I dedicate this book to my family, friends, teachers, who were there for me every step of the

way. And to God, whos light shines down on me even in my darkest hour.

Prologue

A streak of white, gold, and rainbow flashes across the sky. To those below, it looks like a
shooting star during the day. The streak flies as fast as light towards the North Pole, towards the
Elemental Spire. It soars up the marble side and lands on a pathway leading towards a large,
vine-covered ornate door.
If you saw it now, you would see that it was not a star, but a freckled boy in a white robe.
A yellow sash is tied around his waist. Beneath his cloak is a golden chest plate with a large,
iridescent pearl set into it. But his most intriguing feature were the wings on his back. Composed
of pure light, they were elegant, all the colors of the rainbow shining through.
The boys wings vanished, and he walked towards the door, the height of the tower above
the clouds not fazing his breathing. The boy stopped in front of a tiny, yellow dragon sitting with
multicolored wings.
I beat you, the dragon said into the boys mind.
Sparks, Ive seen you fly. There is no way you could have beat me. the boy said.
I know. Thats why I zapped here. Do I get berries?
Sparks! We went over this! Teleporting is cheating! Every hint of gold and yellow the
boy was wearing began to turn red.
So no berries?
Come on, the boy said, returning to normal, Were late.

He walked through the door, followed by the little dragon. The boy entered a large,
circular council room made of marble. A large table sat in the middle, a pool of glowing blue
liquid within its center. Surrounding the table were six marbles thrones, each emblazoned with an
elemental symbol. Five were occupied by beings so powerful, a mortal would have fainted in
their presence.
A man with skin the color of mahogany stood up. Lux! His voice echoed throughout
the room. Youre late!
Sorry to have delayed you, Terra, the boy called Lux said, I had a few things I needed
to tie up before I left the Sunlands.
The woman in black sitting left of Terra rolled her eyes. And, by tie up, he means
finishing whatever game he and Sparks were playing.
Actually Tenebris, we had our fun on the way here. I had to scold a group of sprites,
because they found giving people elephant ears funny.
Tenebris rolled her eyes again. You always were a softie. You need to enforce the law.
Look where that got you. Lux thought the words, but didnt say them.
Lux seated himself in his chair across from Tenebris within the marble council room.
Sparks jumped onto the pillow next to it, curling into a ball and beginning to snore.
Terra sat down again. The woman in blue sitting next to Terra spoke. Now that we are all
here, we can begin. She clasped her hands together. Oh Pool of Sight, show us the state of the
realms. The celestial pool began to glow. From the water formed three bubbles that floated
above the pool; one yellow, one blue, one red. The red one was larger than the others, and
appeared to be snaking towards the blue orb.

It is as we feared. Terra spoke, a hint of worry in his voice. Erodis, the God of Chaos, is
attempting to break his prisons walls again.
A woman with multicolored, feathered wings sitting next to Lux leaned forward. How
do we stop him this time?
The thing is, Ventus, we cant. A man with flaming red hair, who sat next to Lux, spoke up.
I feel his presence from behind his prisons veil. Im sure you all felt it too. His anger, his power
crashes through his walls, into this world, creating rips in space and time, and they are larger
than the last time. We are not strong enough.
Lux stood up, and all eyes turned toward him. True Ignis, we are not strong enough to face
him this time. But there might be someone who can. Lux cleared his throat. I vote for the
choosing of a new Champion.
A few gasps, barely audible, came from around the table. Ventus jumped up, excited. Yes! If
we find a suitable Champion, and if they are deemed worthy by the Creator, they can receive his
blessing, and the power to dispel chaos!
Terra stood up next. Lux, you do realize that the trials the warriors must endure are harder
than anything in this realm. They could die, or worse.
What choice do we have? Lux replied. There was silence for a moment.
Well, I for one back Luxs opinion. Ventus agreed. My choice would have to be between
two of my finest warriors!
Ignis rose from his seat. I also approve! I can have a small contest within my own land to
choose my warriors. The perfect test before the big one!
Well, said the woman in blue as she stood up. I dont like putting innocent people in harm's
way, but I see no other option. I agree with Lux.

Aqua, you always were mushy. replied Tenebris. I cant believe Im saying this, but I agree
with Lux. She stood up, slowly, smiling grimly. I know just the guy to represent me.
Terra stood up and rose with the others. It is unanimous. The great tournament will
commence when the moon covers the sun, as is customary. We are lucky that the eclipse is only
three months away. Anything else before we conclude? Silence.
Then we are done. Meeting adjourned.

Chapter 1

Xavier! the captain yelled. Yes sir! Xavier stood firm, his hand saluting his mentor.
He was a boy of fifteen years old. He had black hair and blue eyes, and his cheeks were covered
with freckles. He had been training under the captain of the royal guard, Garrow, for some time
now, and he was quite the mentor. Listen you maggot! Just because its your special day
tomorrow, doesnt mean you can slack off on your training! Your stance is wrong!
Yes sir, but
Just look at how youre holding your blade!
Sir, if you would just
And dont even get me started on your footwork!
But
DONT INTERRUPT ME! Garrow bellowed. Garrow was a man of strong build, and a
long brown beard flowed from his chin. He was so angry, Xavier thought smoke was going to
come pouring out of his ears. Now if you dont show some effort in the next twelve minutes,
youre going to have your butt kicked straight out of the training grounds and straight into the

Forest of Desolation! Now do it again! CORRECTLY! Xavier sighed. Yes sir. He mumbled,
and set to work perfecting his stance.
When he first came here to train as a knight, he was the only one who could actually
withstand the yelling frenzies. Everyone else chickened out and decided to become a farmer, or a
merchant. Right now he was training with over fifty knights a level above him.
His sparring partner was his best friend, Christopher, who was also one year older than
him, and the only reason Xavier was able to cope with Garrows tantrums. Christopher had
blonde hair and green eyes, and had a sentimental personality. He was also a few inches taller
than him.
Am I good? Xavier asked Christopher, who inspected his pose. Its good... just raise your
sword a little He did so, and Christopher smiled. Perfection! Shall we begin? He raised his
own blade. Sure. Just He trailed off. Christopher raised an eyebrow. What? ...could you
go easy on me? Xavier asked sheepishly. Christopher stared at him for a moment, then released
a hearty laugh. Xavier frowned. What? he asked. Just saying that is going to make me go
harder! Worth a shot Xavier thought. Fine. He sighed. They both positioned themselves and
began.
Xavier walked out of the training grounds, aching all over. Training had ended at five p.m.,
and, thankfully, Garrow hadnt kicked him out into the Forest like he had said. Christopher had
offered for him dinner at his mansion, but he had promised his grandmother that hed help out in
the fields. He turned and saw the massive castle of Regnum. Its enormous gates faced the grand
road he walked on, which was littered with houses and merchants selling everything from shields
to scepters, and herbs to magic potions.

Before Xavier could head in the opposite way, towards the countryside, he felt a tap from
behind, but all he saw was the crowd of bustling people. Another tap, this time a bit harder. He
turned around. Still nothing. Then he sighed and laughed to himself. Of course And how are
you today Emmelyn? he asked the person behind him. A light giggle came from behind him.
Just peachy! A girl with brown hair and eyes dashed in front of him, wearing a light blue dress
and a brown corset tied around her waist. Emmelyn was around his age, only she turned
seventeen in four months, not a day. Xavier frowned. Em, whats your dad going to say when
you snuck out of the castle again? As princess you have expectations to uphold.
Emmelyn rolled her eyes. Well what do you expect me to do? Sit around while my dad orders
servants around and yells at people? Its boring, and I have something to show! Come on!
What! Before he could say anything else, Emmelyn took his hand, pulling him across the
road and towards the castle. As she pulled him closer to the front gate, she took an abrupt turn
left and yanked his arm toward that direction. Ow! Be careful! Xavier growled. Sorry! Its
justwell, youll see! They followed the circular, vine-covered wall around the castle. Then
Emmelyn stops, flinging Xavier to one side. Hey, what! He sees Emmelyn looking up at the
wall and stops talking. He walks forward a little, then backs away. Oh, no. Xavier exclaimed.
We are not going to climb those vines, are we? She smiles at him. Of course not! Were going
through it. she states. Xavier looked at her, dumbfounded. How are we going to go through the
wall? Its solid stone! She moved away from the wall, then ran toward it. When she touches the
wall, it glows violet, and Emmelyn went right through it. Xavier gasped and ran toward the wall,
touching it here and there.
Emmelyn! Whered you go?
Dont worry! Emmelyns voice rang from behind the wall. Just back up and run!

Xavier took a deep breath and let it go. He backed up and ran towards the wall. It began
to glow, and as Xavier hit the wall, a swirl of indigo light surrounded him, for he did not smash
into the wall as he thought he would.
Moments later, he appeared within the royal garden. Beautiful topiaries surrounded the elegant
courtyard, white and red roses sprouted from the emerald trees. Emmelyn stood in front of him,
smiling.
Congratulations! she giggled. You are the first person I have shown this to! She indicated
the wall behind her. How Xavier trailed off, still amazed at what had just conspired. It may
have been the first time he had experienced magic.
How did I find this? Well, when I was younger, I tripped on a giant root and literally fell
through the wall. I covered it with vines so that no one would find it. she answered. Xavier
looked at her, dumbfounded. Is this what you wanted to show me? he asked. No. But if you
want to see it, youll have to close your eyes. Fine. But dont pull anything. Xavier growled.
He closed his eyes and heard something shuffling behind a tree. Okay. Open up! Xavier
opened his eyes, and say that she was now holding a large box wrapped in brown paper. He
looked at the box and took it in his hands. For me? Emmelyn nodded, and spoke. Since your
birthday is tomorrow, and Ill be leaving the kingdom to the next one over while my father does
his thing the same day, I thought Id give it to you early. She paused. A moment of silence
passed. Well dont just stand there. Open it! Xavier sat on the nearest bench and began to
unwrap the paper surrounding the box, then opened the box itself.
Sitting within the square box was an ornate, circular shield. The entire shield looked as if it
was forged from a large pearl, and a gold rim with gemstones placed in perfectly sized sockets

surrounded the shield. An intricate pattern was etched into its surface, and it spiraled inward
toward the center.
Xavier gazed awestruck at the shield. The fact that he had been given such a beautiful piece of
equipment was unbelievable. The shield is spirit-made. Emmelyn told him. The gemstones
are said to contain the essence of the Embassies. Xavier looked at the shield some more, then
handed it back to Emmelyn.
Im sorry, but...I cant accept this. He told her. She looked at him, then put it on his lap.
No, you are going to keep it. I pulled a lot of strings to get this for you. Do you know how many
times I had to bat my eyelashes at dad before he let me have it? Besides, itll do much more good
with you than in the royal treasury. Xavier glanced back at the shield and then back at her.
Very well. I accept your gift.
He looked up at the sky and gasped. Darn it! Im late! He jumped up and strapped the
shield to his back. Thank you very much for this Emmelyn. I have to go! She sighed and
walked over to him.
Fine. But before you go I have one more thing for you. What is it? he asked. She
leaned over kissed him on the cheek. She pulled away and he blushed. Bye. And before he
could say anything, she ran off into the palace.

Xavier came back out of the wall and ran around it, still thinking about what just happened.
She kissed me! But why? Was she had feelings for me all this time? Did just not know?
Or...notice? Maybe she just kissed me because shell be gone for a while and was going to miss
me. Or maybe an Imp was being mischievous and toyed with her emotions. Or maybe-

He turned onto the road, moving as fast as he could, dodging this way and that. I guess she is
kind of cute, and she is nice, and sweet and loving. Wait, have I always had feelings for her? Did
I just not notice my emotions? Or maybe this is just that Imp again. That wicked, vile littleHe bumped right into someone and fell backwards. OH, MY BACK! an elderly voice said.
Oh, Im so sorry! I just wasnt looking where I was going. He went over to help the man up.
When he walked up to the him, he recognized it was Lychnus, an elderly man from his
small village. Lychnus had come into the village about three months ago, accompanied by a little
dragon he called Shimmer. He had no hair except for a long white beard that dragged across the
floor. He wore ancient robes, and carried a staff with a sapphire set into it.
Kids, these days! he declared as Xavier helped him up. Have no idea where theyre a
goin! Always bumping into things. He pointed his staff at Xavier. Do you know what I did
when I was a young whippersnapper!
Xavier sighed. No sir. I dont know. What did you do? he asked. Lychnus glared at him.
Was that a note of sarcasm I heard? Do you know what I do to people who are sarcastic? He
bonked Xavier on the head with his staff. Ow! Thats what! Lychnus laughed. Xavier rubbed
his head. So wheres Shimmer? I she back at home? he asked. Yup! Little girl was so sleepy, I
let her sleep! Now lets see I knew I had some reason for coming into town. Now what was
it He was quiet for moment, then he walked off, mumbling to himself.
Xavier rolled his eyes and smiled. Lychnus may be a little eccentric, but he was kind
hearted, and had shown him many things since he arrived at his tiny village. He had taught him
how to read map coordinates and find out where he was, how to sense nearby spirits, and helped
him with his sword fighting. Though Lychnus required a cane to walk, that didnt stop him from
sparring with Xavier.

As Xavier walked past the bakery, he couldnt help but stop and smell the delicious
aroma of freshly baked bread, hot and steaming as it came out of the oven. He walked in, and a
little bell rang above the door, signaling his arrival.
Mrs. Bellona looked up from behind the counter and smiled. Oh, Xavier! What a
pleasure! Bellona was a plump woman of eighty years, and she always had her gray hair tied in
a bun. Good afternoon, Mrs. Bellona! Xavier said, waving. What brings you in here today?
he asked. I was thinking of getting some bread for my grandmother. Xavier asked, looking at
the assortment of baskets on the shelf, all of them containing bread, muffins, and rolls. He got
two loaves of bread and took them to the counter. He fetched six silver coins out of his pocket,
and placed them on the table. Bellona shook her head and pushed them back to him. Please
dont child. Tomorrow's your birthday. These two are on the house. Xavier apprehensively took
them back. Are you sure? he asked her. She smiled at him again. Of course. Consider it my
present to you.
Xavier sighed. If youre okay with it, then I accept your gift. Mrs. Bellona gave him a
bag to place the bread in. Have a nice rest of the day dearest., she said, waving her hand in his
direction as he walked out the door. He waved in return, and set off toward the end of town
again.
As he walked past the rows of houses, he spotted two children, clearly brother and sister,
huddled close together. They had no shoes, and were dressed in rags. A small bowl was in front
of them, and they watched as a bunch of bustling towns folk walked past them, not even giving
them a single scrap of food.
Xavier walked over to them, and put one of his loaves in their bowl. The boy
immediately snatched it up, and looked at Xavier, tearing up a bit. Xavier smiled. Make sure

you share that with your sister, okay? The boy nodded, tearing off a piece of bread and giving it
to the girl. She immediately grabbed and began to eat.
Xavier smiled again and continued on his way. He made it to the front gate, but before he
went out and into the expansive fields littered with houses, he walked over to the stables and
found his horse, Lightray.
Hey, bud. How are you doing? Xavier asked Lightray. Lightray whinnied in response,
happy to see him.
Lightray was white male Andalusian horse. Xavier had gotten him summer of last year
after saving up his gold coins for nearly two years. Whenever he rode into town for training, he
would leave Lightray at the public stables under lock and key. No one had ever been able to steal
Lightray because the guards stationed at the stables had never allowed it.
Xavier unlocked the door to Lightrays stall and guided his horse out of the stable. Once
outside, he jumped on Lightray and rode towards the gate once more. The large wooden doors
were wide open, and the stone wall towered high above the houses and vendors in the city.
As soon as the gate was behind them, Lightray charged into a full gallop, whizzing past
wildflowers of every color. As Lightray rode on, Xavier saw farmers tending to their crops. They
grew everything from corn to apples. He rode past houses and barns.
After a few miles of the same old scenery, he came across a familiar sight; his house. He
brought Lightray to a stop and jumped off. He took Lightray into his personal stable and then
walked into his house.
His was a small house. The kitchen, eating, and living room were all in the same room on
the first floor, while the upstairs had two bedrooms; his grandmothers and his own.

Xavier saw his grandmother at the oven, pulling out what looked to be a cake pan. He
smiled. Im back! He said as he closed the door. His grandmother looked up from what she
was doing, and when she saw Xavier, she put the pan down and walked over to Xavier. Oh my
sweet boy. She hugged him, and he returned the same display of affection. She let go and he sat
down in a nearby chair. So how was your training today? Was Garrow his usual self? she
asked, then chuckled after. Yup, he sighed, he sure does love to scare the birds off. He
looked over at what his grandmother was doing. The cake was now out of the pan, and she had
begun to frost it with thick, yellow frosting. Yellow was Xaviers favorite color. She turned
around, carrying the cake with two hands. It now had single candle placed on it.
Happy Birthday, child. she said, placing the cake on the table. But grandma, my
birthday isnt until tomorrow, and I still have work to do in the fields. he said. Oh, fiddlefuddle. Today and tomorrow you wont help with one thing in the fields, and as for the cake,
well, what the heck. Well have it early and no one will know. She smiled. Now go on, blow
out the candle! Im getting older over here myself!
He filled his lungs with air and blew out the tiny flame. His grandmother came over and
cut a slice of cake. She put it on a plate and handed it to him. Xavier got a fork and began to eat
the slice hed been given. As he ate, his grandmother took the shield off his back and looked at it
in awe.
Where'd you get this beauty? she asked him. Emmelyn gave it to me for my birthday.
He swallowed more cake. His grandmother shook her head. That little princess is going to get
herself in trouble someday. But I dont like that her father refuses to let her outside the castle.
Sometimes I wish he would forget about what happened eleven years ago.

Xavier put down his fork. Eleven years ago the villagers had found him and Emmelyn
unconscious in the nearby forest. He hadnt remembered why they were there, but ever since that
day, the king had forbidden Emmelyn from leaving the castle.
All right, youve had enough cake for one night. Upstairs and straight to bed with you.
Youve had a long day. his grandmother ordered. Then Xavier remembered. Oh! By the way!
He fished the loaf of bread out of his bag. I got some bread at the market. I got it for free. His
grandmother took the loaf from him. Oh Xavier, youre too kind for your own good. She
placed the loaf on the counter. Now go! Off to bed! Now!
He walked upstairs and into his room. He plopped on the bed and fell asleep instantly.
Chapter 2

Xavier awoke to the smell of smoke. His grandmother had just run into his room.
Xavier, wake up! She said, a look of fear on her face. Whats going on? He mumbled, still
tired. The Nocritus are attacking! She yelled over the screams coming from outside. Xaviers
eyes widened and he was shocked awake.
Nocritus were rogue spirits, known for attacking unsuspecting people on the road. But an
organized attack like this was uncommon. For this to happen, someone had to be controlling
them.
Hurry and get ready. Were leaving as soon as we can. A great boom came from
outside. Quickly! And bring your sword. She left the room.
Xavier quickly put on a chest plate and strapped his sword to his belt. He put his shield
on his back, got his bag, and ran out of the house. His grandmother had already gotten to the
cellar and was beckoning him over. Before Xavier could even start toward her, an enormous

dragon landed in front of him. The dragons scales were lined with red, and it was pitch black.
Chaos he thought. The dragons power was boosted with chaos. He had studied the ancient
lore, and whenever a spirit was controlled by chaos, something about it was accented with red.
The dragon began to gather energy in its mouth. Xavier couldnt move. But as the
dragon released its crimson flames, a boy in a white cloak jumped in front. He muttered
something, and a shield of light appeared in front of him. The flames were absorbed into the
light, and it turned red. Then the boy released the stored energy, blasting the dragon. It fell into a
heap, and then the elemental symbol of chaos appeared over it; a red circle with eight arrows
coming out of it. Then the dragon was absorbed into the symbol, and it vanished.
And with that, Xavier fell into darkness.

Chapter 3
Hello? Anybody home? The voice stirred Xavier awake. Grandma, let me sleep in he
mumbled. My, you really have lost it, havent you? said the voice again. Xavier opened his
eyes. The sun was streaming through the wait, trees? Xavier lifted himself up. He was in some
kind of forest, which one, he didnt know. Finally! Youre up! Feels as if its been forever!
Xavier whirled around, but he didnt see anyone. Up here! The voice giggled as Xavier looked
up.
Sitting in the tree was a boy of about twelve. He had brown hair and eyes, and his face
was covered in freckles like Xavier. He wore a white robe, underneath was a golden chest plate
with a large pearl set into it. A yellow sash was tied around his waist, and from the cloak
sprouted two strands of silk, both flowing around him mystically. A tiny dragon sat next to him.

Excuse me, but who are you? asked Xavier. The boy laughed, nearly falling off the
tree. You are golden my friend. Golden! When the boy finished laughing, he spoke again. You
seriously dont recognize me? I mean, weve only met in person once and I sealed those
memories, but you dont recognize me from, say, folklore, legend, art pieces?
Let me stop you right there. Xavier said, dazed and confused. Weve met and when
we did you who are you?
The boy sighed, then jumped off the tree and began to float in place, light swirling about
him. Xavier looked at him, his mouth open in shock. I am the sun that never sets, the moon that
always shines, and the star that never sleeps. I am the creator of heart and the embodiment of
light. I am Lux, the second Embassy.
The boy who called himself Lux floated down and touched the ground. There was silence
for a moment.
You youre Lux?! But but pictures have also shown you, I mean, Lux, as an old
man. The angelic ancient. The hermit of hope. Thats YOU? No, you must be He stopped, the
pieces starting to fit together.
No. No you werent he trailed off. The boy smiled. OH, MY BACK! he said as he
imitated an old man. Lux, for Xavier was now certain that it was indeed Lux, laughed again.
Yes, I was Lychnus. And Sparks over here was Shimmer. The little dragon jumped off the tree
and landed on Xaviers head. Hello. A little voice said in his head. Xavier knew instantly that it
was the dragon. He looked at Lux. So one of the most powerful spirits in the world has a pet
dragon... named Sparks? Whats wrong with my name? Sparks asked. Nothing, Sparks. He just
wishes it was his name. Lux reassured the little dragon. Sparks looked down at Xavier. We can
share it if you like. I dont mind. I can be Spa and you can be Rks. The dragon lifted his head.

Together, wed be Spa and Rks, heroes of light... and eaters of berries. Xavier laughed and pulled
the little dragon from his head. Sorry. Im going to stick with Xavier. he told Sparks. Sparks
blinked at him, then looked at Lux. I want his name. Can I have it? Maybe we can share it?
Xavier suggested. Sparks looked back at him. No. I want all of it. And berries. He purred.
Yummy berries.
Ill get you some berries later, okay? said Lux. He turned to Xavier. As for my
appearance, if people depicted me as a young boy, no one would take me seriously. So the artists
showed me as an old man. I prefer this form, simply because it reflects the nature of light. As for
Sparks name, well, its adorable! Lux giggled. You can make so many nicknames from just
one name; Like Sparky, Sparkster, Spark-man, Sir Sparkles...well, you get the idea.
So, why are we here? Did you just whisk me off her to He stopped, the nights events
starting to sink in. No. No, no, no, no! This cant be happening! He grabbed Lux by the
shoulders and shook him. My grandmother! What happened to her! Is she alive, is she dead?
Give me answers! Lux snapped his fingers, and vanished. Xavier looked around, searching for
him. Dont worry, she isnt dead. He spun around, facing Lux. If she had died, he continued,
Id know. I would feel her life force leave her body. I kept a close eye on her and you. When the
Ragnar was killed, the Nocritus fled, their commander no more.
Whats a Ragnar? Xavier asked. A spawn of chaos. Lux spat on the ground in front
of them. They have no conscience, and are devoid of life. Theyre only goal is to destroy.
Ragnar have not walked this world for millennia, and the fact that one has come to this realm
bodes ill.
There was another moment of silence. Then Lux spoke again. Now enough chit-chat.
This world is on the brink of desolation. We havent the time to quarrel.

Xavier blinked. What do you mean brink of desolation? he asked. Have you ever
heard of Erodis? Xavier blinked. Whos that? he asked. The God of Chaos. Lux said,
casually. And hes attempting another escape from his prison.
Well, cant you stop him? Xavier said, utterly confused. Who was Erodis? What was
going on? And why did an embassy decide to watch over him?
Ive been watching you for some time now, Lux said, and I believe that you are the
key to Erodiss defeat.
Xavier looked at Lux, dumbfounded. Me? Why me? Your heart. Lux lightly tapped
Xaviers chest, and a small orb flew out of it. It was pure gold, with only the fewest streaks of
red. It is not like other humans. And I should know. I created heart. Wait. Thats my heart?
Xavier asked. Lux ignored him and continued. Look at how it glows with kindness and warmth.
Hardly a touch of corruption. Lux took one of the strands of red and pulled it out. Another
reappeared, but for a moment, Xavier felt truly alive, unburdened.
Whats this? Lux said, astonished. He looked closer at the orb, and smiled. What?
What is it? Xavier asked, frightened. Lux looked up, and his smile grew wider. He tossed the
orb back at Xavier, and it disappeared, back into his chest.
We have no time to lose. Lux said. The tournament is only a week away, and youll
need my help if youll have any chance at winning. Now wheres my wand? Lux began looking
in his pockets and on the ground. What tournament? Could you please just stop and answer my
questions! Lux stood up and face palmed himself. Doh, how silly of me, I remember where I
left it. Lux held out his hand, and in a flash of light, an ornate, white wand with gold engravings
appeared. Now, Lux said, brandishing his wand like a conductor. We ought to get moving!

Lux waved his wand, and as he did, Xavier could hear music in the air. Light swirled and
swirled around Lux. Then he jumped up, and shot a bolt of light at the ground. Instantly, a large
portal opened up beneath Xaviers feet, and he fell into its golden glow.

Chapter ???
Lux sighed. I suppose I must start from the beginning. He waved his wand, and then
everything was thrown into darkness.
In the beginning, there was nothing except darkness., Lux began, Tenebris has always
reminisced the times when it was just her and the comfort of shadows. Then two great beings
came into existence. Xavier watched as two glowing orbs appeared, one yellow, one red. The
first was the god of balance, whose name cannot be spoken in any language other than that of the
angels song, known as the Creator by all. The other was the god of chaos, destroyer of worlds,
and the great corrupter, Erodis. Xavier watched as the two orbs began to grow until they were
bigger than Regnum castle. He could make out forms within the orbs, but it was hard to see
exactly what the great gods looked like.
The Creator and Erodis had differing views on how the world should be made. The
Creator wished to make a world of balance, where everything sang in harmony, living creatures
working together hand in hand, making a world of peace and love. Erodis wanted a world where
he reigned supreme. A world where he would be worshipped and feared, where everything ran
rampant in a world of pure chaos. As Lux talked, he saw the visions of the worlds each god
wanted. The Creators was that of an eternal paradise. But when he saw Erodiss world, he heard
screams and saw the entire world burning.

So they fought. And the first time the two gods clashed, light was born. Xavier saw the
orbs clash, and the universe exploded into millions of stars. Now, an element cannot exist
without something to anchor it to the world, so when light was made, the embodiment of light
also came into being. That is to say, me. Many of the stars began to converge, forming a boy of
about Xaviers age with snow-colored hair and electric blue eyes, wearing white robes. He
realized that this must have been Luxs first form.
The two gods clashed again, and this time, fire was born. The stars, once mystical orbs
of just glowing light and arcane energy, exploded into flaming balls of fire. The flames
converged forming a human literally made out of flames. It was the first form of the third
Embassy, Ignis. Young Lux jumped off the star he was sitting on, startled by the change it had
gone through. When they slammed into each other once more, earth took shape. The two
giants collided, and then crusted earth began to form around some of the stars. After that, they
smashed two times more, and water and air were created. Another boom, and water began to
coat parts of planets. Then another, and wind blew over a few of the rocky spheres, storms
forming and some planets being completely enveloped by the gases. Xavier saw two figures
flying around, one with wings of water, the other riding a storm of lightning and thunder. They
clashed yet again, and the entire universe was set into place. As the clashed, planets and stars
went spinning around. He saw some planets begin to orbit a larger star, while others went all
over and found other stars to follow.
The two gods stopped, looking at what they had created. Erodis saw too much of what
the Creator had wanted. But before he could attack, we, the newly born Embassies, rushed to the
Creators side, for we did not want to live in Erodiss vision of a world.

The crimson fireball rushed toward the Creator, but before contact, the Embassies flew in
front and created a shield decorated with the elemental symbols. The patterning looked a lot like
Xaviers new shield.
And so, Erodis was thrust into his prison, a dimension created especially to contain his
wrath and malevolence.
A great rip opened beneath the fiery orb and began to suck in the demon. The flames
began to dissipate, and Xavier saw the demons true form. He was huge, with one, blood red eye
set into his skull, his teeth that of an angler fish, and massive horns protruding from his forehead.
Two dragon heads protruded from his shoulder blades, and they roared in frustration as Erodis
was pushed into the chaos realm. The rip vanished, and there was no movement for a while.
After that, we chose Earth to create life, and for a time, there was peace. Xavier was
thrust into darkness again, and he opened his eyes to the light of day.