Passing

Instead of heading straight into the valley with Father’s Forest, Bard guided Kai to up one of the slopes so they could get a better view. As he did, he saw flashes of light against the dark clouds above. His eyes narrowed as he caught the familiar sight of storm shades.

From the vantage point, they could see the black forest below, and the green verdant trees in the distance as they slowly succumbed. Father’s grove was empty, a disturbing sight. Sen pulled out her token, and he sighed in relief that it wasn’t fully shaded, but this did not bode well. There was no sign of the Elder Tree, storm shades were present, and the forest was no longer his friend. Not only would they have to hunt down Father, they would have to do it while avoiding enemies. Kai sniffed the air and let out a low growl. The shades below didn’t swarm them again, and Bard checked for any signs of the Harbinger. His eyes froze as he saw that golden glint again. This time it remained, two golden eyes staring at him, its form hidden in the shades that undulated like a stormy, black sea.

“Bard,” Sen said, and he looked back and saw that she was looking the same way. “It’s like the one in the old silver woods.”

“I know,” Bard hummed. He glances at Kai, who looked over, but was surprised to see Kai’s tail wag as if in greeting. Just what were they looking at? A shade? But Kai’s response didn’t add up. Bard pulled on the harness and Kai shifted, looking back. Their eyes met and Kai cocked his head in question.

“That so?” Bard asked and Kai’s tongue stuck out, a grin forming. Sen looked at them curiously as Bard pulled out his flute and then played Father’s melody. The golden eyes flashed, and then the shades near it dispersed. Without its cover, Bard took the moment to look at it. A white cloak shrouded a strange form, the hood keeping the face hidden, golden eyes glowing bright. A single bit of black exposed at the feet. The head shifted to the side and then the cloak spread wide, becoming like wings as it took off and flew into the sky. A giant bird. Bard’s eyes flew wide.

“Kai! Follow it!” he shouted, and Sen yelped as they jerked and slid down the mountain in hard pursuit.

“Bard!” her nervous cry reached his ear.

“I know that bird. It’s the one I told you about!” he shouted back as Kai plowed into the forest, uninhibited. Sen wrapped her arms around him as he leaned down on Kai, avoiding branches. The bird cried out, and the trees parted before them, despite the shading. Bard’s lips drew a faint line as he trusted his instructs, while his heart and mind screamed at him to retreat, Kai’s unwavering plow the only thing keeping him from telling them to go back.

They traversed the silent forest with surprising ease and headed towards the ravine where the falls were. As they cleared the trees, Bard’s eyes grew wide as he spotted the canopy of Father tree peeking above the ledge. The bird shade flew over and Kai kept pace, descending towards the lower levels.

Even from this place, Father still loomed, his bark slowly turning black, half his canopy loosing their leaves as the branches withered. Bard’s jaw locked as he looked up at him, Kai coming to a skidding stop nearby. He quickly dismounted, ignoring Sen’s cries of alarm and noting the strange bird shade landing nearby.

Even with him coming this close, Father didn’t speak. Bard closed his eyes and listened. The song was just a faint melody at this point, not even harmonizing with itself. He took a deep breath and put his flute to his lips and began to play. Father responded, very softly, and then his song stopped. Bard’s eyes flew open, and he noticed the shading taking over, causing him to pause in disbelief. A light flickered at the core of the tree and then vanished. The shading stopped once more and Bard was showered with a host of blackened leaves. He covered his face and shook them off.

“Father?” he said, somewhat softly. As he leaned his head against the trunk.

A hand brushed against his shoulder and he looked back to Sen, her eyes full of determination. She nodded once and Bard took a breath before standing back and playing once more. Instead of Father’s song, he played the melody he had come up with to harmonize with him, hoping he would respond. One. Two. Finally, Father’s song returned, though its volume was still faint.

“You truly play the sweetest songs, Bardon, my son.”

Bard’s eyes lit up and he paused.

“Father!”

An unshaded branch came down and ruffled his hair.

“I’m proud of you,” Father said. “Long have you walked a hard path, though you have not been hardened by it.” Bard smiled at this. “Though, I must apologize. It was I that pushed you down that path.” Bard shook his head, about to speak, but father continued, his branch retracting. “A parent’s duty is to protect their children, and yet I sent you into danger again and again. Please, forgive me.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Bard quickly said, his flute settling next to his side. “If anything, I should be thanking you. You took me in, taught me music, and because you sent me away…” his reached out to Sen, and she took his hand, snuggling next to him. “I found a home, and family. Besides, your song protected me more times than I can count.”

There was a bit of silence and Bard felt a bit of sadness settle on the conversation.

“I will not be able to protect you much longer. My time is short,” Father said, and Bard was about to speak when Sen tugged on his arm.

“Bardon, I have one last task to give you. Although, it will lead you into far more danger than what you have faced. Would you accept this last wish of mine?”

Bard’s mouth opened once, and then he forced a smile.

“Of course.”

“Thank you. There is someone you must meet.”

“Who?” Bard asked, surprised. Father chuckled, though is sounded sad and yet nostalgic.

“An old friend of mine… and an old enemy.” His words hung in the air. “It should be no surprise to you that there is someone who leads the shades.”

Bard nodded. After what they had seen, his eyes wandered to the bird like shade who remained nearby. “She is called the Empress of the Night, and it is her that now lays siege to this world, and she is winning.”

“The Empress of the Night?”

“Yes. I knew this was coming, and I sought to prepare you so that you would survive, but I underestimated her and fear that none will be able to survive. However, if anyone can turn this around, it would be you, my son.”

Bard’s eye grew wide and father’s branch returned and scooped him and Sen up, carrying them up to the edge of the ravine. Sen clutched at his arm as they saw the hoard of shades continues to take out the forest. A host of them looked their way and froze, staying just outside the ravine.

“No sword could stop this,” Father’s voice continued. “But Bardon, you can hear and express the soul of others. You might get through to her.” They were lowered back to stand in front of the tree.

“I know this is a heavy burden to place on you, but I believe you are the one I can trust with this task.”

Bard’s hands felt cold at this.

“I… I’ll do my best,” he said at last. Father’s voice hummed in pleasure.

“Good. I have said all that was needed. Sa’ar. Thank you for permitting me this time. I am ready now.”

Bard noticed the bird shade bow his head before he approached Father tree. The cloak slid back to reveal a black winged arm, long fingers touched the trunk and a thick darkness engulfed the rest of Father Tree. Bard’s heart ached as the song stopped.

“I leave the rest to you. I love you, my son,” his voice faded into nothing.

Bard stood there, shocked, then saddened. Before he could dwell on it, the bird shade turned and moved closer. It stood taller than Bard and his golden glowing eyes showed through his cowl. A long beak protruded. It walked past Bard and Sen, then looked back.

“Come. The Empress is waiting. I will ensure your safety until you stand before her.”

Bard and Sen exchanged a glance before Kai whined. Bard strode over and patted his side, drawing him away from looking at Father tree.

“Come on, Kai.” He said, casting one last glance at the shaded husk.