Heir of the Elements by Cesar Gonzalez

actually not difficult in the least.”
    “That’s good to hear,” said Mr. Nakatomi, a smile forming on his lips. “I knew you would see reason, my daughter.”
    Aya stood straight. “ No . The choice I made is to free my sister from the prison you put her in. How dare you call yourself a father after stealing her life for your petty dreams? I…” Her voice staggered, and her eyes grew glossy. “I love my little sister. I will free her.”
    “I’m so sad to hear you say that,” said a deep voice. “Now I have no choice but to kill you.”
    Falcon turned to the silhouette by the window. Oh no. Even through the darkness he made out the long double claws dangling from the right arm. Deep glowing crimson eyes stared back at him.
    The councilman bowed slightly. “It is good to see you again, Master Draknorr.” He turned his sights to his daughter. “As you suspected, she refuses to fight for our cause. Do as you wish with her. Kill her if you must. She mustn’t interfere with my legacy.”
    “You have been a loyal servant of the Suteckh,” declared Draknorr. “You shall be rewarded for your years of service. I will send you to our hometown of Tenma, to be with your family.”
    Falcon watched in horror as a skeletal hand, the size of a full-grown man, appeared out of seemingly nowhere. It took the grinning councilman in its clutches.
    “Your mother will be pleased to hear of your death, daughter,” said Councilman Nakatomi as the hand disappeared into nothingness.
    Aya didn’t show any sign of emotion at her father’s words. Instead she remained still, her expression icy. She pointed at Draknorr. “You said you would kill me, did you not? Well, c’mon then. Let’s see you try.”
    Falcon stood at Aya, mouth gaping. Her emotions were obviously getting the better of her. Did she really think she stood a chance against the dual wielder?
    Aya’s gripped the small sticks around her waist, which immediately snapped to her usual blue batons. She took a defensive stance. “C’mon, Falcon. Between the three of us, we can take him.”
    Now Falcon understood. He unsheathed his katana. In the corner of his eye, he saw Faith summon her long, wooden staff. She held it before her.
    “Let’s even the odds,” said the dark-clad knight as he pointed at Aya. A dark mist flew from his hands and into her nostrils as she staggered back.
    Falcon looked back at her, worried. “Aya, are you okay?”
    She batted his hand away, looking back at him with black-rimmed eyes. Her skin had darkened considerably, and her pupils were now a deep red.
    “Aya, what’s wrong with you?” asked Falcon. His heart was pumping now. He had to do something, anything to snap her back to him.
    “She belongs to me now,” bragged Draknorr, confirming Falcon’s suspicions. “No one can escape a dark possession.”
    Falcon dashed toward Draknorr, vengeance driving him, his doubt now replaced by thoughts of vengeance. The dark knight stood calmly in place, not bothering to move an inch or offer any kind of resistance. Why isn’t he moving? Inches away from reaching him, Falcon found out why Draknorr hadn’t bothered to move. He looked down at his feet as they sunk into the ground. He tried to move, but the black tar that now engulfed his feet bubbled ever higher, making it impossible to take a step.
    “I got you,” cried Faith as she reached for him.
    And that was when it happened. Falcon watched in disbelief as Aya slammed her body into Faith’s unsuspecting back, sending her reeling into the desk. She slipped over the desk and landed on the other side of it with a loud bang. Without missing a beat, Aya jumped over and picked up the still dazed Faith by the waist. She drove Faith forward and through the glass window. Face first. Falcon made out Faith’s low whimpers from outside.
    “After her,” ordered Draknorr. But before he had even ordered it, Aya was already diving out of the window, moving to finish her friend.
    “Stop, Aya,”