The Ashborn started making their way to the harbour. The estimated time there on foot was over half an hour. It wasn't long for a grown person. But for the kids? It's like a marathon. Especially for an eight-year-old.
Ocean was still uncertain. He felt like something was off. "I don't think we should," he said, but the other didn't listen. They continued their journey.
At the same time, Maya and Hexa were taking the exactly same path, bit started walking much before them, pacing towards the same harbour the kids were heading towards. Maya still had hope to avoid the transfer and save the island.
When the Ashborn was at the midpoint of the way there, Aurora was already starting to get tired of walking, so they had to take a quick rest on. They settled down on the soft grass.
Maya and Hexa on the other hand, were already at the harbour. Maya was the proud owner of a small rowing boat and kept it near the harbour, since it was the easiest place to set sail.
They both went on the boat and set sail towards Ashfall. The island was close to Etherium, so it didn't take long to arrive at the gray beach that had ash for sand.
From the corner of her eye, Hexa saw a small, black figure. Whatever it was, it was running in the opposite way. She walked towards it curiously, making Maya follow her to the direction the figure was heading.
Soon, they saw a taller figure right infront of them. It was wearing a big hood, letting the shadow cover it's face, making it impossible to see if the figure was a human or not.
"The Embercaller," Maya said to Hexa, trying to speak quietly enough for the figure not to hear. But then, the certain tall creature spoke up.
"Welcome. It's been lonely here," it said in her low voice, it's tone of speech sounding oddly friendly.
A sudden snap could be heard, then a huge web crashed on them. Two of the smaller jet black creatures held it in place, making it hard to get it off. While Maya and Hexa struggled, the tall, slender leader of the creatures spoke.
"I've ben waiting for you, Hexa. My child. You're the chosen one to become one of us," it said, its hardly visible lips twisted into what was half a smirk.
In the meantime, the Ashborn had reached the dock. Hazel set the boat in the water and the others climbed in, setting sail towards the volcanic island.
The wind at the sea felt cold in contrast to the usual warmth of the first island. Birds flew over the boat and seagulls let out low, piercing keows.
When they finally arrived, the first thing Remy noticed was a giant volcano rising up from the ground quicker than ever. The lava leaked from the edges, but didn't reach where they were. The group set their feet on the gray sand and walked towards the possible enemy, each still hoping for revenge.
When Remy climbed up a few steps, they saw something he never expected to see here. Their sister. Aatos went with Remy, also seeing his best friend stuck in the web. As the other followed, they saw the situation. Two women, in the mercy of a tall, unknown figure.
The Ashborn members all ran there as fast as they could. The unknown creature didn't seem to like the fact its ritual was disturbed. It shot a ball of white fire out of it's hands straight towards Remy.
Remy ran out of the way, managing to dodge it, but it was just what they needed to confirm the creature was the one controlling the fire, the Embercaller.
A sudden movement, the ground shaked violently. And soon, lava falling into random places on the island. The creature, now known as the Embercaller, backed away a bit. The two black minions still held the web down, unmoving.
"You have no chance against me," the Embercaller said before vanishing into the ashy forest.
Remy took out one of the knives they had made with the Ashborn, and rushed Hexa and Maya. They cut the web in quick slashes, helping their sister and the other woman free.
When the web was cut, and Hexa and Maya has crawled out. Aatos noticed something flying out of the sky straight at Remy. On impulse, he lunged at Remy and pushed him out of the way of the hot lava. The others watched, frozen in place. Even those small creatures were running away, perhaps knowing what was coming next.
Remy was safe, but things didn't turn out the way they should have. Aatos was getting burned by lava, and there was nothing the others could do before his body was completely devoured by the fallen, melted gateway towards the cold embrace of death.
The one who originally lived with Althea, were watching, stunned. Remy's eyes were wide with shock, and Hexa was crying more than she ever had, with Maya was trying to comfort her by placing her hand on her shoulder.
After that day, the world grew hazy. They messed up, and now everything would be worse than ever.