Season Four

Season Four:
The Inner Quest

The Missing Pieces

Slowly, the forces all open their eyes to find themselves floating in some form of place that can only be described as, "white". Nothing surrounds them except for each other. They are all in shock and begin panicking in fear. An echoing blissful voice brings them to silence:

"There is no need to fear. I am the one who has brought all of you to this place."

While the words echo, a presence begins fading into the heaven-like world the forces find themselves in. There, before them, stood an image of unbridled beauty. Her face brings warmth and a sense of peace to all the forces; it is a sense of peace that not even Harmony himself has ever been able to experience. She raises her arms towards the forces and an eerie wave bursts out. All of a sudden, the forces are all calmed down and are now filled with the knowledge of who stood before them. The Paradigm Of Wisdom continues to speak:

"Now that you have all been filled with knowledge of who I am, it is imperative that I tell you why I have brought you here.

Long ago, before any of you ever existed, before land itself was filled with any of the beauties and tragedies that it now holds, and before I, myself, was brought to existence, there lived two entities that most of you are familiar with, Fate and Chance. The two Legends were created by an entity still unknown to any of us but were given the task of filling a land with what they saw fit. Their job was to create a land with a soul so that it may grow and prosper. The two discussed in great detail ways that they saw their future worlds but neither could come to any compromise. One wanted a world in which all went according to an already drawn out scheme and the other wanted a world where things happened according to unsupervised whims. Because they were incapable of creating something they could both be proud of, they decided instead, to create three powers to help fill this land. Thus, myself, and two other Paradigms, were created. The three of us were each created to be unable to surpass the powers of the next and nor could our powers ever begin to even match those of our makers. Once we began with our mission, we three decided to fill the land with humans. Yet, we did not agree how each human was to act. Finally, we decided to give every human the free will that we were given. Though, despite that free will, it was still not enough. Each of us Paradigms felt that humans should have more, and so, we created a set of entities that were to fill the humans with the aspect which they represented. Thus, The Forces came to exist. In an attempt to emulate our creators, we gave each force, an alternate opposite Counterpart. The stipulation was that, there can be no one without the other. I having the abilities that I have, decided to move things along at a quicker than felt rate, and with that said, the memories that you all have, begin."

The forces all seemed frozen in a disbelief that the very questions that they've always wanted answered were slowly beginning to reveal themselves. The emotions radiating through them let each realize that every word that Wisdom was sharing was the real thing. She continues:

"Eventually, you Forces began roaming the land and spreading your respective representations to all you encountered. While this was your purpose, Chance and Fate felt that you could be used to determine more. Chance believed that none of you were as true to your natures as you were created to be. When he brought it up to Fate, a fight ensued, and before long, they decided to test you Forces out. That's when Chance went to each of you to see if any would betray another for power. Finally, when Destiny was the last one left and asked for life to get what it deserved, Chance brought everything back to normal and took Destiny out of the picture because of his anger. Though, when Fate discovered what Chance had done to Destiny without consulting him, he decided to make sure that the mistake of lack of inner power could never be made again. Thus bringing, Strength, into the world. Though, with this new found Force, Destruction came about from the rules of balance that we Paradigms created. Since it was Fate and Chance that created these two new Forces and not us Paradigms, Strength and Destruction had powers above the others. Destruction managed to learn to be able to control his new power and thus your battles with him took place."

The Forces stood with eyes and mouths wide open at the gaps that were being filled in their minds. None dared to speak for fear that they would miss yet another important piece of the puzzle:

"At last, your battle with Destruction was ending. Fate and Chance had seen this and decided that it was time for them to intervene. When there was no other choice available, Fate and Chance gave up their life forces to bring everything back to us Paradigms to fix. They transported all of you here, to our paradise that we call home. They knew you would need more for the task that lay before you and therefore brought back Destiny and at the last moment, created Vision and Pain. They even managed to turn Destruction and Strength into normally powered Forces."

"So if they balanced everything out, what's the problem?" Strength blurted out with intensity and conviction.

Thought immediately cut him off and spoke, "She mentioned a task, let her speak, Strength."

Wisdom continues:

"Though Fate and Chance gave up their life forces, their wills still existed in us Paradigms. Once we three had seen what sacrifice Fate and Chance had made, we decided to act quickly. Since they willed us, we each released a part of their life forces that we retained in ourselves, out of us. The hope was to be able to help them grow back into who they once were. Because each of us retained a piece of both Fate and Chance, we let out six streams of life, but when we tried to guide them into each other, they all merged momentarily and then caused the land to shake and heavy rains to fall. Each life force then exploded into the skies and all landed atop what we called, 'Paradigm Mountain'. This mountain was the place where we Paradigms each toyed with the thoughts of new Forces but never put them into your world for one reason or another. Now, with our powers reduced because we lack the wills of Fate and Chance, we are unable to quickly bring the six streams of life back together. We grow weaker and weaker by the day and will not be able to hold this land together for much longer.

We need you Forces to travel up Paradigm Mountain to gather the six life streams and bring them to us at the top. There, we three Paradigms believe we will be able to save all of us and bring Fate and Chance back to the world. We will be conserving our powers and lives there until your arrival.

Be wary, Forces. For the Counterparts will try to stop you, it is in their natures to attack you. They will not care to believe that you are trying to save their very existences as well. You will also encounter The Minors, they are those that never made it to being put on your land as Forces. Do not take them lightly for some will resent you for being chosen and them not. They each will have their own powers and their own representations and will surely attempt to lure you to your deaths.

Finally, dear Forces, if you find yourselves incapable of surpassing some barrier, you may contact one of us Paradigms. But please, do not call upon us unless you are in a time of pure need; it will take us much power to help and we do not have much power to spare.

With that said, I must go rest now. We Paradigms, all those now forceless humans wandering aimlessly, your very counterparts, Fate and Chance and your very selves are counting on each of you to help us. May your inner peace guide you..."

With those words ending, the white world begins to fade and the Forces all begin to feel the coldness of the cave that they originally found themselves in. They each stay momentarily quiet and look around at each other one by one. Within moments, Purity is the first to speak, "What are we waiting for? Let's go."

Need replies in haste, "Let's go?! Why should we? We've been toyed with ever since the start. Let it all be! Let The Paradigms fade away, then we won't have to deal with anyone playing with our lives anymore! Who car--"

Advantage immediately cuts him off and yells, "You are just about as foolish as Strength is, Need! Don't you get it, The Paradigms had The Legends in them, we have The Paradigms in us, if The Legends fade away, The Paradigms fade away and then SO DO WE! It's not about being toyed with, it's about saving our lives!"

Strength, scoffing Advantage's last attack, begins to speak but is quickly completely cut off by Destiny, who proclaims, "No, it isn't about us either, this is about doing what is right. This is about saving every thing and every one. This is about living up to who we were meant to be. Oddly enough, for once, I agree with Purity, let's go!"

Destiny begins walking to the mouth of the cave. Hope takes Harmony's hand and guides him behind Destiny. Honor strides behind them with a smirk on his face, knowing he is about to embark on a new battle. Vision and Thought quickly follow and Advantage follows them. Purity follows with Strength behind. Need takes a little longer to decide himself but finally realizes that it is in his best interest to go forth on this quest.

And so, the newly understood Forces walk outside the cave and with a clearing sky, see Paradigm Mountain in the distance.

They tread on...

________________________________________

"One's Destiny is often discovered in a time of great Need. It is a matter of deciding to have the Honor to continue or the Strength to not."
________________________________________

An Honorable Departure

As the Forces approach Paradigm Mountain, there lay, in the distance, the image of four beings seemingly dancing in a circle as if to perform some sort of ritual. The Forces, knowing they have no other choice but to get through the detour, decide to take the initiative to make contact with them.

Thought, leading the pack, warily walks towards the beings with a nervous smile across his face. Before he even gets a chance to let out a greeting, the beings stop their dance and one speaks:

"Emptiness. I can sense it in you, yet you still continue in the path that has been chosen for you."

Honor, feeling particularly drawn to the seemingly random statement, replies, "We merely look to pass."

"To pass? No, that is not what you seek; you wander to find what you desire..."

Need, understanding the statement quickly responds, "Who are you?"

"I am what you Forces would call, a 'Minor'. Though I go by the name of Love."

Harmony quickly tightens his grasp on Hope (as she was the one leading him). Vision glances at the other three beings that have not yet spoken one word. She notices that their eyes have no glow and their movements have no distinguishing features. Strength decides to approach one of the other beings and just as he gets but a body's length in distance, all but Love disappear. The Forces all place themselves in a battle stance.

Love speaks, "There is no need to fear. They were but illusions I created to keep myself company. I am not the type who enjoys solitude. I will not harm any of you. Please, have faith and forget about your troubles. All of you seem so tired, why don't you relax for a bit and enjoy the pleasures of the setting sun?"

Though still a bit agitated at these never before seen abilities, the Forces begin to feel a bit more welcome and all agree to take rest and converse with the new Minor. Honor goes off into the forest to gather firewood as the others find out more on Love. Little time passes as Honor collects the required wood and begins to make his way back to the others. As he continues on his path, he sees in the nearby distance, a figure, standing and staring at him. He calls to the image but receives no answer. Instead, the image vanishes and reappears a bit closer. Honor, realizing that this apparition is not friendly, drops the firewood and prepares himself for the worst. He once again calls out to the image, but again, no answer. This time, the image disappears only to reappear immediately in front of Honor. Though still in shock and fear, Honor slightly drops his guard. Love is standing directly in front of him, “I can sense your anger. I feel your discomforts. I understand what you want."

Honor replies, "Where are the others?"

Love answers, "Forget about them, instead, hear my words. I'd like to remove those problems in your mind. I want to give you care, it is what you deserve." Love slowly raises an arm and points to a nearby fog which begins to lift. The fog begins to reveal a woman who is clearly in pain and crying in fear.

Honor, seemingly forgetful of his current situation, quickly goes to help the maiden in distress.

"What's wrong?" he mutters as his heart fills with care.

The maiden, catching a breath, responds, "I'm alone. I've been alone, wandering this land but only encountering those that wish to hurt me. I was running away from an attacker when I tripped and fell and now I fear he will soon catch me. Please, I know you don't know me, but please, help me." With those words, she looks up to Honor and stares deeply into his eyes.

Honor, with no need for any other thought, replies, "I won't let anyone hurt you, I promise. What is your name?"

Love quickly interrupts and answers, "She has no name. She is an afterthought, left back in this land by the Paradigms. She was never fully created for anything except for the purpose to live. She is not a Minor nor is she a Force. She is simply, a promise waiting fulfillment.

Honor, not entirely understanding but fully accepting, raises the maiden from the ground and smiles warmly at her, "Then how about I call you 'Promise'? That way, you can always be reminded that there is someone who will care."

Accepting of this, the newly named Promise answers, "I've never needed a name before, I never thought I would. Will you really keep me safe from all my troubles?"

Honor readily replies, "You have my honor."

"What a beautiful sight to see" began Love. "It is rare in these parts to find someone as noble as you are, Honor. But are you sure you are willing to hold on to such a Promise? It is no simple task. You see, Promise is only allowed to travel so far across this vast land. Since she lacked purpose when she was created, she was incarcerated within limits to this land and had to live until the time came for her to be bequeathed a purpose. Protecting her life will confine you to her very borders. Are you willing to live in such a prison?"

Promise lifts her head and looks at Honor. Tears begin to fall from her glorious eyes once again as she begins to speak, "I understand if you do not wish to stay with me. I wouldn't expect you to. Go on, I will live my life day by day, as I have in my past, with the uncertainties of continuance as each sun rises. You are handsome and noble, but to ask you to devote your life to me would be something I could never do."

Honor, not phased by any of the conversation replies to both Love and Promise, "I was created with a purpose but I've always wandered through life wishing I had more. I've never understood what purpose even meant until I gazed into your beautiful eyes. I have lived my past, and I wish to live my future, with you. I am your Honor and you are my Promise."

As Honor ended his caring words, Promise embraced him with a sigh of happiness. In the distance, the sounds of the other Forces now searching for Honor begin to get louder and louder. Love vanishes leaving his two newest victims behind. Honor shouts out to the Forces to let them know of his whereabouts and quickly they all gather. With them stands yet another new face. Honor immediately places Promise behind him and stands to attack the unknown follower.

Purity quickly dictates, "No Honor, it's OK. This is Bliss. He is a true friend, not like Love is."

With prevailing response Honor states, "What are you talking about, Love is not evil, Love was a help to me. One who I owe a great debt of gratitude to." His words shock the entire group and all stand in disbelief as they listen to Honor's retelling of his recent events.

Once Honor has finished with his story, Bliss readily begins to speak:

"Honor has been attacked by a powerful foe. There is no escaping the wrath that is, Love. I, being his counterpart, would know. Love was created by the Paradigms to help strengthen the bonds between you Forces and I was created to make those bonds be ones of happiness and not cruelty. But before our creator could allow us to join any of you, we had to be agreed upon as useful by the other two Paradigms. We were deemed as unnecessary and pointless by one, and masterful and required by another. This left the choice to the last Paradigm but after hearing both arguments, the Paradigm was unable to come to a conclusion. Thus we were placed here, on Paradigm Mountain, to live on until something could be decided upon. While I did not care what my whereabouts were, Love's heart filled with the burning passion to one day be able to take revenge on the Paradigms that had lay waste to his powers. He vowed that he would take every chance he got to get in the way of the Paradigms' plans so as to cause them the same unfulfillment that he felt and still feels to this day. Love knew you were approaching. There is no news that is not heard in this great Mount where we Minors reside. He has filled Honor's mind with what he so blatantly represents and will stop at nothing to keep Honor from Promise. The only way I can help is by remaining here with them to give them as much of my ability as I can."

Honor, after hearing Bliss speak haughtily scoffs at the Forces and replies, "It doesn't matter what your new friend says, it matters what I know. I cannot allow this poor wonder to be left alone and to lead the life of pain she has led till now. You can call it Love's ultimate plan just as much as you can call it Destiny's revenge. The point is my heart and my soul tell me to stay here with Promise, to keep her safe, and to help her one day escape the prison she lives in. You can continue the quest without me; I will remain here, by her side."

All the forces stand motionless in shock. Thought speaks, "But Honor, You would let go of every battle we've ever faced? You would give up the very purpose that we are on this quest for? Even at the risk of us not being able to complete it, and life as we know it, not being able to go on? You haven't even thought this through. You don't even know if she is an illusion set up by Love."

Promise drops her head and tears begin falling from her eyes once again. Honor replies, "Vision, you have the ability to see, don't you? Look into Promise's eyes, find what I saw, tell them she is real."

With that said, Vision walks up to Promise and looks directly into her wet eyes. She begins to glow a deep violet. With a heavy sigh, she replies, "There is no mistaking Promise to be unreal. She is what she says she is. Everything they've told us is true and all these emotions are endlessly there. This is no trick."

"There are your answers Thought. My mind has been made up." Honor claims.

The Forces all begin complaining to Honor and Promise as Honor angrily begins to raise his voice in defiance. Harmony, hearing the struggles, lets out a yell for silence:

"Let him be. He has found what he has always desired. We are his friends and to be true friends, we must let him reach his happiness." Tears begin falling from the blind eyes that Harmony wears as he walks toward Honor. "I don't think I've cried since the day I lost my eyesight defending you, Honor. Even though this decision brings me such great pain, I believe it's the right one. If I had the chance, if I could, I'd do it all over again, the same way. I'd defend you as much as possible. But now, it's time to let go. One day, hopefully, our paths will cross again. That will be a day of great joy. I will always be there to help you if I can, but for now, I know that letting you go is the only way. Until our paths meet again, Honor. Be Good, And Never Forget."

With those words spoken, the other Forces let down their heads and begin walking away. Their good byes were spared but their ability to Hope still remained in their hearts. With one last embrace, Harmony lets go as Hope takes his hand to lead him away...

With the solitude of night and the clouds covering the moon's light, the Forces forego resting and continue their journey up the Mountain, the tread seeming that much heavier with a piece of their hearts left so far behind...

________________________________________

"Having the Strength to finally let go does not mean losing the Hope to ever get it back."
________________________________________

The After-Thought

Nightfall gives way for a brand new day and the Forces decide that after such a constant tread, rest is in order. They find a small cave at the foot of a large rocky expanse that will soon need conquering and decide to set up camp there. Strength offers to gather firewood and Destiny readily agrees to help. The other Forces all set themselves up inside the oddly nostalgic cave.

Hope leads Harmony to a stone suitable for resting and begins chatting with the others in order to make the events seem more of a social matter, rather than the armageddon they truly may face. The other Forces, understanding the necessity of maintaining Hope, all join in on the useless banter. Minutes go by and all of a sudden, the discussion is halted by a loud, almost violent, scream originating from outside the cave. Without delay, the Forces all run outside to see what was going on. To their dismay, they see a small child sitting on the ground in tears. Vision quickly runs to the boy's aide and attempts to comfort him by caressing his back and asking the child what was wrong. Almost immediately, Vision pulls back from the child and scatters back to the group.

Thought, seeing that Vision was more scared than anything else, quickly asks Vision what was wrong.

Vision announces, "That is no child. He reminds me of Destruction and brings fear into my heart. I only saw a flash of him but that is not his true form."

"No, it's not." replies the child as he slowly gets up and wipes the tears from his face. "My name is Anger." With those words spoken, Anger begins transforming into a taller, more pronounced being. "I am a Minor."

Harmony, not having been phased by Anger's transformation for obvious reasons, yells out, "Why were you screaming?"

"It is who I am. I was created to strengthen the dominance of lusts and difficulties. I am both an escape and an imprisonment. I am able to manifest myself into any shape I desire, but most of all, my energy can enter the body of any being and incite my very abilities to control them. I can sense that one of you already feels a strong connection to me." Anger proclaims.

Advantage, unsure of this Minor's intent, quickly remarks, "Leave us be. We've done you no harm and wish to have nothing to do with you. Move on."

"Though you speak your words with fear, I am not here to cause harm, but rather, I was drawn to you, specifically, one of you. I can sens-" Before Anger could finish his point, another loud scream came from the woods nearby. It was undoubtedly the voice of Destiny in distress. Without notice, Anger disappears and all the forces begin to run towards Destiny's cries. Hope, having thought that Vision had taken hand of Harmony led the pack. Harmony, not having in fact been taken by anyone stood there calling out to the Forces for direction. Thought, while running last with the group, heard Harmony and, in realizing he was alone, turned back to help.

"Harmony, I will guide you to--" Thought's words were interrupted by a violent thunderclap as rain began pouring to the ground almost immediately thereafter. The rain grew thicker and thicker and the sound of Destiny's cries were masked. Thought quickly leads Harmony back into the cave and says, "We need to stay here for now. The rain is thick and I cannot hear any cries for us to follow. We have no other choice but to sit this fight out."

Harmony pain-heartedly agrees. A short time passes as Thought paces at the foot of the cave, stopping every once in a while to see if he could hear anything other than the rain drops pelting the grounds. Then, in a time inconceivable to even contemplate, Thought begins to glow a crimson red and turns to face Harmony. He begins walking toward the unseeing Force and without delay picks him up and violently throws him to the other side of the cave.

"Thought! HELP ME!" screams Harmony, not realizing who his attacker is.

Thought once again steadily walks towards Harmony and this time lifts him and holds him up with an extreme hatred. "You FOOL, I AM THOUGHT."

Harmony, confused and bleeding from the first throw, speaks out, "What? Thought, what are you doing? Stop... please."

Thought's eyes glow a deeper and more profound red. He hurls Harmony into the other side of the cave once again, but this time, onto jagged rocks. Harmony loses consciousness as Thought continues battering him and viciously attacking him with no regrets. He throws punches at Harmony's body while delivering powerful blows to each and every limb. With every heavy hit, the grin on Thought's face grew bigger and bigger. Thought speaks to Harmony's pain-filled, bruised and unknowing body:

"All this time, all you've ever done is try to maintain your little self. Everything about you has always been a heavy hearted care - well, it's sickening. You don't think things through Harmony, you never have. You always try your hardest to help but you never stop to think anywhere past that. You are a fool for it. All you do is hold us back from our full potential, from our true selves. Some of this pathetic little team's members should have been slaughtered ages ago, if someone had done it, those remaining would be so much stronger and able to handle this journey. I tried, I tried to eliminate some of you back when Destruction had us in my realm. That's when everything made sense to me, I was at my strongest. I was able to think ahead further than you can even begin to imagine, and the side of me that knew what needed to be done took over. I helped Destruction think he had power over me but in reality, I was using him to keep us in MY realm, where my powers were limitless. But even then, you couldn't see what was really happening, you were too engrossed in your pathetic desire to care to see that I was merely trying to weed out the useless. Now, look at you. You are a nothing more than a blind oaf who can't so much as throw a punch without hitting your own face. I won't let you hold us back anymore, we have a world that needs saving and luckily, the world can live, without Harmony."

Having made his point, Thought picks Harmony up one last time and pulls back his arm to deliver one more decisive blow. Just as he is about to swing, Destiny and all the others except for Strength, come running into the cave. Thought immediately puts Harmony down before any of the other Forces could notice.

Purity exclaims, "Thought, where were you? Destiny and Strength got ambushed by the Counterparts. Apparently, they've been trailing us for quite some time. We managed to fend them off for no-- What happened to Harmony?!"

As all the other Forces gather around Harmony to tend to his assaulted body, Thought speaks, "We - we were attacked by Anger. He just showed up when I was trying to listen for all of you and viciously assailed Harmony. I tried to defend him, but he was very powerful and was very quick to strike. Before I could gather myself again he was gone and Harmony was laying there, on the ground, unconscious."

Destiny looks at Thought suspiciously and says, "Why are there no signs of battle on you? I don't remotely see one bruise on your face."

Thought replies, "Anger seemed only interested in attacking Harmony, not me. He wanted to utterly obliterate him but I don't have any idea why. Perhaps that's what he meant when he said he was drawn to someone before."

With this explanation, Strength began walking into the cave. On his shoulders, he carried a tied up and passed out Anger. He was in his child form.

Advantage stands out, "How can what you say be possible if we were fighting Anger and the other Counterparts all this time? And how can what you say be possible if we tied Anger up and brought him here so that we could get answers about Paradigm Mountain?"

Just as Thought was about to reply, Harmony lets out a groan of pain and begins coming to. Destiny immediately drops to his side and asks, "Harmony, who did this to you? Was it Anger? Who was it?"

Harmony, with fainted words let's out, "Thought - Thought -- attack --ed me." With already weakened energy, Harmony faints again and all the attention turns back to Thought.

"Why? Why would he say that? I didn't do anything." Thought claims.

"Then why would he say it was you? You heard him yourself, Thought. There has to be a logical explanation for this and if ever there was a time to say it, that time is now." declares Hope.

"It wasn't me. Anger must have done something and thus made Harmony think it was me. Why would I possibly hurt Harmony?" conveyed Thought with sincere-like eyes.

Strength, not trusting Thought's words, turns to Vision and says, "Vision, find out if he is lying. You've done it before, make sure he's telling the truth so that we know."

Vision, fearing what she may find out, walks towards Thought and stares deeply into him. His eyes begin to glow a deep red and without haste, so does his body. The red spreads to Vision and covers her entire body as well. Thought and Vision become linked psychically and Thought communicates to Vision:

"I know I can't hide the truth from you, but you have to believe me. I was doing it for the betterment of us all. I want to save this world just as bad as all of you do, believe me. I had to do what I did, trust me. Please."

The psychic link breaks and the glow fades from both bodies. Vision turns to the waiting Forces and says:

"Thought is here to attain the same goal as all of us."

Destiny, realizing that Vision did not answer the question of Thought's honesty, looks at Thought and states, "Very well Thought, I'm sorry we questioned you. I think though, since there are so many things keeping us from concentrating on finding Fate and Chance's sparks, maybe it's best we split up for a bit. We know that if we are in true need of one another, we can call to each other and be brought to our needers. After all, Harmony and Strength brought us together when all of us required your, Need and Advantage's help. We just have to rely on our inner selves to guide us. I say we'll all cover more ground in less time if we do this."

Thought quickly agrees to this plan and proclaims, "Very well, I'll lead one team with me. Vision, Need and Strength can be part of my group."

Strength, understanding the situation but attempting to beguile all, replies, "No, I will stay with this team and help. Harmony and I helped each other in battle once and are the only two who have managed to gain power from each other, its best we not split up."

Thought angrily agrees and without any hesitation commands his group to move out as quickly as possible. Vision and Need follow. They all speak their temporary good byes and the three Forces exit the cave. Moments after their departure, the rain subsides.

Quite some time passes and Anger awakens. He begins angrily attempting to free himself of his current imprisoned position and let's out yet another scream, though this time, it is not as powerful as the first. Strength holds him steady as Destiny begins interrogating him, "We will free you if you answer us. Did you have anything to do with Harmony's assault?"

Anger responds, "No, I was fighting you Forces in an accord I had with the Counterparts. They promised me the ability to leave this wretched mountain prison if I helped them destroy all of you. Harmony wasn't at the battle and thus wasn't my priority."

Destiny continues, "Before, you said that you were lured to one of us. Who was it and why?"

"It was Thought. He already carried the concept of my essence in him. He was angered at the fact that this apparent task of yours was taking much longer than necessary. Though he, at heart, is of the side of good, he would much rather accomplish this daunting tribulation via his own methods. It boiled in him and I felt it. My presence merely made him more powerful and made his anger grow deeper." he replied.

"So you gave Thought the desire to hurt Harmony?"

"I cannot control how my ability will affect others nor when it will affect anyone. I merely expand the slightest drop of negativity and give it the ability to manifest inside another living being. Unfortunately, when I do this, I am weakened for a time and therefore was why you managed to capture me during battle. I had no idea Thought was going to draw my energy into him. This is also why I have not yet vanished from your grasps, but it is only a matter of time before I regain my energy and will escape from here." announced Anger.

With his words spoken, Harmony moaned once more and began coming around again. Everyone's attention immediately turned from Anger to Harmony and quickly, Hope came to his side. She spoke:

"Harmony, everything is ok. Thought didn't mean to do what he did; he had Anger's energy in him. It overpowered him and led him to do what he did. Just rest for now, we will explain everything later."

With Hope's soft words coming to an end, Harmony closes his eyes and this time, falls into a calmed sleep.

Destiny turns back to Anger only to see that he once again vanished from their cave. The remaining Forces all agree to take rest once more and nightfall comes all too soon.

Purity, Hope, Advantage, Strength and Destiny all lay surrounding Harmony protectively and close their eyes; none of them at ease with the sudden loss of fellowship amongst them...

______________________________

Hope, Purity, Honor, Destiny, Strength, Vision, Need, Advantage, Thought.
Harmony.
_____________________________

Desire or Reality?

As the Forces all lay in a struggled but necessary sleep, the night lingers long and terrors of the world's end live on in their minds.

The morning hours wherein the sun has not yet begun to shine seem to bring the feeling of endlessness to the restless dreamers. Hope, tossing and turning the most of all the sleeping Forces wakes up suddenly from a glimmer of familiar light that begins brightening the cave. She immediately awakens the others as the light manifests itself into the Paradigm of Wisdom. Everything is a blur. Wisdom speaks:

"Strength, Destiny, Advantage, Hope, Purity, Harmony, you are failing your quest. We Paradigms have been watching your actions. Last we spoke, you were a determined team. Now, you have been divided and manipulated by desires. It is imperative that you regroup and focus on the task at hand. We are weakening by the day and will soon cease to exist; once that happens, you and life will cease to exist as well."

Advantage, in hearing this crude but honest assessment replies, "You are appearing before us, not the others that have left, clearly we are the ones trying. You can't pretend that we are in an easy situation."

"She's right," replies Destiny, "We're in a land we do not understand, we have no idea where to look for these sparks, and it seems like everyone here is out to stop us or hurt us..."

Advantage takes over once again, "Give us help instead of judgement. Guide us with more detail instead of just giving us a task. We are doing what we can, but it isn't as if we are doing nothing."

Just as Advantage's last words are spoken, another powerful beam of light begins to shine. It appears as if from nowhere and grows into yet another being. The Forces all stand in awe as the white glow grows to an even brighter white than any of them could ever imagine.

Before them stood a seemingly muscular-type being. His stature was that of greatness. He seemed almost defiant in nature.

"Do you hear yourself?" the strong-willed being said with an overbearing voice. "You are the Forces; you represent the very sparks of all that is to be respected in life and yet you stand here, in front of an almighty ally and tell her that you are doing your best?"

"Who are you?" asks Purity.

"I am the Paradigm of Spirit. I live side by side with the Paradigm of Wisdom and the Paradigm of -"

Just as Spirit was about to end his speech, Purity angrily shouts, "Another Paradigm with more tasks! Haven't you heard, we are doing what we can!"

Spirit, slighlty annoyed, moves on, "Have any of you even figured out the difference between a Minor and a Force? You've met Love, Bliss and Anger so far and yet, it doesn't seem that any of you have figured out why we Paradigms chose to have YOU, the very beings that stand before us, be known as those above the Minors: The Forces."

"Then tell us." Advantage angrily replies.

Wisdom leers at Advantage, "Though we are in a time of turmoil, it may still be wise to treat us with respect. We are all attempting to attain the same goal, there is no need for hostilities among us."

Harmony voices out, "She's right. This is no time for the semantics of the past, we must look to our goal and figure out a better way of attaining it."

"What we need is to be stronger and more able to fend off the Minors and the Counterparts as they attack us." Replies Strength.

"It's true. So far, all the Minor's we've encountered have each had different attributes that have made them formidable opponents. Though we have managed to fight them off up until now, it was only because we were fighting as a team. We are less of one now, and thus, our defenses are weaker." Remarks Destiny.

Harmony intervenes, "And though I hate to admit it: My blindness really HAS been a major hinderance all along."

Spirit, grinning with intent, immediately replies, "All of you have suffered greatly through these trying times, yet instead of growing stronger and learning, you have grown stronger and forgotten. The Minors have all managed to concentrate their ill-gotten feelings against us and all of you. That is why they have all become so powerful. They have mastered their representations because they channeled their hostilities. When we Paradigms created all of you, we gave each of you a reason for being, but only a certain few of you had a certain something that set you aside from the others. You Forces each have that will to care, that desire to be, and the ability to grow that no other Minors have. Each of you have, heart. There is not one of you that does not have the Wisdom to become more, the Spirit to live on and the -"

"But what does this have to do with what's going on now?" Interrupts Purity.

Spirit continues, "Heart is what guides you Forces. It is what gives you your abilities. The Minors were created without these traits and thus their abilities come from their ire of life. You Forces are capable of doing far more than you have ever yet accomplished."

With that being said, Wisdom turns to Spirit and tells him that they cannot stay any longer. She turns back to the Forces to speak:

"We must go now, but before we do, we will leave you with the last two entities that we have deemed fit to be Forces. Through these two new allies, all of you will gain much power. If they are ever killed, you will return to the Forces you are now. You each have abilities in you that will begin to flourish as you begin understanding yourselves. It is the last amount of help that we Paradigms can offer. Though remember, with their arrival, two new Counterparts must be brought in as well. Though you will be more apt to tend to the Minors, the Counterparts will be more apt in attacking you."

Spirit ends, "Destiny, before you told Wisdom that you are in a strange new land where everyone is out to get all of you -- but that is what life is. It is a struggle to achieve and to become more. It is a defiance to withstand the roughest situations and be able to come out of them standing up. It is the competition that never ends; for even upon death, your actions will have affected the lives of the future. It lives in you, Destiny, remember it."

As Spirit's words come to an end the Paradigms vanish. In their spots stand four new beings:

Effort: Through every occurence that hinders a path there lies the one true desire in all to surpass. That goal is virtually unattainable without Effort. He is a kind force that often desires more but isn't aware of his own wishes. He walks the land with the understanding that he must continue to do what he must to survive and yet, he often finds himself trying to ignore the rationalities of life by attempting to let his mind wander. Effort is able to retain much knowledge and therefore can wander through any realm as he pleases. He is capable of jumping from one location to another at his moment's whim but prefers to stay near those he cares for at all times. He is nothing short of a true hero.

Effort often finds himself crossing paths with his Counterpart, Cowardice. A malevolent being that chooses to attack through deception rather than face his foes.

Integrity: Where there is good and evil, there is the strict yet loose paradox of defining the difference between right and wrong. The ability to define that difference can only be found in Integrity. Since Integrity is usually caught needing to understand which the correct action to take is, he mostly finds himself in moments of indecision. He wanders the land wanting to be accepted and cared for while also wanting to let his lusts supercede his unparallelled heart. This very problem is what leads him to constantly continue a battle within himself. Integrity masters the ability to shapeshift into any person he encounters and partially use their abilities. While he shows all those he meets that right and wrong relies on the inner heart, he often needs to be reminded of it himself. No matter what the situation, Integrity always makes a powerful ally and can be a caring supporter to those he trusts.

Integrity is often attacked by his Counterpart, Delusion. A seductress who often preys on the inner desires of those she aims to attack.

The four beings all open their eyes and quickly Delusion begins to glow a deep orange. Without haste, she creates many images of herself that surround all the Forces. Cowardice also begins to glow a darkened red and simply seems to disappear in the commotion. The Forces all begin to attack the multiple Delusions but as each one is hit, it simply vanishes. At the entrance of the cave, one of the Delusions seem to be escaping. Once she is nowhere in sight, the other imposters escape and the Forces are left alone.

Without delay, Hope quickly goes to greet her new allies and introduce everyone to eachother. Strength promptly makes the point that there is a task at hand and after the proper informative greetings end, they all begin to strategize their futures. While in the midst of heavy conversation, Destiny grabs Harmony's hand and carries him to the cave's entrance. There, the two Forces sit down and Destiny begins to talk:

"I can't stop thinking about what Spirit said to me. His last words before he left were not meant for anyone else and were specifically oriented at me. Why?"

Harmony replies, "I don't know. What I do know is that you have always been stronger than you seem and you have always seemed pretty strong. You have already 'died' once and your actions have affected all of us greatly, maybe he was just referring to that. Almost as if he was telling you not to underestimate yourself."

"No, he wasn't referencing the past, he was talking about the future. I know it. If Vision was here now, she might be able to help me see ahead into what is to come." Replies Destiny.

"You don't need her. You are Destiny. You have to be able to look ahead without her, it's who you are."

With Harmony's words coming to a halt came a new glow from Destiny. It was a deeper glow of purple than she had ever experienced before. The glow became so powerful that it spread onto Harmony's body and even silenced the other Forces' tactical talks.

"Harmony, what's happening?" Destiny uttered in a state of surprise.

Harmony, unaware of the glowing, stands in apprehension as he asks Destiny what is going on. Immediately he begins listening carefully to his surroundings and makes his way in front of Destiny as if to protect her. His body suddenly relinquishes itself of Destiny's aura and a deep blue one begins to surround him. The other Forces all stand in awe and lacking in any concept what to make of the situation.

Effort speaks, "They are tapping into their inner selves. It is what gives us the abilities that we carry."

The glows suddenly burst out in all directions and quickly vanish. Destiny and Harmony stand looking at each other with utter disbelief.

"What happened? Are you two hurt?" Asks Hope.

Destiny speaks, "Those of us in this cave, we are the ones that will decide the lives of the future. We have a massive battle ahead of us but the outcome is yet to be decided. I have no idea how I know this, I just do. I felt it. It wasn't a vision or anything similar, I merely felt all of this."

Destiny, overcome by emotion, begins to tear. They are neither tears of joy nor are they tears of sorrow. They are merely tears of exhaustion. Harmony turns to her and raises his hand and wipes the single tear that falls from one side of her face. Destiny, taking one second to realize what Harmony just had done, looks up at him and embraces him while beginning to laugh joyously.

Strength, quickly realizing what had happened, announces, "He can see! . . . but how?"

Harmony turns to the other Forces and proclaims, "I ... can... heal. I have no idea how I can do it, but I can."

Suddenly, a bright flash of light shines throughout the cave and the Forces all fall to ground and pass out.

Little time passes and the sun begins to rise as it's rays begin hitting Destiny's face. She opens her eyes, thinks for a second, and immediately gets up. Around her she sees only Hope, Advantage, Strength, Harmony and Purity. Realizing how the day's events seemed unlike the norm, she mutters to herself and whispers:

"Was it all just a dream of desire or did it really happen...?"

To Be Continued...

______________________________

There are times when one must put up the Effort to clear the mind while having the Integrity to make a decision.
_____________________________

The Truth Behind Lies

The sun begins entering the cave and shining on the Forces that continue to lay sleeping, Destiny finds herself still trying to understand if the night's events were real or not. Rather than waking the other Forces from their much needed rest, she ponders more and more the whereabouts of Effort and Integrity and begins thinking that she had dreamt some form of premonition. In a quick glance, Effort appears out of nowhere:

"How did you do that?!" Destiny fearfully asks.

"It's my ability, remember?" replies Effort.

"Then last night WAS real." Destiny mumbles.

With the end of Destiny's words, Integrity comes running into the cave. He is short of breath and leaning over.

"Where were you? Why are you panting?" asks Destiny while directing her questions to both of the Forces.

"When Spirit and Wisdom left," replied Effort, "they transported Integrity and me to a Minor named, Knowledge. He was an old, little, quiet man who just sits around and never answers questions or moves anything but his mouth.

He was directed by the Paradigms to let us know everything that's happened to each of you so that we can help you find Fate and Chance's sparks."

"How did he know about our past?" asks Destiny immediately.

"It's his ability. He is the holder of all the past and can see anyone. He doesn't affiliate himself as good or evil because he knows he is an asset to both sides. I can understand why the Paradigms chose him not to be a Force." answered Effort.

Strength, having been the only one to have woken up throughout the conversation and listening, decided to chime in with a moaning yawn, "That doesn't explain how you appeared out of nowhere and why Integrity is out of breath."

After sucking in a gulp of air, Integrity responds, Knowledge... taught us... how to use our... abilities. Effort can transport himself from place... to place but didn't tell me he could... until after I agreed to race him back to the cave."

Effort, while nodding his head and grinning, replies, "It isn't my fault you didn't pay attention to Knowledge when he was talking about me because you were too busy playing around with your ability."

Integrity quickly and bitterly replies with, "I was testing my powers to make sure they were... working properly."

Destiny and Strength let out a small chuckle as they listen to Integrity and Effort poke fun at each other. The sounds of laughter and bickering wake up Harmony and a smile comes over his face as he once again realizes he can see.

"Incredible." replies Harmony.

"What is?" asks Strength.

"Destiny - she is truly a sight for sore eyes. Sadly though, I see all this time has kept you looking the same, eh Strength?" responds Harmony in smirk. Destiny begins laughing out loud at the unexpected and unprecedented attempt at Strength's expense. Though, within seconds she realizes this jovial mood is completely out of the norm, and for it, she says, "This is too different. What's going on?"

Integrity quickly turns his attention to Destiny and transforms into an exact image of her. Mockingly, he says, "This is too different. What's going on?"

Strength's already light chuckles immediately turn into all out laughter as Destiny angers but also cannot help but smile at Integrity's sarcasm. The laughter begins infecting each Force and the other Forces wake up from the loudness. Hope, Purity and Advantage don't understand what's going on but can't help but join in with the laughter. Destiny, still confused but seemingly joyous looks around the cave to see if there is someone or something causing these odd emotions. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots a motion as if something was blending in with the cave's wall. She pretends to continue the laughter and walks toward the movement as each of the other Forces all tease each other and point out oddities they've noticed. Without haste, Destiny hurls a punch at what seemed to be the cave wall and a creature changes colors and comes into view. The laughter stops and all attention goes directly to the new Minor coughing before them in pain.

"What'd you have to go and do that for?!" he angrily states.

"Who are you?" asks Strength.

"My name is Humor. I'm a Minor. And you can all breathe an easy sigh because I'm here to help." he responds.

"And how would that be exactly? By bewitching us and keeping yourself hidden from us?" says Advantage mockingly.

"Are you kidding me?! 'Bewitching'?" replies Humor, "You mean, helping you all ease some tension with some much needed laughter and smiles? Surely you can't think THAT'S a bad thing. ... And as for the hiding, it's what I do. I'm always around, you just have to want to find me. Sometimes you don't want to see me and sometimes you do. Usually though, I help situations and make them easier. In this case, my help was clearly needed."

"Gee, thank you." inserts Hope as she looks at Humor with a whim of desire.

Just then, Love comes walking into the cave saying, "Ah, Humor, there you are."

Advantage quickly says, "Why is it that everyone can always find us, but we can never find anyone?"

Slight chuckles are let out as Love continues, "I'm in need of your assistance, Humor. And if I remember correctly, you owe me."

Humor replies, "Yea Yea, Hold on though, I'm tending to these Humorless creatures for now. They're on a mission to save us all yet they can't so much as take a moment to ease their own minds, relax and smile. It's a shame really. Luckily, ever since I've been near them, they've all lightened up a bit."

The Forces all keep their confused heads tuned to each speaker as Love and Humor take turns in conversation. Strength interupts them, "Look, I don't know why either of you are really here, but we have things to do. Things that involve saving your souls from inexistence. So, while I do have to admit Humor, your presence has clearly made us take light of things, we really need to focus."

Purity adds, "I think he's asking the two of you to leave."

"You know," states Humor, "you go to help and you get thanked with, 'please leave'. I find that a bit rude, don't you, Love? I suppose you won't be wanting this then..."

As Humor ends his words, he pulls out from behind him, what appears to be a small shining ball of light. It's brightness is so strong that it seems to pull in the attention of each Force and Minor in the cave to a point of almost pure hypnosis.

"What is that?" asks Destiny.

"Oh come now," replies Love, "you Forces say you're on a mission but you don't even know what one of the very things you're looking for is?"

"Is that... a Spark?" questions Advantage.

"Maybe you guys were the ones that should've gone to visit Knowledge." Effort intermits.

"Hahaha. Yes, Oh Virtuous Forces, this here, is a genuine spark. One of the very sparks you're all looking for. It's a good thing I have it and am giving it to you too. There are some other questionable characters out there on this Mountain that want it and have been searching for it." explains Humor.

"Who?" asks Strength.

Just as Strength completes his simple question, a noise is heard at the mouth of the cave.

"Us."

A shock appears in the faces of all the Forces (except for Integrity and Effort's) and the air stands still with misbelief.

"Well, yea, for one... Them." states Humor in response to Strength's question.

Before the remaining Forces, the new Forces and the seemingly helpful Minors, stood the recently separated Forces that used to travel with the team: Thought, Vision, and Need. Each glow a different color and each have a look of evil intent in their eyes. Thought begins to explain:

"You are all truly pathetic. Attempting to make point of this 'goal' you must all achieve to save the world. Don't you get it? This so called 'quest' you idiots are on has nothing to do with saving the world. It has to do with POWER! Chance and Fate... nearly dead... The Paradigms... nearly powerless. The Forces should be the next to take their rightful throwns. Away with those pathetic elders who claimed such a horrid future would befall us if they were not to return to power. That isn't the case. They've been manipulating you each and every chance they could. Once you imbeciles gather all the sparks and place them atop Paradigm Mountain, the Paradigms will come back to power. Do you TRULY believe that they would try their best to bring back Fate and Chance when they would be the ones to hold all the power in their hands... The very power Fate and Chance used to create them? NO! Take a moment, now, you childish creatures and understand what I am telling you. We have a chance to be the most powerful beings in this world. WE have the ability to take over and create a land in our own image. WE ARE THE WORLD! Join us in this endeavor. Vision, Need and I have agreed to take over and rule together and we've also agreed to allowing you to join us as powerful servants to oversee our creations and rulings. Join us and be part of the new world which we will create... for if you refuse... we WILL take you down one by one."

Vision continues: "I've seen this world. I've seen us rise to power. We three have already taken on powers that the rest of you can only imagine. Thought has made Need and I see things clearly. He has shown us the truth and now we are ready to take what is rightfully ours. We were a team once, and we can be again. Join us, Forces. Return to the team you were meant to be with with Thought as our leader."

"YEAH!" shouts out Need.

"Well, I'd say Need's part of the speech was the deal breaker for me, wouldn't you?" Whispers Humor to Love.

"It's probably a good idea to fade out of this scene Humor. I get the feeling it's about to get a whole lot of ugly and I don't particularly see everyone caring for eachother and laughing about it all. Let's go." responds Love to Humor.

In a blink, the two Minors disappear once again, having left, in the center of the cave, the first of six sparks.

Thought continues: "There. See it. Stare into it. Witness it for what it is. This is the first of a set of sparks that contain the power we need to take over life as we know it. What will you do, Forces? Join us and work to build an empire to control the known worlds or meet your final fates here and now while witnessing the awesome powers that we three have already gained?"

"THINK OFF!" yells Purity in anger to Thought.
The good Forces were all seemingly in agreement but wishing a better choice of words was presented to the verbose offer put through by the three misguided Forces.

Thought, nodding his head in disgust replies, "Then prepare to die!" as he and the other two begin glowing deeper.

Need, with haste, dives right for the spark as Thought transports all the Forces into the familiar and eerie, Realm of the Mind. Vision immediately locks in combat with Advantage while Integrity throws himself into Need to get the spark away from him. The spark flies out of Need's grasp and onto the cave-floor. Need and Integrity struggle to keep one another away from it. Effort, seeing Advantage in distress, runs to her aid and both fend off Vision in her empowered state. Harmony, Destiny, Strength Purity and Hope all head to attack Thought in his crimson red glow. Thought overpowers Hope and Purity and lunges them into the cave wall causing them to need a few moments to recapture their bearings. Destiny attempts an attack at Thought but, she too, gets thrown towards the cave-walls. The only thing that saved her was Strength running to catch her to make sure she was not hurt. Thought, seeing an opportunity, turns all his attention directly onto Harmony and both are tied in a deadlock.

As Thought gathers more and more color is his crimson aura, Harmony begins weakening his grasp and slowly withers into overpowerment. Thought then picks Harmony up and with maniacal laughter, throws him down to the ground only to pummel him more while he is down and hurt. Harmony begins to bleed viciously from many different points in his body but Thought's pounding continues harder and harder, almost as if he is getting complete pleasure out of it and has lost sight of wanting to retain the spark. All the while, Integrity seems to manage to knock the wind out of Need and take a convinced leap toward the spark. Just as he is about to grab it, Need's aura glows even brighter and the spark begins to move toward Need, almost as if being controlled by him. Integrity chases after it but is pushed away by Need's now quite powerful aura, directly into the other wall of the cave. As Integrity finds himself pressed up against the wall, he begins to glow and then changes form into an exact image of Need. He too assumes this aura and immediately becomes unaffected by it's push. Need, in shock tries to use his power even harder but it has no effect on Integrity's emulation of him. The two lock in hand to hand combat as the spark falls to the floor once again and rolls over to Advantage, Effort and Vision who are still battling each other to no avail. Vision notices the spark and relinquishes her attention from Advantage and Effort. She throws herself at the spark but is too slow in grabbing it since Effort transported himself to it. This angers Vision and her aura, too, glows even stronger. She immediately touches Effort and all of a sudden he sees Advantage ensnared in a drowning pit of sand struggling for her life. He immediately drops the spark and transports to her side only to find out she was fine and he was being fooled by an illusion created by Vision. Once again the spark rolls away but this time towards Thought as he is still attempting to kill Harmony. As the spark nears them, Thought notices but neglects to ignore his beating of Harmony. Hope, who has finally managed to stand back up runs toward Harmony in an attempt to help him. Just as she's close enough to attack, Thought pauses his attack and stares right into Hope's eyes causing her to freeze in her place, glow crimson red, and begin to tremble in fear. While she is fully capable of moving, she demonstrates an utter fear to. Destiny, finally shaking off her pain with Strength's help, stands back up and the two run immediately to go help Harmony. Destiny manages to take Harmony from Thought's bruttal beating as Strength locks in combat with Thought, taking his place. Harmony, while in Destiny's arms opens his eyes, looks at Destiny and smiles as he begins to glow a bright blue. Immediately, his wounds begin to heal and he pops back up and is ready to fight. Strength begins to glow as well and his aura causes Thought's glow to weaken. In an act of defiance, Destiny, Strength and Harmony all attack Thought at once causing him to be thrown to the ground and bringing them back into the real cave and out of the Realm of the Mind.

Destiny quickly grabs the spark and holds it protectively. Thought begins to glow again and stands up. In anger, he screams out and begins charging at Destiny. Harmony jumps in his way as Strength, from the side, claims an even stronger aura. Harmony's glow has become so powerful, it blocks Thought from getting closer to Destiny and himself. Strength, seeing a good moment to attack and glowing intensly, picks up a boulder near him and hurls it directly at Thought. Harmony drops down his aura and Thought stumbles forward just as the boulder is about to hit dead on. Instead, the boulder is hits Thought clear on his head and decapitates him on the spot. His headless body drops to the floor and his glow immediately fades. Hope's locked body falls to the floor and her aura flies out of her body and goes directly into the spark still in Destiny's hands. Vision and Need, though still in battle, feel the death of Thought and stop battling the other Forces. Vision let's out a scream and proclaims:

"You've denied us the right to fulfill our destinies and now we'll destroy your chances of ever completing your goals! ... NEED... NOW!!"

Before finishing her words of defiance, she and Need begin glowing colors so powerful, they momentarily cause the other Forces to turn away. In that moment, Need runs up to Destiny and knocks the spark out of her hand, sending it flying into the air. As the spark is on it's way down to the ground, Vision lets out a scream that sends her aura directly to the spark causing it to stop in mid-air. Need lets out a scream as well and his aura is also sent flying into the spark as if to overload it. As the Forces all stand trying to watch what happens but turning their heads away from the bright light that now has become impossible to look directly at, Integrity notices Need and Vision both falling onto the ground lifelessly and realizes that their souls are now inside the spark. He begins running right for the spark and yells out to Effort:

"EFFORT!! GET THEM OUT OF HERE!!! NOW!!!"

Effort pulls Advantage close to him and transports him and her next to Destiny, Strength and Harmony. He then transports to Purity (who has missed this entire battle because he couldn't manage to recapture his bearings when Thought attacked him) and brings him back to the others. Finally, Effort grabs ahold of all four of them and begins to glow. His aura surrounds all the Forces and just as he is about to transport them all away, Harmony yells out and breaks himself away from them. He dives towards Hope's souless body and begins glowing his bright blue color once again. The other Forces transport away thanks to Effort just as Integrity grabs the spark from the air. Integrity lets out a scream and surrounds the spark with his own body. The light from the spark becomes so powerful, it completely engulfs the cave allowing for no details to be seen. With one last scream of defiance from Integrity, the spark implodes and immediately after, explodes. It's shock-wave causes the ground to tremble violently and the cave begins to collapse.

The Forces all transport outside the cave and as Destiny realizes that Harmony was not with them, she screams in horror and begins running towards the now collapsing cavern. Strength immediately follows her and together, the two begin moving rocks and boulders in an effort to find Harmony. Advantage, Purity and Effort quickly begin to help as well. Destiny is yelling for Harmony and attempting to hear a response as she fearfully uses all the strength she has to clear the rubbage. Advantage, after some digging, finds a hand and Effort grabs it immediately and transports it out. Destiny and Strength both look in hope as they check to see if the body they had found belonged to Harmony. It did not. It was Hope's souless body, now badly bruised and practically broken. They leave Hope on the ground and keep searching only to come across the head of a Force turned to stone. More digging revealed Integrity's entire body completely intact with the head but turned entirely to stone. His face is in shock and clearly in fear. Effort transports this statue next to Hope's body and continues the search. Strength, now angered from his frustration, yells out for Harmony and begins, once again to glow, he moves at a faster rate, hurling rocks and boulders out of the way in record time. Destiny, who was next to Strength finds herself in a weaker state and, barely being able to lift anything, begins to cry uncontrollably. As she whimpers in sorrow, she glances ahead to see what appears to be a blue light emminating from underneath the rocks. In a gasp of air she yells at Strength to dig where the light was and within minutes, Harmony's leg appears in the rubble. Effort grabs ahold of Harmony's leg and, once more, transports him next to the stone Integrity and souless Hope. As Advantage and Destiny check to see if Harmony is breathing, his glow grows from a clearly weakened state to a bright blue aura. Within seconds, his body heals of all cuts and bruises and he comes to. Quickly, he recaptures his breath and with a quick embrace to both Advantage and Destiny, he turns his attention to Hope and Integrity. He tries to use his ability to heal them but for some reason cannot. His frustration causes him to let out a scream of anger and he continues to try. All of a sudden, a voice from behind the Forces yells out:

"It's useless. You can't heal a body that has no soul, nor can you heal stone."

The Forces all turn around to see where this voice came from. As they turn, none of them notice the single tear falling from the eye of the Integrity Statue as it lays there helplessly.

All the Forces but one are in shock to see...

TO BE CONTINUED IN SEASON FIVE...

______________________________

Sometimes, distinguishing right from wrong is impossible until it's too late; The desire to fight battles should come from your heart, not your angers.

Have the Strength to complete your Destiny.
_____________________________