve imagined it?”

“Yeah, amazing.” Tornado spoke flatly. He felt nauseous. Learning that the Dark Lord was his father had pushed him over the edge.

“I have a wonderful idea!” The Dark Lord exclaimed walking down the steps to pat his sons on the shoulders. “You two should bond for a while. Rook you can come back and visit me later today. I have some work to do.”

Rook nodded absently as Tornado led the way out of the building. Tornado didn’t lead him into town but instead took a path into the forest. When they reached a clearing well off the path Tornado set up a barrier. He turned to Rook furiously.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” He shouted. “How could you keep your relations to the Dark Lord a secret?”

“You honestly think it’s an easy thing to tell someone?” Rook retaliated. “I’m not proud of it, Tornado. I hate it! He took my mother from me. I can only see her if I come here and even then it’s on his permission. You never lived with your mother did you, Tornado?”

“No. I never had the chance.”

“My mother and I were very close. She was the only one who really cared for me. She taught me about the prophecies and about the ways of the realm. I was told my father was this strong powerful person. My mother planned on me ruling both the Dark and Faery Realms. As you can tell that wasn’t him plan. I’m just his tie to the faery realm.” Rook sighed leaning against a tree and sliding to the ground. “Do you still blame me for not mentioning to you at all?”

“Yes.” Tornado answered angrily and added after a pause. “But I can understand why you didn’t.”

Rook laughed weakly. “You’re cruel.”

“What do you plan to do now? Are you going to tell Aero and Flora?”

“I don’t know if I can bring myself to do it.” Rook explained. “How would they react? Flora doesn’t have a choice. She’s a princess now so she has to stay whether she wants to or not. Aero on the other hand would probably get scared away. For her the Dark Lord only means more suffering. The safest place for her would probably be the light realm, wouldn’t it?”

Tornado seemed to have calmed down a bit. He knew what Rook said was true.

“I’ll hold off on telling them unless an appropriate situation shows itself.” Rook answered for himself when Tornado didn’t respond. He stood regaining his composure. “Is there anything else you want to ask me about, or rather, anyone?”

“How is she?” He asked painfully.

“She’s better now-”

“So she didn’t take it well after all. Does she-” he stopped himself, unconsciously clenching his fists. “Does Aero . . . hate me?”

“No.” Rook shook his head. “If Aero hates anyone she hates the Dark Lord for taking you away.”

“I wish I could go back.”

“You will.” Rook assured him. “I’m sure of it. You and Aero are drawn to each other. It’s your fate. No matter what happens you will see each other again.”

“Rook, your prophecy is over. Aero and I regained our memories and Flora became the princess of the Faery Realm. There’s nothing left.”

“There’s one last part. ‘A war to find peace.’ Until there is peace the prophecy will continue we are all still drawn by our fate and destiny.”

“A war . . .” he pictured the rebel army in his mind. “It may already be beginning.”
“Already beginning? What do you mean?”

“I’ll find a way to tell you when it becomes clearer.” Tornado told him. “You’ll need to find people you can trust. We’ll need as many allies as we can get.”

“Tornado just what are you planning?”

“I’m not planning anything.” He explained. “We’re not the only ones who hate the Dark Lord.”

“We’re not the only ones?” Rook repeated wondering what Tornado had gotten himself into. “Wait, where are you going?”

Tornado broke the barrier. “Follow me. There’s some people you should meet.”