Sean had run as fast as he could to avoid detection from Mark and his men. Thankfully, he got away and entered the forest, where he pulled out the maps and looked through them. Looking up from his map, he saw to forks in the path. One led deeper into the forest and the other led out. Glancing back down at his map, he saw that the cave he needed to get to was on the right side. Folding it back up, he placed it in his pocket. Sean took a step forward when an announcement appeared in the sky. Mark had appeared in a holographic body. Sean held his breath.

"Attention citizens! Sean McLoughlin has become a fugitive," Mark explained. Nothing but hatred and anger were present in his eyes, causing Sean to clench his fists, ready to take him on. "If anyone sees him, let me or my men know! We'll bring him in and if you do as your told, I will give you a free pass from punishment!" Determined, Sean took off toward the right and traveled further into the forest, it got dark out so Sean made camp, tired from all the running and still grumbling about Mark's announcements.

"That son of a bitch!" Sean yelled, throwing a stick into the campfire that he had created. "I can't stay here for long. I'm going to rest here and tomorrow I'll continue on my journey." Sean yawned and placed his bag on the ground against a tall oak tree. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

***

Sean awoke to the feeling of hunger. He groaned and sat up from his spot. Pulling his bag in front of him, he grabbed a granola bar and bit into it. Taking a drink of water, he placed it back in the side pocket and threw his bag over his shoulder. Sean pulled the map out again and marked the cave's location before starting his trek further throughout the forest. With Sean now being the most wanted criminal in his city, he didn't have time to react. Taking his chance, he raced through the forest until eventually he came across the large cave. It wasn't much aside from the darkness. Dead plants were outside and around the cave entrance. Sean made his way over to the entrance. Sean found it hard to believe that the cave would hide an emerald, let alone where Sean could find it. He rummaged through his bag until his hands landed on a flashlight. Sean brought it out and turned it on. The light shone, filling the dark cave entrance with light.

Well, it's now or never. Sean thought to himself and walked into the cave.

***

Sean walked through the caves and examined his map until he learned about the cavern that he believed Mark and Thomas had gone down years ago. Out of the corner of his eye, Sean noticed an inscription on the rocky wall.

When evil comes to power,
the only one to defeat it sees signs.
The ability to dream, the ability to see colors.

To defeat evil, the hero must retrieve a green stone,
A stone that captures good and releases evil,
Will be found yet again.
Brought back and placed over the victim.
Good will be released, evil destroyed.
But be warned, it will stop at nothing to defeat the hero.

Rereading the verses twice, Sean had a hard time believing that a small green stone would create a prophecy, let alone reveal it to him. Sean thought about the lines and thought that he could figure out at least a little more of the prophecy. Something about it gave him cold chills, and he didn't know what to make of it. Pushing his thoughts aside, Sean walked through the caves until he came across a large room with the green emerald in the middle. He got there safely, but the only thing he needed to get through it was to get his hands on the emerald. He was unsure of how the emerald would interact with him. But if the jewel had already captured Mark's soul, then maybe he wouldn't have to worry about being transformed, either. Searching for a way across, he saw that the rock was loose. Taking his chance, he walked over to it and pushed on the rock. It tipped and fell directly in front of the emerald, creating a bridge. The stone was glowing green, but with the Saint Benedict Medallion around his neck, he crossed it and reached over, grabbing the jewel by the chain.

By removing the necklace, the room shook like crazy. Sean stumbled each way before jumping to safety. Taking his chance, Sean ran out of the cave. The sunlight greeted him beaming down at him. Stuffing the emerald into his bag, he raced back to the Capitol.

***

Mark's stomach was in knots. He'd been pacing back and forth in his office, and not one of his citizens turned Sean over. The necklace was his only weakness and if it landed around his neck. It would be all over, and the less evil Mark would have time to take control. He'd been so lost in thought that he jumped the minute Fiona cleared her throat.

"Mark, I warned you." Fiona said. Mark rolled his eyes and waved her off.

"Don't rub it in." He responded by walking toward the window and staring out at his people.

"Stop that kid." Fiona demanded.

"And what do you suggest I do?" Mark asked. "Last I checked, Sean has the upper hand. It's kind of annoying if you think about it."

"Maybe you should be ready in case he does something?" Fiona suggested. Mark narrowed his eyes. Fiona backed away and held up her hands, making sure that he knew she didn't mean any harm. However, if Sean was a problem, then someone had to do something about it. "What?"

"Fiona, I already have guards posted outside the room and around the capitol," Mark explained. "I'm pretty sure I'm fine. Just do your job."

"Sorry, sir, but please quit pacing. You're going to hurt yourself." Fiona said and left the room. Mark looked out the window, staring at the lawn and the forest, mostly making sure that the McLoughlin kid never tried to surprise him. "Sean, whatever you're planning," he said to himself. "I will stop you, and you will go down!"