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This morning my heart was filled with joy. I would see my family, I knew it would be so. I could just see the smile on mothers face...the tears on my sisters eyes...she cried about everything. I could feel my fathers nearly painful squeeze. But this city was so huge, I couldnt imagine where I would find them. Oligar had mentioned something about a well of water seeing. I didnt understand what it meant, and in the tumultuous events it really hadnt sunk in yet. But soon I saw signs and heard people talking of a "Watching Well." This fabled well would allow you to see anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

Apparently this well was the source of the belief that deceased relatives were "looking down from Heaven." With a destination in mind it wasnt very hard to find my way to the well, street signs and passing Archons were very helpful in this endeavor. And when I reached my goal, was I not disappointed.

Near the center of Heaven there is infact a grand building, the building is only a single story tall but is the size of most shopping malls, it has no roof but it does have several archways leading into what looks to be a huge lake. A lake of still waters and countless people were sitting beside it...some flicking coins within, others simply gazing away. I walked to the edge of the water and looked in, and...nothing. I tried calling out family members names, but nothing.

It was then that I was met Arteris, I am ashamed to say that despite my love for another woman, my eyes were very much drawn to this Archons beauty. Her eyes were a deep gold, as was her hair, and her flowing wings. She was not in suit and dress, but in a flowing set of robes. When I used to think of Heaven, this was the type of angel I imagined. And her hand was gently drapped on my shoulder.

She already knew my name, and thought it was hilarious to inform me that...this was not the Watching Well. While this was the sight of the old well, when times modernized, so did the well. According her, in the past denizens would actually look down from clouds, unfortunately this also led to many many shooting stars and UFO sightings, as not everyone has the best of balance, even in Heaven.

She took me to a room, a dark room with what looked to be dozens of blue computer screens. In this room I could hear the constant sound of flowing water, and hear see that strange effect when light dances on water, cast along the walls. The Watching Well was now a rather large computer...Arteris ran it. She instructed that I closed my eyes and imagine my fondest memory of the people I was looking for, and I did.

I remembered the beach on the shores of Aria, right beside our house. It was sunset on a beautiful summers day, and my hands were dug into the sand as my rump made a soft imprint on the beach towel. To my left, was Maxine...I was only 11, we didnt know what we felt but I loved her then. She was leaning on my shoulder and staring off into the most gorgeous sunset I can remember...Mother...Lumina...was to my right, she was watching as my father Maxtor, and my brother Maximar, sparred while my sister Lumika laughed at him. I was ashamed to admit it back then but I was always a better fighter than my brother. I could feel the scars across my chest and body, and a fresh arrow wound in my shoulder from training this afternoon. Even as I right this I can see the memory so clearly. On that day, I promised I would never forget this life...

It was a sad moment for me, but also full of hope. I wanted to open my eyes and so my family so bad that my tears fought to escape by eyes first. But I wouldnt let them...until Arteris instructed and when she finally did I opened my eyes so fast as a smile shot across my face. Hope! I was so filled with hope, after all these years I'd get see what became of the family I missed so dearly...

But all I saw was black. 4 screens showing five....Reaper Drones...

...Anyone...
...Anytime...
...Anywhere...

But only four...I was told...father was gone. He had attacked a Reaper Drone, and second slew him.

I learned today that not even Paradise is a Paradise...

I begged Arteris to call them back, but even she could not. I pleaded, I begged...as I fell on my hands and knees and even cursed this holiest of grounds that was once my treasure but had become my bane...for that moment I hated Heaven. And I hated the Reapers. Again...time came between me and my love...

Looking back now, I can see that I was rude...restraining all tears I left the Watching Well not even wishing a goodbye to Arteris as I made my journey back here, to my room. Perhaps it is the way of this god, but on my way back I noticed more than ever before, flyers, for the Hall of Champions tournament. A trial for the hero's of legend and of old, to find the strongest and best. The prize...a week to be sent back to life, and a special commission from Heaven itself. The tournament was to be held a week from today.

I've come home for my sword. Forgive me Journal, I fear it will be a while before I am home again.