The three are finally beyond the door. Nobody dared to look back. They just focused themselves in the pitch black surroundings. The road was muddy, and the air felt cold in their necks. In the far distance, the whooshing sound of the wind can be heard.
As they continued to walk, the door behind them slowly disappeared, leaving them with no glimpse light to guide them their way. Sir Craytos took his sword from its scabbard. He muttered a spell and eventually, light came from it. They continued to walk amidst the pitch-black surroundings with the help of the swords light. Slowly, they continued to venture in the unknown. After some time, Ace noticed a light coming from the other side.
"That must be door." He uttered to his two companions.
They slowly walked towards it. The light came nearer and nearer until it is revealed that it is in fact the light coming from the other door. It was finally the other land!
Excitement filled the two young men's heart.
They walk through the door. Sir Craytos returned his sword to it's scabbard. As soon as the blinding light of the sword disappeared, there they saw something they never expected.
The whole place was crowded with unknown creatures. Creatures that are very different from the ones they have met before. Most notably, they have metal ornaments planted in their skins, sharp fangs protruding in their mouths and long tails standing tall behind their backs. Some of them have black wings, resembling like that of a Februa but in black color.
The crowd cheered in eerie sound as they saw the arrival of the three. Sir Craytos knew at that moment, it was a bad move that he returned his sword back. They are already aware of what he might do. Taking his sword out might cause a rise of dispute. He couldn't defeat a crowd that huge especially he is unaware of their powers.
A loud flapping of wings silenced the whole crows. A man, with giant wings arrive from behind the creatures. A person walked in between the crowd as the rest of them paved their way for the man.
The man looked very different than anyone. He have golden wavy hair that falls down his waist, deep blue eyes that shine amidst the dark surroundings and white, clean skin without any presence of metal and ink. However, behind him are six huge black wings, towering over his well built physique.
As soon as the man showed himself, the two februans knew exactly who this person is. The februan who was deemed too unholy and sinful to be purified in the Lower Land that he was casted out of the Land of Pure because of the grievous sins he had committed upon his people. He is the embodiment of sin. He was also noted as the most beautiful of all the winged people but pride and hunger for power drove him to fall for evil. And now, he is the devil itself.
"Moloch… "Icarus whispered.
Moloch, the februan with six wings smiled sheepishly to now trembling young februan. He walked slowly towards him, arms stretching to reach his head. Icarus froze as he meets eye to eye with the devil that he hardly notice how close he is to the contamination of sin.
A sharp sword suddenly appeared in Moloch's throat. Icarus, now aware of what almost happened looked at Sir Craytos who was trying to defend him.
"Get away from the young boy. If you want to have a fight, fight me." Craytos spoke.
Moloch took away his hand.
"Ahh, it's very nice to see my own brethren's again. I only wanted to greet you all a very warm welcome. Besides, this land, Maroo is my own dominion and as a fellow februan, I am very much please to let you stay here. Especially this young, appetizing lad." He spoke and stared down Icarus.
Ace immediately grabbed Icarus.
"We don't need any welcome from you. We only wanted to pass through this land. We don't plan on staying long." Ace spoke.
Moloch smiled.
"Oh yes of course. Seeing you're a polar, I will let you pass but for these two, it's a no. Seize them."
Immediately, the people behind Moloch tied Icarus and Craytos. Sir Craytos tried to put a fight. However, he has no match with such numbers. Icarus's wings where stretched out and tied with a thick rope. His white robes are now filled with mud. Ace couldn't do anything but scream to let go of his friend. The last thing he saw was the face of Icarus, tears dripping from his eyes as he mumbled for help from his dear friend.
Moloch carried away Icarus and flew away. Sir Craytos was carried by the creatures. They traveled towards the mountains right behind them. They chanted a very eerie song as they celebrated their capture.
Ace run after them. He passed through a thick forest, rocky and muddy roads. However, his legs failed him. He fell down the ground.
Icarus, his only friend is now captured by those creatures. Even from afar, he can still hear Icarus's shout for help. Icarus once saved him and now, he couldn't do anything.
He couldn't protect his only friend.