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“So, what’s the big secret?” Tornado asked Durza.

“I’m getting to it,” she told him from the dresser. “You wouldn’t understand without the background. Where was I . . .”




That was the first time Durza flew. They soared through the cool night air over the forest. His leathery bat-like wings made a soft snapping sound when they flapped. Durza absorbed everything during the flight. The feel of the wind, the scent, every sight, and the feeling of the man’s arms that held her like a princess. She loved flying. Soon her house came into view and the man dipped down, landing outside the estate.

“How did you know this was my house?” Durza asked curiously.

“Ah, you are a sharp one.” He laughed. “I know everyone in this city. I pride myself in knowledge especially about the people here.”

“Why?” She inquired.

“Well,” he laughed, “I’m the Dark Lord.”

“Is that your name?”

“No, my name’s Ciaran, but I am the Dark Lord.”

“What’s a Dark Lord?”

He was shocked. “You don’t know?”

Durza shook her head. “I know it’s important and the army obeys it, but I don’t know what it is.”

He knelt down so that he was eye level with her. “Well, I’m kind of like a king since I was born into my position.”

“Are you unhappy as Dark Lord?”

He had never really considered being unhappy with it. “No, not really. I like being in power.”

“Did you choose to?”

“No, my mother was the ruler before me so I followed her wishes.”

“What were her wishes?” She continued with the never-ending questions.

“I had to be good, no . . . perfect at everything I did. I had to be a strong and strict Lord and strengthen the army far beyond what she had begun,” he explained, “I’ve done all that and more.”

“Then, you’re a good Dark Lord.” She stated happily.

“I’m glad you think so.” He patted her head. “Now let’s get you inside, your parents must be worried.”




“That’s why I loved your father.” She explained.

“Because he saved you?”

She nodded.

“Was that your secret?” he asked, “the reason why you loved him?”

“Not quite,” she explained, “it’s more the reason how he saved me, how he found me in those woods.”

“So, it wasn’t just by chance?”

She shook her head. “Umbro and I always believed there was more power in darkness then we were taught. We were right.”





Durza joined the army at age ten. Only a few years had passed since she had been saved. She was excited to see her savior again and serve him in the army. She would be the best, no . . . perfect, for him.

“Are you enjoying the army?” He asked smiling from his throne.

“Yes.” She told him cheerfully, “The master always uses me as his example.”

“As the correct was of doing things, I hope.” He teased.

She flushed. “Of course!”

He laughed happily. “I’m glad. You’re so much younger many of your comrades in your rank. I hope they aren’t getting jealous.”

“I’m good but I don’t show off. I ask questions when I see someone struggling to try and help them indirectly.”

“That a girl.” He smiled thoughtfully.

“Say, I was wondering. Um, back then, when I was kidnapped, how did you find me?” She asked looking up at him with prying eyes. Durza wanted to know everything, she shared that same thirst for knowledge he had.

He waved her up to his throne. She hurried up the steps and he leaned forward “This isn’t something I usually tell people, but for you I will. You see my wings?” He extended them and she closely examined the leathery skin that stretched tightly across them, black as night. “They are rare. In fact, I’m the only person in the Dark Realm with them.”

“Why are they rare? She asked looking at them for something she missed.

“Their color, black.” He told her, “but there is something more about them that makes them rare. It’s no something you can see. They serve as a symbol of immense dark power, powers no one else can use. Whether to protect, attack, travel, or search the darkness can do it.”

“How?” she asked curiously.

“The darkness is deeper than anyone can imagine. No one knows exactly how it works but somehow these wings can channel it in more powerful amounts. When more can be channeled the easier it is to control and understand.” He explained, “I was contacted as soon as your parents realized you were missing. I knew who you were since I’d seen you with your parents when you were still small. I don’t forget people even if I’ve only seen them once. I recognize their darkness. I remembered your darkness and used my own to find you. Once I found it I transported myself nearby.”

So that’s why I didn’t notice him coming until the twig snapped. Durza thought.

“So, there’s no way for me to learn to do those things?” she asked disappointed.

“Sorry, love.” He patted her on the head as she sighed.




“So, you think I could do that, too?” Tornado asked.

“You don’t know until you try.” Durza told him. “Has the darkness ever acted strangely for you before?”

He thought for a moment. “Yeah, once. When I was fighting Beast.”

“Black Wings.”





Sorry if the large gaps are annoying. It's hard to differentiate between the present and memory without them. I made them extra large because the double spacing thing made it difficult to tell what was a gap and what wasn't. Sorry for the confusion.. Please comment! Aero Luna 3nodding