Chapter Sixty-Eight: Echoes of the Capital
The ship's prow sliced through the cerulean waters, casting ripples that shimmered under the midday sun. Kael and Lira stood at the bow, the wind tousling their hair as the silhouette of Dream Land's capital emerged on the horizon. Once a city of legend, it now stood vibrant and bustling, its spires reaching skyward like fingers grasping at the heavens.
As they docked, the city's grandeur unfolded before them. Cobblestone streets teemed with merchants peddling exotic wares, children laughed and played, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. The city's heart pulsed with life, a stark contrast to the desolation Kael and Lira remembered.
"This was once the center of the world, where all roads converged," Kael murmured, awe-struck.
Lira nodded, her eyes wide. "It's hard to believe this is the same place we knew."
Their reverie was interrupted by a sudden chill. Shadows coalesced before them, forming a figure cloaked in darkness. It was Andrew, but not the one from this time. This was the Andrew from their world, his presence exuding an aura of ancient power.
"Welcome to the past," he intoned, his voice echoing with otherworldly resonance.
Kael's hand instinctively went to his sword. "Why are we here, Andrew?"
Andrew's gaze was steady. "To return to our time, we must work together. I used my immortal powers to break the time barrier, bringing us all here."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
A wistful smile played on Andrew's lips. "It's a chance to see your mother young again Kael, to witness firsthand the tyranny of my father."
Kael's voice was cold. "The only tyrant I see is you."
Andrew's expression darkened. "I never intended to become this. But it was the only way to return and set things right."
Lira stepped forward. "Why are we here, then?"
"Your light, Kael, combined with my shadow, was the key to breaking the time barrier. Without you, I could only travel back briefly, unable to change anything."
Understanding dawned on them. Before they could respond, Andrew gestured, and the world around them shifted. They stood before a modest house, its facade familiar yet untouched by time.
"This was my home," Andrew said softly.
As they entered, memories flooded back. The warmth of the hearth, the scent of home-cooked meals, the laughter of a family unbroken. It was a poignant reminder of what was lost and what could be reclaimed.