The Island

## Prologue

Albin gestured for the next child to come up, standing at the fountain calmly. The Mindwarper Faction leader waited as a nervous murmuring arose, and eventually two of the ten year olds stepped forwards. He recognized Ronan and Marcel, two nearly identical twins who’d been raised in his faction. Same height, same posture, same faces. The only differences were that Ronan’s hair was more brown than Marcel’s dirty blond, and his eyes were a blueish gray compared to Ronan’s hazel.

“Only one of you at a time,” Albin reminded them gently. “So, who’s going first?” He glanced between the two, who clutched each other’s hands nervously. They exchanged a nervous look, before Ronan stepped up.

Sumar, the Beastcaller Faction leader’s eyes narrowed. “Twins. That’s rare,” the youngest Faction leader said. “Well then. Dip your hand into the pond, and let the fountain’s magic flow through you. The fountain is the heart of our island, the very center, the source of our powers. And now you will be joining the ranks of the empowered.”

Ronan squeezed his brother’s hand one more time before he stepped forward, dipping his head into the fountain. He let out a faint gasp, then turned his head to face Albin. A grin split across the ten-year-old’s face, as he instinctively moved to join the other ten-year-olds who’d been granted mind-like powers. Most of them had been raised in the Mindwarper Faction, though there were one or two from other Factions, glaring at their old factions with resentment, no hint of warmth among their faces.

“Welcome back to your family, Ronan,” Albin told Ronan with a dip of his head. “Marcel, it is now your turn.”

The smaller of the two twins took a nervous step forwards, his hand shaking as he dipped it into the water. A faint gray mist arose from the fountain, and Marcel looked confused, then glanced at Charon, clearly wondering if this was a sign of being a Stormtamer. But all the Faction leaders knew better, and Marcel glanced around, seemingly lost, without the instinctual drive to gravitate towards a Faction.

“Our first Factionless, eh? And a twin, as well. Surprising,” Charon commented with a smirk. An Elementalist copied his smirk, fire flickering to life in their hand as the Factions began to boo Marcel, who’d gotten a power not fitting into any of the Factions, and therefore would be outcasted to the Factionless island.

“What?” Marcel asked, looking terrified. “Wait- no- Ronan! Don’t let me be outcasted!” Ronan’s lip curled. “You’re not a Mindwarper anymore. My loyalty is to my Faction alone,” his brother replied.

*And so the fountain’s curse strikes again*, Albin thought, stifling a sigh. He seemed to be the only Faction leader who realized that the fountain, as well as giving powers, removed all emotional ties and bonds with family.

“Come, Marcel,” Albin said out loud. “I will take you to the Factionless who came today, and he will take you back to the island where you will spend the rest of your days. Don’t worry, it is right next to ours, though much, much smaller.” He wrapped an arm around the boy’s shoulders.

“No! I don’t want to go! Don’t make me go, please!” Marcel said. He was struggling, though only weakly; he must have realized his attempts were futile. “I want to stay with Ronan!”

“Your brother belongs to a Faction. You do not,” Albin stated simply. *Your brother also no longer cares about you*, he added silently as he led Marcel away from the fountain and through the marketplace at the center of the island.

“Ah, there actually is one this year?” The man waiting for him asked. “That’s rare. I’d expected another year without one.” Normally, the man would smirk when Albin told him that there were no Factionless, as what happened most years. This time, however, the man only studied Marcel. There was no sympathy in his eyes, but they were not cold, either.

“This is Marcel. His twin brother, Ronan, is a Mindwarper, and he’s finding the separation a bit hard,” Albin said, removing his arm. “Take care of him.”

“A twin, no less?” The man’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Very interesting. I will take care of him, but only until he’s old enough to take care of himself. We’re like the Loners, you know.”

Marcel looked up at the man with wide eyes. “Who are you?” He asked, and Albin realized that he, too, did not know the man’s name.

“My name is Derin,” the man replied. “I am a Factionless, just like you. Come, and I will take you to my sailboat, and we will head to the Factionless island. I am your guardian now.”

*Derin!* Albin had heard the name before. He helped keep the peace between the Factionless, and made sure everything ran smoothly on their island. *What was his power? Sensing the potential in others? Seeing the future?* Something like that.

Marcel trembled, but he did not look away from Derin’s gaze. “Alright,” he said in a somewhat shaky voice. “I’m ready. But… will I ever see Ronan again?”

“You should hope you don’t,” Albin said, before Derin could reply. “Now, could you go wait for us near that stall?” He pointed. “I’d like to have some words with Derin.” Marcel nodded and headed for the stall Albin had indicated, and Albin turned to Derin.

“I’m glad you did that. I need to talk to you, too,” Derin said, his gaze sharpening.

“Oh, really?” Albin asked, surprised. “What is it? Something important?”

“Very.” Derin turned to look at Marcel, looking at the boy for a long time before speaking. “That boy’s got a link with his twin, you know. Can feel what his twin’s feeling. Hard to tell if it will get damaged now.”

“That’s what you wanted to tell me?” Albin asked with an exasperated sigh.

“Oh, no. Of course not. Not at all,” Derin said, turning his head to look at Albin again. “But because of that link, I could also use my powers with his twin. And let me tell you- those two? I’m not sure what, but something’s going to happen. Something involving those two directly. And it’s going to change the Island forever.”

## Chapter One

Enea looked up at Marcel. “Do you think they’re coming?” She asked the Factionless Faction leader. “The other Faction leaders, I mean.”

“Patience, youngling,” Marcel replied, putting a hand on her shoulder. “The letters will only have arrived at the Faction camps recently, assuming they weren’t intercepted by the pirates first.”

“I thought they were soldiers,” Enea said, confused.

“Oh, please. They’re lying. Ronan’s lying. They’re pirates, there’s no doubt about it,” Marcel scoffed. “Though it would be best if you called them soldiers. Just so you don’t frighten the others.”

Enea nodded. “Of course,” she replied. *Would they be frightened by that?* She wondered. *I suppose so.* She’d heard stories about pirates- stories that Lena would get Holly to read to them, late at night, as she tucked them into bed.

“I’m sure you’re wondering if Sumar will be there,” Marcel said. “Don’t worry. I’d expect him to be there most of all. Well, besides maybe Ambrose. For all his seriousness, he’s a very curious person.”

“What about Jamel?” Enea asked. “He’ll never trust a meeting with any of the Factions. I’d be surprised if he came.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Marcel’s mouth. “The thing is… I never exactly told them in my letter that there would be other Faction leaders. They most likely believe it’s a one on one.”

“Sir! Sir! There’s a boat approaching, bearing the Beastcaller symbol,” Marcel’s second in command, Nikram, said, rushing up to them. Enea perked up; maybe she’d be able to see Holly, Sumar’s wife who’d raised her after her own mother had died.

“Come, Enea.” Marcel said, walking quickly towards the docks. “Our first Faction leader is here. Since you were raised in the Beastcaller faction, they might be slightly… more open to discussion.”

Enea suppressed a sigh of relief, excitement brewing inside her as she followed Marcel. However, seeing a familiar face made her break into a run. “Holly!” She called towards the woman stepping off the boat.

Enea’s adoptive mother paused, looking at Enea. “Enea,” she said, dipping her head to the child. “How are you doing?”

“I’m… well, as good as I could be, being Factionless,” Enea admitted. *And being separated from my best friend. And being stuck with the knowledge that my powers will be gone in a month or two when I just got them recently.*

“You know, there was a lengthy debate about if you were Factionless or an Elemenatlist.” a familiar voice said, and Enea turned to see Sumar, tying the boat to the dock, with his wolves standing in a wide circle around him. “Though with the gray mist, and the fact that they’ve never let shadow powers into our faction before it was decided you were Factionless.”

Enea nodded. If only I had been an Elementalist. Then I would’ve at least been in a normal Faction, instead of being an outcast in a Faction that’s not even acknowledged as a true Faction. However, she forced a smile on her face and simply nodded.

“Still no word about Lena? I’m sorry,” Marcel said. “I know how hard it must be for you, Sumar.”

“Yes, indeed.” Sumar’s voice was heavy, and he put an arm around Holly. “We believe she’s dead, though I do still hold a faint spark of hope for her.”

Enea’s breath caught in her throat. *Right*. Lena had vanished shortly after the pirates had arrived. Marcel had told her that, based on the blood left behind, Lena was probably dead- or as good as dead, anyways.

“Come, bring whoever you brought. You must be hungry after such a trip,” Marcel said. “We have food, tons of it. This island is very abundant.”

“So I’ve heard,” Sumar agreed. “Very well, lead the way. The only people who came were me, Holly, and Harlow, as your letter requested.”

“Who’s to say that Marcel isn’t here to give us to his brother?” Harlow asked, a slight frown crossing across his face

“Harlow, I cut ties with my brother the day I was labeled Factionless. You should know that,” Marcel said calmly. The Beastcaller Main Healer lifted an eyebrow, though he remained silent.

“So, how have you been, Enea?” Sumar asked. “I expect that life as a Factionless must be hard for you.”

Enea winced inwardly, choosing her words carefully before she replied. “It would have been harder if Marcel hadn’t formed the Factionless Faction.”

“Well said,” Sumar said. “Tell me, Marcel, where do the Factionless who are not part of your ‘Faction’ live?”

“Well, they live all around the island. They’re a bit like Loners, as my mentor, Derin, said,” Marcel told Sumar. He looked like he was about to continue, but Nikram ran up to him and whispered something in his ear, and he straightened up. “Enea, do you mind leading these three to the camp? There is something I must deal with. Well, seven, I suppose, counting your wolves, Sumar.”

“Of course, Marcel,” Enea replied. From Marcel’s face, she guessed that at least one other Faction had arrived. Since Marcel hadn’t told the Faction leaders that the other Faction leaders would potentially be coming, Enea knew that there might be arguments if Marcel didn’t settle things.

“I’ve heard of Derin,” Harlow said thoughtfully as they walked. “Have you ever met him, Enea?”

Enea shook her head. “He died shortly after I was born, from what I’m told. Marcel’s told me all about him, though.” She reached her hand down to stroke the fur of Gray, the largest of Sumar’s wolves and also the one she’d been closest with. He leaned into her side, his tail wagging.

“Gray,” Sumar said. It was just a single word, though Enea sensed that she was using his power, for Gray instantly trotted away from Enea to stand on the other side of Sumar.

“Here we are,” Enea said. “The Factionless Faction camp.” She stopped in front of the fort, letting the others come up next to her. One of Sumar’s wolves -Claw, if she remembered correctly- let out a soft whimper.

“It’s well fortified,” Holly remarked. “Is there a reason for that?”

“Not well fortified. Just hard to break into,” Enea corrected. “But some of the other Factionless don’t approve of Marcel’s idea of making a Faction, and they definitely make their opinions known.”

“A lot of the Factions don’t approve of Marcel’s idea of making a Faction either,” Sumar said, and Harlow snorted.

“Yeah, I definitely know. Marcel’s told me about all the times he’s been pelted with fruit while visiting the Marketplace,” Enea said. “That’s why he rarely goes anymore. We’ve got almost everything we need on this island.”

“Hey, En! Who do you have there?” The second youngest Factionless, a boy named Eddie, hopped down from his bench. “Ah! Good ol’ Sumar!”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are,” Sumar said.

“That’s because I was in the Skinshifter Faction,” Eddie replied. “The name’s Eddie. I’m two years older than Enea.”

Sumar nodded. “So, where do we eat?” He asked. “My wolves are getting hungry. I might let them eat one of you, if we don’t get food soon.” His eyes flashed the way they always did when he was making a joke.

“Right by the campfire. We all gather around it to tell stories, just like the Mindwarpers. Marcel wanted to keep that part of his past,” Enea said. “I’m sure there’s some food ready for you. Though it might be stew, instead of meat for your wolves.”

Harlow studied Eddie intently. “What’s your power, boy?” He asked.

Eddie smirked. “Me? Well, I can imitate sounds and voices. Not enough to keep me in the Skinshifters faction, but it’s great for pulling pranks!”

“He’s a mischievous guy,” Enea said with a shake of her head. “Marcel’s always had trouble knocking sense into him.” Still, she couldn’t help but smile as she sat down on one of the log stumps.

“Yeah, but at least I’m not one of his least favorites,” Eddie pointed out. “That would probably be Edmund.”

“You’re not one of his favorites, either,” Enea argued. Eddie crossed his arms. “Unlike you, you mean?” He asked.

“Calm, you two,” Sumar said, taking a seat next to Enea and accepting the stew he was given, picking out the pieces of meat and giving them to his wolves.

“Oh, don’t worry, they do this all the time,” someone else called, and there was a chorus of agreement. Eddie picked up a piece of fruit and threw it in the direction of the first voice.

“Enea, mind seeing where our lovely host is?” Holly asked sharply. “He should be here by now, and I’ve heard your power will let you. Just rumors, of course.”

Enea nodded and ran her finger along her own shadow, which detached from her and headed back towards the docks. She closed her eyes and slipped into her shadow, turning her head as far as it could go. There- she sensed multiple people.

“I have to admit, it’s an impressive plan, bringing all the Faction leaders together for a meeting. Though who knows if they’ll cooperate?” This was a new voice, one Enea had never heard before. It was rich and smooth, but it also made her want to squirm.

“As much as I hate to admit it, Osvald is right. Especially Jamal. Surely you’ve heard of his temper?” Enea’s shadow was able to make out the voice of Alvinia, the Elementalist Main Healer who’d come to the Beastcaller camp when she was young.

“I’m sure I can convince my cousin to listen.” That must be Ambrose, the Elementalist Faction leader. As Enea’s shadow moved closer, she saw she was right. Marcel was walking with five other people, one of them Nikram. She could make out three as Ambrose, Alvinia, and a woman who had to be Edith, Ambrose’s second in command. The other was the one that made her stop.

A long, black cloak, with sleek black hair and piercing blue eyes. A light smile on his face. The way he walked, she’d have almost thought he was a Faction leader. But Marcel hadn’t told her any of the Faction leaders had died, and Alvinia kept shooting glares at him. What had she said his name was? Osvald? As she observed him, he turned to look right at her shadow.

Marcel stopped. “Ah, Enea. Thank you for checking in on me, but I’m perfectly fine. If you could let our other guests know that we’re almost at the camp, that would be most appreciated. Though don’t tell them about these guests. I’d prefer to settle that myself.”

Enea nodded- as much as a shadow could nod, anyway. As she headed back to her body, she heard Osvald say, “That’s a person? Certainly an impressive gift.” However, she continued heading back to camp before she could hear any reply, slipping back into her body.

“Well?” Holly asked. Her voice was sharp, though there was a faint spark of interest in her eyes, as if she was surprised at Enea’s gift.

“Marcel’s almost at the camp. He’s not alone, though,” Enea said. There. She hadn’t given away that there were other Factions coming, but maybe that would help them prepare for the shock, even just a little bit.

“Enea!” The Main Healer, Summer, called. “When you’re done with your family reunion, do you mind helping me a bit?”

“Go on. We don’t mind,” Sumar said. Enea nodded and scrambled to her feet, remembering with a smile how she’d almost thought that Sumar and Summer had shared the same name, until Summer had corrected her that Sumar was pronounced ‘Soo-mar’, unlike the season for which Summer was named after.

“What do you need help with, Summer?” Enea asked politely. She liked Summer; the Main Healer was kind and always told Enea stories when she asked. She’d been like another adoptive mother to Enea after she’d arrived.

“Oh, I just thought that maybe you should stay out of their way when the other Faction leaders entered.” Summer said with a smile. “This will get a bit hectic.”

Before Enea could reply, Marcel entered the camp. Summer had been right- Sumar instantly jumped up, his eyes narrowed. His wolves’ hackles rose, and they growled softly. “What are they doing here?” Sumar demanded.

“Relax, Sumar. I invited them here,” Marcel said. “I expect the other Faction leaders will be arriving shortly, if they choose to come. Though some might have chosen to ignore my letter.”

“You invited all the Faction leaders?” Holly asked crisply, her hand gripping her dagger. “And you didn’t tell us?”

“Before you get all worked up, Holly, he didn’t tell me, either,” Ambrose said calmly. “In fact, I doubt he told any of the Faction leaders.”

“I have no doubt that you managed to figure that out on your own, though,” Osvald said, his face just as calm as Ambrose’s, though his eyes darted about as he studied the camp. Holly turned to look at him, and her eyes flashed. “Osvald,” she said, her voice the closest thing to a snarl that Enea had ever heard from her.

“Who is he?” Enea asked Summer. “Everyone seems to know him, though I’ve never heard of him before.”

“He’s a Loner. If I had to guess, I’d say the Loner’s chosen representative,” Summer replied. “He was a very powerful Elementalist. Not as powerful as Ambrose, of course, though definitely more dangerous, since he had better control over his powers. Many thought he would become leader. Why he chose to leave his Faction and become a Loner, nobody knows.”

“True, though I expect the same is true for you, as well,” Ambrose said, shifting slightly to avoid the wolf trying to jump up and play with his dreadlocks.

“Actually, I expected it was just a Factionless and Loner meeting. After all, we’re both outcasts, shunned by the rest of the Factions.” Osvald said the last sentence so casually that it took awhile for Enea to realize the full meaning of it.

“Rowan. Stop,” Sumar ordered as the wolf tried to bat at Ambrose’s dreadlocks again. Instantly, he slunk back to stand next to Claw.

Enea watched the conversation continue, but soon she grew bored. She yawned, then decided to head to her hammock. As soon as she got in it, her eyes began to drift shut. Before she knew it, Enea was fast asleep.

## Chapter Two

Kai checked the cannons, then stepped back. He was finally done with work for the day. Now he just had to report back to Ronan. Maybe tomorrow he’d finally be allowed to guard one of the Faction camps.

“Hey, Kai!” Kai turned to see Liliana, a Beastcaller who’d apparently decided to join Ronan, since she disliked the Factions and agreed with Ronan that they needed to be brought down.

“Hey, Lily,” Kai replied. “I’ve got to report to Ronan, but then I can play you in chess again. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally beat you!”

“You wish,” Liliana replied with a smirk. “But you know you’ll never be able to beat me.” Kai simply replied with a smile and began heading to the captain’s quarters.

“Who’s there?” Kai stopped; he should’ve known that Ronan would be able to hear him coming before he knocked on the door. “It’s Kai, sir,” he replied in a nervous, slightly quivering voice. “I just wanted to let you know that I finished all my work.”

“Ah! Good!” The door swung open, Ronan smiling at Kai. “Tell me, youngster, you’ve never been to the Island, have you? Just on this boat?”

Kai straightened up. “Yes, sir,” he said. “Why? Has there been trouble with the groups we’ve sent to guard them?”

“No, no, not trouble, exactly. But we’ve received… worrying messages. That all the Faction leaders have left their camps, along with all their Main Healers and multiple Second In Commands.”

“Why, sir? Where are they going?” Kai asked nervously. “They aren’t coming here, are they? To attack us?”

Ronan shook his head. “No, no. They’re not heading in our direction. From what I’ve heard, they’re heading to the Factionless island.”

“The… Factionless island, sir?” Kai asked curiously. He’d only heard of it once before, and he’d dismissed it as a story.

“Ah, right. You don’t know who the Factionless are. Come in.” Ronan took a seat at his desk, and Kai quickly slid into the chair across from him. “So, what do you know about the Island and its residents?”

“Well, there are… six factions? Yeah, six. And each Faction has a specific power. The Elementalists have varying control over the weather, the Mindwarpers -which was your former Faction- can manipulate the brain and have mind related powers. Beastcallers do things with animals, Skinshifters can change their appearance or the appearance of others, which includes healing, the Visionaries have increased senses and different types of vision, and the Stormtamers have control over weather. They get their powers from a fountain at the age of ten, which you poisoned, causing everyone, including you, to very slowly start to lose their powers.” Kai frowned. He knew there was something he was missing, but he couldn’t remember what.

“Is that all?” Ronan asked, lifting his eyebrows.

“Oh! Right! The Cup!” Kai said. “Each year, there’s a contest, a competition for a trophy. The Faction with the most points gets the cup. They don’t really get anything besides bragging rights, though, so it’s basically pointless. But it’s caused a huge rivalry between the Factions. And then there are the Games, which take place twice a year, but I’ve never really been told about them.”

“Oh, they’re not very important.” Ronan waved a dismissive hand. “I see you’ve been well informed. But you haven’t been told about everything. What happens to those who have a power that doesn’t fit into any of the Factions?”

Kai’s mouth grew dry. “That’s possible?” He asked breathlessly. “I thought the fountain’s powers ensured that they always fit into a Faction!”

“It’s rare, but not impossible.” Ronan’s expression twisted, as if he’d tasted something sour. “My twin brother was one of them.”

“You… have a twin?” Kai asked. “Really? And he was Factionless?”

“His name is Marcel. He was a Factionless, but he was raised by another Factionless. Which gave him the stupid idea to create another Faction. The Factionless Faction, he called it. Not all the Factionless decided to join it, but a vast majority did, and he’s taken in every kid who’s become Factionless since then.”

“Why are you telling me this, sir?” Kai asked, realizing he’d forgotten to properly address the pirate leader. “I mean, I’m just a kid. The youngest out of all of us.”

“Which is precisely why I need you. My hope is that the Faction leaders went to the Island to kill my brother, and I need you to report back to me. You’re going there. Liliana and I will teach you more details about life there, and you’ll pretend to have turned ten just recently. You could certainly pass for a year younger than you actually are. Plus, you‘ll act as a spy, giving me information about all the Factions and what they’re up to.

Kai winced. *I already knew I was skinny, but you didn’t have to point it out*, he thought. But all he said was, “Won’t they know I’m not from the Island?”

“With enough training and practice, no. There’s another group, you see. People who fit into the Factions, but left for one reason or another. They’re called Loners, and they rarely interact with anyone else, including other Loners. You’re going to say that two Loners left their Factions because they were in love with someone from another Faction. And they had a child- you. But the Fountain was poisoned before you could get your powers.”

A shiver of excitement raced down Kai’s spine. He would be finally going to visit the Island, and he had an important role to play, too! “When do I leave?” He asked.

“Ten days from now, if all goes well,” Ronan replied. “Make me proud, kid. Do your job correctly, and the Factions will permanently lose their powers- but you and all the other pirates will be granted powers. Now, don’t you have a chess game with Liliana to play?”

“Thank you, sir!” Kai was practically bubbling with excitement. He jumped up, then quickly bowed to Ronan and left his quarters, before half skipping over to Liliana.

“Someone’s excited,” Liliana noted with amusement.

“I’m going to get to go to the Island! And I have an important job to do!” Kai exclaimed. “Ronan said you get to help teach me about it, too!”

“Oh, really?” A slight frown crossed LIliana’s face, but it quickly vanished. “Alright then.”

“What’s wrong?” Kai asked. “Do you not want to teach me?”

“No, it’s fine. I just don’t really like talking about my old life. It brings up… unpleasant memories. Besides, if you leave, who am I going to talk to? You’re basically my only friend here. There are no other kids on any of the ships.”

“Oh.” Kai hadn’t really thought much about that. He’d been so busy thinking about going to the Island. “Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll come back here eventually. Besides, I’m not leaving for ten more days.”

“Thank Ronan,” Lliana said with a smile. “I’m not sure what I would do if you left today.” It was a bit of a joke among the pirates- Ronan didn’t believe in God, so they praised Ronan instead. Of course, Ronan despised it, but that didn’t stop the pirates from doing it.

“Anyways,” Kai said, changing the subject, “do you want to play chess?”

Liliana’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you’re on,” she said. “I’ll even let you be white, that’s how sure I am that I’ll beat you.”

“Don’t get cocky now,” Kai warned teasingly. “Just because you’ve beat me in eight games doesn’t mean that you’ll beat me in our ninth.”

“We’ve only played eight games,” Liliana pointed out. “Meaning I have a one hundred percent win streak, and you’ve lost all the games we’ve played.”

“So? Doesn’t mean I can’t win this time,” Kai said, but he smiled as he sat down on the stool and began setting up his pieces. “I managed to get your queen last time.”

“Which cost you the entire game, but I’ll stop arguing now.” Liliana said with a smile.

“Shush,” Kai admonished playfully. “That part isn't important.” He started basic, moving a pawn forward. He enjoyed talking with Liliana; she was the only other person his age- the only other kid, really. “So, what can you tell me about the Factions that I don’t already know?”

“Well, I’m guessing you’re going to be playing the role of a Loner?” Liliana asked, moving a pawn in front of her bishop up two spaces. At Kai’s nod, she continued. “Well, Loners don’t have a true leader. They don’t even have healers. However, during big meetings and gatherings, they all gather and appoint a leader. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s probably Osvald. He’s sly and calculating, and knows how to get what he wants. You’ll have to be careful around him- if anyone can see through your lies, it’s him.”

“What Faction was he in? Why’d he leave?” Kai asked, trying to focus on the game and what Liliana was saying at the same time.

Liliana shrugged as she moved her knight. “He was an Elementalist. He can control fire and water, and as far as I’m aware, he’s the only person who managed to figure out how to control ice through water, instead of just having ice as an ability. As for why he left- I’ve got some theories, but only he knows why he left. Even if he appears to be zoned off, he’s actually paying full attention. He’ll probably notice things you thought were unimportant, but he thinks are major. And he’s usually right.”

“So, he sounds like a major threat,” Kai said, castling.

“Well, I heard Ronan talking about how he could potentially be a great ally, if we could convince him to join us. But my guess is that Osvald will stay with the Factions, unless he gets a really strong argument.” Liliana said, studying the chess board before taking his knight. “And we can’t risk you exposing yourself just to try and get him to join our side. If you fail, you could get taken prisoner… or killed.”

Kai’s eyes widened. *Killed? I didn’t think this job would be that dangerous!* He took a few deep breaths. “I’m nervous,” he said softly. “What if there's some sort of Loner custom or something that I don’t know about and it ends up getting me killed!”

“Oh, I have a great idea! We can capture a Loner and torture him for information!” Liliana clapped happily. “Oh, and check.”

“Torture him? Don’t you think that’s a bit much? Couldn’t Ronan just use his powers to convince him to talk?” Kai asked, taking the knight that was attacking his king with a bishop.

“Ye-es, but there’s no guarantee that it would work… and besides, Loners are just as bad as the factions.” Liliana replied, taking the bishop with her other knight. “Trust me; you’ve never met them. But I grew up there.”

“I just- we should try using Ronan’s power first, and if that doesn’t work, then we torture the Loner,” Kai said.

“Fine. I’ll tell Ronan that. Happy?” Liliana asked, taking Kai’s other rook. “Checkmate.”

“Aw, c’mon! That’s one of our quickest games ever!” Kai said. “Unfair. I wasn’t fully paying attention; I was more focused on going to the Island.”

“Then I’ll teach you how to pay attention to multiple things at once. That was one of the first things I learned how to do.” Liliana stood up, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Now, come with me and I’ll show you a weird fish I found.”

Kai hopped up. He’d always had a huge interest in animals. In fact, he liked to believe that if he’d been in a Faction, he would’ve been a Beastcaller, like Liliana had been. “Let’s go!” He said. “And then we can swim in the ocean. I heard that the dolphins have been swimming rather close to shore.”

“Yeah, they have.” Liliana said. “Here’s the fish, by the way.”

Kai looked around, but he didn’t see anything, and Liliana wasn’t holding anything in his hands. “Where? I don’t see a fish.”

“Look down.” Lilliana advised. Kai looked, but only saw himself. That’s when he realized what she meant. “You little-“ he exclaimed, chasing her around the deck. The other pirates shot the two of them looks, but he felt free. He’d help Ronan, and when the time came, he and the other pirates would have the Fountain’s powers all to themselves.

## Chapter Three

Enea looked around nervously, scooting closer to Eddie. All the Faction leaders had arrived sometime throughout the week. All of them, that was, besides Jamel, who had just arrived. And he was far from happy about the other Factions being there.

”I left *my* Faction, alone and almost unprotected, bringing both my Second-In-Command and my Main Healer, to come see you, a worthless Factionless with no influence, and you respond by inviting every other Faction here? You may be too stupid to realize, but we’re *enemies*!” Jamal shouted at Marcel. Enea winced at his harsh tone.

While most people would probably have been outraged at Jamal’s insults, Marcel just looked at him calmly. “I did it because it was the only way to make sure that you at least considered coming, even if it wasn’t certain. Answer me truthfully: Would you have seriously come if I’d told you in my letter that the other Factions were coming as well?”

“Of course not, and I have half a mind to take Clarissa and Ashton and head back to my Faction right now!” Jamal said angrily.

Clarissa put a hand on Jamal’s shoulder. “Jamal, if I may speak?” When Jamal gave a reluctant nod, she continued. “I think we should at least hear him out. If he called every Faction here, it must be important. Look, even the Loners chose a representative to come.” She gestured to Osvald, who was sitting nearby, watching the whole spectacle with a look of faint amusement on his face, his eyebrows raised slightly. Enea had decided that she officially didn't like him.

Jamal let out a huff and crossed his arms. “Fine,” he growled. “Though if you don’t have anything good to say, Marcel, I’m leaving here instantly.”

“Boy, if it was Jamal who could control the weather with his emotions and not Ashton, it would be absolutely storming,” Eddie whispered to Enea, and she snorted. “Good thing that Ashton’s a healer, then,” she replied.

“Alright, are all the Faction leaders here?” Marcel asked. When he got confirmation from all the leaders, he lifted his hand for silence. “Alright, alright. Calm down. I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re here.” Once again, there was a chorus of agreement.

Enea tensed excitedly. This was the part that she’d been waiting for. The only person Marcel had talked to about what he actually meant to do had been Nikram. Even she didn’t know what he was going to say, and she had basically helped plan this meeting. *Hopefully it can’t be bad, right? He’s a really good leader.*

“Indeed,” Sumar said, his eyes narrowed. Next to him, Streak, Claw, Rowan, and Gray all stopped what they were doing and sat down, almost as if they were paying attention too. “Especially why you invited every Faction leader *and* a Loner representative.”

“As you all, undoubtedly, know, my brother, Ronan, has betrayed us all.” Marcel sighed, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the camp, before finally settling on Enea, who found herself taken aback by the intensity of his stare. “I cannot express how sorry I am about his actions.”

“They weren’t your actions,” Ambrose said, his expression soft. “Ronan made his own choices. He was power-hungry and ambitious.”

“That may be so, but he is my twin.” Marcel shook himself, looking at everyone else again. “Anyway, I have called you all here regarding a very important matter. The fountain -*the* Fountain- has been poisoned. This means its magic has also been poisoned. And since our powers come from its magic, that means our powers have been poisoned as well. It is a slow process, but in a few months’ time, all our powers will disappear. When that time comes, the soldiers that Ronan has gathered will slaughter us all. In fact, our powers are the only reason they don’t do so right now.”

“Tell us something we don’t already know,” Jamal grumbled, kicking a pinecone.

*Honestly, he really does act like a kid*, Enea thought. *A really temperamental kid, one who argues all the time.*

“You want some new information? Well, I’ve got some for you.” Marcel said simply, and Enea turned to look at him again. “I know my brother, and I realized what he’s trying to do. You see, Ronan is smart. Very smart. He plans to… *alter* the Fountain’s magic, per say. What he aims to do is make it so that only he and his soldiers are granted powers, and the rest of us are powerless.”

Shock ran through Enea’s limbs. *Can he really do that?* She wondered. *How would he even begin to make that happen?*

“That’s impossible!” Feren, the Skinshifter Second-In-Command, scoffed. “Nobody can do that.”

“No.” Judias, the Main Healer of the Mindwarpers, spoke. Enea remembered that he was one of the oldest Faction members in any Faction, not just his own. In fact, almost everyone respected him, just because he was so wise from his age, and still so fit and healthy. “It’s unlikely. Very hard to do. But not impossible.”

“Yes, very hard to do. Very hard to figure out *how* to do.” Marcel sighed heavily. “But like I said, I know my brother. If anyone can figure out how to do it, it’s him.”

“So, you just called us here to tell us that we’re all doomed. Great.” Feren said, crossing his arms.

“Couldn’t you have just told us that in the letter?” Ashton asked. The sky was beginning to darken, and the wind was picking up- a sign that Ashton was unhappy.

“Calm yourself, Ashton,” Marcel said, not even glancing at the healer. “We are not as doomed as you think. Besides, there is a chance that Ronan won’t figure it out.”

“Not as doomed as you think. Does that mean we’re still doomed?” Sumar asked, his eyes narrowing even further.

“No. Just still probably doomed. You see, I believe that the only way that we can beat Ronan and his group is if all the Factions put aside their differences, put aside their competitiveness, and work together.”

Instantly, the camp erupted in shouts and arguments and protests. Enea nearly stopped breathing. *What? That’s his plan? They’ll never agree to it! The Factions have been competing against each other for centuries!* Still, she was excited by the prospect. *Maybe I could see other Faction members again. Sure, I’m seeing them now, but these are all important people. Nobody my age.*

“I’ll never agree to this!” Jamal said angrily, echoing Enea's thoughts. “The Factions have remained apart since they were first formed! Besides, who would lead us? You?”

“Of course not. We’d all share leadership, we’d just all work together,” Marcel said.

“I highly doubt you’d be able to get most of the Loners to help, but it is an interesting idea,” Osvald said, folding his hands and putting them in his lap. “I mean, the whole reason that the Loners became… well, Loners, was to get away from the Factions.”

*That's not a no*, Enea thought determinedly.

“Well, I’m in,” Ambrose said. “I think it’s a great idea, and the soldiers killed my mother. Jamal, you’re my cousin. Surely you can see this is a good idea? At least do it for me.”

“You’re my cousin, but we’re not directly related. And besides, you’re in a completely different Faction than me. Why should I do it for you? It’s a terrible idea,” Jamal shot back.

“Jamal. Please. It’s the only way we stand even a chance at beating Ronan and his soldiers. We need every Faction,” Marcel said quietly. “At least think about it?”

Jamal sighed. “Fine. I’ll think about it. How long do I have to decide?” He asked.

“I’ll give you up to a month, if you want. But you’ll have to stay here the entire time. I can’t have you going back and forth. You might get captured by Ronan,” Marcel said.

“I’d like to have that time to think about it, too,” Sumar said, standing up. Santos let out a murmur of agreement, as did Kelli. That left only Kayla, the Skinshifter leader, who looked troubled.

“What say you, Kayla? I understand that being the youngest Faction leader, you may have trouble deciding. But I assure you, it is a good idea,” Marcel said softly. “However, I get that you may need time to decide.”

“Just- let me discuss this with Magnus and Judias,” Kayla said, turning away from Marcel.

Enea grew tired of watching by now and hurried over to Marcel’s side. “Is there anything I can do to help?” She asked hopefully.

Marcel smiled. “No, not at the moment. If you want, you can try to convince Sumar that it’s a good idea, though I’m not sure he’ll listen to your advice. He tends to make choices by himself. Don’t worry, I’m sure that Judias will be able to see reason and convince Kayla. He is, after all, very wise. I’m sure he can tell that it’s a good idea.”

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Kayla walked over to them with Magnus and Judias. “We’re in,” she said, her confident expression not matching her shaky and nervous tone.

“Good,” Marcel said simply. “Now only Jamal, Santos, Kelli, and Sumar are left. If I’m right, then Kelli should be pretty convinced.”

“How do you know?” Kayla asked. “What is your power, anyway? As far as I can tell, you’ve not told anyone, not even Nikram, and he’s your Second-In-Command.”

“My power is mine and mine alone,” Marcel replied. “I see no need to share it with anyone, especially since I am Factionless. However, if you think it’s something huge, then you’d be wrong.” He stood up, walking over to Summer, who he began talking with in a low voice.

“You don’t happen to know anything, do you?” Kayla asked Enea, who shook her head. She sighed. “Figures. If he didn’t tell his Second-In-Command, why would he tell you? I mean, you're literally just a kid. Not to mention a Factionless outcast." Enea winced, but Kayla didn't seem to notice.

“Enea!” She turned, surprised, to see Sumar beckoning her over to where he and Holly were seated. She quickly hurried to a nearby seat, reaching a hand down to stroke Gray. “Do you trust Marcel? I know he raised you and all, but do you really, really trust him?”

Enea paused, but only for a second. She already knew her answer. “I would trust him with my life,” she replied. “If anyone can bring back the Fountain’s powers and stop Ronan, it would be him.”

“You truly believe this,” Sumar said. It wasn’t a question this time. It was a statement of fact. “It’s not just because he took you in. You actually think he can kill Ronan.”

Enea hesitated at that. “Well… I’m not so sure about that,” she admitted. “I mean, yes, I think he can stop Ronan, but… I mean, he's his brother. Twin brother. Marcel would probably try to reason with him instead of kill him. I'm not sure he'd kill him unless it was absolutely necessary, or if someone's life was in danger."

Sumar's eyes hardened ever so slightly, and Enea found herself regretting that she'd said anything. What if Sumar decided not to help, just because Marcel might not be able to kill Ronan?

"Thank you, Enea," Holly said. "I'm sure one of us can always kill Ronan, if the situation calls for it."

Enea nodded, then sat there awkwardly, not sure if she should stay or leave. Gray pressed against her, giving a low, pleased growl.

"Another thing we wanted to talk to you about," Sumar said. "Apparently people from all the Factions have gone missing, not just the for that went missing from ours. However, most of the others reappeared, found dead."

“Really?" Enea asked. "Well, I guess that's a good thing, that it isn't just us. Of course, I mean, it's not *really* a good thing, but…" She shrugged, having decided to stop talking.

"Now, go tell Marcel that I've decided to accept his proposal, will you?" Sumar asked, narrowing his eyes.

Enea slowly removed her hand from Gray's fur and stood up. "Thank you," she said quietly, standing up. *Now we just have to get the other remaining Faction leaders to agree, and then we can finally start getting our powers back.*