VERSE TEN

A thought does not make the person.

It is the dance, the action.

Remember this: the lesson.

---

There’s a knock on the door to Oberon’s room. Many times in the last twenty-four hours, people have come and gone, attempting to speak with Oberon. Today, the voice that comes through is one he has not heard once since everything went wrong the other night.

Obi…can we talk? Shayan’s voice comes muffled through the door.

Oberon doesn’t respond, he remains laying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. Regardless, the door opens, and Shayan walks in, stopping a few feet from the foot of the bed.

The group is trying to figure out what to do next. The Professor kept his word; no one’s come after us…but obviously none of us want to run away. We’d really appreciate your input…

Oberon still doesn’t respond. He has nothing to say. Even if he were to use the help Elio prepared for them, they’d be walking into death. There’s no point in leading more of his loved ones to their graves. They should just give it up and submit or leave. The dream he wanted to make a reality has already begun to crumble.

Shayan walks over to the side of the bed and lifts Oberon up to a sitting position.

Hello? Shay to Obi. I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but the team is trying to find out how to save YOUR brother and get Amara back. Don’t you wanna be there for that?

Oberon looks up at Shayan; he’s not sure what expression he has, but Shayan sees it, and his mood darkens.

Shayan grits his teeth in anger or annoyance, and punches Oberon cleanly across the jaw.

Get it together. This apprehension, this cowardice! Where is my friend?! Where is the man who walked into darkness yet led us to light?! Where’s Obi? Because I’m not seeing him, and I could really use my friend!

Oberon turns his head from the punch and looks up at Shayan. Shayan takes a step back and sighs.

When you’re done giving up…some of us still want to fight. You might feel like it’s the end of the world, but we still have a dream for a better tomorrow, and-

Shayan turns away.

Nevermind.

He starts back toward the door to exit, grabbing the doorknob and swinging it closed behind him, only stopping just before it closes.

You know. We were really lucky to have you back in that survey…

Shayan closes the door, and Oberon hears his footsteps recede until they’re gone.

There’s that word again. Luck.

Oberon rolls back onto his side and stares out the partially opened curtains to his balcony. Had he left Amara and Shayan, none of this would have ever happened. Mother and father would be alive, Elio would be home, Landa, Arbaless, Trax, and Hiro would all still be alive. Everything would have still been as it was.

But your best friends would either be dead or enslaved.

Amara already is enslaved, and when they go to try and do whatever it is they’re planning, Shayan will be dead.

Don’t you want to change that? You CAN change that, you know that.

I know that what is ahead of us is a slaughter. Without Elio, there’d be no chance. Even with Elio, he was apprehensive about fighting the Professor; he’d probably lose, and then he’d be gone too.

But at least you’d lose together. Isn’t that what matters most? Being together?

Oberon thinks back to the words of his parents, to the sentiments he shared with Elio before the survey, to how invincible he felt side-by-side with his brother. Then he recalls Amara and the many he’s lost up until this point.

I’ve never been lucky enough to have anything I’ve built last. My dreams are not meant to be everlasting.

There’s that word again. Since when did you rely on luck? You promised yourself change; you gained new strength so that luck wouldn’t alter the outcomes of your actions and desires. Have you lost that drive?

I’ve lost far more than that; I’ve lost my heart, I’ve lost my love. I hate-

The entity was right; Oberon hates himself. He hates the plans he’s made, the idealistic world he envisioned. Oberon never should have been a leader.

But you are, and there is a chance to end all of this. YOUR BROTHER, your family, the very last of it, trusted YOU to see this to the end. So finish this or die beside the ones you love. Is there no greater end to a performance than one of tragedy or triumph?

This isn’t theater. This is life.

Then make life a theater. You are one of the few with the power to do so. A Garden of Dreams or a Stage of Theatrics? You get to decide what those around you see.

All of these thoughts- this must be the other ascendant here, but I bet the voice is that of an entity like the one I absorbed; that’s probably why-

Oberon sits up sharply in his bed, a hand on his chin.

It’s not Amara…it’s an Outer. I can get her back.

This is a terrible thought chain. Oberon knows that going into this for love will get him and everyone else killed, but isn’t that precisely what they’re doing? The others are planning to go into this for the people or causes they love. Whatever the outcome, it will truly be an epic one. A performance worth remembering on the grand stage of resistance and rebellion.

Elio has always been a better tactician. Whatever he left behind just might give us a chance.

Oberon still feels a great sense of self-loathing, but in this bleakness, he’s realized something. If he can turn his life into the greatest show Chromerus has ever seen or heard of, perhaps he can become that character he’s played. If Oberon hates himself, then he will play a version of Oberon he can love. Someone who has yet to fail, someone who will give everything in the pursuit of a better tomorrow.

Perhaps the key to his future lay in his past. But for now, he needs the guilt and loathing; it will motivate him to see this through to the end. If not for himself, for those around him. When Chromerus, as it stands, is in flames, then and only then will the second act begin. However, a theatrical performance is far too simple to convey the many abstract emotions that have circulated through Oberon in his life. Yes, Oberon’s existence is far more akin to a musical concert of vast and varied songs. Each person is an instrument, adding to the cacophony of noise that is his life.

And so, Oberon exits his room, and the closer to the concert of Chromerus begins.

—

Walking through the ruined halls of his home, Oberon hears the distant conversations of his friends. Some part of him doesn’t know how to face them, while another part of him knows he has to, or he’ll never escape the pit of despair he’s slowly been sinking into.

Apologize and then go to your brother's room. Everything else can come after.

He stops just outside the dining room where the others are all in the middle of planning and discussing who will be on what team for the operation. From what Oberon can gather, they’re going to use the inevitable coup from the upcoming event as a smokescreen to breach the Watchtower and take control of the command center. After giving it to the new government forces, they’ll use it to locate the Professor, Elio, and the Proctors, which, it seems from how they’re talking, includes Amara.

Oberon can’t help but think, and it seems that Rey and Domina share the same thought. The Professor probably heard about the overthrow from Amara, and without a doubt told the leader of Chromerus. There’s no doubt that precautions are in place or that the new government forces don’t have long before a preemptive strike hits them on all fronts.

Oberon takes a deep breath, then enters the room. All heads turn to face him. Shayan smiles slightly upon seeing Oberon; that small boost of confidence and warmth might have been just the boost Oberon needed to put his best foot forward.

Oberon clears his throat, looks at the faces of everyone present, and addresses them with as much sincerity as he can.

They’ll be expecting us. They’ll have their strongest prepared to decimate us in an overwhelming display of force. Amara will probably be there, and she’ll probably be trying to kill us. But since when has being underestimated stopped Batch J before? The survey ended, but our bonds remain the same. If I am to venture into the unknown, I’m glad it will be beside you all.

He turns his head toward Rey, giving her an affirming nod.

You too, Rey. You’re a part of this team, not just an ally or an observer…I trust you.

Oberon slams both of his hands onto the table.

My brother left something that he believed would help us win within his room. He’s never been wrong in an analysis before, so if he believes we can do it, then I say we go in guns blazing-

He locks eyes with Nolan.

And burn it all down. The new government movement can pick up the pieces. Our only purpose now is to make a beautiful symphony of destruction to end things.

Oberon stands tall and looks everyone in the eyes.

I know things are tough, and I wasn’t here to process with everyone. I’m sorry. But I’m here now, and I want to fight with you all until the end. If we go down, we do it together. If you’re with me, I’ll be heading to my brother’s room to see what’s in there. I’ll start planning after I know all the resources available to us.

He takes a step back from the table.

That’s all I have. Thank you for listening.

Oberon turns around and walks toward the exit.

Shayan jogs up beside him, slinging an arm around Oberon’s neck.

We gotta get Amara back. That’s enough of a reason for me.

Rey, Nolan, and Domina walk up beside Oberon. Nolan locks eyes with Oberon.

I’ve lost my brothers and too many friends. If you’re going to go, I want to be there so I can go too…and maybe prevent one of you from dying in the process.

Domina adds on after Nolan finishes.

I can’t rest until I land at least one clean hit on The Professor. If I die doing it, then that’s enough for me…Also, I kind of want to see your brother again.

Oberon can’t help but feel a smile beginning to form on his face. Rey looks ahead, not turning to face Oberon, but there’s a look of resolve and trust on her face in those beside her. She finally turns to look at Oberon and the rest of the group.

Let’s go poke the bear.

Oberon nods, then makes his way toward Elio’s room, the rest of the group following in tow.

—

The doors to Elio’s room are partially ajar. Oberon steps through the threshold as the others filter in behind him. It’s neat; the bed looks made and untouched as if it hasn’t been used in days or even weeks.

Oberon walks over to the bed; he focuses his energy on his eyes, enhancing his vision to spot anything and everything that might be out of place. Oberon searches for any sign left behind by Elio. He sweeps past the desk and shelves; nothing. Glances toward the wardrobe and balcony; still nothing. He finally returns his gaze to the bed and notices a faint trace of Elio’s magic seeping through the wall just behind the headboard.

Oberon points to the wall, moves the bed with the help of Domina, and scans the wall once again. There’s a space there, not a large one, but enough to hide an object of moderate size.

Is this what you were doing in here all this time, brother? What were you planning?

Oberon places a hand on the wall; the entire surface turns to sand and falls away. The emanation of magic hits him hard, but the blast of energy in his stomach hits harder. Oberon is sent sliding onto his back across the floor. Shay, Domina, Nolan, and Rey get into battle stances, but find themselves too slow to hit the figure zipping through their formation.

Not as fast as Elio or even some of the Proctors, a figure that, by all intents, looks like Elio and feels like Elio, but that Oberon can tell is not Elio. A streak of lightning follows their movement as they come to a stop right above Oberon’s prone form.

Oberon’s team comes running up behind this Elio imposter.

Wait.

Oberon stays with his group with a raise of his hand, and rises to his feet. The Elio imposter stares at Oberon; his eyes crackle with electricity. Oberon feels the hairs on his arm stand on end from the static energy that passively surrounds the imposter. Oberon’s eyes widen, a smile crossing his face.

He did it…

Shayan looks between Oberon and the imposter in confusion, lowering his fists as the tension lifts.

Did what? What is this thing?

Oberon looks at his group with a bright smile.

It’s a construct. An almost exact copy of my brother. He’s been sparring with copies of himself for months, but all of them were horrible imitations…this one, though…

He circles the construct.

This one might be the best yet. It’s still little more than a lesser copy, but it should be comparable to the Outer from the survey, if not a tad stronger.

Rey pats the construct on the shoulder, but jolts and pulls her hand away as an audible zap is heard.

It’ll be nice to have the extra manpower, but is this…thing what your brother said would ensure our success? A bit overconfident, isn’t he? I mean, your brother is incredibly powerful for his age, but a weaker copy is our ace in the hole?

The copy speaks.

Firstly, I can assure you that while I am a technically weaker imitation of the creator. I can choose to briefly equal them. I am only limited by the fact that I cannot recover from injuries and that, due to my creation, I must use the same energy that sustains me to fuel my abilities. To match the creator would surely cost me my existence. But it can be done.

Oberon stops in front of the copy.

That’ll work perfectly. If you give it your all and buy us time to breach the towers, we can get my brother back AND support the new government movement in their fighting. But there is one pressing issue.

Shay says exactly what’s on Oberon’s mind.

The Professor. I hate to say it, but without the real Elio taking him on, it isn’t in our favor.

Domina adds on to Shayan’s comment.

The Proctors alone will be a problem. With just us, we can probably take on two of them…but I don’t think I can fight Amara…

The room goes quiet. Oberon clenches his jaw; no one should be put in that position. Fighting Amara should be left to-

Me. Shayan speaks up.

I’ll fight her.

Shayan looks at Oberon.

You don’t need that heartbreak. I won’t kill her, but with the boost to my reflexes from the pact tattoos, I should be able to buy enough time for you all to finish off the Proctors and maybe get Elio back.

Rey steps forward.

We’re missing something very important. The Professor definitely knows we’re coming, and he knows Elio wouldn’t fight his brother; how is he planning to keep him in check?

Oberon responds.

Elio could resist my illusions to a certain extent BEFORE he got stronger. I doubt there are many who can keep him under a spell of any kind.

Nolan finishes the thought chain.

Except for someone like The Professor. He has some of the potent magic we’ve seen in Chromerus, and we haven’t even seen him really try. If he had any abilities beyond his telekinesis and teleportation, they’re probably just as powerful.

Oberon looks at the copy.

So we have the copy attack the Watchtower directly. If it can decimate enough forces, someone strong will come, and if it can beat them…

Rey smiles.

The Professor can’t help but examine arcane abilities in depth. And we have one made by your brother of all people.

Like a bee to honey. Shayan gives Oberon a light jab.

Good thinking, Obi.

Oberon looks at the copy.

Disrupt and destroy around the Watchtower, but don’t burn yourself out. Expect at least one Proctor to face you. You need to beat them to get The Professor away. When you see him, give it your all. Hurt him, and if that costs you everything, then give everything.

The copy nods.

I was made to ensure the success of the creator and his brother. I will do my very best to see you victorious.

Domina looks the copy up and down.

Y’know. An agreeable Elio is nice too.

Oberon snaps his head toward Domina, an unknown rage surging forward. He speaks slowly, but with vitriol lacing his words.

This thing is not my brother. Don’t ever treat it as such.

Domina chuckles.

Sorry. I know you’re going through a lot. Just take it easy…I’m not saying he’s replacing him. It’s just nice seeing another side of the stoic powerhouse.

Oberon takes a deep breath.

Sorry. You’re right. It is interesting seeing my brother acting so…different.

The copy turns around and starts toward the balcony. Speaking as they walk.

I will depart now. What signal should I await before I act?

Oberon looks at his group; these will be the people that kickstart the end of an era, both for Chromerus and himself. There’s only one way to do it. Oberon responds to the copy.

We’re going to bring down the Black Keep. Cripple their military response time.

Shayan gives a big toothy smile.

Time to go grab Palo.

The copy lifts off the ground and flies out toward the city interior. Oberon and his team leave Elio’s room and make their way out of the estate. There’s nothing left for them here; forward is the only path for these determined few now.

—

Oberon and his team walk through the streets of Chromerus’ harbor district, on their way to Palo’s residence. The narrow streets grow slick with moss and seawater as they approach the home of their friend. Bright orange flames lick up the sides of Palo’s home, the wooden supports popping and breaking under the weight of an inferno that must have been raging for some time.

Palo…you think he was inside?

Rey scans the surroundings.

Where are the people?

Oberon and the others glance about. There are no other people; no one trying to put out the flames, no guards, not even curious observers. Rey shouts to the group.

DOWN!

Oberon doesn’t fight the compulsion of Rey’s words; his legs give out, and he falls to the ground along with everyone else. Three of the shanty homes near the group are cleaved in twain.

Luck truly isn’t on our side.

A massive masked form comes lumbering down the street, a gargantuan stone cleaver dripping magma. The body of this hulk is that of an inferno; the bits of clothing and body within appear to be humanoid, but their powers are without a doubt something infernal.

The horns of the head protrude through two holes in the mask. Oberon and the others rise, Rey drawing two wands from her belt, while Oberon summons Lily. Rey steps to the front of the team.

ONE, Where’s your handler? Didn’t know you were allowed off your leash.

The large figure smiles.

I always knew you were a looker, TWO.

Rey reels her head back in disgust.

Killing you is going to be a pleasure and a service.

TWO laughs, sprinting toward the group. Oberon snaps his fingers, manifesting the Garden of Dreams down the length of the street, as ONE storms ahead; the Garden burns at his feet, each meter covered, dissolving more and more of Oberon’s ability.

Damn!

Oberon leaps back, fully dissolving the Garden before the energy is wasted and sending a storm of violet butterflies soaring at immense speeds toward the proctor. The smaller size of the conjured entities means the damage is lessened, but the volume and speed are far greater.

ONE raises their cleaver; it burns away most of the incoming projectiles. The ones that do slip through, however, Oberon watches as burning blood seeps out and scorches the ground.

DAMN!

Oberon slides to a stop, glancing at Shayan.

Be careful not to draw blood.

ONE laughs as he reaches Rey on the frontline; she sends a shockwave of wind into his stomach, pushing him back a scant few meters.

ONE stands to his full height, locking eyes with Oberon.

You speak as if it’s your choice.

ONE slices across the back of his arm, blood bubbling forth. He swings his arm toward the group, sending a spray of scorching ichor soaring through the air. Domina traces a sigil in the air and erects a wall of force that mostly stops the incoming droplets.

ONE laughs again and shoulder-charges forward, breaking through the barrier. Shay swings from a nearby wall, using his momentum to rip a chunk of stone off and slamming it into the side of ONE; Oberon turns the stone into a mass of molasses that smothers ONE's face; and Nolan manifests small wisps of ghostly light that tether to ONE, draining energy from his form.

Rey darts forward, swapping her wands for two new ones. Both wands glow with frigid energy; a cone of cold erupts, surrounding the molasses that has encased the majority of ONE’s upper body. Domina slams her foot down onto a sigil she traced into the ground with her boot, and a cage of force encases the Proctor.

The group backs away. The frozen molasses begins to glow internally; a deep blood-red flame roars from within. An explosion of energy, crystallized sugar, and arcane shards sends the group scrambling for cover.

I was told good things about this little team! But, so far-

Oberon glances up as the massive figure looms over him, a horrid smile plastered on his face.

I’m thoroughly unimpressed.

He swings the cleaver down and carves through the illusion of Oberon, as the real Oberon rolls to the side and takes off in a sprint toward the waterfront.

TO ME!

The others run to regroup with Oberon, and as he turns, ONE is in hot pursuit.

Domina picks up the pace to run beside Oberon.

You, Shayan, and Rey need to get to the Black Keep. Leave this guy to Nolan and me.

Rey responds, running a bit behind the pair, but close enough to overhear the conversation.

He’s the strongest Proctor I’m aware of. We need to stick together.

Nolan runs up to the side of Oberon opposite Domina, as the group breaks out of the narrow streets and begins to run down the docks.

Palo is probably dead. If we waste time here with everyone fighting him, more of us might die or get injured…we can’t risk losing more assets before this even starts.

Shayan joins the conversation.

How are we gonna take down the Keep without Palo? He was our way in, and to an extent our way of destroying it.

Oberon takes a moment to think, then responds.

Rey…whatever signal you have for the new government forces. Send up, even if it’s early.

Rey mulls the idea over for a moment, then nods.

Consider it done. If we fail, it might be a losing battle anyways.

Domina and Nolan slide to a stop, Domina setting up an array of arcane sigils. Both she and Nolan glance back at Oberon, Rey, and Shayan; they look determined and confident. That might have to be enough for Oberon at this moment. If he hesitates here, he’ll be betraying them and everyone else who has or does rely on him. Oberon shouts to the pair before running off to circle back toward the towers.

Don’t die! We’ll see you at the finish!

Rey and Shayan follow close behind. Domina and Nolan are likely to die, and Oberon knows it, but deep down he holds out hope that they’ll make it. The part of him that holds all of these vulnerabilities and emotions weakens his resolve. When all of this is done, he might be glad to be rid of it.

A massive explosion erupts from where ONE, Nolan, and Domina are. Whatever the outcome of their fight, Oberon will learn in due time; for now, he has work to be done elsewhere.

—

Oberon, Rey, and Shayan arrive at the base of the Black Keep just as a series of arcane projectiles bombard the side. Immediately, shutters open across the surface of the Keep and hundreds of soldiers start to fly from the interior. In response, figures start to rise from across the city and engage the soldiers in airborne combat.

Shayan looks up, watching the battle, but keeping an eye on the tower as well.

Do you think Clonny will accept this plan B?

Oberon looks over at Shayan.

Clonny?

But before Shayan can respond, an immense light brightens the sky. Crackling electricity dissipates and scatters across dozens of soldiers flying from the tower. A handful of the open shutters erupt into flames from explosive chain reactions stemming from the blast.

Oberon spots a figure hovering above the Black Keep, three orbs of lightning the size of small houses hovering above their head.

Oberon sucks his teeth.

I told him to take it easy.

Rey chuckles.

What if that is him taking it easy?

Another orb launches from the cluster of three. A barrier of dark miasma surrounds the upper levels, and Oberon watches as the orb crashes against it. The damage that would have decimated the command center instead barely breaks through the defensive shielding.

A third orb falls from the sky. Three figures dart up from the Black Keep and hover between the orb and the tower. Suddenly the orb explodes in a flash of electrical energy. The figure, which must be “Clonny,” lowers to be level with the three figures, and for a moment nothing happens, then the three figures, presumably Proctors, dart toward Clonny and the final orb is loosed upon the tower.

Rey taps Oberon the shoulder.

That might be as good as we’re going to get it. There’s no guarantee he’ll beat all three of them together. We need to get inside and find our targets before anyone can return to reinforce the interior security.

Oberon nods, rushing toward the wall surrounding the towers. Shayan shouts as he runs alongside Oberon and Rey.

They’ll know we’re coming.

Oberon responds, raises a hand, and turns the wall into water.

Good. It won’t save them.

The trio breach the interior of the Towers, and swiftly dismantle the meager security force surrounding the nearest entrance. Oberon lingers on the bodies for a moment, his hands shaking; he takes a deep breath. Shayan stays by his side. An explosion rocks the upper levels. Oberon looks toward the sky; only two Proctors battle Clonny now. Shayan whistles.

I hope he can keep it up…

Rey calls over to the pair.

We need to go!

Without any further delay, the trio enters the Black Keep. The inside is chaotic; soldiers, panicked support staff, and tower officers scramble into side rooms, teleport into or out of random locations, and cycle injured troops with fresh ones. No one pays any mind to the three intruders rushing by, and if they did, the crowded hallways don’t allow them to give chase or make enough noise to alert others to the issue at hand.

The building rumbles. Rey leads Oberon and Shayan into a room where established teleportation circles are actively in use. One of the mages manning a circle stops Rey; Oberon prepares himself for a fight, but instead the mage nods his head to her, and she steps onto the circle.

Oberon doesn’t question it; he follows, as does Shayan. His vision goes white, and in an instant, he’s standing within the command center of the Black Keep. A security officer clocks them immediately and draws his weapon.

Rey draws a wand as the other guards and a portion of the tower staff turn to face the trio. The guards slowly approach; Oberon summons Lily; Shayan steps to the front of the group. Rey sends a bead of fire toward the back window that explodes, sending staff flying and obliterating the window.

The guards stumble for a moment, then charge. Rey shouts.

Jump to your deaths!

Oberon watches as the complete staff of the command center, some twenty people, all stand up, walk toward the hole in the room, and leap.

Shayan looks at Rey and chuckles.

Have I ever told you how much I appreciate you being on our side?

Rey stares at the opening that the staff just jumped from without responding. Oberon walks up beside her, looking from the opening to Rey. Then Oberon senses something, a feeling of dread and the urge to run. He stares at the opening as well, then a strong impact to his side sends him toppling over; Oberon whips his head in time to see Rey’s arm being sliced free from her body.

Rey stumbles into a workstation screaming, trying to stop the bleeding as blood pours out. Oberon watches as her complexion pales by the second.

How many more sacrifices will you make before you understand that you are fighting against progress?

The Professor stands where Oberon and Rey had been moments ago, holding in one hand Clonny and gesturing to the room with the other.

Amara stands just behind him, but Elio is nowhere to be seen.

Oberon glares at The Professor.

Where is my brother?

Clonny raises a hand, electricity surging violently across it. Without looking, a telekinetic force cuts Clonny into five pieces before the energy that formed his body dissipates.

Amara steps forward, interposing herself between The Professor and Oberon’s team. The Professor looks at Oberon, while Shayan circles to Rey to help stem the bleeding with bandages.

He went to find the leader of Chromerus. I believe he thinks that will make for a good bargaining chip to end the conflict, but I think he’ll be sorely disappointed in how that venture will pan out.

The Professor walks toward the opening in the command center, putting his back to the group. Oberon rushes to Rey, and similarly to how he attempted to mend Shayan’s wound, he grafts his skin onto Rey to stop the bleeding. Rey nods weakly.

Th-thank you…

The Professor continues, spinning around with outstretched arms.

I’ll tell you what. If you can land a truly damaging strike against me, I will release your brother and Amara from service, and-

Oberon dashes forward, his vision going black as he taps into the full extent of his Lucid form.

The Professor drops his arms.

So impatient. You see, that’s the problem with the youth-

Oberon barely raises his guard as Amara strikes him with an open palm. Oberon slides back but hears a clap coming from Amara.

Amara no.

Oberon feels that sensation of probability shifting within him. Shayan joins Oberon, raising his fists as his markings surge with energy. Shayan whispers to Oberon.

Rey will make a path for the two of you to fight him. I’ll take on Amara; you don’t need to shoulder that burden too.

The Professor calls across the room.

If you’re done planning. I have matters I must attend to; can we-

Oberon darts forward again, Shayan by his side. The Professor sighs, the breathing heavily modulated and artificial.

True insanity at its finest.

Move! Rey’s voice fills the room. Amara steps a foot off from her original position, and Shayan slams into her raised guard with an overhead right that sends her and him crashing through the floor.

The Professor turns, just as Oberon tackles him out of the window. As they begin to fall, Oberon hears Rey’s voice calling to him.

I’ll be down as fast as I can! Just hold on!

Oberon can’t guarantee he can do that; as a matter of fact, he’s not even sure if he can land a damaging blow currently. Though he may have tackled him, Oberon didn’t actually connect with The Professor; a barrier of invisible energy separates them from complete contact. Even now, Oberon is holding the barrier around The Professor in an attempt to keep him from escaping Oberon’s most effective combat range.

The Professor scoffs, his arms still relatively by his side.

Suicidal is quite a disappointing trait to discover you possess, Oberon. I had expected more from you.

Oberon tucks his knees to his chest, plants them onto The Professor, and looks him in the eyes.

You haven’t seen anything yet.

He kicks, sending The Professor launching down far faster than they were just falling.

Suddenly Oberon is hit from the side, as a soldier flying from the Black Keep emerges from an opening, sending Oberon spiraling.

Damn. Almost forgot about Amara’s ability.

Oberon reaches out toward the approaching ground, and transmutes the floor into a gel-like substance that he hits with some force before sinking into it, damage to his body minimal.

As he recovers from the brief disorientation, he turns the gel into water that spreads across the ground, releasing him. He searches for The Professor, and finds a crater where he must have impacted, but the Professor is-

Oberon pivots, sidestepping a gust of force that cuts a deep line across the ground. The Professor stands a few feet behind Oberon, hands clasped behind his back. Oberon hops back and summons Lily. The Professor takes one step forward.

This is all for nothing, Oberon. It will change nothing whether you win or you lose.

Oberon snaps his fingers, conjuring forth the Garden of Dreams. Then he responds.

It will. You’ll be dead.

Oberon digs in and sprints forward, conjuring a storm of butterflies that spiral toward The Professor, while he himself follows behind them with his blade ready. The Garden begins to manifest Oberon’s desires; illusory Oberons, dozens of them, surround The Professor, mimicking his offensive attack.

Oberon shifts the ground beneath The Professor’s feet to thick sludge that his feet sink into. He tries to pull himself free, to little success.

Oberon slides through the water from his fall, splashing it toward The Professor; he plants his lead foot and leaps, transmuting the water droplets into tiny glass shards.

The Professor stomps a foot and shouts.

Enough!

An omnidirectional torrent of slashes and pure deflective force carves through the illusions and all projectiles. The Garden is briefly dissolved as Oberon focuses his energy on blocking the attack, forming a net of miasma similar to Elio’s electric net from their sparring session.

Oberon doesn’t give The Professor time to do anything more; he sends the miasma out in an explosive smokescreen and continues his charge. Though Oberon cannot physically see him, his Lucid form guides him straight to his target. The Professor speaks calmly.

I said, "Enough".

Oberon is slammed into the ground, the force of the downward pressure vaporizing the miasma and bringing Oberon to his hands and knees.

The Professor steps forward, placing a hand on the back of Oberon’s head, gently patting him.

That’s enough, boy. I gave you a chance to prove something to me, and I was left wanting. Do not make this harder than it must be.

Oberon strains to move his head, but he manages to tilt it enough to glare up at The Professor. Through gritted teeth, Oberon speaks.

I’ll kill you.

The Professor steps away from Oberon.

No, you won’t.

Oberon spots a figure moving swiftly between objects, taking cover, and approaching as cautiously as they can at high speed. Rey stops only a few dozen yards from the pair, hiding behind a carriage. The Professor starts to pace as he speaks to Oberon.

You know. I have been searching for the most gifted physical, mental, and arcane specimen in our territories for years. If people can use magic at all, they only get one or two abilities that tie into the origin of their power, but the gifted have three or more…do you know how hard it is to find that?

Oberon continues to stare, unable to move as Rey moves closer, less than twenty yards away now. The Professor continues.

Thousands were surveyed. Only a few showcased the markers we needed, and you were one of them. Let’s be honest here: a child of Outer blood with not only abilities of illusions and conjuration, but masterful conjuring abilities from your lineage, a truly rare find…but…

The Professor looks at Oberon.

All those gifts weren’t enough. Now your brother is like you, but he made use of his potential. A true genius and a prodigy. It must be hard living in his shadow.

Oberon spits.

Not a day goes by where I’m not proud of my family. I feel no envy for him.

The Professor stops and turns to face Oberon. Oberon spots Rey, less than ten yards away.

How sweet. Regardless, in this world where having magic is common. Having people with more than two abilities within their toolkit is something many desire. The Ascendant are our commercial answer to that desire, and I… never mind.

The Professor kneels in front of Oberon.

I talked about wasting time, yet here I am trying to give you closure before death. Allow me to make this brief.

He stands back up. Rey is a handful of meters away, lurking in the shadow of a storage crate. The Professor lifts his chin, and while there are no eyes, Oberon can tell he’s looking down on him.

With your gifts, you and your brother could have helped us change the world. Instead, you’ll die a rebel like your parents.

Rey shouts.

KNE-

Oberon watches as Rey’s head falls free from her body, before both pieces of her hit the ground. The Professor doesn’t turn; he just continues to look at Oberon.

Such a waste.

The Professor is sent flying. With his heightened senses, Oberon is barely able to catch him, taking a kick to the chest and going airborne through the outer wall. The weight lifts, and Oberon instantly rises to his feet. He glances up to see Elio hovering just beside him.

Brother. Did you find the supreme leader?

Elio lowers to the ground, nodding his head.

Yes, but he wasn’t in the empty office that I went to.

Oberon reverts to the passive state of his Lucid form, turning to look in the direction The Professor was sent.

Then where is he?

The Professor comes stepping through the dust cloud, patting debris from his clothing. Elio points toward The Professor.

Right there.

The Professor applauds.

The two brothers, together against me. Now this might prove far more insightful into what you’re both truly capable of. But allow me to introduce myself formally.

The Professor removes the mask again, throwing it to the side.

Supreme Leader of Chromerus, Diavo Vexen. Ready when you are.

Every object not bolted down in the entire courtyard lifts from the ground, a whirlwind of smaller objects circling him, and, to add to it, a slight weight bears down upon Oberon. With so much telekinetic force being utilized, Oberon for a second wonders if they even have a chance. Then he looks at his brother and smiles. There isn’t a hint of doubt on Elio’s face.

I won’t slow you down, brother.

Elio grunts in approval, offering a hint of a smirk.

I know.

Diavo raises his hands, addressing the pair.

It begins.