{•Remington•}

I put down my quill before looking over at Lynette as she slept in our bed.

Pepper had snuck into our room so she was curled up nearby between our pillows.

Assuming because its a full moon, her owners are most likely.... Busy..... So the poor thing probably came looking for a peaceful nap with us....

Lynette won't feel the effects of the full moon since she's human, and I'm only half vampire for now, so I'm not going to be feeling much.

I smiled softly at Lynette as I walked over, leaving the note on her breakfast tray nearby and taking a deep breath.

This was it.

In a few hours, we march into town and fight until our last breath for our home, and for everyone's freedom.

I was summoned very early to discuss how we will all be splitting into groups and assigned specific areas of the empire, and decided to let Lynette sleep a bit more before she had to wake up.

I also asked Jay to bring her some breakfast for when she woke up.

We may win. We may lose. We'll never know what obstacles await us, or what our fate will be, of Obsidian truly does have a future.

Nonetheless, its best we be prepared for any and all outcomes.

I softly stroked her hair as she slept, then leaned down to kiss her temple before standing up and quietly walking out.

I only hope tomorrow is a new day....

{•Sebastian•}

I took a deep breath as I stood in front of the painting hung before me.

What would they think? Would they have done the same?

Everything I've done, has been for the good of my people and my family.... However is.... Is it enough....?

"My love...." a voice spoke and I turn to see Larisa walk over to me

I then noticed her eyes were red and took a deep breath in realization.

"Of course, a full moon.... I forgot vampires will be a bit more, well..." I sighed as she leaned against me.

"You never complained of that before," she said, walking over and leaning against me, hugging my side.

I smiled down at her as we looked up at the portrait again.

"They would be proud of you, Sebastian...." She said.

"Are you sure?" I asked. "They would have never let Obsidian become a battlefield...."

"Our people are safe, which is more important and we will save the ones still captured," she assured. "Sebastian, you have done everything right ever since you took possession of the crown.... You've proven yourself worthy of this throne, even the Warhol's say that...."

I took a deep breath as she held my hand.

"We will take back our empire....." she said. "Our job is almost complete."

I looked and smiled at her before leaning in and kissing her softly.

"I love you.... I want you to be careful tonight, for my sake," I said.

"You know I will," she assured. "We will win, take back our home, Lynette and the Warhol's will take charge, and then.... You and I can live at peace, and.... Finally have our honeymoon...."

I looked at her as I wrapped my arms around her waist. "Where would you like to go, my love?"

"Hmmm.... Anywhere its just you and me.... And our little Mishka, or course," she said. "Surprise me, I say."

I chuckled as I looked down at her playful red eyes.

"Very well, my queen.... I will start arrangements to travel once its safe to," I said.

She smiled happily before leaning her lips to my ear.

"We can start practicing now...." she whipered.

My eyes widen.

"Larisa..... We have to be ready to go in 5 hours, I have a meeting to be at," I protested as she wrapped her arms around my neck, leaving kisses down my jawline.

"Alister and Damiano have it covered," she smirked, leaning over and leaving kisses down my neck.

I groaned as she did and then she bit down with her fangs on my soft spot, making my fangs shoot out as a growl escaped from me.

Fucking hell...

".....We have two hours," I said sternly to her.

"Mmm... Three," she said with a palyful smirk before taking my hand and leading me down the hall towards our room.

I groaned. "I spoil you far too much, my beloved queen."

She giggled mischievously before pulling me into my room and shutting the door.

{•Lynette•}

I sighed as I woke up, feeling the cold, empty space near me.

I frowned and looked around, seeing that Remington was gone, and Pepper was asleep nearby me on our bed.

Huh... I wonder why she's in here....

I then noticed the breakfast tray nearby and with a note on top.

I reached over and took the note as I sat up in bed, opening it and reading it.

Was called for an early meeting.

Leda will be by to help you get ready. I will see you soon once its time to march.

Forever yours,

R.

I smiled down at the note before folding it again and holding it close to my chest before Pepper came up and greeted me.

"Hey there, you.... How come you're not with your owners?" I said, carrying her.

She just whined with a pout as she curled up into my arms.

I chuckled and hugged her close, then looked over at the food tray before removing the elegant metal lid.

Everything was arranged neatly, the coffee with milk still hot in the elegant cup right in the middle, surrounded by some bread, granola, cheeses, meats and fruits on a large silver platter, and some marmalade and jelly in small bowls on the side.

I grabbed a strawberry and took a bite before checking the time on the pocket watch.

Looks like I still have plenty of time before its time to start getting ready.

I got up, pulling on my robe and setting Pepper on the ground, giving her an apple slice to munch on, before grabbing the cup of coffee and walking out out to the balcony as she the n followed me.

The soft pinks and yellows of dusk slowly starting to paint the greyish-blue skies, meaning the sun will soon set over the realm.

Faint little snowflakes fell on the land and left a sheet of white over everything. It was almost no different than staying in the Blackwell Castle in the sky, as the clouds gave a similar effect back in the gardens.

I sighed and leaned against the balcony railing.

The fact that its Christmas Eve, and in less than 3 hours, we will be marching into town to fight instead of gathering with family and friends.....

I guess all those lonely Christmases as a child don't seem so bad anymore....

I can only hope we win this battle so that we can have a Christmas...

Pepper wandered around and I then noticed the ring on my left hand and smiled down as I admired the beautiful stone.

I'm really going to be Remington's wife after this.....

I looked out at the distance, watching the sky slowly darken to sunset.

At one point in my life, I never thought I would be at this point.

Living in another realm, that happens to be where I was born. Destined to be a queen of this land, and being the soulmate of a vampire who saved me and bought me back home.... Facing the people who threaten everything good about this world....

I pursed my lips and held to my medallion, looking down at it before holding it close to my chest and closing my eyes.

Mother.... Father... I won't let you down....

I took a deep breath and took a final sip of my coffee.

"Come on, Pepper," I said to her.

She looked up before turning around and then growling at something.

I furrowed my brows and looked around, only to see nothing.

Bird or not, that's my cue to go back inside.

I turn to head back, when all of a sudden from above, a dark figure gracefully landed in front of me, making my gasp and jump back, dropping the cup in my hand, as I'm suddenly faced with a young man with black hair and grey eyes.

(Picture: Chase Hudson, a.k.a.
"Lil Huddy")

Pepper barked at the figure in defense.

"Princess Dream... It is an honor," he smiled as he bowed. "I have heard many great things."

I quickly backed away from him, panicking.

I don't have anything to defend myself!!

I then saw a nearby vase of flowers from the table set that was there, and quickly grabbed it and threw it at him, but he caught it in his hand, careful not to even spill the water inside it.

"My master mentioned you'd be a firey spirit," the young man chuckled in amusement as he held the vase. "I can see he was very much right."

Pepper continued to growl and bark at the strange man.

"Who the hell are you?" I snapped. "I swear, if you come anywhere near me, I'll scream!!"

"Do not be afraid, princess.... My name is Chase, and I am a friend," he assured to me as he stood back up, carefully putting the vase down.

"Yeah, see, last time a random guy dressed in black plopped down on a balcony I was standing on, he tried to brainwash and kidnap me for my grandmother's cult," I said sternly as I glared at him, keeping my distance.

He scoffed softly in amusement.

"Where did you even come from?" I asked, looking around.

"I'm afraid my master has ordered me not to reveal that just yet," He said.

"Your master?" I asked, confused.

"Why, your father, of course," he said assuringly, showing me a pin on his jacket.

My eyes widen, and I relaxed a little.

Pepper then barked and ran over, tugging at the hem of his jacket with her teeth before he grabbed her by her scruff and held her up in confusion.

"Angry little creature....?" he said, making her growl before I walked over and took her in my arms.

"You... You know my father? You know where he is?" I asked, confused as I stepped back.

"Yes... I am his apprentice, and he sent me to deliver you a message personally," he said.

My eyes widen.

"He knows that at the twilight's hour, you will fight to restore not only your birth right, but also fight for justice, for your family, and for your people and land," he said.

I looked at him in shock. "H-How does he know that? He's not even in Obsidian... Right?"

"He's not.... However, he's been watching for you a long time," he said.

My eyes widen in shock.

"I cannot go into details, but he has watched over you, and is very proud of what you have accomplished," he said.

I pursed my lips as I listened, but then shook it off quickly and steadied myself.

I don't know him! This could be some trick!!

I took a step back again. "How do I know you're not messing with me? You could be a Visigoth rebel for all I know...." I said.

"He knew you'd suspect of my presence, and it is very understandable, all things considered.... Which is why he gave me this to prove of myself to you....." He said, then pulled out from out of no where.....

I furrowed my brows in confusion as I put Pepper down and he gave me the beautiful red flower stem.

This.... Looks familiar....

"He sent you with a red flower to prove to me that you're not an enemy?" I asked, confused as I took it in my hands.

"Its called a Stargazer Lily," he smiled.

I was confused before my eyes widen in realization, then looked back at the flower.

The dried flowers in her office.... And...

"He said you would understand the clue," he said with smile.

I looked back at the flower in my hand as it then hit me.

"I'll see you in the stars...." I mumbled. "Wait, where the hell-!?"

I looked back up, but gasped when I saw he wasn't there anymore, and only the vase I threw at him stood where he was.

Where did he go!?

I looked around in shock before back in the flower in my hands before back at the distance, blinking a few times.

Pepper started to growl and sniff around for him.

"W-What could this mean.....?" I murmured under my breath.

I jumped when I then heard a knock at my door.

"Milday, its almost time!" Leda called.

I gulped and composed myself, holding the flower close.

"C-Coming!!" I shouted, and rushed back inside, Pepper following me.

***

{•Remington•}

"I didnt think the Gentleman himself would miss this meeting," Chris scoffed. "You vampires always get even more thirsty during full moons."

"Look who's talking, Christopher," Michael laughed as I quietly chuckled to myself.

Chris just scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"At least tonight finally ends decades of tyranny and death," Chris said.

"Yes.... Despite the Visigoth's targeting Obsidian most of all, they still caused problems with other realms such as Golgotha and Salem," Michael said. "Hell, even the Atlantian realm would be affected by these rebels."

I nodded, then decided it was time to ask them.

"Gentleman....." I said, looking over at them. "I need a favor from you both....

"Which is?" Chris asked.

"If we fail tonight...." I said.

"We won't fail, Aldous... Or Remington, if you will...." Michael said. "We have more men than they do, and are very prepared."

"I know.... However, we never know what Lilith can pull, and if things go wrong, I need to make sure things are in order and that we have everything in order," I said.

They nodded in understanding.

"What do you wish of us?" Michael asked.

"If we fail, and something happens to me or the Blackwell family.... Take Lynette to Salem....or Transylvania if anything...." I said. "Keep her safe there....Don't let the Visigoth's find her....."

Their eyes widen at my request.

"You want us to take the lost now found heir of Obsidian to another realm and hide her? Mind you, again?" Chris said.

"That's the same exact thing her parents had done, and even that had its consequences, Remington," Michael said.

"She was sent alone, as a newborn baby.... She's grown now, and can be protected in a realm not only ruled by a large coven of vampires, but also the Blood Moon Pack," I said. "She would be safe in Salem... So long as she still lives, Obsidian can stand a chance....."

They looked at each other questioningly.

"She'll be in pain if she loses you, and then has to be taken away...." Chris said sadly.

"I-I know... However, she already faced Lilith's wrath once, and better she be alive and heartbroken than to be tortured and killed....." I said, pursing my lips.

Michael and Chris looked at each other, but then nodded and bowed to me, right hands over their hearts.

"We will make sure that in the case of the royal families and the empire falling that the princess is kept safe," Michael said.

I nodded my thanks as then I noticed a figure at the top of the stairs and we all looked up.

"Wow...." I mumured in awe.

{Picture: Example of Lynette's "Calypso" Outfit}

Lynette walked down the stairs, Leda and Jay alongside her also in their armor. She also had her eyes darkened with black eyeshadow in a wispy warpaint looking style, and lips tinted a soft bruise color.

What did stand out was the red stargazer pinned to her jacket, along with her Blackwell and now a Lieseil pin.

Huh... Where did she get that?

"Well I'll be damned twice.... Calypso, back from the dead," Michael smirked as he crossed his arms.

"Michael," Chris scolded.

"T-The outfit was my mother's.... Emerson just gave it a makeover," she said a bit bashfully.

"You look amazing," I smiled

She smiled bashfully as I took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Here she is. Lynette," a voice said and we turn to see Sebastian, already dressed in his uniform, followed by a familiar looking man.

"Thomas?" I asked.

(Picture: TJ Bell)

"Lynette, this is Lord Thomas J. Bell," Sebastian explained. "A skilled alchemist who travels the realms."

Thomas then bowed to Lynette, who seemed confused.

"Princess," The man said with a bow. "It gives me great honor being in your presence."

"Thomas used to be a student turned apprentice in Lieseil Academy, working under your father," Sebastian explained.

"Please, just TJ is fine, your majesty," he chuckled.

Lynette's eyes widen. "You were my father's student?"

"Yes, I was," He smiled. "Taught me everything I needed to know in alchemy and science. Once I heard you were here and the Warhol's were back, I hurried back to Obsidian to help anyway I can."

"This can't be a coincidence...." I heard Lynette suddenly mumbled.

"I'm sorry?" He asked curiously.

"O-Oh, uhhh... N-Nothing, just, deep in thought," she said.

I looked at her in confusion, as did all of us, but Thomas still nodded as then Sebastian then spoke.

"We're all ready to meet outside before boarding," Sebastian added.

"Okay," I said as then Lynette furrowed her brows at him.

"Sebastian.... Is that a hickey on your neck?" She asked.

We all looked over at Sebastian and sure enough there were bites all over his neck.

His eyes widen and slammed over his neck while the rest of us held back our laughs.

"N-No, of course not!!" He scoffed.

"Oh god, Larisa got you good," I snickered as the others tried not to laugh.

"Enough!" Sebastian snapped, his face burning red. "J-Just get to the throne room as soon as possible!!"

With that he quickly stormed off.

Lynette turned to us, confused.

"Did I miss something?" Lynette asked.

I chuckled softly and took her hand. "I'll explain later... Let's get going...."

She was confused, but shrugged it off as we continued on.

***

{•Lynette•}

My group consisted of
Remington, Sebastian, Chris,
TJ, Leda, Alister, Victoria, Dylan and Brandon, and we were assigned to Eternity's Gate.

Emerson was with Genevieve, Samuel, Colson, Frankie, Ethan and one of the members of Salem, Ronnie, and they were going to the Academy.

Damiano and Shy were with
Jay, Austin, Billie, and Salem member, Craig, over at the Parliament building.

Larisa led a group with Michael, Justin, Vinny and Tyler, who are two members from Salem, Thomas, and Philip towards Blackwell Castle, along with sending some troops from Golgotha and the Warhol Stars to the Ventromia District nearby.

Hermes and Queen Onyx were going to the Obsidian Basilica with Leo, other members of Salem I met, Ryan and Talitha, Hannah, and Craig, who is an advisor in Salem.

Andrew was to stay with Ashton and other troops and hold down Warhol Manor.

All Warhol Stars, Blackwell Royal Guards, Salem Fighters and Golgotha Troops were divided evenly among the groups, or surrounding and hidden around the town.

Members of the Chronicle were going to be reporting the news while remaining hidden, as they always do.

Everyone was split into their groups as Sebastian cleared his throat and everyone quieted down.

"For many decades, the Visigoth's have terrorized and destroyed our beloved empire...." he spoke. "For many years, we've faced chaos, corruption, agony, loss, death, and torture, all because the Visigoth's wanted power and revenge over their own children and the rest of the empire...."

I pursed my lips as Remington held me close.

"Tonight, however.... Tonight will mark the end of all our suffering....."Tonight we say ENOUGH and put an end to this rebellion," Sebastian said loudly.

Everyone let out small cheers as we continued.

"Lilith Visigoth and the rest of this rebellion will pay for their many crimes," I said. "We have fought long and hard, and we will not give up until we are free!!"

Everyone cheered loudly as Sebastian put his fist over his heart.

"For the Void!!" he shouted.

"FOR THE VOID!!" we all shouted as we cheered along.

"Now, board your airships outside," Sebastian ordered as everyone then started to head outside.

We started to walk when Sebastian stopped us.

"The Priestess told me to give you this. Its a recovery potion she managed to pull from the same grimoire used to bring you back, just in case the fangs alone don't reattach," he said, handing Remington a vial with a pink liquid. "Put your fangs in the potion and drink it once it changes to red."

Remington nodded at his brother and put the vial in his jacket pocket.

"You two stay close to me, at least until we have Remington's fangs again," he said. "Am I clear?"

Remington and I looked at each other before nodding at him.

"Crystal," I said, and we then headed out to our airships and hot air balloons, set up for different groups.

Once we were all boarded, we took off towards town.

***

{•Emerson•}

It didn't take long for us to arrive to our assignment locations, and we all propelled down from our airships grom harnesses.

I looked around as we observed the Academy courtyard, everyone with weapons raised and on alert.

It was completely deserted, and vandalized from years of abandonment and vandals.

"Sense anything?" Genevieve asked me.

I tried to get a feel out of this place, but no luck.

"Nothing.... But.... I hear a strange noise somewhere....." I said.

"What kind of noise?" Colson asked, sword ready as he was alert.

"I don't know, its like.... Like a hissing....." I explained.

"I hear it, too...." Genevieve said.

"Yeah, it... It sounds like.... Snakes....?" Ronnie asked, sniffing the air. "But its faint...."

"I don't hear anything..." Ethan said.

"Oracle and Priestess, duh," I said. "As for Ronnie, well... You know his deal."

Ronnie raised an eyebrow at me as Ethan nodded in understanding.

"Its probably nothing, but let's check inside," Samuel said. "Best not to have any surprises..."

We nodded and quietly went towards the building entrance.

{•Lynette•}

We were propelled down by harnesses onto the massive courtyard, seeing it was deserted and almost untouched.

(Picture: Courtyard at Eternity's Gate by Emerson Barrett)

"Eternity's Gate...." I said, pulling my harness off as we were all on the ground, keeping my Plague Doctor mask on.

"Your mother said we would have to see the messenger here..... However, I don't know what that could mean," Remington said.

"Spread out and look for clues, but stay vigilant," Alister ordered.

I looked around, my bow armed as I stayed close to Sebastian, Remington and my uncle, everyone looking around.

"I don't like this... I feel like we're being watched...." Brandon said. "Dylan, stay close..."

"You said my father proposed to her here?" I mumbled to Alister.

"Aye.... They had a lot of connection to this courtyard.... Even a plaque by the statue there in their honor," he said, motioning to the large statue of an angel.

"Maybe its some sort of signal that's supposed to appear?" Chris asked. "Like, in the sky?"

"We don't know... Lady Eloise was too cryptic in her messages," Sebastian said.

I looked around when suddenly I realized something and looked at the angel statue.

"The heart of everything....." I mumbled.

"Huh?" Remington asked.

"Lilith is starting this battle at the very beginning, right? At the center of everything, both metaphoricaly and literally," I asked. "Meaning it has to do at the very center of Obsidian.... The center of this courtyard...."

"So.... The statue?" Victoria asked.

"It has to be," I said.

"Wait, she could be right.... Tell me, what do angels symbolize?" Alister asked.

That's when everyone started to think, before Sebastian's eyes widen.

"Messengers of the Gods...." he said, and we all quickly turned towards the statue.

"So... The statue is our messenger?" Remington asked, confused.

"Knowing Eloise, she must have something hidden inside it," Alister said as I observed the statue.

That's when I noticed something.

"Wait a minute...." I said, looking up at the statue in the middle of the courtyard, its arm raised to the heavens holding a star.

There.... There's something odd about that star....

Then it hit me.

"I'll see you in the stars...." I murmured to myself, pulling my mask off.

It's in there...

I then took off running towards the statue.

"What the...!? Lynette!!" Remington shouted as he and Sebastian ran after me.

i quickly jumped on the pedestal and climbed up to the top.

"Be careful!!" Sebastian scolded at me.

"There's something in the star!!" I shouted as I managed to hoist myself up more on the statue.

Once I reached, I saw it and tried to reach but couldn't.

Damn it.

"Milady, let me get up there before you fall!!" Leda shouted.

"For the Void's sake, get down!!!" Sebastian snarled.

I panted as I looked down at my sword, and managed to reached with one hand, my other hand gripping onto the shoulder.

"What is she doing!?" Dylan asked.

"Lynette...." Sebastian called in a warning tone.

"Oh, she wouldn't...." Victoria said as I looked up at the hands holding the star up.

Sorry, Sebastian...

"Aldous, catch!!" I shouted, and then I swung my sword with all my might, hitting the wrists and breaking the star off the statue.

"LYNETTE!!!" Sebastian shouted as Remington dove and caught the star.

I then gasped as my hand slipped and I fell to the ground before immediately ending up getting caught mid-air, and then in someone's arms.

I looked up to see Sebastian, looking unamused as he held me.

"The minute this war ends, young lady, you and I are having a very long conversation on respecting historical art in this realm" he snapped at me.

Good to see some things don't change.... Jeez....

"Hey, I got it down, didn't I?" I argued with him as he put me down on my feet.

He grunted in frusteration as Remington walked over, holding the broken piece in his hands.

"Lynette's right, there's something in her hands," he said.

I looked and sure enough it was a strange blackish-red stone squeezed into her hands.

I looked at the hands as I held it in my arms, before deciding to slam it against the ground, making everyone jump as the severed marble crumbled into chunks and released the black stone.

"Is intrusive thinking a Warhol or Lieseil trait?" Sebastian asked my uncles, obviously peeved.

"Depends the situation," Alister shrugged.

I rolled my eyes as I knelt down and picked up the stone.

Once I did, I suddenly felt like my senses went into overload and let out a quiet deep breath.

"A philosopher's stone?" Alister asked.

"What, like in Harry Potter?" I asked, confused.

"Somewhat...." Remington added. "Same concept, only while it does give eternal life, it can also take it away.... However, something isn't right with this one...."

"He's right.... Its been altered somehow, no philosopher's stone is that tainted with that many imperfections," TJ said, equally puzzled.

"Yes, parts of it look chromated and like there's flecks of something," Remington said.

"Maybe, but remember that Bartholomew was also an alchemist himself," Alister added. "Dream, didn't you say that Alexander told you that your father was also meddling with certain elements in order to aid in your mate's recovery at the mental estate?"

I thought about it with furrowed brows. "Yeah... Yeah, he said my dad was doing something regarding a moonstone...."

"What, merging them?" Sebastian asked. "That's impossible, no one can alter a philosopher's stone, or its abilities....."

"Lieseil never believed in the impossible," Alister added

I curiously examined the rock in my hand, when suddenly....

Tick tick tick tick tick....

"Hm?" I asked, looking around.

"What?" Victoria asked.

"Y-You don't hear that weird ticking noise?" I asked, putting the stone to my ear, seeing if it came from it.

"No... What ticking?" Sebastian asked as everyone looked around.

Tick tick tick tick tick tick....

"Wait... I hear something, too...." Chris said, looking around, his eyes turning... Yellow?

"It almost sounds like a stopwatch....." i said, then-

"Get down."

I stopped and froze.

"All of you. Get down. NOW!!!"

Oh no...

"GUYS, GET DOWN!!!" I screamed, and everyone immediately hit the ground and-

BOOM!!!

A loud explosion went off nearby as we ducked in cover behind the statue, sending debris everywhere.

~~~~~

A little late, since I've been busy, but here is a very long and mysterious chapter for you all as a Christmas gift from me. Should be having another story updated bery shortly if possible. ✨🎅🏻🎄

Wishing you all and your loved ones a Happy Holidays! ♥️♥️♥️

🎹Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Escape the Fate "Issues"

♡~ sapphire.