Fire snorted in amusement. “She’s the type of woman that would prefer a new set of armor.”
“Perhaps a sword?” Water suggested.
“No,” Mind said. “It is us she cares most about, and there is something we can give her that she will value.”
“A hug?” Light seemed confused.
Mind shook his head. “We survive.”
“You’re saying the best gift we can give Elenyr . . . is us?” Shadow smirked. “I knew I was special, but I didn’t realize I had such value.”
Mind pointed to the fiend army and Draeken, their adversaries. “We all know what we face, and she fears for our lives. If we survive this war, it is the greatest gift we can give her, to not die at the hands of Draeken.”
“She thinks she failed us,” Water nodded to Mind. “She thinks that she failed to protect us from Draeken. If we defeat him, we will show her how much she has done for us, how much she means to us.”
“So we give her a victory,” Fire said. “A victory and her family.”
“For Elenyr?” Water asked.
“For Elenyr,” Shadow said.
Fire inclined his head. “For Elenyr.”
Light smiled. “For Elenyr.”
Last of all, Mind held their gaze. “For Elenyr, our mother.”
Five brothers, standing united for the mother that had raised them. The sight brought a tear to Water’s eye, and he swallowed at the sudden knot to his throat. This was his family, the family he fought for, would die for.
“This could be pointless,” Shadow finally said. “We could all die tomorrow and Elenyr will be in mourning forever.”
“Way to ruin the moment,” Fire said with a sigh.
“What?” Shadow shrugged. “We all know it’s true.”
“It is true,” Water said. “But this time, we aren’t fighting just to win. We’re fighting for each other, for Elenyr, for the ones we care about. Draeken has nothing to fight for.”
Fire shrugged like it would be easy. “Destroy the fragment of Power, end the fiend army, kill the four generals, and seal the Dark Gate at the same moment from miles apart.”
“And not die,” Mind said.
Water chuckled at their words. “Until recently, we were always part of the same soul, so I don’t think I ever said it. But I love you. You are my brothers and family, and I would die for you.”
“But you won’t,” Light said, obviously concerned. “Because we just made a pact to survive for Elenyr.”
“Yes, Light,” Water said with a smile. “That is our plan.”
Shadow groaned. “You know I love you. Now can we get on with this? This war won’t be won with us gushing about our feelings.”
Mind’s jaw tightened in determination. “I will see you the morning.”
“As will I,” Water said.
He embraced the other fragments, all laughing when Shadow pretended to panic when Water approached. Then he nodded to Mind and Fire before turning to Shadow and Light, the only two fragments to remain in Ilumidora.
“Keep Elenyr safe,” he said.
Light straightened. “Always.”
Water smiled and then descended the steps to the aquaglass shield around the castle. He allowed his brothers to pass. Mind brought up the rear, and their eyes met. They did not speak, either in voice or magic, but Water understood the resolution. It didn’t matter how, but they would be victorious.
They left, and Water sealed the shield, closing off the opening. Then he stepped onto the shield and used his magic to pass above the aquaglass, falling down the side to reach the main gates of the fortress.
The guards cried out as he dropped in their midst, but a captain barked for order. His arrival caused Lira to turn, a smile on her face as she pointed to the sphere.
“Couldn’t take the stairs?”
“I was already running late,” Water said.
“True,” Lira said. “But you’re always running late.”
“My apologies,” Water said, not rising to her tease.
“Did you speak to your brothers?” she asked.
“I did.”
“And?”