Observing the two suns, seeing them about to go down; I’m in absolute shock that of what Desmond just said. To just know this now, that if we do not get back to the river before both of those suns set, we could be stuck in this dimension for I do not how long. Desmond really never shared that point, not do I want to know. What I do want to know is that following the river which in the real world is the East Vermilion, could be tricky. It took all this time to get down here and checking on those stars up there, we really do not have enough time to really head back to the same spot we landed.

With the vessel tuck on my left side, I wonder if it is possible to get from here to the spot we arrived here. I notice Desmond looking at his book, yet I have no clue why he would. Unless he knows something else other than the potential plan I’m thinking it will happen.

“Found something useful.” I say.

“Not quite.” He says. “I’m just checking to see if there is a transporting charm that I’m not forgetting.”

I check around the area to see no river stream near us, just rocks and green scenery. I look back in the sky to take another look only to see the two suns still descending, but it seems a bit faster than the normal sun. It is possible that in these dimensions like this one, what happens here is much faster than in the real world.  Worrying we may not make it; we need to go; and go now.

“Desmond, I don’t know if you have any conjuring charms to create a portal.”

“I wish, but it is a master level charm, and I have yet to crack that or any other master level charms.”

“Well I guess later you can tell me the difference.” I continue, “We need to leave right now because those suns are going down fast. And what you say is true; I’m not spending a night in here.”

“Alright, we just have to find the river stream someway.”

                                                               ***

We both venture back into the forest-heavy field. Holding the vessel firm, my major concern is how we can get out of this dimension safely. Looking up to check the status of the suns’ positioning. It is going down a bit fast, but I truly believe there is more time to escape.

Still traveling in the woods walking at times but mostly running, our focus is to find the river stream. Not seeing where it could be. I suddenly stop thinking about the river’s location. I view Desmond stopping as well, and come back to me to ponder why we stop.

“What happened?” He questions.

“I’m thinking about the river’s placement.” I reply.

Thinking about it; I wonder like I how dissect the shadow cliff based on the sun’s direction. I think it is the same for the river. Back in the real world, the river we used went east. If my estimation is correct, since we are in a dimension, would the direction head the opposite way.

“Tell me something, Caden.”

“I can tell you maybe instead of heading east, maybe we need to head west.”

“West?!” He looks confused at a minute, yet as he thinks probably about it. I could see his facial expressions being more aware that I may be right.

“We need to go west.”

Desmond shakes his head in agreement; because we went east thinking it could be this way, it has to be the other way. We race to the western part of the forest, running with time not our truest ally. I keep back checking up to see how far the suns went down and it is going down and as I see. It is bypassing the mountainous peaks.

For almost half an hour, we travel west and then I can hear something familiar. The sound is coming from what sounds like a stream. Thinking that we are close, we waste time. We quickly run as the streaming noise gets louder. Seconds later, we exit out of the forest tree area and into a battle scene. We finally reach to the river now going west because this is the dimension and seeing how duality plays. It makes sense.

As we go near the edge of the field as the water of the river coming by a little, Desmond says something, “Eneto Sol Triendo.” 

Desmond looks at me, “Come on Caden, it’s now or never.”

Before I say it, I look to see the suns about to reach sunset at any minute, I look back to Desmond. “Let’s do this.” I respond. We both immediately jump into the river. As I still grab hold of the vessel, Desmond does an okay sign. However, I wonder if it is really okay. Is it really. 

I then look back up to see the light shadows maybe representing the two suns is going down and then a flash of light appears and disappears seconds later. I look back to Desmond where he starts swimming to the surface; I follow suit.

Splashing up to the surface of the river with both of our heads sticking out to survey the land, I can smell the nature that is the Sportsman’s Paradise. I see mosquitoes flying away and then one of the biggest indicators, seeing sunlight coming from the clouds; as the cloud moves away, comes out the big bright, yellow—single—sun in the sky. We made it. We are back.

We eventually get back to land; getting out of the river. I still hold very well to the vessel, not seeing any damage. Minus the gremlins and the two-headed snake creature, the trial was a success. I follow Desmond where in a few hours; we are still traversing around the trees. Until I stop.

“Desmond, I can’t wait anymore.”

“What you mean?”

The allure of the vessel is bringing me to the point that I protected this thing all this time; and seeing the cap on, I guess it is due time we open it.  Desmond seems to be uneasy when I talk about this, talk about opening the vessel. I think Desmond wanted to keep the vessel seal until Oxley sees it and they create some sort of weapon, he mentioned earlier.

“I want to open it.”

“I’m not sure about it.”

“We come this far. We made it back in one piece. I think it is fair to see what we have in this thing.”

I sit down near a middle boulder where I put the vessel in the middle sitting on top of my legs. Desmond not knowing what to expect; I want to know what to expect. Not wasting any more time, I take my right hand, I open it. I take the lid off. However, thinking that some mist will fly out or there will be some mystify liquid inside the vessel. Demsond looks initially upset like I am. I take a look inside the vessel to take a sneak peek; even picking it up and orientate it like you do with a pitcher jug. However, there is literally nothing inside.

I cannot believe it. We ventured crazy, escaped those creatures, and me battled the dimension personally; and all we got from that venture is an empty vessel. Where is the stuff from the mists of Avalon; did it evaporated or what. I then notice a demonic back cloud appearing. The SWOOSHING sound appears. The cloud drops down as I see Desmond getting his wand ready. I rise swiftly and try to be ready as well, yet I when I see demon forming to his human disguise. It is Mal, Karina, and Aris; they show up in the inopportune time.

Hope they fended off Mammon and other demons away. They come towards us, and I realize this is Mal and Desmond’s first meet up. When I see Mal’s expression, he is not pleased with something. I wonder if it is because or me, yet a lot of times he is always pouting and depress all the time. Just this time, he is different.

“Caden, where have you been?” Mal yells. “I tried to sense you from your house, but you weren't there.”

“I could explain.” I reply.

“Let me.” Desmond says as he steps into the conversation; he looks perk up for something. “My name’s Desmond Zard and I’m a…”

“Wizard. I know.” Mal states.

“You…know?!” Desmond says somewhat stunned, but feels he can sense wizards.

“Yeah, I know about you. And your white beard friend.” Mal says.

“Oxley.” Desmond responds. After a few seconds, he continues. “Well anyway, Caden and I went to the Trin Dimension.”

Mal reacts very surprised and a bit angry.

 “Why you two went there?” Avis ask confused.

“To get this.” I reply. I then reveal in front of everyone the view of the vessel. “The Vessel of Nexum.”

Mal then looks very reticent for a couple of minutes. I could to see their reaction—somewhat surprised.

“You traveled to that dimension for nothing!” Mal states. “You know it was dangerous to go there especially you Caden.”

“I know about the dimension playing mind games alongside battling a two-headed snake creature.” I say.

“And escaping some nasty gremlins, I was lucky I got my book back or those little monsters will really have to answer to me.” Desmond says.

“Did Oxley know you two went there?” Mal asks.

“No.” Desmond responds.

“You two were very lucky to escape.” Mal says, and then he is glancing hard at the vessel which is still in my hands.  Karina looking at it as well, “Caden, did you open it?”

“Yeah, but it was nothing.” I answer. “You were right before Mal; we went to that dimension foolhardy and came out literally with nothing back.”

“There’s a reason why there was nothing inside that vessel.” Mal says.

“You do?” Desmond asks flustered.

“A young being nearly a few thousand years ago found out about what was inside that vessel. He was battled like hell to get it.” Mal says.  Sounds familiar to what we did. He continues, “This being eventually found it, opened it, and released what was inside.”

“What happened to him?” I ask.

“He gained the powers from the mists and was stronger. He killed the one who put the vessel in the dimension.”

“Zachariel.” Desmond says.

“Exactly. This being used the added powers and others to try to get to a more supreme power.” Mal continues.

“Who was he? Asmodeus?” I ponder.

“No. His master, the Sovereign.” Mal replies.

“Who?” Desmond asks.

“Other people call him Lucifer.” Avis says.

So I wonder who put the vessel back in the dimension if the angel who originally put it there was murdered by the Sovereign.

“Where is the Sovereign?” I ask.

“All I know is after an intense battle between magical beings good and evil; the Sovereign was and still is trapped in a magical cage somewhere in time and space.” Mal replies.

“Whoa, I never knew.” Desmond says.

I was thinking like him; I never knew about that either, yet I do know what was our best bet in defeating Asmodeus is no more. Now we half to find a new way.

“We need to defeat Asmodeus.” I say. “Our best shot died what to do now?”

“You need to practice more. My best shot is that the only way you have a chance in defeating him is to be in total control of your demonic side. Once you do that, I have the up most confidence that you will defeat that him.” Mal states

I guess practicing more is the only option. I guess when that time eventually comes; I feel it is going to be me against Asmodeus with powers to the maximum. I hope I’m ready. I see Desmond looking at me.

“Well while you do practicing, I half to tell Oxley about this quest of ours.” Desmond says. “I know he won’t be happy at first, but in time, I hope I can master some master charms. So at least you know you have a wizard on your side.”

“Thanks man.” I say.

“Good, so see you guys…I mean demons soon.” Desmond says as he half bows and then leaves heading back to Oxley’s. I then look back at Mal as he glances over to Karina and Avis. Avis smirks off and flies off; Karina looks at me briefly giving me a “good luck” look as she flies off. I look back at Mal as he still shows some anger.

“Sorry Mal, I know you’re angry, but I completed the third trial.”

“I’m not angry. Just disappointed.” He says. “I realize it’s my fault because I didn’t let you know about the dimensions and others.”

“Well that’s why I have a wizard on my side. Even though he’s an apprentice, he knows his stuff. It was because of his knowledge; we were able to get out of there alive.”

“Well just make sure that is your last time going there.”

“I promise.”

“Good because, starting tomorrow we’re going to return to training.” He says. “So go home, and I mean home, and I’ll see you tomorrow at our spot.”

“Will do.” I nod my head back and forth quickly to acknowledge what he said. I then start heading back in the direction to home. Mom must be worrying sick about me. That night when Cort the taxi driver was killed by Mammon, and I was ambushed by Asmodeus. Mom was going crazy those two days after; but hoping she is less crazy. Either way, tomorrow is going to be the start where I truly fight back.

                                                          ***

A month has gone by, it been the same training procedure with summoning the fireballs, sparing, and mixing both. Along that, I practiced controlling the telekinetic blasts I originally started to do back when I had to fact that two headed creature.  I missed hanging out with my friends. I even miss soccer practice. I knew mom had to lie to the coach about me having a injury.

For the training with Mal, it continues to be harsh and tough, yet Mal has always tried his best to be good to me. His stark demeanor day after day has not convinced me to give up. In fact, I always wanted a parent-like figure with commanding features. Mom was always tough, but she cannot do what a father does.

If Dantailon was still alive, I wonder if he would ever be that typical, hard to crack father. My mom had tirelessly acted both parent roles, but she was always suited to be the caring parent, not the parent to enforce toughness. When I look at Mal’s eyes, I have seen that toughness. Mal is doing his best to play that father role I desperately need, but I do not know if he can handle that. Whatever the case is to be, Mal is acting more like the general.

After twenty days of training vigorously excluding the weekends, today is the 21st day of training. Marching through the forest like I have been doing the past two months, I travel my way onto the practicing site. There a fireball blast comes towards me. I pull out my right hand where to now I do not even need to focus hard enough; I open out my hand where I blast a blue fireball right towards the looming one. The two suddenly clash erupting into a mid-air explosion.

Swiftly turning around to sense someone could be behind me, I prepare myself in my defensive stance. Then Mal suddenly appears out of nowhere. He starts coming at me. His right hand turning into a fist and then his left; I duct over the first fail hit. I quickly get back up to block his second hit. As he continues to strike, I continue to block event using some of his techniques he taught me.

Then as he appears to gain the upper hand, I open out my right hand and then lunge it forward where instead of summoning a fireball; a telekinetic blast comes out. The power of the blast hits Mal to the ground. I run hurriedly where I place my right arm on top of his hard skinned neck seemingly trying to play like I was trying to choke him.

“Got you.” I say.

He looks at me quite funny not wanting to strike back. He smiles awkwardly. I stop pressing my right arm as I remove it from his neck. As I get back up, Mal pulls out his right hand. Looking for help to get back up, I grab hold of his arm and we both regain our balance with our feet. 

“Just like your father.”

I pause a minute as he mention another Dantailon reference. I ponder in what he means by that and then noticing he was referring to how I took him down. “So my father, did this to you?”

“We both practice a lot.” He replies.

“You haven’t mentioned a lot about my father these past few weeks.”

“Yeah. I have a good reason.” Mal suddenly leans his head down and after a few quick seconds he brings it back up. “You know kid, I never told you this, but I wish you were my son.”

I immediately pause after what he just said. I wanted to be his son. Eerily strange that while I was viewing Mal not just a friend or a mentor, but I been viewing him as that authoritative parent. If that was he was thinking about all this time, I’m shocked he never told me this earlier.

“You told me you wanted me to be your son.”

“I said I wish you were my son, yet undeniably I would always tell myself if I was your father, I would be there for you.”

“And you are.”

Mal looks a bit confused.

“You are here in the honor of Dantailon.” I say. “And don’t get me wrong, maybe in some part you are also doing this for yourself.”

Mal then out of nowhere becomes vexed and perturbed.

 “Are you okay?” I ask.

Not wanting to talk, he suddenly quits practice and storms away. I look back wondering what just happened. I sprint to chase him down. “Mal! Stop!” Mal not willingly to listen to me continues to walk away. Wanting to stop him, I sprint quickly in front of him to try to make him stop. “Mal what is going on? I need to know.”

Mal still not speaking continues to ignore me. Looking very discontent, I said something that made him pull back. Searching for that reason, I need to stop him. In desperate measures, I hold him to stop, but budging to get away I have no choice. I push him back.

“Mal, tell me!” Still he continues not to give me an answer. I push him back again; not hearing anything, I push him one more time. “I’m going to continue to push you until you tell me what I did.”

I try to push him again for a fourth time, he then grabs hold of both of my arms. Realizing enough is enough, he stares at me for over a minute. “It’s not what you did. It’s what you said.”

I then recollect what I told him. The last few words I mentioned was that not only he was here for me in the honor of my father, but some part he was doing it for himself. I struck a nerve probably when I said he was personally doing it for him; or is it.

“Mal you got to tell me what I said that made you so angry.” I state. He glances at me with that ice cold stare of his and then tries to turn around to walk away. Feeling he will never answer, he stops and turns back around.

“I had a child.” He says.  I’m stunned that he said that. I slowly lean my head down so I could cogitate. That is something I never knew about him; he had a child. Wanting to hear more, I look back at Mal. “What happened to your child?”

He seems disgusted at first, but answers. “I killed him.”